Exercise tolerance and quality of life in hemodynamically partially improved patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension treated with balloon pulmonary angioplasty

The efficacy of extensive balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) beyond hemodynamic improvement in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients has been verified. However, the relationship between extensive BPA in CTEPH patients after partial hemodynamic improvement and exercise tolerance or quality of life (QOL) remains unclear. We prospectively enrolled 22 CTEPH patients (66±10 years, females: 59%) when their mean pulmonary artery pressure initially decreased to <30 mmHg during BPA sessions. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic data, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and QOL scores using the 36-item short form questionnaire (SF-36) were evaluated at enrollment (entry), just after the final BPA session (finish), and at the 6-month follow-up (follow-up). We analyzed whether extensive BPA improves exercise capacity and QOL scores over time. Moreover, the clinical characteristics leading to improvement were elucidated. The peak oxygen uptake (VO₂) showed significant improvement at entry, finish, and follow-up (17.3±5.5, 18.4±5.9, and 18.9±5.3 mL/kg/min, respectively; P<0.001). Regarding the QOL, the physical component summary (PCS) scores significantly improved (32±11, 38±13, and 43±13, respectively; P<0.001), but the mental component summary scores remained unchanged. Linear regression analysis revealed that age and a low peak VO2 at entry were predictors of improvement in peak VO2, while low PCS scores and low TAPSE at entry were predictors of improvement in PCS scores. In conclusion, extensive BPA led to improved exercise tolerance and physical QOL scores, even in CTEPH patients with partially improved hemodynamics.

[Pulmonary rehabilitation in respiratory disorders other than COPD : an individualized approach]

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a multimodal intervention which includes an individualized physical training program, patient education, nutritional assessment and counseling, and recommendations for behavioral changes (smoking cessation, physical activity, nutrition...). This approach, validated and widely accepted by international expert societies in COPD, has been explored and evaluated in other chronic respiratory disorders. This overview analyses the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation in interstitial lung diseases, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer (pre and post surgery), and morbid obesity. The recent medical literature encourages clinicians to consider the possibility of pulmonary rehabilitation in most chronic pulmonary disorders.

Increasing quality of life in pulmonary arterial hypertension: is there a role for nutrition?

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease primarily affecting the pulmonary vasculature and heart. PAH patients suffer from exercise intolerance and fatigue, negatively affecting their quality of life. This review summarizes current insights in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PAH. It zooms in on the potential involvement of nutritional status and micronutrient deficiencies on PAH exercise intolerance and fatigue, also summarizing the potential benefits of exercise and nutritional interventions. Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for publications on pathophysiological mechanisms of PAH negatively affecting physical activity potential and nutritional status, and for potential effects of interventions involving exercise or nutritional measures known to improve exercise intolerance. Pathophysiological processes that contribute to exercise intolerance and impaired quality of life of PAH patients include right ventricular dysfunction, inflammation, skeletal muscle alterations, and dysfunctional energy metabolism. PAH-related nutritional deficiencies and metabolic alterations have been linked to fatigue, exercise intolerance, and endothelial dysfunction. Available evidence suggests that exercise interventions can be effective in PAH patients to improve exercise tolerance and decrease fatigue. By contrast, knowledge on the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and the possible effects of nutritional interventions in PAH patients is limited. Although data on nutritional status and micronutrient deficiencies in PAH are scarce, the available knowledge, including that from adjacent fields, suggests that nutritional intervention to correct deficiencies and metabolic alterations may contribute to a reduction of disease burden.

Self-reported functional status predicts post-operative outcomes in non-cardiac surgery patients with pulmonary hypertension

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) is associated with increased post-procedure morbidity and mortality. Pre-procedure echocardiography (ECHO) is a widely used tool for evaluation of these patients, but its accuracy in predicting post-procedure outcomes is unproven. Self-reported exercise tolerance has not been evaluated for operative risk stratification of PHTN patients.

Objective

We analyzed whether self-reported exercise tolerance predicts outcomes (hospital length-of-stay [LOS], mortality and morbidity) in PHTN patients (WHO Class I–V) undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

Methods and findings

We reviewed 550 non-cardiac, non-obstetric procedures performed on 370 PHTN patients at a single institution between 2007 and 2013. All patients had cardiac ECHO documented within 1 year prior to the procedure. Pre-procedure comorbidities and ECHO data were collected. Functional status (< or ≥ 4 metabolic equivalents of task [METs]) was assigned based on responses to standard patient interview questions during the pre-anesthesia clinic visit. Multiple logistic regression was used to develop a risk score model (Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Risk Score; PHORS) and determine its value in predicting post-procedure outcomes. In an adjusted model, functional status <4 METs was independently associated with a LOS >7 days (p < .003), as were higher ASA class (p < .002), open surgical approach (p < .002), procedure duration > 2 hours (p < .001), and the absence of systemic hypertension (p = .012). PHORS Score ≥2 was associated with an increased 30-day major complication rate (28.7% vs. 19.2%; p < 0.001) and ICU admission rate (8.6% s 2.8%; p = .007), but no statistical difference in hospital readmissions rate (17.6% vs. 14.0%; p = .29), or mortality (3.5% vs. 1.4%; p = .75). Similar ECHO findings did not further improve outcome prediction.

