Outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and poor performance status treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the real-world setting.

BACKGROUND: Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are standard treatments for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with poor performance status (PS) are underrepresented in clinical trials. We evaluate the efficacy and safety of ICIs in a real-world setting. METHODS: We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective study to assess clinical outcomes of NSCLC treated with ICIs. We categorized pts within two groups (PS 0-1 vs 2) and assessed clinical outcomes and safety. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty nine patients were included, 44 patients (16.4%) had baseline PS 2 and 223 patients (82.9%) PS 0-1. The overall response rate (ORR) was 30.4%, median PFS was 7.26 months (95% CI 5.1-9.4), and median OS was 15.18 months (95% CI 9.5-20.9). Patients with a PS 2 were most likely to received ICIs in the second or later line (84.1% vs 64.6%; p = 0.01), had baseline steroids (21.4% vs 8.2%; p 0.010), lower response rate (16.7% vs 34.5%; p 0.02) and clinical benefit (35.7% vs 71%; p 0.000) compared to PS 0-1 pts. Moreover, PS ≥ 2 patients had shorter PFS, median 2.2 months (95% CI 1.3-3.1) compared to 9.9 months (95% CI 6.7-13.1] and shorter OS, 3.3 months (95% CI 2.6-4.2) versus 24.1 months (95% CI 16.1-32.1), respectively. PS was significantly associated with PFS and OS in multivariate analysis. As it was expected, immunotherapy was well tolerated with a safety profile comparable to the previous published data. CONCLUSION: Based on these retrospective results, patients with poor baseline performance status seem to have poor clinical outcomes with ICIs in the real-world setting.

Association Between Cigarette Smoking Prevalence and Income Level: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Previous evidence linked low socioeconomic status with higher smoking prevalence. Our objective was to assess the strength of this association in the world population, updating a previous work. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Subgroup analyses included continents, WHO regions, country mortality levels, gender, age, risk of bias, and study publication date. Independent reviewers selected studies, assessed potential bias and extracted data. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SOCINDEX, AFRICAN INDEX MEDICUS, and LILACS, and other sources from 1989 to 2013 reporting direct measurements of income and current cigarette smoking. RESULTS: We retrieved 13,583 articles and included 93 for meta-analysis. Median smoking prevalence was 17.8% (range 3-70%). Lower income was consistently associated with higher smoking prevalence (odds ratio [OR]: 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-1.56). This association was statistically significant in the subgroup analysis by WHO regions for the Americas (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.42-1.68), South East Asia (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.10-2.00), Europe (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.29-1.63), and Western Pacific (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.02-1.72), and in studies conducted during 1990s (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.24-1.62) and 2000s (OR: 1.48; 95%CI: 1.30-1.64). Likewise, it was noted in low-mortality countries (OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.37-1.60) and for both genders. Prevalence was highest in the lowest income levels compared to the middle (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.49-1.92), followed by the middle level compared to the highest (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.20-1.43). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that current cigarette smoking was significantly associated with lower income worldwide and across subgroups, suggesting a dose-response relationship. IMPLICATIONS: This unique updated systematic review shows a consistent inverse dose-response relationship between cigarette smoking and income level, present among most geographical areas and country characteristics. Public health measures should take into account this potential inequity and consider special efforts directed to disadvantaged populations.

[Updated recommendations for vaccination in adults with respiratory diseases. Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicine, 2023]. / Recomendaciones actualizadas para la vacunación de adultos con enfermedades respiratorias. Asociación Argentina de Medicina Respiratoria, 2023.

Adult smokers, those with comorbidities, and the elderly, are at greater risk of contracting infections and their complications. Community acquired respiratory infections due to viruses, pneumococcus and other bacteria, affect both healthy and sick adults. There are vaccines that the pulmonologist must know and prescribe. The target strains of the influenza vaccine are defined by the WHO for the Southern hemisphere considering those involved in the previous influenza season in the Northern hemisphere. Its effectiveness depends on virulence, concordance between circulating and vaccine strains, and population coverage. The anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine available since 1983 is being replaced by more effective conjugate vaccines to prevent infections related to serotypes present in them. Immunization against SARS-CoV-2 reduced the contagion, severity, and lethality of COVID-19. The acellular vaccine against Bordetella pertussis for adults is present for specific situations in the adult calendar; vaccinating them strengthens the control of childhood contagion. The double (diphtheria + tetanus), and triple (double + pertussis) bacterial vaccines, and the vaccines against measles, chickenpox, rubella, human papillomavirus, Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcus, herpes zoster, Argentine hemorrhagic fever and yellow fever, are of a more limited use. Soon we will have new vaccines such as the one recently approved by the FDA against respiratory syncytial virus. Through a consensus of experts in respiratory infections, we review the new evidence regarding the immunization of adults who consult a pulmonologist, and thus update the recommendations on vaccination made eight years ago.

Los adultos fumadores con comorbilidades, y los ancianos, corren mayor riesgo de contraer infecciones y sus complicaciones. Las infecciones respiratorias comunitarias por virus, neumococo y otras bacterias afectan tanto a adultos sanos como enfermos. Existen vacunas que el neumonólogo debe conocer y prescribir. Las cepas blanco de la vacuna contra influenza son definidas por la OMS para el hemisferio sur considerando a las implicadas en la temporada precedente de influenza en el hemisferio norte. Su efectividad depende de la virulencia, la concordancia entre las cepas circulantes y las vacunales y la cobertura de la población. La vacuna anti-neumocócica polisacárida disponible desde 1983 está siendo reemplazada por vacunas conjugadas más eficaces para prevenir infecciones relacionadas a serotipos presentes en las mismas. La inmunización contra SARS-CoV-2 redujo el contagio, la gravedad y la letalidad de COVID-19. La vacuna acelular contra Bordetella pertussis para adultos está presente para situaciones puntuales en el calendario para adultos, vacunarlos fortalece el control del contagio infantil. Las vacunas doble bacteriana (difteria + tétanos), y triple (doble + pertussis), y contra sarampión, varicela, rubeola, virus del papiloma humano, Haemophylus influenzae, meningococo, herpes zóster, fiebre hemorrágica argentina y fiebre amarilla, son de uso más limitado. Pronto contaremos con nuevas vacunas, como la recientemente aprobada por la FDA contra el virus sincicial respiratorio. Revisamos a través de un consenso de expertos en infecciones respiratorias las nuevas evidencias acerca de la inmunización de adultos que consultan al neumonólogo, y actualizamos así las recomendaciones sobre vacunación realizadas ocho años atrás.

Argentine consensus recommendations for lung cancer screening programmes: a RAND/UCLA-modified Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer (LC) screening improves LC survival; the best screening method in terms of improving survival is low-dose CT (LDCT), outpacing chest X-ray and sputum cytology. METHODS: A consensus of experts in Argentina was carried out to review the literature and generate recommendations for LC screening programmes. A mixed-method study was used with three phases: (1) review of the literature; (2) modified Delphi consensus panel; and (3) development of the recommendations. The Evidence to Decision (EtD) framework was used to generate 13 evaluation criteria. Nineteen experts participated in four voting rounds. Consensus among participants was defined using the RAND/UCLA method. RESULTS: A total of 16 recommendations scored ≥7 points with no disagreement on any criteria. Screening for LC should be performed with LDCT annually in the population at high-risk, aged between 55 and 74 years, regardless of sex, without comorbidities with a risk of death higher than the risk of death from LC, smoking ≥30 pack-years or former smokers who quit smoking within 15 years. Screening will be considered positive when finding a solid nodule ≥6 mm in diameter (or ≥113 mm3) on baseline LDCT and 4 mm in diameter if a new nodule is identified on annual screening. A smoking cessation programme should be offered, and cardiovascular risk assessment should be performed. Institutions should have a multidisciplinary committee, have protocols for the management of symptomatic patients not included in the programme and distribute educational material. CONCLUSION: The recommendations provide a basis for minimum requirements from which local institutions can develop their own protocols adapted to their needs and resources.

Perceived stress, resilience, and stress coping in patients with drug resistant epilepsy and functional dissociative seizures.

PURPOSE: Depression and anxiety are psychiatric disorders related to chronic stress, commonly found in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and functional dissociative seizures (FDS). The present study compares the levels of perceived stress, resilience, and the styles of stress coping among patients with DRE (n=60), FDS (n=28), and controls (n=31). METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study. All patients underwent Video Electroencephalography to confirm the diagnosis and completed the psychiatric assessment (SCID I and II of DSM IV) supported by several instruments validated in Spanish. RESULTS: FDS scored higher in perceived stress (p = 0.004) with lower levels of resilience compared to controls (p = 0.01). Stress coping subscales show higher scores in negative self-focus and hostility in patients with FDS compared to controls (p=0.003). Similarly, DRE patients scored higher in perceived stress (p = 0.001), and presented lower levels of resilience (p = 0.004) with higher levels of hostility compared to controls (p=0.02). However, no significant differences were found between FDS and DRE on stress coping variables. Anxiety scores and depression rates were higher in the FDS group compared to DRE (p=0.008) and higher in DRE compared to controls (p<0.05). A positive correlation between depression and perceived stress was found (r = 0.6, p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results delineate a more detailed picture of the psychological profile of this population, emphasizing the importance of stress factors in patients with FDS and DRE. Combined intervention strategies which enhance stress coping may be appropriate to direct treatment and psychotherapy.

