La auscultación pulmonar en el siglo 21 / Lung auscultation in the 21th century

La auscultación pulmonar es parte fundamental del examen físico para el diagnóstico de las enfermedades respiratorias. La estandarización que ha alcanzado la nomenclatura de los ruidos respiratorios, sumado a los avances en el análisis computacional de los mismos, han permitido mejorar la utilidad de esta técnica. Sin embargo, el rendimiento de la auscultación pulmonar ha sido cuestionado por tener una concordancia variable entre profesionales de la salud. Aun cuando la incorporación de nuevas herramientas diagnósticas de imágenes y función pulmonar han revolucionado la precisión diagnóstica en enfermedades respiratorias, no existe tecnología que permita reemplazar la técnica de auscultación pulmonar para guiar el proceso diagnóstico. Por una parte, la auscultación pulmonar permite seleccionar a aquellos pacientes que se beneficiarán de una determinada técnica diagnóstica, se puede repetir cuantas veces sea necesario para tomar decisiones clínicas, y frecuentemente permite prescindir de exámenes adicionales que no siempre son fáciles de realizar o no se encuentran disponibles. En esta revisión se presenta el estado actual de la técnica de auscultación pulmonar y su rendimiento objetivo basado en la nomenclatura actual aceptada para los ruidos respiratorios, además de resumir la evidencia principal de estudios de concordancia de auscultación pediátrica y su análisis objetivo a través de nueva tecnología computacional.

Lung auscultation is an essential part of the physical examination for diagnosing respiratory diseases. The terminology standardization for lung sounds, in addition to advances in their analysis through new technologies, have improved the use of this technique. However, traditional auscultation has been questioned due to the limited concordance among health professionals. Despite the revolu tionary use of new diagnostic tools of imaging and lung function tests allowing diagnostic accuracy in respiratory diseases, no technology can replace lung auscultation to guide the diagnostic process. Lung auscultation allows identifying those patients who may benefit from a specific test. Moreover, this technique can be performed many times to make clinical decisions, and often with no need for- complicated and sometimes unavailable tests. This review describes the current state-of-the-art of lung auscultation and its efficacy based on the current respiratory sound terminology. In addition, it describes the main evidence on respiratory sound concordance studies among health professionals and its objective analysis through new technology.

Aspectos éticos de la gestión académica en una Facultad de Medicina / Ethical aspects of academic management in a faculty of medicine

This article states that the incorporation of ethical issues such as bioethics and principles of good practice, facilitates the academic management in a Faculty of Medicine. It presents some interesting aspects necessary to carry out a quality academic management that serves the university mission and its educational and research project. It underlines good practices regarding not only professional relations but also organizational aspects. It includes an analysis of academic management and its association with quality and leadership, it reflects on the ethical values of quality work and on the theory of functional or interactional leadership, a key element to boost the development of a university health institution.

Descripción de los Procesos de Evaluación en la Escuela de Medicina de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile: Experiencia de 10 años / Description of Assessment Processes at the Medical School of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile: A Ten year experience

Globalization of health care seems to be irreversible and beyond cultural differences and local realities; consequently, medical education needs to have a common set of core principles or standards that may be applied worldwide. The aim of participating in assessment processes is to guarantee that medical education takes place in a sufficiently rich environment to promote extensive academic purposes. The Medical School of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) participated in three assessment processes that included three stages: internal assessment, external assessment, and accreditation judgment. Two of these assessments were voluntarily carried out following the standards set by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education-LCME, and they took place in 1997 and 2007. The other assessment was based on standards set by the Chilean accrediting organism, the National Committee for Undergraduate Program Accreditation (Comité Nacional de Acreditación de Pregrado-CNAP) and took place in the year 2001. In all three experiences, internal assessment was the most enriching stage, stimulating refections among students and teachers in order to recognize areas of strengths and weaknesses. External assessment processes, especially those based on international standards, are very important for the institutional and program development of Medical Schools. The PUC Medical School on its whole learnt how to carry out an assessment process and was able to improve several weaknesses without pressure, moving from quality assurance to quality enhancement. The present paper analyzes the major challenges involved in an external assessment process.

