Oleksak F; Spakova B; Durdikova A; Durdik P; Kralova T; Igaz M; Molnar M;
Gura M; Murgas D

Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology. 296:103790, 2022 02.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to use CPET to estimate the usability of
anthropometric index (AI) in patients with pectus excavatum (PE) as a
marker of functional impairment caused by chest deformity.

METHODS: The study included 32 paediatric patients (28 males) with PE.
Patients underwent CPET using a breath-by-breath exhaled gas analysis
method and continuous monitoring of cardiac parameters.

RESULTS: In both groups, two (overall four) patients met criteria for
cardiogenic limitation (low VO2 and low O2Pulse). Mean VO2/WR was below
two standard deviations (2SD) in patients with less severe PE; other
observed parameters were within normal limits (Z-score +/- 2 SD). The AI
had no observed correlation with peak ventilation, VO2peak and peak
workload.

CONCLUSION: The obtained CPET data do not correlate well with the
severity of chest deformity expressed with AI. There were similar physical
activity limitations in both examined groups of patients and they did not
depend on the severity of the deformity.