CANVAS: una nueva etiología de la ataxia del adulto. La asociación con tos orienta al diagnóstico. Comunicación de 2 pacientes / Late-Onset Cerebellar Ataxia with Neuropathy: Uncovering the Role of RFC1 Gene Mutations

Presentamos dos pacientes no relacionados con ataxia cerebelosa de inicio tardío asociada con neuropatía y tos seca de larga data. Un paciente tenía dos hermanos afectados con neuropatía sensorial y tos. Ambos probandos tuvieron investigaciones extensas que incluyó pruebas genéticas negativas para las ataxias más comunes, así como pruebas paraneoplásicas y otras causas inmunológicas. Ambos pacientes mostraron una expansión intrónica anormal en el pentanucleótido AAGGG del gen RFC1. Esta etiología se informa como causa frecuente de ataxia de inicio en adultos; la presencia de tos puede conducir al diagnóstico correcto.

We report two unrelated patients with late-onset cerebellar ataxia associated with neuropathy and a long-standing dry cough. One patient had two siblings affected with sensory neuropathy and cough. Both probands had extensive investigations including genetics testing negative for most common ataxias as well as testing for paraneoplasic and other immunologic causes. Both patients showed an abnormal intronic expansion in the pentanucleotide AAGGG of the gene RFC1. This etiology is being reported as frequent cause of adult-onset ataxia; the presence of cough may lead to the correct diagnosis.

Clinical Parameters of the Speech-Language Pathology Assessment of the Chronic Cough: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: to map the clinical parameters used in the speech-language pathology assessment of the chronic cough. METHODS: a scoping review was performed to answer the clinical question: "What are the clinical parameters included in the speech-language pathology assessment of patients with chronic cough?" Evidence was searched by electronic and manual search. The electronic search included: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and LILACS. Each database had a specific search strategy. The manual search included Journal of Voice, Chest, and Thorax, Brazilian Library of Theses and Dissertations, Open Grey, and Clinical Trials, in addition to scanning the references of the included studies. The extracted data considered information regarding the publication, sample, assessment, and measures used when assessing chronic cough. RESULTS: the electronic search found 289 studies; the manual search found 1036 studies; 12 were selected for the present study. The most used assessments were: self-assessment (75%), aerodynamic analysis (66.67%), the perceptual auditory judgment of the voice quality (58.33%), acoustic analysis of the voice (41.67%), cough frequency, and cough threshold (41.67%) and electroglottography (25%). CONCLUSIONS: the subjective instruments were used more frequently, while specific objective instruments, which are recent, were used less frequently. Complementary assessments such as vocal assessment, have been frequently used, also, with no other parameter. A lack of homogeneity was identified in the speech-language pathology assessment and measures of patients with chronic cough, thus, the comparison among studies and clinical analysis is difficult.

The long-term outcomes of posterior nasal neurectomy with or without pharyngeal neurectomy in patients with allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic rhinitis is a form of IgE mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa in response to specific allergens, resulting in typical symptoms. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed with the primary goal of comparing the clinical efficacy of posterior nasal neurectomy with or without pharyngeal neurectomy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe perennial allergic rhinitis. Secondary study aims included a comparison of the severity of comorbidities, including chronic cough and asthma, between patients in these two surgical treatment groups. METHODS: A total of 52 patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial and were assigned to either the control group (posterior nasal neurectomy) or the experimental group (posterior nasal neurectomy + pharyngeal neurectomy). The visual analog scale and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire were used to compare the differences in patient symptoms between baseline and 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-treatment. In addition, patient cough and asthma symptoms were monitored during follow-up via visual analog scale and asthma control test respectively. RESULTS: No significant differences in preoperative scores were evident between groups (p > 0.05). At 6-months post-treatment, there were significant differences in visual analog scale, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, and asthma control test scores relative to baseline values in experimental group and control group patients (p < 0.05), and this remained true upon 12- and 24-month follow-up. No significant differences in visual analog scale, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, or asthma control test scores were observed between the two treatment groups at any postoperative follow-up time point (p > 0.05), while coughing severity was found to be significantly reduced in the experimental group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: posterior nasal neurectomy can be safely implemented with or without pharyngeal neurectomy in order to effectively treat allergic rhinitis. Combined posterior nasal neurectomy and pharyngeal neurectomy treatment may offer greater value than posterior nasal neurectomy alone for the treatment of allergic rhinitis patients with chronic cough.

