Assessing long-term symptoms in patients with post-pulmonary embolism syndrome using patientreported outcome measures

Abstract

People who survive an episode of pulmonary embolism have an increased risk of developing chronic complications despite curative anticoagulant treatment. The association of dyspnoea, low functional capacity, right heart failure, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease is part of the notion of post-pulmonary embolic syndrome (PPES). The symptoms can be limiting, substantially affecting the quality of life. To improve the overall health outcomes of patients with acute pulmonary embolism, adequate measures to diagnose it and strategies to prevent long-term outcomes of pulmonary embolism are essential.The objective of this study is to provide a definition of PPES and review the most recommended patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for assessing the functionality of these patients.We searched PubMed for papers from the last 5 years that contain the terms: postpulmonary embolism syndrome; symptoms; PROMs; score; quality of life; dyspnea. Repetitive publications were excluded. The data from the publications have been summarized in this descriptive overview.