A systematic review of the impact of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy on health‐related quality of life

Abstract

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is the current gold standard treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and is a viable treatment option for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD). The progressive nature of both diseases severely impacts health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) across a variety of domains. This systematic review was performed to evaluate the impact of PTE on short‐ and long‐term HRQoL. A literature search was conducted on PubMed for studies matching the eligibility criteria between January 2000 and September 2022. OVID (MEDLINE), Google Scholar, EBSCOhost (EMBASE), and bibliographies of included studies were reviewed. Inclusion of studies was based on predetermined eligibility criteria. Quality appraisal and data tabulation were performed using predetermined forms. Results were synthesized by narrative review. The structure of this systematic review follows the PRISMA guidelines. This systematic review was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO register (CRD42022342144). Thirteen studies (2184 patients) were included. Within 3 months post‐PTE, HRQoL improved in both CTEPD and CTEPH as measured by disease‐specific and generic questionnaires. HRQoL improvements were sustained up to 5 years postoperatively in patients with CTEPH post‐PTE. PTE remains the gold standard for treating CTEPH and improving HRQoL. Residual pulmonary hypertension and comorbidities such as COPD and coronary artery disease decrement HRQoL over time. The impact of mPAP and PVR on HRQoL outcomes postoperatively remain ambiguous. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy remains the gold standard for treating CTEPH and has shown to improve HRQoL outcomes at 3‐month sustaining improvements up to 5‐year postoperatively. Residual pulmonary hypertension and comorbidities hinder HRQoL outcomes post‐PTE.