Six-minute walk test and health status assessment in sarcoidosis

Chest. 2007 Jul;132(1):207-13. doi: 10.1378/chest.06-2822.

Abstract

Background: The 6-min walk test has proved useful in assessing impairment and prognosis in various lung diseases.

Methods: A prospective study of 142 sarcoidosis patients seen during a 6-week period at one tertiary sarcoidosis clinic. All patients completed spirometry, 6-min walk testing, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), fatigue assessment scale, and dyspnea score. Parameters assessed included the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and the initial and lowest oxygen saturations during the test.

Results: One hundred three of 142 patients had extrapulmonary manifestations, 10 patients had left ventricular dysfunction, and 14 patients had documented pulmonary hypertension. Seventy-three patients (51%) completed a 6MWD < 400 m, and 32 patients (22%) walked < 300 m. The 14 patients with documented pulmonary hypertension had a shorter 6MWD (median, 280 m; range, 61 to 404) than those without documented pulmonary arterial hypertension (median, 411 m; range, 46 to 747; p < 0.0001). Several components of the pulmonary function and quality of life correlated with 6MWD. Using a stepwise multiple regression analysis, only SGRQ activity component (t = - 7.498, p < 0.0001), FVC (t = 4.415, p < 0.0001), and lowest oxygen saturation (t = 2.55, p < 0.02) were independent predictors of 6MWD.

Conclusions: 6MWD was reduced in the majority of sarcoidosis patients. Several factors were associated with a reduced 6MWD, including FVC, oxygen saturation with exercise, and self-reported respiratory health. Both 6MWD and quality of life measures are useful in assessing the functional status of sarcoidosis patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Exercise Tolerance / physiology*
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / etiology
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / complications
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / physiopathology*
  • Spirometry
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / physiopathology
  • Vital Capacity / physiology
  • Walking / physiology*