Heart rate nonlinear dynamics during sudden hypoxia at 8230 m simulated altitude.

OBJECTIVE: Acute hypobaric hypoxia is associated with autonomic changes that bring a global reduction of linear heart rate variability (HRV). Although changes in nonlinear HRV can be associated with physiologic stress and are relevant predictors of fatal arrhythmias in ischemic heart disease, to what extent these components vary in sudden hypobaric hypoxia is not known. METHODS: Twelve military pilots were supplemented with increasing concentrations of oxygen during decompression to 8230 m in a hypobaric chamber. Linear and nonlinear HRV was evaluated at 8230 m altitude before, during, and after oxygen flow deprivation. Linear HRV was assessed through traditional time-domain and frequency-domain analysis. Nonlinear HRV was quantified through the short-term fractal correlation exponent alpha (alphas) and the Sample Entropy index (SampEn). RESULTS: Hypoxia was related to a decrease in linear HRV indexes at all frequency levels. A non-significant decrease in alphas (basal, 1.39 +/- 0.07; hypoxia, 1.11 +/- 0.13; recovery, 1.41 +/- 0.05; P = .054) and a significant increase in SampEn (basal, 1.07 +/- 0.11; hypoxia, 1.45 +/- 0.12; recovery, 1.43 +/- 0.09; P = .018) were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The observed pattern of diminished linear HRV and increased nonlinear HRV is similar to that seen in subjects undergoing heavy exercise or in patients with ischemic heart disease at high risk for ventricular fibrillation.

Brief review: diurnal rhythms, obesity and educational achievement in South american cultures.

Obesity causes or exacerbates a host of medical conditions, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, and endocrine diseases. In addition, there is growing evidence that obesity and sleep problems are linked in adolescents and that they are significant obstacles for learning, having a negative impact on behavior, and attainment of social competence and quality of life. The theoretical basis of this relationship is discussed. Several studies investigating the relationships between obesity, sleep disturbance, and a number of important negative outcomes are reviewed.

Lesiones difusas nodulares endobronquiales masivas en paciente con linfoma No Hodgkin / Massive Diffuse Nodular Endobronchial Lesions in a Patient with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

RESUMEN El linfoma no Hodgkin compromete en un 50 % de los casos estructuras intratoráci cas; la afectación bronquial es infrecuente. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con sospecha de enfermedad linfoproliferativa e infiltrados pulmonares. En la broncoscopia se observaron imágenes nodulares difusas prominentes de todo el árbol bronquial. La anatomía patológica de la biopsia bronquial fue compatible con linfoma no Hodgkin marginal y la evolución con quimioterapia fue favorable.

ABSTRACT Thoracic involvement occurs in 50 % of cases of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Bronchial involvement is rare. We describe a case presenting with probable lymphoproliferative disease and pulmonary infiltrates. Bronchoscopy revealed prominent diffuse nodular images throughout the bronchial tree. Bronchial biopsy yielded a diagnosis of marginal Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. The patient had a good response to chemotherapy.

Actualización de las recomendaciones de vacunación en adultos con enfermedades respiratorias. Documento de la Asociación Argentina de Medicina Respiratoria para los neumonólogos, 2023 / Recommendations in Adults with Respiratory Diseases. Document from the Argentinian Association of Respiratory Medicine for Pulmonologists, 2023

RESUMEN Los adultos fumadores, con comorbilidades, y los ancianos tienen mayor riesgo de contraer infecciones pulmonares y de tener peor evolución. La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad debida a virus, neumococo, además de otras bacterias y microorga nismos "atípicos" afecta tanto a adultos sanos como enfermos. La vacuna antigripal se diseña el verano anterior orientada a las cepas esperadas para la temporada siguiente. Su eficacia depende fundamentalmente de la variante viral que finalmente sea la responsable del brote. La vacuna anti-neumocócica polisacárida existe desde 1983 y será inexorablemente reemplazada por vacunas conjugadas de mayor eficacia, que previenen la infección por los serotipos presentes en la vacuna. La inmunización contra SARS-CoV-2 aceleró la reducción del contagio y la gravedad de COVID-19 notablemente. La vacuna acelular para Bordetella pertussis no está en el calendario de adultos, aun cuando vacunarlos fortalece el control del contagio infantil. La vacunas doble bacteriana (difteria y tétanos), y triple (doble + pertusis), y contra sarampión, varicela, rubeola, HPV, Haemophylus influenzae, meningococo, herpes zóster, fiebre hemorrágica argentina y fiebre amarilla están disponibles, pero son de uso limitado. Nuevas vacunas, como la recientemente aprobada por los CDC contra el virus sincicial respiratorio, pronto estarán disponibles.

ABSTRACT Adult smokers, subjects with comorbidities, and the elderly are at higher risk of pulmo nary infections and worse outcomes. Community-acquired pneumonia due to viruses, pneumococcus, other bacteria, and "atypical" microorganisms affects healthy and sick adults. The flu vaccine is designed the previous summer for the strains expected for the following season. Its effectiveness depends fundamentally on the viral variant ultimately responsible for the outbreak. The anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine has been available since 1983 and it is expected to be replaced by conjugate vaccines which are more effective in preventing infection due to serotypes present in the vaccine. Immuniza tion against SARS-CoV-2 diminished contagion and severity of COVID-19 remarkably. The acellular vaccine for Bordetella pertussis is not on the schedule for all adults, even when vaccinating them strengthens the control of contagion in children. Double bacterial (diphtheria and tetanus), triple (double + pertussis), measles, varicella, rubella, HPV, Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcal, herpes zoster, Argentine hemorrhagic fever, and yellow fever vaccines are available, but their use is limited. New vaccines such as the one recently approved by the CDC against respiratory syncytial virus will soon be available.

Recomendaciones actualizadas para la vacunación de adultos con enfermedades respiratorias Asociación Argentina de Medicina Respiratoria, 2023 / Updated recommendations for vaccination in adults with respiratory diseases Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicine, 2023

Resumen Los adultos fumadores con comorbilidades, y los ancianos, corren mayor riesgo de contraer infecciones y sus complicaciones. Las infecciones respiratorias comu nitarias por virus, neumococo y otras bacterias afectan tanto a adultos sanos como enfermos. Existen vacunas que el neumonólogo debe conocer y prescribir. Las ce pas blanco de la vacuna contra influenza son definidas por la OMS para el hemisferio sur considerando a las implicadas en la temporada precedente de influenza en el hemisferio norte. Su efectividad depende de la virulencia, la concordancia entre las cepas circulantes y las vacunales y la cobertura de la población. La vacuna anti-neumocócica polisacárida disponible desde 1983 está siendo reemplazada por vacunas conjugadas más eficaces para prevenir infecciones relacionadas a sero tipos presentes en las mismas. La inmunización contra SARS-CoV-2 redujo el contagio, la gravedad y la letalidad de COVID-19. La vacuna acelular contra Bordetella pertussis para adultos está presente para situaciones puntuales en el calendario para adultos, vacunarlos fortalece el control del contagio infantil. Las vacunas doble bacte riana (difteria + tétanos), y triple (doble + pertussis), y contra sarampión, varicela, rubeola, virus del papiloma humano, Haemophylus influenzae, meningococo, herpes zóster, fiebre hemorrágica argentina y fiebre amarilla, son de uso más limitado. Pronto contaremos con nuevas vacunas, como la recientemente aprobada por la FDA contra el virus sincicial respiratorio. Revisamos a través de un consenso de expertos en infecciones respiratorias las nuevas evidencias acerca de la inmunización de adultos que consultan al neumonólogo, y actualizamos así las recomendaciones sobre vacunación realizadas ocho años atrás.

Abstract Adult smokers, those with comorbidities, and the elderly, are at greater risk of contracting infections and their complications. Community acquired respiratory infections due to viruses, pneumococcus and other bac teria, affect both healthy and sick adults. There are vac cines that the pulmonologist must know and prescribe. The target strains of the influenza vaccine are defined by the WHO for the Southern hemisphere considering those involved in the previous influenza season in the Northern hemisphere. Its effectiveness depends on virulence, concordance between circulating and vaccine strains, and population coverage. The anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine available since 1983 is being replaced by more effective conjugate vaccines to pre vent infections related to serotypes present in them. Immunization against SARS-CoV-2 reduced the conta gion, severity, and lethality of COVID-19. The acellular vaccine against Bordetella pertussis for adults is present for specific situations in the adult calendar; vaccinating them strengthens the control of childhood contagion. The double (diphtheria + tetanus), and triple (double + pertussis) bacterial vaccines, and the vaccines against measles, chickenpox, rubella, human papillomavirus, Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcus, herpes zoster, Argentine hemorrhagic fever and yellow fever, are of a more limited use. Soon we will have new vaccines such as the one recently approved by the FDA against respi ratory syncytial virus. Through a consensus of experts in respiratory infections, we review the new evidence regarding the immunization of adults who consult a pulmonologist, and thus update the recommendations on vaccination made eight years ago.

