Pleth Variability Index to Assess Course of Illness in Children with Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Status asthmaticus (SA) is a common reason for admission to the pediatric emergency department (ED). Assessing asthma severity efficiently in the ED can be challenging for clinicians. Adjunctive tools for the clinician have demonstrated inconsistent results. Studies have shown that pulsus paradoxus (PP) correlates with asthma severity. Pleth Variability Index (PVI) is a surrogate measure of PP. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether PVI at triage correlates with disposition from the ED. METHODS: We recruited children aged 2-18 years old who presented to the pediatric ED of a tertiary care children's hospital with SA. PVI, Respiratory Severity Score, and vital signs were documented at triage and 2 hours into each patient's ED stay. PVI was measured using the Masimo Radical-7® monitor (Masimo Corp., Irvine, CA). RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were recruited. Twenty-seven patients were discharged home, 10 patients were admitted to the general pediatrics floor and 1 patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. PVI values at triage did not correlate with disposition from the ED (p = 0.63). Additionally, when trending the change in PVI after 2 hours of therapy in the ED, no statistically significant patterns were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Our study did not demonstrate a correlation between PVI and clinical course for asthmatics. PVI may be more clinically relevant in sicker children. Furthermore, it is possible that continuous monitoring of PVI may demonstrate more unique trends in relation to asthma severity versus single values of PVI. Additional studies are necessary to help clarify the relationship between PVI and the clinical course of children with SA.

Asma brônquica: respostas a questões relevantes no atendimento à criança no pronto-socorro / Asthma: answers to relevant issues about the management of children on emergency departaments

Este estudo tem como objetivo revisar a abordagem da crise asmática no pronto-socorro. A revisão da bibliografia foi realizada utilizando-se as bases de dados Medline, Lilacs e Highwire, com base nas palavras-chaves "asthma", "treatment" e "exacerbations". Foram selecionados 33 artigos. Pontos relevantes no atendimento à criança com crise aguda no pronto-socorro são discutidos. Salienta-se a importância da oximetria de pulso e do pico do fluxo expiratório. A abordagem individualizada do paciente, adaptada aos protocolos de atendimento, é fundamental.

Clasificación del asma bronquial / Classification of bronchial asthma

A lo largo de los últimos años se han establecido diversas clasificaciones para agrupar a los pacientes con asma bronquial. Muchas de ellas fueron desarrolladas en adultos y posteriormente extrapoladas a niños lo cual probablemente no es correcto para los menores de 5 años. Existen diversos criterios clínicos y de laboratorio para establecer un posterior manejo. Recientemente surgió la idea de clasificar según el control de la enfermedad. Para efectos de esta revisión se emplea la nomenclatura internacional mas difundida.

Performance of a novel clinical score, the Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS), in the evaluation of acute asthma.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of a new clinical asthma score, the Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS), in children aged 1 through 18 years in an acute clinical setting. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of children treated for acute asthma at two urban pediatric emergency departments (EDs). A total of 852 patients were enrolled at one site and 369 at the second site. Clinical findings were assessed at the start of the ED visit, after one hour of treatment, and at the time of disposition. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (for patients aged 6 years and older) and pulse oximetry were also measured. RESULTS: Composite scores including three, four, or five clinical findings were evaluated, and the three-item score (wheezing, prolonged expiration, and work of breathing) was selected as the PASS. Interobserver reliability for the PASS was good to excellent (kappa = 0.72 to 0.83). There was a significant correlation between PASS and PEFR (r = 0.27 to 0.37) and pulse oximetry (r = 0.29 to 0.41) at various time points. The PASS was able to discriminate between those patients who did and did not require hospitalization, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82. Finally, the PASS was shown to be responsive, with a 48% relative increase in score from start to end of treatment and an overall effect size of 0.62, indicating a moderate to large effect. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical score, the PASS, based on three clinical findings, is a reliable and valid measure of asthma severity in children and shows both discriminative and responsive properties. The PASS may be a useful tool to assess acute asthma severity for clinical and research purposes.