The long-term outcomes of posterior nasal neurectomy with or without pharyngeal neurectomy in patients with allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial / Os resultados no longo prazo da neurectomia nasal posterior com ou sem neurectomia faríngea em pacientes com rinite alérgica: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Introduction Allergic rhinitis is a form of IgE mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa in response to specific allergens, resulting in typical symptoms. Objectives This study was designed with the primary goal of comparing the clinical efficacy of posterior nasal neurectomy with or without pharyngeal neurectomy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe perennial allergic rhinitis. Secondary study aims included a comparison of the severity of comorbidities, including chronic cough and asthma, between patients in these two surgical treatment groups. Methods A total of 52 patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial and were assigned to either the control group (posterior nasal neurectomy) or the experimental group (posterior nasal neurectomy + pharyngeal neurectomy). The visual analog scale and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire were used to compare the differences in patient symptoms between baseline and 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-treatment. In addition, patient cough and asthma symptoms were monitored during follow-up via visual analog scale and asthma control test respectively. Results No significant differences in preoperative scores were evident between groups (p> 0.05). At 6-months post-treatment, there were significant differences in visual analog scale, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, and asthma control test scores relative to baseline values in experimental group and control group patients (p< 0.05), and this remained true upon 12- and 24-month follow-up. No significant differences in visual analog scale, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, or asthma control test scores were observed between the two treatment groups at any postoperative follow-up time point (p> 0.05), while coughing severity was found to be significantly reduced in the experimental group relative to the control group (p< 0.05). Conclusion posterior nasal neurectomy can be safely implemented with or without pharyngeal neurectomy in order to effectively treat allergic rhinitis. Combined posterior nasal neurectomy and pharyngeal neurectomy treatment may offer greater value than posterior nasal neurectomy alone for the treatment of allergic rhinitis patients with chronic cough.

Resumo Introdução A rinite alérgica é uma forma de inflamação da mucosa nasal mediada por IgE em resposta a alérgenos específicos, resulta em sintomas típicos. Objetivos Comparar a eficácia clínica da neurectomia nasal posterior com ou sem neurectomia faríngea para o tratamento da rinite alérgica perene de moderada a grave. Além disso, comparar a gravidade das comorbidades, inclusive tosse crônica e asma, entre os pacientes nesses dois grupos de tratamento cirúrgico. Método Foram incluidos neste ensaio clínico randomizado e designados para o grupo controle (neurectomia nasal posterior) ou para o grupo experimental (neurectomia nasal posterior + neurectomia faríngea) 52 pacientes. A escala visual analógica e o questionário de qualidade de vida na rinoconjuntivite (rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire) foram usados para comparar as diferenças nos sintomas dos pacientes entre o período inicial e 6, 12 e 24 meses após o tratamento. Além disso, a tosse e os sintomas de asma dos pacientes foram monitorados durante o acompanhamento por meio da escala visual analógica e do teste de controle da asma (asthma control test ), respectivamente. Resultados Nenhuma diferença significante nos escores pré‐operatórios foi evidenciada entre os grupos (p > 0,05). Aos seis meses pós‐tratamento, houve diferenças significantes nos escores da escala visual analógica, no questionário de qualidade de vida na rinoconjuntivite e no teste de controle de asma em relação aos valores basais dos pacientes no grupo experimental e no grupo controle (p < 0,05), o que permaneceu verdadeiro após 12 e 24 meses de acompanhamento. Não foram observadas diferenças significantes nos escores da escala visual analógica e nem no questionário de qualidade de vida para conjuntivite ou no teste de controle da asma entre os dois grupos de tratamento em qualquer momento do acompanhamento pós‐operatório (p > 0,05), enquanto a gravidade da tosse foi significantemente reduzida no grupo experimental em relação ao grupo controle (p < 0,05). Conclusão A neurectomia nasal posterior pôde ser feita com segurança com ou sem neurectomia faríngea para o tratamento eficaz da rinite alérgica. O tratamento combinado com neurectomia nasal posterior e neurectomia faríngea pode oferecer mais benefício do que a neurectomia nasal posterior isolada para o tratamento de pacientes com rinite alérgica e tosse crônica.

