Search

To evaluate the association between Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to verify the reliability of the MIP in patients on hemodialysis. In a repeated-measures design, patients on hemodialysis performed MIP and specific HRQoL questionnaire (trial 1). The MIP was repeated after 6 to 8 weeks (trial 2) and reliability was assessed using Intra-class Correlation Coefficient. Standard Error of Measurement and Minimal Detectable Change scores were calculated. Sixty-one individuals (68.9% men) were evaluated in trial 1. MIP was associated with specific domains "Symptoms" (r = 0.45; R2 adjusted = 0.192) and the kidney disease component summary (r = 0.38; R2 adjusted = 0.138). Regarding generic domains, the MIP was associated with "Physical Functioning" (r = 0.57; R2 adjusted = 0.375) and Physical component summary (r = 0.47; R2 adjusted = 0.258). Thirty-three patients were randomly selected to perform a second MIP test (trial 2). The Intra-class Correlation Coefficient was 0.94 (95%CI 0.88–0.97). By Bland-Altman analysis, the bias was 3.2 cmH2O, which represents a difference of 3.7%. The Standard Error of Measurement and Minimal Detectable Change for MIP were 5.9 cmH2O and 13.8 cmH2O, respectively. The MIP is a reliable test, associated with physical domains of HRQoL in patients on hemodialysis. Thus, it is a useful method for respiratory evaluation in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To verify the association between Human Activity Profile and functional capacity, functional class and systolic function of the patients with Chagas heart disease (CHD). Sixty-two patients with CHD were evaluated by echocardiography, maximal exercise testing and Human Activity Profile questionnaire. The sample was stratified, according to the values of peak oxygen uptake (low or normal), functional class (symptomatic or asymptomatic), and left ventricular ejection fraction (preserved or systolic dysfunction). Linear regression and two-group comparisons analyses were used. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to determine different cutoff values of the Human Activity Profile for low peak oxygen uptake prediction. Peak oxygen uptake was an independent predictor of Human Activity Profile (R2-adjusted = 0.27). Patients with low peak oxygen uptake had lower scores in Human Activity Profile [difference of 6.9 (95%CI 2.5–11.4)] than those with normal peak oxygen uptake. Symptomatic patients also showed lower scores when compared to the asymptomatic [difference of 6.2 (95%CI 1.7–10.8)]. There was no difference between left ventricular ejection fraction classes. The Human Activity Profile score of 76.5 was the optimal cut point value in predicting low peak oxygen uptake (sensitivity = 66.0% and specificity = 71.8%). The Human Activity Profile questionnaire is associated with functional capacity of patients with CHD and is able to identify individuals with low peak oxygen uptake. Functional impairment is one of the most common clinical findings in all stages and is an important predictor of poor prognosis of the Chagas heart disease; A patient-derived measure of functional capacity is potentially useful in the setting of the Chagas heart disease; The Human Activity Profile questionnaire is effective in the identification of patients with Chagas heart disease with functional impairment and may be a valid method for functional evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]