The fitter the better? Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing can predict pulmonary exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Background: The role of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) in the assessment of prognosis in CF is crucial. However, as the overall survival of the disease becomes better, the need for examinations that can predict pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) and subsequent deterioration becomes evident. Aim: To evaluate whether CPET derived parameters can be used as prognostic indexes for pulmonary exacerbations in patients with CF. Methods: Data from a 10-year follow up with CPET and spirometry of CF patients were used to perform our analyses. Pulmonary exacerbations were recorded. We used a survival analysis

Exercise and Airway Clearance Techniques in Cystic Fibrosis

“…10 Additionally, recent data suggest that exercise-test derived measures, including VO 2peak and minute ventilation to VO 2peak (VE/VO 2peak ), may be predictive of the occurrence of respiratory exacerbations. 11 These findings provide a sound rationale for the use of exercise as part of the therapeutic regimen for pwCF.…”