Influencia del sulfato de magnesio inhalado en la resolución de la crisis asmática / Influence of the magnesium sulfate inhalad in the resolution of the asthmatic crisis

La crisis aguda de asma constituye un motivo frecuente de consulta en nuestras emergencias; que en muchas ocasiones conlleva a hospitalización e incluso a la necesidad de ingrero a UVI y ventilación mecánica. El siguiente estudio clínico tiene como propósito el evaluar el rol del Sulfato de Magnesio (MgSO4) inhalado en el manejo de las crisis asmáticas, haciendo énfasis más que en la actividad broncodilatadora del MgSO4, contra salbutamol (un ß2-agonista que se ha convertido en el standard de tratamiento de la crisis de asma, según el reporte del II panel de expertos); en evaluar la posible contribución a la broncodilatación, de añadir al tratamiento convencional una dosis de 3 ml de MgSO4 nebulizado. Los hallazgos de este estudio evidenciaron que el MgSO4 nebulizado tiene una débil acción broncodilatadora utilizado solo (lo cual ya había sido demostrado en otros trabajos) 4 pero, que añadido a dosis de Salbutamol recomendadas en los últimos lineamientos para el manejo de crisis asmáticas-6 aumenta el efecto broncodilatador del mismo y que este aumento alcanza significancia estadística en los pacientes más severamente obstruidos

[Moderate asthma in adults: diagnosis and management in general medical practice]. / Asthme modéré de l'adulte: diagnostic et prise en charge en médecine générale.

Moderate asthma is a frequent disorder in general medicine. In 1990, the British Thoracic Society published their first guidelines on the management of asthma. Three years later, we have studied, using a questionnaire, the diagnosis and therapeutic criteria of moderate asthma used by general physicians, and comparing these to the guideline recommendations. Out of 46 physicians questioned in Bordeaux, 40 (87 per cent) agreed to participate in the study. Thirty two physicians (80 per cent) described as moderate an asthma which was mild according to the guidelines; eight physicians (20 per cent) described a moderate asthma according to the guidelines; twenty five (63 per cent) considered as severe a moderate asthma according to the recommendations, although eleven (28 per cent) considered it as moderate and four (10 per cent) did not give an opinion. In total, four (10 per cent) judged asthma severity according to the guidelines (Group R), twenty one (52 per cent) over-estimated the severity of moderate asthma (Group S), and fifteen (37 per cent) gave an inconsistent assessment (Group 1). Twenty six (65 per cent) prescribed an association of beta-2-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids for moderate asthma. Although most of the questioned physicians gave an appropriate treatment for moderate asthma treatment adapted to the severity of the situation, their therapeutic approach did not seem to be based upon the same criteria than that recommended in the guidelines.

Classification of severe asthma exacerbations: a proposal.

The intensity of asthma exacerbations may vary from mild to severe. Many studies have demonstrated that the speed at which severe asthma exacerbation (SAE) develops varies among patients. In some asthmatics, the exacerbation comes on very quickly, whereas in others there is a progressive deterioration of clinical, functional and blood gas parameters. Sudden SAE are characterised by their explosive presentation and quick recovery. This evolution contrasts with that of patients with a slow onset SAE, who often need prolonged hospitalization. Absence of secretions suctioned from the airways during mechanical ventilation has been reported in sudden SAE, whereas large amounts of viscid mucus are found in patients with the slow onset SAE. The lungs of patients who died during a sudden onset SAE often show empty airways and a predominant neutrophilic infiltration in the bronchial epithelium, in contrast to the presence of abundant eosinophils in patients who died during a slow onset SAE. Sudden onset SAE may occur as sporadic cases or in outbreaks. Sporadic cases may result from the ingestion of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in patients with intolerance to these products, massive exposure to common allergens and ingestion of foods containing sulphites. Asthma outbreaks have been described in many cities. In contrast to sudden onset SAE, slow onset SAE is characterized by a progressive deterioration, accompanied by an increase in the use of bronchodilators. Lack of appropriate monitoring of function by peak expiratory flow (PEF) recording, failure of patients to recognize worsening symptoms and underusage of inhaled and oral steroid treatment have been repeatedly identified as factors which are likely to be associated with slow onset SAE. The contribution of psychosocial problems, depression, denial of asthma severity and nonadherence with the treatment should not be overlooked in patients with slow onset SAE. Classification of severe asthma exacerbations into two types (sudden onset and slow onset) could help to reveal the aetiology of the attack and may also be relevant to the management of the patient.

