[Changes in asthma prevalence among school children during a 6 -year period: Influence of socioeconomic status]. / Influencia del nivel socioeconómico (NSE) en el asma bronquial y cambios en su prevalencia en población escolar en un periodo de 6 años.

BACKGROUND: Asthma prevalence is increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. AIM: To determine the prevalence of asthma diagnosis and related symptoms in children, its changes during a 6-year period and the influence exerted by socioeconomic status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted among school children of Santiago. A sample of 4,561 children aged 6-7 and 13-14 years attending public schools (central district, medium-low and low socioeconomic status) and private schools (eastern districts, high socioecomic status) were surveyed. Dependent variables were asthma diagnosis (AD), wheezing during the last 12 months (WHE12) and frequency of episodes of wheezing (FEW). Prevalence odds ratios were calculated using regression models, adjusted for several confounding variables. RESULTS: AD prevalence for the group as a whole was higher in boys than in girls (13.2% and 10.8%, respectively p =0.016). Prevalence rate of AD was also higher for children aged 13-14 than 6-7 years (13.8% and 10.1%, respectively p <0.01). An inverse association was found between SES and WHE12. Higher maternal education level was associated with lower prevalence of WHE12 in both age groups and with lower prevalence of FEW in 6-7 year-old children. Paternal education level was positively associated with AD among younger children. At the central district, increasing trends of WHE12 and FEW prevalence were observed during 1994-2000 among 6-7 years children. CONCLUSIONS: A significant association was observed between socioeconomic status, asthma diagnosis and symptoms in school children living in Santiago. Data support an increasing trend of asthma prevalence and severity among 6-7 year-old children during the period 1994-2000.

Influencia del nivel socioeconómico (NSE) en el asma bronquial y cambios en su prevalencia en población escolar en un periodo de 6 años / Changes in asthma prevalence among school children during a 6 -year period: Influence of socioeconomic status

Background: Asthma prevalence is increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. Aim: To determine the prevalence of asthma diagnosis andrelated symptoms in children, its changes during a 6-year period and the influence exerted by socioeconomic status. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study conducted among schoolchildren of Santiago. A sample of 4,561 children aged 6-7 and 13-14 years attending public schools (central district, medium-low and low socioeconomic status) and private schools (eastern districts, high socioecomic status) were surveyed. Dependent variables were asthma diagnosis (AD), wheezing during the last 12 months (WHE12) and frequency of episodes of wheezing (FEW). Prevalence odds ratios were calculated using regression models, adjusted for several confounding variables. Results: AD prevalence for the group as a whole was higher in boys than in girls (13.2% and 10.8%, respectively, p =0.016). Prevalence rate of AD was also higher for children aged 13-14 than 6-7 years (13.8% and 10.1%, respectively p <0.01). An inverse association was found between SES and WHE12. Higher maternal education level was associated with lower prevalence of WHE12 in both age groups and with lower prevalence of FEW in 6-7 year-old children. Paternal education level was positively associated with AD among younger children. At the central district, increasing trends of WHE12 and FEW prevalence were observed during 1994-2000 among 6-7 years children. Conclusions: A significant association was observed between socioeconomic status, asthma diagnosis and symptoms in school children living in Santiago. Data support an increasing trend of asthma prevalence and severity among 6-7 year-old children during the period 1994-2000.

