Exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation for a post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis patient: A case report.

RATIONALE: Pulmonary fibrosis is an infamous sequela of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia leading to long-lasting respiratory problems and activity limitations. Pulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial to improve the symptoms of lung fibrosis. We experienced a post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis patient who received a structured exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation program. PATIENT CONCERNS: This article presents a case of successful pulmonary rehabilitation of a patient with post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. The patient could not cut off the oxygen supplement even after a successful recovery from COVID-19. DIAGNOSIS: Diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Pulmonary fibrosis was diagnosed by patient's complaint, clinical appearance, and computed tomography (CT) on chest. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent ten sessions of exercise-based rehabilitation program according to Consensus Document on Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Korea, 2015. OUTCOME: On the 8th day, he could cut off the oxygen supplementation and complete the one-hour exercise without oxygen. He was discharged after completing the 10-session program without any activity limitations. LESSONS: Exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation will help the post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis patients. This case suggested the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation program to the post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis patient.

Oxygen supplementation during exercise improves leg muscle fatigue in chronic fibrotic interstitial lung disease.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced hypoxaemia is a hallmark of chronic fibrotic interstitial lung disease (f-ILD). It remains unclear whether patients' severe hypoxaemia may exaggerate locomotor muscle fatigue and, if so, to what extent oxygen (O2) supplementation can ameliorate these abnormalities. METHODS: Fifteen patients (12 males, 9 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) performed a constant-load (60% peak work rate) cycle test to symptom limitation (Tlim) while breathing medical air. Fifteen age-matched and sex-matched controls cycled up to patients' Tlim. Patients repeated the exercise test on supplemental O2 (42%±7%) for the same duration. Near-infrared spectroscopy assessed vastus lateralis oxyhaemoglobin concentration ((HbO2)). Pre-exercise to postexercise variation in twitch force (∆Tw) induced by femoral nerve magnetic stimulation quantified muscle fatigue. RESULTS: Patients showed severe hypoxaemia (lowest O2 saturation by pulse oximetry=80.0%±7.6%) which was associated with a blunted increase in muscle (HbO2) during exercise vs controls (+1.3±0.3 µmol vs +4.4±0.4 µmol, respectively; p<0.001). Despite exercising at work rates ∼ one-third lower than controls (42±13 W vs 66±13 W), ∆Tw was greater in patients (∆Tw/external work performed by the leg muscles=-0.59±0.21 %/kJ vs -0.25±0.19 %/kJ; p<0.001). Reversal of exertional hypoxaemia with supplemental O2 was associated with a significant increase in muscle (HbO2), leading to a reduced decrease in ∆Tw in patients (-0.33±0.19 %/kJ; p<0.001 vs air). Supplemental O2 significantly improved leg discomfort (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: O2 supplementation during exercise improves leg muscle oxygenation and fatigue in f-ILD. Lessening peripheral muscle fatigue to enhance exercise tolerance is a neglected therapeutic target that deserves clinical attention in this patient population.

A Potential Bioelectromagnetic Method to Slow Down the Progression and Prevent the Development of Ultimate Pulmonary Fibrosis by COVID-19.

Introduction: Right now, we are facing a global pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes the highly contagious human disease COVID-19. The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing at an alarming rate, more and more people suffer from it, and the death toll is on the rise since December 2019, when COVID-19 has presumably appeared. We need an urgent solution for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of the involved patients. Methods: Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is known as an immuno-supportive therapy in oncology. Our proposal is to apply this method to prevent the progression of the disease after its identification, to provide treatment when necessary, and deliver rehabilitation to diminish the fibrotic-often fatal-consequences of the infection. Hypothesis: The effects of mEHT, which are proven for oncological applications, could be utilized for the inactivation of the virus or for treating the fibrotic consequences. The hypothesized mEHT effects, which could have a role in the antiviral treatment, it could be applied for viral-specific immune-activation and for anti-fibrotic treatments.

[What can pulmonary rehabilitation accomplish?] / Was leistet die pneumologische Rehabilitation?

