Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Measurement Using Inert Gas Rebreathing Method during Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing-A...

Area of Science:

• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)
• Non-invasive Hemodynamics
• Physiological Measurement Techniques

Background:

• Inert gas rebreathing (IGR) offers non-invasive cardiac output (CO) measurement comparable to other methods.
• Current guidelines and standards for IGR during CPET are lacking for both healthy and diseased populations.
• Assessing CO non-invasively during CPET requires standardized protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the application of IGR for non-invasive CO assessment during CPET.
• To propose a standardized CPET report incorporating IGR-derived CO.
• To establish guidelines for IGR use in CPET.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Comprehensive literature search across major scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane).
• Inclusion of 47 studies meeting predefined criteria from an initial search of 261 articles.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of IGR protocols, indications, and technical aspects for CPET.
• Identification of existing gaps in literature regarding standardized CPET and IGR methods.
• Critical analysis of the strengths and limitations of included studies.

Conclusions:

• The review provides a framework for standardized reporting of IGR-based CO during CPET.
• Highlights the necessity for standardized approaches in CPET to improve data reliability.
• Recommends a combined CPET-IGR report for enhanced clinical application and future research.