Caregiver's sense of coherence and adherence to paediatric asthma treatment.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that needs to be well controlled to avoid compromising patients' quality of life. In the paediatric population, the role of caregivers is essential in this process. Moreover, adequate asthma control is integral to a child's emotional well-being and to improving the child's ability to participate fully in family and social life. One of the main reasons for uncontrolled asthma is low adherence to treatment, by patients and caregivers. Identifying factors mediating the involvement and participation of caregivers through evaluations of caregivers' sense of coherence can help in the adoption of strategies aimed at effectively directing adherence behaviour through educational and motivational interventions. The goal of this review article is to provide an overview of the sense of coherence as a construct of Antonovsky's salutogenic theory, and to identify its role as a key piece in the successful management of asthma in children.

Respiratory allergy symptoms and cytokine profiles in the presence of anti-Ascaris antibody in Giardia lamblia-infected children.

Anti-Ascaris lumbricoides (Asc) IgE and IgG can immunomodulate the allergy; however, the influence of these isotypes has not been investigated in the giardiasis and allergy. Therefore, the frequency of respiratory allergy (RA) symptoms in Giardia lamblia-infected children, with or without anti-Asc IgE, IgG1, or IgG4 and Th1, Th2/Treg, and Th17 cytokine production, was evaluated. We performed a case-control study with children aged 2-10 years old selected by questionnaire and stool exams to form the groups: infected or uninfected with RA (G-RA, n = 55; nG-RA, n = 43); infected and uninfected without RA (G-nRA, n = 59; nG-nRA, n = 54). We performed blood leukocyte counts and in vitro culture. Cytokine levels in the supernatants (CBA), serum total IgE and anti-Asc IgE (ImmunoCAP), IgG1, IgG4, and total IgA (ELISA) were measured. Infection was not associated with allergy. Infected children showed increased levels of anti-Asc IgG1, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10. There was a lower frequency of allergy-related symptoms in anti-Asc IgG1-positive children than IgG1-negative (OR = 0.38; CI = 0.17-0.90, p = 0.027) and few eosinophils in G-RA than in G-nRA and more in G-nRA than in nG-nRA, whereas TNF-α levels were higher in the G-RA than in the nG-nRA group. For infected and positive anti-Asc IgG1, there was higher TNF-α and IL-10 production than G/-IgG1. IL-10 levels were lower in nG/ + IgG1 than in infected or non-infected, and both were negative for anti-Asc IgG1. Th1/Th2/IL-10 profiles were stimulated in the infected patients, and in those with circulating anti-Asc IgG1, the TNF-α production was strengthened with a lower risk for respiratory allergy symptoms.

Psychological stress in asthma: repercussions on epigenetics-genetics, immune responses, and pulmonary function in the pediatric population.

In the assessment of childhood asthma, identifying the risk factors associated with exacerbations and broadening this view to understand psychological stress and its repercussions on the inflammatory process of asthma allow a different perspective on this biopsychosocial disease. Psychological stress, as a risk factor for the onset and noncontrol of asthma, has been increasingly evaluated from the perspective of the repercussions on the body of the stimulus generated in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and adrenal glands, with cortisol release and immune system action. These processes trigger changes in T helper 2 cells, which polarize allergic processes, and dysfunctions in immune tolerance mechanisms, with a decrease in regulatory T cells. Genetic and epigenetic changes in ß2-adrenergic and glucocorticoid receptors, with decreased response to these drugs, were also identified in studies, in addition to changes in respiratory function patterns, with worsening of obstruction and inflammation identified via decreased forced expiratory volume in one second and increased exhaled inflammatory gases in allergic asthma. Therefore, the present review sought to identify studies on the effect of personal and parental acute or chronic psychological stress, emphasizing the repercussions on genetics, epigenetics, and immune and pulmonary functional and inflammatory responses in the pediatric population.

Schistosoma mansoni infection is associated with decreased risk of respiratory allergy symptoms and low production of CCL2.

