Efficacy of speech therapy in post-intubation patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia: a randomized controlled trial / Eficácia da terapia fonoaudiológica em pacientes pós-intubação com disfagia orofaríngea: um ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Purpose to verify the efficacy of speech therapy in the early return of oral intake in patients with post-orotracheal intubation dysphagia. Methods It was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial for two years with patients of intensive care units of a hospital. Study inclusion criteria were orotracheal intubation>48hours, age≥18 years old, clinical stability, and dysphagia. Exclusion criteria were tracheotomy, score 4 to 7 in the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), neurological disorders. Patients were randomized into speech treatment or control group (ten days of follow-up). The treated group (TG) received guidance, therapeutic techniques, airway protection and maneuvers, orofacial myofunctional and vocal exercises, diet introduction; the control group (CG) received SHAM treatment. Primary outcomes were oral intake progression, dysphagia severity, and tube feeding permanence. Results In the initial period of study, 240 patients were assessed and 40 (16.6%) had dysphagia. Of this, 32 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 17 (53%) received speech therapy. Tube feeding permanence was shorter in TG (median of 3 days) compared to CG (median of 10 days) (p=0.004). The size effect of the intervention on tube feeding permanence was statistically significant between groups (Cohen's d=1.21). TG showed progress on FOIS scores compared to CG (p=0.005). TG also had a progression in severity levels of Dysphagia protocol (from moderate to mild dysphagia) (p<0.001). Conclusion Speech therapy favors an early progression of oral intake in post-intubation patients with dysphagia. Clinical Trial Registration: RBR-9829jk.

RESUMO Objetivo verificar a eficácia da fonoterapia no retorno precoce da via oral em pacientes com disfagia pós-intubação orotraqueal. Métodos Ensaio clínico controlado, randomizado, duplo-cego, realizado por dois anos com pacientes de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital. Os critérios de inclusão foram intubação orotraqueal>48 horas, idade ≥18 anos, estabilidade clínica e disfagia. Foram excluídos pacientes com traqueotomia, 4 a 7 pontos na Escala Funcional de Ingestão Oral (FOIS), distúrbios neurológicos. Os pacientes foram randomizados para grupo tratado (GT) ou grupo controle (GC) (dez dias de acompanhamento). O GT recebeu orientações, técnicas e manobras terapêuticas, exercícios vocais e miofuncionais orofaciais, introdução da dieta por via oral; o GC recebeu tratamento SHAM. Os desfechos foram progressão da ingestão oral, gravidade da disfagia e via alternativa de alimentação. Resultados Inicialmente foram avaliados 240 pacientes, desses 40 (16,6%) apresentaram disfagia. Trinta e dois pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão e 17 (53%) receberam terapia fonoaudiológica. A permanência da alimentação por sonda foi menor no GT (mediana de 3 dias) em comparação ao GC (mediana de 10 dias) (p=0.004). O tamanho do efeito da intervenção sobre o tempo de permanência com sonda nasoentéroica foi estatisticametne significativo entre os grupos (Cohen's d=1.21). O GT apresentou progresso nos escores FOIS em comparação ao GC (p=0.005). O GT também teve uma progressão nos níveis de gravidade do PARD (de disfagia moderada a leve) (p<0.001). Conclusão A terapia fonoaudiológica favorece uma progressão precoce da ingestão oral em pacientes pós-intubação com disfagia. Registro de Ensaio Clínico: RBR-9829jk.

The effectiveness of the use of video games and software-based programs for asthma education and self-management for children and teenagers / A eficácia do uso de videogames e programas baseados em software na educação e autogestão em asma para crianças e adolescentes

Abstract Introduction: Asthma is a chronic disease of the lower airways characterized by usually reversible airflow obstruction, inflammation, and hyperreactivity to various types of stimuli. It is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases among children and adults, with an incidence of 300 million people worldwide. Objective: To evaluate the quality of the existent evidence in the literature in order to support the use of videogames and software-based programson asthmatic children and teenager's knowledge capacity and self-management compared with standard education. Methods: Search, selection and analysis (starting March 2016) of all the original articles on virtual reality (VR) concerning asthmatic children and adolescents (ages 3 to 18), published up to October 2017, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, at the electronic databases Pubmed, Web of Science, MedlLine and LILACS, obtained by using the descriptors: asthma, video game, virtual reality, pulmonary rehabilitation, physical training. Results: Only six original articles were obtained. Of these, five (80%) presented level of evidence A, and one (20%) presented level of evidence B. All authors point out the treatment of asthma from VR as a safe and innovative therapy considering that the motivation and intensity of treatment from the use of VR improves the self-management capacity and aerobic capacity of asthmatic patients. Conclusion: The present study seeks to contribute to the literature by demonstrating that videogames and other software-based systemscan be used to improve knowledge capacity and self-management skills in children and teenagers with asthma diagnosis.

Resumo Introdução: A asma é uma doença crônica das vias aéreas inferiores, caracterizada por obstrução ao fluxo aéreo geralmente reversível, inflamação e hiper-reatividade a vários tipos de estímulos. É uma das doenças respiratórias crônicas mais comuns entre crianças e adultos, com incidência de 300 milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade das evidências existentes na literatura a fim de apoiar o uso de videogames e programas baseados em software na capacidade de conhecimento e autogestão de crianças e adolescentes asmáticos em comparação com a educação padrão. Métodos: Pesquisa, seleção e análise (a partir de março de 2016) de todos os artigos originais sobre realidade virtual (RV) utlizada com crianças e adolescentes asmáticos (idades de 3 a 18), publicados até outubro de 2017, em português, inglês e espanhol, nas bases de dados eletrônicas Pubmed, Web of Science, MedlLine e LILACS, obtidas por meio dos descritores: asma, videogame, realidade virtual, reabilitação pulmonar, treinamento físico. Resultados: Apenas seis artigos originais foram obtidos. Destes, cinco (80%) apresentaram nível de evidência A e um (20%) apresentou nível de evidência B. Todos os autores apontam o tratamento da asma por RV como uma terapia segura e inovadora, considerando que a motivação e intensidade do tratamento com o uso da RV melhora a capacidade de autogerenciamento e capacidade aeróbia do paciente asmático. Conclusão: O presente estudo busca contribuir com a literatura ao demonstrar que videogames e outros sistemas baseados em software podem ser utilizados para melhorar a capacidade de conhecimento e autogeren-ciamento de crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico de asma.

