Bronquitis plástica. Caso clínico interesante / Plastic Bronchitis. Interesting Case Report

La bronquitis plástica es una enfermedad infrecuente y poco estudiada. Se caracteriza por la obstrucción parcial o total de la vía aérea inferior por moldes o yesos gomosos y firmes, compuestos por múltiples sustancias como fibrina, mucina y otros, que se acumulan en la luz bronquial. En la actualidad, no hay un consenso de la fisiopatología real. Puede presentarse con síntomas leves como tos, sibilancias y disnea, hasta eventos fatales de insuficiencia respiratoria. Se clasifican en tipo I (inflamatorios) y tipo II (acelulares). La presencia de la bronquitis plástica es una complicación de varias enfermedades y está relacionada con procedimientos correctivos de cardiopatías congénitas (procedimiento de Fontan). El diagnóstico se hace a través de la identificación de los yesos bronquiales, ya sea cuando el paciente los expectora o por broncoscopía. Se han utilizado múltiples terapias que solo tienen evidencias anecdóticas. En los últimos años se han observado buenos resultados con el uso de heparinas, así como el alteplasa nebulizado e instilado por broncoscopia.

Plastic bronchitis is a rare and little-studied disease. It is characterized by partial or total obstruction of the lower airway by rubbery and firm molds or plasters, made up of multiple substances that accumulate in the bronchial lumen. Currently, there is no consensus on real pathophysiology. It can present itself with mild symptoms such as cough, wheezing and dyspnea, to fatal events of respiratory failure. They are classified into type I (inflammatory) and type II (acellular). The presence of plastic bronchitis is a complication of several diseases and in corrective procedures for congenital heart disease (Fontan procedure). Diagnosis is made by identifying bronchial casts, either by the patient expectorating them or by bronchoscopy. Multiple therapies have been used that only have anecdotal evidence. In recent years, good results have been observed with the use of heparins and tPA nebulized and instilled by bronchoscop.

Eficacia y seguridad de solución salina hipertónica nebulizada con o sin epinefrina en el manejo de bronquiolitis aguda / Efficacy and safety of nebulized hypertonic saline with or without epinephrine in management of acute bronchiolitis

Antecedentes: La bronquiolitis es una enfermedad viral aguda del tracto respiratorio inferior en niños menores de dos años, con una tasa máxima de aparición entre 2-10 meses de edad. Objetivo: Evaluar eficacia y seguridad de solución salina hipertónica nebulizada con o sin epinefrina en el manejo de la bronquiolitis aguda. Materiales y métodos:Estudio cuasi-experimental longitudinal, en lactantes ingresados en Hospital Nacional Mario Catarino Rivas (HNMCR), con bronquiolitis aguda leve. Se analizaron 26 casos, asignados al azar, 12 recibieron nebulizaciones con solución salina hipertónica al 3% mas 1 ml de epinefrina (SSH+E) y 14 recibieron 3 ml de solución hipertónica al 3% (SSH), administrados cada 4 horas, y se realizaron análisis de la Escala de Wood Downes- Ferres, saturación de oxígeno y complicaciones posteriores a las nebulizaciones cada 6 horas, por un periodo de 24 horas. El estudio fue aprobado por un comité de ética. Resultados: La estancia hospitalaria se redujo significativamente en el grupo de SSH en comparación con el grupo SSH+E (1,79±0,80 días: 2,50±0,79 días, P = 0,032). El score clínico disminuyo en ambos grupos, pero no hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p=0,187 vs p=0,074, al llegar y luego de 24 horas) Las complicaciones encontradas fueron estadísticamente significativas para el grupo de SSH+E, posterior a las primeras 3 nebulizaciones P = 0,007 y a las 12 horas P = 0,019. Conclusión: Las nebulizaciones con SSH y con SSH+E son igualmente eficaces, sin embargo, la SSH demostró mayor seguridad y acortó significativamente la estancia hospitalaria de los lactantes hospitalizados con bronquiolitis aguda leve...(AU)

Evidencia científica y recomendaciones sobre el manejo de la bronquiolitis en pediatria / Cientific evidence and recommendations on the bronchiolitis management in pediatry

En los ámbitos científico e institucional existe controversia sobre el manejo idóneo de la bron- quiolitis en pacientes pediátricos. El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar el nivel de evidencia cientí- fica que existe sobre el manejo de la bronquiolitis para determinar si las recomendaciones actuales son o no adecuadas. Se realizó una revisión sis- temática de artículos científicos consultando di- versas bases de datos, sin restricción de fecha, en los idiomas español e inglés. Se incluyó literatura gris mediante búsqueda manual. No se hicieron restricciones respecto al tipo de estudio. Se re- visaron los resúmenes y en los casos necesarios los artículos completos, teniéndose en cuenta fi- nalmente todos los artículos que incluían apor- tes sobre el manejo adecuado de la bronquiolitis. Como resultado la mayoría de las recomenda- ciones realizadas por las sociedades fueron a tra- vés de guías de práctica clínica o artículos de opinión, concluyendo que no se cuenta con un esquema de tratamiento adecuado para tratar la bronquiolitis aguda, existiendo un manejo erróneo con el uso de esteroides y antibióticos, mientras que uno de los tratamiento más viables y costo efectivos queda en el olvido como es la solución hipertónica al 3%, la cual ha demostra- do reducción de la estancia hospitalaria...(AU)

Caracterización de las infecciones en niños portadores de cánula de traqueotomía: revisión sistemática de la literatura / Characterization of infections in children with Tracheostomy Tube: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Resumen Introducción: actualmente los profesionales de la salud se enfrentan al manejo de las vías aéreas artificiales en grupos pediátricos, esto requiere de cuidados delicados y mucha atención para detectar, establecer y manejar situaciones apremiantes; por esta razón, existe un mayor riesgo de aparición de infecciones bacterianas traqueopulmonares. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la caracterización de las infecciones en pacientes pediátricos portadores de cánula de traqueotomía en las diferentes publicaciones científicas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática mediante la búsqueda de la literatura existente entre los años 2015-2020 en las bases de datos Elsevier, PubMed, Google Académico y SciELO, teniendo en cuenta los criterios de inclusión artículos en idioma inglés, español y población de edad entre los 0-15 años con infección de cánula de traqueotomía en los años 2015-2020. Resultados: de 258 artículos distribuidos en las bases de datos, se seleccionaron 21 artículos que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Conclusiones: a pesar de que en la actualidad existan criterios clínicos, factores de riesgo y pruebas de laboratorio asociados a infecciones de la cánula postraqueotomía en pacientes pediátricos, se requiere mayor investigación para definir las guías clínicas de manejo en la toma de decisiones médicas. Asimismo, se consideró como limitación importante la cantidad de literatura existente con respecto al tema.

Abstract Introduction: Currently, health professionals face the management of artificial airways in pediatric groups, this requires delicate care and a lot of attention to detect, establish and manage pressing situations, which is why there is a greater risk of tracheo-pulmonary bacterial infections. The objective was to analyze the characterization of infections in pediatric patients with tracheostomy tubes in the different scientific publications. Method: A systematic review of the literature was carried out between the years 2015-2020 in Elsevier, PubMed, Google Academic and SciELO databases, taking into account the inclusion criteria of the population aged 0-15 years in the years 2015-2020. The amount of existing literature on the subject was considered an important limitation. Results: From 258 articles distributed in the databases, 21 articles were selected that met the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: Although there are currently clinical criteria, risk factors and laboratory tests associated with infections of the post-tracheotomy tube in pediatric patients, further research is required to define clinical guidelines for management in medical decision-making.

Acercamiento a la tos crónica en adultos / An approach to chronic cough

RESUMEN La tos crónica en los adultos puede ser causada por muchas causas, existen cuatro principales: el síndrome de tos de la vía aérea superior, enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, reflujo laringofaríngeo, asma bronquial, y bronquitis eosinofílica no asmática. Todos los pacientes deben evaluarse clínicamente con espirometria, y comenzar con tratamiento empírico. Otras causas potenciales incluyen el uso de inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de la angiotensina, cambios medioambientales, uso del tabaco, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, y la apnea obstructiva del sueño. La radiografía del tórax puede orientar hacia causas infecciosas, inflamatorias, y malignas. Los pacientes con tos crónica refractaria pueden remitirse a la consulta especializada de un neumólogo u otorrinolaringólogo, además de un ensayo terapéutico con gabapentin, pregabalin, y psicoterapia.

