Article

Patients with chronic respiratory failure due to kyphoscoliosis
(CHRF-KS) constitute a specific population with impaired health-related quality
of life (HRQL). Thus far, no studies have examined factors related to HRQL. The
objective of the present study was to identify clinical, functional and
exertion-related factors associated with HRQL. METHODS: We investigated 27
patients (12 males). Respiratory function tests, dyspnea ratings, peripheral and
respiratory muscle function and exercise testing were performed. The Chronic
Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ) was used to assess HRQL. Bivariate
correlations were used to investigate the relationships between CRDQ dimensions
and the clinical, functional and exertion-related characteristics of the study
participants. RESULTS: The general characteristics of the study sample were as
follows: age: 61 (IQR: 12) years, FVC: 32.6% (IQR: 10.2) and pCO2: 48 mmHg (IQR:
8.7). Peripheral muscle strength, dyspnea and exercise capacity were identified
as significant factors associated with poorer HRQL. The CRDQ dimensions of
fatigue and emotional function showed greater correlations with the patients'
general characteristics. Dyspnea CRDQ scores did not correlate with dyspnea in
any of the scales used. CONCLUSION: Of the various factors examined, dyspnea,
exercise capacity and peripheral muscle strength have been identified as
significant factors associated with HRQL in CHRF-KS patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS