Impact of thoracic radiotherapy on respiratory function and exercise capacity in patients with breast cancer / Impacto da radioterapia torácica na função respiratória e capacidade de exercício em pacientes com câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the impact of thoracic radiotherapy on respiratory function and exercise capacity in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Breast cancer patients in whom thoracic radiotherapy was indicated after surgical treatment and chemotherapy were submitted to HRCT, respiratory evaluation, and exercise capacity evaluation before radiotherapy and at three months after treatment completion. Respiratory muscle strength testing, measurement of chest wall mobility, and complete pulmonary function testing were performed for respiratory evaluation; cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed to evaluate exercise capacity. The total radiotherapy dose was 50.4 Gy (1.8 Gy/fraction) to the breast or chest wall, including supraclavicular lymph nodes (SCLN) or not. Dose-volume histograms were calculated for each patient with special attention to the ipsilateral lung volume receiving 25 Gy (V25), in absolute and relative values, and mean lung dose. Results: The study comprised 37 patients. After radiotherapy, significant decreases were observed in respiratory muscle strength, chest wall mobility, exercise capacity, and pulmonary function test results (p < 0.05). DLCO was unchanged. HRCT showed changes related to radiotherapy in 87% of the patients, which was more evident in the patients submitted to SCLN irradiation. V25% significantly correlated with radiation pneumonitis. Conclusions: In our sample of patients with breast cancer, thoracic radiotherapy seemed to have caused significant losses in respiratory and exercise capacity, probably due to chest wall restriction; SCLN irradiation represented an additional risk factor for the development of radiation pneumonitis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da radioterapia torácica na função respiratória e capacidade de exercício em pacientes com câncer de mama. Métodos: Pacientes com câncer de mama com indicação de radioterapia torácica após tratamento cirúrgico e quimioterápico foram submetidas a TCAR, avaliação respiratória e avaliação da capacidade de exercício antes da radioterapia torácica e três meses após o término do tratamento. Foram realizados teste de força muscular respiratória, medição da mobilidade torácica e prova de função pulmonar completa para a avaliação respiratória; realizou-se teste de exercício cardiopulmonar para avaliar a capacidade de exercício. A dose total de radioterapia foi de 50,4 Gy (1,8 Gy/fração) na mama ou na parede torácica, incluindo ou não a fossa supraclavicular (FSC). Histogramas dose-volume foram calculados para cada paciente com especial atenção para o volume pulmonar ipsilateral que recebeu 25 Gy (V25), em números absolutos e relativos, e a dose pulmonar média. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 37 pacientes. Após a radioterapia, observou-se diminuição significativa da força muscular respiratória, mobilidade torácica, capacidade de exercício e resultados da prova de função pulmonar (p < 0,05). A DLCO permaneceu inalterada. A TCAR mostrou alterações relacionadas à radioterapia em 87% das pacientes, o que foi mais evidente nas pacientes submetidas à irradiação da FSC. O V25% correlacionou-se significativamente com a pneumonite por radiação. Conclusões: Em nossa amostra de pacientes com câncer de mama, a radioterapia torácica parece ter causado perdas significativas na capacidade respiratória e de exercício, provavelmente por causa da restrição torácica; a irradiação da FSC representou um fator de risco adicional para o desenvolvimento de pneumonite por radiação.

Spirometry in patients screened for coronary artery disease: is it useful? / Espirometria em pacientes submetidos a investigação para detecção de doença arterial coronariana: é útil?

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of spirometric abnormalities in patients screened for coronary artery disease (CAD) and the risk factors for lung function impairment. Methods: Patients referred for cardiac CT underwent spirometry and were subsequently divided into two groups, namely normal lung function and abnormal lung function. The prevalence of spirometric abnormalities was calculated for the following subgroups of patients: smokers, patients with metabolic syndrome, elderly patients, and patients with obstructive coronary lesions. All groups and subgroups were compared in terms of the coronary artery calcium score and the Duke CAD severity index. Results: A total of 205 patients completed the study. Of those, 147 (72%) had normal lung function and 58 (28%) had abnormal lung function. The median coronary artery calcium score was 1 for the patients with normal lung function and 36 for those with abnormal lung function (p = 0.01). The mean Duke CAD severity index was 15 for the former and 27 for the latter (p < 0.01). Being a smoker was associated with the highest OR for abnormal lung function, followed by being over 65 years of age and having obstructive coronary lesions. Conclusions: The prevalence of spirometric abnormalities appears to be high in patients undergoing cardiac CT for CAD screening. Smokers, elderly individuals, and patients with CAD are at an increased risk of lung function abnormalities and therefore should undergo spirometry. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01734629 [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/])