Conclusions

Poor functional status is associated with severe PHTN and predicts increased LOS and post-procedure complications in patients with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension with different etiologies. A risk assessment model predicts increased LOS with fair accuracy. A thorough evaluation of underlying etiologies of PHTN should be undertaken in every patient.

Exercise training in patients with pulmonary and systemic hypertension: A unique therapy for two different diseases

Pulmonary hypertension is a potentially life-threatening condition. Given its evolving definition, the incidence and prevalence of the disease is difficult to define, but registries suggest an increased global awareness. The management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension is highly specialised and requires multi-disciplinary input from a range of healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, respiratory physicians, rheumatologists, rehabilitation physicians and cardio-pulmonary physiotherapists. Historically, exercise training in pulmonary hypertension has not been recommended because of safety concerns. However, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the benefit of exercise training on exercise capacity, peak oxygen consumption and quality of life. Systemic hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and has been ranked as the leading cause for death and disability worldwide: therefore, adequate control of blood pressure is important for public health. Lowering of blood pressure and prevention of hypertension is in first instance preferable by lifestyle changes. These include weight loss, moderation of alcohol intake, a diet with increased fresh fruit and vegetables, reduced saturated fat, reduced salt intake, reduced stress, and, finally, increased physical activity. With regard to the latter, former guidelines predominantly recommended aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, and cycling for lowering blood pressure. The main focus of this narrative overview paper is to briefly examine and summarize the benefit of exercise training in patients with pulmonary and systemic hypertension, suggest mechanisms by which exercise may improve symptoms and function and provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the frequency and intensity of exercise in these patients.

Randomised controlled trial examining the effect of an outpatient exercise training programme on haemodynamics and cardiac MR parameters of right ventricular function in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: the ExPAH study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by elevated pulmonary artery pressure. Early stage PH patients are often asymptomatic. Disease progression is associated with impairment of right ventricular function and progressive dyspnoea. Current guidelines recommend exercise training (grade IIa, level B). However, many questions remain regarding the mechanisms of improvement, intensity of supervision and optimal frequency, duration and intensity of exercise. This study will assess the effect of an outpatient rehabilitation programme on haemodynamics and cardiac right ventricular function in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a subgroup of PH.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This randomised controlled trial involves both a major urban tertiary and smaller regional hospital in New South Wales, Australia. The intervention will compare an outpatient rehabilitation programme with a control group (home exercise programme). Participants will be stable on oral PAH-specific therapy. The primary outcome measure will be right ventricular ejection fraction measured by cardiac MRI. Secondary outcomes will include haemodynamics measured by right heart catheterisation, endurance, functional capacity, health-related quality of life questionnaires and biomarkers of cardiac function and inflammation.

ETHICS APPROVAL AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval has been granted by St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney (HREC/14/SVH/341). Results of this study will be disseminated through presentation at scientific conferences and in scientific journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12615001041549; pre-results.

Exercise-based rehabilitation programmes for pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have reduced exercise capacity and quality of life. Despite initial concerns that exercise training may worsen symptoms in this group, several studies have reported improvements in functional capacity and well-being following exercise-based rehabilitation in PH.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of exercise-based rehabilitation for people with PH. Primary outcomes were exercise capacity, adverse events during the intervention period and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Secondary outcomes included cardiopulmonary haemodynamics, functional class, clinical worsening during follow-up, mortality and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Airways Specialised Register of Trials up to August 2016, which is based on regular searches of CINAHL, AMED, Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and registries of clinical trials. In addition we searched CENTRAL and the PEDro database up to August 2016 and handsearched relevant journals.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on exercise-based rehabilitation programmes for PH.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers extracted data independently. For binary outcomes, we calculated odds ratios and their 95% confidence interval (CI), on an intention-to-treat basis. For continuous data, we estimated the mean difference (MD) between groups and its 95% CI. We employed a random-effects model for analyses. We assessed risk of bias for included studies and created 'Summary of findings' tables using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included six RCTs and were able to extract data from five studies. The majority of participants were Group I pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Study duration ranged from three to 15 weeks. Exercise programmes included both inpatient- and outpatient-based rehabilitation that incorporated both upper and lower limb exercise. The mean six-minute walk distance following exercise training was 60.12 metres higher than control (30.17 to 90.07 metres, n = 165, 5 RCTs, low-quality evidence; minimal important difference was 30 metres), the mean peak oxygen uptake was 2.4 ml/kg/minute higher (1.4 to 3.4 ml/kg/min, n = 145, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence) and the mean peak power in the intervention groups was 16.4 W higher (10.9 to 22.0 higher, n = 145, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence). The mean change in HRQoL for the SF-36 physical component score was 4.63 points higher (0.80 to 8.47 points, n = 33, 2 RCTs, low-quality evidence) and for the SF-36 mental component score was 4.17 points higher (0.01 to 8.34 points; n = 33; 2 RCTs, low-quality evidence). One study reported a single adverse event, where a participant stopped exercise training due to lightheadedness.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In people with PH, exercise-based rehabilitation results in clinically relevant improvements in exercise capacity. Exercise training was not associated with any serious adverse events. Whilst most studies reported improvements in HRQoL, these may not be clinically important. Overall, we assessed the quality of the evidence to be low. The small number of studies and lack of information on participant selection makes it difficult to generalise these results across the spectrum of people with PH.