[Risk factors and prevalence of allergic rhinitis among Chilean children]. / Prevalencia de síntomas de rinitis alérgica y su relación con factores de riesgo en escolares de Santiago, Chile.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis experienced a steady increase in the last years, probably associated to changes in lifestyles. AIM: To assess the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, to evaluate changes over time (1994-2000), and to describe risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) core questionnaire, with questions added about socioeconomic status (SES), was applied to 4594 children between 6-7 years old and 13-14 years old during october-december 2000. Attendance to public or private schools was also used a SES proxy. The results were compared with those of a similar survey in 5281 children, performed in 1994. Rhinitis symptoms (ever) (SR), rhinitis symptoms within last 12 months (SR12) and medical diagnosis of rhinitis (DR) were assessed. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the prevalence of SR, SR 12 and DR in both age groups in 2000, compared to 1994. SR older children showed a higher prevalence of SR compared with the youngest group (p=0.003). No age differences were observed in the prevalence of SR12 and DR. Both SR and SR12 were more prevalent at schools of medium and low-medium SES (p=0.003 and p=0.002 respectively). DR was significantly more prevalent among children of high SES. A better mother educational level was associated to higher prevalence of SR and SR12 (p=0.03 and p=0.04). Father educational level was associated to DR (p=0.007). The prevalence of SR12 was higher in households with carpets (p=0.017). The prevalence of DR was higher in houses with smokers (p=0.03) and gas heating (p=0.005). None of the three variables were related to gender. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SR, SR12 and DR increased significantly in a short time period (6 years). Our results support a positive association between DR and high SES.

Prevalencia de síntomas de rinitis alérgica y su relación con factores de riesgo en escolares de Santiago, Chile / Risk factors and prevalence of allergic rhinitis among Chilean children

Background: The prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis experienced a steady increase in the last years, probably associated to changes in lifestyles. Aim: To assess the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, to evaluate changes over time (1994-2000), and to describe risk factors. Material and Methods: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) core questionnaire, with questions added about socioeconomic status (SES), was applied to 4594 children between 6-7 years old and 13-14 years old during october-december 2000. Attendance to public or private schools was also used a SES proxy. The results were compared with those of a similar survey in 5281 children, performed in 1994. Rhinitis symptoms (ever) (SR), rhinitis symptoms within last 12 months (SR12) and medical diagnosis of rhinitis (DR) were assessed. Results: There was a significant increase in the prevalence of SR, SR 12 and DR in both age groups in 2000, compared to 1994. SR older children showed a higher prevalence of SR compared with the youngest group (p=0.003). No age differences were observed in the prevalence of SR12 and DR. Both SR and SR12 were more prevalent at schools of medium and low-medium SES (p=0.003 and p=0.002 respectively). DR was significantly more prevalent among children of high SES. A better mother educational level was associated to higher prevalence of SR and SR12 (p=0.03 and p=0.04). Father educational level was associated to DR (p=0.007). The prevalence of SR12 was higher in households with carpets (p=0.017). The prevalence of DR was higher in houses with smokers (p=0.03) and gas heating (p=0.005). None of the three variables were related to gender. Conclusions: The prevalence of SR, SR12 and DR increased significantly in a short time period (6 years). Our results support a positive association between DR and high SES.

Estridor en el paciente pediátrico: Estudio descriptivo / Stridor in the Paedriatric patient: a descriptive study

Introducción: El estridor es un ruido respiratorio musical, que se presenta predominantemente durante la inspiración y que resulta del paso de un flujo turbulento por una zona de obstrucción parcial de la vía aérea. En reportes previos, la laringomalacia es su principal causa (65 a 75 por ciento) y se ha encontrado asociación de dos o más anomalías de la vía aérea en un promedio del 15 por ciento de los casos. En la literatura nacional existen escasas publicaciones en relación al tema. Objetivo: Revisar nuestra experiencia de 10 años en el estudio de pacientes con estridor. Pacientes y métodos: Entre marzo 1993 y julio 2003 se realizaron 806 fibrobroncoscopías flexibles (FBC) con un fibrobroncoscopio Olympus BF3C20 y BF3C30. La indicación del estudio por estridor se presentó en 133 pacientes (16,5 por ciento). Todos recibieron sedación, oxígeno por cánula nasal y monitorización continua cardio-respiratoria. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 10,6 meses (rango entre 5 días y 71 meses), 74 casos eran de sexo masculino (55,por ciento). El estridor fue congénito en 104 casos (78,2 por ciento) y las principales anomalías de la vía aérea fueron laringomalacia en 95 pacientes (71,4 por ciento), estenosis subglótica en 13 casos (9,8 por cientoi) y traqueomalacia en 10 pacientes (7,5 por ciento). De los 95 casos de laringomalacia, 19 (20 por ciento) presentaron asociación con otra lesión de la vía aérea en forma concomitante, dentro de las que se incluyen bronquio traqueal, traqueomalacia y parálisis de cuerdas vocales entre otras. Nuestros hallazgos son comparables con los descritos previamente en la literatura internacional. Conclusión: El estudio de un paciente con estridor debe incluir la evaluación de la vía aérea superior e inferior.