¿Cómo llega el paciente asmático al servicio de emergencias? Datos del estudio multicéntrico SABINA EMERGENCIAS / How Does the Asthmatic Patient Arrive at the Emergency Department? Data from the SABINA EMERGENCIAS Multicenter Study

Introducción: Los objetivos del control del asma son prevenir la aparición de síntomas y reducir el riesgo de exacerbaciones y mortalidad mediante educación médica, técnica inhalatoria, adherencia a medicación controladora e indicación de planes de acción (PA); pero los pacientes enfrentan exacerbaciones de diversa gravedad. Objetivos: El objetivo principal del estudio SABINA EMERGENCIAS fue describir la forma en que los pacientes concurren al servicio de emergencias (SE), considerando la frecuencia y uso de medicación de rescate. Objetivos secundarios: consultas al SE; uso de corticoides sistémicos (CS), agonistas beta-2 de acción corta (SABA) y tratamiento controlador; disponibilidad de PA. Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal, observacional, descriptivo, en cuatro hospitales del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires en adultos con asma. Resultados: n=323 (edad: 43,7±16,8 años; mujeres: 66,6%): 61,3% no eran seguidos por especialistas; 90,1% utilizaron SABA como rescate (mediana:10 inhalaciones; rango 0-100) la semana previa; 75,9% tuvieron ≥1 consulta al SE el año previo (mediana:2 [0-100]); 29,4% habían sido hospitalizados; 59,1% recibieron ≥1 ciclo de CS; mediana de consumo de SABA: 3 envases/año (0-23); 51,7% habían utilizado ≥3 envases; 30% no empleaban tratamiento de mantenimiento (23% usaba SABA); 75,9% no efectuaban terapia regular de mantenimiento; 77,1% no contaban con PA. Conclusión: Una reducida proporción de pacientes asmáticos que concurren al SE son seguidos por médicos especialistas, con alto consumo y elevada frecuencia de aplicación de SABA como rescate y baja adherencia al tratamiento de mantenimiento. Se remarca la necesidad de optimizar el manejo, con énfasis en la derivación al especialista, adherencia al tratamiento y prescripción de PA.

Introduction: The objectives of asthma control are to prevent the onset of symptoms and reduce the risk of exacerbations and mortality through medical education, inhaler technique, adherence to controller medication and indication of action plans (AP); but patients experience exacerbations of varying severity. Objective: The main objective of the SABINA EMERGENCIAS study was to describe how patients attend the emergency department (ED), considering the frequency and use of rescue medication. Secondary objectives: ED visits; use of systemic corticosteroids (SC), short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABA) and controller therapy; availability of AP. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study in 4 hospitals in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires in adults with asthma. Results: n=323 (age:43.7±16.8 years; women:66.6%): 61.3% were not followed by specialists; 90.1% used SABA as rescue medication (median:10 puffs; range 0-100) the previous week; 75.9% had ≥1 visit to the ES the previous year (median: 2 [0-100]); 29.4% had been hospitalized; 59.1% received ≥1 cycle of CS; median SABA consumption: 3 cannisters/year (0-23); 51.7% had used ≥3 cannisters; 30% did not use maintenance therapy (23% used SABA); 75.9% did not perform regular maintenance therapy; 77.1% did not have an AP. Conclusion: A small proportion of asthmatic patients attending the ES are followed by specialist physicians, with high consumption and high frequency of SABA application as rescue medication and low adherence to maintenance treatment. The need to optimize management is highlighted, with emphasis on referral to specialists, adherence to treatment and prescription of APs.

