The effects of dyspnoea in lung transplant candidates

Abstract

Background: Patients candidate for lung transplantation (LT) are known to have severely limited exercise capacity. Dyspnoea is a commonly observed symptom in these patients. This study aims to determine exercice limiting factors associated with dyspnoea in LT candidates in order to optimize their Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) programs. Material ve Method: Twenty-one patients on the waiting list for lung transplantation (mean age: 36(15-68); Body Mass Index: 19(12-33)) who were referred to PR were included in the study. The pre-PR measured lung functions (FEV1, FVC), respiratory muscle strengths (MIP, MEP), six minute walking distance (6MWD), Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scores and Quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle strength (measured with a digital dynamometer) were statistically analysed. Results: Patients’ functional capacities were; 6MWD (m): 285±119, FEV1 (predicted %): 28,2±12,2, FVC (predicted%): 36,2±9,6, MIP: 67±25cmH2O, MEP: 113,4±46,4cmH2O, mMRC: 3,7±1,2, QF muscle strength: 34±11. Correlation analysis has shown 6MWD (r = -0,48), MIP (r = -0,51) and MEP (r = -0,48) values were inversely correlated with mMRC (p Conclusion: Dyspnoea was found to reduce the exercise capacity and to be significantly associated only with respiratory muscle strength rather than with lung functions and peripheral muscle strength in LT candidates. The importance of controlling dyspnoea should be emphasized in the pulmonary rehabilitation of LT patients.