Experiencia en 10 años de aplicación de fibrobroncoscopia en pacientes pediátricos / A ten years experience in flexible bronchoscopy in pediatric patients

Approximately a decade ago, pediatric Flexible Bronchoscopy (FB) was introduced in Chile, after being used for several years in adults. Aim: To describe our clinical experience in FB in a ten years period. Patients and Methods: Records of procedures done between January 1993 and September 2002 at the Pediatric Service of the Catholic University Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the clinical indications for the procedures in relation to patient's age and the correlation between indications and FB findings. Results: A total of 700 procedures were performed during the period, 59% in men and 53% in patients younger than 1 year. Seventy seven percent of procedures were done in an examination room, using a nasal approach. The main indication was visualization of the airway (49%). The most common clinical diagnosis, in descending order were: atelectasis, stridor and etiologic study of pneumonia by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). In children younger than 6 months the most common clinical diagnosis was stridor, followed by atelectasis. The main diagnosis in the whole sample, reached by FB was atelectasis secondary to mucous plug. In children younger than 6 months, the main diagnosis was laryngomalacia. A positive microbial culture was obtained in 43% of patients in whom BAL was done. Complications were uncommon (5%) and mostly mild. In 2.3% of cases, these were severe, such as bronchospasm and need for mechanical ventilation. Severe complications were observed in patients younger than 3 months with severe stridor or in children with cancer, who required FB and BAL. Conclusions: Flexible bronchoscopy is a safe and useful procedure in pediatric patients (Rev Méd Chile 2003; 131: 1266-72).

Experiencia clínica de la utilidad del lavado broncoalveolar en pediatría / Bronchoalveolar lavage in children

Introducción: Se ha descrito que el lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) tiene utilidad en la determinación etiológica de pacientes con neumonías de evolución inhabitual y en pacientes inmunodeprimidos. La información publicada es en su mayoría extranjera, existiendo escasa información en Chile. Objetivo: revisar restrospectivamente la experiencia clínica de LBA realizados en el servicio de pediatría del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica entre abril 1993 y julio 2001. pacientes y métodos: Se utilizó un fibrobroncoscopio olympus de 3,6 mm de diámetro externo, con una vieocámara sony DXC-C1 utilizando para el LBA 4 a 6 alícuotas de 1 cc/kg (volumen máximo: 15 ml) de suero fisiológico al 0,9 por ciento c/u, tomando muestras de secreción bronquial, las que fueron enviadas para estudio viral, bacteriológico, tuberculosis, hongos y pneumocystis carinii. Resultados: se realizaron un total de 97 LBA, analizándose el resultado de 82 LBA de 74 pacientes. hubo 60 LBA en inmunosuprimidos, cuyos diagnósticos fueron: neumonía 15, neumonía intersticial 9, neumonía con atelectasia 3, distrés respiratorio agudo 3. de estos 30 LBA, hubo un total de 14 resultados positivos (46,6 por ciento), 10 para germen patógeno (33,3 por ciento); CMV 5, reacción de polimerasa en cadena (PCR) (+) pneumocystis carinii 2, CMV + pneumocystis carinii2. De los 52 LBA en inmunocompetentes los diagnïsticos fueron de neumonía con o sin atelectasia 32, sospecha de hemosiderosis 7, tuberculosis 4, bronquiectasias 3 y 6 misceláneos. Hubo un total de 21 de 44 cultivos positivos (47,7 por ciento), aislándose haemophilus influenzae en 7, pseudomona aeruginosa 4, CMV 3 y staphylococcus aureus 2. El LBA cambió la conducta en 29 pacientes (35,3 por ciento) y ésta incluyó: cambio de terapia antibiótica en 14 pacientes, inicio de ganciclovir en 7. Conclusiones: el LBA es una herramienta de gran ayuda en el paciente que presenta una neumonía inhabitual, en especial en inmunodeprimidos, ya que al determinar un diagnóstico preciso nos permite una elección adecuada de tratamiento

