Article

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a cardiovascular disease with
symptoms including respiratory associated chest pain (RACP) and dyspnea. No
previous studies exist focusing on lung function, functional capacity, and
respiratory symptoms at discharge after PE. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to examine
and describe lung function, functional capacity, and respiratory symptoms at
discharge in patients with PE and compare to reference values. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with PE admitted to the Acute Medical Unit,
Sahlgrenska University Hospital, were included. Size of PE was calculated by
Qanadli score (QS) percentage (mean QS 33.4% (17.6)). FVC and FEV1 were
registered and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) performed at the day of discharge. RACP
was rated before and after spirometry/6MWT with the Visual Analogue Scale.
Perceived exertion was rated with Borg CR-10 scale. Spirometry and 6MWT results
were compared with reference values. RESULTS: This study shows that patients with
PE have significantly reduced lung function (p < 0.05) and functional capacity (p
< 0.001) at discharge compared with reference values. Patients with higher QS
percentage were more dyspneic after 6MWT, no other significant differences in
lung function or functional capacity were found between the groups. The patients
still suffer from RACP (30%) and dyspnea (60%) at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: This
study indicates that patients with PE have a reduced lung function, reduced
functional capacity, and experience respiratory symptoms as pain and dyspnea at
discharge. Further studies are needed concerning long-term follow-up of lung
function, functional capacity, and symptoms after PE.

Langue : ANGLAIS