Methods for Detecting Cough and Airway Inflammation in Mice.

Chronic cough, which lasts for more than 8 weeks, is one of the most common complaints requiring medical attention, and patients suffer from a huge socioeconomic burden and a marked decrement in quality of life. Animal models can mimic the complex pathophysiology of the cough and are important tools for cough research. The detection of cough sensitivity and airway inflammation is of great significance for studying the complex pathological mechanism of cough. This article describes the measurement of cough using a noninvasive and real-time whole-body plethysmography (WBP) system and the normative procedures for harvesting tissue samples (including blood, lung, spleen, and trachea) of mice. It introduces some methods to assess airway inflammation, including pathological changes in hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained lung and trachea sections, the total protein concentration, the uric acid concentration, and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the supernatant of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the leukocytes and differential cell counts of BALF. These methods are reproducible and serve as valuable tools to study the complex pathophysiology of cough.

Adapting Real-Time Lung Function Measurements for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Studies in Syrian Hamsters.

Pulmonary function examinations are critical to assess respiratory disease severity in patients. In preclinical rodent models of viral respiratory infections, however, disease is frequently evaluated based on virological, pathological and/or surrogate clinical parameters, which are not directly associated with lung function. To bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical readouts, we aimed to apply unrestrained whole-body plethysmography (WBP) measurements in a SARS-CoV-2 Syrian hamster challenge model. While WBP measurements are frequently used for preclinical research in mice and rats, results from studies in hamsters are still limited. During unrestrained WBP measurements, we obtained highly variable breathing frequency values outside of the normal physiological range for hamsters. Importantly, we observed that animal movements were recorded as breaths during WBP measurements. By limiting animal movement through either mechanical or chemical restraint, we improved the reliability of the lung function readout and obtained breathing frequencies that correlated with clinical signs when comparing two different variants of SARS-CoV-2 post-inoculation. Simultaneously, however, new sources of experimental variation were introduced by the method of restraint, which demands further optimalization of WBP measurements in Syrian hamsters. We concluded that WBP measurements are a valuable refinement either in combination with video recordings or if average values of measurements lasting several hours are analyzed.

Advancing cough research: Methodological insights into cough challenge in guinea pig models using double chamber vs whole-body plethysmography.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares two methods of citric acid-induced cough in guinea pigs in whole-body plethysmography (WBP) and double chamber plethysmography (DCP) to evaluate their efficacy. METHODS: Sixteen specific pathogen-free (SPF) and sixteen conventionally-bred (CON) animals were exposed to 0.4 M citric acid aerosol. They underwent cough provocation using both DCP and WBP methods. The number of coughs and latency to the first cough were recorded and analysed using statistical methods to determine significant differences between the two techniques. RESULTS: WBP resulted in significantly higher cough counts (WBP vs. DCP: 13±9 vs 2±3 for SPF; 14±8 vs 5±5 for CON; p<0.0001) and shorter latency (WBP vs. DCP: 59±6 s vs 159±14 s for SPF; 77±4 s vs 112±12 s for CON; p<0.0001) compared to DCP in both groups. CONCLUSION: Methodological differences substantially impact cough responses. WBP provides a more reliable and physiologically relevant methodology for cough assessment, suggesting the need for standardized protocols in cough research to enhance translational relevance.

Comparison of Forced Oscillation Technique, Lung Volumes by Body Plethysmography, and Spirometry in Moderate Persistent Adult Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Spirometry is used extensively, but airway oscillometry is gaining acceptance for evaluating obstructive airway disorders. Moderate persistent asthma requires daily treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We aimed to examine the relationship between airway oscillometry and lung volumes, which are the markers of lung physiology in obstructive airway disease and spirometry in the real-world clinical setting. A total of 72 adults with moderate persistent asthma followed up in our outpatient department from November 2021 to August 2022, and their clinical details and tests of spirometry, forced oscillation technique (FOT), and lung volumes by body plethysmography (BP) performed before and after bronchodilator administration were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 40 years, and the majority (57%) were females. FOT detected airflow limitation in 12 of the 31 patients with normal spirometry. BP detected abnormalities in more patients than both spirometry and FOT (91.6 vs 73.6%, p < 0.001). Respiratory resistance 5 (R5) had a negative correlation with functional residual capacity (FRC) and total lung capacity (TLC). Reactance 5 (X5) correlated positively with inspiratory capacity (IC) and TLC and negatively with reserve volume (RV)/TLC ratio. A positive correlation was found between IC/TLC% and postbronchodilator X5 and between R5 and 19 and RV/TLC. R5 had a negative and X5 had a positive correlation with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and maximal mid expiratory flow rates (MMEF). ∇X5 had a negative correlation with FEV1, MMEF, and FEV1/FVC. Spirometry detected postbronchodilator responsiveness in more patients than FOT when only the R5 criterion was used and in a comparable number when the X5 criterion was added. ∇X5 and R5-R19/R5 declined significantly after bronchodilators. CONCLUSION: We concluded that there is a moderate correlation between FOT and spirometry and lung volumes by BP. FOT and spirometry should be used together to identify airflow obstruction and postbronchodilator responsiveness in asthma. Lung volumes by BP identify more abnormalities in adults with asthma than both spirometry and FOT. Thresholds to define postbronchodilator responsiveness (PBDR) for ∇X5 and R5-R19 need to be defined.

