Change in FVC and survival in chronic fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

The predictive value of the decline in FVC by ≥10% on survival in patients with fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis is unknown. Of 112 patients included, 66 (59%) had surgical lung biopsies. Patients with ≥10% decline in predicted FVC after 6-12 months had a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (median survival 53 months, 95% CI 37 to 69 vs 139 months, 95% CI 66 to 212 months, p=0.007). On multivariate analysis remained associated with increasing mortality: decline in FVC by ≥10% (HR 4.13, 95% CI 1.96 to 8.70, p=0.005), lower FVC% (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05, p=0.003) and with decreasing mortality improvement with antigen avoidance (HR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.77, p=0.021).

A haemodynamic study of pulmonary hypertension in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a common fibrotic interstitial lung disease. The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension diagnosed by right heart catheterisation and its cardiopulmonary function findings in patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis are unknown. Consecutive symptomatic patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis were prospectively evaluated. All patients were submitted to right heart catheterisation, pulmonary function testing, a 6-min walk test, echocardiography, blood gas determination and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide analyses. Nonhypoxaemic patients also underwent incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing. 50 patients underwent right heart catheterisation; 25 (50%) of these had pulmonary hypertension and 22 (44%) had a pre-capillary haemodynamic pattern. The patients with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension had lower forced vital capacity (mean ± sd 50 ± 17% versus 69 ± 22% predicted, p<0.01), carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (37 ± 12% versus 47 ± 14% predicted, p<0.01), arterial oxygen tension (median (interquartile range) 59.0 (47.8-69.3) versus 73.0 (62.2-78.5) mmHg, p<0.01) and saturation after the 6-min walk test (78 ± 8% versus 86 ± 7%, p<0.01). In pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension, oxygen uptake was also lower at the anaerobic threshold (41 ± 11% versus 50 ± 8% predicted, p=0.04) and at peak exercise (12.8 ± 1.6 versus 15.0 ± 2.5 mL · kg(-1) · min(-1), p=0.02). Pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension is common in symptomatic chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis and is related to interstitial lung disease severity. Additionally, pulmonary hypertension is more prevalent in hypoxaemic patients with impaired lung function and exercise capacity.

Squawks in interstitial lung disease prevalence and causes in a cohort of one thousand patients.

Squawks are lung adventitious sounds with a mix of both musical and nonmusical components heard during the inspiratory phase. Small series have described squawks in interstitial lung diseases. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other diseases involving small airways can result in squawks, but new interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) involving peripheral airways are being described. A retrospective analysis was performed on 1000 consecutive patients from a database of ILD of a tertiary referral center. Squawks were recorded in 49 cases (4.9%), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (23 cases), connective tissue disease (7), microaspiration (4), pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (4), fibrosing cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (, 3), familial ILD (2), sarcoidosis (2), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF; 1), bronchiolitis (2), and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (1). One patient had a final diagnosis of IPF. There was a significant association between mosaic pattern and squawks: 20 cases with squawks (40.8%) had mosaic pattern compared with 140 (14.7%) cases without squawks (x = 23.6, P < .001).Findings indicative of fibrosis were described on high-resolution chest tomography (HRCT) in 715 cases (71.5%). Squawks were more common in patients with findings indicative of fibrosis on HRCT: 45 of 715 (6.3%) compared with 4 of 285 (1.4%) of those without findings indicative of fibrosis (x = 10.46, P = .001).In conclusion, squawks are an uncommon finding on physical examination in patients with ILD, but when present suggest fibrosing ILD associated with bronchiolar involvement. However, squawks are rare in IPF.

Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HSP) is a common interstitial lung disease resulting from inhalation of a large variety of antigens by susceptible individuals. The disease is best classified as acute and chronic. Chronic HSP can be fibrosing or not. Fibrotic HSP has a large differential diagnosis and has a worse prognosis. The most common etiologies for HSP are reviewed. Diagnostic criteria are proposed for both chronic forms based on exposure, lung auscultation, lung function tests, HRCT findings, bronchoalveolar lavage, and biopsies. Treatment options are limited, but lung transplantation results in greater survival in comparison to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Randomized trials with new antifibrotic agents are necessary.

