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Neder JA, Santyr G, Zanette B, Kirby M, Pourafkari M, James MD, Vincent SG, Ferguson C, Wang CY, Domnik NJ, Phillips DB, Porszasz J, Stringer WW, O'Donnell DE. Beyond Spirometry: Linking Wasted Ventilation to Exertional Dyspnea in the Initial Stages of COPD. COPD 2024; 21:2301549. [PMID: 38348843 DOI: 10.1080/15412555.2023.2301549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Exertional dyspnea, a key complaint of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ultimately reflects an increased inspiratory neural drive to breathe. In non-hypoxemic patients with largely preserved lung mechanics - as those in the initial stages of the disease - the heightened inspiratory neural drive is strongly associated with an exaggerated ventilatory response to metabolic demand. Several lines of evidence indicate that the so-called excess ventilation (high ventilation-CO2 output relationship) primarily reflects poor gas exchange efficiency, namely increased physiological dead space. Pulmonary function tests estimating the extension of the wasted ventilation and selected cardiopulmonary exercise testing variables can, therefore, shed unique light on the genesis of patients' out-of-proportion dyspnea. After a succinct overview of the basis of gas exchange efficiency in health and inefficiency in COPD, we discuss how wasted ventilation translates into exertional dyspnea in individual patients. We then outline what is currently known about the structural basis of wasted ventilation in "minor/trivial" COPD vis-à-vis the contribution of emphysema versus a potential impairment in lung perfusion across non-emphysematous lung. After summarizing some unanswered questions on the field, we propose that functional imaging be amalgamated with pulmonary function tests beyond spirometry to improve our understanding of this deeply neglected cause of exertional dyspnea. Advances in the field will depend on our ability to develop robust platforms for deeply phenotyping (structurally and functionally), the dyspneic patients showing unordinary high wasted ventilation despite relatively preserved FEV1.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alberto Neder
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Canada
| | - Giles Santyr
- Translational Medicine Department, Faculty of Physiology and Experimental Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brandon Zanette
- Translational Medicine Department, Faculty of Physiology and Experimental Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Miranda Kirby
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marina Pourafkari
- Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Canada
| | - Matthew D James
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Canada
| | - Sandra G Vincent
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Canada
| | - Carrie Ferguson
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Harbor U.C.L.A Medical Centre, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Chu-Yi Wang
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Harbor U.C.L.A Medical Centre, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Nicolle J Domnik
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Devin B Phillips
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Janos Porszasz
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Harbor U.C.L.A Medical Centre, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - William W Stringer
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Harbor U.C.L.A Medical Centre, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Denis E O'Donnell
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Canada
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Wong AWL, Lam CKM. A case report of cardiopulmonary exercise testing and incentive spirometry-guided breathing pattern alteration for a severely tachypnoeic kyphoscoliotic patient undergoing major thoracic surgery for suspected lung malignancy. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2024; 12:2050313X241275384. [PMID: 39290560 PMCID: PMC11406589 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x241275384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
A case report of a severely dyspnoeic kyphoscoliotic patient intended for an elective major thoracic surgery for suspected lung malignancy. With baseline near maximal breathing frequency and shallow breaths and poor lung mechanics, the first encountered anaesthetist considered this patient too high risk for lobectomy. This case illustrated the application of cardiopulmonary exercise testing to provide an objective assessment of the patient's functional capacity, ventilatory efficiency and delineation of modifiable respiratory components that guide the formulation of individualized prehabilitation programme. It also depicted the perioperative role of an off-label use of incentive spirometry in providing visual feedbacks and led to subsequent assessment breathing pattern alternation. Patient underwent the lung resection uneventfully and returned to normal lifestyle on postoperative day 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Wai-Lun Wong
- Department of Anaesthesia and Operating Theatre Services, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Carmen Ka-Man Lam
- Department of Anaesthesia and Operating Theatre Services, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong SAR
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Dores H, Mendes M, Abreu A, Durazzo A, Rodrigues C, Vilela E, Cunha G, Gomes Pereira J, Bento L, Moreno L, Dinis P, Amorim S, Clemente S, Santos M. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in clinical practice: Principles, applications, and basic interpretation. Rev Port Cardiol 2024; 43:525-536. [PMID: 38583860 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides a noninvasive and integrated assessment of the response of the respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems to exercise. This information improves the diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic management of several clinical conditions. Additionally, CPET is the gold standard test for cardiorespiratory fitness quantification and exercise prescription, both in patients with cardiopulmonary disease undergoing cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation programs and in healthy individuals, such as high-level athletes. In this setting, the relevance of practical knowledge about this exam is useful and of interest to several medical specialties other than cardiology. However, despite its multiple established advantages, CPET remains underused. This article aims to increase awareness of the value of CPET in clinical practice and to inform clinicians about its main indications, applications, and basic interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélder Dores
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal; CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal; NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Mendes
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Abreu
- Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Center, Department of Cardiology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, CHULN/Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, FMUL/CRECUL, Lisbon, Portugal; Ergometry Department, Department of Cardiology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHULN, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, ISAMB, FMUL/Laboratório Associado Terra, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Preventiva e Saúde Pública, IMPSP, FMUL, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Nuclear, IMN, FMUL, Lisbon, Portugal; Cardiovascular Center, Universidade de Lisboa, CCUL, Centro Académico de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, CAML, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anaí Durazzo
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cidália Rodrigues
- Department of Pulmonology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Vilela
- Department of Cardiology, Unidade Local de Saúde Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Cunha
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Gomes Pereira
- Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal; Comité Olímpico de Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal; Desporsano - Sports Clinic, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Luís Moreno
- Regimento de Comandos, Exército Português, Belas, Portugal; Hospital CUF Tejo, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paulo Dinis
- Department of Cardiology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Centro de Saúde Militar de Coimbra, Exército Português, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Amorim