Peripheral muscle strength is associated with lung function and functional capacity in patients with cystic fibrosis.

PURPOSE: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that causes important multisystemic impairments. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of peripheral muscle strength with lung function and functional capacity in adolescents and adults with CF. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with prospective data of patients enrolled in the Program for Adults with CF at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. The testing procedures included peripheral muscle strength testing, pulmonary function tests, and the 6-minute walk test. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 41 subjects (27 women) with a mean age of 24.6. Upper extremity muscle strength was associated with forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the first second, and lower extremity muscle strength was associated with the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test, oxygen saturation, forced expiratory volume in the first second, and forced vital capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle strength was positively associated with lung function variable and functional capacity in patients with CF.

Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in a Cohort of Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: A 7-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Due to the heterogeneity of cystic fibrosis (CF), the longer survival observed in cohorts of adult subjects, and inter-population variations, there is a clear need to seek further information about clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in different cohorts of subjects with CF. Our objectives were to evaluate clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in a cohort of adult subjects with CF after a 7-y follow-up period and investigate longitudinal changes in clinical scores, spirometry, 6-min walk test performance, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure as assessed by Doppler echocardiography. METHODS: A cohort of clinically stable subjects (≥16 y old) who were enrolled in an adult CF program in 2004-2005 underwent clinical evaluation. Outcome was classified as good (survival) or poor (survival with lung transplantation or death). In 2011-2012, survivors were re-examined. RESULTS: Of 40 subjects with CF evaluated in 2004-2005, 32 (80%) survived, 2 (5%) survived with lung transplantation, and 6 (15%) died. Logistic regression analysis showed that a low percent-of-predicted FEV1 was associated with poor outcome. An FEV1 cut-off value of ≤30% and pulmonary artery systolic pressure of ≥42 mm Hg predicted poor outcome with high sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Deterioration was observed in clinical scores (P = .03), FVC (P = .02), FEV1 (P < .001), distance walked in the 6-min walk test (P = .002), baseline SpO2 (P < .001), and final SpO2 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: After 7 y of follow-up, 20% of subjects with CF had a poor outcome. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure of ≥42 mm Hg and FEV1 of ≤30% were the most significant prognostic predictors of poor outcome. Clinical and functional deterioration was observed in survivors.

High frequency hearing thresholds and product distortion otoacoustic emissions in cystic fibrosis patients, / Limiares auditivos em altas frequências e emissões otoacústicas na fibrose cística

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis involves the use of ototoxic drugs, mainly aminoglycoside antibiotics. Due to the use of these drugs, fibrocystic patients are at risk of developing hearing loss. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hearing of patients with cystic fibrosis by High Frequency Audiometry and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. The study group consisted of 39 patients (7-20 years of age) with cystic fibrosis and a control group of 36 individuals in the same age group without otologic complaints, with normal audiometric thresholds and type A tympanometric curves. High Frequency Audiometry and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions tests were conducted. RESULTS: The study group had significantly higher thresholds at 250, 1000, 8000, 9000, 10,000, 12,500, and 16,000 Hz (p = 0.004) as well as higher prevalence of otoacoustic emission alterations at 1000 and 6000 Hz (p = 0.001), with significantly lower amplitudes at 1000, 1400, and 6000 Hz. There was a significant association between alterations in hearing thresholds in High Frequency Audiometry with the number of courses of aminoglycosides administered (p = 0.005). Eighty-three percent of patients who completed more than ten courses of aminoglycosides had hearing loss in High Frequency Audiometry. CONCLUSION: A significant number of patients with cystic fibrosis who received repeated courses of aminoglycosides showed alterations in High Frequency Audiometry and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions. The implementation of ten or more aminoglycoside cycles was associated with alterations in High Frequency Audiometry.

Resumo INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento dos pacientes com fibrose cística envolve o uso de medicamentos ototóxicos, principalmente de antibióticos aminoglicosídeos. Devido ao uso destes medicamen-tos, os pacientes fibrocísticos apresentam risco de desenvolver perda auditiva. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a audição dos pacientes com fibrose cística pela Audiometria de Altas Frequências (AAF) e Emissões Otoacústicas por Produto de Distorção (EOAPD). MÉTODO: Estudo transversal. O grupo de estudo foi constituído por 39 pacientes com idades entre 7 e 20 anos com fibrose cística e o grupo controle por 36 indivíduos da mesma faixa etária, sem queixas otológicas, com limiares audiométricos normais e curvas timpanométricas tipo A. Foram realizados os exames de audiometria de altas frequências e emissões otoacústicas por produto de distorção. RESULTADOS: O grupo de estudo apresentou limiares significativamente mais elevados em 250; 1000; 8.000; 9.000; 10.000; 12.500 e 16.000 Hz; (p = 0,004) e maior prevalência de alterações nas emissões otoacústicas em 1.000 e 6.000 Hz (p = 0,001); com amplitudes significativamente mais baixas em 1.000; 1.400 e 6.000 Hz. Houve associação significativa entre as alterações dos limiares auditivos na AAF com o número de ciclos de aminoglicosídeos realizados (p = 0,005). Oitenta e três por cento dos pacientes que foram submetidos a mais de 3 ciclos de aminoglicosídeos apresentaram perda auditiva na AAF. CONCLUSÃO: Um número significativo de pacientes com fibrose cística que receberam repetidos ciclos de aminoglicosídeos apresentou alterações na AAF e EOAPD. A realização de 10 ou mais ciclos de aminoglicosídeos esteve associada às alterações na AAF.

