[Sudden unexpected death in infancy: Update and preventive measures]. / Muerte súbita inesperada en la infancia: Actualización y medidas de prevención.

Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) - defined as the death of a child under 1 year of age du ring sleep with no initially obvious cause - remains one of the most common causes of post-neonatal mortality. Approximately 3,500 infants die annually in the United States from sleep-related deaths. A complex and multifactorial origin is postulated in a vulnerable infant. However, the pathophysiology of SUDI has not been fully understood. Health care providers play a key role in promoting preventive measures described in the literature, which include sleeping in a supine position on a firm surface, avoiding smoking and co-sleeping, promoting breastfeeding, among others. The objective of this re view is to summarize the main epidemiological and physiopathological characteristics of SUDI, and safe sleep-related factors.

Factibilidad de la interpretación de espirometrías en preescolares según criterios ATS/ERS / Spirometry interpretation feasibility among pre-school children according to the European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society Guidelines

Introducción: La espirometría es el examen más utilizado para evaluar la función pulmonar. El año 2007 se publicaron guías que definieron criterios de aceptabilidad y repetibilidad para su realización e interpretación en preescolares. Nuestro objetivo fue describir las espirometrías de pacientes de este grupo etario según el cumplimiento de estos criterios. Pacientes y Método: Se revisaron las espirometrías basales de pacientes de 2 a 5 años realizadas en el Laboratorio de Función Pulmonar Pediátrico de la P. Universidad Católica de Chile derivados por tos o sibilancias recurrentes o persistentes. Se consideraron solo las obtenidas en pacientes que la realizaban por primera vez. Se analizaron según criterios internacionales. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 93 espirometrías (edad promedio 57,4 ± 8,6 meses, 48 varones): 44 (47%) tuvieron todos los criterios aceptables, 87 (93%) obtuvieron un tiempo espiratorio ≥ 0,5 segundos, 67 (72%) de los pacientes tuvieron un flujo espiratorio de final de espiración en valor ≤ 10% del flujo espiratorio máximo. La variabilidad de las mediciones de capacidad vital forzada (CVF) y volumen espirado al primer segundo (VEF1) fue muy baja (coeficiente de correlación intraclase > 0,9). Conclusión: En nuestro centro fue factible cumplir criterios de aceptabilidad y repetibilidad en espirometrías en preescolares, semejante a descripciones previas. Al igual que en niños mayores, se recomienda realizar este examen en preescolares que requieren estudio de la función pulmonar.

Introduction: Spirometry is the most used test to evaluate pulmonary function. Guidelines that defined acceptability and repeatability criteria for its implementation and interpretation among preschoolers were published in 2007. Our objective was to quantify the actual compliance with these criteria among pre-school patients. Methods: A review was performed on the baseline spirometry measured in patients aged 2 to 5 years in the Pediatric Respiratory Laboratory of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, who were admitted due to recurrent or persistent coughing or wheezing. Only those results obtained in patients who took the test for the first time were considered. They were analyzed by international standards. Results: A total of 93 spirometry results (mean age 57.4 ± 8.6 months, 48 males) were obtained, of which 44 (47%) met all acceptable criteria, 87 (93%) obtained expiratory time of ≥ 0.5 seconds, and 67 (72 %) of the patients had an end-expiratory flow of ≤ 10% from peak flow. The variation in the measurement of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was very low (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). Conclusion: It was possible to meet the acceptability and repeatability criteria for spirometry among pre-school children in our Center, which was similar to previous reports. As in older children, this test is fully recommended for pre-school children who require lung function studies.

Consenso sobre el manejo de eventos de aparente amenaza a la vida del lactante (ALTE): comisión de sueño, sociedad chilena de neumología pediátrica 2013 / Consensus on evaluation and management of apparent life-threatening events in infancy (ALTE)

Un Evento de Aparente Amenaza de la Vida o ALTE (del inglés: Apparent Life Threatening Event) corresponde a un episodio agudo que ante los ojos del observador pone en riesgo la vida de un lactante menor de 1 año. Debe presentar la combinación de 2 o más de los criterios siguientes: apnea / cambio de color / alteración del tono / atoro e implicar la necesidad de algún tipo de maniobras para reanimar. En el presente consenso sobre el manejo de un ALTE se revisaron la evidencia internacional y nacional respecto al enfoque diagnóstico, estudio etiológico, criterios y duración de hospitalización y las indicaciones de monitorización domiciliaria.