Características demográficas, clínicas, radiológicas y de función pulmonar en pacientes con bronquiectasias / Radiological and pulmonary function clinical demographic characteristics in patients with bronchiectasias

OBJETIVOS: determinar las principales características demográficas, clínicas, radiológicas y de función pulmonar de los pacientes con bronquiectasias en la Clínica del Pulmón. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio observacional, retrospectivo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 23 pacientes con diagnóstico de dilataciones bronquiales. RESULTADOS: de los 23 pacientes, con una edad media de 49,4 ± 3,87 años, 13 corresponden al sexo femenino y 10 al sexo masculino, el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad desde el diagnóstico de la patología inicial es de 17,3 ± 2,92 años. La tuberculosis es la etiología principal en 15 pacientes (65,2%). Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes son la tos y expectoración mucopurulenta por varios años en la mayoría de los pacientes, al que añadimos la disnea y hemoptisis, la auscultación pulmonar revela la presencia de crépitos en 17 pacientes (73,9%). La Tomografía de Tórax de Alta Resolución distingue dos tipos de bronquiectasias: La sacular o quística y la cilíndrica, de localización unilobar, bilobar y multilobar (difuso). La Espirometría Forzada fue indicada en 10 pacientes (43,5%) 7 mujeres y 3 varones, el Síndrome Bronquial Obstructivo fue el hallazgo más frecuente. La asociación de Tetraciclina con Metronidazol indicado en 9 pacientes (39,1%) mejoró el cuadro clínico. La fisiopatología de esta entidad clínica está sujeta a una constante actualización. CONCLUSIONES: en pacientes tosedores crónicos, las bronquiectasias deben tener prioridad diagnóstica, se trata de una patología antigua, pero de actualidad permanente.

The purpose of this document is to determine the main epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with bronchiectasis at the Lung Clinic. METHOD: observational, retrospective study. The medical records of 23 patients diagnosed with bronchial dilation were reviewed. RESULTS: the results of the 23 patients studied, with a mean age of 49,4 ± 3,87 years, 13 correspond to the female sex and 10 to the male sex, indicate that the time of evolution of the disease from the diagnosis of the initial pathology is: 17,3 ± 2,92 years. Tuberculosis is the main etiology in 15 patients (65,2%). The most frequent clinical manifestations were cough and mucopurulent expectoration of several years in most of the patients, to which we must add dyspnea and hemoptysis, pulmonary auscultation reveals the presence of crepitus in 17 patients (73,9%). High Resolution Chest Tomography distinguishes two types of bronchiectasis: the saccular or cystic and the cylindrical, the localization is unilobar, bilobar and multilobar (diffuse). Forced spirometry was indicated in 10 patients (43,5%), 7 women and 3 men, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the main diagnosis. The association of Tetracycline with Metronidazole indicated in 9 patients (39,1%) had positive results. The pathophysiology of this clinical entity is subject to constant updating. CONCLUSIONS: in chronic coughing patients, bronchiectasis must have diagnostic priority, it is an old pathology, but it is permanently current

[Chronic cough. Cough reflex hypersensitivity syndrome]. / Tos crónica. Síndrome de hipersensibilidad del reflejo de la tos.

The cough reflex is a protective mechanism of the airway; it avoids bronchoaspiration and its complications and, when it is altered, it can appear as a hypersensitivity syndrome; cough per se is the most common symptom for which medical consultation is sought. Chronic cough represents a public health problem with a high degree of morbidity; It represents a syndrome by itself, regardless of the underlying condition. Recent evidence suggests an abnormal and altered neurophysiologic process. Recent literature and new therapeutic mechanisms were reviewed. We are in the process of understanding the cough syndrome.