Lung volumes and airway resistance in patients with a possible restrictive pattern on spirometry.

OBJECTIVE:: Many patients with proportional reductions in FVC and FEV1 on spirometry show no reduction in TLC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role that measuring lung volumes and airway resistance plays in the correct classification of patients with a possible restrictive pattern on spirometry. METHODS:: This was a prospective study involving adults with reduced FVC and FEV1, as well as an FEV1/FV(C) ratio within the predicted range. Restrictive lung disease (RLD) was characterized by TLC below the 5th percentile, as determined by plethysmography. Obstructive lung disease (OLD) was characterized by high specific airway resistance, significant changes in post-bronchodilator FEV1, or an FEF25-75% < 50% of predicted, together with a high RV/TLC ratio. Nonspecific lung disease (NLD) was characterized by TLC within the predicted range and no obstruction. Combined lung disease (CLD) was characterized by reduced TLC and findings indicative of airflow obstruction. Clinical diagnoses were based on clinical suspicion, a respiratory questionnaire, and the review of tests of interest. RESULTS:: We included 300 patients in the study, of whom 108 (36%) were diagnosed with RLD. In addition, 120 (40%) and 72 (24%) were diagnosed with OLD/CLD and NLD, respectively. Among the latter, 24 (33%) were clinically diagnosed with OLD. In this sample, 151 patients (50.3%) were obese, and obesity was associated with all patterns of lung disease. CONCLUSIONS:: Measuring lung volumes and airway resistance is often necessary in order to provide an appropriate characterization of the pattern of lung disease in patients presenting with a spirometry pattern suggestive of restriction. Airflow obstruction is common in such cases. OBJETIVO:: Muitos pacientes com redução proporcional de CVF e VEF1 na espirometria não têm CPT reduzida. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o papel da medida dos volumes pulmonares e da resistência das vias aéreas para a classificação correta de pacientes com possível restrição à espirometria. MÉTODOS:: Estudo prospectivo de adultos com CVF e VEF1 reduzidos e relação VEF1/CV(F) na faixa prevista. Distúrbio ventilatório restritivo (DVR) foi definido por CPT < 5º percentil por pletismografia. Distúrbio ventilatório obstrutivo (DVO) foi caracterizado por resistência específica de vias aéreas elevada, resposta significativa do VEF1 pós-broncodilatador e/ou um FEF25-75% < 50% do previsto associado a uma relação VR/CPT elevada. Distúrbio ventilatório inespecífico (DVI) foi caracterizado por CPT na faixa prevista e ausência de obstrução. Distúrbio ventilatório combinado (DVC) foi caracterizado por CPT reduzida e achados indicativos de obstrução ao fluxo aéreo. Os diagnósticos clínicos foram baseados em suspeita clínica, um questionário respiratório e revisão de exames de interesse. RESULTADOS:: Foram incluídos 300 pacientes no estudo, dos quais 108 (36%) tiveram diagnóstico de DVR, enquanto 120 (40%) foram diagnosticados com DVO ou DVC e 72 (24%) com DVI. Destes últimos, 24 (33%) tinham diagnóstico clínico de DVO. Nesta amostra, 151 pacientes (50,3%) eram obesos, e isso se associou com todos os padrões de distúrbios funcionais. CONCLUSÕES:: Medidas dos volumes pulmonares e da resistência das vias aéreas são frequentemente necessárias para a caracterização adequada do tipo de distúrbio funcional em casos com possível restrição à espirometria. A obstrução ao fluxo aéreo é comum nesses casos.

