The assessment of breathlessness in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Reliability and validity of the Dyspnoea-12

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 506-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janelle Yorke ◽  
Iain Armstrong

Breathlessness is a cardinal symptom of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); yet no breathlessness instrument has been previously tested for reliability and validity for this population. Using a cross-sectional design, we tested the psychometric properties of the Dyspnoea-12 (D-12), for the assessment of breathlessness in PAH. Pearson’s correlations with World Health Organization functional class (WHO FC), Minnesota Living with Heart failure – pulmonary hypertension modified version (MLHF-PH), Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) and 6-minute walk distance test (6MWD) were conducted. Participants ( n = 176) were mostly female (70.5%), mean age 54.3±14 years; diagnosed with idiopathic PAH (48.9%), congenital heart disease (27.8%) and connective tissue disease (23.3%); and most were WHO FC II (32.4%) and III (52.3%). The D-12 showed excellent internal consistency for the total and two-component scores for physical and emotional (Cronbach’s α 0.95, 0.93 and 0.94, respectively). D-12 total score was significantly associated with MLHF-PH ( r = 0.70), HADS (anxiety r = 0.54 and depression r = 0.68), WHO FC ( r = 0.49), and 6MWD ( r = -0.26). In patients with PAH, the D-12 - a short patient reported measure of breathlessness severity that taps the physical and emotional components, is a reliable and valid instrument.

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-185
Author(s):  
R. Ishrat ◽  
A. Mujaddadi ◽  
M.S. Ali ◽  
D. Talwar ◽  
M.E. Hussain

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and responsiveness of the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) to estimate exercise capacity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This was a cross-sectional longitudinal study performed on stable PAH patients (n=30, mean age ± standard deviation, 60±13.6 years) with World Health Organization functional class II & III. Reliability was assessed by comparing the distance covered between ISWT-1 (initial) and ISWT-2 (retest). Responsiveness was determined by comparing the distance covered in the ISWT-3 post pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) to the ISWT-1. The distance covered between ISWT-1 (177±87.85 m) and ISWT-2 (191.67±96.39 m) was not statistically significant. The result of the relative reliability has shown to be excellent with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1 = 0.98, 95%CI = 0.95-0.99). Absolute reliability was evaluated through the standard error of the measurement and minimal detectable change at a 95% confidence interval (MDC95) were 12.29 and 33.9 m, respectively. Bland Altman plot showed good agreement between the two ISWTs. Following PR, the effect size (ES=0.78) and standardised response mean (SRM=1.50) were moderate and large respectively. ISWT is considered to be a reliable and responsive measure to estimate exercise capacity in patients with PAH. The ISWT may be considered a suitable alternative tool over a 6-min walk test and in the absence of equipment availability or expertise for conducting cardiopulmonary exercise test for the assessment of exercise capacity in these patients.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 384-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debasree Banerjee ◽  
Jane Kamuren ◽  
Grayson L. Baird ◽  
Amy Palmisciano ◽  
Ipsita Krishnan ◽  
...  

Background Breathlessness is the most common symptom reported by patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (MBS) is routinely obtained during the six-minute walk test in the assessment of PAH patients, but it is not known whether the MBS predicts clinical outcomes such as hospitalizations in PAH. Methods We performed a retrospective study of World Health Organization (WHO) Group 1 PAH patients followed at our center. The dates of the first three MBS and hospitalizations that occurred within three months of a documented MBS were collected. Marginal Cox hazard regression modeling was used to assess for a relationship between MBS and all-cause as well as PAH-related hospitalization. Results A total of 50 patients were included; most (92%) were functional class III/IV, 44% and 65% were treatment-naïve prior to their first MBS and hospitalization, respectively. The first recorded MBS was inversely correlated with the first recorded six-minute walk distance (6MWD) (r = –0.41, P < 0.01) but did not track with WHO functional class (r = 0.07, P = 0.63). MBS did not predict all-cause (hazard ratio [HR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–1.08; P = 0.28) or PAH-related hospitalization (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.89–1.23; P = 0.61), though there was a strong relationship between 6MWD and PAH-related hospitalization ( P = 0.01). These findings persisted after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions Breathlessness as assessed by MBS does not predict all-cause or PAH-related hospitalization. Robust and validated patient-reported outcomes are needed in pulmonary vascular disease.


