Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Heavy Truck Drivers: A Portuguese Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Heavy truck drivers with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at higher risk of driving accidents. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of OSA and to identify the most frequent symptoms and comorbidities in heavy truck drivers. METHODS: This cohort study included the employees of a Portuguese transport company between 2019 and 2022. A home sleep apnea test (HSAT) was performed on all patients. SPSS® was used for statistical analysis, and a p-value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 86 truck drivers were included, with a mean age of 48.02 years (min. 24, max 66) and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.14±4.4 kg/m². After performing an HSAT, it was found that 77.9% of drivers (n=67) had OSA, with a mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 16.72±14.69 events/hour. Concerning diagnosed patients, 44.78% (n=30) had mild, 31.32% (n=23) moderate, and 20.89% (n=14) severe OSA. Obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia had a statistically significant association. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with and without type II diabetes mellitus. The presence of nighttime and daytime symptoms had a statistically significant correlation with OSA diagnosis. Despite only eight patients reporting a high score on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), 14 patients reported previous episodes of falling asleep while driving, which might be associated with the non-valorization of daytime sleepiness in these patients. The patients who reported previous episodes of falling asleep while driving were older and had higher BMI, higher ESS, and higher AHI. CONCLUSIONS: In the evaluated truck drivers, the prevalence of OSA was very high (77.9%), which reinforces the importance of screening for this pathology since, when left untreated, it is a major risk factor for exercising their profession safely.

CBmeter study: protocol for assessing the predictive value of peripheral chemoreceptor overactivation for metabolic diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Early screening of metabolic diseases is crucial since continued undiagnostic places an ever-increasing burden on healthcare systems. Recent studies suggest a link between overactivated carotid bodies (CB) and the genesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The non-invasive assessment of CB activity by measuring ventilatory, cardiac and metabolic responses to challenge tests may have predictive value for metabolic diseases; however, there are no commercially available devices that assess CB activity. The findings of the CBmeter study will clarify the role of the CBs in the genesis of-metabolic diseases and guide the development of new therapeutic approaches for early intervention in metabolic disturbances. Results may also contribute to patient classification and stratification for future CB modulatory interventions. METHODS: This is a non-randomised, multicentric, controlled clinical study. Forty participants (20 control and 20 diabetics) will be recruited from secondary and primary healthcare settings. The primary objective is to establish a new model of early diagnosis of metabolic diseases based on the respiratory and metabolic responses to transient 100% oxygen administration and ingestion of a standardised mixed meal. ANALYSIS: Raw data acquired with the CBmeter will be endorsed against gold standard techniques for heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and interstitial glucose quantification and analysed a multivariate analysis software developed specifically for the CBmeter study (CBview). Data will be analysed using clustering analysis and artificial intelligence methods based on unsupervised learning algorithms, to establish the predictive value of diabetes diagnosis. ETHICS: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Leiria Hospital Centre. Patients will be asked for written informed consent and data will be coded to ensure the anonymity of data. DISSEMINATION: Results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and relevant medical and health conferences.

Multicentric Genome-Wide Association Study for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

Despite elevated incidence and recurrence rates for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP), little is known about its etiology, and the genetics of idiopathic PSP remains unexplored. To identify genetic variants contributing to sporadic PSP risk, we conducted the first PSP genome-wide association study. Two replicate pools of 92 Portuguese PSP cases and of 129 age- and sex-matched controls were allelotyped in triplicate on the Affymetrix Human SNP Array 6.0 arrays. Markers passing quality control were ranked by relative allele score difference between cases and controls (|RASdiff|), by a novel cluster method and by a combined Z-test. 101 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected using these three approaches for technical validation by individual genotyping in the discovery dataset. 87 out of 94 successfully tested SNPs were nominally associated in the discovery dataset. Replication of the 87 technically validated SNPs was then carried out in an independent replication dataset of 100 Portuguese cases and 425 controls. The intergenic rs4733649 SNP in chromosome 8 (between LINC00824 and LINC00977) was associated with PSP in the discovery (P = 4.07E-03, ORC[95% CI] = 1.88[1.22-2.89]), replication (P = 1.50E-02, ORC[95% CI] = 1.50[1.08-2.09]) and combined datasets (P = 8.61E-05, ORC[95% CI] = 1.65[1.29-2.13]). This study identified for the first time one genetic risk factor for sporadic PSP, but future studies are warranted to further confirm this finding in other populations and uncover its functional role in PSP pathogenesis.

Fistula of the Stump: A Novel Approach With a "Stapled" Stent.