Prevalence and Features of Asthma in Young Adults in Urban Areas of Argentina. / Prevalencia y características clínicas del asma en adultos jóvenes en zonas urbanas de Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the burden of asthma in a young adult population in urban areas of Argentina. DESIGN: A nationwide telephone survey in subjects aged 20-44 years was performed in urban areas in Argentina. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire was used. Asthma was defined as an exacerbation in the last year or use of asthma medications. RESULTS: In total, 1,521 subjects responded (62.4% females, mean age 33 years), of whom 91 were classified as asthmatics (5.9%, 95% CI 4.7-7.1). Prevalence adjusted for age, sex and education level was 6.4% (95% CI 5.1-7.7). Wheezing was reported by 13.9% (95% CI 15.6-12.2) and a diagnosis of asthma by 9.5% (95% CI 8.0-11.0). Among individuals with a diagnosis of asthma (n=154), 71.3% had undergone spirometry. Among those treated (n=77), 51.9% used medications daily and 46.8% as a rescue measure. Of those reporting an exacerbation in the last year (n=60), 55% had attended an emergency department and 23% were admitted. Asthma was associated with rhinitis (OR 11.1, 95% CI 6.2-19.9) and family history (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.3-5.5). CONCLUSION: Asthma prevalence in young adults in Argentina is similar to Europe. Although attacks and admissions were common, regular use of medications was reported by half of those treated. These results may be useful for other Latin American countries.

Sleep disordered breathing and daytime sleepiness are associated with poor academic performance in teenagers. A study using the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS).

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Inadequate sleep and sleep disordered breathing (SDB) can impair learning skills. Questionnaires used to evaluate sleepiness in adults are usually inadequate for adolescents. We conducted a study to evaluate the performance of a Spanish version of the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS) and to assess the impact of sleepiness and SDB on academic performance. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of students from 7 schools in 4 cities of Argentina. MEASUREMENTS: A questionnaire with a Spanish version of the PDSS was used. Questions on the occurrence of snoring and witnessed apneas were answered by the parents. Mathematics and language grades were used as indicators of academic performance. PARTICIPANTS: The sample included 2,884 students (50% males; age: 13.3 +/- 1.5 years) RESULTS: Response rate was 85%; 678 cases were excluded due to missing data. Half the students slept <9 h per night on weekdays. The mean PDSS value was 15.74 +/- 5.93. Parental reporting of snoring occurred in 511 subjects (23%); snoring was occasional in 14% and frequent in 9%. Apneas were witnessed in 237 cases (11%), being frequent in 4% and occasional in 7%. Frequent snorers had higher mean PDSS scores than occasional or nonsnorers (18 +/- 5, 15.7 +/- 6 and 15.5 +/- 6, respectively; P < 0.001). Reported snoring or apneas and the PDSS were significant univariate predictors of failure and remained significant in multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, specific school attended, and sleep habits. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient hours of sleep were prevalent in this population. The Spanish version of the PDSS was a reliable tool in middle-school-aged children. Reports of snoring or witnessed apneas and daytime sleepiness as measured by PDSS were independent predictors of poor academic performance.

[Adherence with national guidelines in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Results of CAPO study in Argentina]. / Cumplimiento con las guías nacionales en pacientes hospitalizados con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad. Resultados del estudio CAPO en Argentina.

A committee of six scientific organizations from Argentina developed guidelines for the management of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of adherence with the recommended care suggested by the guidelines in patients hospitalized with CAP in Argentina. Using quality indicators the management of 436 patients who were hospitalized in 12 Argentinean institutions was evaluated. The care given among the following areas was reviewed: need for hospitalization, need for oxygen therapy, empiric antibiotic therapy, switch therapy, hospital discharge, and prevention. The level of adherence was classified as optimal (>90%), intermediate (60% to 90%), and low (<60%).The selection of the empiric antibiotic therapy and the administration of antibiotics between the first 8 hours after arrival had an adherence greater to 80%. A low level of adherence was found in the areas of switch therapy (53%), prevention of CAP with pneumococcal vaccine (51%) and smoking cessation offered (29%). Using quality indicators it is possible to identify specific areas of management in patients with CAP to a low level of adherence with national guidelines. In Argentina interventions to improve switch therapy and prevention of CAP should be developed.

