Introduction: The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is an inexpensive method to objectively evaluate physical capacity or limitation and stratify prognosis in patients with Heart Failure (HF). Since the clinical p...Introduction: The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is an inexpensive method to objectively evaluate physical capacity or limitation and stratify prognosis in patients with Heart Failure (HF). Since the clinical perception of symptoms may be adapted or compromised, regular evaluation from medical interviews often fails to determine functional classification. This study aimed to assess the correlation between New York Heart Association Functional Class (NYHA-FC) and the distance walked in the 6MWT. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study that included patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction followed up at an outpatient service of a teaching hospital, from August 2018 to April 2019. Patients in NYHA-FC I, II, or III were included. We compared NYHA-FC subjectively obtained during the consultation with the 6MWT performed after medical consultation, and the correlation between these two parameters was assessed. Results: The study included 70 patients with HF, 41 (58.6%) of whom were female. The mean age was 61.2 ± 12.7 years. The most prevalent etiologies were dilated idiopathic cardiomyopathy (35.7%) followed by ischemic cardiomyopathy (25.7%). The mean ejection fraction was 34.1% ± 9.8%. The average distance walked in the 6MWT by NYHA-FC I patients was 437.8 ± 95.8 meters, NYHA-FC II 360.1 ± 96.4, and NYHA-FC III 248.4 ± 98.3. Functional class measured by the 6MWT was different than that estimated by NYHA-FC in 34 patients (48.6%), 23 (32.9%) for a higher functional class and 11 (15.7%) for a lower one (p = 0.07). Pearson’s correlation coefficient between NYHA-FC and the 6MWT was -0.55. Conclusion: There was a moderate correlation between the subjective NYHA-FC and the 6MWT. The 6MWT revealed a different classification from NYHA-FC in almost half of the patients. Among those who presented discrepancies between methods, 6MWT reclassification towards a higher functional class was more common.展开更多
BACKGROUND Patients with cirrhosis are at risk of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy,with resulting cardiac dysfunction and exercise limitations.Six minute walking test(6MWT)assesses functional status and predicts morbidity and...BACKGROUND Patients with cirrhosis are at risk of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy,with resulting cardiac dysfunction and exercise limitations.Six minute walking test(6MWT)assesses functional status and predicts morbidity and mortality in cardiopulmonary diseases.AIM To determine if it associates with mortality by analyzing 6MWT performance in patients with liver cirrhosis.METHODS A cohort of 106 cirrhotic patients was evaluated in the outpatient setting with echocardiogram and 6MWT and follow up for one year to document hepatic decompensation and mortality.The distance in meters was recorded at the end of 6 min(6MWD).RESULTS This cohort had a mean age of 51 years and 56%male;patients were staged as Child A in 21.7%,B 66%and C 12.3%.Walk distance inversely correlated with Child scores,and was significantly reduced as Child stages progresses.Patients who died(10.4%)showed shorter mean 6MWD(P=0.006).Low 6MWD was an independent predictor of mortality(P=0.01).CONCLUSION 6MWT is a noninvasive inexpensive test whose result is related to Child scores and mortality.It is useful to identify patients with liver cirrhosis at high risk of mortality for closer monitoring and potential early intervention.展开更多
Use of the six-minute walk test has been proposed as a prognostic marker in liver cirrhosis.In the Letter to the Editor presented here,the authors highlight some important points,which were raised after the article wa...Use of the six-minute walk test has been proposed as a prognostic marker in liver cirrhosis.In the Letter to the Editor presented here,the authors highlight some important points,which were raised after the article was published in the November issue of the World Journal of Hepatology.展开更多
Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is among the leading causes of hospital-related disability-adjusted life years lost. We aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of functional capacity impairment six...Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is among the leading causes of hospital-related disability-adjusted life years lost. We aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of functional capacity impairment six to twelve months after an acute VTE event. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January and April 2021 in two referral hospitals of Yaoundé, including consenting adult patients admitted to these hospitals six to twelve months ago for VTE. We excluded dead patients and those with any comorbidity or symptoms limiting physical activity. The functional outcome was assessed with the six-minute walk test. Functional capacity impairment was defined as walking distance lower than the expected value. Results: We included 27 cases in this study with a mean age of 53.2 ± 14.4 years. The prevalence of functional capacity impairment was 29.6% (95% CI: 14.8 - 48.1). Factors associated with poor functional outcome were obesity (OR: 59.5;95% CI: 4.6 - 767.2;p - 207.4;p = 0.017), massive PE (OR: 30;95% CI: 2.5 - 354;p = 0.004), and poor adherence to treatment (OR: 30.3;95% CI: 2.5 - 333.3;p = 0.004). Conclusion: Functional capacity impairment is common in the medium-term after VTE and factors associated with this poor outcome are obesity, the severity of the VTE, and poor adherence to treatment.展开更多
