Respiratory Center Function and Its Impact in Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome Treatment

Introduction: Patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) need treatment with positive pressure either with continuous (CPAP) or double pressure (NIV). The apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) is considered a key data for making therapeutic decisions. We hypothesized that HR may be an useful tool to establish different phenotypes and individualize treatment in patients with OHS. Our objective was to analyze the role of the respiratory center response to hypercapnia (HR) in the adequacy of positive airway pressure therapy. Method: We included subjects with OHS treated with CPAP or NIV according to AHI and baseline pCO2. We analyzed therapeutic effectiveness and treatment changes prioritizing CPAP if AHI>30/h. Therapy was considered adequate if it was effective after two years. HR was measured with the p0.1/pEtCO2 ratio and its capability to select therapy was analyzed. The statistical study was performed by means comparison (Student's t) and multivariate analysis (logistic regression). Results: 67 subjects were included of 68(11) years old, 37 (55%) males, initially 45 (67%) treated with NIV and 22 (33%) with CPAP, one case was excluded and in 25 (38%) the treatment was changed. Finally, CPAP was adequate for 29 subjects (44%) and NIV for 37 (56%). The CPAP group showed AHI 57/h (24) and p0.1/pEtCO2 0.37cmH2O/mmHg (0.23), NIV group AHI 43/h (35) and p0.1/pEtCO2 0.24 (0.15) with p=0.049 and 0.006. In multivariate analysis, p0.1/pEtCO2 (p=0.033) and AHI>30 (p=0.001) were predictors of adequate therapy. Conclusion: Measuring the RH of the respiratory center helps to select the most appropriate treatment for patients with OHS. (AU)

Respiratory Center Function and Its Impact in Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) need treatment with positive pressure either with continuous (CPAP) or double pressure (NIV). The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is considered a key data for making therapeutic decisions. We hypothesized that HR may be an useful tool to establish different phenotypes and individualize treatment in patients with OHS. Our objective was to analyze the role of the respiratory center response to hypercapnia (HR) in the adequacy of positive airway pressure therapy. METHOD: We included subjects with OHS treated with CPAP or NIV according to AHI and baseline pCO2. We analyzed therapeutic effectiveness and treatment changes prioritizing CPAP if AHI>30/h. Therapy was considered adequate if it was effective after two years. HR was measured with the p0.1/pEtCO2 ratio and its capability to select therapy was analyzed. The statistical study was performed by means comparison (Student's t) and multivariate analysis (logistic regression). RESULTS: 67 subjects were included of 68(11) years old, 37 (55%) males, initially 45 (67%) treated with NIV and 22 (33%) with CPAP, one case was excluded and in 25 (38%) the treatment was changed. Finally, CPAP was adequate for 29 subjects (44%) and NIV for 37 (56%). The CPAP group showed AHI 57/h (24) and p0.1/pEtCO2 0.37cmH2O/mmHg (0.23), NIV group AHI 43/h (35) and p0.1/pEtCO2 0.24 (0.15) with p=0.049 and 0.006. In multivariate analysis, p0.1/pEtCO2 (p=0.033) and AHI>30 (p=0.001) were predictors of adequate therapy. CONCLUSION: Measuring the RH of the respiratory center helps to select the most appropriate treatment for patients with OHS.

Heart Failure: Is it a Lung Disease? / Insuficiencia cardíaca: ¿una patología neumológica?

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Síndrome de obesidad-hipoventilación: situación hemodinámica basal e impacto de la ventilación no invasiva / Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome: Baseline Hemodynamic Status and Impact of non-Invasive Ventilation