OBJECTIVES: We measured the production of cytokines, chemokines and antibodies involved in allergic responses and sCD23 levels during Schistosoma mansoni infection. METHODS: Individuals (n = 164) were selected using the ISAAC questionnaire and parasitological exams. The subjects were divided as follows: those infected individuals with allergy-related symptoms (A-I), those with allergy-related symptoms only (A-NI); those only infected (NA-I); and those non-infected individuals without allergy-related symptoms (NA-NI). We used supernatants from cell culture (mitogenic stimulation) to measure cytokine and chemokine levels using cytometric bead arrays. Serum levels of anti-Ascaris lumbricoides (Asc) and anti-Blomia tropicalis IgE were measured using ImmunoCAP, and sCD23 was measured using ELISA. RESULTS: Schistosoma mansoni infection was associated with a lower risk of allergy-related symptoms. In A-I, there were higher levels of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, IFN-γ and CXCL8 than in NA-NI group, with TNF-α and IL-6 also at higher levels compared to A-NI group. Levels of IL-6, CXCL8, total and anti-Asc IgE, as well as the numbers of eosinophils, were higher in NA-I than in NA-NI, and the antibodies were also lower in A-NI than in NA-I group. In AI and NA-I, there was less production of CCL2 than in NA-NI. There were no differences in the levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-17, CCL5, sCD23 and anti-Blomia IgE. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with allergy-related symptoms and infected (simultaneously) had higher levels of IL-10; due to the infection, there was increased production of IL-6 and CXCL8 and less CCL2. These data may characterize deviation to Th1 or attenuation of the Th2 response in allergy sufferers in areas endemic for schistosomiasis.

Impact of moderate-severe persistent allergic rhinitis on thoraco-abdominal kinematics and respiratory muscle function.

Objective: To assess thoraco-abdominal kinematics, respiratory muscle strength and electromyographic activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) in moderate-severe allergic rhinitis (AR) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 40 individuals (20 in the AR group) and 20 in the control group [CG]) was conducted. Ventilatory pattern and chest wall volume distribution (optoelectronic plethysmography), respiratory muscle strength (manovacuometry and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure [SNIP]), and EAdi were assessed in both groups. Results: The AR patients had impaired thoraco-abdominal kinematics (reduced total chest wall volume) (p = 0.004), lower values of total respiratory cycle time (p = 0.014) and expiratory time (p = 0.006). They also presented an increase of percentage contribution of the abdominal rib cage (p = 0.475) and respiratory rate (p = 0.019). A positive correlation among pulmonary rib cage tidal volume and MIP (r = 0.544; p < 0.001), SNIP (r = 0.615; p < 0.001), and MEP (r = 0.604; p < 0.001) was observed. After adjusting for age, BMI and gender through multivariate analysis, the individuals with AR presented lower values ​​of MIP (ß = -24.341; p < 0.001), MEP (ß = -0.277; p < 0.001), SNIP (ß = -34.687; p < 0.001) and RMS (ß = -0.041; p = 0.017). Conclusions: The individuals with moderate-severe persistent AR had worse respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm activation and chest wall volume distribution with a higher abdominal contribution to tidal volume than the control group. These findings reinforce the notion that the upper and lower airways work in an integrated and synergistic manner.

Severe COVID-19: understanding the role of immunity, endothelium, and coagulation in clinical practice.

SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The immune system is a determinant factor in defense against viral infections. Thus, when it acts in a balanced and effective manner the disease is self-limited and benign. Nevertheless, in a significant proportion of the population, the immune response is exaggerated. When infected, patients with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are more likely to progress to severe forms. These diseases are related to chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Toll-like receptors are expressed on immune cells and play an important role in the physiopathology of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. When activated, they can induce release of inflammatory cytokines. Hypercoagulability, hyperinflammation, platelet hyperresponsiveness, and endothelial dysfunction occur in immune system hyperactivity caused by viral activity, thereby increasing the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis. We discuss the interactions between COVID-19, immunity, the endothelium, and coagulation, as well as why cardiometabolic diseases have a negative impact on COVID-19 prognosis.

Association of atopic diseases and parvovirus B19 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood and adolescence in the northeast of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Several factors related to the immune system, such as a history of allergies and virus infections, may be associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The purpose of this study was to analyze whether the presence of atopic diseases and previous infection with parvovirus B19 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are associated with the development of ALL. METHODS: This case-control study was performed in two tertiary hospitals located in northeastern Brazil. The study population included 60 patients who were diagnosed with non-T-cell ALL using myelogram and immunophenotyping and 120 patients in the control group. Atopy was evaluated via a parent questionnaire and medical records. Total immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG levels of parvovirus B19 and EBV were measured in the serum. Logistic regression was performed to assess the association between variables and odds of ALL. RESULTS: We identified a significant inverse association between rhinitis, urticaria and elevated IgE serum levels with ALL. A history of parvovirus B19 infection showed a significant association with this type of cancer [OR (95 % CI) 2.00 (1.94-4.26); P = 0.050]. In logistic regression, the presence of atopy was a protective factor [OR (95 % CI) 0.57 (0.38-0.83); P = 0.004], and the presence of IgG for parvovirus B19 was an important risk factor for ALL [OR (95 % CI) 2.20 (1.02-4.76); P = 0.043]. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that atopic diseases and elevated total IgE levels are associated with a potential protective effect on the development of ALL. Previous infection with parvovirus B19 contributed to ALL susceptibility.