Apparent life threatening events are defined as an acute episode in which the observer fears an infant < 1 year may die. ALTE is characterized by some combination of apnea, color or muscle tone change, chocking and has to be followed by cardiorespiratory reanimation. The present consensus paper reviews international and national evidence concerning diagnosis, etiologies, hospitalization criteria and indications for home monitoring.

[Consensus on evaluation and management of apparent life-threatening events in infancy (ALTE)]. / Consenso sobre el manejo de eventos de aparente amenaza a la vida del lactante (ALTE). Comisión de Sueño, Sociedad Chilena de Neumología Pediátrica 2013.

Apparent life threatening events are defined as an acute episode in which the observer fears an infant < 1 year may die. ALTE is characterized by some combination of apnea, color or muscle tone change, chocking and has to be followed by cardiorespiratory reanimation. The present consensus paper reviews international and national evidence concerning diagnosis, etiologies, hospitalization criteria and indications for home monitoring.

Prevalencia disímil de trastornos respiratorios del sueño en escolares / Prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing among schoolchildren in two communes of Santiago

Objetivo: Comparar la prevalencia de ronquido habitual como síntoma cardinal de los trastornos respiratorios del sueño (TRS) en población escolar de dos comunas de Santiago, de diferente nivel socioeconómico y exposición a contaminación ambiental. Métodos: Estudio transversal, de tipo ecológico. Se aplicó un cuestionario de sueño a los padres de escolares de 1° básico a 3°medio matriculados en dos colegios ubicados en las comunas de Puente Alto (zona sur oriente, colegio subvencionado) y Providencia (zona oriente, colegio particular). Los datos de contaminación ambiental se obtuvieron a partir del registro de estaciones de monitoreo. La caracterización socioeconómica comunal se realizó en base a fuentes ministeriales. Resultados: Los niveles de contaminación ambiental fueron mayores en el sector sur-oriente, comparado con el sector oriente de Santiago. Los indicadores comunales de nivel socioeconómico fueron superiores en la comuna de Providencia. La prevalencia de ronquido en escolares fue superior en el colegio ubicado en Puente Alto (18,2 por ciento; IC95 por ciento 14,0-21,6) en comparación al colegio ubicado en Providencia (0,7 por ciento; IC95 por ciento 0,1-2,4). Conclusión: La prevalencia de TRS fue diferente en las comunas estudiadas y podría estar atribuida a factores medioambientales y socioeconómicos. El presente estudio constituye un punto de partida para la realización de estudios de base individual.

Objective: To compare the prevalence of habitual snoring as cardinal symptom of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in schoolchildren from two communes of Santiago, presenting different levels of socioeconomic status and exposure to environmental pollution. Methods: Cross-sectional ecological study. A sleep questionnaire was administered to parents of primary school kids from 1st through 3rd grade, from two schools, one located in the district of Puente Alto (south-east, subsidized school) and the other in Providencia (east area, private school). Pollution data were obtained from monitoring stations. Socioeconomic characterization was performed based on government sources. Results: The levels of air pollution were higher in the south-east area, compared to the eastern sector of Santiago. Indicators of socioeconomic level were higher in the Providencia commune. The prevalence of snoring in students was higher in the school located in Puente Ailto (18.2 percent, 95 percent CI 14.0 to 21.6) compared to the school located in Providencia (0.7 percent, 95 percent CI 0.1 - 2.4). Conclusion: The prevalence of SDB was different in the communities studied and could be attributed to environmental and socioeconomic factors. This study is a starting point for further studies on individual basis.

