The aim of this study was to compare functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength between hospitalized patients with and without HIV. Additionally, we evaluated the association between functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength with CD4 cell counts and lung function in PLWHIV.
This prospective observational study included a sample of 66 hospitalized patients, divided into two groups: 39 PLWHIV and 27 controls (CG). The study was conducted between May and October 2024 at an infectious disease hospital in northeastern Brazil. Functional capacity was measured using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1-SST). Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) using manovacuometry. Lung function was evaluated by peak expiratory flow (PEF). Additionally, demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), and the most recent CD4 cell counts (PLWHIV) were recorded. A p value0.05 was considered statistically significant.
The study included 66 patients (mean age: 39.03 ± 12.4 years; 81.8% male; BMI: 22.8 ± 5.3 kg/m²). The average hospitalization duration was 7.8 ± 5.3 days. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding gender, age, BMI, or length of hospitalization. The mean CD4 cell counts of PLWHIV was 264.5 ± 230.9 cells/mm³. Performance on the TUG was significantly worse in PLWHIV compared to the control group (12.9 ± 7.9 sec vs. 10.2 ± 2.2 sec; p 0.001). Also, the 1-SST results were significantly lower in PLWHIV than in controls (15.3 ± 3.7 vs. 18.4 ± 4.7; p = 0.01). Both MIP (p = 0.01) and MEP (p = 0.003) were reduced in PLWHIV compared to the control group, with MIP values of 96.3 ± 31.0 vs. 112.5 ± 15.7, and MEP values of 84.4 ± 25.6 vs. 102.9 ± 20.6. In PLWHIV, TUG (p = 0.012), MIP (p = 0.012), and MEP (p = 0.011) were significantly associated with PEF, but no significant association (p>0,05) was observed for CD4 cell count.
Hospitalized individuals living with HIV exhibit lower functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength compared to patients without HIV. In PLWHIV, TUG, MIP, and MEP were significantly associated with PEF, emphasizing the interdependence between functional outcome measures and lung function. However, no significant relationship was found between CD4 cell counts, functional capacity or respiratory muscle strenght
Understanding the functional limitations and respiratory muscle strength in hospitalized PLWHIV is critical for designing targeted interventions aimed at preventing and minimizing these impairments. Early rehabilitation programs during hospitalization and post-discharge are essential to improve recovery, reduce disability, and enhance long-term quality of life.
functional capacity
lung function