Clima laboral en una escuela de medicina. Estudio de seguimiento / Work environment assessment at a medical school

Background: The work environment of an organization has to do with a set of permanent qualities that are experienced by its members. Aim: To assess the work environment perception of faculty members of a Medical School in two different periods (2005 and 2007). Material and methods: A standardized survey was applied to faculty members and Department chairs of the academic units of our Medical School. The survey used the Likert scale from 1 to 5 and included 59 items, distributed in 8 factors. Additionally, there were two groups of statements, indicating the priorities for the School and for the academic departments. Results: In the study performed in year 2005, the survey was answered by a total of 399 faculty members (68 percent) and in year 2007, it was answered by 408 members (68 percent). The global climate perceptions were 66 percent and 68 percent in 2005 and 2007, respectively (ns). Among the dimensions evaluated, communications (p =0,62) and physical conditions (p =0,008) improved in the two years period. Conclusions: The applied instrument was stable and useful to knowing the requirements of the faculty members and for improving the organizational climate.

Características clínicas de la enfermedad respiratoria causada por Mycoplasma pneumoniae en niños hospitalizados / Clinical characterizes of respiratory infection due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in hospitalized children

Introduction: Studies onMycoplasmapneumoniae infection are scarce in Chile. Objective: To describe clinical characteristics associated withM. pneumoniae in children requiring hospitalization. Material and Methods: All children with a respiratory infection requiring hospitalizations between 2000-2005, whom had aM. pneumoniae specific IgM ≥ 1:32, were analyzed. Results: Fifty children meeting study criteria were identified with an ave-rage length of hospitalization of 4 days (range: 1-10); mean age was 5.4 years (46 percent were younger than 5 years). Common clinical features were cough (92 percent), fever (82 percent), malaise (74 percent) and respiratory distress (72 percent). At admission 40/45 children had hypoxemia. Chest-X ray showed interstitial pattern (69.3 percent), consolidation (51 percent) and hyperinsuflation (28.5 percent). Six patients had pleural effusion. Eighty four percent of patients had a favorable clinical outcome; eight children required admission to the PICU all of whom recovered. Conclusión: Respiratory infections associated withM. pneumoniae in our series of children had a highly variable and non-specific clinical spectrum. Chest-X rays showed different pattern in concordance with previous publications.

Introducción: La infección por Mycoplasma pneumoniae es una condición respiratoria poco estudiada en nuestro medio. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas de los niños hospitalizados porM. pneumoniae. Materiales y Métodos: Se analizaron todos los pacientes hospitalizados por infecciones respiratorias durante el 2000-2005, con IgM específica; se utilizó como diagnóstico de enfermedad por M. pneumoniae la presencia de fluorescencia verde manzana 2 a 3 positivo en títulos ≥ 1:32 diluciones. Resultados: Se analizaron 50 hospitalizaciones, con estadía promedio de 4 días (rango: 1-10); la edad promedio fue 5,4 años (46 por ciento bajo 5 años). Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron tos (92 por ciento), fiebre (82 por ciento), compromiso del estado general (74 por ciento) y dificultad respiratoria (72 por ciento). Al momento del ingreso 40/45 presentaron hipoxemia. La radiografía de tórax (RT) reveló infiltrado intersticial (69,3 por ciento), foco de consolidación (51 por ciento) e hi-perinsuflación (28,5 por ciento). Seis presentaron efusión pleural asociada. En 84 por ciento la evolución fue favorable; sin embargo, 8 niños ingresaron a la Unidad de Paciente Critico para monitorización. No hubo decesos Conclusiones: La infección respiratoria asociada aM. pneumoniae en niños produjo manifestaciones inespecíficas y variables de un caso a otro. La RT reveló una variedad de presentaciones similar a lo mostrado en la literatura médica.

La carrera académica del Profesor Clínico de Medicina / The academic career of clinical teachers

An important challenge for medical schools is to recognize and stimulate the academic career of its clinical faculty. These professionals are mainly dedicated to teaching activities and play a role in the modeling of its students. Therefore, they contribute to the development of medical education. The aim of this paper is to analyze the main features of this particular kind of academics and to stimulate physicians to embrace the teaching career. The development channels of teaching academic activity are direct teaching, curricular innovation and administration, counseling, clinical investigation, education administration, leadership and assessment of the learning process. We define each of these activities, giving examples of the activities that can be carried out and how to assess them.

