Dumitrescu, Daniel; Gerhardt,
Felix; Viethen, Thomas; Schmidt, Matthias; Mayer, Eckhard; Rosenkranz,
Stephan. BMC

Pulmonary Medicine, December 2016, Vol. 16 Issue: Number 1
p1-4, 4p;

Abstract: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
(CTEPH) is a progressive disease. For patients with operable CTEPH,
there is a clear recommendation for surgical removal of persistent
thrombi by pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). However, without the
presence of PH, therapeutic management of chronic thromboembolic
disease (CTED) is challenging – especially in highly trained subjects
exceeding predicted values of maximal exercise capacity.
A 43-year-old male athlete reported with progressive exercise
limitation since 8 months. Six months earlier, pulmonary embolism had
occurred, and was treated since with oral anticoagulation. A pulmonary
ventilation/perfusion scan showed severe ventilation/perfusion
mismatch: chest CT and pulmonary angiography revealed bilateral
wall-adherent thrombotic material, but pulmonary hemodynamics were
completely normal. His peak oxygen uptake exceeded predicted values,
however exercise ventilatory efficiency was abnormal, compared to a
matching athlete. After thoroughly discussing therapeutic options with
the patient, he successfully underwent pulmonary endarterectomy at an
expert center. Five and twelve months after surgery, his maximal
exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency profoundly improved beyond
preoperative values, and his subjective exercise tolerance had returned
to normal.                   Significant CTED may be present without
relevant pathologic changes in pulmonary hemodynamics at rest. Reaching
normal values of maximal exercise capacity does not exclude pulmonary
vascular disease in highly trained subjects. More data are needed to
evaluate the risk-/benefit ratio of PEA in patients with CTED and
normal pulmonary hemodynamics. A thorough discussion with the patient
as well as shared decision making regarding therapy are mandatory.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing may add important clinical information
in the non-invasive diagnostic evaluation at baseline and during
follow-up.

Preisser, Alexandra; Zhou, Linfei; Garrido, Marcial; Harth, Volker.

International Archives of Occupational  and Environmental Health, February 2016, Vol. 89 Issue: Number 2
p211-220, 10p;

Abstract: Collecting waste is regarded as a benchmark
for “particularly heavy” work. This study aims to determine and compare
the workload of refuse workers in the field. We examined heart rate
(HR) and oxygen uptake as parameters of workload during their daily
work.   Sixty-five refuse collectors from three  task-specific groups
(residual and organic waste collection, and street
sweeping) of the municipal sanitation department in Hamburg, Germany,
were included. Performance was determined by cardiopulmonary exercise
testing (CPX) under laboratory conditions. Additionally, the oxygen
uptake (VO2) and HR under field conditions (1-h morning shift) were
recorded with a portable spiroergometry system and a pulse belt.
There was a substantial correlation of both absolute HR and
VO2during CPX [HR/VO2 R 0.89 (SD 0.07)] as well as during field
measurement [R0.78 (0.19)]. Compared to reference limits for heavy
work, 44 % of the total sample had shift values above 30 % heart rate
reserve (HRR); 34 % of the individuals had mean HR during work (HRsh)
values that were above the HR corresponding to 30 % of individual
maximum oxygen uptake (VO2,max). All individuals had a mean oxygen
uptake (VO2,1h) above 30 % of VO2,max.
HR as well as the measurement of VO2can be valuable tools for investigating
physiological workload, not only under laboratory conditions but also
under normal working conditions in the field. Both in terms of absolute
and relative HR and oxygen consumption, employment as a refuse
collector should be classified in the upper range of defined heavy
work. The limit of heavy work at about 33 % of the individual maximum
load at continuous work should be reviewed.

