Preoperative quality of life as a predictive factor of 3-year survival after open heart operations

Background, The aim of this prospective study was twofold: to determine the evolution of quality of life in heart surgery patients through the first 3 postoperative years using the Nottingham Health Profile questionnaire and to determine whether preoperative quality of life influences 3-year survival. Methods. From January to July 1994, 215 patients underwent elective open heart operation in our department. Patients filled in the Nottingham Health Profile questionnaire five times: preoperatively, postoperatively at month 3, and at each anniversary ol: their operation for 3 years. The evolution of quality of life scores through time were compared using analysis of covariance with repeated measures, Analysis of 3-year survival prognostic factors was achieved using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results, Qualify of life scores varied through time, hut not significantly. Multivariate analysis showed two independent risk factors to influence S-year survival: dyspnea lass (III-IV versus I-II, relative risk = 2.80, 95% confidence interval = 1.2 to 6.5) and the energy section of the Nottingham Health Profile questionnaire (relative risk = 1.02 by unit, 95% confidence interval = 1.01 to 1.03). Conclusions. Our study shows quality of life scores to be stable for the first 3 years after operation and the preoperative energy score! to be predictive of 3-year survival, (C) 2000 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.