Avoidance of Inhaled Pollutants and Irritants in Asthma from a Salutogenic Perspective.

Much is known about the role of aeroallergens in asthma, but little is described about the damage caused by inhaled pollutants and irritants to the respiratory epithelium. In this context, the most frequent pollutants and irritants inhaled in the home environment were identified, describing the possible repercussions that may occur in the respiratory tract of the pediatric population with asthma and highlighting the role of the caregiver in environmental control through a salutogenic perspective. Searches were carried out in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Lilacs and Scopus databases for articles considered relevant for the theoretical foundation of this integrative review, in which interactions between exposure to pollutants and inhaled irritants and lung involvement. Articles published in the last 10 years that used the following descriptors were considered: air pollution; tobacco; particulate matter; disinfectants; hydrocarbons, fluorinated; odorants; chloramines; pesticide; asthma; and beyond Antonovsky's sense of coherence. Exposure to smoke and some substances found in cleaning products, such as benzalkonium chloride, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and monoethanolamine, offer potential risks for sensitization and exacerbation of asthma. The vast majority of the seven main inhaled products investigated provoke irritative inflammatory reactions and oxidative imbalance in the respiratory epithelium. In turn, the caregiver's role is essential in health promotion and the clinical control of paediatric asthma. From a salutogenic point of view, pollutants and irritants inhaled at home should be carefully investigated in the clinical history so that strategies to remove or reduce exposures can be used by caregivers of children and adolescents with asthma.

Heart rate variability in school-age children born moderate-to-late preterm.

BACKGROUND: Prematurity is associated with reduced cardiac autonomic function. This study aimed to investigate the heart rate variability (HRV) in school-age children born moderately to late preterm (MLPT). METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated school-age children, aged 5 to 10 years, born moderate-to-late preterm. Electrocardiograms recordings were performed during fifteen-minutes. Time and frequency domain parameters were calculated, corrected for heart rate and compared between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 123 children were evaluated and 119 were included in this study. HRV measures, studied in the time and frequency domains, were similar in both groups. Corrected values of root mean square of successive differences between normal cycles (RMSSD), percentage of successive cycles with a duration difference >50 ms (pNN50%), and high frequency (HF), indices that predominantly represent the parasympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system, were 1.6E-7 and 1.8E-7 (p=0.226); 1.6E-13 and 1.6E-13 (p=0.506); 6.9E-12 and 7.4E-12 (p=0.968) in the preterm and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study did not find differences in heart rate variability between school-age children born MLPT and those born at term, suggesting that plasticity of cardiac autonomic modulation continues to occur in children up to school age or there is less impairment of the autonomic system in MLPT.

Lung mechanics and respiratory morbidities in school-age children born moderate-to-late preterm.

BACKGROUND: Late and moderate prematurity may have an impact on pulmonary function during childhood. The present study aimed to investigate lung mechanics in school-age children born moderate-to-late preterm (MLPT). METHODS: Children aged 5-10 years were enrolled in this case-control study. Lung function and bronchodilator response were assessed by impulse oscillometry (IOS) at two hospital-based specialized clinics. A structured questionnaire was employed to assess respiratory morbidities. RESULTS: A total of 123 children was divided into two groups: case (MLPT) n = 52 and control (children born at term) n = 71. The results showed no difference between groups in mean baseline IOS variables: R5 0.80 ± 0.20 vs 0.82 ± 0.22 kPa/L/s, p = 0.594, R20 0.54 ± 0.13 vs 0.55 ± 0.13 kPa/L/s, p = 0.732, R5-R20 0.26 ± 0.12 vs 0.27 ± 0.15 kPa/L/s, p = 0.615, X5 -0.29 ± 0.01 vs -0.29 ± 0.1 kPa/L/s, p = 0.990, Fres 21.1 ± 3.3 vs 21.7 ± 3.1 L/s, p = 0.380, and AX 2.7 ± 3.36 vs 2.5 ± 1.31 kPa/L/s, p = 0.626. Bronchodilator response and the occurrence of respiratory morbidities after birth were also similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study found lung mechanics parameters to be similar in school-age children born MLPT and those born at term, suggesting that pulmonary plasticity continues to occur in children up to school age. IMPACT: Late and moderate prematurity is associated with an increased risk of reduced pulmonary function during childhood. Follow-up reports in adolescents and adults born MLPT are scarce but have indicated pulmonary plasticity with normalization of airway function. Our results show that the lung function in school-age children born MLPT is similar to that of children born at term.

Obesity is a risk factor for exercise-induced bronchospasm in asthmatic adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is common in young asthmatics and obesity is becoming an epidemic in this population. Both conditions can give rise to or worsen respiratory symptoms upon exercise and may interfere with recreational and sports activities. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between obesity and the risk and severity of EIB in asthmatic children and adolescents. METHODS: This study included data from asthmatic patients aged between 7 and 19 years undergoing treadmill running tests to evaluate EIB, defined as a reduction greater than or equal to 10% in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1 ) compared to baseline. Eutrophic, obese, and overweight individuals were categorized according to body mass index z-score (eutrophic, -0.5 < z ≤ 1; overweight, 1 < z < 2; and obese, z ≥ 2). RESULTS: Of the 156 individuals studied (42% female), 58% were eutrophic, 22% overweight, and 19% obese. Seventy-three individuals (47%) presented with EIB, with higher risk among obese (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.00-8.14; P = .05). Asthma severity was another independent risk factor for EIB (OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.36-6.42; P = .006). The number of patients in whom FEV1 returned to baseline values (difference less than 10% from baseline) at the 13th minute after challenge was lower in obese individuals compared to eutrophic and overweight ones (P = .04). Baseline FEV1 , gender, or age were not found to be risk factors for EIB in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Obese youngsters with asthma present a greater risk for EIB with slower recovery than their nonobese peers. Clinicians should be aware of this association, especially in those with more severe disease, for adequate recognition and treatment.

Cytokine production in allergic and Trichuris trichiura-infected children from an urban region of the Brazilian northeast.

The relationship between the cellular immune response during Trichuris trichiura infection and asthma has not yet been established. In this study, the cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17A were evaluated in asthmatic children harboring T. trichiura. For this assessment, asthmatic and non-asthmatic children (ISAAC questionnaire) were submitted to parasitological tests and blood samples were cultured (mitogen stimulation) for cytokine measurements in the supernatant. Asthma frequencies were similar in infected and uninfected children, but IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 levels were high in the infected asthmatic children. Additionally, infected non-asthmatic children exhibited high levels of these cytokines in relation to uninfected non-asthmatic children; however, cytokine levels were lower when compared with infected and asthmatic children. Therefore, T. trichiura infection positively modulated the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in asthmatic children, but a background of asthma seemed to narrow the production of cytokines induced by this helminth.

IV Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis - an update on allergic rhinitis, / IV Consenso Brasileiro sobre Rinite - atualização em rinite alérgica,

Abstract Introduction The guidelines on allergic rhinitis aim to update knowledge about the disease and care for affected patients. The initiative called "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma", initially published in 2001 and updated in 2008 and 2010, has been very successful in disseminating information and evidence, as well as providing a classification of severity and proposing a systemized treatment protocol. In order to include the participation of other medical professionals in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, it is important to develop algorithms that accurately indicate what should and can be done regionally. Objective To update the III Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis - 2012, with the creation of an algorithm for allergic rhinitis management. Methods We invited 24 experts nominated by the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology, Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Brazilian Society of Pediatrics to update the 2012 document. Results The update of the last Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis incorporated and adapted the relevant information published in all "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma" Initiative documents to the Brazilian scenario, bringing new concepts such as local allergic rhinitis, new drugs and treatment evaluation methods. Conclusion A flowchart for allergic rhinitis treatment has been proposed.