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Clemente
- Department of Pulmonology, Hospital da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Pulmonology, Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Loures, Portugal
| | - Mário Santos
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal; CAC ICBAS-CHP - Centro Académico Clínico Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar - Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal; Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
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Hijleh AA, Berton DC, Neder-Serafini I, James M, Vincent S, Domnik N, Phillips D, O'Donnell DE, Neder JA. Sex- and age-adjusted reference values for dynamic inspiratory constraints during incremental cycle ergometry. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2024; 327:104297. [PMID: 38871042 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2024.104297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Activity-related dyspnea in chronic lung disease is centrally related to dynamic (dyn) inspiratory constraints to tidal volume expansion. Lack of reference values for exertional inspiratory reserve (IR) has limited the yield of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in exposing the underpinnings of this disabling symptom. One hundred fifty apparently healthy subjects (82 males) aged 40-85 underwent incremental cycle ergometry. Based on exercise inspiratory capacity (ICdyn), we generated centile-based reference values for the following metrics of IR as a function of absolute ventilation: IRdyn1 ([1-(tidal volume/ICdyn)] x 100) and IRdyn2 ([1-(end-inspiratory lung volume/total lung capacity] x 100). IRdyn1 and IRdyn2 standards were typically lower in females and older subjects (p<0.05 for sex and age versus ventilation interactions). Low IRdyn1 and IRdyn2 significantly predicted the burden of exertional dyspnea in both sexes (p<0.01). Using these sex and age-adjusted limits of reference, the clinician can adequately judge the presence and severity of abnormally low inspiratory reserves in dyspneic subjects undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abed A Hijleh
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, Connell 2-200. 102 Stuart St., Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Danilo C Berton
- Pulmonary Function Tests Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande to Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350 Bloco A, Av. Protásio Alves, 211 - Bloco B e C - Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Igor Neder-Serafini
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, Connell 2-200. 102 Stuart St., Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Matthew James
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, Connell 2-200. 102 Stuart St., Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Sandra Vincent
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, Connell 2-200. 102 Stuart St., Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Nicolle Domnik
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, Connell 2-200. 102 Stuart St., Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Devin Phillips
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Norman Bethune College, 170 Campus Walk Room 341, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Denis E O'Donnell
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, Connell 2-200. 102 Stuart St., Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - J Alberto Neder
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, Connell 2-200. 102 Stuart St., Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada.
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Sietsema KE, Rossiter HB. Exercise Physiology and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 44:661-680. [PMID: 37429332 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1770362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Aerobic, or endurance, exercise is an energy requiring process supported primarily by energy from oxidative adenosine triphosphate synthesis. The consumption of oxygen and production of carbon dioxide in muscle cells are dynamically linked to oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and carbon dioxide output (V̇CO2) at the lung by integrated functions of cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and neurohumoral systems. Maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) is the standard expression of aerobic capacity and a predictor of outcomes in diverse populations. While commonly limited in young fit individuals by the capacity to deliver oxygen to exercising muscle, (V̇O2max) may become limited by impairment within any of the multiple systems supporting cellular or atmospheric gas exchange. In the range of available power outputs, endurance exercise can be partitioned into different intensity domains representing distinct metabolic profiles and tolerances for sustained activity. Estimates of both V̇O2max and the lactate threshold, which marks the upper limit of moderate-intensity exercise, can be determined from measures of gas exchange from respired breath during whole-body exercise. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) includes measurement of V̇O2 and V̇CO2 along with heart rate and other variables reflecting cardiac and pulmonary responses to exercise. Clinical CPET is conducted for persons with known medical conditions to quantify impairment, contribute to prognostic assessments, and help discriminate among proximal causes of symptoms or limitations for an individual. CPET is also conducted in persons without known disease as part of the diagnostic evaluation of unexplained symptoms. Although CPET quantifies a limited sample of the complex functions and interactions underlying exercise performance, both its specific and global findings are uniquely valuable. Some specific findings can aid in individualized diagnosis and treatment decisions. At the same time, CPET provides a holistic summary of an individual's exercise function, including effects not only of the primary diagnosis, but also of secondary and coexisting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy E Sietsema
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Physiology and Medicine, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Torrance, California
| | - Harry B Rossiter
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Physiology and Medicine, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Torrance, California
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Berton DC, Plachi F, James MD, Vincent SG, Smyth RM, Domnik NJ, Phillips DB, de-Torres JP, Nery LE, O'Donnell DE, Neder JA. Dynamic Ventilatory Reserve During Incremental Exercise: Reference Values and Clinical Validation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2023; 20:1425-1434. [PMID: 37413694 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202304-303oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Ventilatory demand-capacity imbalance, as inferred based on a low ventilatory reserve, is currently assessed only at peak cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Peak ventilatory reserve, however, is poorly sensitive to the submaximal, dynamic mechanical ventilatory abnormalities that are key to dyspnea genesis and exercise intolerance. Objectives: After establishing sex- and age-corrected norms for dynamic ventilatory reserve at progressively higher work rates, we compared peak and dynamic ventilatory reserve for their ability to expose increased exertional dyspnea and poor exercise tolerance in mild to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: We analyzed resting functional and incremental CPET data from 275 controls (130 men, aged 19-85 yr) and 359 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease patients with stage 1-4 obstruction (203 men) who were prospectively recruited for previous ethically approved studies in three research centers. In addition to peak and dynamic ventilatory reserve (1 - [ventilation / estimated maximal voluntary ventilation] × 100), operating lung volumes and dyspnea scores (0-10 on the Borg scale) were obtained. Results: Dynamic ventilatory reserve was asymmetrically distributed in controls; thus, we calculated its centile distribution at every 20 W. The lower limit of normal (lower than the fifth centile) was consistently lower in women and older subjects. Peak and dynamic ventilatory reserve disagreed significantly in indicating an abnormally low test result in patients: whereas approximately 50% of those with a normal peak ventilatory reserve showed a reduced dynamic ventilatory reserve, the opposite was found in approximately 15% (P < 0.001). Irrespective of peak ventilatory reserve and COPD severity, patients who had a dynamic ventilatory reserve below the lower limit of normal at an isowork rate of 40 W had greater ventilatory requirements, prompting earlier attainment of critically low inspiratory reserve. Consequently, they reported higher dyspnea scores, showing poorer exercise tolerance compared with those with preserved dynamic ventilatory reserve. Conversely, patients with preserved dynamic ventilatory reserve but reduced peak ventilatory reserve reported the lowest dyspnea scores, showing the best exercise tolerance. Conclusions: Reduced submaximal dynamic ventilatory reserve, even in the setting of preserved peak ventilatory reserve, is a powerful predictor of exertional dyspnea and exercise intolerance in COPD. This new parameter of ventilatory demand-capacity mismatch may enhance the yield of clinical CPET in the investigation of activity-related breathlessness in individual patients with COPD and other prevalent cardiopulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo C Berton