Porszasz, Janos; Blonshine, Susan; Cao,  Robert; Paden, Heather; Casaburi, Richard; Rossiter, Harry. BMC

Pulmonary Medicine, December 2016, Vol. 16 Issue: Number 1 p1-10, 10p;

Abstract: Precision and accuracy assurance in cardiopulmonary exercise
testing (CPET) facilitates multicenter clinical trials by maximizing
statistical power and minimizing participant risk. Current guidelines
recommend quality control that is largely based on precision at
individual testing centers (minimizing test–retest variability). The
aim of this study was to establish a multicenter biological quality
control (BioQC) method that considers both precision and accuracy in
CPET.   BioQC testing was 6-min treadmill walking at 20 W and 70 W
(below the lactate threshold) with healthy non-smoking
laboratory staff (15 centers; ~16 months). Measurements were made twice
within the initial 4 weeks and quarterly thereafter. Quality control
was based on: 1) within-center precision (coefficient of variation [CV]
for oxygen uptake [V̇O2], carbon dioxide output [V̇CO2], and minute
ventilation [V̇E] within ±10 %); and 2) a criterion that V̇O2at 20 W
and 70 W, and ∆V̇O2/∆WR were each within ±10 % predicted. “Failed”
BioQC tests (i.e., those outside the predetermined criterion) prompted
troubleshooting and repeated measurements. An additional retrospective
analysis, using a composite z-score combining both BioQC precision and
accuracy of V̇O2at 70 W and ∆V̇O2/∆WR, was compared with the other
methods.
Of 129 tests (5 to 8 per center), 98 (76 %)
were accepted by within-center precision alone. Within-center CV was
<9 %, but between-center CV remained high (9.6 to 12.5 %). Only 43
(33 %) tests had all V̇O2measurements within the ±10 % predicted
criterion. However, a composite z-score of 0.67 identified 67 (52 %)
non-normal outlying tests, exclusion of which coincided with the
minimum CV for CPET variables.
Study-wide BioQC using
a composite z-score can increase study-wide precision and accuracy, and
optimize the design and conduct of multicenter clinical trials
involving CPET.

Study  protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Loughney, Lisa; West, Malcolm; Kemp, Graham; Rossiter, Harry; Burke, Shaunna; Cox, Trevor;
Barben, Christopher; Mythen, Michael; Calverley, Peter; Palmer, Daniel;
Grocott, Michael; Jack, Sandy.

Trials, December 2016, Vol. 17 Issue: Number 1 p1-13, 13p;

Abstract: The standard treatment pathway for
locally advanced rectal cancer is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT)
followed by surgery. Neoadjuvant CRT has been shown to decrease
physical fitness, and this decrease is associated with increased
post-operative morbidity. Exercise training can stimulate skeletal
muscle adaptations such as increased mitochondrial content and improved
oxygen uptake capacity, both of which are contributors to physical
fitness. The aims of the EMPOWER trial are to assess the effects of
neoadjuvant CRT and an in-hospital exercise training programme on
physical fitness, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and physical
activity levels, as well as post-operative morbidity and cancer
staging. The EMPOWER Trial is a randomised controlled
trial with a planned recruitment of 46 patients with locally advanced
rectal cancer and who are undergoing neoadjuvant CRT and surgery.
Following completion of the neoadjuvant CRT (week 0) prior to surgery,
patients are randomised to an in-hospital exercise training programme
(aerobic interval training for 6 to 9 weeks) or a usual care control
group (usual care and no formal exercise training). The primary
endpoint is oxygen uptake at lactate threshold (VO2 at AT)
measured using cardiopulmonary exercise testing assessed over several time points throughout the
study. Secondary endpoints include HRQoL, assessed using
semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, and physical activity
levels assessed using activity monitors. Exploratory endpoints include
post-operative morbidity, assessed using the Post-Operative Morbidity
Survey (POMS), and cancer staging, assessed by using magnetic resonance
tumour regression grading.   The EMPOWER trial is the
first randomised controlled trial comparing an in-hospital exercise
training group with a usual care control group in patients with locally
advanced rectal cancer. This trial will allow us to determine whether
exercise training following neoadjuvant CRT can improve physical
fitness and activity levels, as well as other important clinical
outcome measures such as HRQoL and post-operative morbidity. These
results will aid the design of a large, multi-centre trial to determine
whether an increase in physical fitness improves clinically relevant
post-operative outcomes.

A subanalysis of the EURO-EX trial

Guazzi, Marco; Arena, Ross; Pellegrino, Marta; Bandera, Francesco; Generati, Greta; Labate,
Valentina; Alfonzetti, Eleonora; Villani, Simona; Gaeta, Maddalena M;
Halle, Martin; Haslbauer, Robert; Phillips, Shane A; Cahalin, Lawrence
P.

