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Life satisfaction and self-rated health in long-term survivors after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR): associations with functional outcome, cognition, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and physical activity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background The goal of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is not only survival, but long-term satisfaction with life. Whether functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale; mRS), cognition, emotional symptoms, fatigue, and physical activity relate to life satisfaction in ECPR survivors remain unknown. We evaluated these aspects of health and their association with life satisfaction and self-rated health. Methods This cross-sectional follow-up included survivors ≥1 year after ECPR at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden (2010–2021). Primary outcomes were life satisfaction (World Values Survey) and self-rated health (EQ-5D-5L VAS). Secondary outcomes were mRS, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS), and self-reported physical activity. Exploratory multivariable linear regression assessed associations with primary outcomes. Results Of 34 survivors, 26 (76.5%) participated; median follow-up was 5 [IQR 2–7] years; 96% had mRS 0–3. Median life satisfaction was 8 [6–9]/10 and self-rated health 81 [70–90]/100, similar to population reference values (7.55 and 80). Positive screen for cognitive impairment (MoCA <26) was present in 56%, anxiety (HADS-A ≥8) 42%, depression (HADS-D ≥8) 15%, and fatigue (MFS ≥10.5) 50%. In exploratory multivariable analysis, moderate physical activity was associated with life satisfaction (B 0.36 per day/week; 95% CI 0.06–0.67; p=0.023) and self-rated health (B 4.60; 0.71–8.50; p=0.024). Conclusion Long-term ECPR survivors reported life satisfaction and self-rated health similar to population reference values. In exploratory multivariable analysis, moderate physical activity was the only variable associated with both. This supports assessing life satisfaction and physical activity in post-ECPR follow-up.

Source: Resuscitation Plus

DOI: 10.1016/j.resplu.2026.101521

Authors: Anna Henningsson, Pia Watson, Magnus Segerström, Petra Redfors, Bengt Redfors

Institutions: Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, University of Gothenburg

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,450