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) has stated that pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is the most effective therapeutic intervention to reduce dyspnoea and to improve physical performance and quality of life for patients with obstructive lung disease.New innovative studies raised in the area of PR:1) Pulmonary fibrosis & asthma bronchiale - While PR is recommended for chronic respiratory diseases other than COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in the respective disease-specific treatment guidelines, PR in some pathologies is underrated. For example, there is a growing body of evidence showing the effectiveness of structured and multidisciplinary PR programs in pulmonary fibrosis and asthma bronchial patients;2) Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 - There is preliminary evidence that COVID-19 patients can benefit from a PR program. The current COVID-19 position paper of the German Respiratory Society e. V. (DGP) regarding PR recommendations suggests that early rehabilitative therapies are already indicated during hospitalisation on the normal or intensive care unit and that rehabilitative interventions should be continued after discharge as a follow-up treatment in PR centres in order to reduce long-term consequences of COVID-19 disease;3) Telehealth meets PR - To further improve the effectiveness of PR in COPD patients using recent technologies, a supplementary "digital exercise program" can contribute to greater benefits compared to PR alone.

Ambulatory Oxygen in Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease: A Pilot, Randomized, Triple-Blinded, Sham-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite a lack of evidence, ambulatory oxygen therapy is frequently prescribed for patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and exertional desaturation. Patients often prefer portable oxygen concentrators to oxygen cylinders. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of conducting a clinical trial of ambulatory oxygen delivered via portable concentrators in patients with ILD. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is it feasible to conduct a clinical trial of ambulatory oxygen delivered via portable concentrators in patients with ILD? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this randomized, triple-blinded, sham-controlled trial, 30 participants with ILD and isolated exertional desaturation to < 90% on 6-minute walk tests were randomized to 12-week ambulatory oxygen or air delivered via portable concentrators, with assessments performed at baseline and weeks 4, 12, and 18. Primary outcomes were trial feasibility and the change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) on room air at week 12. RESULTS: Study recruitment was completed within 18 months, with six withdrawals. Participant blinding was successful, with the Bang's Blinding Index being 0 (95% CI, -0.40 to 0.40) for the oxygen group and 0 (95% CI, -0.42 to 0.42) for the sham group. No significant difference in 6MWD was seen between groups at week 12 (mean difference of -34 m [95% CI, -105 to 36], P = .34). For secondary outcomes, compared with the sham group, the oxygen group had a significantly higher Leicester Cough Questionnaire psychological domain score, indicating better cough-related quality of life (mean difference of 0.9 [95% CI, 0.2 to 1.6], P = .01), but a shorter duration of moderate-to-vigorous activities (mean difference of -135 [95% CI, -267 to -3], P = .04) at week 12. INTERPRETATION: Based on the results of this pilot study, a definitive randomized controlled trial with a longer intervention duration is warranted to clarify therapeutic impacts of ambulatory oxygen in patients with ILD. TRIAL REGISTRY: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; No.: ACTRN12617000054314; URL: www.anzctr.org.au/.

Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic assessment of pulmonary rehabilitation mixture for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Pulmonary rehabilitation mixture (PRM), a Chinese herbal medicine formula, has been used to treat pulmonary fibrosis for decades. In this study, we systematically evaluated the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic performance of PRM. The pharmacodynamic results showed that PRM could improve the condition of CoCl2-stimulated human type II alveolar epithelial cells, human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, human lung fibroblasts and pulmonary fibrosis rats induced by bleomycin, PRM treatment reduced the expression of platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, toll-like receptor 4, high-mobility group box protein 1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. In the pharmacokinetic study, an accurate and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of calycosin, calycosin-7-O-glucoside, formononetin, ononin and mangiferin of PRM in the rat plasma for the first time. The method was then successfully applied to the comparative pharmacokinetic study of PRM in normal and pulmonary fibrosis rats. The five constituents could be absorbed in the blood after the oral administration of PRM and exhibited different pharmacokinetic behaviors in normal and pulmonary fibrosis rats. In summary, PRM exhibited a satisfactory pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic performance, which highlights PRM as a potential multi-target oral drug for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Efectos de un programa de rehabilitación pulmonar en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar Intersticial difusa / Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease

Antecedentes: La enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa (EPID) es un grupo de 150 entidades que presentan alteraciones del parénquima pulmonar donde la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (FPI) es el tipo más frecuente. Objetivo: Establecer los efectos de un programa de rehabilitación pulmonar en pacientes con EPID. Métodos: Estudio cuasiexperimental en 18 pacientes con intervención de ejercicio continuo en banda sin fin, fortalecimiento muscular de miembros superiores, técnicas de respiración y movilidad de tórax, y actividades educativas durante 8 semanas; se evaluaron al inicio y al final de la intervención las variables índice de masa corporal (IMC), disnea Medical Research Council, test de marcha de los 6 min (6 MWT), ansiedad, depresión y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud; se usó la t pareada para analizar las medias. Resultados: Dieciocho pacientes culminaron el programa de rehabilitación pulmonar. La edad media ± DE era de 60,6 ± 13,9 años. La capacidad vital forzada tuvo una media del 61,7 ± 19,5% de la predicha. Al final del programa, se encontró un incremento significativo en la distancia recorrida en el 6 MWT, diferencia media de 615 ± 68,6 m (p = 0,001); la ansiedad tuvo disminución en la diferencia, media 1,8 ± 2,1 (p = 0,002); La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire, tuvo disminución en la puntuación total, diferencia media 14,2 ± 19,9 (p = 0,008); el cuestionario CRQ-SAS mostró un incremento en la puntuación total, diferencia media 0,7 ± 0,8 (p = 0,003). Conclusión. La rehabilitación pulmonar es un tratamiento seguro, con buena adherencia y recomendado para pacientes con EPID; la distancia en el 6 MWT mostró que debe ser evaluada siempre en un programa de rehabilitación pulmonar

Background. Diffuse interstitial lung disease (DILD) is a group of 150 entities that have alterations of the lung parenchyma in which idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common type. Objective. To determine the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients with DILD. Methods. A quasi-experimental study in 18 patients with continuous involvement in treadmill exercise, muscle strengthening of upper limbs, breathing techniques and chest mobility, and educational activities for 8 weeks. BMI, Medical Research Council dyspnea, 6 minutes walk test (6 MWT), anxiety, depression and quality of life related health variables were assessed at the beginning and at the end. “Paired T” was used to analyze the means. Results. Eighteen patients completed the PR program. Mean age was 60.6 years, SD ± 13.9. FVC had a mean of 61.7% of predicted SD ± 19.5. There was a significant increase in the distance covered in the 6 MWT at the end of the program, with a mean difference of 61.5 m, SD ± 68.6 (P =.001). Anxiety had decreased with a mean difference of 1.8, SD ± 2.1 (P = .002). Health-related quality of life had decrease in the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire total score with a mean difference of 14.2, SD ± 19.9 (P = .008). The CRQ-SAS questionnaire showed an increase in the total score with a mean difference of 0.7, SD ± 0.8 (P = .003). Conclusion. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a safe treatment with good adherence. It is recommended for patients with DILD. Walking distance in the 6 MWT showed that it should always be evaluated in a pulmonary rehabilitation program

Efficacy of aerobic physical retraining in a case of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema syndrome: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema has recently been recognized as a syndrome but remains under-diagnosed. Neither clinical management nor therapeutic approaches have been clearly defined. Pulmonary rehabilitation has not been considered within the therapeutic options for combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema. In this case we explored the potential benefits of a specific aerobic physical retraining program in the management of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 65-year-old Caucasian man with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema and respiratory failure who was receiving long-term oxygen therapy. Our patient underwent physical retraining with moderate intensity aerobic and breathing exercises for four weeks. Clinical and motor tests, as well as questionnaires assessing quality of life and depression levels, were performed prior to and following the retraining. At the end of the retraining program a relevant reduction of long-term oxygen therapy requirement was registered; improvements in terms of physical performance, quality of life, and mood were observed in our patient but no change in respiratory parameters. CONCLUSIONS: A program of aerobic physical retraining appears to be beneficial to patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema and may be considered as an additional therapeutic option.

Histopathology and exercise: a winning combination in pulmonary fibrosis: a case report.

The diffuse parenchymal lung diseases form a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis involving the space between epithelial and endothelial basement membranes. Among the diffuse parenchymal lung diseases of unknown etiology, one of the most common is usual interstitial pneumonia/idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which carries the worst prognosis. In contrast, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, which belongs to the same diffuse parenchymal lung disease group, has a more favorable prognosis. Based on the relative amount of inflammation and fibrosis observed on lung biopsies, at least 2 nonspecific interstitial pneumonia patterns have been suggested: cellular and fibrosing. The long-term prognosis is excellent for patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia with a cellular pattern, as compared to patients with a fibrosing pattern. We describe here a patient with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia with a fibrosing pattern in a highly practiced runner, showing an unexpectedly long-term favorable course, and consider the possible role of exercise in the diagnosis and clinical course of the disease. This case reinforces the evidence that exercise training, which is a principal component of pulmonary rehabilitation, may have clinically important effects on functional exercise capacity, especially if it is delivered early in the course of the disease.