ABSTRACT Although chronic cough in adults can be caused by many etiologies, four conditions account for most cases: upper airway cough syndrome, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, also known as laryngo- pharyngeal reflux disease, bronchial asthma, and non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis. All patients should be evaluated clinically with spirometry, and empiric treatment should be initiated. Other potential causes include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use, environmental triggers, tobacco use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. Chest radiography can rule out concerning infectious, inflammatory, and malignant thoracic conditions. Patients with refractory chronic cough should be referred to a pulmonologist or otolaryngologist in addition to a therapeutic trial of gabapentin, pregabalin, and psychotherapy.

Infecção respiratória aguda baixa em crianças indígenas guarani, brasil / Acute lower respiratory infection in guarani indigenous children, brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o perfil clínico e o tratamento realizado nas crianças da etnia Guarani menores de cinco anos hospitalizadas por infecção respiratória aguda baixa (IRAB), residentes em aldeias nos estados do Rio de Janeiro ao Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Das 234 crianças, 23 foram excluídas (dados incompletos), sendo analisadas 211. Os dados foram extraídos dos prontuários por meio de formulário. Com base no registro de sibilância e padrão radiológico, a IRAB foi classificada em: bacteriana, viral e viral-bacteriana. Foi utilizada regressão multinomial para análise bivariada. Resultados: A mediana de idade foi de 11 meses. Do total da amostra, os casos de IRAB foram assim distribuídos: viral (40,8%), bacteriana (35,1%) e viral-bacteriana (24,1%). Verificou-se que 53,1% das hospitalizações não possuíam evidências clínico-radiológico-laboratoriais que as justificassem. Na análise de regressão multinomial, ao comparar a IRAB bacteriana com a viral-bacteriana, a chance de ter tosse foi 3,1 vezes maior na primeira (intervalos de 95% de confiança - IC95% 1,11-8,70) e de ter tiragem 61,0% menor (Odds Ratio - OR 0,39, IC95% 0,16-0,92). Na comparação da IRAB viral com a viral-bacteriana, a chance de ser do sexo masculino foi 2,2 vezes maior na viral (IC95% 1,05-4,69) e de ter taquipneia, 58,0% menor (OR 0,42, IC95% 0,19-0,92) na mesma categoria. Conclusões: Identificou-se maior proporção de processos virais do que processos bacterianos, bem como a presença de infecção viral-bacteriana. A tosse foi um sintoma indicativo de infecção bacteriana, enquanto a tiragem e a taquipneia apontaram infecção viral-bacteriana. Parte da resolubilidade da IRAB não grave ocorreu em âmbito hospitalar; portanto, propõe-se que os serviços priorizem ações que visem à melhoria da assistência à saúde indígena na atenção primária.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the clinical profile and treatment of Brazilian Guarani indigenous children aged less than five years hospitalized for acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI), living in villages in the states from Rio de Janeiro to Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: Of the 234 children, 23 were excluded (incomplete data). The analysis was conducted in 211 children. Data were extracted from charts by a form. Based on record of wheezing and x-ray findings, ALRI was classified as bacterial, viral and viral-bacterial. A bivariate analysis was conducted using multinomial regression. Results: Median age was 11 months. From the total sample, the ALRI cases were classified as viral (40.8%), bacterial (35.1%) and viral-bacterial (24.1%). It was verified that 53.1% of hospitalizations did not have clinical-radiological-laboratorial evidence to justify them. In the multinomial regression analysis, the comparison of bacterial and viral-bacterial showed the likelihood of having a cough was 3.1 times higher in the former (95%CI 1.11-8.70), whereas having chest retractions was 61.0% lower (OR 0.39, 95%CI 0.16-0.92). Comparing viral with viral-bacterial, the likelihood of being male was 2.2 times higher in the viral (95%CI 1.05-4.69), and of having tachypnea 58.0% lower (OR 0.42, 95%CI 0.19-0.92). Conclusions: Higher proportion of viral processes was identified, as well as viral-bacterial co-infections. Coughing was a symptom indicative of bacterial infection, whereas chest retractions and tachypnea showed viral-bacterial ALRI. Part of the resolution of non-severe ALRI still occurs at hospital level; therefore, we concluded that health services need to implement their programs in order to improve indigenous primary care.