Postoperative bronchopleural fistulas are serious and uncommon complications after pneumonectomy. Available therapeutic approaches are medical, endoscopic, and/or surgical. A 42-year-old man underwent left pneumonectomy. Three years later he was admitted to an intensive care unit with pneumonia of the remaining lung, severe respiratory insufficiency, and a bronchopleural fistula with an air fluid level filling in the pneumonectomy cavity. A left chest drain was placed, and broad-spectrum antibiotics and mechanical ventilation were administered. Because of the unstable clinical condition, a blind end endobronchial stent closed by a stapler was placed in the left bronchial stump. He improved in a couple of months and underwent definitive surgical sealing of the fistula.Endoscopic interventions are usually safe and free from associated complications. They are an excellent option, when patient's clinical condition is contraindication to immediate surgery.

Infected tracheal diverticulum: a rare association with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency / Divertículo da traqueia infectado: um caso de associação rara com deficiência de alfa-1 antitripsina

Tracheal diverticulum, defined as a benign outpouching of the tracheal wall, is rarely diagnosed in clinical practice. It can be congenital or acquired in origin, and most cases are asymptomatic, typically being diagnosed postmortem. We report a case of a 69-year-old woman who was hospitalized after presenting with fever, fatigue, pleuritic chest pain, and a right neck mass complicated by dysphagia. Her medical history was significant: pulmonary emphysema (alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency); bronchiectasis; and thyroidectomy. On physical examination, she presented diminished breath sounds and muffled heart sounds, with a systolic murmur. Laboratory tests revealed elevated inflammatory markers, a CT scan showed an air-filled, multilocular mass in the right tracheal wall, and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the CT findings. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy failed to reveal any abnormalities. Nevertheless, the patient was diagnosed with tracheal diverticulum. The treatment approach was conservative, consisting mainly of antibiotics. After showing clinical improvement, the patient was discharged.

Divertículos da traqueia são evaginações benignas da parede traqueal e raramente diagnosticados na prática clínica. Podem ser congênitos ou adquiridos, e na maioria dos casos são assintomáticos, sendo tipicamente diagnosticados em estudos post-mortem. Relatamos o caso de uma mulher de 69 anos que foi hospitalizada após apresentar febre, fadiga, dor torácica pleurítica e uma massa cervical à direita complicada por disfagia. Tinha antecedentes pessoais de enfisema pulmonar (deficiência de alfa-1 antitripsina), bronquiectasias e tireoidectomia. Ao exame físico apresentava murmúrio vesicular diminuído, hipofonese cardíaca e um sopro sistólico. Laboratorialmente apresentava marcadores inflamatórios elevados, e uma TC mostrou uma massa aérea, multiloculada na parede direita da traqueia, achados confirmados por ressonância magnética nuclear. Realizou ainda uma fibrobroncoscopia que se revelou normal. Assumiu-se o diagnóstico de divertículo da traqueia. O tratamento proposto foi conservador, consistindo principalmente de antibioticoterapia. Após melhora clínica, a paciente recebeu alta.

Infected tracheal diverticulum: a rare association with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Tracheal diverticulum, defined as a benign outpouching of the tracheal wall, is rarely diagnosed in clinical practice. It can be congenital or acquired in origin, and most cases are asymptomatic, typically being diagnosed postmortem. We report a case of a 69-year-old woman who was hospitalized after presenting with fever, fatigue, pleuritic chest pain, and a right neck mass complicated by dysphagia. Her medical history was significant: pulmonary emphysema (alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency); bronchiectasis; and thyroidectomy. On physical examination, she presented diminished breath sounds and muffled heart sounds, with a systolic murmur. Laboratory tests revealed elevated inflammatory markers, a CT scan showed an air-filled, multilocular mass in the right tracheal wall, and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the CT findings. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy failed to reveal any abnormalities. Nevertheless, the patient was diagnosed with tracheal diverticulum. The treatment approach was conservative, consisting mainly of antibiotics. After showing clinical improvement, the patient was discharged.

Divertículos da traqueia são evaginações benignas da parede traqueal e raramente diagnosticados na prática clínica. Podem ser congênitos ou adquiridos, e na maioria dos casos são assintomáticos, sendo tipicamente diagnosticados em estudos post-mortem. Relatamos o caso de uma mulher de 69 anos que foi hospitalizada após apresentar febre, fadiga, dor torácica pleurítica e uma massa cervical à direita complicada por disfagia. Tinha antecedentes pessoais de enfisema pulmonar (deficiência de alfa-1 antitripsina), bronquiectasias e tireoidectomia. Ao exame físico apresentava murmúrio vesicular diminuído, hipofonese cardíaca e um sopro sistólico. Laboratorialmente apresentava marcadores inflamatórios elevados, e uma TC mostrou uma massa aérea, multiloculada na parede direita da traqueia, achados confirmados por ressonância magnética nuclear. Realizou ainda uma fibrobroncoscopia que se revelou normal. Assumiu-se o diagnóstico de divertículo da traqueia. O tratamento proposto foi conservador, consistindo principalmente de antibioticoterapia. Após melhora clínica, a paciente recebeu alta.

