[Evaluation of exercise tolerance in patients treated with praziquantel for chronic schistosomiasis with no signs of cardiopulmonary impairment].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a progressive cycle ergometer test (PCET) can detect minimal functional abnormalities that might indicate compromise of the pulmonary vascular bed in patients treated with praziquantel for chronic schistosomiasis who have no clinical signs of cardiopulmonary impairment.


METHODS
We studied 9 patients (whose mean (SD) age was 38 (18) years and 10 control subjects aged 32 (14) years. Both groups were evaluated by spirometry and a PCET to determine maximum oxygen consumption, heart rate, minute ventilation and gas exchange. Echocardiograms were used to rule out the presence of associated heart disease.


RESULTS
Lung function was similar among patients and controls. Slight decreases in maximum oxygen consumption and heart rate reserve were observed with effort during the PCET, with normal respiratory response. No echocardiographic abnormalities that might indicate the presence of pulmonary vascular occlusive disease were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The results showed that the resting lung function is normal in these patients. However, there was a slight decrease in exercise tolerance, probably related to physical detraining. The data obtained during exercise indicated that pulmonary vascular occlusive disease is unlikely in these patients. Abnormalities may appear in later stages of the disease or in patients who do not receive early medical treatment.
Montes de Oca
M
M
Servicio de Neumología y Cirugía de Tórax. Hospital Universitario de Caracas. Universidad Central de Venezuela. Caracas. Venezuela.
Sánchez
M A
MA
Tálamo
C
C
de Noya
B
B
López
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008174:Lung Diseases, Parasitic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000871:Anthelmintics; D011223:Praziquantel
Evaluación de la tolerancia al ejercicio en pacientes con shistosomiasis crónica sin evidencias clínicas de compromiso cardiopulmonar tratados con praziquantel.