Incidental diagnosis of cardiac fibroma in an infant with acute viral bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric cardiac tumors are rare and, among them, 90% are benign. Cardiac fibroma is the second most frequent tumor, after rhabdomyoma. The objective of this study is to report a case of cardiac fibroma diagnosed incidentally in a patient admitted with acute viral bronchiolitis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 5-month-old male infant was admitted to the pediatric emergency department with acute viral bronchiolitis requiring hospitalization. He presented a detectable respiratory syncytial virus in oropharyngeal swab, blood test with lymphocytosis and a chest radiography revealed cardiomegaly. Further cardiologic testing was performed detecting elevation of cardiac biomarkers, an electrocardiogram with alteration of left ventricular repolarization and echocardiogram with a heterogeneous mass in the left ventricular, with areas of calcification. A chest angiotomography suggested rhabdomyosarcoma or cardiac fibroma and a magnetic resonance showed a mass, with characteristics suggesting fibroma. The final diagnosis was made after two cardiac catheterizations for biopsy of the lesion, confirming cardiac fibroma by anatomopathological examination. Because the patient had moderate to severe systolic dysfunction, he was submitted to heart transplant. COMMENTS: One third of cardiac fibromas are asymptomatic, generally diagnosed late through tests ordered for other reasons. The gold-standard test for definitive diagnosis is biopsy. Cardiac fibroma usually does not present spontaneous regression and, in most cases, partial or total surgical resection is necessary. When tumors are unresectable, heart transplantation should be indicated. It is essential to have detailed characterization of the cardiac mass to establish the most appropriate therapeutic approach for each patient.

Multilevel analysis identifying the factors associated with RSV detection in infants admitted for viral bronchiolitis in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors independently associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detection in infants admitted for viral bronchiolitis during 3 consecutive years, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, in Bogota, Colombia, a middle-income country with a subtropical highland climate. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, including patients with a diagnosis of viral bronchiolitis admitted to all the hospitals of the city between January 2019 and November 2021. We evaluated a set of a priori-selected predictor variables that included individual, healthcare system, meteorological, air pollutant, and COVID-19 variables. Since the variables analyzed are hierarchical in nature, multilevel modeling was used to identify factors independently associated with detection of RSV as the causative agent of viral bronchiolitis. RESULTS: A total of 13,177 patients were included in the study. After controlling for potential confounders, it was found that age (odds ratio [OR] 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.97), a third level of medical care institution (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.61-5.76), temperature (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.24-2.07), rainfall (OR 1.003, 95% CI 1.001, 1.005), NO2 (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.99), CO (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.99-0.99), and COVID-19 pandemic period (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71-0.99) were independently associated with RSV detection in our sample of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The identified factors associated with RSV detection provide additional scientific evidence that may be useful in the development of specific interventions aimed at ameliorating or preventing the impact of RSV in Bogota and probably other similar low- to middle-income countries in high-risk infants.

For which infants with viral bronchiolitis could it be deemed appropriate to use albuterol, at least on a therapeutic trial basis?

Although there is increasing evidence showing that infants with viral bronchiolitis exhibit a high degree of heterogeneity, a core uncertainty shared by many clinicians is with regard to understanding which patients are most likely to benefit from bronchodilators such as albuterol. Based on our review, we concluded that older infants with rhinovirus (RV) bronchiolitis, especially those with a nasopharyngeal microbiome dominated by Haemophilus influenzae; those affected during nonpeak months or during non-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) predominant months; those with wheezing at presentation; those with clinical characteristics such as atopic dermatitis or a family history of asthma in a first-degree relative; and those infants infected with RSV genotypes ON1 and BA, have the greatest likelihood of benefiting from albuterol. Presently, this patient profile could serve as the basis for rational albuterol administration in patients with viral bronchiolitis, at least on a therapeutic trial basis, and it could also be the starting point for future targeted randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the use of albuterol among a subset of infants with bronchiolitis.

Predictors for the prescription of albuterol in infants hospitalized for viral bronchiolitis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the recommendation against routine use of inhaled bronchodilators in infants with viral bronchiolitis given in the main clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on viral bronchiolitis, albuterol is widely prescribed to patients with this disease. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of prescription of albuterol in a population of infants hospitalized for viral bronchiolitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study performed during the period from March 2014 to August 2015, in a random sample of patients <2 years old hospitalized in the Fundacion Hospital La Misericordia, a hospital located in Bogota, Colombia. After reviewing the electronic medical records, we collected demographic, clinical, and disease-related information, including prescription of albuterol at any time during the course of hospitalization as the outcome variable. RESULTS: For a total of 1365 study participants, 1042 (76.3%) were prescribed with albuterol therapy. After controlling for potential confounders, it was found that age (OR 1.11; CI 95% 1.08-1.15; p<0.001), and a prolonged length of stay (LOS) (OR 1.93; CI 95% 1.44-2.60; p<0.001) were independent predictors of prescription of albuterol in our sample of patients. By contrast, albuterol prescription was less likely in the post-guideline assessment period (OR 0.41; CI 95% 0.31-0.54; p<0.001), and in infants with RSV isolation (OR 0.71; CI 95% 0.52-0.97; p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Albuterol was highly prescribed in our population of inpatients with the disease. The independent predictors of prescription of albuterol in our sample of patients were age, implementation of a CPG on viral bronchiolitis, RSV isolation, and LOS.

Quality assessment of acute viral bronchiolitis clinical practice guidelines.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, in an attempt to reduce variability in clinical practice and produce better results for patients, several clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the appropriate diagnosis and management of bronchiolitis in infants have been developed. However, the quality of available CPGs for bronchiolitis management has not yet been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of acute viral bronchiolitis CPGs. METHOD: We performed a systematic and exhaustive search of CPGs on bronchiolitis published from 2000 to 2014. Three independent appraisers assessed the quality of the CPGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. A standardized score was calculated for each of the six domains, and the CPGS were rated as recommended, recommended with modifications, or not recommended. RESULTS: Six CPGs published between the years 2000 and 2014 were selected from a total of 111 citations. There was substantial agreement among reviewers (ICC: 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.89). The domains that scored the highest were 'scope and purpose', with a mean value of 92.1% (range: 77.8-100%), and 'clarity of presentation' [83.3% (69.4-91.7%)]. Those that scored the lowest were 'applicability' [44.3% (8.3-77.1%)], and 'stakeholder involvement' [66.7% (47.2-94.4%)]. Three CPGS were evaluated as being recommended with modifications, and only two were recommended for use in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: Available bronchiolitis CPGs vary in quality, and the findings of the present study are useful for identifying aspects or domains where there is room for improvement in future CPGs.

Actualización en el tratamiento de bronquiolitis aguda: menos es más / Update in the treatment of acute bronchiolitis: less is more

Viral bronchiolitis is a major worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality in children under two years old. Evidence-based management guidelines suggest that there is no effective treatment for bronchiolitis and that supportive care - hydration and oxygenation - remains the cornerstone of clinical management. In this review we describe the current guidelines of treatment with emphasis in the limitation of unnecessary testing and intervention. Also, we discuss the future directions in the research of new therapies for bronchiolitis.

La bronquiolitis viral es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en niños de menos de dos años de edad en todo el mundo. Las guías clínicas basadas en la evidencia sugieren que no existe un tratamiento efectivo para la bronquiolitis y que la hidratación y una adecuada oxigenación, siguen siendo la base del manejo clínico. En esta revisión, se describen las actuales guías de tratamiento haciendo énfasis en limitar los exámenes e intervenciones innecesarias. También discutimos la investigación en nuevas terapias para la bronquiolitis.

Children Hospitalized with Rhinovirus Bronchiolitis Have Asthma-Like Characteristics.

Children with bronchiolitis often are considered a homogeneous group. However, in a multicenter, prospective study of 2207 young children hospitalized for bronchiolitis, we found that children with respiratory syncytial virus detected differ from those with rhinovirus detected; the latter patients resemble older children with asthma, including more frequent treatment with corticosteroids.

Surfactant deficiency in infants with severe acute viral bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate surfactant content and function through the lamellar body count (LBC) and stable microbubble test (SMT) in mechanically ventilated infants with severe acute viral bronchiolitis. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled cross-sectional study of 32 infants receiving mechanical ventilation: 16 with a diagnosis of acute viral bronchiolitis and 16 with normal lungs. Tracheal fluid was collected and LBC was performed in an automated cell counter. Samples were kept frozen and thawed for testing. At the time of analysis, samples were diluted in a dithiothreitol solution, vortexed for 10 seconds, and aspirated by the cell counter. SMT was performed using the Pattle technique. RESULTS: In the bronchiolitis group, the median (IQR) LBC was significantly lower than in the control group: 130,000 (61,250-362,250) vs. 518,000 (180,250-896,000) lamellar bodies/µL; P = .003. Median (IQR) SMT values were also significantly lower in the bronchiolitis group: 10 (2-13) vs. 400 (261-615) microbubbles/mm2; P < .001. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with acute viral bronchiolitis have reduced surfactant content and function. We speculate that these simple tests may be useful to identify infants with bronchiolitis who would benefit from surfactant replacement therapy.