"Curriculitis autoinmune": Una no tan nueva enfermedad del currículo / "Autoimmune curriculitis": A not so new curricular disease

Thirty years ago, Abrahamson described the main curriculum problems in undergraduate medical education as "diseases of the curriculum". Based on our own experience and knowledge, we propose the inclusión of a new condition named "autoimmune curriculitis", which is produced by the students themselves. In this condition, the students are who decide to "swell" the curriculum, by excessively participating in múltiple intra and extramural activities, competing to markedly improve their academic performance. Unlike other curriculum diseases, this one may directly affect the students personal Ufe and health, especially ifit begins as early as in the first semester of the career Two main aspects of medical education have a keyrole in the génesis ofthis disease: the so-called hidden curriculum and the selection process used in the postgraduate programs in Chile. Unfortunately the prevalence and severíty of this curriculum disease is a growing threat, due to the increasing number of undergraduate students in Chile without an equivalent increment of postgraduate programs. Given its characteristics, eradicating this disease seems quite difficult. To do so, it is necessary for postgraduate selection committees to give a clear sign regarding the most relevant attributes they consider when choosing the candidates and, consequently to discourage the exaggerated collection of curriculum records. Moreover, we need a group of students faithful to their own interests, who will keep growing in depth those that are more meaningful to them.

Influencia del nivel socioeconómico (NSE) en el asma bronquial y cambios en su prevalencia en población escolar en un periodo de 6 años / Changes in asthma prevalence among school children during a 6 -year period: Influence of socioeconomic status

Background: Asthma prevalence is increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. Aim: To determine the prevalence of asthma diagnosis andrelated symptoms in children, its changes during a 6-year period and the influence exerted by socioeconomic status. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study conducted among schoolchildren of Santiago. A sample of 4,561 children aged 6-7 and 13-14 years attending public schools (central district, medium-low and low socioeconomic status) and private schools (eastern districts, high socioecomic status) were surveyed. Dependent variables were asthma diagnosis (AD), wheezing during the last 12 months (WHE12) and frequency of episodes of wheezing (FEW). Prevalence odds ratios were calculated using regression models, adjusted for several confounding variables. Results: AD prevalence for the group as a whole was higher in boys than in girls (13.2% and 10.8%, respectively, p =0.016). Prevalence rate of AD was also higher for children aged 13-14 than 6-7 years (13.8% and 10.1%, respectively p <0.01). An inverse association was found between SES and WHE12. Higher maternal education level was associated with lower prevalence of WHE12 in both age groups and with lower prevalence of FEW in 6-7 year-old children. Paternal education level was positively associated with AD among younger children. At the central district, increasing trends of WHE12 and FEW prevalence were observed during 1994-2000 among 6-7 years children. Conclusions: A significant association was observed between socioeconomic status, asthma diagnosis and symptoms in school children living in Santiago. Data support an increasing trend of asthma prevalence and severity among 6-7 year-old children during the period 1994-2000.

Hospitalización por influenza en un Servicio de Pediatría de Santiago de Chile, 2001-2005 / Hospitalization due to influenza in children in Santiago, Chile, 2001-2005

Background: Influenza cause high hospitalization rates and complications in children. Objective: To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza infection in hospitalized children. Patients and methods: In Universidad Católica Hospital, all hospitalizations due to influenza in children aged 15 days to 14 years, ocurring between January 2001 and December 2005 were reviewed. Results: Of a total of 3570 admissions associated with a respiratory illness, 124 (3.5 percent) were due to influenza, of which 75 percent presented between the months of April and June. Median age was 20.5 months (60 percent younger than 2 years) and 24 percent had an underlying risk factor. Most common symptoms were fever (94 percent) and dry cough (61 percent) and 75 percent of the children required oxygen. The most frequent complication was pneumonia (53 percent). The mean duration of hospitalization and oxygen use were 4.4 and 2.5 days respectively. Fifty two children (49.1 percent) received an antibiotic and nine children were admitted to intensive care unit. No deaths were recorded. Conclusion: Influenza virus cause serious complications and affects mostly healthy children younger than 2 years.

Introducción: El virus influenza produce elevadas tasas de hospitalización y complicaciones en niños. Objetivo: Describir el perfil clínico-epidemiológico de los niños hospitalizados por influenza en un hospital universitario. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de las hospitalizaciones respiratorias y por influenza entre enero 2001 y diciembre 2005 en el Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica. Resultados: Se hospitalizaron 3.570 niños por alguna causa respiratoria, 124 (3,5 por ciento) correspondieron a influenza confirmada, 75 por ciento ocurrieron entre abril y junio. La edad promedio fue 20,5 meses (60 por ciento) < 2 años), 24 por ciento tenían algún factor de riesgo identificado. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre (94 por ciento) y tos seca (61 por ciento). El 75 por ciento) presentó hipoxemia, siendo la complicación más frecuente la neumonía (53 por ciento). El promedio (días) de hospitalización y oxígeno fue 4,4 y 2,5; respectivamente. En 52/109 se indicaron antibacterianos, 9 niños ingresaron a cuidados intensivos. No hubo fallecidos. Conclusión: La hospitalización por influenza se asoció a serias complicaciones y afecta especialmente a niños sanos menores de 2 años.