Resumo Introdução As diretrizes sobre rinite alergica visam atualizar os conhecimentos sobre a doença e os cuidados para com esses pacientes. A iniciativa designada "Rinite Alergica e seu Impacto na Asma", cujo relatorio inicial foi publicado em 2001 e atualizada em 2008 e 2010, tem sido muito bem sucedida na disseminaçao de informaçoes e evidencias, bem como na formulaçao da classificaçao de gravidade e proposta de sistematizaçao do tratamento. Entretanto, visando a participaçao de outros profissionais medicos no atendimento da rinite alergica, e importante o desenvolvimento de algoritmos que indiquem com precisao o que deve e pode ser feito regionalmente. Objetivo Atualizar o III Consenso Brasileiro sobre Rinites-2012, com elaboraçao de algoritmo para conduta da rinite alergica. Método Foram convidados 24 especialistas indicados pelas Associaçao Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia, Associaçao Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cervico-Facial e Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria para atualizaçao do documento de 2012. Resultados A atualizaçao do ultimo Consenso Brasileiro sobre Rinites, incorporou e adaptou para a realidade brasileira as informaçoes relevantes publicadas em todos os documentos da Iniciativa "Rinite Alergica e seu Impacto na Asma", trazendo novos conceitos como a rinite alergica local, novos medicamentos e metodos de avaliaçao de tratamento. Conclusão Proposto um fluxograma de tratamento para a rinite alergica.

IV Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis - an update on allergic rhinitis.

INTRODUCTION: The guidelines on allergic rhinitis aim to update knowledge about the disease and care for affected patients. The initiative called "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma", initially published in 2001 and updated in 2008 and 2010, has been very successful in disseminating information and evidence, as well as providing a classification of severity and proposing a systemized treatment protocol. In order to include the participation of other medical professionals in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, it is important to develop algorithms that accurately indicate what should and can be done regionally. OBJECTIVE: To update the III Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis - 2012, with the creation of an algorithm for allergic rhinitis management. METHODS: We invited 24 experts nominated by the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology, Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Brazilian Society of Pediatrics to update the 2012 document. RESULTS: The update of the last Brazilian Consensus on Rhinitis incorporated and adapted the relevant information published in all "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma" Initiative documents to the Brazilian scenario, bringing new concepts such as local allergic rhinitis, new drugs and treatment evaluation methods. CONCLUSION: A flowchart for allergic rhinitis treatment has been proposed.

Asthma in pregnancy: association between the Asthma Control Test and the Global Initiative for Asthma classification and comparisons with spirometry.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify a possible association between the assessment of clinical asthma control using the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) classification and to perform comparisons with values of spirometry. STUDY DESIGN: Through this cross-sectional study, 103 pregnant women with asthma were assessed in the period from October 2010 to October 2013 in the asthma pregnancy clinic at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco. Questionnaires concerning the level of asthma control were administered using the Global Initiative for Asthma classification, the Asthma Control Test validated for asthmatic expectant mothers and spirometry; all three methods of assessing asthma control were performed during the same visit between the twenty-first and twenty-seventh weeks of pregnancy. RESULTS: There was a significant association between clinical asthma control assessment using the Asthma Control Test and the Global Initiative for Asthma classification (p<0.001). There were also significant associations between the results of the subjective instruments of asthma (the GINA classification and the ACT) and evidence of lung function by spirometry. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that both the Global Initiative for Asthma classification and the Asthma Control Test can be used for asthmatic expectant mothers to assess the clinical control of asthma, especially at the end of the second trimester, which is assumed to be the period of worsening asthma exacerbations during pregnancy. We highlight the importance of the Asthma Control Test as a subjective instrument with easy application, easy interpretation and good reproducibility that does not require spirometry to assess the level of asthma control and can be used in the primary care of asthmatic expectant mothers.