Terapêutica antibiótica na traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica: uma revisão da literatura / Antibiotic therapy in ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis: a literature review

RESUMO O conceito de traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica é controverso, e sua definição não é unanimemente aceita, sobrepondo-se, muitas vezes, à da pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica. A traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica tem incidência semelhante à da pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, com elevada prevalência de agentes multirresistentes isolados, condicionando um aumento do tempo de ventilação mecânica e de internação, ainda que sem impacto na mortalidade. A realização de culturas quantitativas pode permitir melhor definição diagnóstica da traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica, possivelmente evitando o sobrediagnóstico desta entidade. Uma das maiores dificuldades na diferenciação entre traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica e pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica reside na exclusão de um infiltrado pulmonar por meio da radiografia do tórax; também podem ser necessárias a tomografia computadorizada torácica, a ultrassonografia torácica ou ainda a colheita de amostras invasivas. A instituição de terapêutica antibiótica sistêmica não demonstrou melhorar o impacto clínico da traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica, nomeadamente na redução do tempo de ventilação mecânica, de internação ou mortalidade, apesar da eventual menor progressão para pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, ainda que existam dúvidas relativas à metodologia utilizada. Deste modo, considerando a elevada prevalência da traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica, o tratamento desta entidade, por rotina, resultaria em elevada prescrição antibiótica sem benefícios claros. No entanto, sugerimos a instituição de terapêutica antibiótica em doentes com traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica e choque séptico e/ou agravamento da oxigenação, devendo ser realizados simultaneamente outros exames auxiliares de diagnóstico para exclusão da pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica. Após esta revisão da literatura, entendemos que uma melhor diferenciação entre traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica e pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica pode diminuir, de forma significativa, a utilização de antibióticos em doentes críticos ventilados.

ABSTRACT The concept of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis is controversial; its definition is not unanimously accepted and often overlaps with ventilator-associated pneumonia. Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis has an incidence similar to that of ventilator-associated pneumonia, with a high prevalence of isolated multiresistant agents, resulting in an increase in the time of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization but without an impact on mortality. The performance of quantitative cultures may allow better diagnostic definition of tracheobronchitis associated with mechanical ventilation, possibly avoiding the overdiagnosis of this condition. One of the major difficulties in differentiating between ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis and ventilator-associated pneumonia is the exclusion of a pulmonary infiltrate by chest radiography; thoracic computed tomography, thoracic ultrasonography, or invasive specimen collection may also be required. The institution of systemic antibiotic therapy does not improve the clinical impact of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis, particularly in reducing time of mechanical ventilation, hospitalization or mortality, despite the possible reduced progression to ventilator-associated pneumonia. However, there are doubts regarding the methodology used. Thus, considering the high prevalence of tracheobronchitis associated with mechanical ventilation, routine treatment of this condition would result in high antibiotic usage without clear benefits. However, we suggest the institution of antibiotic therapy in patients with tracheobronchitis associated with mechanical ventilation and septic shock and/or worsening of oxygenation, and other auxiliary diagnostic tests should be simultaneously performed to exclude ventilator-associated pneumonia. This review provides a better understanding of the differentiation between tracheobronchitis associated with mechanical ventilation and pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation, which can significantly decrease the use of antibiotics in critically ventilated patients.

