Physiological profile and limitations in exercise in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Baruch Vainshelboim (Author) Other; José Oliveira (Author) FADEUP; Benjamin Daniel Fox (Author) Other; Yochai Adir (Author) Other; Jacob Eliezer Ollech (Author) Other; Mordechai Reuven Kramer (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention

Vol. 36 No. 4

Pages: 270-278

ISSN: 1932-7501

Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Health

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

Scopus - 7 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Social sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-D9A

DOI: 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000177

Abstract (EN): 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 (VO2peak = 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. Copyright

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific