Quality of life in caregivers of children with asthma: Validity and reliability of the IFABI-R questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Parents'/caregivers' quality of life is an important aspect to consider when handling paediatric asthma, but there is a paucity of valid and reliable instruments to measure it. The Family Impact of Childhood Bronchial Asthma (IFABI-R) is a recently developed questionnaire to facilitate the assessment of asthma-related parents'/caregivers' quality of life. This study researches the psychometric properties of IFABI-R. METHODS: Parents/main caregivers of 462 children between 4 and 14 years of age with active asthma were included in the sample. IFABI-R was administered on two different occasions and a number of other variables related to the parents'/caregivers' quality of life were measured: child's asthma control, family functioning, and parents'/caregivers' perception of asthma symptoms in the child. IFABI-R evaluative and discriminative properties were analysed, and the minimal important change in the IFABI-R score was identified. RESULTS: IFABI-R showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.941), cross-sectional construct validity (correlation with the degree of child's asthma control, family functioning and parent/caregiver perception of the child's asthma symptoms), longitudinal construct validity (correlation of changes in the IFABI-R with changes in asthma control and changes in the perception of symptoms), sensitivity to change and test-retest reliability. An absolute change of 0.3 units in IFABI-R related to a minimal significant change in the parents'/caregivers' quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: IFABI-R is a reliable and valid instrument to study the quality of life of parents/caregivers of children with asthma.

Presentación: diagnóstico de la alergia en Atención Primaria, ¿para qué? / No disponible

No disponible

Asociación entre la exposición a paracetamol y el asma: estado de la cuestión y recomendaciones prácticas / Association between paracetamol exposure and asthma: update and practice guidelines

La prevalencia del asma ha aumentado en las últimas décadas, especialmente en los países desarrollados, por motivos no bien esclarecidos. En los últimos años se ha observado una asociación entre el uso de paracetamol en distintas etapas de la vida, incluyendo la gestación y la infancia, y la prevalencia de asma. El carácter observacional de los estudios publicados no permite establecer una relación causal. Sería necesario realizar ensayos clínicos para comprobar la naturaleza de la asociación, que podría deberse a la presencia de diversos factores de confusión. Las sociedades pediátricas españolas firmantes de este artículo consideran que los datos disponibles hasta la fecha no son suficientes para desaconsejar el uso de paracetamol durante la gestación ni en niños asmáticos o con riesgo de asma (AU)

Asthma prevalence has increased over the last few decades, especially in developed countries, and possibly due to different reasons. An association between paracetamol use or exposure at different periods of life, including gestation and childhood, and asthma prevalence has been observed in the last few years. Causality can not be established from observational reports, due to the arguable presence of many confounding factors and biases. Randomised trials are needed to elucidate the nature of this association. The Spanish Paediatric societies subscribing to this paper consider that current evidence is insufficient to discourage the use of paracetamol during gestation or in children with or at risk of asthma (AU)

[Association between paracetamol exposure and asthma: update and practice guidelines]. / Asociación entre la exposición a paracetamol y el asma: estado de la cuestión y recomendaciones prácticas.

Asthma prevalence has increased over the last few decades, especially in developed countries, and possibly due to different reasons. An association between paracetamol use or exposure at different periods of life, including gestation and childhood, and asthma prevalence has been observed in the last few years. Causality can not be established from observational reports, due to the arguable presence of many confounding factors and biases. Randomised trials are needed to elucidate the nature of this association. The Spanish Paediatric societies subscribing to this paper consider that current evidence is insufficient to discourage the use of paracetamol during gestation or in children with or at risk of asthma.

Perfil de sensibilización alérgica en niños de 0 a 5 años con sibilancias o dermatitis atópica / Allergic sensitization profile in 0–5 year old children with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis

Antecedentes Aunque las enfermedades alérgicas son frecuentes en la infancia, pocos estudios han caracterizado el perfil de sensibilización inmunoglobulina (Ig) E en niños pequeños con síntomas de posible origen alérgico. Objetivo Establecer la prevalencia y el tipo de sensibilización alérgica, y los factores demográficos y ambientales relacionados con ambas características, en niños de 0 a 5 años de edad con sibilancias o dermatitis atópica. Población y métodos Estudio transversal colaborativo en el que participaron 20 centros de atención primaria de diversas áreas geográficas de España. En conjunto, 468 niños con sibilancias o dermatitis atópica realizaron una evaluación alergológica que incluyó la determinación en sangre de anticuerpos IgE específicos frente a neumoalérgenos y trofoalérgenos prevalentes. Resultados Se detectó sensibilización alérgica en el 32,4% de los niños con sibilancias (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 26,3–38,6%), el 54,8% de los niños con dermatitis atópica (IC del 95%: 42,1–67,6%) y el 39,2% de los que tuvieron ambos procesos (IC del 95%: 32,0–46,4%). El riesgo de sensibilización se vio influido por el sexo (odds ratio ajustado [ORA] masculino versus femenino: 1,91; IC del 95%: 1,24–2,95), la edad (ORA 3–5 versus 0–2 años: 1,96; IC del 95%: 1,27–3,0), el tipo de lactancia (ORA materna versus artificial: 0,51; IC del 95%: 0,31–0,84) y el área geoclimática (ORA continental versus atlántica: 2,26; IC del 95%: 1,30–3,93). Con respecto al área atlántica, la sensibilización en el área continental fue menor a ácaros (ORA: 0,16; IC del 95%: 0,07–0,36) y mayor a gramíneas (ORA: 4,65; IC del 95%: 1,99–10,86), leche de vaca (ORA: 5,17; IC del 95%: 1,71–15,62) y huevo (ORA: 5,26; IC del 95%: 2,04–13,62), mientras que en el área mediterránea fue menor a ácaros (ORA: 0,29; IC del 95%: 0,13–0,64) y mayor a leche de vaca (ORA: 3,81; IC del 95%: 1,20–12,14) y huevo (ORA: 5,24; IC del 95%: 1,94–14,20). Conclusiones Una proporción relevante de los niños pequeños asistidos en atención primaria por sibilancias o dermatitis atópica presentan sensibilización alérgica. En España parecen existir variaciones según el área geoclimática en la prevalencia de sensibilización a inhalantes y alimentos en lactantes y niños preescolares con síntomas de posible origen alérgico (AU)

Background Although allergic diseases are frequent in childhood, few studies have characterised the IgE sensitization profile among young children with allergic-like symptoms. Objective To determine the prevalence and the type of allergic sensitization, as well as the demographic and environmental factors related to both characteristics, among 0–5 year old children presenting with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis. Methods Collaborative cross-over study developed in the paediatric setting of 20 Spanish Primary Health Care Centres. An allergology evaluation including blood determination of specific IgE antibodies to common inhalant and food allergens was performed on 468 children who presented with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis. Results Allergic sensitization was detected in 32.4% of the children with wheezing (95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 26.3–38.6%), in 54.8% of the children who had atopic dermatitis (95%CI, 42.1–67.6%) and in 39.2% of the children with both processes (95%CI, 32.0–46.4%). The risk of allergic sensitization was sex related (male versus female adjusted odds ratio, ORA, 1.91, 95%CI, 1.24–2.95), and also related to the age (3–5 versus 0–2 year old ORA 1.96, 95%CI, 1.27–3.0), type of early feeding (maternal milk versus infant formula ORA 0.51, 95%CI, 0.31–0.84) and geoclimatic area (ORA Continental versus Atlantic 2.26, 95%CI, 1.30–3.93). Compared to the Atlantic area, the Continental area the sensitization was lower to mites (ORA 0.16, 95%CI, 0.07–0.36) and higher to grass (ORA 4.65, 95%CI 1.99–10.86), cow milk (ORA 5.17, 95%CI, 1.71–15.62) and egg (ORA 5.26, 95%CI, 2.04–13.62), whereas in the Mediterranean area the sensitization was lower to mites (ORA 0.29, 95%CI, 0.13–0.64) and higher to cow milk (ORA 3.81, 95%CI, 1.20–12.14) and egg (ORA 5.24, 95%CI, 1.94–14.20). Conclusion A significant proportion of small children treated at the paediatric primary health care centres due to wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis had allergic sensitization. There appears to be a geoclimatic variation in the prevalence of sensitization to inhalant and food allergens among young children with allergic like symptoms who live in Spain (AU)

[Allergic sensitization profile in 0-5 year old children with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis]. / Perfil de sensibilización alérgica en niños de 0 a 5 años con sibilancias o dermatitis atópica.

BACKGROUND: Although allergic diseases are frequent in childhood, few studies have characterised the IgE sensitization profile among young children with allergic-like symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and the type of allergic sensitization, as well as the demographic and environmental factors related to both characteristics, among 0-5 year old children presenting with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Collaborative cross-over study developed in the paediatric setting of 20 Spanish Primary Health Care Centres. An allergology evaluation including blood determination of specific IgE antibodies to common inhalant and food allergens was performed on 468 children who presented with wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis. RESULTS: Allergic sensitization was detected in 32.4% of the children with wheezing (95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 26.3-38.6%), in 54.8% of the children who had atopic dermatitis (95%CI, 42.1-67.6%) and in 39.2% of the children with both processes (95%CI, 32.0-46.4%). The risk of allergic sensitization was sex related (male versus female adjusted odds ratio, OR(A), 1.91, 95%CI, 1.24-2.95), and also related to the age (3-5 versus 0-2 year old OR(A) 1.96, 95%CI, 1.27-3.0), type of early feeding (maternal milk versus infant formula OR(A) 0.51, 95%CI, 0.31-0.84) and geoclimatic area (OR(A) Continental versus Atlantic 2.26, 95%CI, 1.30-3.93). Compared to the Atlantic area, the Continental area the sensitization was lower to mites (OR(A) 0.16, 95%CI, 0.07-0.36) and higher to grass (OR(A) 4.65, 95%CI 1.99-10.86), cow milk (OR(A) 5.17, 95%CI, 1.71-15.62) and egg (OR(A) 5.26, 95%CI, 2.04-13.62), whereas in the Mediterranean area the sensitization was lower to mites (OR(A) 0.29, 95%CI, 0.13-0.64) and higher to cow milk (OR(A) 3.81, 95%CI, 1.20-12.14) and egg (OR(A) 5.24, 95%CI, 1.94-14.20). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of small children treated at the paediatric primary health care centres due to wheezing and/or atopic dermatitis had allergic sensitization. There appears to be a geoclimatic variation in the prevalence of sensitization to inhalant and food allergens among young children with allergic like symptoms who live in Spain.

Revisión sistemática sobre la eficacia de racecadotrilo en el tratamiento de la diarrea aguda / Systematic review of the efficacy of racecadotril in the treatment of acute diarrhoea

Objetivo: Obtener un estimador de la eficacia del racecadotrilo en el tratamiento de la diarrea aguda mediante revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron ensayos clínicos de calidad realizados en niños en los que se compara la eficacia del racecadotrilo frente a placebo en cuanto a duración de los síntomas, cantidad de deposiciones y efectos secundarios. La búsqueda se ha realizado en bases electrónicas (Med-line, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, mRCT, Pascal), en las referencias de los artículos recuperados y mediante contacto con el fabricante, hasta diciembre de 2007. Dos evaluadores independientes han evaluado la calidad. Resultados: Se seleccionaron dos ensayos de muestra pequeña (135 y 172 niños, todos hospitalizados) y de calidad media. Éstos incluyen a niños de edades comprendidas entre 3 meses y 4 años con diarrea aguda de menos de 5 días de evolución a quienes al tratamiento habitual se añade racecadotrilo o placebo. No existen diferencias en la proporción de niños enfermos al quinto día (riesgo relativo [RR] = 0,73; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95 %, 0,29-1,81). Se demuestra una eficacia leve en el volumen de las deposiciones en las primeras 48 h (diferencia estandarizada de medias [DEM] = -0,65; IC 95 %, -0,88 a -0,42). No se observan diferencias en los efectos secundarios (vómitos, RR = 1,16; IC 95 %, 0,64-2,12). Conclusión: La proporción de curados al quinto día no mejora añadiendo racecadotrilo al tratamiento habitual, si bien disminuye el volumen de deposiciones en las primeras 48 h. Sería interesante estudiar la eficacia en atención primaria valorando el número y volumen de las deposiciones y la duración y número de ingresos (AU)

Objective: To estimate, through a systematic review of the literature, the efficacy of racecadotril in the treatment of acute diarrhoea. Material and methods: Randomised trials carried out in children comparing racecadotril with placebo in terms of diarrhoea recovery, stools output and adverse effects were selected. Electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, mRCT, Pascal) and bibliographies of retrieved articles were searched, and the drug developer was contacted. Two authors independently assessed the quality of the retrieved articles and extracted the data. Results: Two small sample size randomised trials (135 and 172 children) of moderate quality were selected. They included children with less than five days diarrhoea and aged between 3 months and 4 years. There was no difference in the proportion of children who recovered by day 5 (RR = 0.73, CI95 % 0.29 to 1.81), although the stools volume during the first 48 hours was less in the racecadotril group (SMD = -0.65, CI95 % -0.88 to -0.52). There is no difference in the risk of vomiting (RR = 1.16, CI95 % 0.64 to 2.12). Conclusion: The proportion of recoveries by the 5th day is the same, although the stool volumes during the first 48 hours are less in the racecadotril treated children. It would be interesting to study the efficacy in a primary care setting assessing the cure rate, the stool volumes and the admission rate to elucidate if there is room for this drug (AU)

[Systematic review of the efficacy of racecadotril in the treatment of acute diarrhoea]. / Revisión sistemática sobre la eficacia de racecadotrilo en el tratamiento de la diarrea aguda.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate, through a systematic review of the literature, the efficacy of racecadotril in the treatment of acute diarrhoea. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomised trials carried out in children comparing racecadotril with placebo in terms of diarrhoea recovery, stools output and adverse effects were selected. Electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, mRCT, Pascal) and bibliographies of retrieved articles were searched, and the drug developer was contacted. Two authors independently assessed the quality of the retrieved articles and extracted the data. RESULTS: Two small sample size randomised trials (135 and 172 children) of moderate quality were selected. They included children with less than five days diarrhoea and aged between 3 months and 4 years. There was no difference in the proportion of children who recovered by day 5 (RR=0.73, CI 95% 0.29 to 1.81), although the stools volume during the first 48 hours was less in the racecadotril group (SMD=-0.65, CI 95% -0.88 to -0.52). There is no difference in the risk of vomiting (RR=1.16, CI 95% 0.64 to 2.12). CONCLUSION: The proportion of recoveries by the 5th day is the same, although the stool volumes during the first 48 hours are less in the racecadotril treated children. It would be interesting to study the efficacy in a primary care setting assessing the cure rate, the stool volumes and the admission rate to elucidate if there is room for this drug.

Patología respiratoria prevalente: rinitis alérgica, bronquiolitis, sinusitis, laringitis / Prevalent respiratory disease: allergic rhinitis, bronchiolitis, sinusitis and laryngitis

La patología respiratoria representa para el pediatra una gran carga de trabajo por su gran prevalencia. Rinitis alérgica, sinusitis, laringitis y bronquiolitis son enfermedades que deben abordarse bajo el prisma de las mejores evidencias que la investigación pone a nuestro alcance. La rinitis alérgica afecta al 10-25% de la población general y, aunque no es una enfermedad grave, tiene gran importancia por el impacto sobre la calidad de vida y el rendimiento escolar y su diagnóstico etiológico es necesario por sus implicaciones de tratamiento. El diagnóstico de la sinusitis bacteriana aguda (SBA) en pediatría es clínico y el uso de la radiología simple no está indicado. El empleo de antibiótico en la SBA depende del patrón de sensibilidad bacteriana local y los antihistamínicos no deben utilizarse por dificultar el drenaje de las secreciones. El diagnóstico de la laringitis es clínico y se debe diferenciar de la epiglotitis, de escasa incidencia actual gracias a la vacuna frente a haemophilus. En el tratamiento de la laringitis han mostrado su eficacia por vía nebulizada adrenalina y budesonida y por vía sistémica la dexametasona. El diagnóstico de la bronquiolitis se basa en la historia clínica y en la exploración; no se han validado escalas de gravedad para predecir el curso clínico. Los corticoides sistémicos no alteran el curso de la enfermedad ni disminuyen el número de ingresos. La adrenalina y los beta-agonistas no disminuyen los ingresos ni los días de estancia en el hospital, pero se pueden administrar si se responde tras un ensayo (AU)

The respiratory pathology represents for the paediatrician a heavy work because of its great prevalence. Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis and bronchiolitis are diseases that must be approached under the prism of the best evidences that the investigation puts to our reach. Allergic rhinitis affects to 10-25% of the general population and although it isn’t a serious disease, it has great importance because of the impact on the quality of life and the school performance. Its etiologic diagnosis is necessary due to its implications on treatment. The diagnosis of the acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) in paediatrics is clinical and the use of simple radiology is not indicated. The antibiotic use in the ABS depends on the pattern of local bacterial sensitivity and the antihistaminic drugs should not be used, because they make difficult the drainage of secretions. The diagnosis of the laryngitis is clinical and it must be differentiated from the epiglottitis, of little present incidence due to the vaccine against haemophilus. In the treatment of the laryngitis, adrenalin and budesonide in nebulization and systemic dexamethasone have shown their effectiveness. The diagnosis of bronquiolitis is based on clinical history and exploration: severity scales have not been validated to predict the clinical course. Systemic corticoids neither alter the course of the disease nor diminish the number of admissions. The adrenaline and the beta-agonists do not diminish the admissions or the days of stay in the hospital, but they can be used if there is some improvement after an essay (AU)

Guía de práctica clínica sobre asma (2ª parte) / Clinical practice guideline on asthma (part II)

No disponible

Guía de práctica clínica sobre asma (1ª parte) / Clinical practice guideline on asthma (part I)

No disponible

Evaluación diagnóstica básica del niño y adolescente asmático en Atención Primaria / No disponible

El diagnóstico de asma se basa en la presencia de síntomas debidos a la obstrucción del flujo aéreo, en la demostración de una obstrucción del flujo aéreo reversible, y en la exclusión de posibles diagnósticos alternativos. Se debe realizar una historia clínica exhaustiva, una exploración física centrada en el tracto respiratorio superior, pulmón y piel, unas pruebas defunción pulmonar (espirometría), si el niño es capaz de colaborar, para evidenciar la obstrucción reversible del flujo aéreo, una clasificación de la gravedad del asma, y otras pruebas adicionales para evaluar diagnósticos alternativos e identificar factores precipitantes.El asma suele debutar en la infancia y se suele asociar con la atopia. La historia familiar de atopia es el factor de riesgo más importante para el desarrollo de atopia en el niño. La existencia de asma o rinitis en la madre es el factor de riesgo más significativo de iniciode asma en la infancia y su persistencia hasta la edad adulta. La atopia en el propio niño (diagnosticada mediante prick test o IgE específica en suero) está relacionada con la gravedad del “asma actual” y su persistencia a lo largo de la infancia

To establish the diagnosis of asthma, the clinician must determine that episodic symptoms of airflow obstruction are present, airflow obstruction is at least partially reversible and alternative diagnoses are excluded. Recommended mechanisms to establish the diagnosis are detailed medical history, physical exam focusing on the upper respiratory tract, chest and skin, and spirometry to demonstrate reversibility. Additional studies may be considered to evaluate alternative diagnoses, identify precipitating factors and assess the severity of asthma. Asthma often begins in childhood, and when it does, it is frequently found in association with atopy. A family history of atopy is the most important clearly defined risk factor for atopy in children. A maternal history of asthma and/or rhinitis is a significant risk factor for late childhood onset asthma. Markers of allergic disease at presentation (skin prick tests and peripheral blood markers) are related to severity of current asthma and persistence through childhood (AU)

[Agreement between tracheal auscultation and pulmonary function in methacholine bronchial inhalation challenge in asthmatic children]. / Medida de la respuesta bronquial a la metacolina en niños asmáticos mediante la auscultación traqueal.

BACKGROUND: PC wheezing (PCw) is defined as the concentration of methacholine at which wheeze is detected on auscultation of the trachea. PCw has been suggested as a measure of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in methacholine challenge testing (MCT). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the agreement between the concentration of methacholine that produces a 20 % decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (PC20) and PCw in MCT in asthmatic children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen asthmatic children with a mean age of 11.5 years (range: 6-16 years) were studied. Fifteen of the children were under treatment with inhaled glucocorticoids. MCT was performed according to the guidelines of the American Thoracic Society (1999) using a Hudson nebulizer calibrated to obtain a mean output of 0.14 ml/min. After each nebulization, two independent observers registered FEV1 and tracheal auscultation. FEV1 was determined by forced spirometry 30 and 90 seconds after the end of nebulization and PC20 was registered (exponential model). Respiratory rate and transcutaneous oxygen saturation were continuously monitored. Tracheal auscultation was performed at 0, 60 and 120 seconds after the end of nebulization. The end point was defined as the appearance of wheezing over the trachea. The values of PC20 and PCw, as well as the concentration of methacholine corresponding to a decrease in FEV1 equal to or higher than 20 %, were compared using Student's matched pairs-test and Wilcoxon's test. The degree of agreement between variables was compared by using Bland-Altman's test. RESULTS: MCT was positive in 17 of 18 patients. No differences were found between PC20 and PCw (p 0.15). Both variables showed agreement in 12 of 17. A clear association was found between both measures (log PCw, log PC20): R: 0.92; p < 0.001. The mean decrease in FEV1 on reaching PCw was 24.8 % (range: 10-41). No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: The agreement between PC20 and PCw in MCT in asthmatic children is excellent. PCw could be helpful in determining bronchial hyperresponsiveness in young asthmatic children in whom spirometry is not feasible.

Medida de la respuesta bronquial a la metacolina en niños asmáticos mediante la auscultación traqueal / Agreement between tracheal auscultation and pulmonary function in methacholine bronchial inhalation challenge in asthmatic children

Antecedentes: La PC wheezing (PCw) o concentración de metacolina que provoca sibilancias auscultables en tráquea parece ser un parámetro válido de la respuesta bronquial mediante el test de metacolina (TMCh). Objetivo: Evaluar la concordancia entre la concentración de metacolina que produce un descenso del 20% del volumen espiratorio máximo al primer segundo (FEV1, PC20) y PCw en el TMCh en niños asmáticos colaboradores. Pacientes y métodos: Se estudian 18 niños asmáticos de edad media 11,5 (límites, 6-16) años, 15/18 en tratamiento con glucocorticoides inhalados. Se realizó el TMCh según las normas de la American Thoracic Society (ATS) (1999) utilizando un nebulizador Hudson calibrado para obtener un débito de 0,14 ml/min. Tras cada nebulización, dos observadores independientes registraron el FEV1 y la auscultación traqueal. El FEV1 se determinó mediante espirometría forzada a los 30 y 90 s posnebulización y la PC20 por interpolación exponencial. Se monitorizaron de forma continua la frecuencia respiratoria y la saturación transcutánea de oxígeno. La tráquea se auscultó los 0, 60 y 120 s posnebulización. La prueba se consideró positiva al auscultar sibilancias sobre la tráquea. Se compararon los valores de PC20 y PCw, así como la concentración de metacolina correspondiente al descenso del FEV1 igual o superior al 20% con la PCw, mediante el test de la t de Student pareada y la prueba de Wilcoxon, y el grado de acuerdo de dichas variables con el test de Bland-Altman. Resultados: El TMCh fue positivo en 17/18 pacientes, sin diferencias entre PC20 y PCw (p 0,15). Ambos parámetros coincidieron en 12/17 casos. Hay una asociación evidente entre ambas medidas (log PCw, log PC20): R, 0,92; p < 0,001. El descenso medio del FEV1 al alcanzar la PCw fue del 24,8% (rango, 10-41). No se objetivaron efectos adversos en ningún caso. Conclusión: La concordancia entre PCw y PC20 en el TMCh en niños asmáticos colaboradores es excelente, y la PCw podría evaluar la hiperreactividad bronquial en el niño no colaborador (AU)

Glucocorticoides inhalados y sibilancias posbronquiolitis / Inhaled corticosteroids and wheezing post-bronchiolitis