Presencia de fístula broncopleural en niños con patología pulmonar: descripción de 9 casos clínicos / Bronchopulmonary fistula in children: a description of 9 clinical cases

Introducción: La fístula brocopleural (FBP) es una comunicación anormal que se establece entre el árbol bronquial y el espacio pleural, que se presenta en la evolución de enfermedades respiratorias graves, como complicación de intervenciones quirúrgicasdel pulmón o de procedimientos con riesgos de trauma pulmonar. Objetivo: Presentar las características clínicasde un grupo de pacientes con FBP. Pacientes y Método: Se presenta una serie clínica de 9 pacientes con FBP (7 mujeres y 2 hombres) con una edad promedio de 2 años 1 mes (rango entre 7 días y 7 años). Resultados: En 6 pacientes, la FBP apareció en la evolución de una enfermedad respiratoria grave (pleuroneumoníacomplicada en 4, obstrucción bronquial severa en 1 y síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo en 1). En los otros 3 pacientes, la FBP fue complicación de una lobectomía indicada por malformaciones pulmonares congénitas y bronquiectasias. El cuadro clínico se caracterizó por el deterioro respiratorio debido al desarrollo de un neumotórax a tensión (4 casos) o neumotórax recurrente (5 pacientes). En 5 casos la FBP se presentó con el paciente en ventilación mecánica, y en 2 pacientes con pleroneumonía, la FBP se asoció al trauma pulmonar producido por la instalación del tubo de drenaje. El tratamiento de la FBP consistió en drenaje pleural sin aspiración y en los pacientes en ventilación mecánica se ajustaron las presiones para lograr la menor fuga posible a través de la FBP. En 2 casos se requirió ventilación de alta frecuencia. En 4 pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar grave y en 2 casos de lobectomía, la FBP se resolvió con tratamiento quirúrgico. No hubo fallecidos en esta serie. Conclusión: En nuestra experiencia clínica la FBP en pacientes pediátricos se presenta durante la evolución de una enfermedad pulmonar grave en ventilación mecánica, o como complicación de una cirugía pulmonar

Análisis acústico de las sibilancias en lactantes con obstrucción bronquial aguda: estudio de seguimiento / Acoustic analysis in wheezy infants: a follow up study

Background: There is some information about wheeze characteristics in infants, however it is not clear whether the different wheeze patterns relates to prognosis and evolution during the first two years of life. Objectives: To characterize wheezing and spectral pattern of lung sounds in infants with acute bronchiolitis (AB) and in infants with recurrent wheeze (RW) as well as to compare these parameters with the clinical evolution 2 years after admission. Methods: Seventy six AB infants (48 boys), aged 5.5ñ0.7 months (mean ñ SD), 62 RSV (+) and 32 RW infants (20 boys), aged 11.4ñ2 months were studied during the first week of admission at the hospital. Patients were studied during spontaneous sleep, breathing with a face mask connected to a pneumotachograph at flows of 0.1ñ0.02L/s. Sounds were registered at baseline and 20 minutes after salbutamol using 2 contact sensors placed at both lower lobes levels. Signals were low-pass filtered, amplified and a Fourier analysis was applied to sounds within a target flow range. Spectral analysis was done between 100 and 1000 HZ. Results: In 40/76 (53 percent) AB vs 30/34 (88 percent) RW sinusoidal wheezing (p <0.01; chi2) were observed and a positive bronchodilator response was obtained in 37/76 (49 percent) AB vs 32/34 (94 percent) RW (p <0.01; _2). Patients with sinusoidal wheezing (s-w) had more wheezing episodes in follow-up, 26/40 vs 8/36 in complex wheezing (c-w), (p <0.01: _2) and 30/34 in RW (p <0.01; _2). IgE values at 18 months were higher in s-w compared to c-w (63ñ7 vs 24ñ5 Iu/mL (p <0.01) and 96ñ11 Iu/mL in RW (p <0.01). Conclusions: a) Wheezing characteristics in acute bronchiolitis vs recurrent wheezing are different; b) Bronchodilator response relates to wheeze characteristics and c) Higher IgE and more recurrent wheezing episodes are seen in acute bronchiolitis with sinusoidal wheezing. These findings suggest that lung sounds analysis is useful in assessing wheezy patients and have a value to identify infants on risk of developing asthma

