OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of the 2^nd stage of complex medical rehabilitation (MR) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) on the quality of life (QoL), clinical and functional profile of patients in long-term period after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed 76 patients with CTEPH scheduled for PEA. Mean age was 50.0 (40.6—63.4) years. The 1^st group consisted of 32 (42%) patients who underwent the 2^nd stage of MR after PEA, the 2^nd group — 44 (58%) patients who did not undergo the 2^nd stage of MR. We analyzed QoL in both groups of patients with CTEPH using the SF-36 questionnaire before and 6 months after PEA, early postoperative complications, clinical and functional profile in long-term period after PEA.

RESULTS

In long-term postoperative period, there were higher SF-36 scores in the 1^st group including physical health score (p=0.02) and mental health score (p=0.001). Six months after PEA, patients with CHF class II (p=0.04) prevailed in the 1^st group compared to the 2^nd group. In the 2^nd group, there were more patients with CHF class III (p=0.01). There were significantly less patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation in the 1^st group (p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

The second stage of MR after PEA significantly improves QoL. MR increased exercise tolerance compared to patients who did not undergo MR after in-hospital period. Treatment of patients with CTEPH and atrial fibrillation during the 2^nd stage of MR improves clinical status in delayed postoperative period compared to patients who did not undergo MR.