Eficacia del tratamiento antibiótico en la bronquitis aguda / Efficacy of antibiotic treatment in acute bronchitis

Partiendo de una viñeta clínica la autora plantea el siguiente interrogante: ¿En pacientes mayores de 65 años con diag-nóstico probable de bronquitis aguda, el uso de antibióticos produce mejora en algún parámetro clínico?Luego de realizar una busqueda bibliográfica se resumen la evidencia publicada en una reciente revisión sistemática, la cual concluye que si bien existen beneficios estadísticamente significativos en algunos resultados de interés, estos no parecen tener impacto clínico teniendo en cuenta la naturaleza habitualmente autolimitada y benigna de esta enfermedad y la posibilidad de efectos colateales relacionados con el tratamiento. Es importante destacar sin embargo que la eviden-cia resultó limitada para abordar cabalmente a la población anciana afectada por este problema. (AU)

Moved by a clinical vignette, the author propose the following question: In patients over 65 with probable diagnosis of acute bronchitis, does the use of antibiotics produce improvement in any clinical outcome?After carrying out a bibliographic search, the evidence published in a recent systematic review is summarized, which concludes that although there are statistically significant benefits in some results of interest, these do not seem to have clinical impact, tak-ing into account the usually self-limited and benign nature of this disease and the possibility of collateral effects related to the treatment. It is important to highlight, however, that the evidence was limited to fully address the elderly population affected by this problem. (AU)

An unusual case of invasive aspergillus ulcerative tracheobronchitis without involvement of lung parenchyma in a post-renal transplant patient.

We present the case of a 54-year-old male, who presented with respiratory complaints four months after he underwent renal transplantation. Bronchoscopy showed ulcerated mucosa of the left main bronchus and computed tomography (CT) of the thorax showed foci of air within the bronchial wall. A biopsy from the lesion showed septate fungal hyphae, dichotomously branching at acute angles. A locally invasive Aspergillus ulcerative tracheobronchitis with no parenchymal involvement is an important cause of tracheobronchitis in post-renal transplant patients. An early diagnosis and institution of appropriate treatment can improve the outcome. A combination treatment of caspofungin and voriconazole can be considered if patient is not responding to voriconazole alone.

Consenso Intersociedades para el manejo de infecciones respiratorias: bronquitis aguda y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / [Inter-society consensus for the management of respiratory infections: acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

The Argentine Society for Infectious Diseases and other national societies issued updated practical guidelines for the management of acute bronchitis (AB) and reactivations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with the aim of promoting rational use of diagnostic and therapeutic resources. AB is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial airways which affects adults and children without underlying pulmonary disease. It is usually caused by a virus. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings after community acquired pneumonia has been ruled out. Treatment of AB is mainly symptomatic. Antibiotics should be used in immune-compromised hosts, patients with chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases and in the elderly with co-morbidities. Reactivation of COPD is defined as an acute change in the patient’s baseline clinical situation beyond normal day to day variations, with an increase in dyspnea, sputum production and/or sputum purulence, warranting a change in medication. An increase in one symptom is considered a mild exacerbation, two as moderate, and the presence of three symptoms is considered a severe exacerbation. An infectious agent can be isolated in sputum in 50 to 75

of COPD reactivations. Moderate and severe episodes must be treated with antibiotics, amoxicillin/ beta-lactamase inhibitor, macrolides and fluoroquinolones are first choice drugs.

Valor del estudio celular del esputo en el seguimiento de las enfermedades inflamatorias de la vía aérea / Value of sputum analysis in the management of inflammatory airway diseases

El análisis celular del esputo, espontáneo u obtenido mediante la técnica de esputo inducido, se ha transformado en una herramienta ampliamente difundida para la evaluación y orientación del tratamiento de las enfermedades inflamatorias de la vía aérea, principalmente asma, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y bronquitis eosinofílica. Se han aportado evidencias sobre la utilidad de la técnica del esputo inducido, validada y estandarizada, para ser empleada en pacientes con dificultades para expectorar. Numerosas investigaciones dieron cuenta de la efectividad de basar las decisiones terapéuticas en el componente inflamatorio de la vía aérea mediante el recuento de células en el esputo. Varios estudios mostraron que, en pacientes con asma el análisis celular de esputo guía en la determinación de estrategias para disminuir las exacerbaciones y para mejorar la función pulmonar, aun en pacientes con asma grave, para disminuir el remodelamiento; también se ha descrito su utilidad en pacientes con EPOC, para la disminución de las exacerbaciones.

