Study of 2-min walk test and 15-step exercise oximetry test in the assessment of exercise tolerance in Egyptian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseass

The present study was conducted to study the 2-min walk test and 15-step exercise oximetry test in determination of exercise tolerance in Egyptian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Sixty male patients with COPD were included in this study who were divided into three groups [mild, moderate and severe]. All of the patients were subjected cardio pulmonary exercise test using ramp protocol, 6 min walk test, 2-min walk test and 15 step exercise oximetry test. In this study we found significant difference between mild, moderate and severe groups as regards VO2% predicted, distance walked during 6-MWT, distance walked during 2-MWT, and saturation difference% and exercise time/s during 15-step exercise oximetry test [p value <0.05].We found also significant correlation between 2-MWT and 6-MWT and VO2 in the mild, moderate and severe groups. [r = 0.9 and 0.85, respectively for the mild, r = 0.52 and 0.48, respectively for the moderate and r = 0.94 and 0.45, respectively for the severe p <0.05 for all]. We did not find such correlation between exercise time in 15-step exercise oximetry test and both 6-MWT and VO2 in the three groups. [r = -0.066 and -0.067, respectively for the mild, r = -0.08 and -0.07, respectively for the moderate and r = -0.07 and -0.021, respectively for the severe, P > 0.05 for all]. Also there was non-significant correlation between saturation difference in 15-step exercise oximetry test and both 6-MWT and VO2 in the three groups[r = -0.371 and -0.378, respectively for the mild, r = -0.086 and -0.061, respectively for the moderate and r = -0.051 and -0.013, respectively for the severe p > 0.05 for all]. The study shows that the 2MWT is a valid test for the assessment of exercise capacity in patients with COPD. It is practical, simple, and well-tolerated by patients with severe COPD

Monitoring the asthmatic patients: Role of the mini peak flow meter

31 patients with bronchial asthma were submitted to the study from October, 1988 to April, 1990. 21 patients were using mini peak meters in monitoring their condition [G 1]. 10 asthmatic patients were used as control [not using mini peak flow meters]. Statistical analysis of all patients ventilatory functions before and after solbutamol inhalation showed a highly significant change which means reversibility of airways obstruction. In G 1 patients, there was a good correlation between chest symptoms [wheeze, dyspnea and cough] and PEFR measurements. PEFR records of the patients helped to define the possible precipitating factors for their asthmatic attacks, 9 cases [42.85%] respiratory tract infections, 4 cases [19.04%] dust and smoke, 1 case [4.76%] insecticide spray and another one due to volatile oils and 6 cases [28.57%] remained unknown. PEFR monitoring in G 1 has a significant effect [P <0.01] on decreasing the number of visits to the doctor and a highly significant effect [P <0.005] on decreasing the number of severe attack. So, regular objective observation of some aspects [PEFK] of respiratory functions is just as necessary in the management of asthma as regular blood sugars are in the management of diabetes