A hierarchical logistic regression predicting rapid respiratory rates from post-exertional malaise.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Past research has found high rates of hyperventilation in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), but  hyperventilation can be influenced by psychological factors. Clinical respiratory  rates have been less frequently assessed. AIM: This study aimed to identify the  predictors of rapid respiratory rates in patients referred to an outpatient  clinic specializing in ME/CFS. METHODS: Adults (n = 216) referred to an  outpatient clinic specializing in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue  Syndrome (ME/CFS) participated in a two-day cardiopulmonary exercise test. As  part of that evaluation, subjects had resting respiratory rates measured on two  consecutive days. The current study used questionnaires to assess the  relationship between tachypnea (rapid respiratory rates) and a variety of domains  including post-exertional malaise (PEM), a common complaint in patients with  ME/CFS, and psychiatric/somatic symptoms, using hierarchical logistic regression  analysis. RESULTS: PEM was a significant predictor of tachypnea, while  psychological/somatic assessments and sedentary behaviors were not significantly  predictive of tachypnea. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that respiratory  rate may be useful as an objective clinical metric of PEM, and potentially  ME/CFS.