Bronquiolitis: artículo de revisión / Bronchiolitis: review

Bronchiolitis is a common childhood disease and is the leading cause of hospitalization in children under 2 years, lower respiratory tract infection. It is characterized by upper respiratory symptoms which lead to lower respiratory symptoms for primary infection or reinfection with a viral pathogen, more identified is the respiratory syncytial virus. Despite the frequency and importance of this disease, there is still much controversy regarding the most appropriate treatment protocol. Its definition and treatment remain the subject of ongoing debate and the subject of study, seeking to reach a global consensus on the appropriate approach to this entity, so this article is a practical approach to bronchiolitis, based on the available scientific evidence to epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of bronchiolitis. The implementation of a treatment algorithm is feasible and can help reduce operating errors and the rate of inadequate prescription of steroids and antibiotics in children with bronchiolitis.

La bronquiolitis, es una enfermedad frecuente en la infancia y constituye la principal causa de ingreso hospitalario en los menores de 2 años, por infección del tracto respiratorio inferior (ITRI). Se caracteriza por síntomas respiratorios superiores que conducen a síntomas respiratorios inferiores por la infección primaria o la reinfección con un patógeno viral, el más identificado es el virus respiratorio sincicial (VRS). A pesar de la frecuencia e importancia de esta enfermedad, aún existen grandes controversias en cuanto al protocolo terapéutico más adecuado. Su definición y tratamiento siguen siendo tema de constantes debates y motivo de estudio, buscando llegar a un consenso mundial sobre el adecuado abordaje de esta entidad, por lo que este artículo es un enfoque práctico de la bronquiolitis, basado en la evidencia científica disponible en cuanto a la epidemiología, manifestaciones clínicas, diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención de la bronquiolitis. La implementación de un algoritmo terapéutico es factible y puede ayudar a reducir los errores de manejo y la tasa de prescripción de esteroides y antibióticos, inadecuados en niños con bronquiolitis.

Increased expression of the glucocorticoid receptor ß in infants with RSV bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVES: The majority of studies on glucocorticoid treatment in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis concluded that there are no beneficial effects. We hypothesized that RSV-infected patients may have an increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) ß expression, the isoform that is unable to bind cortisol and exert an antiinflammatory action. METHODS: By using real-time polymerase chain reaction, we studied the expression of α and ß GR in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from 49 RSV-infected infants (<1 year of age) with severe (n = 29) and mild to moderate (n = 20) illness. In plasma, we analyzed the level of cortisol by radioimmunoassay and inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, interferon-γ, and IL-17 by cytometric beads assay. Statistical analysis was performed by nonparametric analysis of variance. RESULTS: We found a significant increase of ß GR expression in patients with severe illness compared with those with mild disease (P < .001) and with a group of healthy controls (P < .01). The α:ß GR ratio decreased significantly in infants with severe disease compared with those with mild illness (P < .01) and with normal controls (P < .001). The expression of ß GR was positively correlated with the clinical score of severity (r = .54; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of the α:ß GR ratio by an increase of ß receptors expression is related to illness severity and may partly explain the insensitivity to corticoid treatment in RSV-infected infants. The increased expression of ß GR could be a marker of disease severity.

Azithromycin therapy in hospitalized infants with acute bronchiolitis is not associated with better clinical outcomes: a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that azithromycin reduces the length of hospitalization and oxygen requirement in infants with acute viral bronchiolitis (AB). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in southern Brazil, from 2009 to 2011. Infants (<12 months of age) hospitalized with AB were recruited in 2 hospitals. Patients were randomized to receive either azithromycin or placebo, administered orally, for 7 days. At enrollment, clinical data were recorded and nasopharyngeal samples were collected for viral identification through immunofluorescence. Main outcomes were duration of oxygen requirement and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-four patients were included in the study (azithromycin 88 subjects, placebo 96 subjects). Baseline clinical characteristics and viral identification were not different between the groups studied. A virus was detected in 112 (63%) patients, and of those, 92% were positive for respiratory syncytial virus. The use of azithromycin did not reduce the median number of days of either hospitalization (P = .28) or oxygen requirement (P = .47). CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin did not improve major clinical outcomes in a large sample of hospitalized infants with AB, even when restricting the findings to those with positive respiratory syncytial virus samples. Azithromycin therapy should not be given for AB because it provides no benefit and overuse increases overall antibiotic resistance.

