2022 Brazilian Thoracic Association recommendations for long-term home oxygen therapy.

Some chronic respiratory diseases can cause hypoxemia and, in such cases, long-term home oxygen therapy (LTOT) is indicated as a treatment option primarily to improve patient quality of life and life expectancy. Home oxygen has been used for more than 70 years, and support for LTOT is based on two studies from the 1980s that demonstrated that oxygen use improves survival in patients with COPD. There is evidence that LTOT has other beneficial effects such as improved cognitive function, improved exercise capacity, and reduced hospitalizations. LTOT is indicated in other respiratory diseases that cause hypoxemia, on the basis of the same criteria as those used for COPD. There has been an increase in the use of LTOT, probably because of increased life expectancy and a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, as well as greater availability of LTOT in the health care system. The first Brazilian Thoracic Association consensus statement on LTOT was published in 2000. Twenty-two years later, we present this updated version. This document is a nonsystematic review of the literature, conducted by pulmonologists who evaluated scientific evidence and international guidelines on LTOT in the various diseases that cause hypoxemia and in specific situations (i.e., exercise, sleep, and air travel). These recommendations, produced with a view to clinical practice, contain several charts with information on indications for LTOT, oxygen sources, accessories, strategies for improved efficiency and effectiveness, and recommendations for the safe use of LTOT, as well as a LTOT prescribing model.

2022 Brazilian Thoracic Association recommendations for long-term home oxygen therapy / Recomendações para oxigenoterapia domiciliar prolongada da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia (2022)

ABSTRACT Some chronic respiratory diseases can cause hypoxemia and, in such cases, long-term home oxygen therapy (LTOT) is indicated as a treatment option primarily to improve patient quality of life and life expectancy. Home oxygen has been used for more than 70 years, and support for LTOT is based on two studies from the 1980s that demonstrated that oxygen use improves survival in patients with COPD. There is evidence that LTOT has other beneficial effects such as improved cognitive function, improved exercise capacity, and reduced hospitalizations. LTOT is indicated in other respiratory diseases that cause hypoxemia, on the basis of the same criteria as those used for COPD. There has been an increase in the use of LTOT, probably because of increased life expectancy and a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, as well as greater availability of LTOT in the health care system. The first Brazilian Thoracic Association consensus statement on LTOT was published in 2000. Twenty-two years later, we present this updated version. This document is a nonsystematic review of the literature, conducted by pulmonologists who evaluated scientific evidence and international guidelines on LTOT in the various diseases that cause hypoxemia and in specific situations (i.e., exercise, sleep, and air travel). These recommendations, produced with a view to clinical practice, contain several charts with information on indications for LTOT, oxygen sources, accessories, strategies for improved efficiency and effectiveness, and recommendations for the safe use of LTOT, as well as a LTOT prescribing model.

RESUMO Algumas doenças respiratórias crônicas podem evoluir com hipoxemia e, nessas situações, a oxigenoterapia domiciliar prolongada (ODP) está indicada como opção terapêutica com o objetivo principal de melhorar a qualidade e a expectativa de vida desses pacientes. O oxigênio domiciliar é usado há mais de 70 anos, e a ODP tem como base dois estudos da década de oitenta que demonstraram que o uso de oxigênio melhora a sobrevida de pacientes com DPOC. Existem evidências de que a ODP tem outros efeitos benéficos como melhora da função cognitiva e da capacidade de exercício e redução de hospitalizações. A ODP está indicada para outras doenças respiratórias que cursam com hipoxemia, segundo os mesmos critérios estabelecidos para a DPOC. Tem sido observado aumento no uso da ODP provavelmente pela maior expectativa de vida, maior prevalência de doenças respiratórias crônicas e maior disponibilidade de ODP no sistema de saúde. O primeiro consenso sobre ODP da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia foi publicado em 2000; após 22 anos, apresentamos esta versão atualizada. Este documento é uma revisão não sistemática da literatura, realizada por pneumologistas que avaliaram evidências científicas e diretrizes internacionais sobre ODP nas diversas doenças que cursam com hipoxemia e em situações específicas (exercício, sono e viagens aéreas). Estas recomendações, tendo em vista a prática clínica, oferecem diversos quadros com informações sobre indicações, fontes de oxigênio, acessórios e estratégias para melhor eficiência, efetividade e uso seguro da ODP, assim como um modelo para sua prescrição.

Update on and future perspectives for the diagnosis of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in Brazil.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the SERPINA1 gene, which encodes the protease inhibitor alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). Severe AATD predisposes individuals to COPD and liver disease. Early diagnosis is essential for implementing preventive measures and limiting the disease burden. Although national and international guidelines for the diagnosis and management of AATD have been available for 20 years, more than 85% of cases go undiagnosed and therefore untreated. In Brazil, reasons for the underdiagnosis of AATD include a lack of awareness of the condition among physicians, a racially diverse population, serum AAT levels being assessed in a limited number of individuals, and lack of convenient diagnostic tools. The diagnosis of AATD is based on laboratory test results. The standard diagnostic approach involves the assessment of serum AAT levels, followed by phenotyping, genotyping, gene sequencing, or combinations of those, to detect the specific mutation. Over the past 10 years, new techniques have been developed, offering a rapid, minimally invasive, reliable alternative to traditional testing methods. One such test available in Brazil is the A1AT Genotyping Test, which simultaneously analyzes the 14 most prevalent AATD mutations, using DNA extracted from a buccal swab or dried blood spot. Such advances may contribute to overcoming the problem of underdiagnosis in Brazil and elsewhere, as well as being likely to increase the rate detection of AATD and therefore mitigate the harmful effects of delayed diagnosis.

