Test de la marcha como prueba de función pulmonar en enfermedades reumatológicas. Casuística de la Cátedra y Servicio de Neumología. Hospital de Clínicas. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas-UNA. Año 2017-2018

Abstract

Introduction: The 6 minute walk test (6MWT) is a sub maximum exercise test that measures exercise capacity. it’s easy to perform, and a useful to assess prognosis and evaluate spe- cific treatment response in patients with cardiopulmonary disease. It is also used to monitor natural disease progression. objectives: To determine the most frequent indications for ordering the test as well as the rheumatologic diagnosis for which it is ordered. To describe demographic characteristics of patients performing the test and determine the frequency with which follow up tests are ordered Patients and methods: This is a descriptive and retrospective study. Fifty-eight (58) 6MWT reports performed between January 2017 and August 2018 at the Pulmonary Ser-vice of Hospital de Clinicas were reviewed. Results: 46% of the tests were ordered for a rheumatologic diagnosis, 21% for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 15% for interstitial lung disease (iLD) of unclear etiology, and 7% for asthma and other diseases. Among the rheumatologic indications, 44% were for rheumatoid arthritis, 33% for mixed connective tissue disease, 11% for sys- temic lupus erythematosus, 7% for patients with scleroderma and 4% for other diseases. The majority of patients (64%) were female. The age range of patients who underwent the test was between 50-60 years. During the study period, no follow up test were requested for any of the patients.