Assessing breathing effort by barometric whole-body plethysmography and its relationship with prognosis in client-owned cats with respiratory distress.

BACKGROUND: Cats in respiratory distress have limited tolerance for manipulation, hindering clinical monitoring. Minute volume (MV) can be utilized to rate dyspnea in humans, but its relationship with respiratory distress in cats remains poorly investigated. HYPOTHESIS: Cats with respiratory distress will show higher MV per kg body weight (MV/BW) than normal cats, and the MV/BW increase will correlate with survival. ANIMALS: Fifty-two cats with respiratory distress from lung parenchymal disease, pleural space disease, lower airway obstruction (LAO), or upper airway obstruction were recruited since 2014. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study. Study cats were placed in a transparent chamber, allowing clinicians to easily observe their breathing status and record ventilation using barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP). Ventilatory variables of the 52 cats were compared with those of 14 historic control cats. Follow-up data, including disease category, clinical outcomes, and survival, were prospectively collected. RESULTS: Cats in respiratory distress demonstrated significantly higher MV/BW (397 mL/kg; range, 158-1240) than normal cats (269 mL/kg; range, 168-389; P < .001). Among the etiologies, cats with LAO, parenchymal, and pleural space disease exhibited higher-than-normal MV/BW trends. A cutoff value of 373 mL/kg (1.4-fold increase) indicated abnormally increased breathing efforts (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 93%). MV/BW was independently associated with increased cardiorespiratory mortality in cats with respiratory distress (adjusted hazard ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.35; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Breathing efforts in cats can be noninvasively quantified using BWBP. Measurement of MV/BW could serve as a prognostic index for monitoring cats experiencing respiratory distress.

Influence of acclimatization time on parameters of barometric whole-body plethysmography in healthy adult cats.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary function testing by barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP) is a long-established and well-accepted, non-invasive investigative procedure in cats. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, if different acclimatization times influence the measurement parameters of BWBP in healthy adult cats. ANIMALS: 48 healthy adult cats. METHODS: In the prospective observational study, healthy cats were placed in a measuring chamber and BWBP was performed over 30 minutes. Parameters obtained during the three measurement units of 10 minutes each (T1, T2 and T3) were compared. RESULTS: All measurement parameters except for tidal volume per body weight changed significantly (p<0.05) over the three time periods. From T1-T2, the parameters minute volume per body weight (p<0.001), peak inspiratory flow per body weight (p<0.001), peak expiratory flow per body weight (p = 0.002), pause (p = 0.03), enhanced pause (p = 0.03) and quotient of peak expiratory flow divided by expiratory flow at end expiratory volume plus 50% tidal volume (p = 0.03) changed significantly. From the time interval T2-T3, only respiratory rate (p = 0.02), inspiratory time (p = 0.02), expiratory time (p = 0.04), and relaxation time (p = 0.01) changed significantly. All measurement parameters except for tidal volume per body weight changed significantly (p<0.05) between T1 and T3. Age had a significant influence on all parameters except for peak expiratory flow per body weight and peak inspiratory flow per body weight. The parameters were not influenced by sex. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: All measurement parameters except tidal volume per body weight were significantly affected by acclimatization time. Controlling for age and sex, there was still a significant influence of acclimatization time on all parameters except for tidal volume per body weight. Standardization of the acclimatization time for future studies would be appropriate in order to maintain comparability.

Comportamiento de volúmenes pulmonares estáticos por pletismografía en enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica con disociación clínico-espirométrica / Behavior of static lung volumes due to plethysmography in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with clinical-spirometric dissociation

Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica es un problema sanitario mundial por su elevada prevalencia, morbilidad y cuantioso costo económico. Objetivo: Caracterizar mediante la pletismografía a los pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica que presentaron una discrepancia clínica espirométrica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en 33 pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica que acudieron a consulta externa del Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico y el Centro de Investigaciones Clínicas. Se les realizaron volúmenes pulmonares por pletismografía corporal y espirometría en el período comprendido de noviembre 2016 a marzo 2018. Resultados: El sexo masculino (69,7 por ciento) resultó el más frecuente y el grupo de edad predominante fue mayor de 65 años (60,6 por ciento). El 41,2 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron grado de obstrucción moderadamente severo. La capacidad pulmonar total y el volumen residual fueron normales (72,7 por ciento y 42,5 por ciento) respectivamente. El 43,8 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron hiperinsuflación leve. El grado 3 de disnea fue el que predominó en los pacientes. El 12,1 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron aumento del volumen residual dado por atrapamiento aéreo grave con la disminución del volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo. Conclusiones: El comportamiento de los volúmenes pulmonares por pletismografía corporal en la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica con disociación clínico-espirométrica, evidenció la disminución del volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo y el aumento del volumen residual relacionándose con el grado de disnea(AU)

