Abstract
Introduction: Right ventricular (RV) workload assessed by RV Stroke Work Index (RVSWI) is a negative predictor of outcome in acute respiratory failure. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) may have a role in detecting central circulatory impairment (CCI) in patients before lung transplantation (LTx) at risk for impaired RV function.
Aims and Objectives: To demonstrate correlation of ventilatory inefficiency (VI) on CPET for detection of CCI in patients before LTx with RVSWI.
Methods: 172 patients undergoing evaluation for LTx who had CPET and right heart catheterization were included. RVSWI (stroke volume index*(mean pulmonary arterial pressure - mean right atrial pressure)*0.0136) was calculated from invasive hemodynamic data. Pearson's correlation, significance 0.05, was assessed between RVSWI and CPET parameters.
Results: RVSWI correlates highly with VI and inversely with hemodynamics on CPET, but not with peak capacity or workload.
Conclusions: High right ventricular workload correlates with ventilatory inefficiency and impaired hemodynamics on CPET. Thus, exercise parameters may predict right ventricular work and LTx outcomes.
- © 2012 ERS