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Evaluating the effects of pulmonary hypertension on spirometry and Six-Minute Walk Test outcomes in post-pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Allorerung W.M.
Minerva Respiratory Medicine
Q4Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe condition characterized by high pulmonary artery pressure and is often associated with heart and lung diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health concern, leading to lasting lung damage and an increased risk of PH in recovered patients. This study evaluates the relationship between PH and the results of the six-minute walk test and spirometry in post-TB patients.METHODS: A cross-sectional study with prospective enrollment of consecutive patients was carried out at a double-tertiary hospital involving patients who had recently completed treatment and had their first documented episode of tuberculosis. To diagnose PH, subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Spirometry and a 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were conducted, and patients also completed questionnaires.RESULTS: Of 62 samples meeting the inclusion criteria (mean age 49.64 years; 61.3% male), 33 (53.2%) were classified as probable PH. The PH group showed significant decreases in spirometry parameters (FEV1 and FVC; P<0.05) and 6MWT distance (P=0.001). Analysis of spirometry restriction patterns revealed a high prevalence of moderate-to-severe restriction in the PH group (57.5% vs. 24.1% in non-PH). Strong positive correlations were found between spirometry parameters and the 6MWT in both groups, indicating complex interactions between lung function and functional capacity.CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals a high prevalence of PH in post-TB patients and highlights the potential use of spirometry and the 6MWT as help clinical practitioner determine which patients need to be tested with echocardiography, especially in resource-limited settings.