Satisfacción de los usuarios de unidades de salud familiar del Paraguay en 2020: estudio multicéntrico / Satisfaction of users of family health units in Paraguay in 2020: a multicenter study

RESUMEN Introducción: el grado de satisfacción y los factores de insatisfacción en los pacientes de las unidades de salud familiar aportan información sobre la calidad de la atención. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de satisfacción de los usuarios de unidades de salud familiar del Departamento Central (Paraguay) en 2020. Además, describir las características demográficas y la calidad de vida de los encuestados. Metodología: diseño observacional, prospectivo, transversal, multicéntrico. Se incluyó a varones y mujeres mayores de 18 años, usuarios de seis unidades de salud familiar del Departamento Central (Paraguay) en 2020, que aceptaban participar de la encuesta. Fueron excluidos los sujetos con incapacidad de comunicarse. Se determinaron variables demográficas (edad, sexo, educación, ingresos propios), la satisfacción se midió con el cuestionario de Baker y la calidad de vida con el cuestionario EQ-5D. Se utilizó muestreo no probabilístico. La investigación fue aprobada por el Comité de Ética de la Universidad Privada del Este. Resultados: ingresaron al estudio 343 sujetos, siendo 257 mujeres con edad media de 44 años y 86 varones con edad media de 46 años. Predominó el estado civil casado o concubinado (62 %), con educación superior (62 %), con ingresos propios (54 %) y mala calidad de vida (57 %). La satisfacción con la atención de la salud fue del 49 %. Las mujeres con ingreso propio fueron las que presentaron mayores frecuencias de insatisfacción siendo estas diferencias estadísticamente significativas con otros grupos. Conclusión: el grado de insatisfacción con los servicios de las unidades de salud fue elevado por lo que se recomienda identificar factores causales y realizar intervenciones para mejorar el servicio prestado.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the degree of satisfaction and dissatisfaction factors in patients in family health units provide information on the quality of care. Objectives: to determine the level of satisfaction of users of family health units of the Departamento Central (Paraguay) in 2020. In addition, to describe the demographic characteristics and quality of life of the respondents. Methodology: we conducted an observational, prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study. We included men and women over 18 years of age, users of six family health units of the Departamento Central (Paraguay) in 2020, who agreed to participate in the survey. Subjects with inability to communicate were excluded. Demographic variables (age, sex, education, own income) were determined, satisfaction was measured with the Baker questionnaire and quality of life with the EQ-5D questionnaire. Non-probability sampling was used. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad Privada del Este. Results: 343 subjects entered the study, 257 women with a mean age of 44 years and 86 men with a mean age of 46 years. Marital status married or concubine predominated (62 %), with higher education (62 %), with own income (54 %) and poor quality of life (57 %). Satisfaction with health care was 49 %. The factors significantly related to dissatisfaction were female sex and having own income. Conclusion: satisfaction with the care in 6 family health units was 49 %. The female sex and having own income were significantly related to dissatisfaction. It is recommended to periodically evaluate the satisfaction of primary care patients and compare it with other health regions.

[Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis as the first clinical manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma: case report]. / Carcinomatose leptomeníngea como primeira manifestação de adenocarcinoma pulmonar: relato de caso.

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is a neurological complication of several systemic tumors and is characterized by multifocal invasion of the meninges by neoplastic cells. It is estimated that 5% of all patients with cancer will present leptomeningeal carcinomatosis at some time during the course of the illness. Clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and present with signs and symptoms related to involvement of multiple areas of the nervous system, particularly cranial nerves and spinal roots. The diagnosis is based on suggestive clinical findings, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing and imaging studies. The most informative findings come from CSF where the presence of neoplastic cells is definitive for the diagnosis. The purpose of this report is to describe, along with a review of the literature, a clinical case of a 42 years old man in whom the first clinical signs of a lung cancer manifested with symptoms suggestive of meningeal involvement.

Comparison between reference values for FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio in White adults in Brazil and those suggested by the Global Lung Function Initiative 2012.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the spirometry values predicted by the 2012 Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) equations, which are recommended for international use, in comparison with those obtained for a sample of White adults used for the establishment of reference equations for spirometry in Brazil. METHODS: The sample comprised 270 and 373 healthy males and females, respectively. The mean differences between the values found in this sample and the predicted values calculated from the GLI equations for FVC, FEV1, and VEF1/FVC, as well as their lower limits, were compared by paired t-test. The predicted values by each pair of equations were compared in various combinations of age and height. RESULTS: For the males in our study sample, the values obtained for all of the variables studied were significantly higher than those predicted by the GLI equations (p < 0.01 for all). These differences become more evident in subjects who were shorter in stature and older. For the females in our study sample, only the lower limit of the FEV1/FVC ratio was significantly higher than that predicted by the GLI equation. CONCLUSIONS: The predicted values suggested by the GLI equations for White adults were significantly lower than those used as reference values for males in Brazil. For both genders, the lower limit of the FEV1/FVC ratio is significantly lower than that predicted by the GLI equations.