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology,
February 2016, Vol. 23 Issue: Number 3 p328-334, 7p;

Abstract: Introduction  There has been a
greater appreciation of several variables obtained by cardiopulmonary
exercise testing (CPX). Exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV) is a CPX
pattern that has gained recognition as an ominous marker of poor
prognosis in cardiac patients. The purpose of the present study is to
characterize whether such an abnormal ventilatory pattern may also be
detected in apparently healthy subjects and determine its clinical
significance.

Methods  The study involved 510 subjects (mean age 60 ± 14
years; 49% male) with a broad cardiovascular (CV) risk factor profile
who underwent CPX.Results  The population was divided into two groups
according to the presence (17%) or absence of EOV. Subjects with EOV
were significantly older and a higher percentage was female. Risk
factor profile and medication use was significantly different between
subgroups, indicating subjects with EOV had a worse CV risk factor
profile and were prescribed CV-focused preventive medications at a
significantly higher frequency. Subjects with EOV had comparatively
poorer CPX performance and gas exchange phenotype. Multivariate binary
logistic regression analysis found being female was the strongest
predictor of EOV (odds ratio: 2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI):
1.66-4.61, p< 0.001). A diagnosis of diabetes (odds ratio: 2.40, 95%
CI: 1.34–4.15.2, p< 0.001) added significant value for predicting EOV
and was retained in the regression. The likelihood for EOV for subjects
who were female and diagnosed with diabetes was 3.71 (95% CI 1.88–7.30,
p< 0.001).

Conclusions  This is the first study to examine EOV
prevalence and characterization in apparently healthy persons with
results supporting an in-depth definition of abnormal exercise
phenotypes.

Valeyre, Dominique; Bernaudin,
Jean-François; Jeny, Florence; Duchemann, Boris; Freynet, Olivia;
Planès, Carole; Kambouchner, Marianne; Nunes, Hilario.

Clinics in Chest  Medicine, December 2015, Vol. 36 Issue: Number 4 p631-641, 11p;
Abstract: Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease, with lung involvement in
almost all cases. Abnormal chest radiography is usually a key step for
considering diagnosis. Lung impact is investigated through imaging;
pulmonary function; and, when required, 6-minute walk test,
cardiopulmonary exercise testing, or right heart catheterization. There
is usually a reduction of lung volumes, and forced vital capacity is
the most accurate parameter to reflect the impact of pulmonary
sarcoidosis with or without pulmonary infiltration at imaging. Various
evolution patterns have been described. Increased risk of death is
associated with advanced pulmonary fibrosis or cor pulmonale,
particularly in African American patients.

Leung Wai Sang,
Stephane; Morin, Jean‐Francois; Hirsch, Andrew.

Journal of Cardiac
Surgery, January 2016, Vol. 31 Issue: Number 1 p3-8, 6p;

Abstract:

To  evaluate the midterm hemodynamic and functional outcome of pulmonary
endarterectomy (PEA) for patients with advanced chronic thromboembolic
pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Thirty‐eight consecutive patients
underwent PEA for CTEPH from May 2004 to March 2012. All patients were
followed prospectively at six months postoperatively and annually
thereafter. Each patient underwent serial cardiopulmonary exercise
testing (CPET) and transthoracic echocardiography, and were followed
for up to four years. Overall, 31.5% (12/38) of patients had Jamieson
class II disease while 65.8% (25/38) had class III disease. There were
three in‐hospital mortalities (7.9%), all of which had baseline
pulmonary vasculature resistance (PVR) greater than
1400 dynes‐sec‐cm−5. Preoperative PVR and mean pulmonary artery
pressure were 1209 ± 723 dynes‐sec‐cm−5and 50 ± 14 mmHg, respectively,
signifying a high‐risk operative group. Ninety‐seven percent of
patients were in NYHA class III or IV preoperatively. At median
follow‐up of 29 months 89.5% (17/19) of patients were in NYHA class I
or II. CPET revealed a progressive increase in peak oxygen consumption
from 16.5 ± 4.1 ml/kg/min at first follow‐up, to a plateau of
20.2 ± 5.6 ml/kg/min (p = 0.032) at two years. CPET can be used to
quantify progress in functional capacity post‐CTEPH, although
improvements in peak oxygen consumption plateau at two years.