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a global health problem due to its high prevalence, morbidity and high economic cost. Objective: By using plethysmography, to describe patients with diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that had spirometric clinical discrepancy. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 33 patients with diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who attended the outpatient clinic at Benéfico Jurídico Pneumologic Hospital and the Clinical Research Centre. Lung volumes were performed by body plethysmography and spirometry from November 2016 to March 2018. Results: The male sex (69.7 percent) was the most frequent and the predominant age group was older than 65 years (60.6 percent). 41.2 percent of the patients had moderately severe degree of obstruction. Total lung capacity and residual volume were normal, 72.7 percent and 42.5 percent, respectively. 43.8 percent of the patients had mild hyperinflation. Grade 3 dyspnea was the one that predominated in the patients. 12.1 percent of the patients showed increased residual volume due to severe air trapping with decreased forced expiratory volume in the first second. Conclusions: The behavior of lung volumes by body plethysmography in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with clinical-spirometric dissociation, evidenced decrease in forced expiratory volume in the first second and increased in residual volume related to the degree of dyspnea(AU)

Utilidad de los estudios de función pulmonar en el niño / Utility of lung function tests in children

Pulmonary function testing in children includes a large number of methods and aspects. Children constitute a very heterogeneous group of individuals, among which are non-collaborative infants and preschoolers who represent a challenge in the development of new methods that do not require collaboration or coordination. This review attempts to achieve a comprehensive approach to pulmonary function tests in children that allow the physician working in pediatrics to get to know: their pathophysiological bases; the reasons for a request for a pulmonary function test taking into account the underlying pathophysiological process that is suspected; the study procedures; the possible clinical findings and their interpretation; the advantages and limitations of several of the tests. Information related to spirometry is developed more specifically, since it is the most widespread, accessible and widely validated methods.

El estudio de la función pulmonar (FP) en niños abarca un gran número de métodos y aspectos. La edad pediátrica en sí constituye un grupo muy heterogéneo de individuos, entre los que se encuentran los de edades más tempranas que son no colaborativos y que representan un desafío en el desarrollo de nuevos métodos que no requieran colaboración ni coordinación. En esta revisión se describirá un enfoque integral de los estudios de FP más utilizados en niños. Se mencionan sus bases fisiopatológicas; los motivos de un pedido de estudio de FP teniendo en cuenta el proceso fisiopatológico subyacente que se sospecha; los posibles hallazgos clínicos y su interpretación y las ventajas y limitaciones de varios de los test.

Serum Clara cell 16-kDa protein levels and lung impairment in systemic sclerosis patients / Níveis séricos de proteína de células de Clara de 16 kDa e comprometimento pulmonar em pacientes com esclerose sistêmica

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess clinical utility of serum Clara cell 16-kDa protein measurements in relation with staging system for systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease. Materials and methods: Serum levels of Clara cell 16-kDa protein were determined by ELISA in 28 systemic sclerosis patients and 30 healthy controls, and correlated with staging system for systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis patients. Lung involvement was assessed functionally (body plethysmography, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide) and radiologically (an average disease extent on high resolution computed tomography of the lungs) in SSc patients. Results: We observed statistically significant differences in serum Clara cell 16-kDa protein levels between systemic sclerosis patients and healthy controls only in non-smokers. However, serum Clara cell 16-kDa protein concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with high resolution computed tomography extent >20% in comparison to patients with high resolution computed tomography extent <20% (p = 0.01). They correlated positively with average disease extent on high resolution computed tomography (p = 0.04), an extent of a reticular pattern on high resolution computed tomography (p < 0.01), and negatively with a total lung capacity (p = 0.03) and the results of the 6-min walk test (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Clara cell 16-kDa protein levels can be considered as a supplemental serum biomarker for systemic sclerosis associated interstitial lung disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a utilidade clínica das medições séricas da proteína de células de Clara de 16-kDa (CC16) em relação ao sistema de estadiamento para doença pulmonar intersticial associada a esclerose sistêmica (DPI-ES). Materiais e métodos: Foram determinados os níveis séricos de CC16 por ELISA em 28 pacientes com ES e 30 controles saudáveis e correlacionados com o sistema de estadiamento para DPI-ES em pacientes com ES. O envolvimento pulmonar foi avaliado funcionalmente (pletismografia corporal, capacidade de difusão de monóxido de carbono) e radiologicamente (extensão média da doença na tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução dos pulmões, TCAR) em pacientes com ES. Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos níveis séricos de CC16 entre pacientes com ES e controles saudáveis apenas em não tabagistas. No entanto, as concentrações séricas de CC16 eram significativamente elevadas em pacientes com extensão > 20% na TCAR em comparação com pacientes com extensão < 20% na TCAR (p = 0,01). Os níveis séricos de CC16 se correlacionaram positivamente com a extensão média da doença na TCAR (p = 0,04) e com a extensão de padrão reticular na TCAR (p < 0,01) e negativamente com a capacidade pulmonar total (CPT) (p = 0,03) e com os resultados do teste de caminhada de seis minutos (p < 0,01). Conclusões: Os níveis de CC16 podem ser considerados como biomarcadores séricos suplementares para a DPI-ES.