Lung volumes and airway resistance in patients with a possible restrictive pattern on spirometry / Volumes pulmonares e resistência das vias aéreas em pacientes com possível padrão restritivo à espirometria

ABSTRACT Objective: Many patients with proportional reductions in FVC and FEV1 on spirometry show no reduction in TLC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role that measuring lung volumes and airway resistance plays in the correct classification of patients with a possible restrictive pattern on spirometry. Methods: This was a prospective study involving adults with reduced FVC and FEV1, as well as an FEV1/FV(C) ratio within the predicted range. Restrictive lung disease (RLD) was characterized by TLC below the 5th percentile, as determined by plethysmography. Obstructive lung disease (OLD) was characterized by high specific airway resistance, significant changes in post-bronchodilator FEV1, or an FEF25-75% < 50% of predicted, together with a high RV/TLC ratio. Nonspecific lung disease (NLD) was characterized by TLC within the predicted range and no obstruction. Combined lung disease (CLD) was characterized by reduced TLC and findings indicative of airflow obstruction. Clinical diagnoses were based on clinical suspicion, a respiratory questionnaire, and the review of tests of interest. Results: We included 300 patients in the study, of whom 108 (36%) were diagnosed with RLD. In addition, 120 (40%) and 72 (24%) were diagnosed with OLD/CLD and NLD, respectively. Among the latter, 24 (33%) were clinically diagnosed with OLD. In this sample, 151 patients (50.3%) were obese, and obesity was associated with all patterns of lung disease. Conclusions: Measuring lung volumes and airway resistance is often necessary in order to provide an appropriate characterization of the pattern of lung disease in patients presenting with a spirometry pattern suggestive of restriction. Airflow obstruction is common in such cases.

RESUMO Objetivo: Muitos pacientes com redução proporcional de CVF e VEF1 na espirometria não têm CPT reduzida. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o papel da medida dos volumes pulmonares e da resistência das vias aéreas para a classificação correta de pacientes com possível restrição à espirometria. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo de adultos com CVF e VEF1 reduzidos e relação VEF1/CV(F) na faixa prevista. Distúrbio ventilatório restritivo (DVR) foi definido por CPT < 5º percentil por pletismografia. Distúrbio ventilatório obstrutivo (DVO) foi caracterizado por resistência específica de vias aéreas elevada, resposta significativa do VEF1 pós-broncodilatador e/ou um FEF25-75% < 50% do previsto associado a uma relação VR/CPT elevada. Distúrbio ventilatório inespecífico (DVI) foi caracterizado por CPT na faixa prevista e ausência de obstrução. Distúrbio ventilatório combinado (DVC) foi caracterizado por CPT reduzida e achados indicativos de obstrução ao fluxo aéreo. Os diagnósticos clínicos foram baseados em suspeita clínica, um questionário respiratório e revisão de exames de interesse. Resultados: Foram incluídos 300 pacientes no estudo, dos quais 108 (36%) tiveram diagnóstico de DVR, enquanto 120 (40%) foram diagnosticados com DVO ou DVC e 72 (24%) com DVI. Destes últimos, 24 (33%) tinham diagnóstico clínico de DVO. Nesta amostra, 151 pacientes (50,3%) eram obesos, e isso se associou com todos os padrões de distúrbios funcionais. Conclusões: Medidas dos volumes pulmonares e da resistência das vias aéreas são frequentemente necessárias para a caracterização adequada do tipo de distúrbio funcional em casos com possível restrição à espirometria. A obstrução ao fluxo aéreo é comum nesses casos.

