Prediction of pulmonary hypertension in patients with interstitial lung disease using functional parameters

Introduction
The existence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in individuals having interstitial lung disease (ILD) is related to low-performing status, the requirement for supplemental oxygen, and poor prognosis. As a result, early detection of PH in ILD is critical for its management protocol.


Patients and methods
Fifty-two patients previously diagnosed with ILD were included in this study. Age, sex, and comorbidities were recorded. In addition, each patient performed the pulmonary function test and 6-min walk test (6-MWT) and underwent a transthoracic echocardiography.


Results
Regarding the association between the 6-MWT parameters of studied patients and the existence of PH, a significant association (P≤0.001) was detected between the 6-min walk distance, percent of the walked distance to predicted %, desaturation, desaturation area, and desaturation distance ratio with the existence of PH. However, total lung capacity/diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and forced vital capacity/DLCO were not significantly associated with the existence of PH.


Conclusion
This study concluded that the 6-MWT parameters showed high validity in the prediction of PH in individuals with ILD. However, total lung capacity/DLCO and forced vital capacity/DLCO were not significant in the prediction of PH.