Mothers impose physical activity restrictions on their asthmatic children and adolescents: an analytical cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activities are important for children and adolescents, especially asthmatics. A significant proportion is considered less active than their non-asthmatic peers and mother's beliefs about asthma are thought to be a determinant factor.The research objectives were to investigate whether mothers try to impose limitations on the physical activity (PA) of their asthmatic children/adolescents; identify associated factors; and explore if this attitude has any impact on children's PA levels. METHODS: In this cross sectional investigation, we studied 115 asthmatics aged between 9 and 19 years and their mothers. Asthma severity, PA level and exercise induced bronchospasm (EIB) were evaluated. Mothers were questioned on their beliefs about physical activity in non-asthmatic and asthmatic children, if they imposed restrictions on their children's physical activity, on EIB perception and personal levels of anxiety and depression. RESULTS: Ninety six percent of the mothers answered that PA are important for children and adolescents. Despite this, 37% of them admitted imposing restrictions to their children's PA. This attitude was associated with mother's negative opinions about asthmatics doing PA, perception of children's dyspnea after running on a treadmill, mother's anxiety level and children's asthma severity. The mother's restrictive attitudes were not associated with children's lower PA levels. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of the mothers said that they restrained their asthmatic children from engaging in physical activity. This fact should be recognized by health professionals and discussed with parents and caregivers as these negative beliefs may lead to conflicts and prejudiced attitudes that could discourage children's involvement in physical activities and sports.

Adverse reactions to foods and food allergy: development and reproducibility of a questionnaire for clinical diagnosis.

Objective. To develop a questionnaire as a screening tool for adverse reactions to foods in children and to assess the technical reproducibility by test-retest. Methods. Reproducibility of the questionnaire was performed by the literature review, preparing the preliminary questionnaire, peer review, pretest, and retest analysis. The study of the test-retest reproducibility was cross-sectional and descriptive. Kappa coefficient was used to study the reproducibility of the questionnaire. The sample consisted of 125 2-4 year-old children from 15 daycare centers in Recife, Brazil, and interviews with parents or caregivers were used to collect data. Results. From the total children, sixty-three were boys (50.4%), forty-six were two years old (36.8%), forty-seven were three years old (37.6%), and thirty-two were four years old (25.6%). Forty caregivers reported that their child had health problems with food. Most frequently reported offending foods were milk, peanuts, shrimp, and chocolate. Nine questions showed a good Kappa index (≥0,6). Conclusions. The questionnaire used needs to be resized and reshaped on the basis of the issues with good internal consistency and reproducibility. The use of a validated and reproducible questionnaire in the children represents an important contribution towards assessing an eventual rise in overt food allergy.

Valores de referência para espirometria em crianças pré-escolares / Reference values for spirometry in preschool children

OBJETIVOS: Valores de referência para testes de função pulmonar diferem em amostras de diferentes países, incluindo valores para pré-escolares. O objetivo principal do presente estudo foi derivar valores de referência em nossa população. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo prospectivo, com aplicação de questionário a 425 crianças pré-escolares com idade variando entre três e seis anos, provenientes de escolas e creches públicas e privadas de uma cidade metropolitana do Brasil. As crianças foram selecionadas por amostragem aleatória simples dos referidos educandários. Foram avaliados: PFE, CVF, VEF1 VEF0,50, FEF25-75 e as relações: VEF1/CVF, VEF0,5/CVF e FEF25-75/CVF. RESULTADOS: Das 425 crianças recrutadas, 321 (75,6%) realizaram os testes. Destas, 135 (42,0%) apresentaram manobras aceitáveis, com curvas expiratórias completas e fizeram parte da análise de regressão para definir os valores de referência. Por análise de regressão linear e logarítmica, a estatura e o sexo influenciaram significativamente nas medidas de CVF. No sexo masculino, o r² se elevou com o modelo logarítmico, para a CVF e VEF1, porém o modelo linear foi mantido, por sua simplicidade. Os limites inferiores foram calculados através das medidas do 5º percentil dos resíduos. CONCLUSÃO: Curvas expiratórias completas são de mais difícil obtenção em pré-escolares. Além da estatura, o sexo também influencia nas medidas de CVF e VEF1. Foram definidos valores de referência para espirometria em crianças pré-escolares, nessa população, aplicáveis a populações semelhantes.

