Functional exercise capacity in young survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome

Background: As survival rates improve among patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome, there is a growing need to understand the long-term effects of pathology, treatment and complications in ARDS survivors.

Objectives: To study and evaluate functional exercise capacity in young survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods: A total 35 ARDS survivors with age between 20 and 40 years were selected in ARDS survivor group; which had history of hospitalization for ARDS in last 6 months. Similarly 35 age-sexes matched normal individuals also selected in control group. Each subject assessed for functional exercise capacity with 6 minute walk test and 15 step oximetry test.

Results: After analysing the data the results showed significant decline functional exercise capacity. It is found that, 69% patients walked distance between 301 and 450m and 28% patients walked more than 451m and remaining 3% patients walked less than 300 m distance in 6 minute walk test. 69% patients done exercise in 45-65 seconds, 28% patients done exercise in 21-45 seconds, 3% patients took time more than 66 seconds in 15 step oximetry test.

Conclusion: Young survivors of the acute respiratory distress syndrome have reduced functional exercise capacity 6 months after discharge from the intensive care unit.