RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Effect of comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with sarcoidosis
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P2228
VO 42
IS Suppl 57
A1 Marieke de Heer
A1 Marlies Wijsenbeek-Lourens
A1 Henk Otten
A1 Henk Hoogsteden
A1 Dirk van Ranst
YR 2013
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P2228.abstract
AB Background:Patients with sarcoidosis often suffer from fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, lower muscle force and higher anxiety and depression scores. There are limited data on the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in these patients.Aim of the studyIn this study we evaluated the effect of PR on functional status and quality of life in patients with sarcoidosis.MethodsRetrospectively, data were analyzed of all sarcoidosis patients admitted to a specialized pulmonary rehabilitation centre between 2006 and 2012. All patients performed a standardized comprehensive PR program. Six minute walking test (6 MWT), quadriceps peak torque (QPT), Symptom Checklist (SCL-90) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were evaluated prior to and after PR.ResultsTwenty sarcoidosis patients were admitted for PR, 16 (7 males) completed the program and were evaluated. 11 patients showed a clinically important increase in 6 MWT; mean increase 88 m (26-160 m). 10 patients had a decreased QPT at start of rehabilitation, all of these patients showed an increase in QPT to almost normal values. In the majority of patients the SF-36 showed a clinically important improvement in four domains; vitality, physical functioning, general health, and social functioning. Also, the SCL90 scores showed decreased levels of anxiety, depression and somatic complaints in the majority of patients.Conclusion:This retrospective study of a limited number of patients shows an encouraging effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional status as well as quality of life in sarcoidosis patients.Further prospective studies in a larger group of patients are needed to confirm this favorable effect and evaluate which patients benefit most.