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de alterações espirométricas em pacientes submetidos a investigação para detecção de doença arterial coronariana (DAC) e os fatores de risco de comprometimento da função pulmonar. Métodos: Pacientes encaminhados para TC cardíaca foram submetidos a espirometria e, em seguida, divididos em dois grupos: função pulmonar normal e função pulmonar anormal. A prevalência de alterações espirométricas foi calculada em fumantes, pacientes com síndrome metabólica, idosos e portadores de lesões coronárias obstrutivas. Os grupos e subgrupos foram comparados quanto ao escore de cálcio coronariano e ao índice de gravidade de DAC de Duke. Resultados: Completaram o estudo 205 pacientes. Destes, 147 (72%) apresentaram função pulmonar normal e 58 (28%) apresentaram função pulmonar anormal. A mediana do escore de cálcio coronariano foi 1 nos pacientes com função pulmonar normal e 36 naqueles com função pulmonar anormal (p = 0,01). A média do índice de gravidade de DAC de Duke foi = 15 nos pacientes com função pulmonar normal e 27 nos pacientes com função pulmonar anormal (p < 0,01). O tabagismo apresentou a maior OR de função pulmonar anormal, seguido de idade > 65 anos e lesões coronarianas obstrutivas. Conclusões: A prevalência de alterações espirométricas parece ser alta em pacientes submetidos a TC cardíaca para detecção de DAC. O risco de função pulmonar anormal é maior em fumantes, idosos e pacientes com DAC, os quais, portanto, devem ser submetidos a espirometria. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01734629 [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/])

Air stacking: effects on pulmonary function in patients with spinal muscular atrophy and in patients with congenital muscular dystrophy, / Efeitos do treinamento de empilhamento de ar na função pulmonar de pacientes com amiotrofia espinhal e distrofia muscular congênita

OBJECTIVE: Respiratory complications are the main causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD). The objectives of this study were to determine the effects that routine daily home air-stacking maneuvers have on pulmonary function in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and in patients with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), as well as to identify associations between spinal deformities and the effects of the maneuvers. METHODS: Eighteen NMD patients (ten with CMD and eight with SMA) were submitted to routine daily air-stacking maneuvers at home with manual resuscitators for four to six months, undergoing pulmonary function tests before and after that period. The pulmonary function tests included measurements of FVC; PEF; maximum insufflation capacity (MIC); and assisted and unassisted peak cough flow (APCF and UPCF, respectively) with insufflations. RESULTS: After the use of home air-stacking maneuvers, there were improvements in the APCF and UPCF. In the patients without scoliosis, there was also a significant increase in FVC. When comparing patients with and without scoliosis, the increases in APCF and UPCF were more pronounced in those without scoliosis. CONCLUSIONS: Routine daily air-stacking maneuvers with a manual resuscitator appear to increase UPCF and APCF in patients with NMD, especially in those without scoliosis. .

OBJETIVO: As complicações respiratórias são as principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade em pacientes com doenças neuromusculares (DNM). Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar os efeitos que o treinamento diário domiciliar com manobras de empilhamento de ar tem na função respiratória de pacientes com amiotrofia espinhal (AE) e distrofia muscular congênita (DMC), e identificar possíveis associações entre deformidades na coluna vertebral e os efeitos das manobras. MÉTODOS: Dezoito pacientes com DNM (dez com DMC e oito com AE) foram submetidos a treinamento diário domiciliar de empilhamento de ar com ressuscitador manual por um período de quatro a seis meses e submetidos a testes de função pulmonar antes e após tal período. Os testes de função pulmonar incluíram medidas de CVF, PFE, a capacidade de insuflação máxima (CIM) e a medida do pico de fluxo de tosse não assistido e assistido (PFTNA e PFTASS, respectivamente). RESULTADOS: Após o uso das manobras de empilhamento de ar no domicílio, houve uma melhora significativa na PFTNA e PFTASS. Nos pacientes sem escoliose, houve também um aumento significativo na CVF. No grupo de pacientes sem escoliose, o ganho na PFTNA e PFTASS foi superior ao do grupo com escoliose. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização rotineira diária de manobras de empilhamento de ar com ressuscitador manual parece melhorar a PFTNA e PFTASS em pacientes com DNM, especialmente naqueles sem escoliose. .