El reflejo de la tos es un mecanismo de protección de la vía respiratoria, evita la broncoaspiración y sus complicaciones; cuando está alterado puede manifestarse como un síndrome de hipersensibilidad. La tos per se es el síntoma más común por el que se consulta en la práctica médica. La tos crónica representa un problema de salud pública, con alto grado de morbilidad; representa un síndrome por sí mismo, sin importar la condición subyacente. Evidencia reciente sugiere un proceso neurofisiológico anormal y alterado. Se revisó literatura especializada y acerca de los nuevos mecanismos terapéuticos. Estamos en proceso de comprender el síndrome de la tos.

Acercamiento a la tos crónica en adultos / An approach to chronic cough

RESUMEN La tos crónica en los adultos puede ser causada por muchas causas, existen cuatro principales: el síndrome de tos de la vía aérea superior, enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, reflujo laringofaríngeo, asma bronquial, y bronquitis eosinofílica no asmática. Todos los pacientes deben evaluarse clínicamente con espirometria, y comenzar con tratamiento empírico. Otras causas potenciales incluyen el uso de inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de la angiotensina, cambios medioambientales, uso del tabaco, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, y la apnea obstructiva del sueño. La radiografía del tórax puede orientar hacia causas infecciosas, inflamatorias, y malignas. Los pacientes con tos crónica refractaria pueden remitirse a la consulta especializada de un neumólogo u otorrinolaringólogo, además de un ensayo terapéutico con gabapentin, pregabalin, y psicoterapia.

ABSTRACT Although chronic cough in adults can be caused by many etiologies, four conditions account for most cases: upper airway cough syndrome, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, also known as laryngo- pharyngeal reflux disease, bronchial asthma, and non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis. All patients should be evaluated clinically with spirometry, and empiric treatment should be initiated. Other potential causes include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use, environmental triggers, tobacco use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. Chest radiography can rule out concerning infectious, inflammatory, and malignant thoracic conditions. Patients with refractory chronic cough should be referred to a pulmonologist or otolaryngologist in addition to a therapeutic trial of gabapentin, pregabalin, and psychotherapy.

Tos persistente y neuropatía laríngea / Persistent cough and laryngeal neuropathy

RESUMEN La tos persistente es un síntoma de consulta frecuente, de origen multifactorial, que involucra a diferentes especialidades como la neumología, la gastroenterología y la otorrinolaringología. Sus causas más frecuentes son la descarga nasal posterior, tos como variante del asma y reflujo gastroesofágico/faringolaríngeo. Una vez descartadas dichas causas, cobran importancia los trastornos sensoriales del nervio vago, una entidad relativamente nueva que también es conocida como neuropatía laríngea sensitiva. En la neuropatía laríngea, una injuria a nivel neuronal aferente del reflejo de la tos produce un estado de hipersensibilidad laríngea en la que estímulos normalmente ignorados (que no producen respuesta tusígena) comienzan a gatillar el reflejo. Las características clínicas de la tos y el descarte de las causas más frecuentes permite llegar a este diagnóstico. Su tratamiento tiene como objetivo la modulación de las vías neuronales alteradas basándose en 3 pilares: educación sobre la patología, recomendaciones conductuales (higiene vocal, estrategias de reducción de tos) y los fármacos entre los que se usan los inhibidores de bomba de protones, mucolíticos y neuromoduladores.

ABSTRACT Persistent cough is a common symptom for medical consultation, it is of multifactorial origin and involves different specialties such as pneumology gastroenterology and otorhinolaryngology. The most frequent causes are postnasal drip, cough variant asthma and gastroesophageal/pharyngolaryngeal reflux. Once these causes are discarded the vagus nerve sensory disorder becomes of importance, it is a relatively new entity also known as laryngeal sensitive neuropathy. In the laryngeal neuropathy, an injury in the afferent neuronal pathway of the cough reflex produces laryngeal hypersensitivity in which normally ignored stimulus (i.e. do not cause cough) start to trigger the reflex. The clinical features of the cough and the rule out of the most frequent causes allow the diagnosis. The objective of the treatment is to modulate the altered neuronal pathways based on 3 pillars: education regarding the pathology, behavioral recommendations (vocal hygiene, cough reduction strategies) and drugs among which proton pump inhibitors, mucolytics and neuromodulators are used.