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de obesidad-hipoventilación (SOH) es un factor de riesgo para presentar insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Algunos estudios relacionan el uso de ventilación no invasiva (VNI) con la alteración de parámetros hemodinámicos. Nuestro objetivo fue describir la situación hemodinámica de un grupo de pacientes con SOH y estudiar el efecto de la VNI. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Con un diseño transversal de mediciones repetidas, se incluyó a pacientes con SOH tratados con VNI en situación estable. Se estudió su hemodinámica con bioimpedancia: 30 min basales y otros 30 con VNI. Se midieron el gasto cardiaco (GC), el índice cardiaco y el volumen sistólico. Se tomó como referencia el GC calculado para cada paciente expresado como porcentaje sobre su límite inferior de normalidad (LIN) y se establecieron 2 grupos: sin IC con GC conservado (≥ 100% sobre LIN) y con IC y GC bajo (< 100% del LIN). Se utilizaron la U de Mann-Whitney para comparación de variables independientes y el test de Wilcoxon para variables apareadas, se consideró significativo p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: La muestra final fue de 36 casos, de 66 (8) años, 19 (52%) varones. En 17 (46%) detectamos IC con GC de 3,7 l/min (66%) frente al grupo sin IC con 7 l/min (107%). Tras VNI, los pacientes en IC mejoraron su GC (4,5 l/min [77%] p = 0,009) y no lo modificó el grupo sin IC: 6,8 l/min (104%), p = 0,2. CONCLUSIÓN: Un 46% de pacientes con SOH estable presenta IC. La VNI mejora su hemodinámica y no influye en los pacientes con GC conservado

INTRODUCTION: Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a risk factor for heart failure (HF). Some studies associate the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with changes in hemodynamic parameters. Our objective was to describe the hemodynamic status of a group of patients with OHS and to study the effect of NIV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stable OHS treated with NIV were included in this cross-sectional repeated measurements study. Hemodynamics were measured by bioimpedance: 30minutes at baseline and another 30minutes on NIV. Cardiac output (CO), cardiac index, and systolic volume were measured. The CO calculated for each patient expressed as a percentage of the lower limit of normal (LLN) was taken as reference, and 2 groups were formed: patients without HF and normal CO (≥ 100% of LLN) and patients with HF and low CO (< 100% of LLN). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare independent variables and the Wilcoxon test was used for paired variables, with significance set at P < .05. RESULTS: The final sample comprised 36 patients, aged 66 (± 8) years, 19 (52%) men. In 17 (46%) patients, HF was detected with a CO of 3.7 l/min (66%) compared to the group without HF, whose CO was 7 l/min (107%). After NIV, patients with HF showed improvement in CO (4.5 l/min (77%), P = .009, while the non-HF group remained unchanged, with CO 6.8 l/min (104%), P = .2. CONCLUSION: A total of 46% of patients with stable OHS present HF; NIV improves hemodynamics and does not affect patients with normal CO

Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome: Baseline Hemodynamic Status and Impact of non-Invasive Ventilation. / Síndrome de obesidad-hipoventilación: situación hemodinámica basal e impacto de la ventilación no invasiva.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a risk factor for heart failure (HF). Some studies associate the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with changes in hemodynamic parameters. Our objective was to describe the hemodynamic status of a group of patients with OHS and to study the effect of NIV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stable OHS treated with NIV were included in this cross-sectional repeated measurements study. Hemodynamics were measured by bioimpedance: 30minutes at baseline and another 30minutes on NIV. Cardiac output (CO), cardiac index, and systolic volume were measured. The CO calculated for each patient expressed as a percentage of the lower limit of normal (LLN) was taken as reference, and 2 groups were formed: patients without HF and normal CO (≥ 100% of LLN) and patients with HF and low CO (< 100% of LLN). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare independent variables and the Wilcoxon test was used for paired variables, with significance set at P<.05. RESULTS: The final sample comprised 36 patients, aged 66 (± 8) years, 19 (52%) men. In 17 (46%) patients, HF was detected with a CO of 3.7 l/min (66%) compared to the group without HF, whose CO was 7 l/min (107%). After NIV, patients with HF showed improvement in CO (4.5 l/min (77%), P=.009, while the non-HF group remained unchanged, with CO 6.8 l/min (104%), P=.2. CONCLUSION: A total of 46% of patients with stable OHS present HF; NIV improves hemodynamics and does not affect patients with normal CO.

Objective and Subjective Sleep Efficiency in Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis and Impact on Quality of Life.