Dynamic hyperinflation during exercise in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension often present with a mild obstructive lung pattern, however, the functional consequences are not known. METHODS: We analysed flow volume loops during exercise in 61 patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) (age 55 ± 14 years) in comparison with 21 patients with COPD (60 ± 12 years), 39 patients with pulmonary fibrosis (58 ± 11 years) and 38 healthy controls (HC) (39 ± 15 years). Inspiratory capacity (IC) was measured at rest, and during maximum exercise (max). RESULTS: HC exhibited a stable IC of 3.0 ± 0.9 l at rest, and at max. A reduction in IC of 2.6 ± 0.8 l at rest to 2.0 ± 0.7 l at max was observed in patients with COPD. Patients with PH exhibited a significant reduction in IC from 2.3 ± 0.6 l at rest to 2.1 ± 0.6 l at max, while patients with pulmonary fibrosis exhibited a stable IC of 1.8 ± 0.6 at rest and 1.7 ± 0.6 l at max. In patients with PH, a weak negative correlation was drawn between the change in IC (%) and peak VO2 (r = -0.29, p = 0.01), as well as with PVR (r = -0.27, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Patients with PH demonstrate a characteristic change in IC during exercise, which might contribute to impaired exercise tolerance.

Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Information on the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is growing, but PR's effects on certain important outcomes is lacking. METHODS: We conducted a pilot study of PR in IPF and analyzed changes in functional capacity, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep, and health status from baseline to after completion of a standard, 6-week PR program. RESULTS: Six-min walk distance improved a mean ± standard error 202 ± 135 feet (P = .01) from baseline. Fatigue Severity Scale score also improved significantly, declining an average 1.5 ± 0.5 points from baseline. There were trends toward improvement in anxiety, depression, and health status. CONCLUSIONS: PR improves functional capacity and fatigue in patients with IPF. (Clinical Trials.gov registration NCT00692796.)

Written disclosure therapy for patients with chronic lung disease undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: Chronic lung diseases are typically associated with impaired quality of life, stress, and anxiety. Written disclosure therapy (WDT) reduces stress in patients with a variety of chronic illnesses. We sought to determine whether WDT benefits patients with chronic lung disease. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effect of using WDT in patients (N = 66) participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Patients were randomly assigned to write about a particularly traumatic life event (WDT group) or to write about an emotionally neutral subject (control group). Exercise capacity, dyspnea and quality of life, and values of spirometry were recorded at baseline, at the end of the program, and at 6 months. RESULTS: The 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) significantly improved in both groups at 2 months, from 278 to 327 m in WDT and from 269 to 314 m in control groups (P < .01 in both groups). There was no difference in improvement in 6MWD between groups (P = .88). At 6 months, the gains made in 6MWD were no longer present. Dyspnea severity, as well as most of the other domains of the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, showed improvement within each group, but not between WDT and control groups. CONCLUSION: WDT did not add any additional benefit in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis when included as a component of pulmonary rehabilitation. These results are in contrast to previously seen benefits in patients with asthma.

Rehabilitation in non-COPD: mechanisms of exercise limitation and pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with pulmonary fibrosis/restrictive lung disease.

The standard of care in the treatment of chronic lung disease includes pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). While evidence of the effectiveness of PR in chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is robust, that for pulmonary fibrosis and other non-fibrotic restrictive lung diseases is less extensive. However, PR has been shown to improve functional exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in non-COPD patients, primarily those with interstitial lung diseases. This review examines mechanisms of exercise limitation in non-COPD patients and discusses how they might affect both the application of and outcome measures of PR. We also review the assessment of exercise performance, dyspnea, and quality of life as well as special protocols, safety considerations, and special techniques in PR as applied to patients with pulmonary fibrosis or restrictive lung disease. At present, there are no evidence-based guidelines for PR in non-COPD patients whereas PR is firmly recommended in COPD management. More research is needed to strengthen the evidence for the use of PR in non-COPD patients. Meanwhile, the available data, summarized in this review, support the inclusion of PR in the management of all patients with chronic lung disease including pulmonary fibrosis and restrictive lung disease.