Destacando tratamentos aplicados em lactentes com bronquiolite viral aguda: uma análise retrospectiva / Highlighting the treatments applied on infants with acute viral bronchiolitis: a retrospective analysis

Objetivos: Investigar as características clínicas e observar a condução do tratamento assim como a evolução de lactentes hospitalizados por bronquiolite viral aguda (BVA) em um hospital geral com níveis de complicações abaixo dos encontrados na literatura e detectar possíveis tratamentos de maior eficácia para esta população com base nestes dados. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo dos 5 últimos períodos epidêmicos de crianças com diagnóstico de BVA hospitalizadas.Foram excluídos lactentes > 2 anos que tenham sido hospitalizados previamente com história de sibilos ou com outro diagnóstico confirmado. Foram avaliadas características demográficas como idade,gênero, local de internação, tempo de hospitalização, necessidade de suporte ventilatório, tempo de oxigeno terapia, resultados da amostra do vírus sincicial respiratório e tratamentos utilizados. Resultados: Dos 70 lactentes avaliados, 3 foram excluídos do estudo. Dos 67lactentes, (98,5%) tinham menos de um ano de idade e 44(64,68%)eram < 6 meses. Todos os pacientes (100%) foram submetidos à fisioterapia respiratória, 5 (7,4%) necessitaram de internação em terapia intensiva, um necessitou de ventilação mecânica invasiva (1.5%) e 5(7.4%) de ventilação não invasiva com uma taxa de sucesso de 80%. Conclusão: A menor necessidade de internação em UTI, assim como de suporte ventilatório em relação aos dados descritos na literatura pode estar relacionada aos tratamentos adotados especialmente nas técnicas de fisioterapia empregadas nestes lactentes.

Objectives: To investigate the clinical characteristics and observe the management and development of infants hospitalised for acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) in a general hospital with a level of complication below that found in the recorded literature as well as to investigate causes and more-effective techniques for the treatment of AVB. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the last 5 epidemic periods was evaluated for all patients whose diagnosis on admission was AVB. We excluded children > 2 years old, those who were previousl y hospitalised with a history of wheezing or those who had other confirmed diagnoses. We evaluated demographic characteristics such as age, gender, place of hospitalisation as well as the background, length of stay, need for ventilation support, duration of oxygen therapy, collection of respiratory virus and the treatments used. Results: Of 70 infants who were studied, 3 were excluded from the study. Sixty seven infants (98.5%) were included in the study and were < 1 year old; of these, 44 (64.68%) were younger than 6 months. All patients underwent chest physiotherapy; 5 (7.4%) required hospitalisationin the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), one (1.5%) required invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) and 5 (7.4%) required non invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) with a success rate of 80%. Conclusion: The decreased need for PICU admission and ventilation support in relation to current data suggests that greater emphasis should be placed on therapeutic procedures and chest physiotherapy techniques to treat infants with AVB.

[Cost-effectiveness of chest x-rays in infants with clinically suspected viral bronchiolitis in Colombia]. / Costo-efectividad de la radiografía de tórax en lactantes con sospecha clínica de bronquiolitis viral en Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Estimate the cost-effectiveness of not taking chest x-rays of any infant with clinically suspected viral bronchiolitis versus routinely taking them of all such patients, the most common practice today in Colombia. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness study was conducted, comparing strategies of taking chest x-rays of all infants with clinically suspected viral bronchiolitis and not x-raying any of these infants. The principal outcome was the proportion of correct diagnoses. The time horizon was the clinical course of the bronchiolitis. The perspective was that of the third-party payer, and the costs were obtained from the rates in effect in a clinic in Bogotá. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: The strategy of not taking a chest x-ray of any patient prevailed over that of routinely taking one in all cases, with an average cost of US$ 111.00 and a correct diagnosis rate of 0.8020, versus the respective values of US$ 129.00 and 0.7873 for the strategy of routinely x-raying all of these patients. The most influential variable was pneumonia-related hospital costs. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the strategy of not x-raying any infant prevailed in 61.1% of the simulations. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that not taking routine chest x-rays of infants with clinically suspected viral bronchiolitis is a cost-effective strategy compared with the common practice of taking them in all cases, since the former yields a greater proportion of correct diagnoses at a lower average cost per patient. Nevertheless, new studies will be needed that have more representative samples from all of the health facilities and include the strategy of taking chest x-rays only of patients with predictors of radiologic abnormalities.