OBJETIVO: Determinar si el tratamiento con glucocorticoides inhalados durante 3 meses, después de una bronquiolitis leve, disminuye la incidencia y/o la gravedad de los episodios de sibilancias durante los siguientes 12 meses. DISEÑO: Estudio de intervención, multicéntrico, controlado, en grupos paralelos, con asignación aleatoria por bloques. ÁMBITO DE ESTUDIO: Centros de atención primaria de Lezo, Beraun, Andoain e Irún (Gipuzkoa). SUJETOS DEL ESTUDIO: Niños menores de 12 meses (n = 94) diagnosticados de bronquiolitis leve. INSTRUMENTALIZACIÓN: Se establecieron dos grupos de sujetos: grupo 1 (n = 47), tratados con beclometasona inhalada (250 mg/12 h) con cámara espaciadora Babyhaler(r), 8 días después del diagnóstico de bronquiolitis durante 3 meses; grupo 2 (n = 47), sin tratamiento. Se han comparado el número y gravedad de los episodios de sibilancias durante el período de intervención (3 meses) y durante el período de seguimiento (12 meses), mediante las pruebas de la t de Student y la ?2. RESULTADOS: Se han estudiado 89 niños (grupo 1, n = 42; grupo 2, n = 47). El 67 por ciento presentaron episodios de sibilancias durante el período del estudio (15 meses). No hubo diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos en los dos períodos estudiados. CONCLUSIÓN: El tratamiento con beclometasona durante 3 meses no modifica los episodios de sibilancias durante el tratamiento ni en los 12 meses siguientes (AU)

[Inhaled corticosteroids and wheezing post-bronchiolitis]. / Glucocorticoides inhalados y sibilancias posbronquiolitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether inhaled corticosteroid therapy given for 3 months after mild bronchiolitis decreases the incidence and/or severity of wheezing in the following 12 months. DESIGN: Multicentric, single-blind, controlled, randomised intervention study. SETTING: Primary Health Care Centers in Lezo, Beraun, Andoain and Irún (Gipuzkoa, Spain). PATIENTS: Infants less than 12 months old (n = 94) diagnosed with mild bronchiolitis. INTERVENTION: We established two groups of patients: group 1 (n = 47) was treated with inhaled beclomethasone (250 pg/12 hours) using a valved holding chamber (Babyhaler); the treatment started eight days after diagnosis of bronchiolitis and lasted 3 months. Group 2 (n = 47) received no treatment. We compared the number of wheezing episodes and their severity during the intervention period (3 months) and the follow-up period (12 months) with the Students t-test and the Chi-squared test. RESULTS: We studied 89 infants (group 1, n = 42; group 2, n = 47), 67% of whom wheezed during the study period (15 months). There were no significant differences between the treatment and the control group in the study periods. CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled beclomethasone given for 3 months does not significantly modify the occurrence of wheezing episodes during the treatment period or during the following 12 months.

[Effect of passive smoking on pulmonary function in the asthmatic child]. / Efecto del tabaquismo pasivo sobre la función pulmonar del niño asmático.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies refer to pulmonary function in asthmatic children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Some authors have found lower FEV1 and FEF25-75 values in asthmatic children exposed to ETS. The objective of this study was to evaluate pulmonary function parameters between asthmatic children exposed and not exposed to ETS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case-control study in children between 3 and 19 years of age, with a ratio of 1:1 of cases versus control, was carried out. Cases were defined as asthmatic children with at least one of the following criteria: FVC < 85%, FEV1 < 85%, PEF < 85% or FEF25-75 < 60%. Controls were asthmatic children with none of the above mentioned criteria. Measurement of exposure was carried out both directly by assessment of capillary blood COHb in both parents and the child and indirectly through a questionnaire about smoking habits. Measurement of effect was by pulmonary function (forced spirometry) and a scale of clinical symptoms. The statistics used included descriptive statistics, Chi square test, Student's-t and ANOVA. RESULTS: Three hundred and twelve children were studied (mean age 9.01 +/- 3.45 years). Parental CoHb results correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked (p < 0.01). ETS exposure correlated with the children's COHb values (p < 0.01). ETS exposed children had lower pulmonary function values, OR for exposure was 1.84 (1.12-3.03). CONCLUSIONS: 1) We have validated a questionnaire about smoking habits. Smokers have higher COHb values. 2) We found a weak correlation between exposure to ETS (number of cigarettes and maternal COHb) and the child's COHb. 3) Pulmonary function in asthmatic children is influenced by parental smoking habits.