SATS 2009 Final Program - Scandinavian Association for Thoracic ...

S07:5
GENDER AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY
Gjeilo Kari Hanne 1 , Wahba Alexander 1 , Klepstad Pål 1 , Lydersen Stian 2 , Stenseth Roar 1
1) St. Olavs Hospital, 2) NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
Background
Women undergoing cardiac surgery are older, have more comorbidities and are more functionally impaired than men
before surgery. It has been argued that gender differences regarding outcome tend to reflect differences that exist
preoperatively rather than differences related to cardiac surgery itself. In addition a slower rate of physical recovery
has been shown in female patients. However, the literature is not consistent regarding gender differences in healthrelated
quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes after cardiac surgery.
Design and methods
A prospective study was designed to assess HRQOL in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with emphasis on
gender differences. Between September 2004 and September 2005, 534 patients (413 males and 121 females)
were consecutively included. HRQOL was measured by the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) before surgery with follow-up
6 and 12 months after surgery.
Results
521 patients were alive after 12 months, 462 (89 %) and 465 (89.4%) responded after 6 and 12 months respectively.
Female patients had less favorable scores than male patients on most subscales of the SF-36 both before and
after surgery. Both male and female patients improved substantially after surgery, but female patients reported
significantly less improvement on 2 of 8 subscales of the SF-36; role emotional and bodily pain.
Conclusions
The study demonstrates that there are gender differences concerning HRQOL both before and after cardiac surgery.
However, a clear overall improvement in HRQOL over the first year after cardiac surgery, more specifically during
the first 6 months for both genders was found.
S07:6
QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS AND HIS RELATIVES UNDERGOING PERCUTANEOUS PULMONARY
VALVE IMPLANT
Andresen Brith 1 , Døhlen Gaute 1 , Mathisen Lars 1 , Andersen Marit 1 , Lindberg Harald 1 , Fosse Erik 1
1) Rikshospitalet, Norway
Background
The total number of patients with congenital heart disease is increasing. Many of these patients need repeatedly
open heart surgery. Percutaneous pulmonary valve implant may reduce the total number of surgical events.
Aim
To examine the patients and their familys experience of postoperative convalescence and return to daily activity after
treatment. This study is a pilot to a comparative clinical study where two different treatment techniques are used.
Methods: Patients and relatives were included in a cohort study and underwent both a semi structured interwiew
and a specially designed questionnaire (T.M.Achenbach, 2001).
Preliminary results
Eight patients median age 17 have been treated with PPVI at University Hospital of Oslo. The patients stayed
median 3 days in hospital. Five of the patients and their family returned to daily activity from one to six days after
the event. Three of the patients emphasized less pain as a positive issue. It was confirmed by five parents that the
short hospital stay had a positive influence both on their family situation and their job relations. Less absence from
work was emphasized as a positive socio-economic factor among parents. Seven of the patients had started one
or two physical activities three months after the intervention. Improved school achievement and better ability in
concentration was stated by 5 of the parents, six mentioned improved socialization with friends.
Conclusion
This novel technique seems to offer lesser impact regarding pain and everyday life to both patient and their closest
relatives. It may have a sosioeconomic advantage.
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN 55