Ventilação mecânica não invasiva na crise de asma aguda grave em crianças: níveis de evidências / Noninvasive ventilation in status asthmaticus in children: levels of evidence

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade das evidências existentes para embasar diretrizes do emprego da ventilação mecânica não invasiva no manejo da crise de asma aguda grave em crianças não responsivas ao tratamento padrão. Métodos: Busca, seleção e análise de todos os artigos originais sobre asma e ventilação mecânica não invasiva em crianças, publicados até 1º de setembro de 2014, em todos os idiomas, nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus e SciELO, encontrados por meio de busca pelos descritores "asthma", "status asthmaticus", "noninvasive ventilation", "bronchospasm", "continuous positive airway pressure", "child", "infant", "pediatrics", "hypercapnia", "respiratory failure", e das palavras-chave "BIPAP", "CPAP", "bilevel", "acute asthma" e "near fatal asthma". Os artigos foram qualificados segundo os graus de evidências do Sistema GRADE. Resultados: Foram obtidos apenas nove artigos originais. Destes, dois (22%) apresentaram nível de evidência A, um (11%) apresentou nível de evidência B e seis (67%) apresentaram nível de evidência C. Conclusão: Sugere-se que o emprego da ventilação mecânica não invasiva na crise de asma aguda grave em crianças não responsivas ao tratamento padrão é aplicável à maioria desses pacientes, mas as evidências não podem ser consideradas conclusivas, uma vez que pesquisa adicional de alta qualidade provavelmente tenha um impacto modificador na estimativa de efeito.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the quality of available evidence to establish guidelines for the use of noninvasive ventilation for the management of status asthmaticus in children unresponsive to standard treatment. Methods: Search, selection and analysis of all original articles on asthma and noninvasive ventilation in children, published until September 1, 2014 in all languages in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus and SciELO, located using the search terms: "asthma", "status asthmaticus", "noninvasive ventilation", "Bronchospasm", "continuous positive airway pressure", "child", "infant", "pediatrics", "hypercapnia", "respiratory failure" and the keywords "BIPAP", "CPAP", "Bilevel", "acute asthma" and "near fatal asthma". The articles were assessed based on the levels of evidence of the GRADE system. Results: Only nine original articles were located; two (22%) articles had level of evidence A, one (11%) had level of evidence B and six (67%) had level of evidence C. Conclusion: The results suggest that noninvasive ventilation is applicable for the treatment of status asthmaticus in most pediatric patients unresponsive to standard treatment. However, the available evidence cannot be considered as conclusive, as further high-quality research is likely to have an impact on and change the estimate of the effect.

A incorporação das medidas de volumes pulmonares na interpretação dos testes de função pulmonar / The role of lung volumes measurement in interpretation of pulmonary function tests

Os volumes pulmonares estáticos, obtidos ao final do ciclo ventilatório corrente e ao final de manobras inspiratória e expiratória máximas, são chamados volumes pulmonares absolutos (VPA), e se estruturam na capacidade residual funcional (CRF), na capacidade pulmonar total (CPT) e no volume residual (VR). Os VPA não podem ser medidos diretamente pela espirometria, cuja mensuração aporta outros importantes parâmetros de volume, como a capacidade vital (CV) e suas subdivisões; a capacidade inspiratória (CI); e o volume de reserva expiratória (VRE). A CRF é determinada pelo equilíbrio entre o recolhimento elástico do pulmão e da parede torácica, considerando-se as constantes de tempo expiratório e atividade dos músculos inspiratórios durante a expiração; a CPTé determinada pela força dos músculos respiratórios e pela oposição entre os recolhimentos elásticos do pulmão eda parede torácica; o VR é determinado, em crianças, pela força dos músculos respiratórios e a complacência daparede torácica, em crianças e em adultos, pela oclusão de vias aéreas em adultos. A mensuração dos VPA é realizada pela pletismografia de corpo inteiro (padrão-ouro), pelos métodos de diluição de gases e exames de imagens.A indicação de mensuração dos VPA se baseia no significado de seus mecanismos determinantes, em paralelo ao avanço no conhecimento atual da fisiopatologia pulmonar. Os VPA qualificam e quantificam os distúrbios ventilatórios obstrutivos pela identificação funcional de hiperinsuflação e aprisionamento de ar e são essenciais para o diagnóstico de distúrbios ventilatórios restritivos e mistos, sendo que as informações deles advindas são úteis em muitas doenças e condições clínicas.