Evaluation of Th17-related cytokines and IFNγ production from blood mononuclear cells of moderate and severe asthmatic children reveals methylprednisolone does not decrease IL-22 levels.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to correlate IL-6, IL-17A, IFNγ, and IL-22 production with asthma disease severity and to evaluate if methylprednisolone downregulated cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS: Forty-two children with chronic persistent asthma and 34 non-asthmatic children were selected. Cytokines were quantified by ELISA from serum or PBMCs supernatants, after the PMA and Ionomycin stimulation, with or without methylprednisolone at 100 µM. RESULTS: Our data showed undetectable levels of serum cytokines in most patients and controls. In the PBMCs, we have observed a higher production of IL-17A than IL-22 among asthmatics and controls, although it is not statistically significant. IL-6, IFNγ, and IL-17A levels were significantly reduced after methylprednisolone treatment (p = 0.02, 0.03, and 0.03, respectively) in Severe Persistent Asthma (SPA) and in Moderate Persistent Asthma (MPA), (p = 0.007, 0.01, and 0.007, respectively). However, IL-22 levels were unaffected (SPA, p = 0.12 and MPA, p = 0.93). CONCLUSION: Methylprednisolone downregulated IL-6, IL17A, and IFNγ, but not IL-22, in stimulated PBMCs from asthmatic children indicating that methylprednisolone has no effect on IL-22 production by PBMCs.

Are measurements of peak nasal flow useful for evaluating nasal obstruction in patients with allergic rhinitis?

BACKGROUND: Nasal obstruction is one of the most bothering allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms and there is a need for objective parameters to complement clinical evaluation due to blunted perception in many patients. In this study we compare measures of peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and peak nasal expiratory flow (PNEF) in patients with AR and in individuals without nasal symptoms and correlate them with the perception of nasal obstruction. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in 64 AR patients and 67 individuals without nasal symptoms aged between 16 and 50 years. All subjects had PNIF and PNEF measures and subjective evaluations of nasal obstruction were done through a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a symptoms questionnaire. RESULTS: The results show a lower PNIF and PNEF in AR patients compared to controls. There was no correlation between VAS score and PNIF and PNEF. There was a weak inverse correlation between PNIF and symptoms score. CONCLUSION: Objective measures of nasal obstruction, especially PNIF, can give useful informations on aspects of the disease dif- ferent from those obtained from the patient`s perception.

Prevalence of reported food allergies in Brazilian preschoolers living in a small Brazilian city.

INTRODUCTION: Although the prevalence of allergic diseases, including food allergies, has increased over recent decades, relevant information on this topic is still lacking, particularly in younger children living in small cities. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of reported food allergies in preschoolers in Limoeiro/Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with preschoolers. Parents/guardians of all preschoolers enrolled at municipal schools between March and June 2019 (total of 619) were invited to complete a screening questionnaire (total of 619). Another 151 questionnaires were applied on the streets of the town. For positive responses, a second, more detailed and validated questionnaire was completed. RESULTS: A total of 412 questionnaires were returned, of which, 47 presented a positive response to food allergies and only 29 (7.04%) identified a particular food. The most frequently reported food items were shrimp, mollusks, pork, fruit and milk. Of the 29 who identified foods, 22 responded to the detailed questionnaire, resulting in only 4 (0.97%) positive responses. Of these, two were later discarded through clinical examinations and an open oral provocation test, resulting in a final prevalence of 0.48% of confirmed food allergies. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of reported food allergies was lower than that described in previous studies. The most commonly mentioned foods were shrimp, mollusks and pork, with more reports of multiple food allergies, even in children who had never been previously exposed to these possible allergens, which highlights the relevance of perception in reported food allergy studies.

The specialty of allergy and clinical immunology in Brazil.

