AI Article Synopsis
- The study focused on understanding the physiological aspects and challenges faced during exercise by patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
- Approximately 38% of the 34 studied patients had additional health issues, though the majority showed only a moderate level of shortness of breath.
- Despite moderately reduced aerobic capacity and some dysfunction in the lungs and circulation, the patients’ overall functional capacity, as measured by a 6-minute walking test, remained normal.
Article Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to describe the physiological profile and limiting factors during exercise among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Methods: A descriptive study involving 34 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (22 men) aged 68 ± 8 years was conducted. All patients completed a pulmonary function test, cardiopulmonary exercise test, Doppler echocardiography, 6-minute walk test, and modified Medical Research Council dyspnea evaluation.
Results: Approximately 38% of patients (range, 15%-71%) presented with coexisting comorbidities including pulmonary hypertension and emphysema. Modified Medical Research Council grades 0-2 and 3-4 were assigned to 68% and 32% of patients, respectively. Median values for forced vital capacity and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide percent (%) predicted were 68 (95% CI, 63-76) and 51 (95% CI, 46-55), respectively. Left ventricular systolic function was normal. Aerobic capacity ((Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak = 13.4 mL/kg/min [95% CI, 12.6-14.9]; 62% predicted [95% CI, 56-67]) was moderately reduced with the presence of abnormalities in pulmonary gas exchange and desaturation, circulatory impairments, inefficient ventilation, and skeletal muscle dysfunction. Functional capacity was normal (6-minute walk test distance = 505 m [95% CI, 435-522]; 99% predicted [95% CI, 91-108]).
Conclusions: The physiological profile demonstrated the presence of comorbidities in approximately 38% of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and a moderate level of dyspnea. Resting cardiopulmonary function showed moderate pulmonary restriction and severe impairments in diffusion capacity with normal left ventricular systolic function. Multifactorial limitations for a moderately diminished aerobic capacity were revealed during the cardiopulmonary exercise test, although functional capacity was normal. These results emphasize the significance of a meticulous evaluation, including the cardiopulmonary exercise test for an accurate exercise tolerance evaluation, to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis and for developing effective targeted treatments.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/HCR.0000000000000177 | DOI Listing |
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