Static lung volumes obtained at the end of the current ventilatory cycle and the end of maximal inspiratory and expiratory maneuvers are called absolute lung volumes (VPA), and represent the functional residual capacity (FRC), total lung capacity (TLC) and volume residual (VR). The VPA cannot be directly measured by spirometry, which brings another important measurement parameters of volume as vital capacity (VC) and its subdivisions inspiratory capacity (IC) and expiratory reserve volume (ERV).The CRF is determined by the balance between the elastic recoil of the lung and the chest wall, the expiratory time-constants and the inspiratory muscle activity during expiration; CPT is determined by the strength ofrespiratory muscles and the opposition between the elastic recoil of the lung and the chest wall; VR is determinedby the strength of respiratory muscles, chest wall compliance in children and occlusion of airways in adults. Themeasurement of VPA is held by body plethysmography (gold standard), by the methods of dilution of gases andimaging tests. The indication for measurement of VPA is based on the meaning of its determinants mechanisms in parallel to advance the current understanding of pulmonary pathophysiology. OS VPA qualify and quantify the obstructive disorders with functional identification of hyperinflation and air trapping and are essential for the diagnosis of restrictive and mixed ventilatory disorders, and the resulting information of them are useful in many diseases and clinical conditions.

Exercise programme in patients with cystic fibrosis: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the effects of a home exercise programme, based on aerobic training and muscle strength training, in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), for a period of 3 months. METHODS: Randomised controlled clinical experiment, with an analysis of intention to treat including clinically stable patients with CF and of age ≥ 16. Assessments include: a 6 min walk test (6 MWT), one-repetition maximum strength test (1 RM), spirometry and quality of life questionnaires. The patients randomised for the exercise group exercise group followed a home exercise protocol, supervised by telephone, while the control group maintained their usual activities. RESULTS: 41 Patients were included, 22 in the control group and 19 in the exercise group. The exercise group presented a significant increase in muscle strength in upper limbs (UULL) on the 1 RM test. There was no significant difference between groups on the scores for general quality of life and specifically for CF and in the distance walked on the 6 MWT. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that a home exercise programme had positive effects in adult patients with CF, including gain in muscle strength in UULL. No increase in tolerance to exercise was shown and improvement in the quality of life of the patients who received intervention.

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 ...

A clinical decision support system for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis at a general hospital in a middle-income country.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact that implementing a combination of a computer-based clinical decision support system and a program of training seminars has on the use of appropriate prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two phases (prior to and after the implementation of the new VTE prophylaxis protocol) in order to evaluate the impact that the combined strategy had on the use of appropriate VTE prophylaxis. The study was conducted at Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, a general hospital in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. We included clinical and surgical patients over 18 years of age who were hospitalized for > 48 h. The pre-implementation and post-implementation phase samples comprised 262 and 261 patients, respectively. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the two samples were similar, including the distribution of patients by risk level. Comparing the pre-implementation and post-implementation periods, we found that the overall use of appropriate VTE prophylaxis increased from 46.2% to 57.9% (p = 0.01). Looking at specific patient populations, we observed that the use of appropriate VTE prophylaxis increased more dramatically among cancer patients (from 18.1% to 44.1%; p = 0.002) and among patients with three or more risk factors (from 25.0% to 42.9%; p = 0.008), two populations that benefit most from prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to increase the use of appropriate VTE prophylaxis in economically constrained settings through the use of a computerized protocol adhered to by trained professionals. The underutilization of prophylaxis continues to be a major problem, indicative of the need for ongoing improvement in the quality of inpatient care.

Sistema de suporte à decisão clínica para um programa para profilaxia de tromboembolia venosa em um hospital geral de um país de renda média / A clinical decision support system for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis at a general hospital in a middle-income country

OBJETIVO: Determinar o impacto da implantação de um sistema informatizado de suporte à decisão clínica combinado com seminários instrucionais na utilização de profilaxia para tromboembolia venosa (TEV) de forma adequada. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em duas fases (antes e depois da implantação de um novo protocolo de profilaxia para TEV) para avaliar o impacto que a estratégia combinada teve na utilização adequada da profilaxia para TEV. O estudo foi conduzido no Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, um hospital geral localizado em Porto Alegre (RS). Foram incluídos pacientes clínicos e cirúrgicos com mais de 18 anos com tempo de hospitalização > 48 h. Nas fases pré e pós-implantação, foram incluídos 262 e 261 pacientes, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: As características de base das duas amostras foram semelhantes, inclusive em relação à distribuição dos pacientes por nível de risco. Comparando-se os períodos pré e pós-implantação, verificou-se que a adequação da profilaxia para TEV aumentou de 46,2% para 57,9% (p = 0,01). Ao se observar populações específicas de pacientes, o uso adequado da profilaxia para TVE aumentou dramaticamente em pacientes com câncer (de 18,1% para 44,1%; p = 0,002) e em pacientes com três ou mais fatores de risco (de 25,0% para 42,9%; p = 0,008), populações essas que mais se beneficiam da profilaxia. CONCLUSÕES: É possível aumentar o uso de profilaxia adequada para TEV em cenários economicamente desfavoráveis através do uso de protocolos informatizados e de profissionais treinados. A subutilização da profilaxia permanece como um problema importante, destacando a necessidade da melhora continuada na qualidade da assistência hospitalar.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact that implementing a combination of a computer-based clinical decision support system and a program of training seminars has on the use of appropriate prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two phases (prior to and after the implementation of the new VTE prophylaxis protocol) in order to evaluate the impact that the combined strategy had on the use of appropriate VTE prophylaxis. The study was conducted at Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, a general hospital in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. We included clinical and surgical patients over 18 years of age who were hospitalized for > 48 h. The pre-implementation and post-implementation phase samples comprised 262 and 261 patients, respectively. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the two samples were similar, including the distribution of patients by risk level. Comparing the pre-implementation and post-implementation periods, we found that the overall use of appropriate VTE prophylaxis increased from 46.2% to 57.9% (p = 0.01). Looking at specific patient populations, we observed that the use of appropriate VTE prophylaxis increased more dramatically among cancer patients (from 18.1% to 44.1%; p = 0.002) and among patients with three or more risk factors (from 25.0% to 42.9%; p = 0.008), two populations that benefit most from prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to increase the use of appropriate VTE prophylaxis in economically constrained settings through the use of a computerized protocol adhered to by trained professionals. The underutilization of prophylaxis continues to be a major problem, indicative of the need for ongoing improvement in the quality of inpatient care.