Síndrome de Lady Windermere como causa de tos crónica. A propósito de un caso / Lady Windermere Syndrome as a cause of chronic cough. Report of a case

Resumen Las mycobacterias no tuberculosas son poco reconocidas en la actualidad, pero su prevalencia se incrementa al sospechar su presencia en inmunodeprimidos o en enfermedades crónicas como la fibrosis quística. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico de síndrome de Lady Windermere con tos crónica. Se realizó tomografía computarizada donde se observaron bronquiectasias en el segmento lingular del pulmón izquierdo y en los lóbulos medio e inferior del derecho. En la broncoscopia se aisló complejo Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare. El no considerar en el diagnóstico de pacientes con tos crónica y sin factores predisponentes a las mycobacterias atrasa el diagnóstico y se acelera el deterioro clínico del paciente.

Abstract The nontuberculous mycobacteria are rarely recognized today in the world, being increased their prevalence about to departure of their suspicion in chronic illnesses such as inmunocompromised patients and cystic fibrosis. We present a case with diagnosis of syndrome of Lady Windermere about to departure of a square of chronic cough. Computed tomography was performed where bilateral bronchiectasis is observed in the left lingual segment and right upper lobe. In the Bronchoscopy was isolated complex Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare. The lack of suspicion of nontuberculous mycobacteria in patient without risk factors, with a square of chronic cough leads to the delay in the diagnosis and the patient's clinical deterioration.

Doenças pulmonares obstrutivas crônicas na criança / Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in children

Resumo Objetivos: Verificar e descrever os principais eventos relacionados ao diagnóstico e manejo das doenças pulmonares obstrutivas crônicas em crianças (DPOCC) e adolescentes, tendo em vista a fisiopatologia e as características genéticas e ambientais inter-relacionadas. Fonte dos dados: Revisão na base de dados Pubmed com seleção de referências relevantes. Síntese dos dados: As DPOCC têm origem ambiental e/ou genética e se manifestam com diversos genótipos, fenótipos e endótipos e, embora possam ser controladas, não têm cura. O principal sintoma é a tosse crônica e muitas cursam com bronquiectasia. O manejo tem maior eficácia se baseado em guidelines e se a adesão ao regime terapêutico for estimulada e comprovada. Corticoides orais e inalatórios, broncodilatadores, antibióticos inalados e tratamento das exacerbações pulmonares (EP) são vigas mestras do manejo e devem ser individualizados para cada DPOCC. Conclusões: Nas DPOCC é fundamental o diagnóstico correto, conhecer os fatores de risco e as comorbidades. Os procedimentos e os medicamentos devem ser baseados em guidelines específicos para cada DPOCC. Adesão ao tratamento é fundamental para obter os benefícios do manejo. O controle deve ser avaliado pela diminuição das EP, melhoria na qualidade de vida e redução da evolução da perda da função e do dano estrutural pulmonar. Para a maioria das DPOCC, o acompanhamento por equipes interdisciplinares em centros de referência especializados, com estratégias de vigilância e acolhimento contínuos, conduz a melhores desfechos, que devem ser avaliados pela diminuição da deterioração do dano e da função pulmonar, pelo melhor prognóstico, melhor qualidade de vida e aumento da expectativa de vida.

