Lung function and six-minute walk test performance in individuals with sickle cell disease

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Hematology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder affecting beta-hemoglobin, leading to significant physiological impairments.
• Key complications include compromised pulmonary function and diminished functional capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate pulmonary function and functional capacity changes in individuals with SCD.
• To investigate the interrelationships between these physiological parameters.

Main Methods:

• Sociodemographic, anthropometric, spirometry, respiratory pressure, handgrip strength (HS), and six-minute walk test (6MWT) data were collected from 21 SCD patients.
• Statistical analyses included Shapiro-Wilk, paired Student's, Wilcoxon, Pearson, and Spearman correlation tests (p<0.05).

Main Results:

• A significant percentage of patients (47.6%) displayed altered ventilation, with 42.8% showing restrictive ventilatory patterns (RVP).
• Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), HS, and 6MWT distances were below predicted values for both sexes.
• Positive correlations were found between ventilatory measures (MVV, MEP) and strength (HS) with lung function and exercise capacity (6MWT distance).

Conclusions:

• SCD demonstrably alters lung function, notably causing RVPs and reduced exercise capacity as evidenced by shorter 6MWT distances.
• Significant correlations underscore the link between respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, and overall functional capacity in SCD patients.