Influence of an Acute Exacerbation During Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awaiting Lung Transplantation

The objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence of acute exacerbations (AEs) during PR and their impact on the outcomes of pre-LTx PR. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, 559 patients with COPD awaiting LTx who were referred to a 4-wk inpatient PR program were evaluated. A total of 114 patients (20%) acquired an AE during PR and continued in an adapted fashion. Pulmonary function testing, 6-min walk test (6MWT), and a health-related quality-of-life questionnaire (SF-36) were administered on admission and on discharge of PR. Results: Following PR, both groups, patients with and without AE, increased their 6MWT significantly (P
Source: Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Tags: Pulmonary Rehabilitation Source Type: research