Cellular analysis of sputum either spontaneous or by induced sputum technique, has become a widespread tool for the evaluation and guidance of treatment of inflammatory diseases of the airway, primarily asthma, COPD and eosinophilic bronchitis. Induced sputum method is a validated, standardized and non-invasive technique, useful in patients with difficulties to expectorate. Its implementation is simple and cost effective. Numerous investigations have shown the effectiveness of basing treatment decisions on the inflammatory component of the airway by counting cells in sputum. Several studies have demonstrated that in patients with asthma, results of this analysis can guide in defining strategies to reduce exacerbations and to improve lung function even in patients with severe asthma, as well as to decrease the remodeling; in addition, a reduction in exacerbations in COPD patients, monitored by this sputum examination, has also been described.

Infecciones respiratorias agudas graves de niño y su impacto en la demanda asistencial / Severe acute respiratory infections of children and its impact on welfare demand

Las infecciones respiratorias agudas graves (IRAG) en los niños, representan un importante problema de salud. Durante los meses fríos generan una mayor demanda asistencial en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos (UCIP). El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir los aspectos clínicos, etiológicos y evolutivos de estos pacientes y analizar el impacto de la demanda asistencial en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y prospectivo de un año de duración, incluyendo todos los pacientes asistidos por IRAG en la Unidad de Reanimación y Estabilización (URE) del Departamento de Emergencia Pediátrica, así como su permanencia en las diferentes áreas de derivación. Desde julio de 2007 a junio 2008 ingresaron 204 niños con IRAG, representando el 30,3% de las admisiones a URE. Ciento treinta y cuatro niños eran menores de un año. Los diagnósticos de ingreso más frecuentes fueron neumonía (n=111) y bronquiolitis (n=52). La etiología viral se identificó en 67 pacientes menores de 23 meses. La etiología bacteriana fue identificada principalmente en menores de dos años. De los pacientes asistidos en URE el 78.9% (161/204), presentaron insuficiencia respiratoria y 40,2% recibieron asistencia ventilatoria mecánica. Ciento cincuenta niños (74,3%) continuaron su asistencia en UCIP, de los cuales 7 fallecieron, en tanto 52 niños (25,7%) luego de ser estabilizados en URE completaron su evolución en sala de internación convencional. Se concluye que la URE del DEP tuvo un papel fundamental en satisfacer la demanda asistencial de las IRAG, logrando estabilizar a los niños con insuficiencia respiratoria. Además, el antecedente de este estudio permitirá estimar el impacto de la vacuna conjugada antineumococo y su participación en las IRAG.

Avaliação de critérios para o diagnóstico de asma através de um questionário epidemiológico / Evaluation of criteria for the diagnosis of asthma using an epidemiological questionnaire