The lung in paracoccidioidomycosis: new insights into old problems

OBJECTIVES: Chronic paracoccidioidomycosis can diffusely affect the lungs. Even after antifungal therapy, patients may present with residual respiratory abnormalities due to fungus-induced lung fibrosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 50 consecutive inactive, chronic paracoccidioidomycosis patients was performed using high resolution computed tomography, pulmonary function tests, ergospirometry, the six-minute walk test and health-related quality of life questionnaires. RESULTS: Radiological abnormalities were present in 98% of cases, the most frequent of which were architectural distortion (90%), reticulate and septal thickening (88%), centrilobular and paraseptal emphysema (84%) and parenchymal bands (74%). Patients typically presented with a mild obstructive disorder and a mild reduction in diffusion capacity with preserved exercise capacity, including VO2max and six-minute walking distance. Patient evaluation with the Saint-George Respiratory Questionnaire showed low impairment in the health-related quality of life, and the Medical Research Council questionnaire indicated a low dyspnea index. There were, however, patients with significant oxygen desaturation upon exercise that was associated with respiratory distress compared with the non-desaturated patients. The initial counterimmunoelectrophoresis of these patients was higher and lung emphysema was more prominent; however, there were no differences in the interstitial fibrotic tomographic abnormalities, tobacco exposure, functional responses, exercise capacity or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Inactive, chronic paracoccidioidomycosis patients show persistent and disseminated radiological abnormalities by high resolution computed tomography, short impairments in pulmonary function and low impacts on aerobic capacity and quality of life. However, there was a subset of individuals whose functional impairment was more severe. These patients present with higher initial ...

Infection as an independent risk factor for mortality in the surgical intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES: Medical and surgical intensive care unit patients represent two different populations and require different treatment approaches. The aim of this study was to investigate the parameters associated with mortality in medical and surgical intensive care units. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to a medical and surgical intensive care unit teaching hospital over an 11-month period. Factors associated with mortality were explored using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 827 admissions were observed, and 525 patients >18 years old and with a length of stay >24 h were analyzed. Of these patients, 227 were in the medical and 298 were in the surgical intensive care unit. The surgical patients were older (p<0.01) and had shorter lengths of stay (p<0.01). The mortality in the intensive care unit (35.1 vs. 26.2, p = 0.02) and hospital (48.8 vs. 35.5, p<0.01) was higher for medical patients. For patients in the surgical intensive care unit, death was independently associated with the need for mechanical ventilation, prognostic score (SAPS II), community-acquired infection, nosocomial infection, and intensive care unit-acquired infection. For patients in the medical intensive care unit, death was independently associated with the need for mechanical ventilation and prognostic score. CONCLUSIONS: Although the presence of infection is associated with a high mortality in both the medical and surgical intensive care units, the results of this prospective study suggest that infection has a greater impact in patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit. Measures and trials to prevent and treat sepsis may be most effective in the surgical intensive care unit population. .

Disfunção diafragmática e mortalidade em pacientes portadores de DPOC / Diaphragmatic dysfunction and mortality in patients with COPD

OBJETIVO: Verificar se indivíduos portadores de DPOC com disfunção diafragmática apresentam maior risco de mortalidade quando comparados àqueles sem disfunção diafragmática. MÉTODOS: Foi avaliada a função pulmonar, a mobilidade diafragmática, a qualidade de vida e o índice conhecido como Body mass index, airway Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE) em 42 pacientes portadores de DPOC. Os pacientes foram alocados em dois grupos de acordo com a gravidade do acometimento da mobilidade do diafragma: grupo de baixa mobilidade (BM; mobilidade < 33,99 mm) e grupo de alta mobilidade (AM; mobilidade > 34,00 mm). O índice BODE e a qualidade de vida foram quantificados nos dois grupos. Todos os pacientes foram acompanhados prospectivamente por um período de até 48 meses a fim de identificarmos o número de óbitos decorrentes de complicações respiratórias devido a DPOC. RESULTADOS: Dos 42 pacientes avaliados, 20 foram classificados no grupo BM, e 22 foram alocados no grupo AM. Não houve diferenças significativas quanto à faixa etária, hiperinsuflação pulmonar e fatores relacionados à qualidade de vida entre os grupos. Entretanto, o grupo BM apresentou maior pontuação no índice BODE em relação ao grupo AM (p = 0,01). O acompanhamento dos pacientes ao longo de 48 meses permitiu identificar quatro óbitos na população estudada, sendo todos os casos no grupo BM (15,79 por cento; p = 0,02). CONCLUSÕES: Esses resultados sugerem que pacientes portadores de DPOC com disfunção diafragmática, caracterizada por uma baixa mobilidade do diafragma, apresentam maior risco de mortalidade quando comparados àqueles sem disfunção diafragmática.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether COPD patients with diaphragmatic dysfunction present higher risk of mortality than do those without such dysfunction. METHODS: We evaluated pulmonary function, diaphragm mobility and quality of life, as well as determining the Body mass index, airway Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE) index, in 42 COPD patients. The patients were allocated to two groups according to the degree to which diaphragm mobility was impaired: low mobility (LM; mobility < 33.99 mm); and high mobility (HM; mobility > 34.00 mm). The BODE index and the quality of life were quantified in both groups. All patients were followed up prospectively for up to 48 months in order to determine the number of deaths resulting from respiratory complications due to COPD. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients evaluated, 20 were allocated to the LM group, and 22 were allocated to the HM group. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding age, lung hyperinflation or quality of life. However, BODE index values were higher in the LM group than in the HM group (p = 0.01). During the 48-month follow-up period, there were four deaths within the population studied, and all of those deaths occurred in the LM group (15.79 percent; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that COPD patients with diaphragmatic dysfunction, characterized by low diaphragm mobility, have a higher risk of death than do those without such dysfunction.