INTRODUCTION: Poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness are common in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and both are negatively correlated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of our study was to evaluate subjective and objective sleep quality in adult CF patients and its effect on HRQoL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study of CF patients > 18 years of age. Patients underwent nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) and were administered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire (PSQI) and the Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (CFQR 14 + Spain). RESULTS: The study included 23 patients, 14 women (61%). The mean age of the participants was 32 + 18 years. The mean PSQI score was 5.57 + 3.55; 13 (56.5%) of the patients were poor sleepers, and 13% reported poor sleep quality; seven (30%) had sleep latency > 30 min, 10 (43.5%) had sleep efficiency < 85%. Nineteen underwent polysomnography. According to PSG measurements, sleep efficiency was less than 90% in 61% of the patients. Pathological values were found for the following parameters: intra-sleep wakefulness in 12 patients (63%); microarousal index in 12 patients (63%); and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in 2 patients. The desaturation time with SpO2 < 90% (T90) was > 30% in 3 patients. We observed a significant correlation between PSQI and all dimensions of CFQR 14. CONCLUSIONS: Subjective and objective sleep efficiency decreases in adult CF patients. Sleep quality has an impact on HRQoL. The PSQI questionnaire was able to discriminate sleep quality.

Respuesta a la hipercapnia en pacientes con síndrome obesidad-hipoventilación en tratamiento con ventilación no invasiva en domicilio / Hypercapnia Response in Patients with Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome Treated with Non-Invasive Ventilation at Home

Introducción: En la patogenia del síndrome de obesidad-hipoventilación (SOH) se ha postulado una disfunción del centro respiratorio, que muchas veces precisa la utilización de ventilación no invasiva (VNI) en domicilio para el tratamiento. Nuestro objetivo fue medir el efecto de la VNI en la función del CR en pacientes con SOH y los factores que lo determinan. Métodos: Con un diseño prospectivo de mediciones repetidas se estudió la respuesta a la hipercapnia (RHC) midiendo la pendiente de la relación p01/pEtCO2 en situación basal y tras 6meses de tratamiento con VNI en un grupo de pacientes con SOH. Previamente en un grupo control se estableció un umbral en 0,22cmH2O/mmHg para diferenciar la respuesta óptima (RO) de la respuesta subóptima (RSO) del CR. Resultados: Se incluyeron 36 casos, 19 varones (52%), de 65 (DE: 9) años de edad; un 63% de ellos tenían un p01/pEtCO2 por debajo del valor de referencia. El valor basal de p01/pEtCO2 fue de 0,17 (DE: 0,14) cmH2O/mmHg y tras 6meses de VNI fue de 0,30 (DE: 0,22) cmH2O/mmHg (p=0,011). Tras 6meses de tratamiento con VNI, 12 casos (33%) mantienen una función deprimida de su CR. Conclusión: Un 63% de los pacientes con SOH mostraron disfunción de su CR. La aplicación de VNI mejora la función del CR, aunque no en todos los casos

Introduction: Respiratory center (RC) dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), and often requires treatment with home non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Our objective was to measure the effect of NIV on RC function in patients with OHS, and the factors that determine such an effect. Methods: We performed a prospective, repeated measures study to evaluate hypercapnia response (HR) by determining the p01/pEtCO2 ratio slope at baseline and after 6months of treatment with NIV in a group of OHS patients. A threshold of 0.22cmH2O/mmHg had previously been established in a control group, in order to differentiate optimal RC response from suboptimal RC response. Results: A total of 36 cases were included, 19 men (52%) aged 65 (SD 9) years, 63% of whom had p01/pEtCO2 below the reference value. Baseline p01/pEtCO2 was 0.17 (SD: 0.14) cmH2O/mmHg and, after 6 months of NIV, 0.30 (SD: 0.22) cmH2O/mmHg (p=0.011). After 6months of treatment with NIV, depressed RC function persisted in 12 cases (33%). Conclusion: In total, 63% of OHS patients had RC dysfunction. The application of NIV improves RC function but not in all cases

Hypercapnia Response in Patients with Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome Treated with Non-Invasive Ventilation at Home. / Respuesta a la hipercapnia en pacientes con síndrome obesidad-hipoventilación en tratamiento con ventilación no invasiva en domicilio.