Factores predictivos de cesación tabáquica en adultos de Argentina: Análisis secundario de la encuesta mundial de tabaco / Who quit smoking and who wants to quit?: Secondary analysis from Global Adult Tobacco Survey in Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: La reducción del daño a la salud causado por el tabaco depende de la cesación. Se han descripto características sociodemográficas y personales relacionadas con el cese, pero no se cuenta con análisis en esta población. El objetivo fue evaluar los predictores de ser ex fumador o estar en una etapa favorable para dejar de fumar en la población urbana de Argentina. MÉTODOS: Análisis secundario de la Encuesta Mundial de Tabaquismo en Adultos (EMTA-GATS) empleando regresión logística multivariable. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 6299 sujetos (edad media: 43,3 años; hombres: 46,39%; fumadores: 23,16%). Ser ex fumador se asoció a edad (OR 1,11; IC95%: 1,02-1,20 cada 5 años), hogares en los que no se fuma (OR 2,92; IC95%: 1,78-4,78), apoyo al aumento de impuestos al tabaco (OR 2,32; IC95%: 1,52-3,56), no fumar a diario (OR 2,06; IC95%: 1,25-3,39) y ser mujer (OR 1,53; IC95%: 1,06-2,19), independientemente del nivel educativo y de ingresos. Entre los fumadores, la edad (OR 1,10; IC95%: 1,01-1,26 cada 5 años) y estar sensibilizado por advertencias sanitarias (OR 4,64; IC95%: 2,28-9,41) se asociaron a querer dejar, independientemente del género y nivel educativo. El consejo médico se asoció con la decisión de dejar de fumar (OR 6,25; IC95%: 2,91- 13,42), independientemente del nivel educativo y de ingresos. DISCUSIÓN: Implementar campañas de hogares libres de humo, advertencias sanitarias y el asesoramiento médico son estrategias útiles para contribuir a la cesación.

Sleep habits and accident risk among truck drivers: a cross-sectional study in Argentina.

Road accidents are a major cause of death, and sleep deprivation affects driving skills. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate sleep habits and accident risk in long-haul truck drivers in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Questionnaires regarding sleep habits, snoring, and daytime sleepiness were administered, and a limited physical examination was performed. We obtained 738 complete answers (response rate 85%). Mean sleep hours during working days was 3.76 (SD 2.40). Mean driving hours was 15.9 (SD 5.60) per day. Frequent sleepiness while driving was reported by 43.7% of responders. Sleepiness while driving was associated with Epworth Sleepiness Scale values >10 (odds ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval = 1.20-2.85). Snoring was reportea by 71% of drivers and was frequent in 43.8%. Snoring more than 3 times a week (odds ratio 1.73, 95% confidence interval = 1.23-2.44), sleepiness while driving (OR 1.92, 95% confidence interval = 1.08-1.96), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score > 10 (odds ratio 2.53, 95% confidence interval = 1.61-3.97) were independently associated with reporting of accidents or near accidents. Sleep deprivation and long driving shifts were prevalent in our study. Accident risk was associated with frequent snoring, daytime sleepiness, and reporting of sleepiness at the wheel. This study highlights the need of improving working conditions in this highly exposed population.

Consumo de cigarrillos electrónicos en Argentina Resultados de dos encuestas nacionales / Electronic cigarette use in Argentina: Results from two national surveys

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los cigarrillos electrónicos (CE) aparecieron en 2004 y actualmente se consumen en la mayoría de los países. En Argentina, la Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica (ANMAT) prohibió su venta en 2011. El objetivo principal de este reporte fue informar las prevalencias de consumo actual de cigarrillos tradicionales y de CE en adultos y adolescentes de Argentina. MÉTODOS: Los datos sobre adultos se obtuvieron de la Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo de 2018 con representatividad nacional. Los datos de jóvenes provinieron de la Encuesta Mundial de Tabaco en Jóvenes de 2018, que incluyó a 1845 alumnos de escuelas públicas y privadas a nivel nacional. RESULTADOS: En adultos, la prevalencia de consumo actual de cigarrillos tradicionales fue del 22,2% y la de CE fue del 1,1%. Entre los jóvenes de 13 a 15 años, el 18,0% refirió haber consumido cigarrillos tradicionales y el 7,1%, CE en los 30 días previos a la encuesta. El 14,4% había consumido CE alguna vez en su vida. El 75% conocía los CE, y el 42% creía que eran menos dañinos que los cigarrillos tradicionales. El uso de CE se evidenció también en jóvenes que nunca habían probado un cigarrillo común. DISCUSIÓN: Dos encuestas nacionales en adultos y en jóvenes escolarizados muestran que el consumo de cigarrillos tradicionales es elevado y que, a pesar de la prohibición, el CE es consumido por jóvenes y adultos. Es necesario reforzar la fiscalización de la ley vigente y la prohibición completa de todo tipo de publicidad, promoción, patrocinio y exhibición de productos de tabaco, incluidos los CE

Prevalencia y características clínicas del asma en adultos jóvenes en zonas urbanas de Argentina / Prevalence and Features of Asthma in Young Adults in Urban Areas of Argentina