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is the most important therapeutic intervention for end-stage liver disease(ELD).The prioritization of these patients is based on the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD),which can s...BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is the most important therapeutic intervention for end-stage liver disease(ELD).The prioritization of these patients is based on the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD),which can successfully predict short-term mortality.However,despite its great validity and value,it cannot fully incorporate several comorbidities of liver disease,such as sarcopenia and physical frailty,variables that can sufficiently influence the survival of such patients.Subsequently,there is growing interest in the importance of physical frailty in regard to mortality in liver transplant candidates and recipients,as well as its role in improving their survival rates.AIM To evaluate the effects of an active lifestyle on physical frailty on liver transplant candidates.METHODS An observational study was performed within the facilities of the Department of Transplant Surgery of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.Twenty liver transplant candidate patients from the waiting list of the department were included in the study.Patients that were bedridden,had recent cardiovascular incidents,or had required inpatient treatment for more than 5 d in the last 6 mo were excluded from the study.The following variables were evaluated:Activity level via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ);functional capacity via the 6-min walking test(6MWT)and cardiopulmonary exercise testing;and physical frailty via the Liver Frailty Index(LFI).RESULTS According to their responses in the IPAQ,patients were divided into the following two groups based on their activity level:Active group(A,10 patients);and sedentary group(S,10 patients).Comparing mean values of the recorded variables showed the following results:MELD(A:12.05±5.63 vs S:13.99±3.60;P>0.05);peak oxygen uptake(A:29.78±6.07 mL/kg/min vs S:18.11±3.39 mL/kg/min;P<0.001);anaerobic threshold(A:16.71±2.17 mL/kg/min vs S:13.96±1.45 mL/kg/min;P<0.01);6MWT(A:458.2±57.5 m vs S:324.7±55.8 m;P<0.001);and LFI(A:3.75±0.31 vs S:4.42±0.32;P<0.001).CONCLUSION An active lifestyle can be associated with better musculoskeletal and functional capacity,while simultaneously preventing the evolution of physical frailty in liver transplant candidates.This effect appears to be independent of the liver disease severity.展开更多
文摘Introduction: The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is an inexpensive method to objectively evaluate physical capacity or limitation and stratify prognosis in patients with Heart Failure (HF). Since the clinical perception of symptoms may be adapted or compromised, regular evaluation from medical interviews often fails to determine functional classification. This study aimed to assess the correlation between New York Heart Association Functional Class (NYHA-FC) and the distance walked in the 6MWT. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study that included patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction followed up at an outpatient service of a teaching hospital, from August 2018 to April 2019. Patients in NYHA-FC I, II, or III were included. We compared NYHA-FC subjectively obtained during the consultation with the 6MWT performed after medical consultation, and the correlation between these two parameters was assessed. Results: The study included 70 patients with HF, 41 (58.6%) of whom were female. The mean age was 61.2 ± 12.7 years. The most prevalent etiologies were dilated idiopathic cardiomyopathy (35.7%) followed by ischemic cardiomyopathy (25.7%). The mean ejection fraction was 34.1% ± 9.8%. The average distance walked in the 6MWT by NYHA-FC I patients was 437.8 ± 95.8 meters, NYHA-FC II 360.1 ± 96.4, and NYHA-FC III 248.4 ± 98.3. Functional class measured by the 6MWT was different than that estimated by NYHA-FC in 34 patients (48.6%), 23 (32.9%) for a higher functional class and 11 (15.7%) for a lower one (p = 0.07). Pearson’s correlation coefficient between NYHA-FC and the 6MWT was -0.55. Conclusion: There was a moderate correlation between the subjective NYHA-FC and the 6MWT. The 6MWT revealed a different classification from NYHA-FC in almost half of the patients. Among those who presented discrepancies between methods, 6MWT reclassification towards a higher functional class was more common.