Determinación de volúmenes pulmonares mediante pletismografía en pacientes con fíbrosis quística / Lung volume determinations by whole plethysmography in cystic fibrosis patients: a preliminary report

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients develop a progressive impairment of pulmonary function tests (PFT) by recurrent infection. Objective: To evaluate PFT in CF patients using spirometry, oxygen saturometry (Sa0(2)) and whole plethysmography (WP) for determining possible mathematical relationships. Methods: FVC, FRC, RV, TLC, FEV1, FEF25.75, obtained in 10 CF patients were compared with Zapletal's reference values and with the values obtained in 33 healthy-school children. Results: Mean age 13.6 years-old (range: 9-20). All CF patients had normal Sa0(2), FEV1 was normal in five (four had FEV1 between 65-80 percent), 4 had RV/TLC > 30 percent, 3 had increased FRC and RV/TLC, only one CF patient had WP normal. The average of TLC and RV were higher than reference values and control group (p < 0.05). We found an inverse relationship between FEV1, FEF25-75 and RV/TLC [r = -0.642 (p < 0.05) and r = -0.803 (p < 0.01); respectively]. Conclusion: This study suggests an increase of pulmonary volume in CF patients with not necessarily abnormal spirometry and an inverse mathematical relationship between FEV1, FEF25-75 and RV/TLC.

Introducción: La fibrosis quística (FQ) exhibe un deterioro progresivo de la función pulmonar (FP) asociada a infecciones recurrentes. Objetivo: Evaluar la FP en sujetos con FQ mediante espirometría, saturometría y pletismografía (PG) determinando alguna relación matemática. Pacientes y Métodos: Se identificaron 10 pacientes capaces de realizar CVF, CRF, VR, CPT, VEF1, y FEF25-75 por ciento; comparándose con los valores de Zapletal y de 33 controles sanos. Resultados: Edad promedio 13,6 a±os (rango: 9-20). Sa0(2)y VEF1fueron normales en 10 y 5 sujetos, respectivamente (4 tenían VEF1entre 65-80 por ciento). La PG mostró 4 pacientes con VR/CPT > 30 por ciento, 3 con aumento de CRF y VR/CPT, sólo uno tuvo PG normal. Los promedios de CPT y VR fueron superiores a valores de referencia y controles (p < 0,05). Se encontró una relación inversa entre VEF1y VR/CPT (r = -0,642, p < 0,05) y entre FEF25-75 y VR/CPT (r = -0,803, p < 0,01). Conclusiones: Este estudio sugiere un incremento significativo de los volúmenes pulmonares en pacientes con FQ aún teniendo espirometría normal; así como una relación matemática inversa entre VEF1, FEF25-75 y VR/CPT.

Mortalidad por fibrosis quística en Chile (1997-2003) / Cystic fibrosis mortality in Chile between 1997 and 2003

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal autosomic recessive disease among Caucasians. In Chile, its incidence is estimated in 1/4,000 newborns and it is possibly underestimated. Aim: To analyze CF mortality in Chile during the period 1997-2003. Material and methods: Demographic and CF mortality data reported by the National Institute of Statistics during the period 1997-2003 were recorded, according to sex and age. Overall mortality rate for each year was estimated, as well as the average mortality rate during the same period in patients younger than 1 year, 1-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years and older than 15 years. Results: One hundred and three deaths (56 females) due to CF occurred during 1997-2003. Sixty-eight deaths corresponded to patients younger than 15years (66.0 percent). Overall mortality rate ranged from 0.82 to 1.33 per 10(6) inhabitants in 1997 and 1999, respectively. Average mortality rate ranged from 0.46 to 9.81 per inhabitants among patients older than 15 years and younger than 1 year, respectively. Conclusions: Most CF deaths occurred in the pediatric age group.

Desafíos para el desarrollo académico de una Escuela de Medicina / Academic challenges in a School of Medicine

Developing a School of Medicine involves being aware of the changes that have taken place in the past years, particularly those concerning the characteristics of students and young faculty, their main motivations and the research, teaching and professional practice scenarios that are being offered by Chilean medical schools and clinical sites. Inspired by these challenges, and from the viewpoint of the generational differences, this article discusses the present development of an academic career founded on humanistic and university values, the tutorial teaching model, academic medicine, and the concept of professionalism.

