O62: Five year followup of the abdominal aortic aneurysm Get Fit Trial: a randomised controlled trial of exercise to improve fitness in patients with AAA

Abstract

Abstract Aims Improved fitness of patients on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm(AAA) surveillance is predicted to reduce cardiovascular events and improve perioperative morbidity and mortality. The AAA GetFit Trial was a randomised control trial comparing community exercise programme(CEP) with standard care which demonstrated improved CardioPulmonary Exercise Test-related fitness in AAA patients to inform a definitive RCT. This study aims to investigate longer-term five-year clinical outcomes of these individuals. Methods The AAA GetFit trial recruited participants from Greater Manchester’s AAA Surveillance programme, and randomly assigned participants to either i)24-week CEP with choice of gym or home exercises, or ii) standard clinical care. We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes from this trial over five-year follow-up reviewing whether they underwent operative repair, 30-day postoperative morbidity, cardiovascular event, and mortality. We defined 30-day post-operative morbidity using Clavien-Dindo classification≥3. Results In total, 56 participants were recruited, 28 were randomised to CEP group, 86% were males. Mean age at time of enrolment was 72.8(SD5.7) years. At five-year follow-up, mortality in control and CEP were 60%(n=6) and 40%(n=4). In each group, 36%(n=20) underwent operative repair. There was no perioperative mortality. One perioperative morbidity occurred in control subject. Cardiovascular events(n=8) occurred in 7% and 21% control and CEP, respectively. Mean diameter of aneurysm increased in both CEPvsControl(0.89vs0.82cm). Conclusions The AAA GetFit trial showed significant benefits in cardiovascular fitness through community-based exercise. Clinical outcomes thus far were similar in both groups, there is an indication CEP improves perioperative outcomes.