Influence of heart failure on resting lung volumes in patients with COPD / Influência da insuficiência cardíaca nos volumes pulmonares de repouso em pacientes com DPOC

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the influence of chronic heart failure (CHF) on resting lung volumes in patients with COPD, i.e., inspiratory fraction-inspiratory capacity (IC)/TLC-and relative inspiratory reserve-[1 − (end-inspiratory lung volume/TLC)]. Methods: This was a prospective study involving 56 patients with COPD-24 (23 males/1 female) with COPD+CHF and 32 (28 males/4 females) with COPD only-who, after careful clinical stabilization, underwent spirometry (with forced and slow maneuvers) and whole-body plethysmography. Results: Although FEV1, as well as the FEV1/FVC and FEV1/slow vital capacity ratios, were higher in the COPD+CHF group than in the COPD group, all major "static" volumes-RV, functional residual capacity (FRC), and TLC-were lower in the former group (p < 0.05). There was a greater reduction in FRC than in RV, resulting in the expiratory reserve volume being lower in the COPD+CHF group than in the COPD group. There were relatively proportional reductions in FRC and TLC in the two groups; therefore, IC was also comparable. Consequently, the inspiratory fraction was higher in the COPD+CHF group than in the COPD group (0.42 ± 0.10 vs. 0.36 ± 0.10; p < 0.05). Although the tidal volume/IC ratio was higher in the COPD+CHF group, the relative inspiratory reserve was remarkably similar between the two groups (0.35 ± 0.09 vs. 0.44 ± 0.14; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite the restrictive effects of CHF, patients with COPD+CHF have relatively higher inspiratory limits (a greater inspiratory fraction). However, those patients use only a part of those limits, probably in order to avoid critical reductions in inspiratory reserve and increases in elastic recoil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da insuficiência cardíaca crônica (ICC) nos volumes pulmonares de repouso em pacientes com DPOC, ou seja, fração inspiratória -capacidade inspiratória (CI)/CPT - e reserva inspiratória relativa - [1 − (volume pulmonar inspiratório final/CPT)]. Métodos: Após cuidadosa estabilização clínica, 56 pacientes com DPOC (24 alocados no grupo DPOC+ICC; 23 homens/1 mulher) e 32 (28 homens/4 mulheres) com DPOC isolada foram submetidos à espirometria forçada e lenta e pletismografia de corpo inteiro. Resultados: Os pacientes do grupo DPOC+ICC apresentaram maior VEF1, VEF1/CVF e VEF1/capacidade vital lenta; porém, todos os principais volumes "estáticos" - VR, capacidade residual funcional (CRF) e CPT - foram menores que aqueles do grupo DPOC (p < 0,05). A CRF diminuiu mais do que o VR, determinando assim menor volume de reserva expiratória no grupo DPOC+ICC que no grupo DPOC. Houve redução relativamente proporcional da CRF e da CPT nos dois grupos; logo, a CI também foi similar. Consequentemente, a fração inspiratória no grupo DPOC+ICC foi maior que no grupo DPOC (0,42 ± 0,10 vs. 0,36 ± 0,10; p < 0,05). Embora a razão volume corrente/CI fosse maior no grupo DPOC+ICC, a reserva inspiratória relativa foi notadamente similar entre os grupos (0,35 ± 0,09 vs. 0,44 ± 0,14; p < 0,05). Conclusões: Apesar dos efeitos restritivos da ICC, pacientes com DPOC+ICC apresentam elevações relativas dos limites inspiratórios (maior fração inspiratória). Entretanto, esses pacientes utilizam apenas parte desses limites, com o provável intuito de evitar reduções críticas da reserva inspiratória e maior trabalho elástico.

Espirometria em pacientes portadores de artrite reumatoide e sua associação com aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, radiológicos e tratamento / Spirometry among rheumatoid arthritis patients and its association with epidemiological, clinical, radiographic and treatment aspects

INTRODUÇÃO: Artrite reumatoide (AR) é uma doença inflamatória autoimune comum, de predomínio feminino e presente em 1% da população brasileira. O acometimento do sistema respiratório é frequente e ocorre em aproximadamente 50% desta população, principalmente as doenças de vias aéreas e as doenças pulmonares intersticiais. Pacientes tabagistas têm maior chance de desenvolver AR em relação aos não tabagistas, mas o papel do tabaco na doença pulmonar da AR ainda está indefinido. Este trabalho foi dividido em 2 partes. Na primeira avaliamos as características epidemiológicas, clínicas, radiográficas e espirométricas dos pacientes com AR, e comparamos o grupo de pacientes com alterações em qualquer dos exames realizados com grupo onde os exames foram normais. Na segunda parte, fizemos uma avaliação mais aprofundada do sistema respiratório dos pacientes com alteração à espirometria e os comparamos de acordo com a exposição ao tabagismo: elevada (carga tabágica > 10 anos.maço) contra baixa ou ausente. MÉTODOS: Pacientes acompanhados no ambulatório de Artrite Reumatoide do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo foram submetidos a um estudo de corte transversal com avaliação clínica, oximetria de pulso em repouso, radiografia de tórax e espirometria. Aqueles que apresentavam espirometria alterada foram submetidos a tomografia de alta resolução do tórax (TCAR) e função pulmonar com espirometria, pletismografia, difusão de monóxido de carbono (DLCO) e teste de washout de nitrogênio por respiração única. RESULTADOS: Um total de 246 pacientes foram analisados. História de tabagismo prévio ou atual foi visto em metade da amostra. Houve baixa prevalência de nódulos reumatoides e Síndrome de Sjõgren. Alterações à espirometria foram vistas em 30% dos pacientes, radiografia de tórax em 45% e oximetria de pulso em 13%. Exames normais estavam simultaneamente presentes em apenas 41% dos casos...

