Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in male adolescent patients with thalassemia major after blood transfusion

Although no significant change in the ventilatory threshold was detected after transfusions, the significant decrease in the minute ventilation to oxygen and carbon dioxide ratios may be interpreted as a sign that respiration is more efficient in these patients. The absence of a significant change in the VO2/work rate after transfusion suggests that patients can tolerate an increased workload. The ability of the cardiopulmonary system and skeletal muscle to cope with the increased workload indicates that these systems are not adversely affected in these patients. A well-tailored activity routine may be important to recommend for TM patients to prevent the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle, which may threaten their wellness during adulthood.