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory center (RC) dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), and often requires treatment with home non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Our objective was to measure the effect of NIV on RC function in patients with OHS, and the factors that determine such an effect. METHODS: We performed a prospective, repeated measures study to evaluate hypercapnia response (HR) by determining the p01/pEtCO2 ratio slope at baseline and after 6months of treatment with NIV in a group of OHS patients. A threshold of 0.22cmH2O/mmHg had previously been established in a control group, in order to differentiate optimal RC response from suboptimal RC response. RESULTS: A total of 36 cases were included, 19 men (52%) aged 65 (SD 9) years, 63% of whom had p01/pEtCO2 below the reference value. Baseline p01/pEtCO2 was 0.17 (SD: 0.14) cmH2O/mmHg and, after 6 months of NIV, 0.30 (SD: 0.22) cmH2O/mmHg (p=0.011). After 6months of treatment with NIV, depressed RC function persisted in 12 cases (33%). CONCLUSION: In total, 63% of OHS patients had RC dysfunction. The application of NIV improves RC function but not in all cases.

Monitoring Noninvasive Ventilation in Patients with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome: Comparison between Ventilator Built-in Software and Respiratory Polygraphy.

BACKGROUND: Polygraphy (PG) remains the standard method of assessing noninvasive ventilation (NIV) effectiveness. Built-in software (BIS) of recent NIV equipment provides estimates of some ventilator parameters, but their usefulness is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability of BIS compared with PG in a cohort of obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) patients on NIV. METHODS: Thirty stable OHS patients on NIV were evaluated in an outpatient setting with simultaneous PG and BIS recordings. The automated apnea-hypopnea event index (EIAUT) provided by Rescan and manual scoring based on available traces obtained from the software (EIBIS) were compared with manual PG scoring (EIPG). Each manual scoring was separately performed by 2 trained operators. Agreement between the 2 operators was assessed using the kappa coefficient. Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate agreement between EIAUT, EIBIS, and EIPG. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases were valid for analysis (age ±61 years, 17 men). All patients were ventilated in the spontaneous/timed mode (mean inspiratory positive airway pressure 17 ± 3 cm H2O, mean expiratory positive airway pressure 10 ± 3 cm H2O). Cohen's kappa agreement between the operators was 0.7 for EIBIS and 0.84 for EIPG. EIBIS showed good correlation with EIPG (r2 = 0.79 p < 0.001), better than scoring provided by the automated analysis (r2 = 0.71, p < 0.006 for EIAUT vs. EIPG). CONCLUSIONS: In stable OHS patients on NIV, unattended home-based monitoring using Rescan is reproducible and reliable to assess quality of ventilation when compared with PG. In addition, manual scoring of events using data obtained with this device is more consistent than software-based automated analysis.

Snoring as a Determinant Factor of Oxidative Stress in the Airway of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

PURPOSE: In obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS), airway collapses and vibrations cause local and systemic inflammatory response and oxidative stress (OS). Our objective was to determine the presence of OS in the airway of patients with OSAS compared with controls without OSAS and determine its relation to treatment with CPAP and other clinical variables. METHOD: We performed a prospective observational case-control study with repeated measures. We recruited consecutive patients with SAHS diagnosed using complete polysomnography, and a parallel control group. We collected a sample of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) prior to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment and again after 4 months. The marker of OS used was 8-isoprostane (8-IPN). The variables analyzed were age, sex, anthropometric variables, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), snoring, oxygenation, and polysomnographic variables. RESULTS: The study included 20 patients and 10 controls. In cases, the initial value of 8-IPN was 6.8 (1.9), and after nasal CPAP, it was 5.3 (1.2) pg/ml (p = 0.02). In controls, the value of 8-IPN was 5.6 (1.1) pg/ml (p = 0.04 compared to initial values). 8-IPN showed significant correlation with snoring, AHI, BMI, nocturnal desaturation index, and non-REM sleep. On multivariate analysis, only snoring was a significant predictor of 8-IPN. CONCLUSIONS: Snoring, and not OSAS severity, could be the phenomenon underlying the presence of local OS measured in the airway of patients with OSAS.