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a frequent connective tissue disorder, occurring mainly in women, with a 1% prevalence in Brazil. Pulmonary disease, which is present in up to 50% of patients, manifests most commonly as interstitial lung disease (ILD) and airways disease. A high frequency of smoking is observed among RA patients, but its role on pulmonary involvement is unknown. This work was divided in 2 parts. At the first part, we analyzed epidemiological, clinical, radiographic and spirometric RA patients´ characteristics, and compared the group of patients with any abnormality on complementary medical tests against the group with normal tests. At the second part, patients with abnormal spirometry were submitted to a more complex respiratory evaluation, and we compared RA patients with high tobacco exposure ( > 10 pack-years) versus absent or low tobacco exposure. METHODS: RA patients undergoing regular follow-ups at the rheumatoid arthritis clinic of the Rheumatology Division, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil, were submitted to a cross-sectional clinical pulmonary evaluation, rest pulse oximetry, chest radiograph and spirometry. Those with abnormal spirometry were submitted to chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests with spirometry, plethysmography, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) and single breath nitrogen washout. RESULTS: A total of 246 RA patients underwent complete assessments. Half of the population reported tobacco exposure. Rheumatoid nodules and Sjõgren Syndrome were uncommon. Spirometry was abnormal in 30% of the patients; CXR was abnormal in 45%, and pulse oximetry was abnormal in 13%. Normal CXR, spirometry and oximetry were observed simultaneously in only 41% of the RA patients. A weak negative correlation was found between tobacco exposure and spirometric parameters. Thorax HRCT emphysema and lower DLCO were more frequent in patients...

Can the single-breath helium dilution method predict lung volumes as measured by whole-body plethysmography? / Pode o metodo de diluicao do helio em respiracao unica estimar os volumes pulmonares medidos pela pletismografia de corpo inteiro?

OBJECTIVE: To compare TLC and RV values obtained by the single-breath helium dilution (SBHD) method with those obtained by whole-body plethysmography (WBP) in patients with normal lung function, patients with obstructive lung disease (OLD), and patients with restrictive lung disease (RLD), varying in severity, and to devise equations to estimate the SBHD results. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study involving 169 individuals, of whom 93 and 49 presented with OLD and RLD, respectively, the remaining 27 having normal lung function. All patients underwent spirometry and lung volume measurement by both methods. RESULTS: TLC and RV were higher by WBP than by SBHD. The discrepancy between the methods was more pronounced in the OLD group, correlating with the severity of airflow obstruction. In the OLD group, the correlation coefficient of the comparison between the two methods was 0.57 and 0.56 for TLC and RV, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). We used regression equations, adjusted for the groups studied, in order to predict the WBP values of TLC and RV, using the corresponding SBHD values. It was possible to create regression equations to predict differences in TLC and RV between the two methods only for the OLD group. The TLC and RV equations were, respectively, ∆TLCWBP-SBHD in L = 5.264 − 0.060 × FEV1/FVC (r2 = 0.33; adjusted r2 = 0.32) and ∆RVWBP-SBHD in L = 4.862 − 0.055 × FEV1/FVC (r2 = 0.31; adjusted r2 = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: The correction of TLC and RV results obtained by SBHD can improve the accuracy of this method for assessing lung volumes in patients with OLD. However, additional studies are needed in order to validate these equations. .

OBJETIVO: Comparar resultados de CPT e VR obtidos pelo método de diluição de hélio em respiração única (DHRU) com aqueles obtidos por pletismografia de corpo inteiro (PCI) em indivíduos com função pulmonar normal, portadores de distúrbio ventilatório obstrutivo (DVO) e portadores de distúrbio ventilatório restritivo (DVR) com diferentes níveis de gravidade e elaborar equações para estimar CPT e VR por DHRU. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal retrospectivo com 169 indivíduos, dos quais, respectivamente, 93, 49 e 27 apresentavam DVO, DVR e espirometria normal. Todos realizaram espirometria e determinação de volumes pulmonares pelos dois métodos. RESULTADOS: Os valores de CPT e VR foram maiores por PCI que por DHRU. A discrepância entre os métodos foi mais acentuada no grupo com DVO e se relacionou com a gravidade da obstrução ao fluxo aéreo. No grupo com DVO, o coeficiente de correlação da comparação entre os dois métodos foi de 0,57 e 0,56 para CPT e VR, respectivamente (p < 0,001 para ambos). Para predizer os valores de CPT e VR por PCI utilizando os respectivos valores por DHRU foram utilizadas equações de regressão, corrigidas de acordo com os grupos estudados. Somente foi possível criar equações de regressão para predizer as diferenças de CPT e VR entre os dois métodos para pacientes com DVO. Essas equações foram, respectivamente, ∆CPTPCI-DHRU em L = 5,264 − 0,060 × VEF1/CVF (r2 = 0,33; r2 ajustado = 0,32) e ∆VRPCI-DHRU em L = 4,862 − 0,055 × VEF1/CVF (r2 = 0,31; r2 ajustado = 0,30). CONCLUSÕES: A correção de CPT e VR obtidos por DHRU pode melhorar a acurácia desse método para avaliar os volumes pulmonares em pacientes com DVO. Entretanto, estudos adicionais ...

