Exercise-induced desaturation and electrocardiogram changes in people with severe lung disease: An exploratory investigation of 25 serial cases

Exercise-induced hypoxemia and cardiac arrhythmia in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Physical activity has become part of the therapy of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) despite possible risks. The objectives of this study were to identify predictors of hypoxemia and to search for cardiac arrhythmia during exercise.

METHODS

The data of 75 patients (12 to 41 years old) with CF who underwent a standardized incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer was analyzed. Oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) and ECG were monitored. The results were related to spirometric and SpO(2) measurements at rest.

RESULTS

During exercise, 17 patients suffered from significant desaturations (SpO(2)<90%). SpO(2) at peak exercise was independently related to SpO(2) at rest and 1/FEV1 (multiple regression R(2)=0.63). Five patients demonstrated ventricular arrhythmias during exercise. No unambiguous prediction of exercise-induced hypoxemia or cardiac arrhythmia was possible.

CONCLUSION

In order to detect all patients with exercise-induced hypoxemia and cardiac arrhythmia, an incremental exercise test to volitional fatigue must be performed.