Utilidad de un cuestionario clínico para el diagnóstico de trastornos respiratorios del sueño en niños con enfermedades neuromusculares / Usefulness of a clinical questionnaire for diagnosis of respiratory disorders of sleep in children with neuromuscular diseases

Objectives: To analyze the usefulness of a clinical questionnaire for the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing in children with neuromuscular diseases. Patients and Methods: A sleep questionnaire and a polysom-nography were performed in a cohort of 21 children (14 boys) with neuromuscular diseases. ROC analysis was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the questionnaire for diagnosing sleep disordered breathing compared with polysomnography. Results: Median age was 10.7 years (2-17). According to polysomnography, 8 patients were classified as normal, 3 had primary snoring, 5 had central sleep apnea syndrome and 5 an obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Eleven questionnaire's scores suggested sleep disordered breathing. The questionnaire's score showed a sensitivity of 75 percent, specificity of 60 percent, positive predictive value of 33 percent and negative predictive value of 90 percent for the diagnosis of an obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The same figure for the diagnosis of a central sleep apnea syndrome was 80 percent, 64 percent, 44 percent and 90 percent. Conclusions: The questionnaire showed a moderate sensitivity and specificity. Nevertheless, the high negative predictive value of the questionnaire may support its use for screening of sleep disordered breathing. A follow-up of questionnaire's scores may identify patients, who would benefit from performance of polysomnography.

Objetivos: Analizar la utilidad de un cuestionario clínico para el diagnóstico de los trastornos respiratorios del sueño (TRS) en niños con enfermedades neuromusculares (ENM). Pacientes y Métodos: Se realizó un cuestionario de sueño junto con una polisomnografía (PSG) en un grupo de 21 niños (14 varones) con ENM. Se realizó un análisis de validez diagnóstica de los resultados del cuestionario comparados con los de la PSG. Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 10,7 años (2-17). De acuerdo a la PSG, se clasificó a 8 pacientes como normales, 3 roncadores primarios, 5 con síndrome de apneas centrales y 5 con síndrome de apneas obstructivas (SAOS). Once cuestionarios presentaron un puntaje sugerente de TRS. El puntaje del cuestionario presentó: sensibilidad 75 por ciento, especificidad 60 por ciento, valor predictivo positivo 33 por ciento y negativo 90 por ciento para el diagnóstico de SAOS. Respecto al diagnóstico de síndrome de apneas centrales del sueño, éste valores fueron: 80 por ciento, 64 por ciento, 44 por ciento y 90 por ciento. Conclusiones: El cuestionario clínico presentó una sensibilidad y especificidad moderada. Sin embargo, el alto valor predictivo negativo del cuestionario apoyaría su uso como tamizaje de los TRS. El seguimiento del puntaje de este cuestionario permitiría identificar aquellos pacientes que se beneficiarían de la realización de una PSG.

Enfoque pediátrico para el estudio de los trastornos respiratorios del sueño / Pediatric approach to sleep disorders studies in children

Sleep Disorders can generate significant impact in the health of children and adolescents at a highly vulnerable period for neurodevelopment. A proper history and physical exam can lead the diagnosis, however there are significant limitations especially in the early phases of illness. Children with specific risks require a high level of suspicion, and early diagnostic studies. This review describes various diagnostic alternatives, feasible in different clinical situations, during sleep or wakefulness. These diagnostic studies may be useful in detection and early treatment of Sleep Disorders.

Los Trastornos Respiratorios del Sueño (TRS) pueden generar un impacto en la salud de niños y adolescentes, en un periodo altamente vulnerable para el neurodesarrollo. La anamnesis y examen fisco pueden orientar a su diagnóstico, sin embargo, poseen limitaciones importantes, especialmente en etapas precoces de la enfermedad. En niños con factores de riesgo específicos es necesario tener un alto nivel de sospecha y realizar estudios diagnósticos. Este artículo de revisión tiene como objetivo describir las distintas alternativas diagnósticas, practicables en distintos escenarios clínicos y realizadas durante el sueño o vigilia. Estos métodos diagnósticos pueden ser de utilidad en el reconocimiento y tratamiento precoz de los TRS.