Abstract Objectives: To verify and describe the main events related to the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in children (COPDC) and adolescents, considering the interrelated physiopathology, genetic, and environmental characteristics. Sources: Relevant literature from PubMed was selected and reviewed. Summary of the findings: COPDC have an environmental and/or genetic origin and its manifestation has manifold genotypes, phenotypes, and endotypes. Although COPDC has no cure, it can be clinically controlled. Chronic cough is the main symptom and bronchiectasis can be present in several COPDC patients. The management of COPDC is more effective if based on guidelines and when treatment regimen adherence is promoted. Oral and inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, inhaled antibiotics, and treatment of pulmonary exacerbation (PE) are the bases of COPDC management, and should be individualized for each patient. Conclusions: Correct diagnosis and knowledge of risk factors and comorbidities are essential in COPDC management. Procedures and drugs used should be based on specific guidelines for each COPDC case. Treatment adherence is critical to obtain the benefits of management. COPDC clinical control must be evaluated by the decrease in PEs, improved quality of life, reduction of pulmonary function loss, and lung structural damage. For most cases of COPDC, monitoring by interdisciplinary teams in specialized reference centers with surveillance strategies and continuous care leads to better outcomes, which must be evaluated by decreasing pulmonary function damage and deterioration, better prognosis, better quality life, and increased life expectancy.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in children.

OBJECTIVES: To verify and describe the main events related to the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in children (COPDC) and adolescents, considering the interrelated physiopathology, genetic, and environmental characteristics. SOURCES: Relevant literature from PubMed was selected and reviewed. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: COPDC have an environmental and/or genetic origin and its manifestation has manifold genotypes, phenotypes, and endotypes. Although COPDC has no cure, it can be clinically controlled. Chronic cough is the main symptom and bronchiectasis can be present in several COPDC patients. The management of COPDC is more effective if based on guidelines and when treatment regimen adherence is promoted. Oral and inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, inhaled antibiotics, and treatment of pulmonary exacerbation (PE) are the bases of COPDC management, and should be individualized for each patient. CONCLUSIONS: Correct diagnosis and knowledge of risk factors and comorbidities are essential in COPDC management. Procedures and drugs used should be based on specific guidelines for each COPDC case. Treatment adherence is critical to obtain the benefits of management. COPDC clinical control must be evaluated by the decrease in PEs, improved quality of life, reduction of pulmonary function loss, and lung structural damage. For most cases of COPDC, monitoring by interdisciplinary teams in specialized reference centers with surveillance strategies and continuous care leads to better outcomes, which must be evaluated by decreasing pulmonary function damage and deterioration, better prognosis, better quality life, and increased life expectancy.

Tosse crônica em Pediatria / Chronic cough in Pediatrics

O autor enfatiza a importância da tosse crônica em Pediatria. São abordados os mecanismos fisiopatológicos da tosse. Descreve a rotina diagnóstica e os aspectos clínicos dos principais quadros que têm, em sua sintomatologia, a presença de tosse crônica: rinite alérgica, sinusite, asma, doença do refluxo gastroesofágico, síndromes aspirativas, infecções, diagnóstico etiológico. Por fim é realizada a abordagem terapêutica, salientando-se as dificuldades para tratamento sintomático.

Diagnóstico diferencial de la tos crónica en pediatría / Differencial diagnosis of chronic cough in children

Chronic cough is a common cause of outpatient consultation. It is a source of distress for patients and parents, and in some cases it resolves spontaneously, without finding etiology. Professor Miles Weinberger emphasizes the importance of exhaustive medical record to characterize cough and associated signs, allowing us to identify typical patterns of some diseases.

La tos crónica es una causa frecuente de consulta a nivel ambulatorio. Es motivo de angustia para pacientes y padres, y en algunos casos se resuelve espontáneamente, sin lograr precisar su etiología. El Profesor Miles Weinberger destaca la importancia de realizar una acuciosa historia clínica para caracterizar la tos y su signología asociada, lo que permite identificar patrones típicos de algunas enfermedades.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tos crónica en pediatría / Diagnostic and treatment approach of chronic cough in childhood

La tos crónica es un síntoma de diversos procesos patológicos de origen respiratorio o extrarrespiratorio, con impacto negativo en la calidad de vida del niño y su familia. El pediatra debe guiar su acción en busca del diagnóstico etiológico. Una cuidadosa historia clínica es clave para el diagnóstico y una guía para solicitar los estudios complementarios necesarios para la detección de las causas definitivas. La exacta identificación etiológica de la tos crónica debe ser seguida de un tratamiento específico. El abordaje sintomático con antitusivos y mucolíticos es excepcionalmente necesario y debería reservarse para algunas situaciones de tos inespecífica sin causa aparente.

