Does A Low 6-Minute Walk Distance Predict Elevated Postoperative Troponin?

Abstract

Our study of 100 major vascular and renal transplant patients evaluated the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) as an indicator of perioperative myocardial injury, using troponin as a marker. Using logistic regression and the area under the receiving operator characteristic curve, we compared the 6MWT to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index and metabolic equivalents. Only the 6MWT was associated with elevated postoperative troponins (95% CI, 0.98-0.99). However, the 6MWT area under the receiving operator characteristic curve (0.71 [95% CI, 0.57-0.85]) was not different from the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (P = .23) or metabolic equivalents (P = .14). The 6MWT may have a role in cardiac risk stratification in the perioperative setting.

Predicting recovery and disability after surgery in patients with severe obesity: The role of the six-minute walk test

“…36 The 6MWT distance of approximately 300 m has been suggested as a cut-point in many other studies, albeit in non-obese populations with a wide range of medical conditions. 15,17,37,38 Those who walk less than this distance or who cannot complete the test may benefit from further investigation or more meticulous management plans. Our difference of approximately 70 m between patients with good and poor disability outcomes agrees with the suggested values of a 6MWT minimally clinically important difference of between 50 and 80 m. 39…”

“…36 The 6MWT distance of approximately 300 m has been suggested as a cut-point in many other studies, albeit in non-obese populations with a wide range of medical conditions. 15,17,37,38 Those who walk less than this distance or who cannot complete the test may benefit from further investigation or more meticulous management plans.…”