Nutritional status and food intake of patients with systemic psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis associated / Estado nutricional e consumo alimentar de pacientes com psoríase dos tipos sistêmica e artropática sistêmica associada

Objective: To identify the nutritional status and food intake of individuals with systemic psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis associated. Methods: This is an exploratory and cross-sectional study with 34 men aged between 19 and 60 years seen at a Psoriasis Center. Participants were divided into systemic psoriasis group and arthriticsystemic psoriasis associated group. For nutritional assessment we used anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis and wholebody plethysmography. Clinical and nutritional information were assessed using the clinical and nutritional history-taking, and the 24-hour dietary recall. For statistics the general linear model test (p < 0.05) was used. Results: According to the body mass index 29.4% patients (n = 10) were eutrophic, 41.2% (n = 14) overweight and 29% (n = 10) obese. Almost all individuals (60%; n = 21) had body fat percentage above normal levels (> 25%) and a high risk for metabolic complications according to the waist circumference and the obesity index, however, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. The mean food intake, total fat, calories and protein were above recommended levels, being 58.8% for lipids (319.17 ± 241.02 mg of cholesterol and 17.42 ± 11.4 g saturated fatty acids); 29.4% for calories and 67.6% for proteins. Thus, regardless of the psoriasis type, an excessive consumption of calories, lipids, fatty acids, cholesterol and a higher incidence of overweight were found. Conclusion: The sample showed an abnormal nutritional condition, an increased risk for chronic diseases related to obesity, worsening of the psoriatic lesions, and poor quality of life.

Objetivo: Identificar o estado nutricional e o consumo alimentar de indivíduos com psoríase sistêmica e artropática associada. Métodos: Pesquisa exploratória e transversal, na qual avaliaram-se 34 homens, de 19 a 60 anos, atendidos em um Centro de Psoríase, separando-os em Grupo PS (com psoríase sistêmica) e Grupo PAS (com sistêmica mais artropática). A avaliação nutricional deu-se pelo emprego da antropometria; bioimpedância e plestimografia de corpo inteiro. Aspectos clínicos e nutricionais foram investigados pela anamnese clínica, nutricional e recordatório de 24 horas. Empregou-se o teste General Linear Model (p < 0,05) para avaliação estatística. Resultados: Segundo Índice de Massa Corporal, 29,4% (n = 10) apresentaram-se eutróficos; 41,2% (n = 14) com sobrepeso e 29% (n = 10) com obesidade. A maioria dos avaliados (60%; n = 21) apresentou valor da porcentagem de gordura (avaliada pela antropometria, bioimpedância e plestimografia de corpo inteiro) acima da normalidade (> 25%) e com risco alto para complicações metabólicas segundo CC e índice de obesidade, sem diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos. O consumo alimentar médio de lipídio, calorias e proteína apresentou-se acima do recomendado, sendo 58,8% para os lípides (319,17 ± 241,02 mg de colesterol e 17,42 ± 11,4 g de ácidos graxos saturados); 29,4% para as calorias e 67,6% para as proteínas. Assim, independentemente do tipo de psoríase, encontrou-se consumo excessivo de calorias, lípides, colesterol e ácidos graxos, além de maior ocorrência de excesso de peso. Conclusão: A amostra apresentou estado nutricional comprometido, aumento do risco para doenças crônicas relacionadas à obesidade, agravamento das lesões e má qualidade de vida.

Aplicação terapêutica da ventilação colateral com drenagem pulmonar no tratamento do enfisema pulmonar difuso: relato dos três primeiros casos / Therapeutic application of collateral ventilation with pulmonary drainage in the treatment of diffuse emphysema: report of the first three cases

OBJETIVO: Relatar os resultados obtidos no pré- e pós-operatório de três pacientes portadores de enfisema pulmonar difuso grave, empregando uma nova técnica: ventilação colateral com drenagem do parênquima pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Para a avaliação da drenagem pulmonar, foram selecionados pacientes que já haviam sido submetidos à terapêutica clínica máxima, incluindo a reabilitação pulmonar, e que ainda assim sofriam de falência respiratória com dispnéia incapacitante. Os pacientes foram submetidos, no pré- e no pós operatório, à pletismografia e ao teste da caminhada de seis minutos, assim como responderam aos seguintes questionários de qualidade de vida: Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status e Medical Research Council Scale. Todos os pacientes tiveram seguimento de no mínimo 300 dias de pós-operatório. Os testes foram realizados no pré-operatório, entre 30 e 40 dias de pós-operatório e após 300 dias de pós-operatório. Os dados foram analisados pelo método de gráficos de perfis de médias. RESULTADOS: Quando comparados os resultados do pré-operatório com os do pós-operatório nos dois momentos, verificou-se que houve melhora em todos os parâmetros estudados. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que a técnica operatória proposta para o tratamento de doentes portadores de enfisema pulmonar difuso grave foi capaz de diminuir os sintomas debilitantes destes pacientes, tornando sua qualidade de vida muito melhor.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results obtained in three patients with diffuse pulmonary emphysema during the pre- and post-operative periods following a new surgical technique: collateral ventilation with lung parenchyma drainage. METHODS: Patients suffering from pulmonary failure and disabling dyspnea, despite having received the gold standard treatment, including pulmonary rehabilitation, were selected for the evaluation of pulmonary drainage. During the pre- and post-operative periods, patients were submitted to plethysmography and six-minute walk tests, as well as completing the following quality of life questionnaires: Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status and Medical Research Council Scale. In all three cases, the postoperative follow-up period was at least 300 days. The tests were performed at the following time points: during the pre-operative period; between post-operative days 30 and 40; and on post-operative day 300. Data were analyzed using profile plots of the means. RESULTS: When the results obtained in the pre-operative period were compared to those obtained at the two post-operative time points evaluated, improvements were observed in all parameters studied. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the surgical technique proposed for the treatment of patients suffering from severe diffuse emphysema successfully reduces the debilitating symptoms of these patients, improving their quality of life considerably.

