Predictive models of six-minute walking distance in adults with sickle cell anemia: Implications for rehabilitation.
BACKGROUND
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is characterized by a broad spectrum of abnormalities that affect most body organs and systems. To date, there is few data on the influence of these patients' clinical characteristics on the functional exercise capacity.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of the clinical complications on the functional exercise capacity of adult SCA patients.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study, where 45 SCA patients underwent clinical evaluations, echocardiography, pulmonary function testing, and determination of six-minute walking distance (6MWD).


RESULTS
A significant correlation (P < 0.001) was found between 6MWD and hemoglobin (Hb) level, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, forced vital capacity, acute chest syndrome, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. The prediction model for 6MWD explained 67% of the 6MWD variability (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Hemodynamics, cardiovascular function, pulmonary function, and episodes of acute lung injury seem to impact the 6MWD in adults with SCA.
Post-graduate Program in Clinical and Experimental Physiopathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Cirlene de Lima
CL
Marinho
Hematology Department, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Post-graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Maria Christina Paixão
MC
Maioli
Hematology Department, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Post-graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Andrea Ribeiro
AR
Soares
Post-graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Ricardo
R
Bedirian
Post-graduate Program in Clinical and Experimental Physiopathology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Post-graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory, Institute of Biology and Faculty of Engineering, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Pedro Lopes de
PL
Melo
Rehabilitation Sciences Post-graduate Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Fernando Silva
FS
Guimarães
Rehabilitation Sciences Post-graduate Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Arthur de Sá
AS
Ferreira
Post-graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rehabilitation Sciences Post-graduate Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Electronic address: agnaldolopes.uerj@gmail.com.
Agnaldo José
AJ
Lopes
D000328:Adult; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
D006454:Hemoglobins
Exercise; Hemodynamic; Performance; Respiratory function tests; Sickle cell anemia