- Unidade de Fisiologia Pulmonar, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Franciele Plachi
- Unidade de Fisiologia Pulmonar, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Matthew D James
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra G Vincent
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Reginald M Smyth
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicolle J Domnik
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Devin B Phillips
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Juan P de-Torres
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luiz E Nery
- Setor de Função Pulmonar e Fisiologia Clinica do Exercício, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denis E O'Donnell
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Alberto Neder
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Neder JA, Berton DC, O'Donnell DE. Using the pulmonary function laboratory to assist in disease management: COPD. J Bras Pneumol 2023; 49:e20230171. [PMID: 37493791 PMCID: PMC10578935 DOI: 10.36416/1806-3756/e20230171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- José Alberto Neder
- . Pulmonary Function Laboratory and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Kingston Health Science Center & Queen's University, Kingston (ON) Canada
| | - Danilo Cortozi Berton
- . Unidade de Fisiologia Pulmonar, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
| | - Denis E O'Donnell
- . Pulmonary Function Laboratory and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Kingston Health Science Center & Queen's University, Kingston (ON) Canada
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Neder JA, Berton DC, O'Donnell DE. The pulmonary function laboratory in the investigation of dyspnea of unknown origin. J Bras Pneumol 2023; 49:e20230119. [PMID: 37194821 DOI: 10.36416/1806-3756/e20230119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic dyspnea (i.e., dyspnea for at least 3 months) negatively impacts the health-related quality of life of ~10% of the general population. In a sizable fraction of these individuals, the underlying cause remains unclear after detailed clinical assessment, basic pulmonary function tests, and chest imaging, characterizing dyspnea of unknown origin (DUO). The “lung doctor” is frequently called to assess these patients for diagnostic clarification, an endeavor fraught with complexities in most circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Alberto Neder
- . Pulmonary Function Laboratory and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Kingston Health Science Center & Queen's University, Kingston (ON) Canada
| | - Danilo Cortozi Berton
- . Unidade de Fisiologia Pulmonar, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
| | - Denis E O'Donnell
- . Pulmonary Function Laboratory and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Kingston Health Science Center & Queen's University, Kingston (ON) Canada
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9
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Neder JA. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing applied to respiratory medicine: Myths and facts. Respir Med 2023; 214:107249. [PMID: 37100256 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) remains poorly understood and, consequently, largely underused in respiratory medicine. In addition to a widespread lack of knowledge of integrative physiology, several tenets of CPET interpretation have relevant controversies and limitations which should be appropriately recognized. With the intent to provide a roadmap for the pulmonologist to realistically calibrate their expectations towards CPET, a collection of deeply entrenched beliefs is critically discussed. They include a) the actual role of CPET in uncovering the cause(s) of dyspnoea of unknown origin, b) peak O2 uptake as the key metric of cardiorespiratory capacity, c) the value of low lactate ("anaerobic") threshold to differentiate cardiocirculatory from respiratory causes of exercise limitation, d) the challenges of interpreting heart rate-based indexes of cardiovascular performance, e) the meaning of peak breathing reserve in dyspnoeic patients, f) the merits and drawbacks of measuring operating lung volumes during exercise, g) how best interpret the metrics of gas exchange inefficiency such as the ventilation-CO2 output relationship, h) when (and why) measurements of arterial blood gases are required, and i) the advantages of recording submaximal dyspnoea "quantity" and "quality". Based on a conceptual framework that links exertional dyspnoea to "excessive" and/or "restrained" breathing, I outline the approaches to CPET performance and interpretation that proved clinically more helpful in each of these scenarios. CPET to answer clinically relevant questions in pulmonology is a largely uncharted research field: I, therefore, finalize by highlighting some lines of inquiry to improve its diagnostic and prognostic yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alberto Neder
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Department of Medicine, Division of Respirology, Kingston Health Sciences Center, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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Smyth RM, Neder JA, James MD, Vincent SG, Milne KM, Marillier M, de-Torres JP, Moran-Mendoza O, O'Donnell DE, Phillips DB. Physiological underpinnings of exertional dyspnoea in mild fibrosing interstitial lung disease. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2023; 312:104041. [PMID: 36858334 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2023.104041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
The functional disturbances driving "out-of-proportion" dyspnoea in patients with fibrosing interstitial lung disease (f-ILD) showing only mild restrictive abnormalities remain poorly understood. Eighteen patients (10 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) showing preserved spirometry and mildly reduced total lung capacity (≥70% predicted) and 18 controls underwent an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test with measurements of operating lung volumes and Borg dyspnoea scores. Patients' lower exercise tolerance was associated with higher ventilation (V̇E)/carbon dioxide (V̇CO2) compared with controls (V̇E/V̇CO2 nadir=35 ± 3 versus 29 ± 2; p < 0.001). Patients showed higher tidal volume/inspiratory capacity and lower inspiratory reserve volume at a given exercise intensity, reporting higher dyspnoea scores as a function of both work rate and V̇E. Steeper dyspnoea-work rate slopes were associated with lower lung diffusing capacity, higher V̇E/V̇CO2, and lower peak O2 uptake (p < 0.05). Heightened ventilatory demands in the setting of progressively lower capacity for tidal volume expansion on exertion largely explain higher-than-expected dyspnoea in f-ILD patients with largely preserved dynamic and "static" lung volumes at rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginald M Smyth
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - J Alberto Neder
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Matthew D James
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Sandra G Vincent
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Kathryn M Milne
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada; Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Health Care Research Institute, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Mathieu Marillier
- HP2 Laboratory, INSERM U1300, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France.
