Skeletal muscle deficits worsen exercise performance in children with PH

Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with numerous vascular, pulmonary, cardiac, and systemic conditions. Though therapies have developed in recent years long-term outcomes remain poor.  Exercise intolerance is common in PH patients, significantly impacting quality of life and prognosis

A prospective, cross-sectional study was carried out, which included youth from 8-18 years. Overall, 25 participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and exercise cardiac magnetic resonance (eCMR). The study revealed noticeable shortfalls in skeletal muscle mass and strength in association with worse exercise performance on CPET and eCMR in youth with PH. Lower skeletal muscle mass was linked with physical inactivity. In regression models, skeletal mass, strength, and physical activity were positively associated with exercise performance on CPET. 

Muscle mass and strength are positively associated with exercise performance in children with PH. 

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2022. Doi: 10.3389/fped.2022.1025420