Actividad física y obesidad en niños con asma / Physical activity and obesity in asthmatic children

Exercise- induced asthma is frequent among children. Objective: To compare physical activity (PA) and nutritional status in asthmatic (A) versus healthy (H) children. Methods: 81 school children were enrolled (40 A and 41 H). A validated interview with opinions and attitude towards PA was performed to parents in both groups. Nutritional status was classified according to body mass index. Answers were associated with percent² test. Results: 44 percent girls, average age 9 years-old. Average hours per week of PA = 2.4 in H and 1.9 in A (p=NS); 88 percent) of A versus 56 percent of H performed < 2 hours per week of PA (p < 0.05). 85 percent of A reported frequent symptoms associated to PA. Overweight and obesity were diagnosed in 15/40 A and 11/41 H (p < 0.05). Parents of A thought that PA was "dangerous" more frequently than parents of H (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Asthmatic children practice less PA than recommendations. There is an association between asthma, obesity and less PA level. Parents of asthmatic children have a negative opinion about PA, explaining the diminished PA performed by this group.

El asma inducida por ejercicio es una enfermedad crónica frecuente en niños. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar actividad física (AF) y estado nutricional en niños con asma (A) y sanos (S). Pacientes y Método: Participaron 81 niños, 40 A y 41 S. Se realizó un cuestionario a los padres, validado previamente, referente a opiniones y actitudes acerca de la AF. El estado nutricional se clasificó de acuerdo a índice de masa corporal. Se asociaron las respuestas entre los grupos con por ciento². Resultados: Edad promedio 9 años, 44 por ciento niñas. Promedio de horas de AF semanales fue 2,4 S y 1,9 A (p = NS). El 88 por ciento de A vs 56 por ciento de S realizaba < de 2 horas de AF semanales (p < 0,05). El 85 por ciento de A presentaba síntomas frecuentes asociados al ejercicio. En 15/40Avs 11/41 S se diagnosticó obesidad y sobrepeso (p < 0,05). Los padres de A percibían la AF como "peligrosa" más frecuentemente que S (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Los niños con asma realizan menos AF que las recomendaciones, existiendo una asociación entre bajos niveles de AF, obesidad y asma. Los padres de niños con asma tienen una opinión negativa sobre la AF que podría explicar la escasa AF realizada por sus hijos.

[Pulmonary complications in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection]. / Compromiso pulmonar en la infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana en niños.

Pulmonary complications in children infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are common and may be the first manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The aim of our study was to review pulmonary diseases and complications in pediatric patients with HIV infection in a large tertiary hospital in Santiago, Chile. We performed a retrospective, descriptive analysis of 17 patients with HIV infection controlled at the Hospital Dr. Sótero del Rio. Respiratory complications/diseases were: overall pneumonia (n: 14), recurrent pneumonia (n: 10), citomegalovirus associated pneumonia (n: 4), Pneumocystis jiroveci associated pneumonia (n: 1) pulmonary tuberculosis (n: 1), lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (n: 3) and chronic pulmonary disease (n: 7). Microorganisms isolated were mostly atypical and frequently associated with severe and chronic pulmonary damage. A high degree of suspicion is required to detect atypical microorganisms promptly, in order to rapidly implement pathogen targeted therapy that could potentially decrease the possibility of sequelae.

Compromiso pulmonar en la infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana en niños / Pulmonary complications in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Pulmonary complications in children infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are common and may be the first manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The aim of our study was to review pulmonary diseases and complications in pediatric patients with HIV infection in a large tertiary hospital in Santiago, Chile. We performed a retrospective, descriptive analysis of 17 patients with HIV infection controlled at the Hospital Dr. Sótero del Rio. Respiratory complications/diseases were: overall pneumonia (n: 14), recurrent pneumonia (n: 10), citomegalovirus associated pneumonia (n: 4), Pneumocystis jiroveci associated pneumonia (n: 1) pulmonary tuberculosis (n: 1), lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (n: 3) and chronic pulmonary disease (n: 7). Microorganisms isolated were mostly atypical and frequently associated with severe and chronic pulmonary damage. A high degree of suspicion is required to detect atypical microorganisms promptly, in order to rapidly implement pathogen targeted therapy that could potentially decrease the possibility of sequelae.