Objective: To assess the profile of allergist/immunologist (A/I) physicians in Brazil, the workplace, the access to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on professional practice. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted as an online survey. All adhering members of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology (ASBAI) received a Google Forms tool by email. The questionnaire addressed sociodemographic and professional aspects of the Brazilian allergists/immunologists (A/I) daily routine. The information was analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. Results: Four hundred and sixty members answered the questionnaire. Women were predominant among the responders (336; 73%), and the median age was 47 years (range, 27-82 years). Most participants worked in the private sector (437, 95%), whereas 256 (47%) worked in the public sector. Among the public sector employees, 210 (82%) reported having access to some diagnostic test for allergic diseases and inborn errors of immunity. Only 91 (35%) A/I physicians in the public system had access to allergen-specific immunotherapy, compared to 416 (95, 9%) of those in the private sector. Regarding biological drugs, 135 (52.7%) and 314 (71.9%) of the A/I physicians working in the public and private sector, respectively, reported access. Two hundred and eighty-three (61.6%) had at least a 50% reduction in the number of consultations, and 245 (56%) provided telemedicine care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Brazilian A/I have incorporated the most recent advances in managing immunoallergic diseases into their clinical practice, but they still have little access to various diagnostic methods. Strategies to enable the presence of A/I in public health services should be discussed and implemented. The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the incorporation of telemedicine as a viable and promising method of medical care and can expand access to the specialty.

Accuracy of peak nasal flow to determine nasal obstruction in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF) and Peak Nasal Expiratory Flow (PNEF) measures to predict symptoms of nasal obstruction. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out in 131 individuals (64 with symptomatic allergic rhinitis and 67 asymptomatic) aged between 16 and 50 years. Results: PNIF and PNEF were higher among non-rhinitis. In the curve analysis (receiver operating characteristic), a value of 115 was found for PNIF with a sensitivity of 98.4% and specificity of 87.5% (AUC = 0.99, p < 0.001) and 165 in PNEF with a sensitivity of 65.7% and specificity of 85.1% (AUC = 0.92, p < 0.001). Conclusions: PNIF and PNEF values were lower in patients with AR compared to asymptomatic cases. Our findings present reference values of PNIF and PNEF in the evaluation of nasal obstruction symptoms and reinforce the importance to complement more refined assessment of patients' symptoms. PNEF can be a valuable tool in screening patients and to complement PNIF measurement.

Allergy to cow's milk proteins: what contribution does hypersensitivity in skin tests have to this diagnosis?

Food allergy is an immunologically mediated adverse reaction to food protein. Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most frequent type and is the one that is most difficult to diagnose. This study had the objective of analyzing the accuracy of hypersensitivity and specific IgE skin tests among children with CMPA and predominantly gastrointestinal clinical manifestations. The participants in this study were 192 children aged one and five (median of 2 yr). Among these, 122 underwent open oral challenge to the suspected food. After evaluating the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values (respectively, PPV and NPV) of skin and specific IgE tests in relation to the gold standard (open oral challenge); all the children underwent the skin prick test (SPT), specific IgE test and atopy patch test (APT) for cow's milk, eggs, wheat and peanuts and the open oral challenge for the food to which the child was sensitive or had suspected sensitivity. Presence of food allergy was confirmed for 50 children (40.9%). Among these cases, 44/50 (88%) were of allergy to cow's milk protein. Children who presented a positive response to an oral challenge to cow's milk protein were considered to be cases, while the controls were children with negative response. Twenty-two of the 44 cases (50.0%) presented symptoms within the first 4 h after the challenge. The SPT presented 31.8% sensitivity, 90.3% specificity, 66.7% PPV and 68.4% NPV. The APT presented 25.0% sensitivity, 81.9% specificity, 45.8% PPV and 64.1% NPV. The specific IgE test presented, respectively, 20.5%, 88.9%, 52.9% and 64.6%. Despite the operational difficulty and the possible exposure risk, oral challenge is the best method for diagnosing CMPA, because of the low sensitivity and PPV of skin and specific IgE tests.

Is Toll-like receptor 4 involved in the severity of COVID-19 pathology in patients with cardiometabolic comorbidities?