Informe para el Tribunal Constitucional sobre los aspectos científicos y éticos del uso del levonorgestrel como anticonceptivo de emergencia / Report for the Constitutional Court on the scientific and ethical aspects of the use of the levonorgestrel like emergency contraceptive

Las normas de regulación de la fertilidad, propuestas en el documento del Ministerio de Salud de Chile, plantean diversos problemas biomédicos en el contexto de una cierta visión de la procreación humana, de la sexualidad y de la familia. Hay serias objeciones desde una antropología que respeta la naturaleza personal de la mujer y del hombre, especialmente en el riesgo que existe en la promoción de métodos que podrían afectar la vida de seres humanos inocentes en sus etapas iniciales de desarrollo. Del análisis de la literatura se ha concluido que existen antecedentes científicos importantes, que se analizan en este documento, y que indicarían que el uso de la llamada “píldora del día después” podría estar poniendo en riesgo la vida del embrión humano preimplantacional.

Fertility regulation rules, proposed by the Chilean Health Ministry, involve several biomedical problems within the context of a given view point of human procreation, human sexuality and family. There are serious objection from an anthropology that respects the personal nature of woman and man, particularly in the danger that the life and survival of preimplantational human embryo could be affected by such methods. From an exhaustive analysis of the scientific literature, that are discussed in this document, it was concluded that the so called “emergency contraception pill” could be jeopardizing the life and survival of the preimplantation human embryo.

Empiema y efusión pleural en niños / Empyema and pleural efussion in children

Introducción: El empiema pleural (EP) es una complicación grave de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC). Objetivos: Describir las características de los pacientes hospitalizados por EP en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital de la Universidad Católica durante el período 2000-2005. Se identificaron 86 hospitalizaciones por NAC con efusión pleural, practicándose en 59 (70 por ciento), al menos una toracocentesis. Se consideró EP a la presencia de pus, tinción de Gram con bacterias, cultivo positivo o pH < 7,10 en el líquido pleural, siendo las efusiones para-neumónicas los controles. Resultados: Se analizaron 24 EP y 25 controles [promedio 2,9 años (rango: 8 meses - 14,3 años)], 78 por ciento de edad inferior a 5 años con diferencia entre los grupos EP y controles [1,6 vs 3,3 años, respectivamente (p = 0,01)]. El promedio global (días) de síntomas previo al ingreso en los EP fue 7 (rango: 2-21), siendo los más frecuentes fiebre (100 por ciento) y tos (96 por ciento). Se identificó algún microorganismo en 15/24 EP, Streptococcus pneumoniae fue el más frecuente (n: 9). En 48 niños, el manejo inicial fue conservador, requiriéndose cuatro rescates quirúrgicos luego del cuarto día. El promedio (días) de hospitalización fue significativamente superior en el grupo EP vs controles [15 (rango: 5-38) vs 9 (rango: 3-16) (p < 0,01)]. Requirieron drenaje pleural 83 por ciento del grupo EP y 36 por ciento de los controles (p = 0,002). No hubo diferencia en el número de días de empleo de oxígeno [6 vs 4,5 (p = 0,36)] o drenaje pleural [3 vs 2,5 (p = 0,29)]. No se registraron fallecidos. Conclusión: El EP en niños fue una condición respiratoria aguda que se asoció a estadías hospitalarias prolongadas, especialmente en los de menor edad, no requiriéndose, en la mayoría, una intervención quirúrgica de rescate.

Introduction: Pleural empyema (PE) is a serious complication of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Objectives: To describe the clinical profile of hospitalized patients with PE in the pediatric ward of the Catholic University Hospital between 2000-2005. Patients y methods: Retrospectively, all pediatric admission due to CAP and pleural effusion (86 children) were identified. In 59 (70 percent) children > 1 thoracocentesis were performed. We considered PE as the presence in the pleural effusion of pus, and/or a positive gram strain and/ or positive culture, and/or a pH < 7.10. Children with effusions not meeting any criteria were used as controls. Results: Twenty four PE and 25 controls were identified, with a global mean age of 2.9 years (range: 8 months to 14.3 years); 78 percent were < 5 years, with a significant difference between PE and controls [1.6 vs 3.3 years (p = 0.01)]. The mean duration of symptoms in PE patients before admission was 7 days (range: 2-21), and the most frequent symptoms were fever (100 percent) and cough (96 percent). In 15/24 cases a microorganism was identified being Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 9) the most common. In 48 patients management was conservative and in 4 surgical procedures were required. The mean duration of hospitalization was significantly higher in the PE group vs controls group: 15 (range: 5-38) vs 9 days (range 3-16) (p < 0.01). A chest tube was inserted in 83 percent of children with EP compared with 36 percent in the control group (p = 0.002). There were no difference in number of days of oxygen use [6 vs 4.5 (p = 0.36)] or number of chest tubes per child [3 vs 2.5 (p = 0.29)]. No deaths were reported. Conclusion: PE in children represented an acute respiratory event associated with more prolonged hospitalization especially at younger ages; the majority of cases did not require surgical intervention.