| | - Juan P de-Torres
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Onofre Moran-Mendoza
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Denis E O'Donnell
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Devin B Phillips
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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11
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Neder JA, Rocha A, Arbex FF, Alencar MCN, Sperandio PA, Hirai DM, Berton DC. Exertional oscillatory ventilation in subjects without heart failure reporting chronic dyspnoea. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00324-2022. [PMID: 36726368 PMCID: PMC9885272 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00324-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oscillatory ventilation detected on incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing might be found in subjects without heart failure reporting exertional dyspnoea despite the best available therapy for their underlying cardiopulmonary disease https://bit.ly/3Tyl7bE.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Alberto Neder
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology (LACEP) and Respiratory Investigation Unit (RIU), Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada,J. Alberto Neder ()
| | - Alcides Rocha
- Pulmonary Function and Clinical Exercise Physiology Unit (SEFICE), Division of Respirology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flavio F. Arbex
- Pulmonary Function and Clinical Exercise Physiology Unit (SEFICE), Division of Respirology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara N. Alencar
- Pulmonary Function and Clinical Exercise Physiology Unit (SEFICE), Division of Respirology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila A. Sperandio
- Pulmonary Function and Clinical Exercise Physiology Unit (SEFICE), Division of Respirology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel M. Hirai
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Danilo C. Berton
- Division of Respirology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Neder JA, Phillips DB, O'Donnell DE, Dempsey JA. Excess ventilation and exertional dyspnoea in heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Eur Respir J 2022; 60:13993003.00144-2022. [PMID: 35618273 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00144-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Increased ventilation relative to metabolic demands, indicating alveolar hyperventilation and/or increased physiological dead space (excess ventilation), is a key cause of exertional dyspnoea. Excess ventilation has assumed a prominent role in the functional assessment of patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced (HFrEF) or preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We herein provide the key pieces of information to the caring physician to 1) gain unique insights into the seeds of patients' shortness of breath and 2) develop a rationale for therapeutically lessening excess ventilation to mitigate this distressing symptom. Reduced bulk oxygen transfer induced by cardiac output limitation and/or right ventricle-pulmonary arterial uncoupling increase neurochemical afferent stimulation and (largely chemo-) receptor sensitivity, leading to alveolar hyperventilation in HFrEF, PAH and small-vessel, distal CTEPH. As such, interventions geared to improve central haemodynamics and/or reduce chemosensitivity have been particularly effective in lessening their excess ventilation. In contrast, 1) high filling pressures in HFpEF and 2) impaired lung perfusion leading to ventilation/perfusion mismatch in proximal CTEPH conspire to increase physiological dead space. Accordingly, 1) decreasing pulmonary capillary pressures and 2) mechanically unclogging larger pulmonary vessels (pulmonary endarterectomy and balloon pulmonary angioplasty) have been associated with larger decrements in excess ventilation. Exercise training has a strong beneficial effect across diseases. Addressing some major unanswered questions on the link of excess ventilation with exertional dyspnoea under the modulating influence of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions might prove instrumental to alleviate the devastating consequences of these prevalent diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alberto Neder
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Devin B Phillips
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Denis E O'Donnell
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Dept of Medicine, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jerome A Dempsey
- John Rankin Laboratory of Pulmonary Medicine, Dept of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Hudler A, Holguin F, Althoff M, Fuhlbrigge A, Sharma S. Pathophysiology and clinical evaluation of the patient with unexplained persistent dyspnea. Expert Rev Respir Med 2022; 16:511-518. [PMID: 35034521 PMCID: PMC9276544 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2022.2030222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dyspnea is a complex symptom, which largely results from an imbalance between an afferent sensory stimulus and the corresponding efferent respiratory neuromuscular response. In addition, it is heavily influenced by the patient's prior experiences and sociocultural factors. AREAS COVERED The diagnostic approach to these patients requires a graded, systematic, and often multidisciplinary approach to determine what is the underlying pathophysiologic process. Utilization of objective data obtained through lab testing, imaging, and advanced testing, such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing, is often required to help identify underlying pathology contributing to a patient's symptoms. This article will review dyspnea's underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and standardized approaches to diagnoses. In the expert opinion section, we will discuss our own clinical approach to evaluating patients with persistent dyspnea. EXPERT OPINION Unexplained dyspnea is a challenging diagnosis that occurs in patients with and without underlying cardiopulmonary diseases. It requires a systematic approach, which initially uses clinical evaluation in addition to standard imaging and clinical biomarkers. When diagnoses are not made during the initial evaluation, subsequent tests can include cardiopulmonary exercise test and methacholine challenge. To be certain of the correct diagnosis, It is imperative that the clinician determines dyspnea's response to a particular therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi Hudler
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Fernando Holguin
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Meghan Althoff
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Anne Fuhlbrigge
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Sunita Sharma
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
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Marillier M, Gruet M, Bernard AC, Verges S, Neder JA. The Exercising Brain: An Overlooked Factor Limiting the Tolerance to Physical Exertion in Major Cardiorespiratory Diseases? Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 15:789053. [PMID: 35126072 PMCID: PMC8813863 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.789053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