Correlación genotipo fenotipo de un grupo de pacientes con fibrosis quística / Correlation between phenotype and genotype in a group of patients with cystic fibrosis

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal autosomic disease in Caucasians, with a global incidence of 1:3000 newborns. More than 900 mutations have been described, involving the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR). The ÆF508 mutation is present in 60 percent of alleles studied worldwide. Aim: To report 25 patients with cystic fibrosis in whom a genetic study was done. Material and methods: Twenty five patients (14 men, aged between 18 months and 25 years) with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis based on clinical features plus two abnormal sweat tests are reported. The genetic study considered the 20 most common mutations in cystic fibrosis and was done in genomic DNA of peripheral lymphocytes, by polymerase chain reaction. Results: A mutation was found in 75 percent of analyzed alleles. ÆF508 was present in 50 percent of cases (ÆF508/ÆF508 in 8 and ÆF508/other in 11). When ÆF508 was present, pancreatic insufficiency was always a feature and nutritional status was worse. Respiratory involvement was variable, both for homozygous and heterozygous cases. Other severe mutations such as W1282X and G542X were related to clinical manifestations similar to those found in ÆF508 mutation. Diagnosis was made before six months of age in 12 patients. The clinical presentation was meconium ileus and there was a family history of the disease in most cases. The majority of cases of early diagnosis presented severe mutations, but milder respiratory symptoms and lesser nutritional compromise at the time of assessment. Conclusions: Most patients studied had a severe cystic fibrosis mutation, which was associated with more severe respiratory, pancreatic and nutritional involvement. The early diagnosis of the disease, which would allow to improve the prognosis and the quality of life, must be emphasized

Diagnóstico y manejo perinatal de trisomía 9 / Diagnosis and perinatal management of trisomy 9

Presentamos 2 casos clínicos de diagnóstico antenatal de trisomía 9. Esta aneuploidía se sospecho en la evaluación ultrasonográfica durante la segunda mitad del embarazo, siendo confirmada por cordocentesis citogenética o amniocentesis. Comentamos la conducta a seguir frente a estos casos. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura destacando la escasa incidencia de diagnóstico pre y postnatal con esta patología

Derrame pleural y empiema complicado en niños: evolución y factores pronósticos / Prognostic factors in complicated pleural empyema in children

Background: Complicated pleural empyema has a torpid and longer clinical evolution, requiring in some patients surgical management. The predictive factors for surgical treatment are not well known. Aim: To search for clinical, laboratory or radiological predictors for the requirement of surgical treatment in pediatric patients with empyema. Patients and methods: A retrospective review of the charts of 108 patients hospitalized for pneumonia plus pleural effusion at the Pediatric Service of the Catholic University Hospital between January 1985 and July 2000. Results: Eighty one patients had complete radiological evaluation and pleural fluid biochemical analysis. Forty nine (60 percent) fulfilled the criteria for empyema and 32 (40 percent) for an exudate. Thirteen patients with empyema required surgery and 36 were treated medically. The mean age was 3 years (range 9 months-6 years) for the surgically treated and 4 years (range 12 months-14 years) for the non-surgical group. The male/female ratio was 5:1 in the surgical group and 1:1 for the non-surgical group. Pleural fluid cultures were positive in 21 of 79 patients. Streptococcus pneumonia was the most frequently isolated agent. No significant differences were found between groups for the average days of fever prior to the diagnosis or total days of fever, days of hospital stay, pleural fluid pH (6.8 and 7.0 respectively) and glucose (21 and 31 mg/dl respectively). No differences were either observed for pleural fluid risk factors (pH < 7 and glucose <20mgdl), the presence of extensive pleural effusions, pleural loculations or bands on pleural ultrasonography and positive Gram stain or cultures in the pleural fluid. Surgical patients required oxygen for more days than medical patients (7.7 and 5.1 days; p=0.037). Conclusions: This study failed to find predictive clinical, radiological or pleural fluid parameters, for the requirement of surgical treatment of empyema