Chronic cough is a symptom of various respiratory and non-respiratory conditions with negative impact on quality of life of children and their families. The pediatricians should focus their efforts in search for etiological diagnosis. A careful medical history and physical examination are the mainstays of diagnosis and guidance to further studies that may contribute to detection of final causes. The etiological identification of chronic cough must be followed by specific treatment. The symptomatic approach with antitussives and mucolytic drugs is exceptionally necessary and should be considered for some situations of nonspecific cough without any specific disease association.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tos crónica en pediatría / Diagnostic and treatment approach of chronic cough in childhood

La tos crónica es un síntoma de diversos procesos patológicos de origen respiratorio o extrarrespiratorio, con impacto negativo en la calidad de vida del niño y su familia. El pediatra debe guiar su acción en busca del diagnóstico etiológico. Una cuidadosa historia clínica es clave para el diagnóstico y una guía para solicitar los estudios complementarios necesarios para la detección de las causas definitivas. La exacta identificación etiológica de la tos crónica debe ser seguida de un tratamiento específico. El abordaje sintomático con antitusivos y mucolíticos es excepcionalmente necesario y debería reservarse para algunas situaciones de tos inespecífica sin causa aparente.(AU)

Chronic cough is a symptom of various respiratory and non-respiratory conditions with negative impact on quality of life of children and their families. The pediatricians should focus their efforts in search for etiological diagnosis. A careful medical history and physical examination are the mainstays of diagnosis and guidance to further studies that may contribute to detection of final causes. The etiological identification of chronic cough must be followed by specific treatment. The symptomatic approach with antitussives and mucolytic drugs is exceptionally necessary and should be considered for some situations of nonspecific cough without any specific disease association.(AU)

Valor del estudio celular del esputo en el seguimiento de las enfermedades inflamatorias de la vía aérea / Value of sputum analysis in the management of inflammatory airway diseases

El análisis celular del esputo, espontáneo u obtenido mediante la técnica de esputo inducido, se ha transformado en una herramienta ampliamente difundida para la evaluación y orientación del tratamiento de las enfermedades inflamatorias de la vía aérea, principalmente asma, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y bronquitis eosinofílica. Se han aportado evidencias sobre la utilidad de la técnica del esputo inducido, validada y estandarizada, para ser empleada en pacientes con dificultades para expectorar. Numerosas investigaciones dieron cuenta de la efectividad de basar las decisiones terapéuticas en el componente inflamatorio de la vía aérea mediante el recuento de células en el esputo. Varios estudios mostraron que, en pacientes con asma el análisis celular de esputo guía en la determinación de estrategias para disminuir las exacerbaciones y para mejorar la función pulmonar, aun en pacientes con asma grave, para disminuir el remodelamiento; también se ha descrito su utilidad en pacientes con EPOC, para la disminución de las exacerbaciones.

Cellular analysis of sputum either spontaneous or by induced sputum technique, has become a widespread tool for the evaluation and guidance of treatment of inflammatory diseases of the airway, primarily asthma, COPD and eosinophilic bronchitis. Induced sputum method is a validated, standardized and non-invasive technique, useful in patients with difficulties to expectorate. Its implementation is simple and cost effective. Numerous investigations have shown the effectiveness of basing treatment decisions on the inflammatory component of the airway by counting cells in sputum. Several studies have demonstrated that in patients with asthma, results of this analysis can guide in defining strategies to reduce exacerbations and to improve lung function even in patients with severe asthma, as well as to decrease the remodeling; in addition, a reduction in exacerbations in COPD patients, monitored by this sputum examination, has also been described.