Comparison between reference values for FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio in White adults in Brazil and those suggested by the Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 / Comparação entre os valores de referência para CVF, VEF1 e relação VEF1/CVF em brasileiros caucasianos adultos e aqueles sugeridos pela Global Lung Function Initiative 2012

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the spirometry values predicted by the 2012 Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) equations, which are recommended for international use, in comparison with those obtained for a sample of White adults used for the establishment of reference equations for spirometry in Brazil. METHODS: The sample comprised 270 and 373 healthy males and females, respectively. The mean differences between the values found in this sample and the predicted values calculated from the GLI equations for FVC, FEV1, and VEF1/FVC, as well as their lower limits, were compared by paired t-test. The predicted values by each pair of equations were compared in various combinations of age and height. RESULTS: For the males in our study sample, the values obtained for all of the variables studied were significantly higher than those predicted by the GLI equations (p < 0.01 for all). These differences become more evident in subjects who were shorter in stature and older. For the females in our study sample, only the lower limit of the FEV1/FVC ratio was significantly higher than that predicted by the GLI equation. CONCLUSIONS: The predicted values suggested by the GLI equations for White adults were significantly lower than those used as reference values for males in Brazil. For both genders, the lower limit of the FEV1/FVC ratio is significantly lower than that predicted by the GLI equations. .

OBJETIVO: Comparar os valores espirométricos previstos pelas equações da Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) em 2012, sugeridas como de uso internacional, com aqueles obtidos em uma amostra utilizada para derivação de valores de referência em adultos caucasianos brasileiros. MÉTODOS: A amostra utilizada era composta por 270 homens e 373 mulheres saudáveis. As médias das diferenças entre os valores dessa amostra e os valores previstos calculados a partir das equações da GLI para CVF, VEF1 e VEF1/CVF, assim como seus limites inferiores, foram comparados por teste de t pareado. Os valores previstos pelos pares das equações foram comparados em diversas combinações de idade e estatura. RESULTADOS: Nos homens da amostra, os valores obtidos para todas as variáveis estudadas foram significativamente maiores que aqueles previstos pelas equações da GLI (p < 0,01 para todas). Estas diferenças se tornaram mais evidentes em indivíduos com menor estatura e idade mais avançada. Nas mulheres, somente o limite inferior da relação VEF1/CVF foi significativamente maior na amostra brasileira. CONCLUSÕES: Os valores previstos sugeridos pelas equações da GLI para caucasianos são significativamente menores daqueles utilizados como referência para homens brasileiros. Em ambos os sexos, o limite inferior da relação VEF1/CVF é significativamente menor que o previsto pelas equações GLI .

Por qué se necesitan farmacólogos clínicos? / Why clinical pharmacologists are needed?

Los medicamentos son una de las herramientas más usadas por los médicos. El desarrollo de los mismos, así como el impacto que genera su uso; ya sea en beneficios, riesgos o costos han determinado la necesidad de especialistas en el área. El presente artículo explica la importancia y rol de estos especialistas.

Drugs are one of the most widely used by doctors. The development of these as well as the impact that their; use only on benefits, risks or costs have determined the need for specialists in the area. This article explains the importance and role of these specialists.

Carcinomatose leptomeníngea como primeira manifestaçäo de adenocarcinoma pulmonar. Relato de caso / Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis as the first clinical manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma: case report

A carcinomatose leptomeníngea é uma complicaçäo neurológica de alguns tumores sistêmicos caracterizada por invasäo multifocal das leptomeninges por células neoplásicas. Estima-se que 5 por cento de todos os pacientes com câncer apresentem carcinomatose leptomeníngea. As manifestações clínicas säo heterogêneas e caracterizam-se por sinais e sintomas relacionados a comprometimento de múltiplas áreas do sistema nervoso, particularmente nervos cranianos e raízes nervosas. O diagnóstico é baseado nos achados clínicos, exame do líquido cefalorraqueano (LCR) e exames de neuroimagem. O estudo mais informativo para o diagnóstico de metástase meníngea é o exame do LCR através do qual o achado de células neoplásicas é definitivo para o diagnóstico. O intuito deste trabalho é realizar revisäo da literatura a partir de descriçäo de um caso clínico, de um homem de 42 anos de idade, em que a primeira manifestaçäo de neoplasia pulmonar consistiu de sintomas e sinais sugestivos de comprometimento neoplásico das leptomeninges