Functional Deficits at the Time of Hospital Discharge in Older Patients Following Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery - A Pilot Study

Purpose: This study set out to determine the degree and type of functional limitations in older patients at the time of hospital discharge following coronary artery bypass (CAB) surgery and to determine if presurgery disability is predictive of postsurgery outcomes. Methods: This study included patients (n=28) hospitalized following CAB surgery who were over 65 years of age and within two days of discharge. Disability prior to hospital admission was obtained using a questionnaire. Physical performance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test, walking speed, 2-Minute Walk Test, hand grip strength, and Sit to Stand Test. Self-report measures of symptom impact, cognition, and depression were also administered. Results: Half of the study participants had limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) prior to CAB surgery. They demonstrated deficits in quality of life, ADL performance, aerobic capacity, leg strength, cognition, and psychosocial function following CAB surgery. Pre-CAB ADL ability was not correlated with post-CAB functional performance but many significant correlations were found between domains of function. Conclusions: Study results illustrate the multiple deficits in pre-surgery ADL and postsurgery function. Different aspects of functional status are related and an understanding of these relationships may help to improve the management of patients following CAB surgery and promote optimal functional outcomes.