Niveles elevados de carboxihemoglobina: fuentes de exposición a monóxido de carbono / Elevated Carboxyhemoglobin: Sources of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Introducción: La inhalación de monóxido de carbono (CO) puede producir intoxicación, ocasionando desde una sintomatología inespecífica hasta la muerte. Muchas veces hay infradiagnóstico ya que exponerse a concentraciones bajas pasa inadvertida, y los valores umbral de normalidad para la carboxihemoglobina varían según distintos autores. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue analizar los niveles de carboxihemoglobina (COHb) en una población no seleccionada y detectar las fuentes de exposición al monóxido de Carbono Métodos: Con un diseño transversal y descriptivo, se analizaron consecutivamente las gasometrías arteriales procesadas en nuestro laboratorio. Se seleccionaron aquellos que tenían una COHb ≥ 2,5% en no fumadores y ≥ 5% en fumadores. A los casos seleccionados se realizó entrevista telefónica estructurada. Resultados: De 306 valoraciones iniciales, 64 casos (20%) tenían valores elevados de COHb y se obtuvieron datos de 51, 31 (60%) varones, de 65 ± 12 a˜nos. La media de COHb fue de 4,0%. Cuarenta pacientes (78%) eran no fumadores con niveles de COHb de 3,2% y 11 fumadores con niveles de COHb de 6,7%. En 45 pacientes (88,2%) se detectó exposición a al menos una fuente de producción de CO ambiental distinta al humo del tabaco. Conclusiones: Un porcentaje relevante de individuos de una muestra no seleccionada tiene valores elevados de COHb. Posiblemente las principales fuentes de exposición estén en el domicilio particular, por lo que debe explorarse esta posibilidad, alertar sobre los riesgos y estimular la toma de medidas preventivas

Introduction: Inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO) can result in poisoning, with symptoms ranging from mild and nonspecific to severe, or even death. CO poisoning is often underdiagnosed because exposure to low concentrations goes unnoticed, and threshold values for normal carboxyhemoglobin vary according to different authors. The aim of our study was to analyze carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in an unselected population and detect sources of CO exposure Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, we analyzed consecutive arterial blood gas levels processed in our laboratory. We selected those with COHb≥2.5% in nonsmokers and ≥ 5% in smokers. In these cases a structured telephone interview was conducted. Results: Elevated levels of COHb were found in 64 (20%) of 306 initial determinations. Of these, data from 51 subjects aged 65 ± 12 years, 31 (60%) of which were men, were obtained. Mean COHb was 4.0%. Forty patients (78%) were non-smokers with mean COHb of 3.2%, and 11 were smokers with COHb of 6.7%. In 45 patients (88.2%) we detected exposure to at least one source of ambient CO other than cigarette smoke. Conclusions: A significant proportion of individuals from an unselected sample had elevated levels of COHb. The main sources of CO exposure were probably the home, so this possibility should be explored. The population should be warned about the risks and encouraged to take preventive measures

Elevated carboxyhemoglobin: sources of carbon monoxide exposure.

INTRODUCTION: Inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO) can result in poisoning, with symptoms ranging from mild and nonspecific to severe, or even death. CO poisoning is often underdiagnosed because exposure to low concentrations goes unnoticed, and threshold values for normal carboxyhemoglobin vary according to different authors. The aim of our study was to analyze carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in an unselected population and detect sources of CO exposure METHODS: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, we analyzed consecutive arterial blood gas levels processed in our laboratory. We selected those with COHb≥2.5% in nonsmokers and ≥5% in smokers. In these cases a structured telephone interview was conducted. RESULTS: Elevated levels of COHb were found in 64 (20%) of 306 initial determinations. Of these, data from 51 subjects aged 65±12 years, 31 (60%) of which were men, were obtained. Mean COHb was 4.0%. Forty patients (78%) were non-smokers with mean COHb of 3.2%, and 11 were smokers with COHb of 6.7%. In 45 patients (88.2%) we detected exposure to at least one source of ambient CO other than cigarette smoke. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of individuals from an unselected sample had elevated levels of COHb. The main sources of CO exposure were probably the home, so this possibility should be explored. The population should be warned about the risks and encouraged to take preventive measures.