Fibrose pulmonar ocupacional, câncer de laringe e pneumonia de repetição em paciente idoso: relato de caso interdisciplinar / Occupational lung fibrosis, cancer of the larynx and pneumonia of repetition in an aged patient: an interdisciplinary case study / Fibrosis ocupacional del pulmón, cáncer de la laringe y pulmonía a repetición en un paciente envejecido: un estudio de caso interdisciplinario

A fibrose pulmonar apresenta inúmeras complicações sistêmicas, como a desnutrição e a redução da capacidade funcional. O tratamento deve ser individualizado e desenhado para minimização dos sintomas, otimização do status funcional e redução dos gastos com saúde. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o impacto da abordagem interdisciplinar na reabilitação de idoso com fibrose pulmonar e desnutrição. Trata-se de um Estudo de caso que relata o acompanhamento interdisciplinar de um octogenário com fibrose pulmonar ocupacional, sequela de câncer de laringe, megaesôfago, pneumonia de repetição, subnutrição energéticoprotéica, diagnóstico cinésio-funcional de redução da capacidade funcional e déficit acentuado de deglutição, com broncoaspiração. Realizaram-se reuniões interdisciplinares visando estabelecer adequadas terapêuticas para melhorar o estado de saúde do paciente. Houve acompanhamento periódico da adesão: às condutas nutricionais, desenvolvimento de manobras específicas para deglutição e exercícios programados pela fonoaudióloga e equipe de fisioterapia. A avaliação direta e constante da evolução clínica e nutricional conduziu os ajustes às condutas prescritas pela equipe interdisciplinar. A melhora da deglutição possibilitou re-introdução progressiva de volumes reduzidos de dieta oral. Concluiu-se que a associação e a avaliação constantes entre asterapias: nutricional, fonoaudiológica, treino de endurance e força foram fundamentais, mostrando a necessidade e importância de abordagem interdisciplinar na reabilitação pulmonar, especialmente no idoso.

Lung fibrosis may have a great number of systemic complications such as malnutrition and the reduction of functional capacity. Treatment must beindividualized and designed for minimizing symptoms, optimizing functional condition and reducing health care expenses. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an interdisciplinary approach to rehabilitating an aged patient with fibrosis and malnutrition. We did interdisciplinary case study of an octogenarian with occupational lung fibrosis, sequels from cancer of the larynx, megaesophagus, repetition pneumonia, energetic-proteic malnutrition, kinetic-functional diagnostic of functional capacity reduction and a high deficit of deglutition, with broncoaspiration. Multidisciplinary meetings were done aiming at establishing an adequatetherapeutic option for improving the patient health condition. Adhesion was periodically monitored regarding nutritional behaviors, the development of specificmaneuvers for deglutition and exercises programmed by the speech therapist and the physiotherapy. The direct and constant evaluation of clinical and nutritionalevolution produced adjustments of behaviors prescribed by the interdisciplinary team. Due to interventions the patient presented a 3,2 kg weigh gain, improvementsof functional capacity and nutritional condition (a 21 per cent gain of lean mass); a 100 per cent increase in maximum voluntary contraction for the main muscular groups. Therespiratory questionnaire also evidenced improvements in quality of life, with an impact in dyspnea control. The improvement of deglutition allowed a gradualreintroduction of reduced volumes of oral diet. We concluded that the constant association and evaluation of nutritional, phonoaudiologic therapies and enduranceand force training were vital, showing the necessity and importance of an interdisciplinary approach in lung rehabilitation, especially in old people.

La fibrosis del pulmón puede presentar una gran cantidad de complicaciones sistémicas tales como desnutrición y reducción de la capacidad funcional.El tratamiento se debe individualizar y diseñar para reducción al mínimo de los síntomas, optimizar la condición funcional y reducir costos del cuidado médico. Este estudio apuntó evaluar el impacto de un acercamiento interdisciplinario como para rehabilitar a un paciente envejecido con fibrosis y desnutrición. Hicimos un estudio de caso interdisciplinario de un octogenario con fibrosis ocupacional del pulmón, consecuencias del cáncer de la laringe, megaesophagus, pulmonía a repetición, desnutrición energético-proteica, diagnóstico cinético-funcional de reducción de capacidad funcional y alto déficit de deglución con aspiración bronquial. Se promovieran reuniones multidisciplinarias como para establecer una opción terapéutica adecuada para mejorar la condición de salud del paciente. La adhesión fue supervisada periódicamente respecto a los comportamientos nutricionales, el desarrollo de las maniobras específicas para la deglución y a los ejerciciosprogramados por fonoterapeuta y la fisioterapeuta. La evaluación directa y constante de la evolución clínica y nutricional produjo ajustes de los comportamientos prescritos por el equipo interdisciplinario. El cuestionario respiratorio también evidenció mejoras en la calidad de vida, con un impacto en el control de la disnea. La mejora de la deglución permitió una reintroducción gradual de volúmenes reducidos de dieta oral. Concluimos que la asociación y la evaluación constantes de las terapias nutricional, fonoaudiológica ydel entrenamiento de resistencia y fuerza fueran vitales, demostración de la necesidad e importancia de un acercamiento interdisciplinario en la rehabilitación del pulmón, especialmente en la gente envejecida.