Six-minute walk distance is not related to quality of life in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate physical performance on the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and to investigate its relationship with quality of life (QoL). To identify predictors of exercise performance, we also investigated whether six-minute walk distance (6MWD) is associated with clinical and spirometric findings. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (age, > 18 years), with at least one respiratory symptom for > 2 years and an FEV1 < 70% of predicted. Patients underwent clinical evaluation, pulmonary function tests, the 6MWT, and QoL assessment with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: We included 70 patients (48 females). Mean age was 54.5 ± 17.7 years, and mean FEV1 was 44.9 ± 14.5% of predicted. The patients were divided into two groups: 6MWD-low (6MWD below the predicted lower limit; n = 23); and 6MWD-norm (normal 6MWD; n = 47). The following variables were significantly lower in the 6MWD-low group than in the 6MWD-norm group: age; age at diagnosis of bronchiectasis; proportion of former smokers; body mass index (BMI); FEV1% of predicted; and MEP% of predicted. There were no significant differences in the SF-36 scores between the groups. In the logistic regression model, lower age and lower BMI were significantly associated with lower 6MWD. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample, there was a high proportion of patients who presented a lower than expected 6MWD. Although 6MWD was not related to QoL, it was associated with age and BMI.

Distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos não se relaciona com qualidade de vida em pacientes com bronquiectasias não fibrocísticas / Six-minute walk distance is not related to quality of life in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho físico de pacientes com bronquiectasias não fibrocísticas no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6) e investigar sua associação com a qualidade de vida (QV). Secundariamente, analisar a associação entre a distância percorrida no TC6 (DTC6) com achados clínicos e espirométricos para se identificar preditores para esse desempenho. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal envolvendo pacientes com bronquiectasias não fibrocísticas, com idade > 18 anos, pelo menos um sintoma respiratório por > 2 anos e VEF1 < 70% do previsto. Os pacientes foram submetidos a avaliação clínica, teste de função pulmonar, TC6 e avaliação da QV por Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 70 pacientes (48 mulheres; média de idade = 54,5 ± 17,7 anos; média de VEF1 = 44,9 ± 14,5% do previsto. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: DTC6-menor, com desempenho menor que o limite inferior previsto (n = 23); e DTC6-norm, com desempenho normal (n = 47). Em comparação ao grupo DTC6-norm, o grupo DTC6-menor apresentou menor idade, menor idade ao diagnóstico das bronquiectasias, menor proporção de ex-fumantes, menor índice de massa corpórea (IMC), menor VEF1 em % do previsto e menor PEmáx em % do previsto. Não houve diferenças significativas nos escores do SF-36 entre os grupos. No modelo de regressão logística, menor idade e menor IMC se associaram significativamente com menor DTC6. CONCLUSÕES: Nesta amostra, uma elevada proporção de pacientes apresentou uma DTC6 menor que o esperado. A DTC6 não se relacionou com a QV. Idade e IMC se associaram a DTC6.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate physical performance on the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and to investigate its relationship with quality of life (QoL). To identify predictors of exercise performance, we also investigated whether six-minute walk distance (6MWD) is associated with clinical and spirometric findings. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (age, > 18 years), with at least one respiratory symptom for > 2 years and an FEV1 < 70% of predicted. Patients underwent clinical evaluation, pulmonary function tests, the 6MWT, and QoL assessment with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: We included 70 patients (48 females). Mean age was 54.5 ± 17.7 years, and mean FEV1 was 44.9 ± 14.5% of predicted. The patients were divided into two groups: 6MWD-low (6MWD below the predicted lower limit; n = 23); and 6MWD-norm (normal 6MWD; n = 47). The following variables were significantly lower in the 6MWD-low group than in the 6MWD-norm group: age; age at diagnosis of bronchiectasis; proportion of former smokers; body mass index (BMI); FEV1% of predicted; and MEP% of predicted. There were no significant differences in the SF-36 scores between the groups. In the logistic regression model, lower age and lower BMI were significantly associated with lower 6MWD. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample, there was a high proportion of patients who presented a lower than expected 6MWD. Although 6MWD was not related to QoL, it was associated with age and BMI.

Efeito do broncodilatador no tempo de apneia voluntária máxima em pacientes com distúrbios ventilatórios obstrutivos / Bronchodilator effect on maximal breath-hold time in patients with obstructive lung disease

