CORRELATION OF PERCEIVED DYSPNEA WITH 6 MINUTE WALK TEST AND SPIROMETRIC FINDINGS IN DIFFUSE PARENCHYMAL LUNG DISEASE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Abstract

DYSPNEA12score is a reliable method of grading patient perceived dyspnea.The distance covered by 6min walk test is used to grade performance capacity.FVC percentage by spirometryisused to assess disease severity in DPLD patient. After taking detailed history and clinical examination 6minute walk test,spirometry,HRCT thorax carried out in all patients with DPLD.Dyspnea score calculated in all patients.Correlation of dyspnea 12 score is made with 6minute walk testndings,spirometric analysis.mild,20% had moderate and24% had severe on dyspnea12score. Study conducted among 50 patients showed 56% patients had mild,20% had moderate and24% had severe on dyspnea12score. By 6MWT 28% patients had normal distance covered(>350m),38% patients had mildly reduced distance(250-349m)covered,12%patients had Moderately reduced distance(150-249m)covered and22%patients Had severely reduced(<149m)distance covered. spirometry analysis showed 28%patients had mild restriction,26%patients had moderate restriction,8%patients had normal spirometry interpretation and 38%patients had severe restriction. Dyspnea12score has positive correlation with 6minute walking distance covered and FVC percentage(by spirometry). Dyspnea12score has positive correlation with 6minute walking distance covered and FVC percentage(by spirometry).