2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
OTYLIA KOWAL-BIELECKA ◽  
JEROME AVOUAC ◽  
DAVID PITTROW ◽  
DOERTE HUSCHER ◽  
FRANK BEHRENS ◽  
...  

Objective.To assess the validation status of echocardiography with continuous Doppler (echo-Doppler) as an outcome measure in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis (PAH-SSc).Methods.Structured literature review on full-text English articles was performed using the PubMed and Cochrane databases. Assessment of validation of echo-Doppler was based on the OMERACT filter criteria with the domains truth (face, content, construct, and criterion validity), discrimination, and feasibility.Results.Out of 35 studies eligible for analysis, only 5 included well defined PAH-SSc subgroups (World Health Organization criteria). Echo was considered as having face validity based on expert opinion and high number of studies using echo for evaluation of patients with SSc. Echo was considered partially validated with respect to criterion validity based on significant correlations between echo measures and right-heart catheterization in patients with SSc at risk of PAH/PH. However, echo was found to lack specificity (lack of content validity), since measurements of echo pulmonary pressure may be influenced by left-heart disease and interstitial lung disease. Data from general populations of patients with scleroderma indicate that evaluation of pulmonary artery pressure by echo might not be available in all PAH-SSc patients because of technical factors. No studies enabling evaluation of the discriminant capacity over time and treatment of echo in PAH-SSc could be identified.Conclusion.Further studies are needed to fully validate echo-Doppler as an outcome measure in PAH-SSc. These studies would include cross-sectional analysis of baseline measures and longitudinal data of placebo and verum groups in randomized controlled trials of patients with PAH-SSc.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel ngel Amor Garc a ◽  
SARA IBA EZ GARCIA ◽  
Xandra Garcia Gonzalez ◽  
Teresa Mombiela ◽  
Cristina Villanueva Bueno ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 204589402199995
Author(s):  
Layse Nakazato Lima ◽  
Felipe Mendes ◽  
Ilma Paschoal ◽  
Daniela Oliveira ◽  
Marcos Mello Moreira ◽  
...  

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) impairs exercise tolerance and daily physical activity (PA). Aside from the hemodynamic limitations, physical, cognitive and emotional factors may play a relevant and as yet unexplored role. We investigated whether there is an association between the PA level and psychological disorders, health-related quality of life, and daily activities. We also searched for an association of the PA level with clinical factors and functional capacity. This was an analytical, cross-sectional, observational study conducted in a Brazilian University Hospital. Twenty stable PAH subjects wore an accelerometer for a week and completed an activity diary. They answered the quality of life questionnaire (SF-36), as well as the anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and the Manchester Respiratory Activities of Daily Living questionnaire (MRADL). Transthoracic echocardiography, the 6-Minute walk test (6MWT), the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (STST), and spirometry were performed. For statistical analysis we used Chi-square tests or Fisher's test as appropriate and the Mann-Whitney test to compare numerical values between two groups. The relationship between the parameters was assessed using the Spearman correlation test. The mean age was 44.3 years, 80% were women, 80% had idiopathic PAH, and 20% had connective tissue disease . The mean daily step count was 4,280 ± 2,351, and the mean activity time was 41.6 ± 19.3 minutes. The distance covered (6MWT) was 451.5 m, and the number of movements (1-STST) was 23.8. Thirty percent scored positive for anxiety, and 15% for depression (HADS). There was a significant correlation between accelerometer data and walking distance (6MWT), number of movements (1-STST), level of daily physical activity (MRADL), and depression symptoms. Our findings support the hypothesis that other aspects beyond physical and hemodynamic ones might impact the daily physical activity of patients with PAH.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. CMT.S4192
Author(s):  
Charles D. Burger

