Study of cardiopulmonary compensatory function of survivors of paraquat poisoning through six-minute walk test

Objective To evaluate the cardiopulmonary compensatory function of the survivors of paraquat poisoning. Methods Totally 56 paraquat poisoning cases with the survival time over one-year were studied,while 56 healthy people matched with the age and gender were chosen as the control group. The six-minute walk test was used to assess the cardiopulmonary compensatory function and tolerance of labor. The results, including the walking distance, decreased oxygen saturation fraction, and Borg dyspnea scores were compared between the two groups. Results The walking distance of six-minute,decreased oxygen saturation fraction and Borg dyspnea scores of paraquat poisoning survivors and healthy persons were (604.43 ±101.22) m vs. (640.16 ±106.57) m,(3.01 ±1.02)% vs.(2.79 ±0.97)%,and (0.70 ±0.66) points vs.(0.57 ±0.44) points,respectively. It showed no significant differences of these parameters between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion After good recovering of the cardiopulmonary compensatory function for one year, the survivors of paraquat poisoning cases could be competent to daily activities as healthy people. Such patients should regain confidence and integrate into the community with full enthusiasm.