Las complicaciones pulmonares en niños infectados con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) son frecuentes, pudiendo ser la primera manifestación del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA). El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue revisar las complicaciones y patologías pulmonares que presentan estos pacientes, para lo cual se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo de 17 pacientes con esta infección, controlados en el Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río. Las patologías respiratorias fueron: neumonía (n: 14), neumonía a repetición (n: 10), neumonía por citomegalovirus (n: 4), neumonía por Pneumocystis jiroveci (n: 1), tuberculosis pulmonar (n: 1), neumonía intersticial linfoide (n: 3) y daño pulmonar crónico (n: 7). En conclusión, una forma frecuente de debut de la infección por VIH es la patología pulmonar. Los agentes suelen ser atípicos y pueden producir infecciones graves y secuelares hasta llegar al daño pulmonar crónico. Un alto grado de sospecha puede permitir detectar las enfermedades respiratorias inter-currentes, tratarlas precozmente y evitar el deterioro posterior.

[Etiology of acute fever without source in infants consulting at an emergency department]. / Etiología del síndrome febril agudo sin foco en niños bajo 36 meses de edad que consultan a un servicio de urgencia.

UNLABELLED: Fever is a frequent symptom of consultation in Pediatric Emergency Department. OBJECTIVES: to describe causes of acute fever of unknown origin (FUO) in infants under 36 months of age, the utility of requested tests and pediatrician decisions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 309 cards of children under 36 months who consulted at Emergency Department for acute FUO were reviewed. RESULTS: 64 % were classified with well clinical condition. Most frequent causes were: probable viral respiratory infections (72%), urinary tract infection (7.4%), pneumonia (2.9%), bacteremia (1.9%), and bacterial meningitis (1.3%). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequent agent isolated from blood cultures. Tests of best utility were: urine analysis and urine culture. Leukocytes count < 15.000/mm(3) and PCR < 4.0 mg/dl had a negative predictive value of 96 %. Nine point seven percent of the patients were hospitalized, while 14.2% received antibiotic treatment at home. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest to perform urine analysis and culture as the initial study for children with acute FUO and well clinical condition.

Etiología del síndrome febril agudo sin foco en niños bajo 36 meses de edad que consultan a un servicio de urgencia / Etiology of acute fever without source in infants consulting at an emergency department

La fiebre es uno de los síntomas frecuentes de consulta en Servicios de Urgencia pediátricos. Objetivos: Describir causas del síndrome febril agudo sin foco evidente (SFASF) en niños bajo 36 meses de edad, utilidad de exámenes solicitados y conducta del médico. Pacientes y Métodos: Se analizaron 309 fichas de niños bajo 36 meses, que consultaron en el servicio de urgencia por SFASF. Resultados: 64 por ciento fue catalogado de buen aspecto clínico al ingreso. Las causas más frecuentes fueron infecciones probablemente virales respiratorias 72 por ciento, infección urinaria 7,4 por ciento, neumonía 2,9 por ciento, bacteriemia 1,9 por ciento y meningitis bacteriana 1,3 por ciento. Streptococcus pneumoniae fue el agente más frecuentemente aislado de sangre. Los exámenes de mayor utilidad fueron sedimento de orina y urocultivo. Un recuento de leucocitos < 15.000/mm³ y PCR < 4,0 mg/dL tuvieron un valor predictor negativo de 96 por ciento. Se hospitalizó a 9,7 por ciento de los niños, 14,2 por ciento recibió antimicrobianos ambulatorios. Conclusiones: Sugerimos como estudio inicial del niño con SFASF y de buen aspecto general, la realización de un examen de orina con urocultivo.