Home mechanical ventilation through mask: monitoring leakage and nocturnal oxygenation at home.

BACKGROUND: Leakage is common in patients receiving home mechanical ventilation (HMV) via a face mask. Although pressure ventilators have partial compensatory capacity, excessive leakage can compromise the effectiveness of treatment. Home ventilators are equipped with built-in software which provides information on leakage. However, the values of leakage and their effects in routine clinical practice are currently little known. OBJECTIVE: To measure leakage in stable patients on nocturnal HMV and its impact on treatment effectiveness. METHODS: Consecutive outpatients on HMV were recruited. Nocturnal pulse oximetry was performed at home and leakage was measured using the ventilator's built-in software. We measured: mean SpO(2), percentage of time with SpO(2) <90% (T90), mean leakage (meanL), maximum leakage (maxL), and minimum leakage (minL) during the ventilation session. We estimated ventilator capacity to compensate for leakage according to inspiratory positive airway pressure and divided the patients into two groups: those with leak compensation and those without. RESULTS: The study included 41 patients [mean age, 64 years (SD 11.9); 23 (56%) women]. Nocturnal pulse oximetry showed an SpO(2) of 94% (±2.9) and a T90 of 10% (±21.7). Leakage (in l/min) was: meanL, 32.2 (±15.3); maxL, 64.8 (±28.5), and minL, 18.8 (±10.6). Seven cases (17%) had leakage greater than the ventilator compensatory capacity, but no significant difference in SpO(2) or T90 was observed between patients with or without leak compensation. CONCLUSIONS: A wide variation between maxL and minL was observed in our series; 17% of cases had higher leakage values than the compensatory capacity of the ventilator, but this did not affect nocturnal oxygenation.

Ventilación mecánica domiciliaria: dependencia y carga de cuidados en el domicilio / Home Mechanical Ventilation: Dependency and Burden of Care in the Home

IntroducciónLa ventilación mecánica domiciliaria (VMD) aumenta la supervivencia en grupos seleccionados de pacientes, pero se asocia a dependencia progresiva para las actividades básicas y muchos pacientes necesitarán cuidadores informales en su domicilio. Éstos asumen una carga de trabajo que puede tener repercusiones económicas, físicas y/o psíquicas. Nuestro objetivo has sido estudiar a pacientes con VMD y dependencia, y describir el impacto sobre sus cuidadores.Pacientes y métodosEn noviembre de 2007 estudiamos de forma descriptiva y transversal a pacientes con un mínimo de 6 meses en VMD, en situación estable. Se identificó a los dependientes aplicando el índice de Katz (índice C y superiores). En este grupo se estudiaron variables socioeconómicas, de comorbilidad y de necesidad de cuidados. Para establecer la sobrecarga del cuidador se aplicó el índice de Zarit.ResultadosDe los 66 pacientes incluidos, 20 (30%) mostraban dependencia (edad media±desviación estándar: 60±12 años; 46% mujeres), llevaban una media de 45 meses en VMD y el 40% recibía ventilación durante más de 12h al día. Entre los cuidadores, el 58% era cuidador único, la mayoría eran mujeres (77%), la edad media era de 51 años y un 70% trabajaba además fuera del domicilio. El índice de Zarit en 7 casos (35%) era superior a 40.ConclusionesEn nuestra serie, una tercera parte de los pacientes precisan cuidadores informales para poder permanecer en su entorno. El cuidador es mayoritariamente del sexo femenino, y un tercio tiene sobrecarga real o corre el riesgo de presentarla. Para adecuar la asistencia a este colectivo harán falta cambios que impliquen a los médicos y a la Administración sanitaria(AU)