OBJECTIVES: Reference values for lung function tests differ in samples from different countries, including values for preschoolers. The main objective of this study was to derive reference values in this population. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted through a questionnaire applied to 425 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years, from schools and day-care centers in a metropolitan city in Brazil. Children were selected by simple random sampling from the aforementioned schools. Peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volumes (FEV1, FEV0.50), forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75) and FEV1/FVC, FEV0.5/FVC and FEF25-75/FVC ratios were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 425 children enrolled, 321 (75.6%) underwent the tests. Of these, 135 (42.0%) showed acceptable results with full expiratory curves and thus were included in the regression analysis to define the reference values. Height and gender significantly influenced FVC values through linear and logarithmic regression analysis. In males, R2 increased with the logarithmic model for FVC and FEV1, but the linear model was retained for its simplicity. The lower limits were calculated by measuring the fifth percentile residues. CONCLUSION: Full expiratory curves are more difficult to obtain in preschoolers. In addition to height, gender also influences the measures of FVC and FEV1. Reference values were defined for spirometry in preschool children in this population, which are applicable to similar populations.

Reference values for spirometry in preschool children.

OBJECTIVES: Reference values for lung function tests differ in samples from different countries, including values for preschoolers. The main objective of this study was to derive reference values in this population. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted through a questionnaire applied to 425 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years, from schools and day-care centers in a metropolitan city in Brazil. Children were selected by simple random sampling from the aforementioned schools. Peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volumes (FEV1, FEV0.50), forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75) and FEV1/FVC, FEV0.5/FVC and FEF25-75/FVC ratios were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 425 children enrolled, 321 (75.6%) underwent the tests. Of these, 135 (42.0%) showed acceptable results with full expiratory curves and thus were included in the regression analysis to define the reference values. Height and gender significantly influenced FVC values through linear and logarithmic regression analysis. In males, R(2) increased with the logarithmic model for FVC and FEV1, but the linear model was retained for its simplicity. The lower limits were calculated by measuring the fifth percentile residues. CONCLUSION: Full expiratory curves are more difficult to obtain in preschoolers. In addition to height, gender also influences the measures of FVC and FEV1. Reference values were defined for spirometry in preschool children in this population, which are applicable to similar populations.

Avaliação epidemiológica de doenças negligenciadas em escolares: filariose linfática e parasitoses intestinais / Epidemiological assessment of neglected diseases in children: lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis

OBJETIVO: Descrever a prevalência de infecção filarial e de parasitoses intestinais em escolares numa área endêmica de filariose e refletir sobre a opção terapêutica utilizada no Brasil no tratamento coletivo para filariose. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal envolvendo 508 alunos na faixa etária de 5-18 anos cadastrados em escolas públicas do município de Olinda-PE. Realizou-se a investigação da parasitose intestinal em três amostras de fezes, analisadas pelo método de Hoffmann, Pons e Janer. A investigação filarial foi feita com teste antigênico pela técnica de imunocromatográfica rápida (ICT) e pesquisa de microfilárias, utilizando filtração em membrana de policarbonato. Para análise de dados utilizou-se a estatística descritiva através do programa EpiInfo versão 7. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de filariose por ICT foi de 13,8% e por microfilaremia de 1,2%, enquanto a de parasitoses intestinais foi 64,2%. A concomitância do diagnóstico filarial e de parasitoses intestinais foi de 9,4% e, 31,5% eram isentos de ambas as parasitoses. Entre os indivíduos com parasitoses intestinais, 55% eram monoparasitados e 45% poliparasitados. A presença de geohelmintos ocorreu em 72,5% dos parasitados. No grupo com infecção filarial a ocorrência de geohelmintíase foi de 54,5%. CONCLUSÕES: O diagnóstico simultâneo de infecção filarial e parasitose intestinal, bem como a elevada frequência de geohelmintos justificam uma reavaliação da estratégia terapêutica do tratamento coletivo no programa de filariose no Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and intestinal parasitic infections in school-aged children living in a filariasis endemic area and discuss about the therapeutic regimen adopted in Brazil for the large-scale treatment of filariasis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including 508 students aged 5-18 years old, enrolled in public schools within the city of Olinda, Pernambuco. The presence of intestinal parasites was analyzed using the Hoffman, Pons and Janer method on 3 stool samples. The diagnosis of filarial infection was performed using the rapid immunochromatographic technique (ICT) for the antigen, and the polycarbonate membrane filtration for the presence of microfilariae. Descriptive statistics of the data was performed using EpiInfo version 7. RESULTS: The prevalence of filariasis was 13.8% by ICT and 1.2% by microfilaraemia, while intestinal parasites were detected in 64.2% of cases. Concurrent diagnosis of filariasis and intestinal parasites was 9.4%, while 31.5% of students were parasite-free. Among individuals with intestinal parasites, 55% had one parasite and 45% had more than one parasite. Geohelminths occurred in 72.5% of the parasited individuals. In the group with filarial infection the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis was 54.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous diagnosis of filariasis and intestinal parasites as well as the high frequency of geohelminths justify the need to reevaluate the treatment strategy used in the Brazilian filariasis large-scale treatment program.

