Ahmed Suleman Haque

Six-Minute Walk Test Performance in Healthy Adult Pakistani Volunteers

OBJECTIVEnTo determine the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) for healthy Pakistanis, identify factors affecting 6MWD, compare published equations with the local data and derive an equation.nnnSTUDY DESIGNnCross-sectional study.nnnPLACE AND DURATION OF STUDYnTwo medical institutes of Karachi, from January to May 2011.nnnMETHODOLOGYnSubjects between 15 and 65 years were prospectively enrolled after screening. A standardized 6MWT was administered. SpO2, HR, BP and dyspnoea scores were determined pre- and post-test.nnnRESULTSnTwo hundred and eleven (71%) men and 85 (29%) women participated. Mean 6MWD was 469.88 ± 101.24 m: men walked 502.35 ± 92.21 m and women walked 389.28 ± 74.29 m. On univariate analysis, gender, height, weight and age showed a significant relationship with the 6MWD. Gender and age were identified as independent factors in multiple regression analysis, and together explained 33% of the variance. The gender-specific prediction equations were: 6MWD (m) for men = 164.08 + (78.06*1) - (1.90*age in years) + (1.95*height in cms) 6MWD (m) for women = 164.08 - (1.90*age in years) + (1.95*height in cms).nnnCONCLUSIONn6MWDs among the volunteer subjects were shorter than predicted by reference equations in literature. Height, gender and weight combined explained 33% of the variance. The moderate over-estimation of the 6MWD in Pakistani subject. The proposed equation gives predicted (mean) 6MWDs for adult Pakistani naïve to the test when employing standardized protocol.

Osseous spinal sarcoidosis: an unusual but important entity to remember

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disorder of unknown aetiology characterised by non-caseating granulomatous inflammation with varying presentation and prognosis. Bone involvement is uncommon and vertebral involvement is rare. We report a case of vertebral osseous sarcoidosis which presented with pulmonary symptoms mimicking tuberculosis and later developed vertebral involvement despite administration of oral corticosteroids.