Objetivo: Estimar la carga del asma en la población adulta joven en zonas urbanas de Argentina. Diseño: Se realizó una encuesta telefónica a nivel nacional en sujetos de 20 a 44 años en áreas urbanas de Argentina. Se utilizó el cuestionario de la European Community Respiratory Health Survey. El asma se definió como ataque en el último año o uso de medicamentos para el asma. Resultados: Mil quinientos veintiún sujetos fueron encuestados (62,4% mujeres, edad media 33 años). Noventa y uno fueron clasificados como asmáticos (5,9%, IC 95% 4,7-7,1). La prevalencia ajustada por edad, sexo y nivel educativo fue de 6,4% (IC 95% 5,1-7,7). El porcentaje de sibilancia fue de un 13,9% (IC 95% 15,6-12,2) y el de diagnóstico médico de asma, de un 9,5% (IC 95% 8,0-11,0). Entre los diagnósticos (n = 154), el 71,3% realizó una espirometría y el 51,9% de los tratados (n = 77) utilizaba medicamentos diariamente y un 46,8% como rescate. De los que reportaron algún ataque en el último año (n = 60), un 55% tuvieron una visita a Urgencias y un 23,3% fueron hospitalizados. El asma se asoció con rinitis (OR 11,1; IC 95% 6,2-19,9) e historia familiar (OR 3,6; IC 95% 2,3-5,5). Conclusión: La prevalencia de asma en adultos jóvenes en Argentina es similar a la de Europa. Aunque los ataques y las admisiones fueron comunes, el uso regular de los medicamentos fue informado por la mitad de los tratados. Los resultados pueden ser útiles para otros países de América Latina (AU)

Objective: To investigate the burden of asthma in a young adult population in urban areas of Argentina. Design: A nationwide telephone survey in subjects aged 20-44 years was performed in urban areas in Argentina. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire was used. Asthma was defined as an exacerbation in the last year or use of asthma medications. Results: In total, 1,521 subjects responded (62.4% females, mean age 33 years), of whom 91 were classified as asthmatics (5.9%, 95% CI 4.7-7.1). Prevalence adjusted for age, sex and education level was 6.4% (95% CI 5.1-7.7). Wheezing was reported by 13.9% (95% CI 15.6-12.2) and a diagnosis of asthma by 9.5% (95% CI 8.0-11.0). Among individuals with a diagnosis of asthma (n=154), 71.3% had undergone spirometry. Among those treated (n=77), 51.9% used medications daily and 46.8% as a rescue measure. Of those reporting an exacerbation in the last year (n=60), 55% had attended an emergency department and 23% were admitted. Asthma was associated with rhinitis (OR 11.1, 95% CI 6.2-19.9) and family history (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.3-5.5). Conclusion: Asthma prevalence in young adults in Argentina is similar to Europe. Although attacks and admissions were common, regular use of medications was reported by half of those treated. These results may be useful for other Latin American countries (AU)

A multi-step pathway connecting short sleep duration to daytime somnolence, reduced attention, and poor academic performance: an exploratory cross-sectional study in teenagers.

BACKGROUND: A multi-step causality pathway connecting short sleep duration to daytime somnolence and sleepiness leading to reduced attention and poor academic performance as the final result can be envisaged. However this hypothesis has never been explored. OBJECTIVE: To explore consecutive correlations between sleep duration, daytime somnolence, attention levels, and academic performance in a sample of school-aged teenagers. METHODS: We carried out a survey assessing sleep duration and daytime somnolence using the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS). Sleep duration variables included week-days' total sleep time, usual bedtimes, and absolute weekday to-weekend sleep time difference. Attention was assessed by d2 test and by the coding subtest from the WISC-IV scale. Academic performance was obtained from literature and math grades. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the independent relationships between these variables, while controlling for confounding effects of other variables, in one single model. Standardized regression weights (SWR) for relationships between these variables are reported. RESULTS: Study sample included 1,194 teenagers (mean age: 15 years; range: 13-17 y). Sleep duration was inversely associated with daytime somnolence (SWR = -0.36, p < 0.01) while sleepiness was negatively associated with attention (SWR = -0.13, p < 0.01). Attention scores correlated positively with academic results (SWR = 0.18, p < 0.01). Daytime somnolence correlated negatively with academic achievements (SWR = -0.16, p < 0.01). The model offered an acceptable fit according to usual measures (RMSEA = 0.0548, CFI = 0.874, NFI = 0.838). A Sobel test confirmed that short sleep duration influenced attention through daytime somnolence (p < 0.02), which in turn influenced academic achievements through reduced attention (p < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Poor academic achievements correlated with reduced attention, which in turn was related to daytime somnolence. Somnolence correlated with short sleep duration.