Self‐reported quality of life in children with ventricular assist devices

Abstract

Over the past decade, VADs have been increasingly utilized in children with end-stage heart failure 1,2 and have led to significantly improved survival in this population. 3,4 It is important, however, that success not be measured by mortality and morbidity alone. QOL is a multidimensional construct which includes physical, psychological, and social functioning. When effective, a VAD augments circulation, increases functional capacity, and decreases heart failure symptoms and these effects should be reflected in the assessment of the patient's QOL.Thus, QOL has emerged as an important outcome of VAD therapy.The positive impact that VADs have on QOL in adults is wellestablished. 5 QOL has been examined in children with heart disease, 6 children with heart failure, 7 and pediatric heart transplant

Pediatric Ventricular Assist Devices

“…In Ref. [22], 82 children from the Pediatric Interagency Registry for Mechanical Circulatory Support completed a selfreport quality of life assessment from pre-and post-VAD implantation. QOL scores were lower than normal for physical and psychosocial scores in both groups pre-VAD.…”