Correlations of Egen Klassifikation and Barthel Index scores with pulmonary function parameters in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Purpose
This study investigated the correlations obtained by using the Egen Klassifikation (EK) and Barthel Index (BI) functional scales and respiratory function parameters in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Methods
Spirometry, maximal respiratory pressures, and arterial blood gases were analyzed and graded according to the EK and BI scales in 26 patients. They were classified as high or low risk for introduction of noninvasive ventilation according to the respiratory function.
Results
The EK and BI scales significantly correlated with forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and maximal respiratory pressures. The worse the functional performance, the worse the respiratory measurements. The degree of correlation between the functional scales and each respiratory parameter was similar. An EK of 21 or higher predicted high risk for the introduction of noninvasive ventilation.
Conclusions
EK and BI scales similarly correlated with the degree of respiratory involvement in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The EK scale was superior in detecting subjects with a higher risk for introduction of noninvasive ventilation.
aPulmonary Division, Internal Medicine Department, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
bNeurology, Psychiatrics, and Medical Psychology Department, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
cSocial Medicine Department, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
dClinics Hospital, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Reprint requests: José Antônio Baddini Martinez, MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Department, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, CEP:14040-980.
None of the authors have financial or other potential conflict of interest related to this article.
ABSTRACT