Fever is a frequent symptom of consultation in Pediatric Emergency Department. Objectives: to describe causes of acute fever of unknown origin (FUO) in infants under 36 months of age, the utility of requested tests and pediatrician decisions. Patients and Methods: 309 cards of children under 36 months who consulted at Emergency Department for acute FUO were reviewed. Results: 64 percent were classified with well clinical condition. Most frequent causes were: probable viral respiratory infections (72 percent), urinary tract infection (7.4 percent), pneumonia (2.9 percent), bacteremia (1.9 percent), and bacterial meningitis (1.3 percent). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequent agent isolated from blood cultures. Tests of best utility were: urine analysis and urine culture. Leukocytes count < 15.000/mm³ and PCR < 4.0 mg/dl had a negative predictive value of 96 percent. Nine point seven percent of the patients were hospitalized, while 14.2 percent received antibiotic treatment at home. Conclusions: We suggest to perform urine analysis and culture as the initial study for children with acute FUO and well clinical condition.

Perfil clínico de lactantes hospitalizados por un episodio de ALTE (Apparent Life Threatening Event) / The clinical profile of infantile apparent life-threatening event (ALTE)

La definición de ALTE (Apparent Life Threatening Event) corresponde a un evento que pone en riesgo la vida de un lactante, caracterizado por cianosis, hipotonía o apnea, y que requiere de maniobras para su recuperación. Objetivo: Evaluar las causas de ALTE en nuestro centro, para estandarizar el enfrentamiento diagnóstico y de tratamiento en nuestros pacientes. Pacientes y Método: Estudio retrospectivo que enroló a 71 pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de ALTE. Resultados: Las causas principales de ALTE fueron idiopático (36%), infección respiratoria viral (29%), síndrome convulsivo (12%), mala técnica de alimentación (14%). Los exámenes que con mayor frecuencia contribuyeron al diagnóstico fueron: inmunofluorescencia (IFD) viral, electroencefalograma (EEG), polisomnograma. Un 49% repitió un ALTE durante su hospitalización. Se realizó educación en reanimación a 71,4% de los padres. Al 42% se les indicó monitor cardiorrespiratorio al alta. Conclusiones: Las causas de ALTE encontradas son similares a lo publicado, destacando la alta frecuencia de ALTE idiopático. Basados en nuestros datos se propone un algoritmo de estudio, tratamiento e indicaciones de monitor cardiorrespiratorio para lactantes con diagnóstico de ALTE. Es necesario realizar un estudio controlado, prospectivo de estudio y tratamiento de esta entidad para poder afirmar y soportar adecuadamente este algoritmo.

ALTE is a life-threatening event characterized by cyanosis, hypotonia or apnea that requires life-support maneuvers for recuperation. Objective: To determine the etiology of ALTE in our center, in order to standardize an approach to the diagnosis and treatment of this entity. Method: Retrospective study of 71 infants younger than 1 year, hospitalized by ALTE. Results: The most common causes of ALTE were idiopathic (36%), viral respiratory infections (29%), feeding technique problems (14%) and seizures (12%), Important diagnostic tests include direct virus inmunofluorescence (IFD), electroencephalography and polisomnography. 49% of patients repeated an ALTE event during hospitalization. 71% of parents received basic life-support education. 42% of patients were sent home with a cardio-respiratory monitor. Conclusions: The causes of ALTE found in our investigation are similar to the ones published on previous studies, standing out the high frequency of idiopathic ALTE. Based on our data, we propose an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of infants with ALTE. Prospective-controlled studies related to clinical evaluation and therapy of ALTE are necessary in order to validate this algorithsm.