“Exercise starts and ends in the brain”: this was the title of a review article authored by Dr. Bengt Kayser back in 2003. In this piece of work, the author highlights that pioneer studies have primarily focused on the cardiorespiratory-muscle axis to set the human limits to whole-body exercise tolerance. In some circumstances, however, exercise cessation may not be solely attributable to these players: the central nervous system is thought to hold a relevant role as the ultimate site of exercise termination. In fact, there has been a growing interest relative to the “brain” response to exercise in chronic cardiorespiratory diseases, and its potential implication in limiting the tolerance to physical exertion in patients. To reach these overarching goals, non-invasive techniques, such as near-infrared spectroscopy and transcranial magnetic stimulation, have been successfully applied to get insights into the underlying mechanisms of exercise limitation in clinical populations. This review provides an up-to-date outline of the rationale for the “brain” as the organ limiting the tolerance to physical exertion in patients with cardiorespiratory diseases. We first outline some key methodological aspects of neuromuscular function and cerebral hemodynamics assessment in response to different exercise paradigms. We then review the most prominent studies, which explored the influence of major cardiorespiratory diseases on these outcomes. After a balanced summary of existing evidence, we finalize by detailing the rationale for investigating the “brain” contribution to exercise limitation in hitherto unexplored cardiorespiratory diseases, an endeavor that might lead to innovative lines of applied physiological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Marillier
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
- HP2 Laboratory, INSERM U1300, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Mathieu Gruet
- IAPS Laboratory, University of Toulon, Toulon, France
| | - Anne-Catherine Bernard
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
- HP2 Laboratory, INSERM U1300, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Samuel Verges
- HP2 Laboratory, INSERM U1300, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - J Alberto Neder
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Abstract
Dyspnea in low-preload states is an underrecognized but growing diagnosis in patients with unexplained dyspnea. Patients can often experience debilitating symptoms at rest and with exertion, as low measured preload often leads to decreased cardiac output and ultimately dyspnea. In the present article, we performed a review of the literature and a multidisciplinary evaluation to understand the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of dyspnea in low-preload states. We explored selected etiologies and suggested an algorithm to approach unexplained dyspnea. The mainstay of diagnosis remains as invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing. We concluded with a variety of nonpharmacological and pharmacological therapies, highlighting that a multifactorial approach may lead to the best results.
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O'Donnell DE, Laveneziana P, Neder JA. Editorial: Clinical Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing. Front Physiol 2021; 12:711505. [PMID: 34262485 PMCID: PMC8273375 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.711505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Denis E O'Donnell
- Respiratory Investigation Unit and the Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Pierantonio Laveneziana
- Sorbonne Université, Faculté de Médecine Pierre et Marie Curie & APHP and Service d'Explorations Fonctionnelles de la Respiration, de l'Exercice et de la Dyspnée, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, Tenon et Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - J Alberto Neder
- Respiratory Investigation Unit and the Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Gonzalez-Garcia M, Barrero M, Maldonado D. Exercise Capacity, Ventilatory Response, and Gas Exchange in COPD Patients With Mild to Severe Obstruction Residing at High Altitude. Front Physiol 2021; 12:668144. [PMID: 34220533 PMCID: PMC8249805 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.668144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exercise intolerance, desaturation, and dyspnea are common features in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). At altitude, the barometric pressure (BP) decreases, and therefore the inspired oxygen pressure and the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) also decrease in healthy subjects and even more in patients with COPD. Most of the studies evaluating ventilation and arterial blood gas (ABG) during exercise in COPD patients have been conducted at sea level and in small populations of people ascending to high altitudes. Our objective was to compare exercise capacity, gas exchange, ventilatory alterations, and symptoms in COPD patients at the altitude of Bogotá (2,640 m), of all degrees of severity. Methods Measurement during a cardiopulmonary exercise test of oxygen consumption (VO2), minute ventilation (VE), tidal volume (VT), heart rate (HR), ventilatory equivalents of CO2 (VE/VCO2), inspiratory capacity (IC), end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PETCO2), and ABG. For the comparison of the variables between the control subjects and the patients according to the GOLD stages, the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test or the one-way analysis of variance test was used. Results Eighty-one controls and 525 patients with COPD aged 67.5 ± 9.1 years were included. Compared with controls, COPD patients had lower VO2 and VE (p < 0.001) and higher VE/VCO2 (p = 0.001), A-aPO2, and VD/VT (p < 0.001). In COPD patients, PaO2 and saturation decreased, and delta IC (p = 0.004) and VT/IC increased (p = 0.002). These alterations were also seen in mild COPD and progressed with increasing severity of the obstruction. Conclusion The main findings of this study in COPD patients residing at high altitude were a progressive decrease in exercise capacity, increased dyspnea, dynamic hyperinflation, restrictive mechanical constraints, and gas exchange abnormalities during exercise, across GOLD stages 1–4. In patients with mild COPD, there were also lower exercise capacity and gas exchange alterations, with significant differences from controls. Compared with studies at sea level, because of the lower inspired oxygen pressure and the compensatory increase in ventilation, hypoxemia at rest and during exercise was more severe; PaCO2 and PETCO2 were lower; and VE/VO2 was higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Gonzalez-Garcia
- Pulmonary Function Testing Laboratory, Fundación Neumologica Colombiana, Bogotá, Colombia.,Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Margarita Barrero
- Pulmonary Function Testing Laboratory, Fundación Neumologica Colombiana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Dario Maldonado