Valor del estudio celular del esputo en el seguimiento de las enfermedades inflamatorias de la vía aérea / Value of sputum analysis in the management of inflammatory airway diseases

El análisis celular del esputo, espontáneo u obtenido mediante la técnica de esputo inducido, se ha transformado en una herramienta ampliamente difundida para la evaluación y orientación del tratamiento de las enfermedades inflamatorias de la vía aérea, principalmente asma, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y bronquitis eosinofílica. Se han aportado evidencias sobre la utilidad de la técnica del esputo inducido, validada y estandarizada, para ser empleada en pacientes con dificultades para expectorar. Numerosas investigaciones dieron cuenta de la efectividad de basar las decisiones terapéuticas en el componente inflamatorio de la vía aérea mediante el recuento de células en el esputo. Varios estudios mostraron que, en pacientes con asma el análisis celular de esputo guía en la determinación de estrategias para disminuir las exacerbaciones y para mejorar la función pulmonar, aun en pacientes con asma grave, para disminuir el remodelamiento; también se ha descrito su utilidad en pacientes con EPOC, para la disminución de las exacerbaciones.(AU)

Cellular analysis of sputum either spontaneous or by induced sputum technique, has become a widespread tool for the evaluation and guidance of treatment of inflammatory diseases of the airway, primarily asthma, COPD and eosinophilic bronchitis. Induced sputum method is a validated, standardized and non-invasive technique, useful in patients with difficulties to expectorate. Its implementation is simple and cost effective. Numerous investigations have shown the effectiveness of basing treatment decisions on the inflammatory component of the airway by counting cells in sputum. Several studies have demonstrated that in patients with asthma, results of this analysis can guide in defining strategies to reduce exacerbations and to improve lung function even in patients with severe asthma, as well as to decrease the remodeling; in addition, a reduction in exacerbations in COPD patients, monitored by this sputum examination, has also been described.(AU)

Fracturas costales múltiples asociadas a tos

La tos es un frecuente motivo de consulta en la práctica ambulatoria. Aunque generalmente es autolimitada, cuando es crónica e intensa puede ser causa de complicaciones como síncope, neumotórax o más raramente fracturas costales. Presentamos un paciente con fracturas costales múltiples inducidas por la tos. El diagnóstico fue confirmado por un centellograma solicitado luego de la sospecha clínica debida a la intensidad y persistencia del dolor y a pesar de no mostrar alteraciones en las radiografías convencionales. Un centellograma de control a los 5 meses mostró desaparición de los focos hipercaptantes. Las fracturas costales múltiples son una complicación infrecuente de la tos que debería considerarse cuando el dolor torácico es intenso y persistente aun con radiografía de tórax o parrilla costal normal.

Multiple rib fractures associated with cough.

Cough is a common symptom in ambulatory practice and in general does not require specific treatment. When the cough is chronic it can provoke complications such as syncope, neumothorax or, rarely, rib fractures. We report a case of a patient with multiple rib fractures caused by cough. The diagnosis was performed by scintigraphy but fractures were not found in the x-rays. Five months later, a scintigraphy showed disappearance of the increased uptake areas. Multiple rib fractures are a cough complication which should be considered when the patient’s pain is persistent even if there is no x-ray evidence.

El paciente con tos crónica: un reto para el médico / The patient with chronic cough: a challenge for the physician

Para el médico de familia significa un reto diario el manejo de enfermedades crónicas o procesos patológicos mal definidos. Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 47 años con tos permanente de dos años de evolución. Su vida se comprometió por deserción laboral y disfunción psicosocial, no obstante su valoración por diversos especialistas con múltiples ayudas diagnósticas y variados tratamientos. El médico (familiar) basado en su entrenamiento y experiencia, con un enfoque sistémico que es uno de los principios de su especialidad, diseña un plan de trabajo óptimo para encontrar la causa de la tos crónica de la paciente y proporcionar el manejo para el control permanente del síntoma.

For the family physician the handling of chronic illnesses or not well defined pathological processes, mean a daily challenge. The clinical case of a 47 year-old patient is presented with permanent cough two years old. Their life committed for labor desertion and dysfunction psicosocial, nevertheless its valuation for diverse specialists with multiple helps diagnoses and varied treatments. The family physicians based on their training and experience, with a systemic focus, designed a plan of good work to discern the cause of the patient’s chronic cough and to provide the handling for the permanent control of the symptom.