Ventilación mecánica isocápnica en crisis asmática

Las causas más comunes de muerte en pacientes con Crisis Asmática (CA) en Ventilación Mecánica (VM) son la encefalopatía hipóxica, la falla cardiocirculatoria, y el barotrauma. Las complicaciones más frecuentes son la hipotensión, la infección nosocomial, el sangrado digestivo. Esta morbimortalidad ha sido atribuida a la Hiperlnflanción Dinámica (HID), característica en estos pacientes, y favorecida, al parecer, por métodos ventilatorios que pretenden corregir rápidamente las alteraciones gasimétricas. La Hipoventilación Controlada (HVC) es una forma de VM cada vez más usada en CA ya que reduce la HID, pero aumenta el tiempo en VM y la estancia en UCI predisponiendo a infecciones y sangrado digestivo, y otros efectos adversos. Como escoger entre los riesgos inherentes a la HVC y los riesgos derivados de la HID? Buscando una respuesta a tal interrogante se desarrolló un protocolo de manejo de la CA en VM que pretende disminuir la HID, garantizar una adecuada ventilación, reducir las complicaciones y el tiempo en VM. De 1992 a 1994 se trataron 6 pacientes con CA en VM, con una edad promedio (X) de 30.3 años, 5 mujeres y 1 hombre. Al ingreso los gases arteriales mostraron: pH=7.24, PaCO2=61.2 y PaO2=58.8. La VM consistió en un FR=20-25/min (X=23.1), VC entre 5-7cc/Kg(X=5.9) para generar una Presión Inspiratoria Máxima menor de 55 cm(X=52). El volumen minuto osciló entre 8-10L/min y el Tiempo Espiratorio (TE) entre 1.86 y 2.4 seg(X=2.06). El TE semantuvo usando un Flujo Inspiratorio (FI) de 80-100L/min. La sedación se practicó en todos los pacientes con midazolam (0.08-0.1 mg/Kg/h y la relajación con vecuronio en 2 y Pancuronio en 2 pacientes. 24 horas después de iniciada la VM los gases arteriales se normalizaron, 3 pacientes cursaron con hipotensión, pero solo uno de los casos ameritó carga de líquidos. No se presentaron complicaciones. El tiempo de duración de la VM fue de 32.1 horas (10-74 h). En estas instituciones, se maneja la obstrucciónde la vía aérea con esquemas universalmente aceptados, se mejora la distensibilidad con Sedación y Relajación, se emplean VC menores que los propuestos en la literatura pero manteniendo el CO2 dentro de limites normales a expensas de una FR relativamente alta. La reducción del TE originada por la FR alta se corrige con el uso de un FI alto (80-100L/min) con lo que mantiene un TE aceptable...

Furosemida vs terbutalina en la crisis asmática

En los últimos 7 años algunos estudios han establecido que la Furosemida nebulizada inhibe la broncoconstricción inducida por metabisulfito, ejercicio, aguda destilada y alergenos. Hay poca información sobre la utilidad clínica de la Furosemida y no hay experiencia en Crisis Asmática (CA). Para resolver tales interrogantes se realizó el presente estudio. Los pacientes con CA que consultaron al servicio de urgencia del Hospital Universitario de Cartagena desde noviembre de 1993 hasta mayo de 1994 ingresaron en el presente estudio, previo consentimiento informado. A todos los pacientes se les realizó historia clínica y cada hora se monitorizaron: signos vitales, pulso paradójico, cianosis, estado de conciencia, sibilancias, tirajes y Flujo Espiratorio Pico (FEP). Los pacientes con CA severa o Asma Potencialmente Fatal fueron excluidos. Al ingreso, al azar y doble ciego, los pacientes pasaron a un grupo terapéutico de Terbutalina ( 2 gotas por cada 10 Kg de peso Solución nebulizadora de 1cc=10mg) o de Furosemida (40 mg nebulizados). En ambos grupos la nebulización se realizó cada 20 minutos por 3 ocasiones, la primera hora, y luego cada 4 horas durante un máximo de 24 horas. En CA moderada se asoció aminofilina IV en ambos grupos. Cada hora se analizaron los parámetros anotados y según ellos se decidió hospitalizar, continuar manejo en el servicio de urgencia o dar de alta. Para el análisis estadístico se registraron los datos en una tabla maestra, se tomaron medidas de tendencia central (media), porcentajes, desviación estándar. Los parámetros clínicos y funcionales evaluados fueron analizados mediante prueba T de student (p menor 0.05).