OBJETIVO: Avaliar critérios para o diagnóstico de asma em um estudo epidemiológico. MÉTODOS: Adolescentes (13-14 anos) e responsáveis por escolares (6-7 anos) do município de Santo André, São Paulo, responderam o questionário escrito padrão do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Respostas afirmativas quanto a ter sibilos nos últimos 12 meses, ter asma ou ter bronquite (pergunta adicionada ao final do questionário), assim como o escore global do ISAAC acima dos pontos de corte pré-definidos, foram consideradas como indicativo de asma. RESULTADOS: Os questionários foram adequadamente preenchidos por 2.180 responsáveis por escolares e 3.231 adolescentes. Dependendo do critério empregado, a prevalência de asma variou de 4,9 por cento a 26,8 por cento para os escolares, e de 8,9 por cento a 27,9 por cento para os adolescentes. Os critérios com as menores e maiores prevalências foram, respectivamente, diagnóstico médico de asma e diagnóstico médico de bronquite. A análise comparativa entre o diagnóstico médico de bronquite e os demais critérios mostrou níveis de concordância entre 71,9 por cento e 79,4 por cento, valores preditivos positivos entre 0,16 e 0,63 e concordância fraca (kappa: 0,21-0,46). Índices elevados de concordância foram observados entre sibilos nos últimos 12 meses e o escore global do ISAAC (kappa: 0,82 e 0,98). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de asma variou significantemente, de acordo com o critério diagnóstico adotado, e houve baixa concordância entre os critérios. Sibilos nos últimos 12 meses e o escore global do ISAAC são os critérios mais recomendados para se diagnosticar asma, ao passo que a pergunta "bronquite alguma vez" não demonstrou melhorar o questionário. Modificações nesse instrumento devem ser cuidadosamente avaliadas e podem dificultar comparações.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate criteria for the diagnosis of asthma in an epidemiological survey. METHODS: Adolescents (13-14 years of age) and legal guardians of schoolchildren (6-7 years of age) in the city of Santo André, Brazil, completed the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) standard written questionnaire. Affirmative responses regarding wheezing within the last 12 months, asthma ever, bronchitis ever (question added at the end of the questionnaire), as well as the overall ISAAC score above the predefined cutoff points, were considered indicative of asthma. RESULTS: The legal guardians of 2,180 schoolchildren and 3,231 adolescents completed the questionnaires properly. Depending on the criterion adopted, the prevalence of asthma ranged from 4.9 percent to 26.8 percent for the schoolchildren and from 8.9 percent to 27.9 percent for the adolescents. The criteria with the lowest and highest prevalences were, respectively, physician-diagnosed asthma and physician-diagnosed bronchitis. When compared with other criteria, physician-diagnosed bronchitis showed concordance levels between 71.9 percent and 79.4 percent, positive predictive values between 0.16 and 0.63 and poor concordance (kappa: 0.21-0.46). Strong concordance levels were found only between wheezing within the last 12 months and the overall ISAAC score (kappa: 0.82 and 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma varied significantly, depending on the criterion adopted, and there was poor concordance among the criteria. Wheezing within the last 12 months and the overall ISAAC score are the best criteria for the diagnosis of asthma, whereas the question regarding bronchitis ever did not improve the questionnaire. Modifications in this instrument can make it difficult to draw comparisons and should therefore be carefully evaluated.

Determinação do componente inflamatório das doenças das vias aéreas através do escarro induzido: utilização na prática clínica / Determination of the inflammatory component of airway diseases by induced sputum cell counts: use in clinical practice

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a utilização e a influência da determinação do componente inflamatório das doenças das vias aéreas (inflamometria), através do exame do escarro induzido, nas decisões terapêuticas de um serviço terciário de pneumologia. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas 151 amostras de escarro induzido de 132 pacientes consecutivamente referidos para indução de escarro com propósitos clínicos por cinco pneumologistas, no período entre julho de 2006 e fevereiro de 2007. As indicações para a realização do teste e a conduta terapêutica adotada em função do resultado foram analisadas através de um questionário estruturado preenchido pelo médico que solicitou o escarro induzido. O escarro foi obtido e processado de acordo com uma técnica previamente descrita. RESULTADOS: As principais indicações do teste foram: titulação da dose do corticosteróide inalatório na asma moderada a grave (54,3%), investigação de tosse crônica (30,5%), monitoração da inflamação em pacientes com bronquiectasias (7,3 %) e monitoração da inflamação na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (6%). Dos 82 pacientes com asma, 47 (57%) apresentaram bronquite eosinofílica (eosinófilos > 3%). Bronquite eosinofílica sem asma foi diagnosticada em 9 (19%) dos 46 pacientes que realizaram o exame para investigar tosse crônica. Bronquite neutrofílica (neutrófilos > 65%) foi observada em 13 pacientes; 5 com asma, 2 com tosse crônica e 6 com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica/bronquiectasias. Com base nos resultados do exame do escarro induzido, 48 (64,7%) pacientes com asma tiveram sua dose de corticosteróide modificada. CONCLUSÕES: A aplicação sistemática da inflamometria através do exame do escarro induzido pode trazer importantes benefícios aos pacientes com doenças respiratórias, principalmente àqueles portadores de asma e/ou tosse crônica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of determining the inflammatory component of airway diseases (inflammometry) by induced sputum cell counts, as well as its influence on treatment decisions in a tertiary facility for the treatment of respiratory diseases. METHODS: We analyzed 151 sputum samples from 132 consecutive patients referred for clinical sputum induction by five pulmonologists between July of 2006 and February of 2007. A structured questionnaire related to the reasons for requesting the test and to the therapeutic decision making based on test results was completed by each attending physician upon receiving the test results. Induced sputum was obtained and processed according to a technique previously described. RESULTS: The principal motives for ordering the test were inhaled corticosteroid dose titration in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma (in 54.3%), investigation of chronic cough (in 30.5%), and monitoring airway inflammation in patients with bronchiectasis (in 7.3%) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (in 6%). Of the 82 patients with asthma, 47 (57%) presented eosinophilic bronchitis (>3% eosinophils). Nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis was diagnosed in 9 (19%) of the 46 patients with chronic cough. Neutrophilic bronchitis (>65% neutrophils) was found in 13 patients, of which 5 had asthma, 2 had chronic cough, and 6 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/bronchiectasis. Based on the induced sputum results, the corticosteroid dose was modified in 48 asthma patients (64.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The systematic application of inflammometry using induced sputum cell counts can be beneficial for patients with airway diseases, particularly those with asthma or chronic cough.