OBJETIVO: Identificar o papel do broncodilatador no tempo de apneia voluntária máxima em pacientes com distúrbios ventilatórios obstrutivos (DVOs). MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle incluindo pacientes com DVOs e grupo controle. Foram realizadas espirometrias antes e após o uso de broncodilatador, assim como testes de apneia respiratória, utilizando-se um microprocessador eletrônico e um pneumotacógrafo como transdutor de fluxo. As curvas de fluxo respiratório foram exibidas em tempo real em um computador portátil, e os tempos de apneia voluntária inspiratória e expiratória máximos (TAVIM e TAVEM, respectivamente) foram determinados a partir do sinal adquirido. RESULTADOS: Um total de 35 pacientes com DVOs e 16 controles foram incluídos no estudo. O TAVIM sem o uso de broncodilatador foi significativamente menor no grupo DVO que no grupo controle (22,27 ± 11,81 s vs. 31,45 ± 15,73; p = 0,025), mas essa diferença não foi significativa após o uso de broncodilatador (24,94 ± 12,89 s vs. 31,67 ± 17,53 s). Os valores de TAVEM foram significativamente menores no grupo DVO que no grupo controle antes (16,88 ± 6,58 s vs. 22,09 ± 7,95 s; p = 0,017) e após o uso de broncodilatador (21,22 ± 9,37 s vs. 28,53 ± 12,46 s; p = 0,024). CONCLUSÕES: Estes resultados fornecem uma evidência adicional da utilidade clínica do teste de apneia na avaliação da função pulmonar e do papel do broncodilatador nesse teste.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the role of bronchodilators in the maximal breath-hold time in patients with obstructive lung disease (OLD). METHODS: We conducted a case-control study including patients with OLD and a control group. Spirometric tests were performed prior to and after the use of a bronchodilator, as were breath-hold tests, using an electronic microprocessor and a pneumotachograph as a flow transducer. Respiratory flow curves were displayed in real time on a portable computer. The maximal breath-hold times at end-inspiratory volume and at end-expiratory volume (BHTmaxV EI and BHTmaxV EE, respectively) were determined from the acquired signal. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients with OLD and 16 controls were included. Prior to the use of a bronchodilator, the BHTmaxV EI was significantly lower in the OLD group than in the control group (22.27 ± 11.81 s vs. 31.45 ± 15.73 s; p = 0.025), although there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the post-bronchodilator values (24.94 ± 12.89 s vs. 31.67 ± 17.53 s). In contrast, BHTmaxV EE values were significantly lower in the OLD group than in the control group, in the pre- and post-bronchodilator tests (16.88 ± 6.58 s vs. 22.09 ± 7.95 s; p = 0.017; and 21.22 ± 9.37 s vs. 28.53 ± 12.46 s; p = 0.024, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide additional evidence of the clinical usefulness of the breath-hold test in the assessment of pulmonary function and add to the existing knowledge regarding the role of the bronchodilator in this test.

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in a general hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in a general hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional cohort study at the Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, located in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, involving a random sample of patients admitted between October of 2008 and February of 2009. We included patients over 18 years of age and hospitalized for more than 48 h. The exclusion criteria were anticoagulant use, pregnancy, puerperium, and a history of thromboembolic disease. The adequacy of prophylaxis was evaluated in accordance with a protocol created by the Hospital and principally based on the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines, eighth edition. RESULTS: We included 262 patients. The mean age was 59.1 ± 16.6 years. The most common risk factors were immobilization (in 70.6%), infection (in 44.3%), cancer (in 27.5%), obesity (in 23.3%), and major surgery (in 14.1%). The risk of VTE was classified as high and moderate in 143 (54.6%) and 117 (44.7%) of the patients, respectively. Overall, 46.2% of the patients received adequate prophylaxis, 25% of those with > three risk factors for VTE and 18% of those with cancer, the differences between these last two groups and their counterparts (patients with < three risk factors and those without cancer) being statistically significant (p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveal that nearly all patients at our hospital were at risk for VTE, and that less than half received adequate VTE prophylaxis, which is in agreement with the literature. It is surprising that inadequate prophylaxis is more common in high-risk patients.

Profilaxia para tromboembolia venosa em um hospital geral / Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in a general hospital

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prática de profilaxia para tromboembolia venosa (TEV) em pacientes em um hospital geral. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte transversal conduzido no Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, localizado na cidade de Porto Alegre (RS), com uma amostra constituída de pacientes internados selecionados randomicamente entre outubro de 2008 e fevereiro de 2009. Foram incluídos pacientes maiores de 18 anos e internados por mais de 48 h. Os critérios de exclusão foram pacientes em uso de anticoagulantes, história de doença tromboembólica, gestação e puerpério. A adequação da profilaxia foi avaliada seguindo as recomendações de um protocolo criado pela instituição e tendo como base principal a diretriz da American College of Chest Physician, oitava edição. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 262 pacientes com média de idade de 59,1 ± 16,6 anos. Os fatores de risco mais comuns foram imobilização (70,6 por cento), infecção (44,3 por cento), câncer (27,5 por cento), obesidade (23,3 por cento) e cirurgia maior (14,1 por cento). Na avaliação do nível de risco para TEV, 143 (54,6 por cento) e 117 pacientes (44,7 por cento), respectivamente, foram classificados como de risco alto e moderado. No geral, 46,2 por cento dos pacientes tiveram profilaxia adequada, assim como 25 por cento dos pacientes com três ou mais fatores de risco e 18 por cento dos pacientes com câncer, e houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre esses grupos quando comparados àqueles com menos de três fatores de risco e sem câncer (p < 0,001 para ambos). CONCLUSÕES: Os dados demonstram que quase a totalidade dos pacientes do hospital estava em risco para TEV e que menos da metade deles recebeu profilaxia adequada, dados esses semelhantes aos da literatura. A inadequação da profilaxia é surpreendentemente maior em pacientes de alto risco.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in a general hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional cohort study at the Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, located in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, involving a random sample of patients admitted between October of 2008 and February of 2009. We included patients over 18 years of age and hospitalized for more than 48 h. The exclusion criteria were anticoagulant use, pregnancy, puerperium, and a history of thromboembolic disease. The adequacy of prophylaxis was evaluated in accordance with a protocol created by the Hospital and principally based on the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines, eighth edition. RESULTS: We included 262 patients. The mean age was 59.1 ± 16.6 years. The most common risk factors were immobilization (in 70.6 percent), infection (in 44.3 percent), cancer (in 27.5 percent), obesity (in 23.3 percent), and major surgery (in 14.1 percent). The risk of VTE was classified as high and moderate in 143 (54.6 percent) and 117 (44.7 percent) of the patients, respectively. Overall, 46.2 percent of the patients received adequate prophylaxis, 25 percent of those with > three risk factors for VTE and 18 percent of those with cancer, the differences between these last two groups and their counterparts (patients with < three risk factors and those without cancer) being statistically significant (p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveal that nearly all patients at our hospital were at risk for VTE, and that less than half received adequate VTE prophylaxis, which is in agreement with the literature. It is surprising that inadequate prophylaxis is more common in high-risk patients.

Uma nova abordagem na determinação da resistência das vias aéreas: técnica do interruptor vs. pletismografia / A new approach to the determination of airway resistance: interrupter technique vs. plethysmography

OBJETIVO: Determinar a concordância da medida da resistência das vias aéreas (RVA) pela técnica interrupter resistance (Rint, resistência do interruptor) com a do método pletismográfico para fins de aplicabilidade clínica. MÉTODOS: A técnica Rint foi realizada com os pacientes em posição sentada, em expiração, utilizando clipe nasal e com suporte das bochechas. O exame pletismográfico foi realizado de acordo com protocolos padronizados. As medidas foram realizadas antes e após a administração inalatória de um broncodilatador via spray dosimetrado com espaçador. RESULTADOS: Avaliamos 99 pacientes consecutivos encaminhados para o Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre (RS), para a realização de testes de função pulmonar, com idades entre 18 e 82 anos. Desses, 52 eram mulheres. Houve boa concordância entre os métodos (r = 0,8; coeficiente de correlação intraclasse = 0,8) nos pacientes com VEF1 > 60 por cento do previsto. Os valores de Rint foram menores que os da RVA por pletismografia em indivíduos mais graves. Entretanto, houve boa concordância entre Rint > 4 cmH2O • L-1 • s-1 e RVA por pletismografia > 2,5 cmH2O • L-1 • s-1 (razão de verossimilhança > 8 e coeficiente kappa = 0,73). CONCLUSÕES: A concordância entre o Rint e a RVA por pletismografia foi boa nos indivíduos menos graves. A concordância para um diagnóstico de aumento da RVA entre os dois métodos também foi forte. A técnica Rint é um método potencialmente útil na prática assistencial em adultos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the agreement between interrupter resistance (Rint) and airway resistance (Raw) by plethysmography in order to verify the clinical applicability of the interrupter technique. METHODS: The Rint technique was performed with the patients in a sitting position, during exhalation, with a nose clip and cheek support. Plethysmography was carried out in accordance with standard protocols. All measurements were taken prior to and after the administration of an inhaled bronchodilator via a metered dose inhaler with a spacer. RESULTS: The study comprised 99 consecutive patients referred to the Porto Alegre Hospital de Clínicas, located in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, for pulmonary function testing. Patient ages ranged from 18 to 82 years, and 52 of the patients were women. In the patients with FEV1 > 60 percent of predicted, there was good agreement between the methods (r = 0.8; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.8). The Rint values were lower than were those of Raw by plethysmography in the patients with more severe disease. However, there was good agreement between Rint > 4 cmH2O • L-1• s-1 and Raw by plethysmography > 2.5 cmH2O • L-1 • s-1 (likelihood ratio > 8; kappa coefficient = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: In the patients with less severe disease, there was good agreement between Rint and Raw by plethysmography. The agreement between the two methods was also strong regarding the detection of an increase in Raw. The Rint technique is a potentially useful method for the evaluation of adult patients.

Fatores preditores da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde física e mental em pacientes com doença pulmonar intersticial: uma análise multifatorial / Predictors of physical and mental health-related quality of life in patients with interstitial lung disease: a multifactorial analysis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar fatores preditores da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) em pacientes com doença pulmonar intersticial (DPI). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 63 pacientes, submetidos a provas de função pulmonar e teste de caminhada de seis minutos. Foram aplicados os seguintes instrumentos: Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-form Survey (SF-36), Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), os inventários de ansiedade e depressão de Beck e Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale. A análise de componentes principais foi utilizada para reduzir as variáveis em fatores preditivos, e a análise de regressão linear múltipla foi utilizada como um modelo explicativo. RESULTADOS: Dos 63 pacientes, 34 eram mulheres. A média de idade foi de 60,1 ± 13,3 anos, média de CVF = 64,17 ± 15,54 por cento do previsto e média de DLCO = 44,21 ± 14,47 por cento do previsto. Todos os pacientes avaliados tinham sua QVRS prejudicada, e os piores escores foram observados nos domínios capacidade funcional do SF-36 e atividade do SGRQ. Dos pacientes avaliados 60,3 por cento e 57,1 por cento apresentaram sintomas de ansiedade e depressão, respectivamente. A análise de componentes principais identificou um fator preditor para QVRS física e um fator preditor para QVRS mental. A depressão apresentou uma forte influência sobre o fator preditor de QVRS mental, e o grau de dispneia apresentou uma influência significativa sobre os dois fatores preditores de QVRS nos pacientes avaliados. Variáveis relacionadas à função pulmonar, capacidade de exercício e ansiedade não apresentaram impactos sobre esses fatores preditores. CONCLUSÕES: Em nossa amostra de pacientes com DPI, o grau de dispneia teve um impacto importante sobre a QVRS física e mental, e a depressão teve um impacto sobre a QVRS mental nos pacientes com DPI.