The evaluation and management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rapidly evolving area of subspecialty medicine requiring regular clinical updates. Most notably are changes in the World Health Organization diagnostic scheme whereby the clinician categorizes the correct type of pulmonary hypertension in order direct the most specific evaluation and treatment plan. In addition, there have been several changes in both the FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulations and new agents for the treatment of PAH. This review will provide an update in these areas and more importantly, guidance to the clinician on the most appropriate utilization of these new treatment options.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 204589401985647 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Dunbar Ivy ◽  
Jeffrey A. Feinstein ◽  
Delphine Yung ◽  
Mary P. Mullen ◽  
Edward C. Kirkpatrick ◽  
...  

Treprostinil, a prostacyclin analogue, is approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults. Transition from parenteral to oral treprostinil has been successfully accomplished in adults with PAH but not in children. In this multicenter study, pediatric patients treated with parenteral (Cohort 1) or inhaled (Cohort 2) treprostinil were transitioned to oral treprostinil. Prostacyclin-naïve individuals on background oral PAH therapy received oral treprostinil as add-on therapy (Cohort 3). Successful transition was oral treprostinil dose maintenance through week 24. Patients were monitored for adverse events (AEs), 6-min walk distance (6MWD), PAH symptoms, World Health Organization (WHO) Functional Class (FC), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and quality of life through 24 weeks. A total of 32 patients were enrolled in the study; 23 (72%) were girls (mean age = 12.2 years). All patients were on background oral PAH therapy. Overall, patients (96.9%) maintained transition to oral treprostinil; one patient (Cohort 1) transitioned to oral treprostinil, then back to parenteral after experiencing syncope and WHO FC change from II to III. Cohorts 1, 2, and 3 received a final mean oral treprostinil dose of 5.6, 3.3, and 4.5 mg t.i.d., respectively. All cohorts had variable changes in 6MWD, cMRI, and CPET. Overall, 12 serious AEs were reported. All patients had drug-related AEs including headache (81%), diarrhea (69%), nausea (66%), vomiting (66%), and flushing (56%). Pediatric patients maintained transition to oral treprostinil with preservation of exercise capacity and WHO FC. Prostanoid-related AEs were most common and similar to those reported in adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 204589402094552
Author(s):  
Nathan J. Verlinden ◽  
Raymond L. Benza ◽  
Amresh Raina

The combination of bosentan and sildenafil is commonly used to treat patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); however, there is evidence of a significant drug interaction between these two medications. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transitioning patients with PAH from the combination of bosentan and sildenafil to alternative therapy. A retrospective database review was performed on 16 patients with PAH who were treated with the combination of bosentan and sildenafil and transitioned to alternative treatment at our center. Invasive and non-invasive patient parameters were collected at baseline and after transition. 56.3% of patients were in World Health Organization functional class (WHO FC) III and a majority of patients (68.7%) were on background prostacyclin therapy. The most common reason for transition was concern for a drug interaction in seven patients (43.8%). The most common transition was bosentan to macitentan in eight patients (50%). Fifteen patients (93.8%) tolerated the transition after a median follow-up of 6.5 months with minor adverse events occurring in four patients (25%). In 11 patients, 6-min walk distance (6MWD) was unchanged comparing baseline to post transition measurements with a median change of +8 m (range: −50 to + 70; P = 0.39). Nine patients (81.8%) had stable (within 15% margin) or significant improvement (increase by ≥15%) in 6MWD after transition. All patients demonstrated stable or improved WHO FC after transition. There were no significant changes after transition in hemodynamics, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) values, or Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL) risk scores. In our study, transitioning patients from bosentan and sildenafil to alternative therapy was safe and resulted in clinical stability.


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