Nadella V, Howell SJ

BJA Education, 15 (6):275-279 (2015)

Review artcle. No abstract

Shi, Xiaofang; Guo, Jian; Gong, Sugang; Sapkota, Rikesh; Yang, Wenlan;
Liu, Hui; Xiang, Wenjing; Wang, Lan; Sun, Xingguo; Liu, Jinming.

Respirology, January 2016, Vol. 21 Issue: Number 1 p149-156, 8p;
Abstract: The responses of oxygen uptake efficiency (OUE) during
cardiopulmonary exercise training (CPET) have not been reported in
patients with pulmonary hypertension. We aimed to investigate the
differences in OUE between patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial
hypertension (IPAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
(CTEPH). Forty‐four patients with IPAHand 29 patients with CTEPH were
retrospectively enrolled into our study. All patients underwent
right‐heart catheterization, pulmonary function test and performed the
6‐min walk test and CPET. We found that oxygen uptake efficiency
plateau (OUEP) and oxygen uptake efficiency at anaerobic threshold
(OUE@AT) was significantly higher in IPAH than that in CTEPH (both
P= 0.002). However, patients with CTEPH had lower mean pulmonary artery
pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance and transpulmonary gradient
(all P< 0.05). The correlation between OUEP and heart rate at anaerobic
threshold (HR_AT) was significant (r = 0.376, P< 0.05); however, no
statistically significant correlation was found with ventilation at
anaerobic threshold (VE_AT) (r = −0.074, P> 0.05) in patients with
IPAH. In patients with CTEPH, both anaerobic threshold (r = 0.307,
P> 0.05) and VE_AT (r = −0.709, P< 0.0001) were reduced. OUEP were
higher in WHO functional class I/IIpatients than in WHO functional class
III/IVpatients (all P< 0.05). OUEP and OUE@ATare higher in IPAHthan that
in CTEPH not in proportion to haemodynamics, probably due to differences
in cardiac function and pulmonary vascular occlusion. OUEP correlates
well with the exercise capacity and the severity of the disease.
Responses of oxygen uptake efficiency during cardiopulmonary exercise
testing in patients with pulmonary hypertension are reported. We
observed a higher oxygen uptake efficiency in patients with idiopathic
pulmonary arterial hypertension compared to patients with chronic
thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. The oxygen uptake efficiency
plateau correlates with exercise capacity and disease severity.

van Le,
Douet; Jensen, Gunnar Vagn Hagemann; Carstensen, Steen; Kjøller-Hansen,
Lars.

Cardiology, November 2015, Vol. 133 Issue: Number 3 p147-156,
10p;

Abstract:
Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the
feasibility, reproducibility, safety and information obtained on
exercise physiology from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) in
patients with aortic stenosis.
Methods:Patients with an aortic valve
area (AVA) <1.3 cm2who were judged asymptomatic or equivocal
symptomatic underwent CPX and an inert gas rebreathing test. Only those
where comprehensive evaluation of CPX results indicated haemodynamic
compromise from aortic stenosis were referred for valve replacement.
Results:The mean patient age was 72 (±9) years; an AVA index <0.6
cm2/m2and equivocal symptomatic status were found in 90 and 70%,
respectively. CPX was feasible in 130 of the 131 patients. The
coefficients of repeatability by test-retest were 5.4% (pVO2) and 4.6%
(peak O2pulse). A pVO2<83% of the expected was predicted by a lower
stroke volume at exercise, lower peak heart rate and FEV1, and higher
VE/VCO2, but not by AVA index. Equivocal symptomatic status and a low
gradient but high valvulo-arterial impedance were associated with a
lower pVO2, but not with an inability to increase stroke volume. In
total, 18 patients were referred for valve replacement. At 1 year, no
cardiovascular deaths had occurred.
Conclusions:CPX was feasible and
reproducible and provided comprehensive data on exercise physiology. A
CPX-guided treatment strategy was safe up to 1 year.