Costo-efectividad de la radiografía de tórax en lactantes con sospecha clínica de bronquiolitis viral en Colombia / Cost-effectiveness of chest x-rays in infants with clinically suspected viral bronchiolitis in Colombia

OBJETIVO: Estimar el costo-efectividad de no realizar radiografía de tórax a ningún lactante con sospecha clínica de bronquiolitis viral versus realizarla en todos estos pacientes de manera rutinaria, que es la práctica más utilizada hoy en Colombia. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de costo-efectividad en el que se compararon las estrategias consistentes en tomar radiografía a todos y no tomar radiografía de tórax a ningún lactante con sospecha clínica de bronquiolitis viral. El desenlace principal fue la proporción de diagnósticos correctos. El horizonte temporal fue la evolución de la bronquiolitis. La perspectiva fue la del tercer pagador y los costos se obtuvieron de las tarifas vigentes en una clínica en la ciudad de Bogotá. Se realizaron análisis de sensibilidad determinísticos y probabilísticos. RESULTADOS: La estrategia de no realizar radiografía de tórax a ningún paciente fue dominante en relación con realizarla en todos los casos de manera rutinaria, con un costo promedio de US$ 111,0 y una tasa de diagnósticos correctos de 0,8020, comparados con los valores correspondientes de US$ 129,0 y 0,7873 para la estrategia de tomar radiografía rutinaria a todos estos pacientes. La variable más influyente fue el costo hospitalario de la neumonía. En el análisis de sensibilidad probabilístico, la estrategia de no radiografiar a ningún lactante fue dominante en 61,1 por ciento de las simulaciones. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados sugieren que no realizar radiografía de tórax de rutina a lactantes con sospecha clínica de bronquiolitis viral es una estrategia costo-efectiva respecto a la práctica común de realizarla en todos estos casos, dado que arroja una mayor proporción de diagnósticos correctos a un menor costo promedio por paciente. No obstante, harán falta nuevos estudios con muestras más representativas de todos los establecimientos de salud e incluir la estrategia de tomar radiografía de tórax únicamente a pacientes que tengan predictores de anormalidades radiológicas.

OBJECTIVE: Estimate the cost-effectiveness of not taking chest x-rays of any infant with clinically suspected viral bronchiolitis versus routinely taking them of all such patients, the most common practice today in Colombia. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness study was conducted, comparing strategies of taking chest x-rays of all infants with clinically suspected viral bronchiolitis and not x-raying any of these infants. The principal outcome was the proportion of correct diagnoses. The time horizon was the clinical course of the bronchiolitis. The perspective was that of the third-party payer, and the costs were obtained from the rates in effect in a clinic in Bogotá. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: The strategy of not taking a chest x-ray of any patient prevailed over that of routinely taking one in all cases, with an average cost of US$ 111.00 and a correct diagnosis rate of 0.8020, versus the respective values of US$ 129.00 and 0.7873 for the strategy of routinely x-raying all of these patients. The most influential variable was pneumonia-related hospital costs. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the strategy of not x-raying any infant prevailed in 61.1 percent of the simulations. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that not taking routine chest x-rays of infants with clinically suspected viral bronchiolitis is a cost-effective strategy compared with the common practice of taking them in all cases, since the former yields a greater proportion of correct diagnoses at a lower average cost per patient. Nevertheless, new studies will be needed that have more representative samples from all of the health facilities and include the strategy of taking chest x-rays only of patients with predictors of radiologic abnormalities.

