Functional Capacity, Respiratory Muscle Strength, and Oxygen Consumption Predict Mortality in Patients with Cirrhosis

• Published in: Canadian journal of gastroenterology & hepatology 2016-01, Vol.2016 (2016), p.1-6
• Main Authors: Marroni, Norma Anair Possa, Garcia, Eduardo, Telles da Rosa, Luis Henrique, Rossi, Danusa, Galant, Lucas Homercher, Faustini Pereira, José Leonardo, Brandão, Ajácio B. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2291-2789; 2291-2797
• DOI: 10.1155/2016/6940374

Introduction. Liver diseases influence musculoskeletal functions and may negatively affect the exercise capacity of patients with cirrhosis. Aim. To test the relationship between the six-minute walk test (6MWT), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and exercise capacity ( V O 2 p e a k ) measures and the survival rate of patients with cirrhosis. Methods. This prospective cohort study consisted of 86 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis with the following aetiology: hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and/or alcoholic cirrhosis (AC). All patients were followed up for three years and submitted to the 6MWT, pressure measurements with a compound gauge, and an exercise test ( V O 2 p e a k ). Results. The survival analysis showed that the individuals who covered a distance shorter than 410 m during the 6MWT had a survival rate of 55% compared with a rate of 97% for the individuals who walked more than 410 m ( p = 0.0001). Individuals with MIPs below −70 cmH2O had a survival rate of 62% compared with a rate of 93% for those with MIPs above −70 cmH2O ( p = 0.0001). The patients with values below 17 mL/kg had a survival rate of 55% compared with a rate of 94% for those with values above 17 mL/kg ( p = 0.0001). Conclusion. The 6MWT distance, MIP, and oxygen consumption are predictors of mortality in patients with cirrhosis.