472 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PULMONARY FUNCTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION. Issue 1 (1st January 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, H.; Blanc, P. D.; Teehankee, C. M.; De Marco, T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative medicine. Volume 55:Issue 1(2007)
• Page Start: S153
• Page End: S153
• Publication Date: 2007-01-01
• Subjects: Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Medicine; Research -- United States; Clinical medicine; Medicine -- Research; Periodicals; 616.075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1081-5589

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The relationship between pulmonary function abnormalities and quality of life (QOL) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension has not been well described. Methods: We studied pulmonary function data from 58 subjects with pulmonary arterial hypertension defined by mean pulmonary artery pressure > 25 mm Hg on right heart catheterization. Airway obstruction was defined as an FEV1 < 80% predicted with a normal total lung capacity (TLC). Restriction was defined as a TLC < 80% predicted. Diffusion impairment was defined as DLCO < 60% predicted. Exercise capacity was measured by 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). Airway-specific QOL was assessed using the revised Airways Questionnaire 20 (AQ20-R). Results: Causes of pulmonary hypertension included idiopathic, 17 (29%); connective tissue disease, 22 (38%); portal hypertension, 9 (16%); and other, 10 (17%). Airway obstruction was present in 18 (31%) subjects, restriction in 15 (26%), and impaired diffusion in 21 (36%). FEV1 % predicted correlated significantly with both 6MWD ( r = .44, p = .001) and airway-specific QOL ( r = .31, p = .03). TLC correlated with 6MWD ( r = .48, p = .001) but not QOL. Diffusion capacity did not correlate with either 6MWD or QOL. In a multivariable model adjusted for the presence of restriction and diffusion impairment, FEV1 was an independent predictor of airway-specific QOL ( p = .01). Further adding 6MWD to the model did not significantly alter this relationship. Conclusion: Pulmonary function abnormalities are prevalent in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Reduced FEV1 is associated with worse airway-specific QOL in pulmonary arterial hypertension even after taking exercise capacity into account. Funded by the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute.