Post-marketing safety of anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs): an analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

BACKGROUND: Anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting IL-5 or IL-5 R α (including mepolizumab, benralizumab, and reslizumab) are widely used for inflammatory diseases such as asthma, eosinophilia, and polyangiitis. However, real-world data regarding its safety in a large sample population are incomplete. So, we evaluated the safety of anti-IL-5 mAbs by pharmacovigilance analyzes based on related adverse events (AEs) from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). METHODS: In disproportionality analysis, four algorithms were employed to detect the signals of anti-IL-5 mAbs from the FAERS between 2016 and 2022. In addition, we also used MYSQL 8.0, Navicat Premium 15, and Microsoft EXCEL 2019 to analyze the signals of anti-IL-5 mAbs systematically. RESULTS: There are 9,476,351 reports collected from the FAERS database, of which 22,174 reports listed anti-IL-5 mAbs as the 'primary suspected (PS)' drug. A total of 59 (20 new signals, mepolizumab) and 62 (19 new signals, benralizumab) significant disproportionality preferred terms (PTs) conforming to the four algorithms were retained synchronously. Finally, we detected that the anti-IL-5 mAbs-induced AEs occurred in 31 organ systems (mepolizumab) and 30 organ systems (benralizumab). For mepolizumab and reslizumab, unexpected and new significant PTs of AEs were found, such as asthmatic crisis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, COVID-19, pneumothorax, adrenal insufficiency and so on. Notably, the risk signal of asthmatic crisis for mepolizumab was stronger than benralizumab (ROR 108.04 [95%CI, 96.09-121.47] vs 26.83 [95%CI, 18.91-38.06]). Comparing with mepolizumab and benralizumab, we found the proportion of serious adverse events in mepolizumab was both greater than benralizumab in each age group (≤20, 20-65, and ≥ 65). The median onset time of mepolizumab was 280 days (interquartile range [IQR] 1-367 days). CONCLUSION: Analysis of FAERS data identified anti-IL-5 mAbs-associated AEs, and our findings supported continuous clinical monitoring, pharmacovigilance, and further studies of anti-IL-5 mAbs. In addition, clinicians may be more aware of the limitations of use in package inserts of anti-IL-5 mAbs: Not for relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. Because of some limitations in the FAERS such as self-reports from patients and other confounding factors, the safety of anti-IL-5 mAbs needed more studies in different dimensions, especially the risk of cancer.

COVID-19, rinovirus y asma... ¿Una mala combinación? / COVID-19, rhinovirus and asthma... a bad conmbination?

La pandemia de COVID-19 enfrentó a la humanidad a un gran desafío y hemos ido aprendiendo a medida que avanzó. La aparición de este virus, su comportamiento por si solo y en conjunto con los otros virus nos mantuvo alerta.. Los pacientes pediátricos asmáticos, a pesar de lo que se pensó en un principio, son menos afectados y hacen un cuadro clínico más leve. Objetivo: presentar un caso clínico de un paciente asmático, con una evolución tortuosa por co-infección SARS-CoV-2 y Rinovirus (RV) y revisión de la litaratura. Se trata de un escolar de 6 años, asmático con mal control, con 2 dosis de vacuna anti SARS-CoV-2, que presento un estado asmático por rinovirus y posterior evolución con neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2, requiriendo ventilación mecánica invasiva y estadía en UCI Pediátrica. Es probable que la gravedad del caso presentado se deba al mal control del asma antes de la infección, ya que se ha visto que los niños asmáticos alérgicos presentan un factor protector para infección grave por SARS-CoV-2, lo cual esta supeditado a un buen control de su enfermedad basal.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a great challenge and we have been learning as it has progressed. The appearance of this virus, its behavior by itself and in conjunction with the other viruses kept us alert. Pediatric asthmatic patients, despite what was initially thought, are less affected and present a milder clinical picture. Objective: to present a clinical case of an asthmatic patient, with a tortuous evolution due to SARS-CoV-2 and Rhinovirus (RV) co-infection and a literature review. This is a 6-year-old schoolboy, asthmatic with poor control, with 2 doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, who presents asthmatic status due to rhinovirus and subsequent evolution with severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2, requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and stay in Pediatric ICU. It is likely that the severity of the case presented is due to poor asthma control before infection, since it has been seen that allergic asthmatic children present a protective factor for severe infection by SARS-CoV-2, which is subject to good control of his basal disease.

Cuidados de enfermería en paciente con crisis asmática utilizando el modelo de Virginia Henderson / Nursing care in patients with asthmatic crisis using the Virginia Henderson model

La incidencia del asma varía extensamente en diversas regiones del mundo, se tiene un estimado de que 334 millones de personas padecen de asma bronquial y que 250,000 muertes son producto de una complicación de esta enfermedad. En este caso clínico se implementaron las intervenciones por parte de los profesionales de enfermería aplicando el proceso de atención de enfermería (PAE) orientado en la teoría de Virginia Henderson la cual se basa en las necesidades de las personas sanas y enfermas ya sea en la familia, comunidad, ya que estas necesidades son la bases que orientan las cinco fases del cuidado: valoración, diagnóstico, planificación, ejecución y evaluación, cada una se implementó en paciente. El objetivo principal es: mejorar la salud del paciente utilizando la teoría de Virginia Henderson, e implementando su respectivo tratamiento y cuidados de enfermería, para que su respiración sea estable y su saturación sea de un 100%. Se presenta caso de paciente masculino de 22 años de edad con educación universitaria en curso, vive con su madre y hermana, con una economía adecuada y con las necesidades básicas cubiertas. Causa de la consulta dificultad respiratoria, presencia de dolor torácico acompañada de tos sin esputo, Se diagnostica paciente con una crisis moderada de asma bronquial, teniendo en cuenta que tiene antecedentes de asma bronquial, se le dió manejo con administración de oxígeno para mantener la saturación, incluyendo el tratamiento y cuidados de enfermería adecuado y oportuno los cuales mejoraran la salud del paciente dando una recuperación ideal...(AU)

The impact of converting a power plant from coal to natural gas on pediatric acute asthma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Air pollutants play a pivotal role in the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms. As cleaner air initiatives are increasingly being implemented, it is important to appraise how these changes relate to acute pediatric asthma. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of a Gas and Electric Company's transition from using coal to natural gas as their fuel source on pediatric asthma-related illnesses in Louisville, KY. METHODS: Data were collected for children 2-17 years old from a large regional healthcare system, for which an asthma-related primary diagnosis was present between April 1, 2013 and April 1, 2018. Using an interrupted time series design, we analyzed monthly rates of asthma-related visits to urgent care (UC) and emergency departments (ED). Segmented Poisson regression models were used to assess whether the power company's transition was associated with changes in trends of asthma-related visits. RESULTS: There were a total of 7,735 subjects who met inclusion criteria. Prior to the complete factory transition from coal to natural gas, the mean monthly rate for asthma-related visits was 163.9. After the transition, we observed a significant decrease to a mean monthly rate of 100.3 asthma-related visits (p < 0.001). In addition, the proportion of inpatient (23.7% vs. 30.5%, p < 0.001) visits significantly increased, while ED & UC (76.3 vs. 69.5%, p < 0.001) were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: Converting an electrical power plant from coal to natural gas lead to a profound and sustained decrease in pediatric acute asthma exacerbation in Louisville, KY.

Does the High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in African Americans Contribute to Health Disparities?

African Americans have higher incidence of, and mortality from, many health-related problems than European Americans. They also have a 15 to 20-fold higher prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency. Here we summarize evidence that: (i) this health disparity is partly due to insufficient vitamin D production, caused by melanin in the skin blocking the UVB solar radiation necessary for its synthesis; (ii) the vitamin D insufficiency is exacerbated at high latitudes because of the combination of dark skin color with lower UVB radiation levels; and (iii) the health of individuals with dark skin can be markedly improved by correcting deficiency and achieving an optimal vitamin D status, as could be obtained by supplementation and/or fortification. Moderate-to-strong evidence exists that high 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and/or vitamin D supplementation reduces risk for many adverse health outcomes including all-cause mortality rate, adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, cancer, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, multiple sclerosis, acute respiratory tract infections, COVID-19, asthma exacerbations, rickets, and osteomalacia. We suggest that people with low vitamin D status, which would include most people with dark skin living at high latitudes, along with their health care provider, consider taking vitamin D3 supplements to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) or possibly higher.

Hipovitaminosis D y malnutrición por exceso en niños asmáticos hospitalizados / Hypovitaminosis D and malnutrition by excess in hospitalized asthmatic children

La tasa de hospitalización por crisis de asma en niños chilenos se ha duplicado en los últimos años. Diversos estudios muestran una asociación entre hipovitaminosis D y crisis de asma. El objetivo principal del presente estudio fue describir la prevalencia de déficit e insuficiencia de vitamina D (vitD) en escolares asmáticos hospitalizados por crisis de asma y evaluar su estado nutricional. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio analítico, transversal, que incluyó a todos los pacientes de 5 años o más que se hospitalizaron por crisis de asma durante un año calendario en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile. Se aplicó una encuesta que incluyó datos sociodemográficos y clínicos, se evaluó el nivel de control del asma mediante el cuestionario Asthma Control Test (ACT), se determinó el estado nutricional y se midió la concentración de vitD. RESULTADOS: Se observó que 6 de cada 10 pacientes presentaba déficit o insuficiencia de vitD (22,8 ng/ml ± 10,5), encontrándose una asociación positiva entre concentración de vitD y ACT. La malnutrición por exceso estaba presente en casi la mitad de los pacientes. Aquellos pacientes que se hospitalizaron por más de 3 días tenían una concentración sérica de vitD significativamente menor. CONCLUSIONES: La hipovitaminosis D afectó a la mayoría de los niños hospitalizados por crisis de asma. Se encontró una asociación significativa entre concentración de vitD con días de hospitalización y control de la enfermedad medido por ACT.

Asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children has doubled in recent years. Multiple studies show an association between hypovitaminosis D and asthma attacks. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D (vitD) deficiency and insufficiency in asthmatic school age children hospitalized for asthma crisis and to evaluate their nutritional status. METHODS: Cross-sectional, analytical study that included patients 5 years of age or older hospitalized for asthma attacks during one calendar year, in the Pediatric Service of the University of Chile Clinical Hospital. A survey was conducted that included sociodemographic and clinical data, the level of asthma control was evaluated using the Asthma Control Test questionnaire (ACT), the nutritional status was determined and the concentration of vitD was measured. RESULTS: 6 out of 10 patients had either Vit D deficiency or insufficiency (22,8 ng/ml ± 10,5), showing a positive association between vitD concentration and ACT. Malnutrition due to excess was present in almost half of the patients. Children hospitalized for more than 3 days had a significantly lower vitD serum concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients had hypovitaminosis D. An association was found between vitD concentration and hospital stay and between vitD concentration and asthma control, measured by ACT .

Consenso chileno SOCHINEP-SER para el diagnóstico y tratamiento del asma en el escolar / Chilean SOCHINEP-SER consensus for asthma diagnosis and treatment in school age children

Bronchial asthma is the most prevalent chronic condition among children, however, in Chile, it is underdiagnosed. This may be due to medical professionals failing to recognize the disease. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms and signs that are suggestive of the disease in order to begin an appropriate treatment to achieve disease control. Asthma must be suspected in school age children who present repeated episodes of bronchial obstruction. The diagnosis should be confirmed with lung function tests that demonstrate variable airflow obstruction with a positive bronchodilator response. Treatment is based on two fundamental pillars: education and pharmacological treatment. Educational activities must include: information about the disease and its treatment, regular monitoring of treatment adherence, teaching and reviewing the correct inhalation technique at every checkup, developing a personalized written action plan and scheduling regular follow-up appointments. The gold standard for treatment is maintenance inhaled corticosteroids, in the lowest possible dose that enables disease control. The goal of the treatment is to eliminate daily symptoms and asthma crisis. Therapy should be increased if control is not achieved, but before starting it, adherence to maintenance treatment, inhalation technique, presence of associated comorbidities and environmental exposure should be evaluated. In the mild patient, who is not receiving maintenance therapy, rescue treatment should be done with bronchodilators, always associated with inhaled corticosteroids. This consensus is a guide to improve the diagnosis, treatment and control of asthma in schoolchildren.

El asma bronquial es la enfermedad crónica más frecuente en la infancia. Sin embargo en Chile existe un importante subdiagnóstico. Es fundamental estar atentos a los síntomas y signos que nos hacen sospechar el diagnóstico para iniciar un tratamiento oportuno, que asegure un buen control de la enfermedad. Debemos sospechar asma en todo escolar que presente cuadros repetidos de obstrucción bronquial. El diagnóstico debe confirmarse con pruebas de función pulmonar que demuestren obstrucción variable al flujo aéreo y respuesta broncodilatadora positiva. El tratamiento se basa en dos pilares fundamentales: la educación y el tratamiento farmacológico. Las actividades educativas deben incluir contenidos acerca de la enfermedad y su tratamiento, se debe monitorizar constantemente la adherencia al tratamiento de mantención, enseñar la técnica inhalatoria correcta y revisar en cada control, entregar un plan de acción escrito personalizado frente al inicio de una crisis y realizar controles médicos periódicos. Con respecto al tratamiento farmacológico, el estándar de oro es el uso de corticoides inhalados permanentes, en la mínima dosis posible que logre el control de la enfermedad. El objetivo del tratamiento es la supresión de los síntomas diarios y de las crisis. El tratamiento se irá incrementando en la medida que no haya una respuesta adecuada, pero antes de aquello se debe evaluar la adherencia al tratamiento de mantención, la técnica inhalatoria, presencia de comorbilidades asociadas y exposición ambiental. En el paciente leve, que esté sin tratamiento permanente, el rescate debe realizarse con broncodilatadores asociados siempre a un corticoide inhalado. Este consenso es una guía de apoyo para mejorar el diagnóstico oportuno, tratamiento y control del asma en el escolar.

Control de asma bronquial en niños y adolescentes atendidos en establecimientos de salud de Chiclayo / Control of bronchial asthma in children and adolescents treated in health facilities in Chiclayo

Introducción: El asma es un problema frecuente en la niñez y adolescencia y es importante su adecuado control. Objetivos: Estimar el nivel de control de asma en niños y adolescentes atendidos en establecimientos de salud. Métodos: Estudio censal de tipo transversal descriptivo realizado en la ciudad de. Chiclayo, entre julio-diciembre 2013. Se incluyeron menores de edad de 5 a 18 años con diagnóstico de asma. Se identificaron a los pacientes en la base de datos de la red de salud Lambayeque y se les realizó una visita domiciliaria donde se les invitó al estudio y se aplicó el instrumento de evaluación. Resultados: Se identificaron 203 pacientes, se contactaron y reclutaron 107 individuos. Se incluyeron 89 (83,2 por ciento) niños y 18 (16,8 por ciento) adolescentes con una mediana de edad de 7 (p25= 5/p75= 9) años y 15 (p25= 15/p75= 17) años, respectivamente. Según el puntaje del instrumento de evaluación: 52 (48,6 por ciento) estaban mal controlados; 46 (43,0 por ciento) parcialmente controlados; y 9 (8,4 por ciento), bien controlados. En el caso de los niños, la frecuencia de no control fue de 48,3 por ciento, parcialmente controlado 43,8 por ciento y controlado 7,9 por ciento; y en los adolescentes fue de 50,0; 38,9 y 11,1 por ciento, respectivamente. Se observó una relación significativa entre el nivel de control y el nivel educativo del cuidador en niños (p= 0,006) y adolescentes (p= 0,005). Conclusiones: Se demuestra una frecuencia elevada de control inadecuado de asma, lo cual contrasta con otras realidades similares donde hay una mayor frecuencia de control(AU)

Introduction: Asthma is a common problem in childhood and adolescence and is important its adequate control. Objectives: To estimate the level of asthma control in children and adolescents treated in health facilities. Methods: Census data of descriptive cross-sectional type study conducted in the city of Chiclayo, from July to December, 2013. There were included children from 5 to 18 years diagnosed with asthma. Patients were identified in the database of Lambayeque health network and underwent a home visit where they were invited to the study and it was applied the assessment instrument. Results: 203 patients were identified, and there were contacted and recruited 107 individuals. 89 (83.2 percent) children and 18 (16.8 percent) adolescents were included with a mean age of 7 (p25= 5/p75= 9) and 15 (p25= 15/p75= 17) years, respectively. According to the score of the assessment instrument: 52 (48.6 percent) were poorly controlled; 46 (43.0 percent) partially controlled; and 9 (8.4 percent), well-controlled. In the case of children, the frequency of no control was of 48.3 percent, partially controlled was 43.8 percent and controlled was 7.9 percent; and in the adolescents, it was 50.0, 38.9 and 11.1 percent , respectively. It was observed a significant relationship between the level of control and the educational level of the caregiver in children (p= 0.006) and adolescents (p= 0.005). Conclusions: It is demonstrated the high frequency of inadequate control of asthma, which contrasts with other similar realities where there is a greater frequency of control(AU)

Clinical Phenotypes of Atopy and Asthma in COPD: A Meta-analysis of SPIROMICS and COPDGene.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the concordance of atopy with asthma COPD overlap. Among individuals with COPD, a better understanding of the phenotypes characterized by asthma overlap and atopy is needed to better target therapies. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the overlap between atopy and asthma status among individuals with COPD, and how are categories defined by the presence of atopy and asthma status associated with clinical and radiologic phenotypes and outcomes in the Genetic Epidemiology of COPD Study (COPDGene) and Subpopulation and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study (SPIROMICS)? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Four hundred three individuals with COPD from SPIROMICS and 696 individuals from COPDGene with data about specific IgEs to 10 common allergens and mixes (simultaneous assessment of combination of allergens in similar category) were included. Comparison groups were defined by atopic and asthma status (neither, atopy alone, atopic asthma, nonatopic asthma, with atopy defined as any positive specific IgE (≥0.35 KU/L) to any of the 10 allergens or mixes and asthma defined as self-report of doctor-diagnosed current asthma). Multivariable regression analyses (linear, logistic, and zero inflated negative binomial where appropriate) adjusted for age, sex, race, lung function, smoking status, pack-years smoked, and use of inhaled corticosteroids were used to determine characteristics of groups and relationship with outcomes (exacerbations, clinical outcomes, CT metrics) separately in COPDGene and SPIROMICS, and then adjusted results were combined using meta-analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of atopy was 35% and 36% in COPD subjects from SPIROMICS and COPDGene, respectively, and less than 50% overlap was seen between atopic status with asthma in both cohorts. In meta-analysis, individuals with nonatopic asthma had the most impaired symptom scores (effect size for St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score, 4.2; 95% CI, 0.4-7.9; effect size for COPD Assessment Test score, 2.8; 95% CI, 0.089-5.4), highest risk for exacerbations (incidence rate ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.05-1.88) compared with the group without atopy or asthma. Those with atopy and atopic asthma were not at increased risk for adverse outcomes. INTERPRETATION: Asthma and atopy had incomplete overlap among former and current smokers with COPD in COPDGene and SPIROMICS. Nonatopic asthma was associated with adverse outcomes and exacerbation risk in COPD, whereas groups having atopy alone and atopic asthma had less risk.

Danger in the vapor? ECMO for adolescents with status asthmaticus after vaping.

Introduction: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use is on the rise in the adolescent and young adult populations, especially in the wake of sweet flavored ENDS solutions and youth-targeted marketing. While the extent of effect of ENDS use and aerosolized flavorings on airway epithelium is not known, there remains significant concern that use of ENDS adversely affects airway epithelial function, particularly in populations with asthma.Case Study: In this case series, we review two cases of adolescents with history of recent and past ENDS use and asthma who required veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) for status asthmaticus in the year 2018.Results: Both patients experienced hypercarbic respiratory failure requiring VV-ECMO secondary to their status asthmaticus, with slow recovery on extensive bronchodilator and steroid regimens. They both recovered back to respiratory baseline and were counseled extensively on cessation of ENDS use.Conclusion: While direct causation by exposure to ENDS cannot be determined, exposure likely contributed to symptoms. Based on the severity of these cases and their potential relationship with ENDS use, we advocate for increased physician screening of adolescents for ENDS use, patient and parent education on the risks of use, and family cessation counseling.

Oxigenoterapia por cánula nasal de alto flujo en pacientes con crisis asmática en un departamento de emergencia pediátrica / High flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in patients with asthmatic crisis in the pediatric emergency department

INTRODUCCIÓN: Pocos estudios son concluyentes sobre la utilidad de la Oxigenoterapia por Cánula Nasal de Alto Flujo (CNAF) en pacientes con crisis asmática. OBJETIVO: Determinar la eficacia de la CNAF en niños mayores de 2 años con crisis asmática severa y moderada que no responde al tratamiento inicial. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Ensayo clínico randomizado controlado abierto de pacientes con exacerbación asmática en un Departamento de Emergencia Pediátrica. Se excluyó crisis mediadas por infecciones y comorbilidad. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados: Grupo 1 CNAF (n: 32) y Grupo 2 Oxigenoterapia Convencional (n: 33). Ambos grupos recibieron el tratamiento farmacológico habitual. El primer punto de corte fue el descenso del PIS en más de 2 puntos a las 2 horas del tratamiento; los puntos secundarios: descenso del PIS a las 6 horas, tiempo de permanencia en la emergencia e ingreso a UCIP. RESULTADOS: Las características basales fueron similares en ambos grupos. La proporción de sujetos con disminución de más de dos puntos en el PIS a las 2 horas de tratamiento Grupo 1: 43,7% IC 95% (28-60) vs Grupo 2: 48,4%; IC 95% (32-64) p 0,447. La estadía media fue 24,8 ± 12,3 horas en el Grupo1 vs 24 ± 14,8 horas en el Grupo2; IC 95% (7,56-5,96) p 0,37. No encontramos diferencias del score y puntaje del esfuerzo respiratorio en mediciones cada 2 horas. Ningún paciente ingresó a cuidados intensivos. CONCLUSIONES: La incorporación de la CNAF al tratamiento de pacientes con crisis asmática no presentó beneficios clínicos ni disminuyó el tiempo de estadía en el DEP.

INTRODUCTION: There are few conclusive studies on the usefulness of High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) Oxygen Therapy in patients with asthmatic crises. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of HFNC in chil dren older than 2 years of age that present severe and moderate asthmatic crises that do not respond to initial treatment. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Open controlled randomized clinical trial of patients with asthma exacerbation in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Infection- and comorbidity-media ted crises were excluded. Subjects were randomized as follows: Group 1 HFNC (n:32) and Group 2 Conventional Oxygen Therapy (n:33). Both groups received the usual pharmacological treatment. The first cut-off point was the decrease of more than 2 points of the PIS after 2 hours of treatment; secondary points were PIS decrease at 6 hours, stay time in the Emergency Room, and PICU admis sion. RESULTS: The patient's baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The proportion of subjects with more than two points decrease in the PIS after two hours of treatment in Group 1 was 43.7% CI 95% (28-60) vs. Group 2 48.4%; CI 95% (32-64) p 0.447. The mean stay time was 24.8 ± 12.3 hours in Group 1 vs. 24 ± 14.8 hours in Group 2; CI 95% (7.56-5.96) p 0.37. We did not find differences in the respiratory effort score measurements every 2 hours. No patients were admitted to intensive care. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of HFNC oxygen therapy in the treatment of patients with asthmatic crises in the Pediatric Emergency Department did not show clinical benefits nor did it diminish the stay time.

Caracterización clínico-espirométrica de pacientes asmáticos con síntomas nocturnos / Clinical-spirometric characterization of asthmatic patients with nocturnal symptoms

Introducción: Los síntomas nocturnos son frecuentes en asmáticos y pueden relacionarse con la gravedad, el grado de control del asma y la función pulmonar. Objetivos: Determinar las características demográficas, clínicas y espirométricas de pacientes asmáticos con síntomas nocturnos, que acuden a consulta externa de neumología. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 50 pacientes asmáticos con síntomas nocturnos, atendidos por consulta externa en el Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico, en el período comprendido de mayo de 2017 a mayo de 2018. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino (74,0 por ciento), la edad entre 40 y 59 años (52,0 por ciento), los antecedentes familiares de asma o alergia (60,0 por ciento) y múltiples comorbilidades asociadas (78,0 por ciento). La hipersomnia diurna estuvo presente en 80,0 por ciento de los casos, con una frecuencia significativamente elevada en pacientes con asma persistente moderada y severa, disminución de la reversibilidad aguda al broncodilatador, mal control de la enfermedad y limitación de la actividad física. Conclusiones: Los síntomas nocturnos en los pacientes asmáticos son frecuentes y se relacionan con la hipersomnia diurna, la gravedad del asma, el grado de control, la respuesta al broncodilatador y limitación de la actividad física(AU)

Introduction: Nighttime symptoms are frequent in asthmatics and can be related to severity, degree of asthma control and lung function. Objectives: To determine the demographic, clinical and spirometric characteristics of asthmatic patients with nocturnal symptoms, who go to an outpatient pulmonology clinic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 asthmatic patients with nocturnal symptoms, they were assisted in the outpatient consultation at the Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico, from May 2017 to May 2018. Results: Female sex (74.0 percent), age ranging 40 and 59 years (52.0 percent), family history of asthma or allergy (60.0 percent) and multiple associated comorbidities (78.0 percent) predominated. Daytime hypersomnia was present in 80.0 percent of cases, with significantly elevated frequency in patients with moderate and severe persistent asthma, decreased acute reversibility to the bronchodilator, poor disease control, and limited physical activity. Conclusions: Nocturnal symptoms in asthmatic patients are frequent and are related to daytime hypersomnia, asthma severity, degree of control, response to the bronchodilator and limitation of physical activity(AU)

Nivel de control del asma en pacientes que acuden al Departamento de Neumología del Hospital Infantil doctor Robert Reid Cabral, agosto 2015 a febrero 2016. Santo Domingo, República Dominicana / Level of control of asthma in patients who come to the Department of Pulmonology of the Children's Hospital Doctor Robert Reid Cabral, August 2015 to February 2016. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Antecedentes: el asma es la enfermedad crónica más frecuente en la infancia, aun con medicamentos eficaces y seguros, muchos permanecen sin control. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de control del asma que tienen los pacientes que acuden al Departamento de Neumología del Hospital Infantil Doctor Robert Reid Cabral, durante el periodo de agosto 2015 a febrero 2016. Material y Métodos: estudio descriptivo con recolección prospectiva de datos. Se incluyeron pacientes con edad de 6 años o más y diagnóstico de asma, se excluyeron menores de 6 años de edad, con comorbilidades agregadas y que rechazaron participar; se siguieron por 3 meses, el nivel de control y tratamiento se estableció de acuerdo a las recomendaciones de la Iniciativa Global de Asma (GINA). Resultados: se siguieron 36 pacientes, 56 % masculino, con edad media de 9,2 ± 2,8 años. En el 92 % se identificó algún factor de riesgo para asma. El 75 % no tenía controlada la enfermedad; al tercer mes de iniciar tratamiento, 22.2 % ya tenían controlada el asma y aquellos sin control de la enfermedad disminuyó a 16.6 %. 12 pacientes suspendieron el tratamiento, 75 % de estos por limitación económica para comprar el medicamento

Background: Asthma is the most frequent chronic disease in childhood, even with effective and safe medications, many remain uncontrolled. Objective: To determine the level of asthma control of patients who come to the Department of Pulmonology of the Children's Hospital Doctor Robert Reid Cabral, during the period from August 2015 to February 2016 Material and Methods: Descriptive study, prospective collection of data, patients with age 6 years or older and diagnosis of asthma were included; children under 6 years of age were excluded, with added comorbidities and who refused to participate; were followed for 3 months, the level of control and treatment was established according to the recommendations of the Global Asthma Initiative (GINA) Results: 36 patients were followed, 56% male, with a mean age of 9.2 + 2.8 years. In 92%, some risk factor for asthma was identified. 75% did not control the disease; at the third month after starting treatment, 22.2% had asthma controlled and those without control of the disease decreased to 16.6%. 12 patients suspended the treatment, 75% of these due to financial limitation to buy the medication

Procalcitonin Levels in Critically Ill Children With Status Asthmaticus.

BACKGROUND: Children with status asthmaticus (SA) often present with fever and are evaluated with chest radiographs (CXRs). In the absence of a confirmatory test for bacterial infection, antibiotics are started whenever there are radiological infiltrates or if there is a suspicion of pneumonia. We undertook this study to determine if serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels at admission are altered in critically ill children with SA. We also sought to determine if serum PCT levels are elevated in children with radiological infiltrates or in children who were treated with antibiotics. METHODS: This is a prospective single-center observational study evaluating serum PCT levels in critically ill children with SA. Study subjects included children 1 to 21 years old, admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with SA between March 2012 and April 2013. For the purposes of this study, patients whose CXRs were read by the radiologist as probable bacterial pneumonia was defined as having "radiological bacterial pneumonia," whereas patients who received antibiotics by the treating physician were defined as having "clinician-diagnosed pneumonia." RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with a median age of 7.3 years (interquartile range, 4-10 years) were included in the study. Fifty-one percent were male. Average Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score was 2.7 (SD, 2.9). Three patients (5%) were determined to have radiological bacterial pneumonia, whereas 52 (85%) did not. Six patients (10%) were indeterminate. The mean PCT level for all patients was 0.65 (SD, 1.54) ng/mL, whereas the median PCT level was 0.3 ng/mL. There was no significant difference in the mean PCT levels between the patients with and without clinician-diagnosed pneumonia (0.33 [SD, 0.36] vs 0.69 [SD, 1.67], P = 0.44). Using a PCT cutoff level of 0.5 ng/mL, a significant association was found with the presence of fever (P = 0.004), but no significant association was found with the presence of CXR infiltrates, radiological bacterial pneumonia, hospital length of stay, PICU length of stay, Pediatric Risk of Mortality III scores, or receipt of antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Serum PCT level was not elevated to greater than 0.5 ng/mL in 75% of this cohort of critically ill children with SA admitted to PICU. Presence of CXR infiltrates was not associated with higher PCT levels. Large clinical trials are needed to study the diagnostic and predictive role of PCT in this patient population.

Vivência materna no cuidado da criança com asma / Mothers' experience in caring for children with asthma / Experiencia materna en el cuidado de niños con asma

Objetivo: compreender o comportamento materno no cuidado à criança com asma. Método: estudo qualitativo, orientado pelo referencial do método etnográfico, realizado no período de julho de 2013 a janeiro de 2014. Participaram 12 mães de crianças com asma grave, de 6 a 7 anos de idade, selecionadas por equipes da estratégia saúde da família do município de Teresina-PI. O projeto de pesquisa foi aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: as categorias extraídas dos discursos foram: a mãe diante do diagnóstico de asma infantil; a mãe e a crise de asma infantil; a mãe e o serviço de saúde do bairro. Conclusão: identificou-se que as mães apresentaram reduzido conhecimento sobre manejo adequado da doença e demonstraram insatisfação em relação ao serviço de saúde do bairro. Evidenciou-se a necessidade do desenvolvimento de atividades educativas para a redução da morbidade da asma na população estudada.

