Abstract
Background: Pulmonary hypertension is one of the main determinants of exercise limitation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Objective: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the factors contributing to mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) in IPF.
Methods: Ninety-eight consecutive patients with IPF who underwent right heart catheter and cardiopulmonary exercise test were evaluated. Variables in pulmonary function test, cardiopulmonary exercise test and skeletal muscle force were included in the analysis.
Results: MPAP was 18.9 ± 6.3 (9.0 - 39.0) mmHg. Diffusing capacity, PaO2 at rest, peak oxygen uptake, ventilatory efficiency, work efficiency, peak heat rate and the lowest SpO2 during exercise test were significantly correlated with MPAP. In stepwise multiple regression analysis, PaO2 at rest, the lowest SpO2 during exercise test and ventilatory efficiency were independent predictors of MPAP in IPF.
Conclusions: PaO2 at rest, the lowest SpO2 and ventilatory efficiency during exercise are important contributing factors for MPAP in IPF patients.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
