Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, chronic and inflammatory disease characterized by an axonal loss that may be accompanied by respiratory muscle weakness.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in MS patients and to identify differences between gender.
Methods: This prospective, noninterventional study measured respiratory parameters in patients with MS by maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) of the mouth, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) and lung capacity using a forced spirometry.
Results: A total of 28 patients with MS (mean (SD) men (n=13) 50.7 ± 7.4 years; women (n= 15) 50 ± 9.9 years) were included. Both groups presented respiratory dysfunction showing values <80% of predicted (i.e. normal). There was a significant difference of respiratory parameters score between gender for MIP [men: 72 ± 25.2 cmH2O (56.2 %predicted); women: 47 ± 23.4 cmH2O (48.1 % predicted)], MEP [men: 101 ± 33.6 cmH2O (51.2 %predicted); women: 55.2 ± 26.8 cmH2O (41.7 % predicted)], SNIP [men: 66.5 ± 36.7 cmH2O; women: 45.3 ± 15.7 cmH2O], and pulmonary function [FEV1 (men: 3.7 ± 0.6 liters; women: 2.4 ± 0.5 liters); FVC (men 4.6 ± 1 liters; women 3.1 ± 0.9 liters).
Conclusions: MS patients showed a decrease in pulmonary function and respiratory muscle weakness. This study found that women with MS have lower values in these parameters than men.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2019; 54: Suppl. 63, PA1165.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2019