Research on latent class of multisymptom characteristics and transition mechanism of patients with coronary heart disease after PCI: protocol for a multicentre cross-sectional and prospective longitudinal study.

Abstract

Post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients frequently experience multidimensional symptoms (somatic, psychological, social), yet research remains fragmented. Current evidence lacks integration of dynamic symptom interactions and longitudinal evolution patterns. This study addresses critical gaps by characterising latent symptom classes and transition mechanisms during recovery, accounting for sociodemographic environmental influences across three Chinese provinces. A multicentre study combines cross-sectional baseline assessment (T0) with prospective longitudinal follow-ups at 1 month (T1) and 6 months (T2) post-PCI. We will recruit 600 patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome and undergoing their first PCI from six Class A Tertiary Hospitals across Hunan, Jiangsu and Hainan provinces (July 2025-January 2026). Symptom phenotyping will use validated instruments: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Latent profile analysis will identify baseline symptom profiles; latent transition analysis will model probabilities of transitioning between classes over time. Model selection will optimise fit indices (Akaike information criterion/Bayesian information criterion/bootstrap likelihood ratio test bootstrap) and clinical interpretability. Covariate-adjusted analyses will explore sociodemographic and environmental effects on symptom trajectories. Approved by the University of South China Ethics Committee (2024NHHL037). Written informed consent precedes participation, with data deidentified and securely stored. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals following Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines and presented at international cardiovascular conferences. ChiCTR2500097028.