Correlations of Egen Klassifikation and Barthel Index scores with pulmonary function parameters in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

PURPOSE: This study investigated the correlations obtained by using the Egen Klassifikation (EK) and Barthel Index (BI) functional scales and respiratory function parameters in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. METHODS: Spirometry, maximal respiratory pressures, and arterial blood gases were analyzed and graded according to the EK and BI scales in 26 patients. They were classified as high or low risk for introduction of noninvasive ventilation according to the respiratory function. RESULTS: The EK and BI scales significantly correlated with forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and maximal respiratory pressures. The worse the functional performance, the worse the respiratory measurements. The degree of correlation between the functional scales and each respiratory parameter was similar. An EK of 21 or higher predicted high risk for the introduction of noninvasive ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: EK and BI scales similarly correlated with the degree of respiratory involvement in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The EK scale was superior in detecting subjects with a higher risk for introduction of noninvasive ventilation.