BackgroundWhile home mechanical ventilation (HMV) prolongs survival in selected groups of patients, its use is associated with progressive dependency in basic activities, and many users will require informal care in their homes. The workload assumed by the informal caregivers can have financial, physical, and psychological repercussions. Our objective was to study dependent patients on HMV, and to describe the impact of the situation on their caregivers.Patients and MethodsIn November 2007, we undertook a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients in stable condition who had been receiving HMV for at least 6 months. Using the Katz index, we identified dependent patients (class C and higher). In this group we studied social and economic variables, comorbidity, and need for care. The Zarit interview was used to evaluate the caregiver burden.ResultsOf the 66 patients enrolled, 20 (30%) were dependent. The mean (SD) age in this group was 60 (12) years and 46% were women. These patients had been on HMV for a mean of 45 months, and 40% were using ventilatory support for over 12 hours per day. Care was provided by women in the majority of cases (77%), and 58% were sole caregivers. The mean age of these carers was 51 years, and 70% of them also worked outside the home. In 7 cases (35%), the caregiver scored over 40 on the Zarit index.ConclusionsOne third of the patients required informal care in order to remain in their homes. Most of the caregivers were women, and one third were overburdened or were at risk of becoming so. Changes involving both physicians and the health authorities are needed to provide satisfactory care to this group of patients(AU)

[Home mechanical ventilation: dependency and burden of care in the home]. / Ventilación mecánica domiciliaria: dependencia y carga de cuidados en el domicilio.

BACKGROUND: While home mechanical ventilation (HMV) prolongs survival in selected groups of patients, its use is associated with progressive dependency in basic activities, and many users will require informal care in their homes. The workload assumed by the informal caregivers can have financial, physical, and psychological repercussions. Our objective was to study dependent patients on HMV, and to describe the impact of the situation on their caregivers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In November 2007, we undertook a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients in stable condition who had been receiving HMV for at least 6 months. Using the Katz index, we identified dependent patients (class C and higher). In this group we studied social and economic variables, comorbidity, and need for care. The Zarit interview was used to evaluate the caregiver burden. RESULTS: Of the 66 patients enrolled, 20 (30%) were dependent. The mean (SD) age in this group was 60 (12) years and 46% were women. These patients had been on HMV for a mean of 45 months, and 40% were using ventilatory support for over 12 hours per day. Care was provided by women in the majority of cases (77%), and 58% were sole caregivers. The mean age of these carers was 51 years, and 70% of them also worked outside the home. In 7 cases (35%), the caregiver scored over 40 on the Zarit index. CONCLUSIONS: One third of the patients required informal care in order to remain in their homes. Most of the caregivers were women, and one third were overburdened or were at risk of becoming so. Changes involving both physicians and the health authorities are needed to provide satisfactory care to this group of patients.

¿Se basan las recomendaciones en la evidencia científica? A propósito de la neumonía atípica. Respuesta de los autores / Atypical pneumonia: are the recommendations evidence-based?. Authors’ reply

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[Tobacco smoking and sputum smear conversion in pulmonary tuberculosis]. / Tabaquismo y negativización bacteriológica del esputo en la tuberculosis pulmonar.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To analyze if cigarette smoking delays the sputum smear conversion in pulmonary tuberculosis. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Ninety eight patients were diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. Patients were all not immunosuppressed, infected by human immunodeficiecy virus (HIV) or drug resistant. Sixty four of them were smokers with a pack-year index (standard deviation) of 33.69 (23.12). Delayed sputum smear conversion (DC) was considered when 2 positive sputum culture results were obtained in the second month of anti-tuberculous treatment and was associated with the following variables in 2 groups: a) total group (in which all the patients were included): age, sex, smoking habits, risk factors (alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, drug addicion, malnutrition), time with symptoms, radiologic presentation and bacterial load, and b) smokers: age, sex, risk factors, time with symptoms, radiologic presentation, bacterial load and pack-year index. For the statistical analysis, chi2 test, Student t test and logistic regression model were used, considering the dependant variable DC. RESULTS: In the total group, 17 patients (17.3%) had DC, 16 of them had a history of smoking and in the univariate analysis it was associated with: alcohol consumption, time with symptoms, radiologic presentation as bilateral cavitary infiltrates and smoking habits. The logistic regression analysis showed an association with smoking habits (odds ratio = 9.8; p = 0.03) and bilateral cavitary infiltrates (odds ratio = 3.61; p = 0.02). In the group of smokers, DC was associated in the univariate analysis with the female sex. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking habits delay sputum conversion in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis not associated with HIV and non-resistant bacilli. According to these results it is necessary to assist smoking cessation in patients who are receiving antituberculous treatment.