Objective: to understand mothers' behavior in caring for children with asthma. Method: this qualitative study, guided by the ethnographic method, was conducted from July 2013 to January 2014. Participants were 12 mothers of 6 to 7 year olds with severe asthma selected by family health strategy teams in the municipality of Teresina, Piauí. The research project was approved by the research ethics committee. Results: the categories extracted from the accounts were: the mother and the child's diagnosis of asthma; the mother and the child's asthma crisis; the mother and the neighborhood health service. Conclusion: mothers were found to know little about proper management of the disease and displayed dissatisfaction with the neighborhood health service. There emerged a need for educational activities to reduce asthma morbidity in the study population.

Objetivo: comprender el comportamiento materno en el cuidado del niño con asma. Método: estudio cualitativo, orientado por el referencial del método etnográfico, realizado en el período de julio de 2013 a enero de 2014. Participaron 12 madres de niños con asma grave, de 6 a 7 años de edad, seleccionadas por equipos de la estrategia salud de la familia del municipio de Teresina-PI. El proyecto de investigación fue aprobado por Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: las categorías extraídas de los discursos fueron: la madre ante el diagnóstico de asma del niño; la madre y la crisis de asma del niño; la madre y el servicio de salud del barrio. Conclusión: se identificó que las madres tenían poco conocimiento sobre el cuidado adecuado de la enfermedad y demostraron insatisfacción en cuanto al servicio de salud del barrio. Quedó evidente la necesidad del desarrollo de actividades educativas para la reducción de la morbilidad del asma en la población estudiada.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum complicating severe acute asthma exacerbation in adult patients.

Objectives: The real incidence of pneumomediastinum (PNM) in adult patients with severe acute asthma exacerbation continues to be unknown. The current study aims to investigate the occurrence of PNM in an adult population of patients presenting a severe asthma attack and to evaluate the risk factors associated to its development. Methods: The 45 consecutive subjects who were admitted to our Division between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 for severe acute asthma exacerbation underwent a diagnostic protocol including a standard chest X-ray and continuous monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) during the first 24 hours following admission. The patients showing persistence or deterioration of oxyhemoglobin desaturation were prescribed a chest Computed Tomographic (CT) scan. Results: Five out of the 45 patients (11.1%) with severe acute asthma exacerbation were diagnosed with PNM, in one case on the basis of an X-ray image and in four on the basis of a chest CT scan. Data analysis showed that the PNM patients were younger [21 (17-21) vs 49.5 (20-73) yrs; p < 0.001] and more likely to show sensitization to Alternaria (2/5 vs 0/40; p = 0.0101) with respect to their non-PNM counterparts. The duration of hospital stay was similar in the two groups [8 (4-12) vs 7 (3-15) days; p = 0.6939]. Conclusions: PNM is a common clinical entity in young adults with severe acute asthma exacerbation, particularly in those with unsatisfactory response to initial medical therapy. Although generally benign, patients with suspected PNM should be closely monitored because of the risk of developing severe hypoxemia.

Crisis asmática / Asthmatic crisis

El Asma es una de las enfermedades crónicas más frecuentes como causa de morbilidad y mortalidad a nivel mundial. Existe evidencia que la prevalencia durante los últimos 20 años ha ido en aumento, especialmente en niños. La misma varía desde el 1% hasta más del 30% en las diferentes poblaciones, inclusive, según los últimos estudios esta prevalencia va en aumento en la gran mayoría de los países, especialmente en niños jóvenes (AU). Se presenta la fisiopatogenia del asma, diagnóstico, anamnesis, examen físico y complementarios, clasificación, esquema de tratamiento, niveles de control del asma, tratamiento farmacológico, un cuadro de la estimación de gravedad de la crisis de asma, y un algoritmo de tratamiento de la crisis según su gravedad

Ventilación mecánica no invasiva en el manejo del estado asmático en pediatría / Noninvasive ventilation in the status asthmaticus in pediatrics

Resumen La ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI) ha tenido interés creciente en los últimos 15 años como indicación en la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda hipoxemica en niños, adolescentes y adultos. Sin embargo, se adolece de revisiones sistemáticas y de estudios aleatorizados, doble ciegos y randomizados que fundamenten inequívocamente su utilidad, efectividad y eficiencia, aun mas en el escenario de asma aguda sumada a intervenciones protocolizadas desde los servicios de urgencia. En este artículo se revisan algunas consideraciones desde las justificaciones fisiopatológicas a resultados en investigación observacionales.

Summary Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has gradually become more relevant in the last 15 years, being it indicated in the event of severe hypoxemic respiratory failure in children, adolescents and adults. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews, randomized and double blind studies that provide significant evidence on its usefulness, effectiveness and efficiency, especially in the event of severe acute asthma, in the context of intervention as per emergency services protocols.This study presents a review of a few considerations arising from pathophysiological justifications and observational studies findings.