Rehabilitation and palliative care in lung fibrosis.

The idiopathic interstitial pneumonias are a heterogeneous group of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases with varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis, like interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Functional exercise tolerance and quality of life have been shown to be significantly affected in patients with lung fibrosis. Moreover, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease with poor prognosis and limited response to conventional pharmacological treatment like immunosuppressive agents. So, in patients with lung fibrosis there seems a clear indication to refer them for comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programmes and to initiate palliative care in an early phase of the disease. In the current review we will present a rationale for pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with lung fibrosis and the effects of this type of non-pharmacological intervention on exercise capacity and quality of life. In addition, we will discuss possibilities for palliative care in these patients.

Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although pulmonary rehabilitation is effective for patients with COPD, its efficacy in patients with IPF is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in IPF. METHODS: Thirty patients diagnosed with IPF, according to the consensus statement, were randomly assigned to the rehabilitation group or the control group. The pulmonary rehabilitation mainly consisted of a 10-week programme of exercise training. Pulmonary function, blood gas analysis, 6MWD, dyspnoea rating with the baseline dyspnoea index and health-related quality of life score on the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire were evaluated at baseline and after the programme. RESULTS: Assessment of efficacy was carried out on 13 patients who completed the programme and 15 patients in the control group. There were no significant effects of the programme on measures of pulmonary function, values of arterial blood gas analysis or dyspnoea rating. Although there were some differences in the baseline 6MWD and total health-related quality of life score which were not statistically significant, marked improvements were observed in the 6MWD (mean difference 46.3 m (95% CI: 8.3-84.4), P < 0.05) and the total health-related quality of life score (-6.1 (95% CI: -11.7 to -0.5), P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary rehabilitation improves both exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in patients with IPF.

Quadriceps weakness is related to exercise capacity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: In COPD, it has been shown that peripheral muscle dysfunction is a factor determining exercise intolerance. We examined the hypothesis that exercise capacity of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is, at least in part, determined by peripheral muscle dysfunction. METHODS: Maximum oxygen uptake (V(O2)max) was evaluated in 41 consecutive patients with IPF, along with potential determinants of exercise capacity, both in the lungs and in the peripheral muscles. RESULTS: Patients had reduced V(O2)max (893 +/- 314 mL, 46.0% predicted) and reduced quadriceps force (QF) [65% predicted]. Significant correlates of V(O2)max reduction were vital capacity (VC) [r = 0.79], total lung capacity (r = 0.64), diffusion capacity (r = 0.64), QF (r = 0.62), maximum expiratory pressure (r = 0.48), and Pa(O2) at rest (r = 0.33). In stepwise multiple regression analysis, VC and QF were independent predictors of V(O2)max. Furthermore, in subgroup analysis, QF was a significant contributing factor for V(O2)max in patients who discontinued exercise because of dyspnea and/or leg fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that QF is a predictor of exercise capacity in IPF. Measures that improve muscle function might improve exercise tolerance.

Assessing health status and quality of life in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: which measure should be used?

Many studies conducted on the health status and quality of life (QOL) of patients with certain chronic diseases have demonstrated that their disease had an impact on their lives. However, less is known about the QOL and health status of patients suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In the present study, three focus groups of IPF patients (n=10) were run to identify the aspects of QOL or health status that are relevant to this population and to establish which measure is preferable to assess these aspects. The patients completed and discussed the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment instrument (WHOQOL-100). Results indicated that hobbies/leisure activities, mobility, transport, social relationships, working capacity, energy and doing things slower were aspects relevant to IPF patients' QOL. The WHOQOL-100, with an additional social support questionnaire, appeared to be preferable.