Outcomes and quality of life in patients discharged with ventilatory support

<bold>Background:</bold> Many of patients admitted for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) require ventilatory support (VS) after intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Few data are available regarding the outcomes of these patients. <bold>Aim:</bold> to assess the outcomes of patients who were discharged with VS (mortality and quality of life 6 months after ICU discharge). <bold>Methods:</bold> A retrospective study conducted in an ICU from January1st,2022, to September 31,2023 including all ICU survivors who were discharged with VS. Data were collected by telephone interviews to evaluate mortality and the quality of life using the Euro Qol 5D-5L questionnaire 6months after ICU discharge. <bold>Results:</bold> Fifty-four patients were included. The mean age was 63.9 ± 9.9 years; 41 (75.9%) had COPD and 6 (11%) had Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome; median Charlson Comorbidity Index was at 3 [2-5], and mean SAPS II was at 22.7 ± 11.8. The majority of patients, 51 (94.4%), received Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) at admission and 3 (5.6%) patients were initially intubated. The median ICU length of stay was7 [4-8] days. After ICU discharge, 31(57.4%) patients had Long-Term Oxygen Therapy; 11 (20.4%) patients had Home NIV, and 12 (22.2%) had both. Six-months after ICU discharge, 14 (77.7%) patients died. Most patients reported slight problems regarding anxiety/depression, pain/discomfort, and daily activities, which were 18 (69.2%), 15 (57.7%), and 13 (50%) respectively. Eleven (42.3%) patients had no problems in autonomy and mobility. The mean EQ VAS score was 50.4 ± 16.5 <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Patients who were discharged with VS after ICU stay had rather poor outcomes. Additional prospective, multicenter studies may be necessary.