The 15-step oximetry test: a reliable tool to identify candidates for lung transplantation among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Shitrit D, Rusanov V, Peled N, Amital A, Fuks L, Kramer MR

 

This study was design to determine whether the simple 15-step climbing exercise oximetry test accurately characterised disease severity and survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Results of performance on the 15-step climbing test, pulmonary function tests, cardiopulmonary exercise test and 6-minute walk distance test were assessed at baseline. Participants were then prospectively followed for ? 2 years to determine the relationship between the test parameters and survival.

 

Univariate analysis showed strong correlations between the 15-stair climbing test parameters and survival. On stepwise linear regression analysis, independent significant predictors of mortality were lowest saturation levels on the 15-step test and the 6-minute walk distance test.

 

Journal of heart and lung transplant 2009; 28: 328 – 333

 

Link to abstract