Pulmonary rehabilitation for respiratory disorders other than chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an important therapeutic intervention that should no longer be considered suitable only for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A strong rationale exists for providing PR to persons with a broad range of respiratory disorders other than COPD. Evidence shows that PR for these patients is feasible, safe and effective. A disease-relevant approach should be undertaken, based on individual patients' needs. Further research is needed to better understand the optimal program content, duration and outcomes measures, to enable diverse patients to achieve maximal benefits of PR.

[Evidences related to pulmonary rehabilitation in the respiratory pathology]

Pulmonary rehabilitation represents a modern therapeutic approach of respiratory diseases, with a multidisciplinary character, including: physical training, therapeutic education, psychosocial counseling, and nutritional approach. Pulmonary rehabilitation addresses to any patient suffering from pulmonary pathology whose quality of life is affected by the respiratory symptoms, regardless of the degree of functional impairment. This article is an analysis of evidences from the medical literature on outcomes of rehabilitation programs conducted in various lung diseases. The main indication of pulmonary rehabilitation is the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD (stable state and exacerbation) in which most studies were carried out. Pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with other respiratory pathology has its reason in the pathophysiological changes that they undergo (impaired lung function and gas exchange, muscle atrophy and deconditioning etc.) leading to symptoms, lower exercise tolerance and decrease daily physical activity, all of which ultimately result in impaired quality of life. The role of rehabilitation is reviewed in the following diseases: post-surgical lung volume reduction for emphysema, asthma, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, neuromuscular disease, intensive care, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary hypertension, post-tuberculous sequelae, lung transplantation.

A review of ongoing trials in exercise based rehabilitation for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Exercise based rehabilitation for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a new treatment option for these patients to improve their functional capacity and quality of life. Despite the benefits seen in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in various other conditions, it has been underutilized for the patients with PAH. A review of currently registered ongoing trials on exercise training for patients with PAH from the World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registry Platform was done using the key words "rehabilitation", "exercise training", "pulmonary artery hypertension" and "pulmonary hypertension" for a period of 10 years (2002-2012). The search revealed 57 registered trials in various trial registries from which seven met the inclusion criteria. The current studies are being carried out in Germany (n=4), Brazil (n=1), Australia (n=1) and India (n=1). This indicates a shift in focus from the only medical management to the rehabilitation and long term care for patients with PAH.

[Supervised exercise training in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension - analyses of the effectiveness and safety]

Both in today's scientific research and in clinical practice, there exists a need to address the uncertainty concerning the effectiveness and safety of cardiopulmonary exercise training (CPET) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It is commonly believed that CPET may be dangerous for patients with PAH, because increasing pressure on the pulmonary arteries may worsen right-sided heart failure. Recently, the first clinical trials on exercise training in patients with pulmonary hypertension reported promising results. Extension of the walking distance at the 6-minute walk test improved quality of life, endurance capacity and a reduction in symptoms were observed after CPET. Furthermore, CPET was well tolerated by the patients in five clinical trials. In conclusion, it may be postulated that CPET is an effective therapy in patients with PAH and was tendentially well tolerated by the patients.

[High altitude and preexisting lung diseases]

Today, a growing number of people, some of them suffering from lung diseases, travel to high altitude resorts. It is sometimes not easy for the general practitioner to adequately counsel these patients. Based on our knowledge of physiopathology and clinical studies, the present paper addresses the effects of high altitude in patients with preexisting lung diseases and provides recommendations in order to optimize the sojourn at high altitude.