OBJECTIVE: To determine predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). METHODS: A cross-sectional study comprising 63 patients, all of whom underwent lung function testing and the six-minute walk test. The following instruments were used: the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Shortform Survey (SF-36), the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale. Principal component analysis was used in order to reduce the dimensionality of the data, thereby identifying the predictor variables, and multiple linear regression analysis was used in order to identify the explanatory variables. RESULTS: Of the 63 patients, 34 were female. The mean age was 60.1 ± 13.3 years, the mean FVC was 64.17 ± 15.54 percent of predicted, and the mean DLCO was 44.21 ± 14.47 percent of predicted. All of the patients evaluated had impaired HRQoL, scoring worst for the SF-36 physical functioning and SGRQ activity domains. Of the patients evaluated, 60.3 percent and 57.1 percent showed symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. The principal component analysis identified one predictor of physical HRQoL and one predictor of mental HRQoL. Depression had a strong influence on the predictor of mental HRQoL, and the degree of dyspnea had a strong influence on both predictors of HRQoL in the patients evaluated. Variables related to lung function, exercise capacity, and anxiety had no impact on these predictors. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample of patients with ILD, the degree of dyspnea had a major impact on the physical and mental HRQoL, and depression had an impact on mental HRQoL.

Baixo grau de percepção da dispneia após teste de broncoprovocação induzida por metacolina em pacientes com asma / Poor perception of dyspnea following methacholine challenge test in patients with asthma

OBJETIVO: Determinar o percentual de asmáticos com má percepção da dispneia, correlacionando-a com gravidade da broncoconstrição aguda, hiper-responsividade brônquica, uso de medicação de manutenção e controle da asma. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico não controlado com pacientes asmáticos do Ambulatório de Pneumologia do Hospital São Lucas em Porto Alegre (RS). Foram realizados testes de broncoprovocação com metacolina com protocolo dosimetrado em cinco doses, e foi avaliada a percepção da dispneia após cada dose administrada, utilizando a escala de Borg. Dados sobre controle da asma, medicação em uso e uso de broncodilatador de curta ação de resgate foram coletados. RESULTADOS: Dos 65 pacientes incluídos, 53 completaram a avaliação. Desses, 32 (60,5 por cento) apresentaram percepção adequada da dispneia após o teste de broncoprovocação com metacolina, ao passo que 21 (39,5 por cento) não perceberam nenhuma alteração no grau de dispneia mesmo após uma queda de 20 por cento em VEF1. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos em relação a VEF1 basal, percentagem de queda do VEF1 e dose de metacolina causadora de queda de 20 por cento do VEF1. Não houve correlação significativa entre percepção da dispneia e idade (p = 0,247), sexo (p = 0,329), uso de medicação de manutenção (p = 0,152), controle da asma (p = 0,562), hiper-responsividade brônquica (p = 0,082) e gravidade da broncoconstrição aguda (p = 0,749). CONCLUSÕES: Uma percentagem significativa dos asmáticos apresenta baixo grau de percepção da dispneia. Os fatores relacionados com a incapacidade de identificação da modificação da função pulmonar não estão bem definidos. A identificação e a orientação desse grupo de pacientes são fundamentais para a redução de morbidade e mortalidade por asma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of asthma patients with a poor perception of dyspnea, correlating the level of that perception with the severity of acute bronchoconstriction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, use of maintenance medication, and asthma control. METHODS: Uncontrolled clinical trial involving asthma patients treated at the Pulmonology Outpatient Clinic of the São Lucas Hospital, in Porto Alegre , Brazil. Methacholine challenge testing was performed using a five-breath dosimeter protocol. The perception of dyspnea after each breath was determined using the Borg scale. Data concerning asthma control, medication in use, and use of rescue short-acting bronchodilators were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 65 patients included in the study, 53 completed the evaluation. Of those, 32 (60.5 percent) showed adequate perception of dyspnea after the methacholine challenge test, whereas 21 (39.5 percent) did not perceive any changes in the degree of dyspnea even after a 20 percent fall in FEV1. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding baseline FEV1, percentage fall in FEV1, and the dose of methacholine causing a 20 percent fall in FEV1. The perception of dyspnea was not significantly associated with age (p = 0.247); gender (p = 0.329); use of maintenance medication (p = 0.152); asthma control (p = 0.562), bronchial hyperresponsiveness (p = 0.082); or severity of acute bronchoconstriction (p = 0.749). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of asthma patients have a poor perception of dyspnea. The factors related to the inability of these patients to identify changes in pulmonary function have not yet been well defined. In order to reduce asthma-related morbidity and mortality, it is essential that this group of patients be identified and counseled.

[Incentive spirometry with expiratory positive airway pressure brings benefits after myocardial revascularization].

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have higher risk to develop pulmonary complications (PCs) such as atelectasis, pneumonia and pleural effusion. These complications could increase the length of hospital stay, resources utilization and also are associated with reduced quality of life and functional capacity a long term. OBJECTIVE: To test if the use of incentive spirometry (IS) associated with expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP), after CABG surgery improves dyspnea, effort perceived and quality of life 18 months after CABG. METHODS: Sixteen patients submitted to a CABG, were randomized to a control group (n=8) or IS+EPAP group (n=8). The protocol of IS+EPAP was applied in the immediate postoperative period and following for more 4 weeks in the patient's home. Eighteen months after CABG, the strength of the respiratory muscle, the functional capacity, the lung function, the quality of life and the level of physical activity were evaluated. RESULTS: After six minute walk test (6-MWT), the score of the dyspnea (1.6+/-0.6 vs 0.6+/-0.3, P<0.05) and the perceived effort (13.4+/-1.2 vs 9.1+/-0.7, P<0.05) were higher in the control group, when compared with the IS+EPAP group. In quality of life evaluation, the domain related to the physical aspects limitations was better in IS+EPAP group (93.7+/-4.1 vs 50+/-17, P<0.02). CONCLUSION: Patients that were submitted to IS+EPAP present reduction of dyspnea and lower effort sensation after the 6-MWT, and also a better quality of life 18 months after CABG.