Prevalence and assessment of exercise-induced desaturation in lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Johnson, Jan; Johnson, Simon R · Thorax · 2026

prospective_cohort · Level II

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Abstract

Exercise-induced desaturation is poorly recognised in lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and its relationship to outcome is unknown. In a UK cohort study, 37% of 131 women with LAM experienced exercise-induced desaturation to <88% during a 6 min walk test. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV<sub>1</sub>) and DL<sub>CO</sub> were associated with walk parameters but had poor predictive accuracy for exercise-induced desaturation. A 5-year follow-up showed exercise-induced desaturation at baseline was associated with rapid FEV<sub>1</sub> decline (p=0.008) and need for rapamycin treatment (p=0.00001). Women with LAM should be evaluated for exercise-induced desaturation to target ambulatory oxygen and improve identification of those at risk of poor outcomes.

Medical subject headings