Trajectories of quality of life, return to work, psychopathology, and disability in survivors of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): A three-year prospective cohort study (DACAPO)

Describe the long-term development of outcomes for survivors of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). A cohort study with N = 877 ARDS survivors was conducted. Health related quality of life (HRQoL, Physical and Mental Component Scale: PCS, MCS of the SF-12), return to work (RtW), panic disorder, depressive symptoms (PHQD), and post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD, PTSS-14) were assessed at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after discharge from ICU. PCS, MCS, and RtW increased during the first 12 months [e.g. PCS: Md = 36 (IQR 31–43) at 3 months, Md = 42 (IQR 34–52) at 12 months; MCS: Md = 44 (IQR 32–54) at 3 months, Md = 47 (IQR 33–57) at 12 months, RtW = 23.2% at 3 months, 54.5% at 12 months], and remained relatively stable afterwards. Proportion of major depressive syndrome decreased from 3 (14.2%) to 36 months (8.9%). Proportions of panic disorder (5.3% to 7.4%) and PTSD (27.1% to 32.6%) varied only slightly. Most of recovery in HRQoL and RtW occur during the first 12 months, after which a plateau is reached, indicating a chronification for many patients. Contrary to this, however, psychopathological symptoms remain stable, except for depressive symptoms. [200 words]. •Health related quality of life and rate of return to work improve until 12 months and stabilize at 24 and 36 months•Prevalence of psychological symptoms remain stable, except for major depressive syndrome•Major depressive syndrome decreases consistently over the three year study period•Independence in activities of daily living (ADL) remains high and stable throughout study period