Prognostic significance of six-minute walk test in non-group 1 pulmonary hypertension

ObjectiveTo assess the value of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) to predict outcome in non-group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH).BackgroundDistance walked during 6MWT has been widely used as a prognostic test in pulmonary arterial hypertension (group 1 pulmonary hypertension); however, little is known regarding its prognostic value in other groups of PH.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 60 patients diagnosed of PH, Dana Point classification groups 2–5. 6MWT and echocardiography were performed in all cases.ResultsForty patients (66.6%) were females. Mean age was 70.8 ± 10.7 years (range: 32–85). Seven patients died after a mean follow-up of 23.2 ± 16.7 months. Distance <400 m during 6MWT was associated with a higher risk for death (RR: 4.39; 95% CI: 1.13-17.05; p = 0.03) and for clinical deterioration (death or need for hospitalization) (RR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.18–6.42; p = 0.02).Conclusions6MWT is useful to predict outcome in non-group 1 PH.