Determinación de volúmenes pulmonares mediante pletismografía en pacientes con fíbrosis quística / Lung volume determinations by whole plethysmography in cystic fibrosis patients: a preliminary report

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients develop a progressive impairment of pulmonary function tests (PFT) by recurrent infection. Objective: To evaluate PFT in CF patients using spirometry, oxygen saturometry (Sa0(2)) and whole plethysmography (WP) for determining possible mathematical relationships. Methods: FVC, FRC, RV, TLC, FEV1, FEF25.75, obtained in 10 CF patients were compared with Zapletal's reference values and with the values obtained in 33 healthy-school children. Results: Mean age 13.6 years-old (range: 9-20). All CF patients had normal Sa0(2), FEV1 was normal in five (four had FEV1 between 65-80 percent), 4 had RV/TLC > 30 percent, 3 had increased FRC and RV/TLC, only one CF patient had WP normal. The average of TLC and RV were higher than reference values and control group (p < 0.05). We found an inverse relationship between FEV1, FEF25-75 and RV/TLC [r = -0.642 (p < 0.05) and r = -0.803 (p < 0.01); respectively]. Conclusion: This study suggests an increase of pulmonary volume in CF patients with not necessarily abnormal spirometry and an inverse mathematical relationship between FEV1, FEF25-75 and RV/TLC.

Introducción: La fibrosis quística (FQ) exhibe un deterioro progresivo de la función pulmonar (FP) asociada a infecciones recurrentes. Objetivo: Evaluar la FP en sujetos con FQ mediante espirometría, saturometría y pletismografía (PG) determinando alguna relación matemática. Pacientes y Métodos: Se identificaron 10 pacientes capaces de realizar CVF, CRF, VR, CPT, VEF1, y FEF25-75 por ciento; comparándose con los valores de Zapletal y de 33 controles sanos. Resultados: Edad promedio 13,6 a±os (rango: 9-20). Sa0(2)y VEF1fueron normales en 10 y 5 sujetos, respectivamente (4 tenían VEF1entre 65-80 por ciento). La PG mostró 4 pacientes con VR/CPT > 30 por ciento, 3 con aumento de CRF y VR/CPT, sólo uno tuvo PG normal. Los promedios de CPT y VR fueron superiores a valores de referencia y controles (p < 0,05). Se encontró una relación inversa entre VEF1y VR/CPT (r = -0,642, p < 0,05) y entre FEF25-75 y VR/CPT (r = -0,803, p < 0,01). Conclusiones: Este estudio sugiere un incremento significativo de los volúmenes pulmonares en pacientes con FQ aún teniendo espirometría normal; así como una relación matemática inversa entre VEF1, FEF25-75 y VR/CPT.

Espirometría y pletismografía en niños escolares y adolescentes / Spirometry and plethysmography in scholar children and adolescent

Las pruebas de función pulmonar representan la forma mas objetiva de determinar cambios en volúmenes y capacidades pulmonares en sujetos con condiciones respiratorias agudas y crónicas. En la actualidad existen diversos grupos que han publicado guías para su práctica y empleo. Para unacorrecta interpretación, es necesario la estandarización del método. Presentamos algunas consideracionesgenerales a cerca de su método, características y posibles aplicaciones en niños y adolescentes.

Overestimation of thoracic gas volume during the airway resistance maneuver: a potential error in the diagnosis of air trapping