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la infección por virus parainfluenza en niños hospitalizados / Clinical and epidemiological manifestations of parainfluenza infection in hospitalized children

Los virus parainfluenza del ser humano (VPIh) son patógenos importantes de enfermedad respiratoria en niños; pese a ello, existe escasa información publicada en Sudamérica dirigida a caracterizar esta infección. Objetivo: Describir las manifestaciones clínicas y epidemiológicas específicas de los VPIh en niños hospitalizados. Pacientes y Métodos: Se revisaron todas las hospitalizaciones respiratorias (HR) efectuadas en el Hospital de la Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile, durante el período 2001-2004 y sus respectivos estudios virales obtenidos de secreciones nasofaríngeas en aquellos con sospecha de infección viral. Resultados: Se identificaron 3.043 HR siendo 64 (2,1 por ciento) VPUrh La edad promedio fue 13 meses (rango: 1 m-12 a) siendo 77 por ciento) de edad inferior a dos años. VPIh-2 fue el serotipo prevalente (47 por ciento), observándose una tendencia estacional para los serotipos 2 y 3. Las presentaciones más frecuentes fueron sibilancias asociadas a virus (40 por cientoo) y neumonía (30 por ciento). Todas las bronquiolitis se presentaron asociadas a VPIh serotipos 2 y 3. Sólo 17 por ciento de los hospitalizados por VPIh+ (44 por ciento VPIh-1) desarrollaron laringitis. Conclusión: Virus parainfluenza humano puede ser responsable de HR en niños, mostrando una tendencia estacional VPIh-2 y el serotipo 3. Aunque son poco frecuentes como causa de HR, confirmamos su participación como etiología específica de laringitis, bronquiolitis y neumonía, especialmente en niños pequeños.

Background: Human parainfluenza viruses (hPIV) are a common cause of respiratory illness of children but published data on clinical characteristics of hPIV infection in South America is scarce. Objective: To review the clinical presentation and epidemiological features of hPIV in a series of hospitalized children in Chile. Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of clinical charts from all pediatric admissions with a diagnosis of respiratory disease (between January 2001 to December 2004) at the Catholic University Hospital, Santiago, Chile. Nasopharyngeal secretions were tested for hPIV in children admitted with suspected respiratory viral infections. Results: A total of 3,043 respiratory admissions were recorded during the study period; 64 children (2.1 percent) were hPIV positive. Average age was 13 months (range: lm to 12y) and 77 percent> were younger than 2 years. HPIV-2 was the most common type identified (47 percent). A seasonal trend was noted for serotypes hPIV-2 and 3. Acute wheezing (40 percento) and pneumonia (30 percent) were the most common clinical diagnosis in hPIV positive children and 17 percent> hPIV positive children (44 percent> for hPIV-1) were associated with laryngitis. All hPIV positive bronchiolitis were due to serotypes hPIV-2 and 3. Conclusion: hPIV can cause respiratory disease requiring hospitalization; serotypes hPIV-2 and 3 displayed a seasonal trend. Although hPIV is an uncommon cause of severe respiratory infecion requiring hospitalization in children, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of laryngitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in younger children.

