268 Short-term pulmonary rehabilitation program in children and adolescents with chronic respiratory disease

Abstract

Introduction and Aims Inpatient rehabilitation programs for children and adolescents with chronic respiratory disease aim to improve health by optimizing treatment resulting in improved pulmonary function, physical strength and endurance, and weight. In order to achieve these aims a multidisciplinary approach is required during several weeks to months. After discharge patients might benefit from short-term yearly follow-up rehabilitation therapy to maintain optimal care. We aimed to develop a short-term pulmonary rehabilitation program to improve pulmonary function, weight and quality of life. Methods A short-term rehabilitation program was established from 2004–2014. Patients were admitted during a period of two weeks for a program of intensive respiratory physiotherapy and physical exercise. Patients received individual treatment and practical training in a group-based program in a multidisciplinary approach. Patient characteristics, lung function and questionnaires were recorded pre- and post-intervention. Results We report the results of a retrospective cohort of ten patients with a total of 57 admissions. Average forced vital capacity improved modestly during the rehabilitation period: 3.5 versus 3.6 liter (p = 0.03). There was a modest average weight gain after two weeks of rehabilitation: 0.3 kg (—1.3, +3.1, p=0.03). Quality-of-life as measured by the ‘Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised' improved. Conclusion Short-term pulmonary rehabilitation for children and adolescents with chronic respiratory disease induces weight gain and improves lung function and quality of life. These short-term effects await replication in larger cohorts and studies on long-term effects.