Estudio comparativo de la metilprednisolona e hidrocortisona en la crisis asmática infantil / A comparative study of the methylprednisolone and hydrocortisone in child asthmatic crisis

Con el proposito de determinar la eficacia de la metrilprednisolona e hidrocortisona en pacientes con asma aguda, se llevo a cabo un ensayo clínico, en el Servicio de Emergencia Pediatrica del Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins del Instituto Peruano de seguridad Social, desde el 1 de julio al 1 de setiembre de 1993, para lo cual se tomo una muestra de 50 pacientes, el tipo de muestreo fue aleatorio simple doble ciego, de los cuales 25 pacientes recibieron metilprednisolona y 25 pacientes hidrocortisona. Los pacientes tuvieron 8 años de edad como promedio y la mayoria fue del sexo masculino. Se identofico que los pacientes que recibieron metilprednisolona tuvieron un promedio de nebulizaciones menor (moderado: 3.1; grave:4.5; estado:8.0), que los pacientes con hidrocortisona (moderado:3.7; grave:5.5; estado:11.2) con p menor que 0.025. Los pacientes con metilprednisolona recibieron menor número de dosis promedio de corticoterapia (moderado:1.2; grave:2.0; estado:5.0), comparado con los que recibieron hidrocortisona (moderado:1.6; grave:3.0; estado:6.3) con p menor que 0.01. Asimismo a los pacientes a quienes se le administró metilprednisolona, se recuperaron en menor número de horas promedio, tanto en tópico (moderado:4.7) como en hospitalización (grave:14; estado:28) que aquellos que recibieron hidrocortisona en tópico (moderado:6.2) y en hospitalización (grave:18 y estado:31) con p menor que 0.05. Se concluye que la metilprednisolona es mas eficaz que la hidrocortisona en el manejo de la crisis asmática en el niño, por el menor numero de dosis utilizado y la rapida recuperación de los pacientes

Crise aguda de asma brônquica / Acute severe asthma

Pacientes portadores de asma brônquica podem apresentar episódios de exacerbaçöes de sua sintomatologia, näo controlada com o uso de medicaçöes de período intercrítico. Assim, cabe ao médico reconhecer a gravidade de cada uma dessas exacerbaçöes para a instituiçäo de terapêutica adequada. Dentre os parâmetros que indicam gravidade de uma crise de asma brônquica, säo incluídos o pulso paradoxal, as alteraçöes da respiraçäo, fala e nível de consciência, a taquipnéia, a taquicardia, a ausência de sibilância, a cianose e a hipercarbia. Uma vez reconhecida uma crise grave, deve-se tratar o paciente com agonistas adrenérgicos, oxigenaçäo, hidrataçäo, metilxantinas e corticosteróides. O retardo na administraçäo de corticosteróides tem sido considerado como um dos fatores responsáveis pelo êxito letal em pacientes com crises graves de asma brônquica. Nos casos mais graves, refratários à terapêutica acima referida, säo indicados cuidados intensivos, incluindo ventilaçäo mecânica. Após melhora das manifestaçöes agudas o paciente deve ser orientado quanto à terapêutica pós-crise

Status asthmaticus, severe acute asthma or severe exacerbation of asthma.

"Status Asthmaticus" is an old term which has been defined in many different ways. Two distinctive features are usually used to identify "Status Asthmaticus": severity and lack of response to bronchodilators. However, the latter condition is not always observed and thus the term "Status Asthmaticus" basically implies severity. "Severe acute asthma" is a new term which has replaced "Status Asthmaticus". Nevertheless, a severe attack of asthma may occur suddenly or can take place after days or weeks of a progressive deterioration. A "Status Asthmaticus" can be "acute" or "subacute" according to the rate of deterioration; therefore the term "Severe acute asthma" is misleading. Since the term "Status Asthmaticus" essentially implies severity, severe attacks would be better described as "Severe exacerbation of asthma" (SEA). Classification of the SEA into two types (acute and subacute), could help to reveal the etiology of the attack and might also be relevant to the management of the patient. For instance an acute SEA can be seen in brittle asthma and in patients with aspirin intolerance. On the other hand, patients with the subacute form are refractory to bronchodilators and must be treated with corticosteroids.