Incidence of apnea in infants hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of apnea in infants hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis and identify relevant risk factors from the available literature. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic search of available databases for studies reporting the rate of apnea in a consecutive cohort of infants hospitalized with RSV infection was performed. The overall incidence of apnea was extracted and analyzed in relation to preterm birth, age, and potentially confounding illnesses. RESULTS: The incidence of apnea in the study population of 5575 hospitalized patients with RSV ranged from a high of 23.8% to a low of 1.2%. Comparison of the cohort by term and preterm birth revealed an expected excess in apnea incidence in preterms, even in the absence of information about chronologic age. Many studies appeared to be confounded by the inclusion of impaired infants with neuromuscular disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the available data, precisely quantifying the risk of apnea attributable to RSV infection is not possible. Factors intrinsic to the individual infants may account for a significant percentage of the apnea attributed to RSV. Recent studies have found a < 1% incidence of apnea with RSV in previously healthy term infants.

Response to bronchodilator in infants with bronchiolitis can be predicted from wheeze characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: Lung sounds analysis has been used for clinical care. Our objectives were to characterize the spectral pattern of lung sounds and their relation to bronchodilator effects in acute bronchiolitis (AB). We hypothesized that patients with sinusoidal wheezes (SW) would show a more significant bronchodilator response. METHODOLOGY: We studied 22 asleep hospitalized infants (14 boys, eight girls), aged 5.2 +/- 1 months, 16 with a positive respiratory syncytial virus test, during their first 3 days after admission. Patients breathed spontaneously through a face mask connected to a pneumotachograph during normal breathing, and only target flows of 0.1 +/- 0.02 L/s were analyzed. Sounds were obtained using two contact sensors attached over both posterior lower lobes. For inspiratory and expiratory sounds, we determined the frequencies below which 25% (F25), 50% (F50), 75% (F75) and 99% (SEF99) of the spectral power between 100 and 1000 Hz was contained. We repeated the measurements 20 min after bronchodilator therapy in all patients. RESULTS: We found classic SW in 11 patients, while the other 11 had complex wheezes (CW). There were positive bronchodilator responses in 9/11 with SW and 3/11 with CW (P < 0.01). Patients who responded to salbutamol showed an increase in power at low frequencies after medication (P < 0.01), and a positive correlation between wheezing and the increase in the power spectra measured by F50 and SEF99 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that sinusoidal and complex wheezes occur in patients with AB, that a positive response to bronchodilator is significantly more common in those with classic SW and that lung sounds analysis is a reproducible, safe and non-invasive method for assessing wheeze in infants.

Bronquiolitis en el lactante pequeño: evolución y factores de riesgo durante su internación / Bronchiolitis in infant under four months: evolution and risk factors during hospitalization

Objetivos: Conocer las características clinicoepidemiologicas y los factores de riesgo de la bronquiolitis aguda en los lactantes menores de cuatro meses hospitalizados durante un brote estacional. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 49 historias clínicas de lactantes menores de cuatro meses ingresados en el hospital escuela del litoral de Paysandú (Uruguay) durante el período comprendido entre los meses de julio a setiembre de 1995. Resultados: El análisis de los factores de riesgo al ingreso solo mostró una relación estadísticamente significativa (p<0.05) de la hipoxia y el grado de sindrome funcional respiratorio al ingreso con una peor evolución, valorada por las necesidades de oxígeno y la persistencia de hiperactividad en los dos meses subsiguientes. Ninguno de los restantes factores de riesgo analizados (edad, prematuridad, antecedentes familiares o personales y consolidación en la radiografía de tórax) se asoció estadísticamente a un peor pronóstico, si bien se detectaron diferencias entre los grupos no estadísticamente significativas. Se administraron antibióticos en un 32,5 por ciento (n= 17) de los pacientes y broncodilatadores en un 69,3 por ciento (n=34) de los casos. Recibieron corticoides un 40,8 por ciento de pacientes (n=20), a pesar de que este tratamiento es controvertido en la entidad. Más de la mitad de los lactantes sometidos a exámen radiológico mostraron imágenes de consolidación en la radiografía de torax. Precisaron internación en unidad de cuidados intensivos 3 pacientes (6,1 por ciento) requiriendo ventilación mecánica solamente uno de ellos. No se produjo ningún exitus en nuestra serie. Conclusiones: La bronquiolitis aguda en el lactante pequeño presenta unas características especiales que marcan su evolución y tratamiento. Se halla una relación clara entre la dificultad respiratoria a su ingreso y su evolución posterior, no detectándose esta relación con otros factores de riesgo debido, probablemente al pequeño tamaño de muestra. Creemos conveniente la realización rutinaria de estudios radiográficos a todo lactante menor de cuatro meses ingresado por esta patología