Tracheal chondrosarcoma.

Tracheal chondrosarcoma are rare diseases, with only 15 cases previously described in the literature between 1959 and 2008. Here we present a rare case of tracheal chondrosarcoma and a review of the literature. Our patient, a 72-year-old man, had progressive throat pain for 2 years before diagnosis. Clinical and imaging investigation revealed a giant tracheal mass that was partially debulked by laser for symptomatic relief. Histologically, the mass was characterized as a low-grade tracheal chondrosarcoma. The patient underwent external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and received 60 Gy. At the time this report was written, 7 years after the end of the treatment, the patient was alive and asymptomatic without evidence of locoregional disease. This case and some described in the literature demonstrate the value of EBRT as a single treatment modality in achieving local control. More experience is required to establish the definitive role of radiotherapy in low-grade tracheal chondrosarcoma.

[Polytraumatism in childhood - it can be more than it seems!]. / Criança politraumatizada - nem sempre é só o que parece!

Thoracic injuries can occur in 50% of polytraumatized children, but rupture of the airway is extremely rare. We describe the case of a three-year-old child victim of fall of fourth floor, with head, spine, thoracic and abdominal trauma. On admission she had left side hemothorax and hypertensive pneumothorax and a chest drainage was inserted. Imagiological studies showed left lung contusion, fracture of L1-L4 with spinal cord bone splint and spinal cord injury (D11-L3). On day 3, because of hematic chest drainage and persistent left lung opacity, a bronchoscopy was performed and showed total section of the left main bronchus. She underwent surgical reconstruction of the bronchial tree with atypical resection of the lower lobe of the left lung, with good recovery. This case demonstrates the complexity and the importance of the multidisciplinary approach to the polytraumatized child.

Endoluminal high dose rate brachytherapy in the treatment of primary and recurrent bronchogenic tree malignancies.

INTRODUCTION: Locally advanced tumours as the initial form of presentation of tumours in the bronchial tree are not a rare event. Bronchogenic recurrence is frequent in the natural history of some tumours. The choice of therapeutic options from the raft available depends on such variables as initial therapy, place of recurrence, symptoms and patient's physical status. AIM: To demonstrate the advantages of endoluminal brachytherapy (EBT) with high dose rate (HDR) in primary and recurrent tumour of the bronchial tree. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of seven patients (pts) with primary tumours of the colon, trachea and lung. Tracheobronchial recurrence (trachea, two pts, bronchus, five pts) occurred between March 2003 and September 2004. Patients under- went EBT with HDR for primary or recurrent therapy in association with external radiotherapy, laser therapy and chemotherapy with palliative or curative intention. EBT with HDR doses of 5 to 7 Gy in 2 to 4 fractions at 1 cm from the source axis were given. Treatment included endoluminal application of Ir192 with a French 6 catheter. RESULTS: There was symptomatic relief related to reduction of tumour in six of the seven patients treated. In one of the six patients studied, there was progression of the local disease between the second and third fractions of the treatment (obstruction of the trachea). In a mean follow up of 17 (2-40) months between EBT and this study, three patients are alive, one has no evidence of disease while two have had bronchial recurrence, four patients have died, one after massive haemoptysis and three due to disease progression. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing brachytherapy for symptomatic primary tumours or endobronchial recurrence show good tolerance, important symptom relief and improved quality of life. Despite the small size of our sample, it is clear that EBT with HDR plays an important role in the palliative/ curative treatment of these patients.

[Transbronchial needle aspiration]. / Punção aspirativa transbrônquica.

Transbronchial needle aspiration was initially invented in 1949 by Schieppati. After its adaptation to the flexible bronchoscope in 1983 by Wang this technique has gain firm indications in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer, in peripheral pulmonary nodules and masses; in the evaluation of endobronchial masses; in the disease of submucosal, in benign diseases, i.e. sarcoidoses and mediastinal cysts and abscesses. The yield of this technique published in the literature makes it more than useful. The material available has different indications and usefulness in different clinical settings. Despite the almost absence of complications this procedure is yet underutilized, in spite of its twenty years of results which may be due to the established routines and the lack of training.