TCPCO2 response to 6MWT is highly heterogeneous in patients with advanced COPD.
10">CO2 retention (TCPCO2 increase of >4 mmHg) is related to worse airflow limitation (FEV1) and higher pre-walk dyspnea.
15">EIH (TCPCO2 levels of >46 mmHg at exertion) during the 6MWT is associated with higher baseline-PCCO2 values (≥41 mmHg) and higher pre-walk dyspnea.
Overweight/Obese BMI seems to carry a protective effect against EIH in very severe COPD.
Monitoring of TCPCO2 during 6MWT might help to identify patients who need special attention regarding to EIH.