Pólipo traqueal / Tracheal polyp

Tumores benignos primários da traquéia são raros, sendo o mais freqüente a papilomatose benigna recorrente. Muitas vezes simulam doenças pulmonares obstrutivas, como asma e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, sendo os pacientes tratados como portadores de tais doenças por longo período sem apresentar melhora. Deve-se, portanto, incluí-los no diagnóstico diferencial dos quadros de obstrução da árvore traqueobrônquica. Relata-se um caso de paciente com pólipo traqueal com evolução de três anos e espirometria evidenciando padrão de obstrução intratorácica variável, que evoluiu com melhora clínica e funcional completa após ressecção por via broncoscópica.

Benign tracheal tumors are rare, recurrent papillomatosis being the most common. They often simulate obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and patients with benign tracheal tumors often undergo long-term treatment for such diseases, without any improvement, Therefore, these tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting tracheobronchial tree obstruction. This report describes the case of a patient with a tracheal polyp. The patient presented symptoms for three years, and the spirometry findings suggested intrathoracic obstruction. The patient presented complete clinical and spirometric recovery after bronchoscopic resection of the tumor.

Estudo funcional do acometimento das pequenas vias aéreas nas pneumopatias intersticiais fibrosantes / Physiological study of small airwayfunction in fibrosing interstitial lung disease

Apesar de bem estabelecido em termos morfológicos, a repercussão funcional do envolvimento das pequenas vias aéreas nas pneumopatias intersticiais fibrosantes (PIF) permanece controversa. O presente estudo avaliou de maneira invasiva e não-invasiva (espirometria, volume de fechamento, variação da complacência dinâmica com a freqüência respiratória) a função das pequenas vias aéreas em portadores de PIF, comparando com grupo controle e correlacionando com índices morfométricos de biópsias. Os testes funcionais não diferenciaram portadores da doença dos controles quanto ao acomentimento das pequenas via aéreas e não se correlacionaram com os dados morfométricos.

Although well known involvement of small airway in fibrosing interstitial lung disease based on morfologic issues, its functional consequences remains controversial. We present an invasive and non-invasive physiologic study for small airway function (pulmonary function tests, closing volume and frequency dependence of dynamic compliance) in patients with lung fibrosis. The physiological data were compared with normal controls and correlated with morfometric measurements from biopsies. Specific small airway function data could not show obstructive pattern when compared with normals, and did not correlate with morofmetric data.

Lesão por inalação de fumaça / Smoke inhalation injury

A lesão inalatória é hoje a principal causa de morte nos pacientes queimados, motivo pelo qual se justifica o grande número de estudos publicados sobre o assunto. Os mecanismos envolvidos na gênese da lesão inalatória envolvem tanto os fatores de ação local quanto os de ação sistêmica, o que acaba por aumentar muito as repercussões da lesão. Atualmente, buscam-se ferramentas que permitam o diagnóstico cada vez mais precoce da lesão inalatória e ainda estratégias de tratamento que minimizem as conseqüências da lesão já instalada. Esta revisão aborda os mecanismos fisiopatológicos, os métodos diagnósticos e as estratégias de tratamento dos pacientes vítimas de lesão inalatória. Ressalta ainda as perspectivas terapêuticas em desenvolvimento.