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Oxygen saturation in adult cystic fibrosis patients during exercise at high altitude
Author(s) -
Ryujin Darin T.,
Mannebach Steven C.,
Samuelson Wayne M.,
Marshall Bruce C.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.1155
Subject(s) - medicine , spirometry , pulse oximetry , cystic fibrosis , cardiology , hypoxemia , hemoglobin , pulmonary function testing , oxygen saturation , effects of high altitude on humans , anesthesia , oxygen , asthma , chemistry , organic chemistry , anatomy
The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and severity of decreased arterial oxy‐hemoglobin saturation during exercise in adults with cystic fibrosis at 1,500 m above sea level. A convenience sample of 50 adults with cystic fibrosis who did not have hypoxemia (oxygen saturation, < 90%) at rest were evaluated. Spirometry was performed according to American Thoracic Society standards, and maximal exercise tests were performed on an electronically braked cycle ergometer using a ramp protocol individualized for each patient. Pulse oximetry was measured every 2 min. When exercising at high altitude, 45 of 50 patients had a decrease in arterial oxy‐hemoglobin saturation from baseline to some degree. In 29 patients, oxy‐hemoglobin saturation fell below 90%; in 14 patients, it fell below 85%; and in 4 patients, it fell below 80%. Oxy‐hemoglobin saturation decreased to < 90% in 12 of 14 patients with severe pulmonary disease (FEV 1 < 40% predicted), in 15 of 26 patients with moderate disease (40% less than or equal to FEV 1 < 70% predicted), in 2 of 6 patients with mild disease (70% less than or equal to FEV 1 < 90% predicted), and in 0 of 4 with normal pulmonary function (FEV 1 greater than or equal to 90%). Percent predicted FEV 1 (r = 0.57; P < 0.0001) and FEV 1 /FVC ratio (r = 0.52; P < 0.0001) most highly correlated with arterial oxy‐hemoglobin saturation at peak exercise. We conclude that at 1,500 m above sea level, adult CF patients with obstructive airways disease are at significant risk for decreased arterial oxy‐hemoglobin saturation during exercise. A supervised exercise test should be considered prior to recommending an exercise program for such patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 32:437–441. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.