Obstrucción respiratoria secundaria a hipertrofia de la amígdala lingual: casos clínicos / Respiratory obstruction secondary to lingual tonsil hypertrophy: a clinical report

La amigdala lingual es una estructura que en forma poco frecuente produce sintomatología respiratoria. En la literatura pediátrica existen escasos reportes sobre este tema. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar la presentación clínica y de laboratorio de los casos de pacientes con diagnóstico de hipertrofia de la amigdala lingual demostrados en nuestro centro. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo (fichas clínicas) de 5 casos de pacientes con este diagnóstico confirmados con fibrobroncoscopia, analizando los antecedentes mórbidos previos, los síntomas de presentación, los estudios de imágenes (radiología) y de función pulmonar (espirometría). La edad de los pacientes fluctuó entre los 8 y los 14 años. En cuanto a la sintomatología, en 2 de los 5 casos se presentó como laringitis recurrente a una edad poco habitual (8 y 13 años), uno de ellos como cuadro asmático con componente obstructivo inspiratorio y otros 2, como hallazgo espirométrico dentro del estudio de asma. Todos los pacientes demostraron alteración de la curva flujo volumen sugerente de obstrucción de vía aérea alta, 3 tuvieron estudio radiológico normal (radiografía de cuello y tórax) y otros 3 estudio cintigráfico tiroideo normal. En 2 pacientes se indicó cirugía, practicándose en 1 caso; en e resto se indicó conducta expectante debido a la escasa sintomatología. En resumen, la hipertrofia de la amigdala lingual es una patología poco frecuente, pero debe tenerse presente en aquellos casos de obstrucción inspiratoria en edades poco habituales o bien cuando la curva flujo volumen así lo sugiera. Consideramos importante el seguimiento de estos pacientes para evaluar la eventual progresión de los síntomas y su manejo

Doce casos de absceso pulmonar en pediatría: revisión clínica / 12 cases of lung abscesses in paediatrics: clinical review

El absceso pulmonar (AP) se define como un área de supuración que desarrolla necrosis central y cavitación del parénquima pulmonar, rodeado por una pared gruesa de tejido inflamatorio. Con el objeto de describir las características clínicas, tratamiento y evolución de los pacientes con AP, revisamos los 12 pacientes con AP egresados del Servicio de Pediatría del Hos. Clínico de la U. Católica, durante un período de 10 años (1990 a 1999) cinco pacientes eran hombres; tenían una edad promedio de 4,3 años (5 meses a 8 años); los síntomas principales fueron fiebre, tos, dificultad respiratoria y compromiso del estado general, 7 habían usado antibióticos previo al ingreso. En 10/12 se observó leucocitosis (promedio: 20 136 cel/mmü), aumento de la VHS (promedio: 78 mm/h) y elevación de la PCR (promedio: 31 mg/di). La localización más frecuente fue el LSD (7 casos), LID (2 pacientes), LII (2 casos) y 1 tenía compromiso de LSD y LID. En 7 casos se observó concomitantemente derrame pleural, 4 presentaron atelectasia y 2 neumotórax. Se aisló germen en 4 pacientes, Streptococcus pneumoniae en 3/4 (uno asociado a Stafilococcus aureus) y Streptococcus beta hemolítico grupo A en 1 caso. Todos recibieron tratamiento con 1 o más antibióticos, 2 requirieron lobectomía por alteración anatómica predisponente (secuestro pulmonar o quiste pulmonar simple). La evolución fue hacia la mejoría en todos, con una estadía hospitalaria promedio de 14,8 días y desaparición de las imágenes cavitarias entre la cuarta semana y tercer mes posterior al alta. En nuestro estudio encontramos que el AP es poco frecuente, que tiene una evolución favorable con resolución clínica y radiológica, requiriendo la gran mayoría de las veces solo tratamiento médico