Aspergillus niger causing tracheobronchitis and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a lung transplant recipient: case report / Aspergillus niger causando traqueobronquite e aspergilose pulmonar invasiva em transplantado de pulmão: relato de caso

A case of invasive aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus niger in a lung transplant recipient is described. The patient presented hyperglycemia starting postoperatively, with other complications such as cytomegalovirus infection. The associated predisposing factors and other implications are discussed. Aspergillus niger seems to be a fungal species of low virulence that requires the presence of a severely immunosuppressed host to cause invasive disease.

Descreve-se um caso de aspergilose invasiva causada por Aspergillus niger em um paciente transplantado de pulmão com quadros hiperglicêmicos desde o pós-operatório e outras complicações como infecção por citomegalovírus. Os fatores predisponentes associados e outras implicações são discutidos. Aspergillus niger parece ser uma espécie fúngica de baixa virulência, necessitando a presença de um hospedeiro gravemente imunodeprimido para causar doença invasiva.

Valor predictivo de la historia clínica y el examen físico en el diagnóstico de la neumonía del adulto adquirida en la comunidad: Revisión de la literatura / Predictive value of history and physical examination for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia in adults: A literature review

Distinguishing pneumonia from other causes of respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis, influenza and upper respiratory tract infections, has important therapeutic and prognostic implications. This decision is usually made by clinical assessment alone or by performing a chest x-ray. The reference standard for diagnosing pneumonia is chest radiography, but many physicians rely on history and physical examination to diagnose or exclude this disease. A review of published studies of patients suspected of having pneumonia reveals that there are no individual clinical findings, or combination of findings, that can predict with certainty the diagnosis of pneumonia. Prediction rules have been recommended to guide the order of diagnostic tests, to maximize their clinical utility. Thus, some studies have shown that the absence of any vital sign abnormalities or any abnormalities on chest auscultation substantially reduces the likelihood of pneumonia to a point where further diagnostic evaluation may be unnecessary. This article reviews the literature on the appropriate use of the history and physical examination in diagnose community-acquired pneumonia.

Case of Pseudomembranous Necrotizing Tracheobronchial Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Host

A 44-year-old Korean male died of rapidly progressive respiratory failure and refractory hypoxemia in 8 days after being admitted with a fever and dyspnea. The patient was diagnosed with pseudomembranous necrotizing tracheobronchial aspergillosis by fibroptic bronchoscopy and it was not related to an invasion of the pulmonary parenchyma. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents a patient with pseudomembranous necrotizing tracheobronchial aspergillosis that developed in an immunocompetent host, rapidly resulting in airway obstruction with acute respiratory failure and refractory hypoxemia without an invasion of the pulmonary parenchyma.