Tabaquismo y negativización bacteriológica del esputo en la tuberculosis pulmonar / Tobacco smoking and sputum smear conversion in pulmonary tuberculosis

FUNDAMENTO Y OBJETIVO: Analizar si el consumo de tabaco retrasa la negativización microbiológicaen la tuberculosis pulmonar.PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se incluyó a 98 pacientes diagnosticados de tuberculosis pulmonar, sin inmunodepresióncausada por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) ni resistencia farmacológica.Eran fumadores 64, con un índice medio (desviación estándar) de 33,69 (23,12)paquetes/año. Se consideró conversión bacteriológica retardada (CR) a la persistencia de 2 cultivospositivos al segundo mes del inicio del tratamiento antituberculoso, y se relacionó con lassiguientes variables en 2 grupos: a) general (que englobaba a todos los pacientes): edad, sexo,tabaquismo, factores de riesgo (consumo de alcohol, diabetes mellitus, inmunodepresión, adiccióna drogas, desnutrición), tiempo de evolución de los síntomas, presentación radiológica ycarga bacilar, y b) fumadores: edad, sexo, índice paquetes/año, factores de riesgo, tiempo deevolución de los síntomas, presentación radiológica y carga bacilar. En cuanto al estudio estadístico,se realizaron los siguientes análisis: distribución de la χ2, prueba de la t de Student yregresión logística paso a paso hacia adelante, considerando como variable dependiente la CR.RESULTADOS: En el grupo general presentaron CR 17 pacientes (17,3%), de los que 16 referíanantecedentes de tabaquismo, y en el estudio univariado la CR se relacionó con el consumo dealcohol, el tiempo de evolución de los síntomas, la presentación radiológica cavitaria bilateral yel tabaquismo. En el análisis de regresión logística mantenían la relación el tabaquismo (oddsratio = 9,80; p = 0,03) y la cavitación bilateral (odds ratio = 3,61; p = 0,02). En el grupo defumadores, la CR se asoció en el análisis univariado únicamente con sexo femenino.CONCLUSIONES: El tabaquismo retrasa la CR en pacientes diagnosticados de tuberculosis pulmonarno ligada al VIH y con aislamientos sensibles. Dada la trascendencia de este hallazgo, espreciso reforzar su abandono durante el tratamiento antituberculoso

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To analyze if cigarette smoking delays the sputum smear conversionin pulmonary tuberculosis.PATIENTS AND METHOD: Ninety eight patients were diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. Patientswere all not immunosuppressed, infected by human immunodeficiecy virus (HIV) or drugresistant. Sixty four of them were smokers with a pack-year index (standard deviation) of 33.69(23.12). Delayed sputum smear conversion (DC) was considered when 2 positive sputum cultureresults were obtained in the second month of anti-tuberculous treatment and was associatedwith the following variables in 2 groups: a) total group (in which all the patients were included):age, sex, smoking habits, risk factors (alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression,drug addicion, malnutrition), time with symptoms, radiologic presentation andbacterial load, and b) smokers: age, sex, risk factors, time with symptoms, radiologic presentation,bacterial load and pack-year index. For the statistical analysis, χ2 test, Student t test andlogistic regression model were used, considering the dependant variable DC.RESULTS: In the total group, 17 patients (17.3%) had DC, 16 of them had a history of smokingand in the univariate analysis it was associated with: alcohol consumption, time with symptoms,radiologic presentation as bilateral cavitary infiltrates and smoking habits. The logistic regressionanalysis showed an association with smoking habits (odds ratio = 9.8; p = 0.03) andbilateral cavitary infiltrates (odds ratio = 3.61; p = 0.02). In the group of smokers, DC was associatedin the univariate analysis with the female sex.CONCLUSIONS: Smoking habits delay sputum conversion in patients with pulmonary tuberculosisnot associated with HIV and non-resistant bacilli. According to these results it is necessary toassist smoking cessation in patients who are receiving antituberculous treatment