The severe form of COVID-19 is marked by an abnormal and exacerbated immunological host response favoring to a poor outcome in a significant number of patients, especially those with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. The chronic inflammatory process found in these cardiometabolic comorbidities is marked by the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumoral necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which are products of the Toll-Like receptors 4 (TLR4) pathway. The SARS-CoV-2 initially infects cells in the upper respiratory tract and, in some patients, spread very quickly, needing respiratory support and systemically, causing collateral damage in tissues. We hypothesize that this happens because the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacts strongly with TLR4, causing an intensely exacerbated immune response in the host's lungs, culminating with the cytokine storm, accumulating secretions and hindering blood oxygenation, along with the immune system attacks the body, leading to multiple organ failure.

Respiratory burden in obese and young asthmatics: a study of diaphragmatic kinetics. / Carga respiratória em obesos e jovens asmáticos: um estudo da cinética diafragmática.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the diaphragm kinetics, respiratory function, and serum dosage of leptin and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in three clinical groups: obese, asthmatic, and healthy. METHODS: This is a clinical exploratory study performed on 73 youths (12-24 years of age, 42.5% male) allocated into three groups: obesity (OG, n=33), body mass index (BMIz-score) ≥ +2, asthmatic (AG, n=26) controlled mild asthmatics, classified by GINA, and Healthy Control Group (CG, n=14). The participants were subjected to diaphragmatic ultrasound, spirometry, maximal respiratory pressure, serum leptin levels, and IL-6 and TNF-α whole blood cell culture levels. RESULTS: Diaphragm thickness was higher in OG in comparison to AG and CG (2.0±0.4 vs 1.7±0.5 and 1.6±0.2, both with p<0.05). Maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) was significantly lower in OG and AG in relation to the CG (82.8±21.4 and 72.5±21.2 vs 102.8±27.3, both with p<0.05). OG has the highest leptin rate among the groups (with the other two groups had p<0.05). All groups had similar TNF-α and IL-6 levels. CONCLUSION: The muscular hypertrophy found in the diaphragm of the obese individuals can be justified by the increase in respiratory work imposed by the chronic condition of the disease. Such increase in thickness did not occur in controlled mild asthmatics. The IL-6 and TNF-α markers detected no evidence of muscle inflammation, even though leptin was expected to be altered in obese individuals. Both obese and asthmatic patients had lower pulmonary resistance than the healthy ones.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a cinética diafragmática, a função respiratória e a dosagem sérica de leptina e citocinas inflamatórias (IL-6 e TNF-α) em três grupos clínicos: obeso, asmático e saudável. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico-exploratório realizado com 73 jovens (12-24 anos, sendo 42,5% do sexo masculino) alocados em três grupos: obesidade (GO, n = 33), índice de massa corporal (IMC z-score) ≥ + 2 e asmáticos leves controlados (GA, n = 26), classificados pela GINA, e grupo controle saudável (GC, n = 14). Os participantes foram submetidos à ultrassonografia diafragmática, espirometria, pressão respiratória máxima, níveis séricos de leptina e níveis de IL-6 e TNF-α em hemocultura total. RESULTADOS: A espessura do diafragma foi maior no GO em comparação ao GA e GC (2,0 ± 0,4 vs 1,7 ± 0,5 e 1,6 ± 0,2, respectivamente, com p < 0,05). A ventilação voluntária máxima (VVM) foi significativamente menor no GO e GA em relação ao GC (82,8 ± 21,4 e 72,5 ± 21,2 vs 102,8 ± 27,3, respectivamente, com p < 0,05). O GO tem a maior taxa de leptina entre todos os grupos (com os outros dois grupos, p < 0,05). Os três grupos tinham níveis semelhantes de TNF-α e IL-6. CONCLUSÃO: A hipertrofia muscular encontrada no diafragma de indivíduos obesos pode ser justificada pelo aumento do trabalho respiratório imposto pela condição crônica da doença. Esse aumento de espessura não ocorreu em asmáticos leves controlados. Os marcadores IL-6 e TNF-α não detectaram evidências de inflamação muscular, embora fosse esperado que a leptina estivesse alterada em indivíduos obesos. Pacientes obesos e asmáticos apresentaram menor resistência pulmonar do que os saudáveis.