- Pulmonary Function Testing Laboratory, Fundación Neumologica Colombiana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Neder JA, Phillips DB, Marillier M, Bernard AC, Berton DC, O'Donnell DE. Clinical Interpretation of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: Current Pitfalls and Limitations. Front Physiol 2021; 12:552000. [PMID: 33815128 PMCID: PMC8012894 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.552000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several shortcomings on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) interpretation have shed a negative light on the test as a clinically useful tool. For instance, the reader should recognize patterns of dysfunction based on clusters of variables rather than relying on rigid interpretative algorithms. Correct display of key graphical data is of foremost relevance: prolixity and redundancy should be avoided. Submaximal dyspnea ratings should be plotted as a function of work rate (WR) and ventilatory demand. Increased work of breathing and/or obesity may normalize peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2) despite a low peak WR. Among the determinants of V̇O2, only heart rate is measured during non-invasive CPET. It follows that in the absence of findings suggestive of severe impairment in O2 delivery, the boundaries between inactivity and early cardiovascular disease are blurred in individual subjects. A preserved breathing reserve should not be viewed as evidence that "the lungs" are not limiting the subject. In this context, measurements of dynamic inspiratory capacity are key to uncover abnormalities germane to exertional dyspnea. A low end-tidal partial pressure for carbon dioxide may indicate either increased "wasted" ventilation or alveolar hyperventilation; thus, direct measurements of arterial (or arterialized) PO2 might be warranted. Differentiating a chaotic breathing pattern from the normal breath-by-breath noise might be complex if the plotted data are not adequately smoothed. A sober recognition of these limitations, associated with an interpretation report free from technicalities and convoluted terminology, is crucial to enhance the credibility of CPET in the eyes of the practicing physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alberto Neder
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Devin B Phillips
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Mathieu Marillier
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anne-Catherine Bernard
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Danilo C Berton
- Division of Respirology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Denis E O'Donnell
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Berton DC, Mendes NBS, Olivo-Neto P, Benedetto IG, Gazzana MB. Pulmonology approach in the investigation of chronic unexplained dyspnea. J Bras Pneumol 2021; 47:e20200406. [PMID: 33567064 PMCID: PMC7889318 DOI: 10.36416/1806-3756/e20200406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic unexplained dyspnea and exercise intolerance represent common, distressing symptoms in outpatients. Clinical history taking and physical examination are the mainstays for diagnostic evaluation. However, the cause of dyspnea may remain elusive even after comprehensive diagnostic evaluation-basic laboratory analyses; chest imaging; pulmonary function testing; and cardiac testing. At that point (and frequently before), patients are usually referred to a pulmonologist, who is expected to be the main physician to solve this conundrum. In this context, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), to assess physiological and sensory responses from rest to peak exercise, provides a unique opportunity to unmask the mechanisms of the underlying dyspnea and their interactions with a broad spectrum of disorders. However, CPET is underused in clinical practice, possibly due to operational issues (equipment costs, limited availability, and poor remuneration) and limited medical education regarding the method. To counter the latter shortcoming, we aspire to provide a pragmatic strategy for interpreting CPET results. Clustering findings of exercise response allows the characterization of patterns that permit the clinician to narrow the list of possible diagnoses rather than pinpointing a specific etiology. We present a proposal for a diagnostic workup and some illustrative cases assessed by CPET. Given that airway hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary vascular disorders, which are within the purview of pulmonology, are common causes of chronic unexplained dyspnea, we also aim to describe the role of bronchial challenge tests and the diagnostic reasoning for investigating the pulmonary circulation in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cortozi Berton
- . Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Pneumológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS - Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
- . Serviço de Pneumologia, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre - HCPA - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS - Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
| | - Nathalia Branco Schweitzer Mendes
- . Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Pneumológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS - Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
- . Serviço de Pneumologia, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre - HCPA - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS - Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
| | - Pedro Olivo-Neto
- . Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Pneumológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS - Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
- . Serviço de Pneumologia, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre - HCPA - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS - Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
| | - Igor Gorski Benedetto
- . Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Pneumológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS - Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
- . Serviço de Pneumologia, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre - HCPA - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS - Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
- . Serviço de Pneumologia e Cirurgia Torácica, Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
| | - Marcelo Basso Gazzana
- . Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Pneumológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS - Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
- . Serviço de Pneumologia, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre - HCPA - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS - Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
- . Serviço de Pneumologia e Cirurgia Torácica, Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
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Marillier M, Bernard AC, Reimao G, Castelli G, Alqurashi H, O'Donnell DE, Neder JA. Breathing at Extremes. Chest 2020; 158:1576-1585. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Domnik NJ, Walsted ES, Langer D. Clinical Utility of Measuring Inspiratory Neural Drive During Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET). Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:483. [PMID: 33043023 PMCID: PMC7530180 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has traditionally included ventilatory and metabolic measurements alongside electrocardiographic characterization; however, research increasingly acknowledges the utility of also measuring inspiratory neural drive (IND) through its surrogate measure of diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdi). While true IND also encompasses the activation of non-diaphragmatic respiratory muscles, the current review focuses on diaphragmatic measurements, providing information about additional inspiratory muscle groups for context where appropriate. Evaluation of IND provides mechanistic insight into the origins of dyspnea and exercise limitation across pathologies; yields valuable information reflecting the integration of diverse mechanical, chemical, locomotor, and metabolic afferent signals; and can help assess the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Further, IND measurement during the physiologic stress of exercise is uniquely poised to reveal the underpinnings of physiologic limitations masked during resting and unloaded breathing, with important information provided not only at peak exercise, but throughout exercise protocols. As our understanding of IND presentation across varying conditions continues to grow and methods for its measurement become more accessible, the translation of these principles into clinical settings is a logical next step in facilitating appropriate and nuanced management tailored to each individual's unique physiology. This review provides an overview of the current state of understanding of IND measurement during CPET: its origins, known patterns of behavior and links with dyspnea in health and major respiratory diseases, and the possibility of expanding this approach to applications beyond exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emil S. Walsted
