Introduction: The survival rate of children admitted to PICU has increased considerably over the past decade. Morbidity and quality of life after discharge must be evaluated to understand the consequences of PARDS and modify the care to reduce morbidity and improve quality initiatives in the PICU. Methods: To determine health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and functional status among survivors of paediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS). All children who fulfilled the criteria for PARDS were included in our study, and clinical profiles of these patients were obtained at admission along with baseline HRQL Via “PedsQL scale Generic 4.0” and FSS only in previously well children. Children who survived PARDS were followed up at 3 months and 6 months. The difference in the follow-up values in comparison with the baseline values was evaluated. PFT was done in those who are more than 6 years of age at follow-up after discharge. Results: Out of 86 children, previously well children who survived PARDS was 27(47%). A significant decline was noted in the “Physical symptoms domain” at 3 months. Out of 26 children who were followed up, only 5 children (19%) had impaired outcomes on follow-up. PFT analysis showed a restrictive pattern in 50% of patients. We have not been able to identify significant risk factors associated with impaired outcome of quality of life. Conclusions: Among the PARDS survivors (26) who were followed at 3 and 6 months, 21 (81%) children had normal health-related quality of life. Only 5 children (19%) had impaired (>10% decline) quality of life and there were no significant risk factors. Hence, this study justifies the use of colossal manpower and other resources to care for critically ill PARDS patients. There is a need for further studies to identify the risk factors associated with impaired quality of life.
James et al. (Sun,) studied this question.