IS THERE AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN GLUCOCORTICOID USE AND FRACTURES? A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN A TRAUMA HOSPITAL. / EXISTE ASSOCIAÇÃO ENTRE O USO DE GLICOCORTICOIDES E A PRESENÇA DE FRATURAS? ESTUDO COMPARATIVO EM UM HOSPITAL DE TRAUMA.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between traumatic fractures and glucocorticoids taken 12 months prior to a trauma, in children and adolescents seen at an emergency room. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted from April to October 2015, at a pediatric emergency hospital with patients aged 3- to 14 years-old, who had suffered physical trauma. Some of the patients had a fracture and some did not. The data analyzed were obtained from medical records, physical examination of the patients, and interview with the patients' caregivers. Glucocorticoid use in the past 12 months, demographic variables, body mass index, milk intake, trauma intensity, physical activity and smoking in the household were compared between the two patient groups. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients with physical trauma were studied - 50 had a fracture and 54 did not. Of all the patients, 15.4% had previously used glucocorticoids, and there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. The age range of 10- to 14 years-old, severe trauma and physical activity were more prevalent among patients with a bone fracture. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find an association between previous glucocorticoid use and the occurrence of fractures in children and adolescents. The age range of 10- to 14 years-old, severe trauma, and physical activity were associated with an increased risk for fractures.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se houve associação entre a ocorrência de fratura após trauma físico e o uso de glicocorticoides nos 12 meses precedentes ao trauma, em crianças e adolescentes atendidos em uma emergência. MÉTODOS: No período de abril a outubro de 2015 foi conduzido em uma emergência pediátrica um estudo tipo caso controle, em pacientes de 3 a 14 anos incompletos, vitimados por trauma físico, com e sem fratura. Os dados analisados foram obtidos pela consulta dos prontuários, pelo exame físico dos pacientes e por entrevista dos responsáveis, comparando-se uso de glicocorticoides nos últimos 12 meses, características demográficas, índice de massa corpórea, ingesta de leite, intensidade do trauma, prática de exercício físico e tabagismo passivo domiciliar nos dois grupos de pacientes. RESULTADOS: Estudaram-se 104 pacientes com trauma físico, 50 com fratura e 54 sem fratura. O uso de glicocorticoides ocorreu em 15,4% dos pacientes estudados, sem diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos. A faixa etária de 10 a 14 anos incompletos, o trauma grave e a prática de exercício físico predominaram entre os pacientes com fratura. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo não mostrou associação entre o uso prévio de glicocorticoides e a ocorrência de fraturas em crianças e adolescentes. A faixa etária de 10 a 14 anos incompletos, o trauma grave e a prática de exercício físico associaram-se com maior risco para fraturas.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL IN ASTHMATIC ADOLESCENTS: CROSS-SECTIONAL POPULATION-BASED STUDY.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of physical activity in asthmatics in comparison with non-asthmatics in a population study. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 13 to 14-year-old adolescents who participated in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). The subjects were classified into three groups: individuals with active asthma, individuals diagnosed with asthma, and respiratory asymptomatic individuals. To evaluate the level of physical activity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short version) was used. The analysis consisted of comparing individuals with active asthma, diagnosed as asthmatic and asymptomatic, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The participants were 1,591 adolescents, of which 791 (49.7%) were male. There were 222 (14.0%) individuals with active asthma and 284 (17.8%) asthma diagnoses; 55% of the population were physically active. Adolescents diagnosed with asthma were more active than their non-asthmatic peers (64.4 versus 53.3%; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents diagnosed with asthma were more physically active than their non-asthmatic peers.

Exercise-induced bronchospasm in children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis by treadmill and hyperventilation challenges.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory complaints after exercise are common in patients with rhinitis. Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) may be one of the causes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate EIB prevalence in a group of children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis, to compare the treadmill running (TR) and eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) challenge methods as diagnostic tools and to assess the association between respiratory complaints on exercise and EIB. METHODS: Patients aged between 10 and 20 years were studied at the Pulmonology Department of the Hospital das Clínicas -UFPE- Recife, Brazil. The severity of symptoms of rhinitis and exercise-related respiratory complaints in the past year were evaluated. Challenges were performed in random sequence, no more than 72 h apart and followed international guidelines. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was determined before and 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 30 min after each challenge. A >10% reduction in FEV1 from baseline at two points after the challenge was considered sufficient to diagnose EIB. RESULTS: Of the thirty-five subjects evaluated, thirteen (37%) showed EIB, six by both methods, three only after TR and four only after EVH (Coens' Kappa = 0.489). There was no association between respiratory complaints after exercise and EIB (p = 0.74). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of EIB was found in this population but only moderate agreement between the challenges used to diagnose EIB. Caution should be adopted when comparing these methods or interpreting their results interchangeably. There was no association between reported respiratory symptoms after exercise and EIB.