- Respiratory Research Unit, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Langer
- Research Group for Rehabilitation in Internal Disorders, Respiratory Rehabilitation and Respiratory Division, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Berton DC, Gass R, Feldmann B, Plachi F, Hutten D, Mendes NBS, Schroeder E, Balzan FM, Peyré-Tartaruga LA, Gazzana MB. Responses to progressive exercise in subjects with chronic dyspnea and inspiratory muscle weakness. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2020; 15:26-35. [PMID: 33480479 DOI: 10.1111/crj.13265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inspiratory muscle weakness (IMW) is a potential cause of exertional dyspnea frequently under-appreciated in clinical practice. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is usually requested as part of the work-up for unexplained breathlessness, but the specific pattern of exercise responses ascribed to IMW is insufficiently characterized. OBJECTIVES To identify the physiological and sensorial responses to progressive exercise in dyspneic patients with IMW without concomitant cardiorespiratory or neuromuscular diseases. METHODS Twenty-three subjects (18 females, 55.2 ± 16.9 years) complaining of chronic daily life dyspnea (mMRC = 3 [2-3]) plus maximal inspiratory pressure < the lower limit of normal and 12 matched controls performed incremental cycling CPET. FEV1/FVC<0.7, significant abnormalities in chest CT or echocardiography, and/or an established diagnosis of neuromuscular disease were among the exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Patients presented with reduced aerobic capacity (peak V̇O2: 79 ± 26 vs 116 ± 21 %predicted), a tachypneic breathing pattern (peak breathing frequency/tidal volume = 38.4 ± 22.7 vs 21.7 ± 14.2 breaths/min/L) and exercise-induced inspiratory capacity reduction (-0.17 ± 0.33 vs 0.10 ± 0.30 L) (all P < .05) compared to controls. In addition, higher ventilatory response (ΔV̇E/ΔV̇CO2 = 34.1 ± 6.7 vs 27.0 ± 2.3 L/L) and symptomatic burden (dyspnea and leg discomfort) to the imposed workload were observed in patients. Of note, pulse oximetry was similar between groups. Reduced aerobic capacity in the context of a tachypneic breathing pattern, inspiratory capacity reduction and preserved oxygen exchange during progressive exercise should raise the suspicion of inspiratory muscle weakness in subjects with otherwise unexplained breathlessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo C Berton
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Gass
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bianca Feldmann
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Franciele Plachi
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Debora Hutten
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Branco Schweitzer Mendes
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Elisa Schroeder
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M Balzan
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leonardo A Peyré-Tartaruga
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Exercise Research Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Gazzana
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Milne KM, Domnik NJ, Phillips DB, James MD, Vincent SG, Neder JA, O'Donnell DE. Evaluation of Dynamic Respiratory Mechanical Abnormalities During Conventional CPET. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:548. [PMID: 33072774 PMCID: PMC7533639 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of the ventilatory response to exercise is important in evaluating mechanisms of dyspnea and exercise intolerance in chronic cardiopulmonary diseases. The characteristic mechanical derangements that occur during exercise in chronic respiratory conditions have previously been determined in seminal studies using esophageal catheter pressure-derived measurements. In this brief review, we examine the emerging role and clinical utility of conventional assessment of dynamic respiratory mechanics during exercise testing. Thus, we provide a physiologic rationale for measuring operating lung volumes, breathing pattern, and flow-volume loops during exercise. We consider standardization of inspiratory capacity-derived measurements and their practical implementation in clinical laboratories. We examine the evidence that this iterative approach allows greater refinement in evaluation of ventilatory limitation during exercise than traditional assessments of breathing reserve. We appraise the available data on the reproducibility and responsiveness of this methodology. In particular, we review inspiratory capacity measurement and derived operating lung volumes during exercise. We demonstrate, using recent published data, how systematic evaluation of dynamic mechanical constraints, together with breathing pattern analysis, can provide valuable insights into the nature and extent of physiological impairment contributing to exercise intolerance in individuals with common chronic obstructive and restrictive respiratory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Milne
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre & Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Clinician Investigator Program, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nicolle J Domnik
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre & Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Devin B Phillips
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre & Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew D James
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre & Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra G Vincent
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre & Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - J Alberto Neder
- Laboratory of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre & Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Denis E O'Donnell
- Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre & Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Arena R, Canada JM, Popovic D, Trankle CR, Del Buono MG, Lucas A, Abbate A. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing - refining the clinical perspective by combining assessments. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2020; 18:563-576. [PMID: 32749934 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2020.1806057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is now established as a vital sign. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) is the gold-standard approach to assessing CRF. AREAS COVERED A body of literature spanning several decades clearly supports the clinical utility of CPX in those who are apparently health and at risk for chronic disease as well as numerous patient populations. While CPX, in and of itself, is a valid and reliable clinical assessment, combining findings with other available assessments may provide a more comprehensive perspective that enhances clinical decision making and outcomes. The current review will accomplish the following: (1) define key CPX measures based upon current evidence; and (2) describe the current evidence addressing the relationships between CPX and echocardiography, serum biomarkers, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance. EXPERT OPINION Cardiopulmonary exercise testing provides prognostic and diagnostic information in apparently healthy individuals, those at risk for one or more chronic conditions, as well as numerous patient populations. Moreover, if the goal of an intervention is to improve one or more systems integral to the physiologic response to exercise, CPX should be considered as a central assessment to gauge therapeutic efficacy. To further refine the information obtained from CPX, combining other assessments has demonstrated promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Arena
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Science, University of Illinois , Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Justin M Canada
- VCU Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Dejana Popovic
- Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade , Belgrade, Serbia.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade , Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Cory R Trankle
- VCU Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Alexander Lucas
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, VCU Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Antonio Abbate
- VCU Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA, USA
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Neder JA, Berton DC, O'Donnell DE. Obesity: how pulmonary function tests may let us down. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 46:e20200116. [PMID: 32556024 PMCID: PMC7572281 DOI: 10.36416/1806-3756/e20200116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José Alberto Neder
- . Pulmonary Function Laboratory and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology and Sleep Medicine, Kingston Health Science Center & Queen's University, Kingston (ON) Canada
| | - Danilo Cortozi Berton
- . Unidade de Fisiologia Pulmonar, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil
| | - Denis E O'Donnell
- . Pulmonary Function Laboratory and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology and Sleep Medicine, Kingston Health Science Center & Queen's University, Kingston (ON) Canada
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Neder JA, Berton DC, O'Donnell DE. The Lung Function Laboratory to Assist Clinical Decision-making in Pulmonology: Evolving Challenges to an Old Issue. Chest 2020; 158:1629-1643. [PMID: 32428514 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The lung function laboratory frequently provides relevant information to the practice of pulmonology. Clinical interpretation of pulmonary function and exercise tests, however, has been complicated more recently by temporal changes in demographic characteristics (higher life expectancy), anthropometric attributes (increased obesity prevalence), and the surge of polypharmacy in a sedentary population with multiple chronic degenerative diseases. In this narrative review, we concisely discuss some key challenges to test interpretation that have been affected by these epidemiologic shifts: (a) the confounding effects of advanced age and severe obesity, (b) the contemporary controversies in the diagnosis of obstruction (including asthma and/or COPD), (c) the importance of considering the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco)/"accessible" alveolar volume (carbon monoxide transfer coefficient) in association with Dlco to uncover the causes of impaired gas exchange, and (d) the modern role of the pulmonary function laboratory (including cardiopulmonary exercise testing) in the investigation of undetermined dyspnea. Following a Bayesian perspective, we suggest interpretative algorithms that consider the pretest probability of abnormalities as indicated by additional clinical information. We, therefore, adopt a pragmatic approach to help the practicing pulmonologist to apply the information provided by the lung function laboratory to the care of individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alberto Neder
- Pulmonary Function Laboratory and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Science Center, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Danilo C Berton
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Denis E O'Donnell
- Pulmonary Function Laboratory and Respiratory Investigation Unit, Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Kingston Health Science Center, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Neder JA, Berton DC, Marillier M, Bernard AC, de Torres JP, O'Donnell DE. Resting V′E/V′CO2 adds to inspiratory capacity to predict the burden of exertional dyspnoea in COPD. Eur Respir J 2020; 56:13993003.02434-2019. [DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02434-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Nemoto Y, Suzuki S, Okauchi S, Kagohashi K, Satoh H. Terminological Usage Related to Dyspnea by Nursing Staff: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Survey. Asian Pac Isl Nurs J 2020; 4:144-150. [PMID: 32055682 PMCID: PMC7014382 DOI: 10.31372/20190404.1065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, additional expressions such as 'sensation of breathing discomfort' and 'discomfort of dyspnea' are being used in daily nursing care in Japan. To better understand the current status of the use of these terms by nurses, and to ascertain what the term 'dyspnea' may not express, we designed an original questionnaire and conducted a study with all nurses at our hospital. The questionnaire included questions to determine if nurses used these terms, and in what context. Of the 279 nurses in our hospital, 225 (80.6%) responded. Three-quarters of nurses indicated that they use these terms in clinical nursing practice. There was no difference in the usage of these terms between nurses who had or had not worked in a respiratory outpatients/ward. However, the percentage of nurses using these terms was higher amongst those with 10 years or less nursing experience compared with those with more than 10 years' experience. Open-ended questions revealed that these terms were used to communicate information between nurses and between nurses and patients' families. Our observations need to be verified in large-scale studies to determine if these terms are meaningful for nursing practice in that they describe something not expressed with 'dyspnea'. There is the possibility of confusion due to the use of inappropriate terms and a lack of education on the subject. Many nurses used these terms, and there may be things that the term 'dyspnea' could not express. The results of this study can be used to identify something that is lacking in communication about dyspnea between nurses, nurses and patients, and nurses and patients' families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Nemoto
- University of Tsukuba-Mito Kyodo General Hospital, Japan
| | - Sayuri Suzuki
- University of Tsukuba-Mito Kyodo General Hospital, Japan
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