Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation pre- and post-lung transplantation in a child with cystic fibrosis: a case report

Abstract

| Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that
reduces quality of life. Lung transplantation (LTx) is a strategy
for end-stage lung disease treatment in CF. Pulmonary
rehabilitation (PR) in LTx is effective, however, only one
study has determined its effectiveness in children, and most
studies have not included CF exclusively. Thus, reports
showing components for PR protocols and outcomes not
considered in previous studies of PR in LTx due to CF in
children are still needed. To report this case, written informed
assent and consent of patient and parent were obtained.
Ethical Requirement was formally waived by the institution.
A 12-year-old patient with CF was referred to PR due to LTx.
A general and respiratory training was conducted daily for
six months (pre) and two years (post) the transplantation,
with the parents’ full support. General training included
treadmill and cycle ergometer use and upper limbs exercises.
Respiratory protocol included inspiratory training and
respiratory physical therapy. We observed improvements
in pulmonary function, exercise capacity, inspiratory muscle
strength, and quality of life, including school functioning,
with progress maintenance after 2.5 years of continuous
intervention. This case presents a PR protocol pre- and
post-LTx with good long-term results. These components
for treatment protocols and outcomes may be useful to
consider in clinical interventions or future investigations.