Disquinesia ciliar: diagnóstico ultraestructural, evolución clínica y alternativas de tratamiento / Clinical and ultrastructural features of ciliary dyskinesia

Background: Ciliary dyskinesia (CD) is a low incidence genetic illness, that presents with a wide clinical spectrum. Also, there are transitory conditions that present with ciliary anomalies, secondary to infectious diseases of the airways. Aim: To descube clinical and ultrastructural findings and clinical and therapeutic evolution of these patients. Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of medical records and electron microscopy findings of 33 patients (aged 1 to 21 years, 14 females) with ultrastructural diagnosis of CD. To obtain follow up information, a telephone survey was done. Results: In 30 patients (90 percent) the inner dynein arm (IDA) was absent in 50 or more percent of the cilia. Twenty two (66 percent) had absence of the outer dynein arm. Before diagnosis of CD, 19 patients (57 percent) presented recurrent otitis media, 25 patients (77 percent), three or more episodes of rhinosinusitis and 18 patients (56 percent) had recurrent pneumonia. Middle ear ventilation tubes were placed in 19 patients (57 percent), and during its use, 12 (68 percent) remained without othorrea. Sixteen patients (48 percent) with recurrent episodes of rhinosinusitis required adenoidectomy Seven (21 percent) required a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), and 6 (86 percent) improved after FESS. Conclusions: Our patients with CD presented recurrent infections in different airway locations. In those with a diagnosis of CD and recurrent otol¢gica! and rhinosinusal infections, IDA was absent in a high percentage of cilia. FESS and the use of ventilation tubes may have a beneficial role in a subgroup of patients with CD.

Características clínicas de los niños asmáticos hospitalizados en un Servicio de Pediatría / Clinical characteristics of asthmatic children hospitalized in a pediatric unit

Introducción:El asma es una enfermedad heterogénea con prevalencia descrita en aumento. En Chile, existen escasos estudios en que se describa las características clínicas de los pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados. Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas de los niños hospitalizados por episodios de crisis asmáticas. Pacientes y Método: Estudio descriptivo, restrospectivo en niños con asma entre 6 y 15 años, hospitalizados en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, entre los años 1998 y 2004. Resultados: De un total de 317 fichas clínicas que correspondían a pacientes asmáticos hospitalizados, se pudo acceder sólo a 188, de las cuales 113 cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Sesenta y ocho fichas correspondían a niños (61 por ciento), setenta y cinco niños iniciaron cuadros obstructivos antes de los 3 años (66 por ciento), el desencadenante más frecuente fueron los virus respiratorios en 53 casos (47 por ciento), el 93 por ciento (105 casos) requirió FiO2 < 0,5 por ciento, y 60 pacientes (53 por ciento) tenían antecedentes de atopía. Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes hospitalizados presentó crisis leves o moderadas, sin requerir ingreso a la unidad de paciente crítico. La atopía fue un antecedente frecuente. Es importante realizar un estudio prospectivo que evalúe el tipo y adherencia a tratamiento en relación a la evolución clínica del asma en niños.

Perfil clínico de lactantes hospitalizados por un episodio de ALTE (Apparent Life Threatening Event) / The clinical profile of infantile apparent life-threatening event (ALTE)

La definición de ALTE (Apparent Life Threatening Event) corresponde a un evento que pone en riesgo la vida de un lactante, caracterizado por cianosis, hipotonía o apnea, y que requiere de maniobras para su recuperación. Objetivo: Evaluar las causas de ALTE en nuestro centro, para estandarizar el enfrentamiento diagnóstico y de tratamiento en nuestros pacientes. Pacientes y Método: Estudio retrospectivo que enroló a 71 pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de ALTE. Resultados: Las causas principales de ALTE fueron idiopático (36%), infección respiratoria viral (29%), síndrome convulsivo (12%), mala técnica de alimentación (14%). Los exámenes que con mayor frecuencia contribuyeron al diagnóstico fueron: inmunofluorescencia (IFD) viral, electroencefalograma (EEG), polisomnograma. Un 49% repitió un ALTE durante su hospitalización. Se realizó educación en reanimación a 71,4% de los padres. Al 42% se les indicó monitor cardiorrespiratorio al alta. Conclusiones: Las causas de ALTE encontradas son similares a lo publicado, destacando la alta frecuencia de ALTE idiopático. Basados en nuestros datos se propone un algoritmo de estudio, tratamiento e indicaciones de monitor cardiorrespiratorio para lactantes con diagnóstico de ALTE. Es necesario realizar un estudio controlado, prospectivo de estudio y tratamiento de esta entidad para poder afirmar y soportar adecuadamente este algoritmo.

