What is the Clinical Parameter Affecting the Quality of Life in Lung Transplant Candidates?

Esra Pehlivan*

Received: December 10, 2018;   Published: December 17, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.12.002220

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Abstract

Introduction: There are many clinical parameters affecting the quality of life in terminal period respiratory patients planned for lung transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the main clinical features of lung transplantation candidates responsible for the deterioration of quality of life.

Method: Forty-three lung transplantation candidates referred to our clinic for preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation program were included in the study. Study outcome measurements: Saint George Quality of Life Questionnaire (SGRQ), modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea score (mMRC), 6-minute walk test distance (6MWD), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), digital peripheral muscle strength measurements, hang grip strenght (HG) and lung function test parameters. The correlation between SGRQ total score and other clinical parameters were examined.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.02 (14-68) and 62.8% (n=27) were male. There was a high correlation between biceps muscle strength (p<.0001, r=.606) and 6MWD (p<.0001, r=.647) with SGRQ total score. And also HG (p=.005, r=.450), dorsiflexion muscle strenghts (p=.001, r=.508), MIP (p=.002, r=.489), and mMRC (p<.0001, r=.578) were moderately correlated with SGRQ. Correlation with respiratory functions and quality of life was found to be lower.

Discussion: Lung transplantation candidates have many clinical features that determine quality of life. In our study, It has been found that quality of life is more affected by peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity and dyspnea perception rather than respiratory function. This should be taken into account when planning pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Keywords :Exercise Capacity; Exercise Test; Dyspnea; Muscle Strenght; Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Abbreviations : SGRQ: Saint George Quality of Life Questionnaire; mMRC: modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea score; 6MWD: 6-Minute Walk Test Distance; MIP: Maximal İnspiratory Pressure; HG: Hang Grip Strength; PR: Pulmonary Rehabilitation; ATS: American Thoracic Society; SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Sciences; ERS: European Respiratory Society