The following is a summary of “Pulmonary rehabilitation in sarcoidosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” published in the NOVEMBER 2023 issue of Pulmonology by Alsina-Restoy, et al.

Symptomatic sarcoidosis patients commonly experience exercise intolerance, muscle weakness, dyspnea, and fatigue. Pulmonary rehabilitation has proven effective in enhancing exercise capacity, alleviating symptoms, and improving the quality of life in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases. For a systematic review, researchers sought to comprehensively evaluate the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on patients with sarcoidosis.

A thorough systematic review was conducted across seven databases, focusing on studies implementing pulmonary rehabilitation in sarcoidosis patients. Two independent reviewers rigorously analyzed the selected studies, extracted relevant data, and assessed the overall quality of evidence.

Out of the initial 406 reports identified, five articles encompassing 184 patients were included in the data synthesis. The interventions varied, including multi-component exercise, inspiratory muscle training, physical activity incentivization programs, and telerehabilitation. The intervention group (IG) demonstrated a significant improvement in exercise capacity (SMD 1.65, 95% CI 0.45, 2.86 points, P = 0.006). When analyzing studies conducting the 6-minute walking test, the IG exhibited a 40.3 m (CI95% 20.3, 60.2) higher distance walked compared to the control group (CG) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, dyspnea scores were notably reduced (MD -0.42, 95% CI -0.75, −0.10, P = 0.002). However, there were no significant changes observed in fatigue, quality of life, and pulmonary function.

Pulmonary rehabilitation appeared to be beneficial in improving exercise capacity and perception of dyspnea in patients with sarcoidosis.

Source: resmedjournal.com/article/S0954-6111(23)00320-7/fulltext