ALTE is a life-threatening event characterized by cyanosis, hypotonia or apnea that requires life-support maneuvers for recuperation. Objective: To determine the etiology of ALTE in our center, in order to standardize an approach to the diagnosis and treatment of this entity. Method: Retrospective study of 71 infants younger than 1 year, hospitalized by ALTE. Results: The most common causes of ALTE were idiopathic (36%), viral respiratory infections (29%), feeding technique problems (14%) and seizures (12%), Important diagnostic tests include direct virus inmunofluorescence (IFD), electroencephalography and polisomnography. 49% of patients repeated an ALTE event during hospitalization. 71% of parents received basic life-support education. 42% of patients were sent home with a cardio-respiratory monitor. Conclusions: The causes of ALTE found in our investigation are similar to the ones published on previous studies, standing out the high frequency of idiopathic ALTE. Based on our data, we propose an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of infants with ALTE. Prospective-controlled studies related to clinical evaluation and therapy of ALTE are necessary in order to validate this algorithsm.

Evolución clínica y de laboratorio en lactantes con inmadurez del centro respiratorio que presentan episodios de apnea

Resumen Los episodios de pausas respiratorias y de respiración periódica son normales en los lactantes, conformando un patrón de sueño normal con el crecimiento. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar un grupo de lactantes con sospecha de apnea, en quienes se encontraron, mediante polisomnografía (PSG1), evidencias de inmadurez del centro respiratorio, indicándose educación en reanimación cardiopulmonar, monitor cardiorrespiratorio (MCRP) y control de polisomnografía (PSG2). Pacientes y método: se incluyeron 34 lactantes entre mayo 1997 y mayo 2001. Apnea fue definida como la ausencia de respiración por 20 segundos (central) y 10 segundos (obstructiva y mixta); pausas respiratorias como ausencia de respiración > 6 < 20 seg (central) y > 6 < 10 seg (obstructiva). Resultados: en todos se incluyó MCRP y se realizó un estudio inicial (PSG1) y final (PSG2); se evaluó las características de la PSG1 y se compara la evolución entre los 2 estudios. La muestra incluyó 22 hombres (65%), la edad promedio de la serie fue de 2,7 ± 2,3 meses ( ± DS), rango 0,3-9 meses. Los diagnósticos de referencia fueron apnea: (n = 27), RGE (n = 2) y cianosis (n = 4). Los eventos respiratorios promedio mostraron un índice total de pausas respiratorias de 14,1/hora, con predominio de centrales, y un porcentaje de respiración periódica de 4,5%. El examen fue anormal en 32 casos por presentar desaturación arterial (n = 23), apneas (n = 8), pausas centrales (n = 19), obstructivas (n = 9) y RGE patológico (n = 5). En relación al segundo examen (PSG2), la edad fue de 11,5 ± 4,5 (rango 6-24 meses). Al comparar PSG1 vs PSG2, hubo diferencias significativas en índice total de pausas (p < 0,01), pausas centrales (p < 0,05) y respiración periódica (p < 0,05). Se concluye que la mayoría de los pacientes con inmadurez del centro respiratorio normalizan sus parámetros al año de vida, y que en éstos es de utilidad un adecuado uso del monitor cardiorrespiratorio.

Summary Introduction: episodes of central pauses and periodic breathing are normal in infants and decrease with age and growth. Objective: to evaluate a group of infants that had a polysomnography (PSG) performed due to an episode of apnea, with elevated immature sleep characteristics and who required home cardiorespiratory monitoring (HCRM) and further control PSGs. Methods: 34 patients, 22 (65%) were male, mean age 27 ± 2 months (PSG1), range 0,3-9 years, were studied between May 1997 and May 2001. Along with the first PSG (PSG1) a second was performed (PSG2) prior to the suspension of HCRM. Apnea was defined as the absence of respiration for more than 20 sec (central) or more than 10 sec (obstructive and mixed); respiratory pauses as the absence of respiration for more than 6 sec and less than 20 sec (central) or more than 6 sec and less than 10 sec (obstructive). Results: the main indications for PSG were apnea (27 pts), cyanosis (4 pts) and gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) in 2. Respiratory events showed mean respiratory pauses of 14.1/hr, mostly central and periodic breathing during 4,5% of the total sleep time (TST). PSG1 was abnormal in 32 cases, with desaturation in 23, apnea in 8, central pauses in 19, obstructive pauses in 9 and GER in 5. PSG2 was performed at a mean age of 11,5 ± 4 months, range 6-24 months. The comparision of PSG1 vs PSG2 showed significant differences in the total respiratory index (p < 0,01), central pauses (p < 0,05) and periodic breathing (p < 0,05), being always lower in the PSG2. We conclude that the majority of patients with episodes of apnea and immature sleep patterns normalized their sleep pattern in the first year of life. In this group the correct use of HCRM is indicated.