Asma na gravidez: atualização no manejo / Asthma in pregnancy: current management

A asma é doença crônica frequente na gestação, cujo descontrole encontra-se associado a desfechos maternos e perinatais desfavoráveis. O manejo da doença apresenta desafios, tais como a resistência das pacientes em utilizar medicações durante a gravidez, além de queixas frequentes de dispneia associada ao estado gravídico, não relacionada à asma. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi revisar os conhecimentos atuais sobre asma na gravidez. As fontes de dados foram revisões e artigos originais publicados nos últimos 12 anos e indexados nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO e Lilacs. As conclusões deste artigo de revisão indicam que o controle adequado da asma juntamente com a vigilância obstétrica cuidadosa devem ser integrados e constituir objetivo global do tratamento de gestantes asmáticas. O tratamento medicamentoso permite o uso de algumas medicações utilizadas em pacientes não gestantes.

Asthma is a common chronic disease during pregnancy, and inappropriate control of this conditionis associated with unfavorable maternal and perinatal outcomes. Management of asthma duringpregnancy presents challenges, including the patients’ resistance to use medications duringpregnancy and frequent complaints of dyspnea associated with pregnancy but not related toasthma. The objective of the present study was to review the current knowledge about asthmain pregnancy. Data sources included reviews and original articles published in the past 12 yearsand indexed in PubMed, SciELO, and Lilacs databases. Our findings indicate that adequate controlof asthma and careful obstetric follow-up should be integrated and constitute a global goal intreating pregnant women with asthma. Pharmacologic treatment allows for the use of somemedications that are used in non-pregnant patients.

Epidemiological assessment of neglected diseases in children: lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and intestinal parasitic infections in school-aged children living in a filariasis endemic area and discuss about the therapeutic regimen adopted in Brazil for the large-scale treatment of filariasis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including 508 students aged 5-18 years old, enrolled in public schools within the city of Olinda, Pernambuco. The presence of intestinal parasites was analyzed using the Hoffman, Pons and Janer method on 3 stool samples. The diagnosis of filarial infection was performed using the rapid immunochromatographic technique (ICT) for the antigen, and the polycarbonate membrane filtration for the presence of microfilariae. Descriptive statistics of the data was performed using EpiInfo version 7. RESULTS: The prevalence of filariasis was 13.8% by ICT and 1.2% by microfilaraemia, while intestinal parasites were detected in 64.2% of cases. Concurrent diagnosis of filariasis and intestinal parasites was 9.4%, while 31.5% of students were parasite-free. Among individuals with intestinal parasites, 55% had one parasite and 45% had more than one parasite. Geohelminths occurred in 72.5% of the parasited individuals. In the group with filarial infection the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis was 54.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous diagnosis of filariasis and intestinal parasites as well as the high frequency of geohelminths justify the need to reevaluate the treatment strategy used in the Brazilian filariasis large-scale treatment program.