Experiencia clínica en el manejo domiciliario de niños traqueostomizados / Clinical experience in home care of children with a tracheostomy

Background: Home care of tracheostomized children is considered a safe and low-cost alternative. Aim: To report the experience with tracheostomized children at the Pediatric Respiratory Unit of the Catholic University Hospital. Patients and methods: The records of 16 children (9 male) with tracheostomy (TQ) in home care between 1992 and 1998 were reviewed. Results: The average age at the moment of TQ was 9 months (range 1-30 months) and the postoperative hospital management period was 5 months (range 1-11 months). The average age at discharge was 13 months (range 3 to 30 months). Surgical indication were upper airway obstruction (congenital or acquired subglotic stenosis in three, upper airway malformations in one, vocal cord palsy in one and tracheobronchomalacia in one) and chronic assisted ventilation (severe tracheobronchomalacia in four, pulmonary hypoplasia in two, myopathy in one, central nervous injury in one and bronchopulmonary displasia in one). Overall rate complications were 2 per 100 tracheostomy months during home care and 8 per 100 tracheostomy months during hospital care. No tracheostomy-related deaths were observed. A parenteral education program to teach about tracheostomy management and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was carried out. Conclusions: Tracheostomized children can be safely managed at home

Enfermedad pulmonar intersticial crónica en un lactante: caso clínico / Chronic interstitial pneumonia in an infant: clinical case

La enfermedad pulmonar interstical crónica es frecuente en lactantes y comprende un grupo heterogéno de enfermedades con patrón histológico semejante. Se presenta el caso de una lactante que inició su sintomatología en el período neonatal, con neumonías y atelectasias repetidas, asociadas a transtornos de la deglución con aspiración hacia la vía aérea. El estudio radiológico de tórax demostró infiltrados intersticiales bilaterales persistentes. La biopsia pulmonar fue compatible con una neumonía crónica interstical histiocitaria. Se trató con oxigenoterapia permanente, corticoides inhalatorios, broncodilatadores, kinesiterapia respiratoria, prednisona oral, que luego se cambió a cloroquina, la cual se mantiene hasta la fecha (tiempo de admini9stración 34 meses). La evolución clínica y radiológica ha sido favorable, lográndose la suspensión de la oxigenoterapia luego de un año de uso. Después del primer año de tratamiento no ha presentado neumonías y no han aparecido efectos secundarios por el uso prolongado de cloroquina. Su desarrollo pondoestatural no ha sido adecuado ya que es portadora de una genopatía aún no precisada, sin relación con la enfermedad pulmonar

Disquinesia ciliar primaria: experiencia en 6 pacientes / Primary ciliary dyskinesia: a experience in 6 patients

Background: Primary ciliary dyskinesia is characterized by a congenital alteration of the ciliary ultrastructure and function. As a consequence, their respiratory tract sweeping action is lost and recurrent respiratory infections ensue. Aim: To analyze a clinical series of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia, their clinical and laboratory features. Patients and methods: a retrospective review of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia seen a university hospital, between 1994 and 1998. Bronchial biopsies were obtained with 3.6 mm diameter Olympus fibrobronchoscope, using a cayman type forceps. Ultrastructural alterations of respiratory tract ciliated cells were recorded. Results: six patients (four male) aged 9 months to 13 years old were reviewed. Three patients had situs inversus. All had repeated bouts of obstructive bronchitis and pneumonia, five had sinusitis, four atelectasis, three recurrent otitis and three had bronchiectasis. Cystic fibrosis and immunological alterations were ruled out in five children. Ultrastructural analysis revealed absence of dynein arms in three cases, absence of the internal dynein arm in one, additional peripheral microtubules and absence of dynein arms in one case. Conclusions: primary ciliary dyskinesia must be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent respiratory infections. Ultrastructural analysis of ciliary structure can be done in bronchial biopsies obtained through bronchoscopy