The fitter the better? Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing can predict
pulmonary exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis
Abstract
Background: The role of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) in the
assessment of prognosis in CF is crucial. However, as the overall
survival of the disease becomes better, the need for examinations that
can predict pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) and subsequent deterioration
becomes evident. Aim: To evaluate whether CPET derived parameters can be
used as prognostic indexes for pulmonary exacerbations in patients with
CF. Methods: Data from a 10-year follow up with CPET and spirometry of
CF patients were used to perform our analyses. Pulmonary exacerbations
were recorded. We used a survival analysis through Cox Regression to
assess the prognostic role of CPET parameters for PeX. CPET parameters
and other variables such as sputum culture, age, and spirometry
measurements were tested via multivariate cox models. Results: During a
10-year period (2009-2019) 78 CF patients underwent CPET. Cox regression
analysis revealed that VO2peak% predicted (Hazard ratio (HR), 0.988
(0.975, 1.000) p=0.042), PetCO2 ( End-tidal CO2 at peak exercise) (HR
0.948 (0.913, 0.984) p=0.005), VE/VO2, (respiratory equivalent for
oxygen at peak exercise) (HR 1.032 (1.003, 1.062) p=0.033 were
significant predictors of pulmonary exacerbations in the short term
after the CPET. Additionally, patients with VO2peak% predicted
<60% had 4,5 times higher relative risk of having a PEx than
those with higher exercise capacity. Conclusions: CPET can provide
valuable information regarding upcoming pulmonary exacerbation in CF.
Patients with VO2peak <60% are at great risk of subsequent
deterioration. Regular follow up of CF patients with Exercise Testing
can highlight their clinical image and direct therapeutic interventions.