Beyond ECMO Survival: Long-Term Symptom Burden and Quality-of-Life Impairment in Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome Survivors

This study investigates the long-term effects on 21 survivors of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in Chile, focusing on those who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and those who did not. It found that 61.9% of survivors reported incomplete recovery 3-6 months post-symptom onset, with persistent symptoms like fatigue, motor problems, and hair loss affecting over 80% of survivors. Both ECMO and non-ECMO groups experienced comparable quality-of-life impairments, including issues in pain/discomfort, mobility, and anxiety/depression. The study underscores the need for comprehensive post-discharge care to address these persistent physical and neuropsychological symptoms, as well as social reintegration challenges.