文摘BACKGROUND Patients with cirrhosis are at risk of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy,with resulting cardiac dysfunction and exercise limitations.Six minute walking test(6MWT)assesses functional status and predicts morbidity and mortality in cardiopulmonary diseases.AIM To determine if it associates with mortality by analyzing 6MWT performance in patients with liver cirrhosis.METHODS A cohort of 106 cirrhotic patients was evaluated in the outpatient setting with echocardiogram and 6MWT and follow up for one year to document hepatic decompensation and mortality.The distance in meters was recorded at the end of 6 min(6MWD).RESULTS This cohort had a mean age of 51 years and 56%male;patients were staged as Child A in 21.7%,B 66%and C 12.3%.Walk distance inversely correlated with Child scores,and was significantly reduced as Child stages progresses.Patients who died(10.4%)showed shorter mean 6MWD(P=0.006).Low 6MWD was an independent predictor of mortality(P=0.01).CONCLUSION 6MWT is a noninvasive inexpensive test whose result is related to Child scores and mortality.It is useful to identify patients with liver cirrhosis at high risk of mortality for closer monitoring and potential early intervention.
文摘Use of the six-minute walk test has been proposed as a prognostic marker in liver cirrhosis.In the Letter to the Editor presented here,the authors highlight some important points,which were raised after the article was published in the November issue of the World Journal of Hepatology.
文摘Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is among the leading causes of hospital-related disability-adjusted life years lost. We aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of functional capacity impairment six to twelve months after an acute VTE event. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January and April 2021 in two referral hospitals of Yaoundé, including consenting adult patients admitted to these hospitals six to twelve months ago for VTE. We excluded dead patients and those with any comorbidity or symptoms limiting physical activity. The functional outcome was assessed with the six-minute walk test. Functional capacity impairment was defined as walking distance lower than the expected value. Results: We included 27 cases in this study with a mean age of 53.2 ± 14.4 years. The prevalence of functional capacity impairment was 29.6% (95% CI: 14.8 - 48.1). Factors associated with poor functional outcome were obesity (OR: 59.5;95% CI: 4.6 - 767.2;p - 207.4;p = 0.017), massive PE (OR: 30;95% CI: 2.5 - 354;p = 0.004), and poor adherence to treatment (OR: 30.3;95% CI: 2.5 - 333.3;p = 0.004). Conclusion: Functional capacity impairment is common in the medium-term after VTE and factors associated with this poor outcome are obesity, the severity of the VTE, and poor adherence to treatment.
文摘BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is the most important therapeutic intervention for end-stage liver disease(ELD).The prioritization of these patients is based on the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD),which can successfully predict short-term mortality.However,despite its great validity and value,it cannot fully incorporate several comorbidities of liver disease,such as sarcopenia and physical frailty,variables that can sufficiently influence the survival of such patients.Subsequently,there is growing interest in the importance of physical frailty in regard to mortality in liver transplant candidates and recipients,as well as its role in improving their survival rates.AIM To evaluate the effects of an active lifestyle on physical frailty on liver transplant candidates.METHODS An observational study was performed within the facilities of the Department of Transplant Surgery of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.Twenty liver transplant candidate patients from the waiting list of the department were included in the study.Patients that were bedridden,had recent cardiovascular incidents,or had required inpatient treatment for more than 5 d in the last 6 mo were excluded from the study.The following variables were evaluated:Activity level via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ);functional capacity via the 6-min walking test(6MWT)and cardiopulmonary exercise testing;and physical frailty via the Liver Frailty Index(LFI).RESULTS According to their responses in the IPAQ,patients were divided into the following two groups based on their activity level:Active group(A,10 patients);and sedentary group(S,10 patients).Comparing mean values of the recorded variables showed the following results:MELD(A:12.05±5.63 vs S:13.99±3.60;P>0.05);peak oxygen uptake(A:29.78±6.07 mL/kg/min vs S:18.11±3.39 mL/kg/min;P<0.001);anaerobic threshold(A:16.71±2.17 mL/kg/min vs S:13.96±1.45 mL/kg/min;P<0.01);6MWT(A:458.2±57.5 m vs S:324.7±55.8 m;P<0.001);and LFI(A:3.75±0.31 vs S:4.42±0.32;P<0.001).CONCLUSION An active lifestyle can be associated with better musculoskeletal and functional capacity,while simultaneously preventing the evolution of physical frailty in liver transplant candidates.This effect appears to be independent of the liver disease severity.