Giardia lamblia e alergia respiratória: estudo em uma amostra de crianças de área urbana com frequência elevada da protozoose / Giardia lamblia and respiratory allergies: a study of children from an urban area with a high incidence of protozoan infections

OBJETIVO: Uma elevada incidência de enteroparasitoses é encontrada em regiões urbanas do nordeste brasileiro. As infecções por Giardia lamblia têm sido relacionadas com aumento da prevalência de alergias cutâneas e gastrointestinais. Contudo, ainda existe pouca informação sobre a associação entre a giardíase e doenças alérgicas das vias aéreas. Diante disso, o presente estudo se propôs a verificar a relação entre a infecção por G. lamblia em crianças de área urbana e reatividade alérgica respiratória. MÉTODOS: O estudo incluiu 110 pacientes, de ambos os sexos e idades, entre 5 e 15 anos. Os pacientes foram submetidos a questionários de avaliação dos sintomas clínicos, testes cutâneos de leitura imediata e exames coproparasitológicos e sorológicos. RESULTADOS: Foi verificada uma frequência elevada de crianças infectadas por G. lamblia (45%, 50/110). A infecção pelo protozoário não foi associada com maior risco de alergias respiratórias (p = 0,075), elevação de IgE total (p = 0,701), IgE específica (p = 0,250) ou teste cutâneo positivo para diferentes alérgenos ambientais (p = 0,239). CONCLUSÃO: O estudo demonstrou que a presença dos sintomas de asma, atopia cutânea e marcadores sorológicos não foram associados com a presença de infecção pela G. lamblia nessa amostra de crianças.

OBJECTIVES: There is a high incidence of intestinal parasite infection in urban areas in the Northeast of Brazil. Giardia lamblia infections have been associated with increased prevalence of cutaneous allergies and gastrointestinal disorders. However, little is known about the relationship between giardiasis and allergic diseases of the airways. The present study aimed to investigate the possible association between respiratory allergic diseases and infections by G. lamblia in children from urban areas. METHODS: This study recruited 110 patients of both sexes aged 5-15 years. Patients were administered a questionnaire evaluating clinical symptoms and were given skin tests, parasite tests and serum tests. RESULTS: A high incidence of G. lamblia was observed (45%, 50/110). Infections by this protozoan were not associated with increased risk of respiratory allergy (p = 0.075), high total IgE levels (p = 0.701), positive specific IgE tests (p = 0.250), or positive skin tests for a range of environmental allergens (p = 0.239). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that symptoms of asthma, skin allergy and serum markers were not associated with G. lamblia infections in this sample of children from urban areas.

Giardia lamblia and respiratory allergies: a study of children from an urban area with a high incidence of protozoan infections.

OBJECTIVES: There is a high incidence of intestinal parasite infection in urban areas in the Northeast of Brazil. Giardia lamblia infections have been associated with increased prevalence of cutaneous allergies and gastrointestinal disorders. However, little is known about the relationship between giardiasis and allergic diseases of the airways. The present study aimed to investigate the possible association between respiratory allergic diseases and infections by Giardia lamblia in children from urban areas. METHODS: This study recruited 110 patients of both sexes aged 5-15 years. Patients were administered a questionnaire evaluating clinical symptoms and were given skin tests, parasite tests and serum tests. RESULTS: A high incidence of Giardia lamblia was observed (45%, 50/110). Infections by this protozoan were not associated with increased risk of respiratory allergy (p = 0.075), high total IgE levels (p = 0.701), positive specific IgE tests (p = 0.250), or positive skin tests for a range of environmental allergens (p = 0.239). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that symptoms of asthma, skin allergy and serum markers were not associated with Giardia lamblia infections in this sample of children from urban areas.

Adherence rate to beclomethasone dipropionate and the level of asthma control.