Exercise and Respiratory Training Improve Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in Patients With Severe Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension

Background— Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with restricted physical capacity, limited quality of life, and a poor prognosis because of right heart failure. The present study is the first prospective randomized study to evaluate the effects of exercise and respiratory training in patients with severe symptomatic PH.

Methods and Results— Thirty patients with PH (21 women; mean age, 50±13 years; mean pulmonary artery pressure, 50±15 mm Hg; mean World Health Organization [WHO] class, 2.9±0.5; pulmonary arterial hypertension, n=23; chronic thromboembolic PH, n=7) on stable disease-targeted medication were randomly assigned to a control (n=15) and a primary training (n=15) group. Medication remained unchanged during the study period. Primary end points were the changes from baseline to week 15 in the distance walked in 6 minutes and in scores of the Short Form Health Survey quality-of-life questionnaire. Changes in WHO functional class, Borg scale, and parameters of echocardiography and gas exchange also were assessed. At week 15, patients in the primary and secondary training groups had an improved 6-minute walking distance; the mean difference between the control and the primary training group was 111 m (95% confidence interval, 65 to 139 m; P <0.001). Exercise training was well tolerated and improved scores of quality of life, WHO functional class, peak oxygen consumption, oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold, and achieved workload. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure values at rest did not change significantly after 15 weeks of exercise and respiratory training (from 61±18 to 54±18 mm Hg) within the training group.

Conclusions— This study indicates that respiratory and physical training could be a promising adjunct to medical treatment in severe PH. The effects add to the beneficial results of modern medical treatment.

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Cancer Rehabilitation. 1. Cardiac Rehabilitation Review

Cardiac rehabilitation includes not only the rehabilitation of people with ischemic heart disease but also those with congestive heart failure, heart transplantation, congenital heart disease, and other conditions. New advances in medical treatment have arisen, and there are new approaches in treatment, including alternative medicine and complementary care. New surgical approaches that help restore cardiac function have also been introduced, and rehabilitation professionals must be aware of these advances and be able to incorporate this knowledge into the practice of rehabilitation medicine.

OVERALL ARTICLE OBJECTIVES

(a) To identify major categories of cardiac disease, (b) to elucidate appropriate interventions and support for patients with coronary artery disease, (c) to describe the new interventions available for the treatment of cardiac disease, and (d) to describe the appropriate role of cardiac rehabilitation for people with various forms of cardiac disease.

[Feasibility of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension treated with intravenous prostacyclin infusion therapy]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension who had severe heart failure.

METHODS

The subjects comprised 11 men and 13 women aged 5 to 37 years old with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, who received cardiopulmonary rehabilitation following the start of continuous intravenous prostacyclin administration between January 1999 and September 2003. Fifteen patients were categorized in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class-III and 9 were class-IV on admission. Patients received cardiopulmonary rehabilitation consisting of breathing exercise, training of upper extremity muscles, gait training, bicycle ergometer training, and treadmill walking for 30 to 60 min per day, 5 days a week. Cardiothoracic ratio, NYHA class, heart rate, pulse oximeter saturation, plasma levels of human atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide, tricuspid regurgitation, and right ventricular myocardial index (RV Tei index) were evaluated by echocardiography, lower extremity muscle strength, ambulation ability, Barthel index, and 6-minute walking distance at the beginning and end of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.

RESULTS

The average period of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation was 6.7 weeks. There was no deterioration in cardiothoracic ratio, human atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide levels, tricuspid regurgitation, RV Tei index and pulse oximeter saturation. The results also showed decreased heart rate at rest (p = 0.007), and improved NYHA class (p = 0.010), lower extremity strength (p < 0.001), ambulation ability (p < 0.001), Barthel index (p < 0.001), and 6-minute walking distance (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is safe and effective for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients in NYHA class-III and IV during intravenous prostacyclin infusion without deterioration of cardiac functions, despite the conventional contraindication.

[Late results and rehabilitation of patients with secondary interatrial septal defects]

The remote results were studied in 194 patients operated on for secondary atrial septal defects at ages of 18 months to 41 years. The follow-up period ranged from 5 months to 11 years. The ECG was normal in 74.7% of patients, its improvement was noted in 8.7% of patients. Disorders of rhythm were encountered in 10.3% of patients, their incidence being 2 1/2 times higher among adults than among children. The systolic murmur disappeared in 29.8% and diminished in 50.8% of patients. The diastolic murmur was corrected in 92.2% of cases. Splitting of the second sound disappeared in 66% and diminished in 6% of patients. The size of the heart on a radiogram became normal in 32.2% and its enlargement became less in 41% of the patients examined. The heart grows smaller within 2--3 years and the pulmonary pattern becomes normal in 1--2 years. The process is more rapid in children. The postoperative result was good in 90% of patients.