There are no data published about the agreement between the measurement of thoracic gas volume (TGV) during the airway resistance (TGV-Raw) and the conventional technique described by Dubois. The aim of this study was to establish the agreement between both methods to measure TGV. We studied eighty consecutive subjects. Only sixty-six performed acceptable plethysmography maneuvers. The patients were measured with a constant volume plethysmograph (Medical Graphics 1085 DL). TGV was performed in the same patient with two techniques: 1) during the airway resistance (Raw) measurement (TGV-Raw) and 2) during quiet breathing at the end of expiration (TGV). The panting frequency was 1 to 2 Hz with both maneuvers. The differences between both techniques were expressed in percentage (deltaTGV %) and absolute values (deltaTGV). The TGV-Raw of the whole group was higher than TGV (3.69 +/- 1.08 l vs 3.28 +/- 1.05 l, p < 0.001). Similarly, the subgroups of patients had a greater TGV-Raw than TGV (Normal: 3.44 +/- 0.77 l vs 2.98 +/- 0.72 l , p < 0.001; Obstructive: 4.08 +/- 1.19 l vs 3.71 +/- 1.15 l, p < 0.001; Restrictive: 2.62 +/- 0.49 l vs 2.25 +/- 0.51 l, p < 0.01). There was a considerable lack of agreement between the TGV-Raw and TGV, with discrepancies of up to +0.95 l or +34%. The deltaTGV % was similar between the patients' subgroups and between the subjects with different degree of airflow obstruction (Normal: 16.5 +/- 10%, Obstructive: 10.8 +/- 9.4%, Restrictive: 18 +/- 14.3%, p NS; mild obstruction: 10.7 +/- 11%, moderate obstruction: 12.3 +/- 5.7, severe obstruction: 10.1+/- 6.6, p NS). In conclusion, TGV-Raw was larger than TGV. This was because the patients generally panted at a volume above FRC when performing the TGV-Raw maneuver. TGV-Raw should not be used to estimate FRC because FRC would be overestimated and the diagnosis of air trapping may be erroneous.

El objetivo de este estudio fue obtener informacion postmarketing sobre el uso de infliximab en un centro reumatologico de atencion ambulatoria. Se realizo un analisis retrospectivo y prospectivode las historias clinicas de pacientes con diagnostico de artritis reumatoidea (n=37), artritis psoriasica (n=5),enfermedad mixta del tejido conectivo (n=1) y espondilitis anquilosante (n=2) que recibieron infliximab (3 mg/kg) desde agosto de 2000 a junio de 2003. El analisis descriptivo se realizo con porcentajes, media o medianay desviacion estandar o intervalo intercuartilo. La prueba de Wilcoxon se utilizo para el analisis apareado dedosis de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos y metotrexato, anterior y posterior a la administracion de infliximab. Se consideraron significativos valores de p < o = 0.05. Se incluyeron 45 pacientes a los que se les administraron un total de 207 infusiones. En 2 pacientes el infliximab se discontinuo debido a lumbalgia severa durante la infusion y en otros 2 por anafilaxia intrainfusional. Otras reacciones adversas ocurridas durante las infusiones fueron moderadas y respondieron adecuadamente al tratamiento estandar. Se presento un caso de artritis septica de rodilla por estafilococos. Un caso de artritis reumatoidea con insuficiencia renal compensada recibio infliximab en dosis de 1.9 mg/kg cada 30 dias, sin cambios en la funcion renal. Al momento, ningun paciente ha desarrollado tuberculosis activa. Debido a la mejoria clinica, se redujo la dosis de corticoides en 14/39 (35.9%) pacientes, de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos en 15/43 (34.8%) y de metotrexato en 12/34 (35.3%). En estaserie de casos se muestra el perfil de seguridad de infliximab, la posibilidad de reducir la dosis de drogas concomitantes,asi como algunos enfoques individuales sobre situaciones para las cuales no disponemos de guias basadas en la evidencia medica, y en las que los reumatologos debemos tomar decisiones segun las necesidades clinicas.

Estudio comparativo de dos pruebas diagnósticas: espirometría VS Pletismografía en adultos asmáticos asintomáticos / Comparative study of two diagnostic test: espirometría vs pletismografia in asthmatic asymtomatic adults

Se comparó la sensibilidad de la espirometría con la pletismografía en 20 adultos asmáticos asintomáticos, en condiciones basales y posterior al uso de salbutamol en el aerosol. Resultados: valoraes iguales para la capacidad vital (CV) con un p =0.02 por ambos métodos. Para la capacidad pulmonar total (CPT) una p = 0.05, p = 0.02 y elevación del volumen residual (VA) con p = 0.001 por plestismografía en condiciones basales y post-salbutamol. La conductancia específica (CE) mostró una p = <0.01. la velocidad de flujos (VFso, VF2s-7S) y (VF7S,VF7s-8S), mostró obstrucción similar para las vías aéreas periféricas de mediano y pequeño calibre con una p = <0.02. Conclusión: ambos métodos tienen especificidad similar, más nola misma sensibilidad, la pletismografía resultó más sensible para la detección de obstrucción en las vías aéreas centrales.

Volumes e capacidades pulmonares, fluxos expiratorios forcados, estudados com pletismografia de corpo inteiro na pancreatite aguda: estudo experimental em ratos / Volumes and capacities pulmonary, expiatory fluxes forcible, studied by plestimography of whole body in the acute pancreatitis: experimental study in rats

As lesoes pulmonares decorrentes da pancreatite aguda (PA) tem incidencia que varia de 6,7 a 70 por cento dos casos. Estudou-se 29 ratos divididos em tres grupos: grupo controle ("sham operation")-dez ratos: grupo pancreatite (2 horas)-dez ratos e grupo pancreatite (8 horas)-nove ratos. A PA foi induzida por injecao de acido taurocolico a 2,5 por cento no ducto hepatico. Os animais foram submetidos a pletismografia de corpo inteiro apos intubacao endotraqueal para analisar-se os volumes e fluxos pulmonares...