There are only a few studies assessing the relationship between adherence rate to ICS, as assessed by electronic monitoring, and the level of asthma control in childhood. The present study was carried out to examine the relationship between adherence to beclomethasone diproprionate (BDP) as well as other factors related to poor asthma control. In this prospective cohort study, 102 steroid naïve randomly selected subjects with persistent asthma, aged 5-14 years were prescribed 500-750 µg daily of BDP-CFC and followed during one year. Adherence to BDP was measured electronically in the 4th, 8th and 12th months of study. The level of asthma control was classified as either controlled or uncontrolled instead of the current three categories recommended by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Mean adherence rate was higher in patients with controlled asthma during follow-up, but went down from 60.4% in the 4th month to 49.8% in the 12th month (p = 0.038). Conversely, among patients with uncontrolled asthma, the mean adherence rate decreased from 43.8% to 31.2% (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the level of asthma control was independently associated to the adherence rate in all follow-up visits (p-values equal or lower than 0.005). The level of asthma control was directly proportional to adherence rate. Our results suggest that a BDP daily dose by 300 µg seems to be enough to attain control over mild and moderate persistent asthma, including exercise induced asthma.

Asma e doença cardiovasculares: [revisão] / Asthma and cardiovascular diseases: [review]

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A asma e as doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) acometem milhões de pessoas em todo mundo. A imunidade e a inflamação crônica são características dessas doenças. Recentes pesquisas têm associado asma à ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares. O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir aspectos inflamatórios e imunológicos da asma, das DCV e alguns estudos que associam asma à doença cardiovascular clínica e subclínica. CONTEÚDO: Na asma, os sistemas imunológicos e mediadores inflamatórios têm papel central em sua fisiopatologia, destacando-se a participação de algumas células e substâncias tais como os mastócitos, linfócitos T, macrófagos, interferon gamma, interleucina (IL) 4, IL 5, IL 6, IL 13, imunoglobulina E, fator de necrose tumoral alfa, substância P, neurocinina A e outras. Não existem dúvidas que, dentre as DCV, é a doença aterosclerótica a responsável pela maioriados eventos clínicos e por considerável parte de sua morbimortalidade. Atualmente, a doença aterosclerótica é associada a um estado inflamatório de baixa intensidade e à imunidade. Os macrófagos, mastócitos, linfócitos T, superglobulinas, selectinas, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6,IL-10, IL-17, interferon gamma, ligante CD 40, óxido nítrico, fator de necrose tumoral alfa, metaloproteinases e outras moléculas participam da fisiopatologia da doença aterosclerótica. CONCLUSÃO: Estudos revelam que pacientes asmáticos têm maior frequência de eventos clínicos e DCV subclínica quando comparados a pacientes não asmáticos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Millions of people have asthma and cardiovascular disease around the world. The immunity and chronic inflammation are characteristics of these diseases. Studies have showed that there is relationship between asthma and cardiovascular events. The objective of this study was described inflammatory and immunological aspects of the asthma and CVD. We discuss studies which have evaluated ther elationship between asthma and CVD (clinical or sub-clinical). CONTENTS: Immunological cells, such as mastocytes, macrophages and T lymphocytes, and inflammatory molecules, such as interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL) 4, IL 5, IL 6, IL13, immunoglobulin's, tumoral necrosis factor alpha, P substance, A neurocinine and others, have a central role in the pathophysiology of the asthma. There is no doubt that among cardiovascular diseases(CVD), the atherosclerosis is responsible for the majority of the clinical events, morbity, and mortality of this disease. Recently, ithas been demonstrated that inflammation and immunity participatein the etiology, progression and instability of the atheroma plaque. Atherosclerosis is currently believed to be a low grade inflammatory disease. Macrophages, mast cells, T lymphocytes, immunoglobulin's, selectins, IL 4, IL 5, IL 6, IL10, IL17, interferon-gamma, CD 40 ligand, nitric oxide, tumoral necrosis factor alpha, matrix metalloproteinase's and others have been show to be involved in the atherosclerotic process. CONCLUSION: The data demonstrates that asthmatic patients have more clinical cardiovascular events and sub-clinical CVD than non-asthmatic patients.