Asma inducida por ejercicio: Diferencias en la percepciónde síntomas entre pacientes pediátricos y sus padres / Exercise-induced asthma as perceived by pediatric patients and their parents

Background: Exercise is a frequent trigger of symptoms in asthmatic children and it worsens their quality of life. Aim: To compare the perception about exercise among asthmatic pediatric patients and their parents. Material and methods: Asthmatic patients with symptoms related to exercise, were tested with an exercise challenge test following the Tal protocol. Before testing, a questionnaire about symptoms triggered by exercise was answered by children and their parents. The data was analyzed with a Kappa correlation test. Results: Seventy five patients, aged 6 to 15 years, were studied. Forty one percent exercised less than one hour per week. Although 64% reported to experience respiratory difficulty and 80% cough during exertion, 87% were willing to perform more exercise. Forty percent of all patients had a positive challenge test for exercise-induced asthma. Correlation between patient's and parent's answers about the effect of physical activity exercise was low, with a kappa of 0.53. There was no correlation between exercise test and the answers to the questionnaire. Conclusions: Children with asthma frequently have exercise-associated symptoms and parental perception about this problem is very low.

Aplicación clínica de los valores de referencia de espirometría realizados en niños Chilenos / Comparison of spirometric reference values in Chilean children

BACKGROUND: The interpretation of lung function tests must be based on reference normal values obtained in the same population. In Chile an expert panel recommended the use of values obtained by, Gutierrez el al locally, that are higher than those obtained by Knudson, for forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). AIM: To analyze the clinical application of both reference values in a selected population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 499 spirometries done in our laboratory to 285 males and 214 females, aged 4.5 to 18 years. The reports using either Gutierrez (G) or Knudson (K) reference values were compared. The 5th percentile was considered the inferior limit for normality. RESULTS: The height range of patients was 110-178 cm (median 130, 3rd quartile 143). Referral diagnoses were probable asthma in 349 (70%), asthma in 119 (24%), to rule out restrictive disease in 12 (2%) and others 19 (4%). FEV1/FVC ratio was > or =84% in 290 patients. Using K values, lung function was interpreteed as within normal limtits in 321 patients (64.3%), as mild obstructive disease (MOD) in 171 (34.3%), as combined limitation (CL) in 2, mild restrictive disease (MRD), moderate restrictive disease (MR) and severe restrictive disease (SRD) in 1 patient each. Using G values, lung function was interpreted as within normal limits in 133 patients (26.7%), MOD in 343 (68.7%), MRD in 6, CL. in 4 and MR in 2. In 193 spirometries (39%) there was lack of concordance between the interpretations using K or G values. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide rante of variability when G or K values are used to interpret lung function in children in Chile. Redefinition of local standards would be necessary.

Neumonía eosinofílica inducida por mesalazina: caso clínico / Eosinophilic pneumonia caused by mesalazine: report of 1 case

A 50 years old male with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis treated with mesalazine, developed after 2 months of treatment, cough, fever and progressive dyspnea. Chest X ray examination and CT scan showed pulmonary infiltrates in the right upper lobe that subsequently involved both lower lobes. A biopsy, made through videothoracoscopy, showed an eosinophilic pneumonia. After the discontinuation of mesalazine and the use of glucocorticoids, the respiratory involvement resolved, and pulmonary infiltrates regressed. Mesalazine is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Pulmonary toxicity is an uncommon complication of mesalazine treatment. Nevertheless, this complication should be considered in patients that use it and develop respiratory symptoms

Cistitis hemorrágica asociada a penicilina / Penicillin induced haemorrhagic cystitis

En un paciente de 50 años que estaba en tratamiento con penicilina y gentamicina por una endocarditis bacteriana, se observó hematuria y deterioro de la función renal. Los síntomas se resolvieron después de que estos antimicrobianos fueron cambiados por vancomicina. Se diagnóstico una cistitis hemorrágica a través de cistoscopia y se planteó la existencia de una posible nefritis intersticial. Se piensa que estas anormalidades son inducidas por penicilinas. Los mecanismos involucrados serían reacciones de hipersensibilidad y/o toxicidad directa. Si bien la nefritis intersticial es una complicación que se observa ocacionalmente la combinación de ésta con cistitis hemorrágica es de muy baja frecuencia. La aparición de hematuria en el curso de un tratamiento con penicilina, debe hacer plantear la posibilidad de este tipo de complicaciones