Update on and future perspectives for the diagnosis of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in Brazil / Atualização e perspectivas futuras para o diagnóstico da deficiência de alfa-1 antitripsina no Brasil

ABSTRACT Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the SERPINA1 gene, which encodes the protease inhibitor alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). Severe AATD predisposes individuals to COPD and liver disease. Early diagnosis is essential for implementing preventive measures and limiting the disease burden. Although national and international guidelines for the diagnosis and management of AATD have been available for 20 years, more than 85% of cases go undiagnosed and therefore untreated. In Brazil, reasons for the underdiagnosis of AATD include a lack of awareness of the condition among physicians, a racially diverse population, serum AAT levels being assessed in a limited number of individuals, and lack of convenient diagnostic tools. The diagnosis of AATD is based on laboratory test results. The standard diagnostic approach involves the assessment of serum AAT levels, followed by phenotyping, genotyping, gene sequencing, or combinations of those, to detect the specific mutation. Over the past 10 years, new techniques have been developed, offering a rapid, minimally invasive, reliable alternative to traditional testing methods. One such test available in Brazil is the A1AT Genotyping Test, which simultaneously analyzes the 14 most prevalent AATD mutations, using DNA extracted from a buccal swab or dried blood spot. Such advances may contribute to overcoming the problem of underdiagnosis in Brazil and elsewhere, as well as being likely to increase the rate detection of AATD and therefore mitigate the harmful effects of delayed diagnosis.

RESUMO A deficiência de alfa-1 antitripsina (DAAT) é um distúrbio genético raro causado por uma mutação no gene SERPINA1, que codifica o inibidor de protease alfa-1 antitripsina (AAT). A DAAT predispõe os indivíduos a DPOC e doença hepática. O diagnóstico precoce é essencial para a implementação de medidas preventivas e para limitar a carga da doença. Embora diretrizes nacionais e internacionais para o diagnóstico e manejo da DAAT estejam disponíveis há 20 anos, mais de 85% dos casos não são diagnosticados e, portanto, não são tratados. No Brasil, os motivos para o subdiagnóstico da DAAT incluem o desconhecimento dos médicos sobre a condição, a diversidade racial da população, o fato de os níveis séricos de AAT serem avaliados em um número limitado de indivíduos e a falta de ferramentas diagnósticas convenientes. O diagnóstico da DAAT baseia-se em resultados de exames laboratoriais. A abordagem diagnóstica padrão envolve a avaliação dos níveis séricos de AAT, seguida de fenotipagem, genotipagem, sequenciamento gênico ou suas combinações para detecção da mutação específica. Nos últimos 10 anos, novas técnicas foram desenvolvidas, oferecendo uma alternativa rápida, minimamente invasiva e confiável aos métodos tradicionais de teste. Um desses testes disponíveis no Brasil é o teste de genotipagem A1AT, que analisa simultaneamente as 14 mutações mais prevalentes da DAAT usando DNA extraído de swab bucal ou de sangue em papel-filtro. Esses avanços podem contribuir para a superação do problema do subdiagnóstico no Brasil e em outros países, bem como podem aumentar a taxa de detecção da DAAT e, portanto, mitigar os malefícios do diagnóstico tardio.

Clinical and functional correlations of the difference between slow vital capacity and FVC.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship that the difference between slow vital capacity (SVC) and FVC (ΔSVC-FVC) has with demographic, clinical, and pulmonary function data. METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study in which participants completed a respiratory health questionnaire, as well as undergoing spirometry and plethysmography. The sample was divided into two groups: ΔSVC-FVC ≥ 200 mL and ΔSVC-FVC < 200 mL. The intergroup correlations were analyzed, and binomial logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The sample comprised 187 individuals. In the sample as a whole, the mean ΔSVC-FVC was 0.17 ± 0.14 L, and 61 individuals (32.62%) had a ΔSVC-FVC ≥ 200 mL. The use of an SVC maneuver reduced the prevalence of nonspecific lung disease and of normal spirometry results by revealing obstructive lung disease (OLD). In the final logistic regression model (adjusted for weight and body mass index > 30 kg/m2), OLD and findings of air trapping (high functional residual capacity and a low inspiratory capacity/TLC ratio) were predictors of a ΔSVC-FVC ≥ 200 mL. The chance of a bronchodilator response was found to be greater in the ΔSVC-FVC ≥ 200 mL group: for FEV1 (OR = 4.38; 95% CI: 1.45-13.26); and for FVC (OR = 3.83; 95% CI: 1.26-11.71). CONCLUSIONS: The use of an SVC maneuver appears to decrease the prevalence of nonspecific lung disease and of normal spirometry results. Individuals with a ΔSVC-FVC ≥ 200 mL, which is probably the result of OLD and air trapping, are apparently more likely to respond to bronchodilator administration.

Clinical and functional correlations of the difference between slow vital capacity and FVC / Correlação clínica e funcional da diferença entre capacidade vital lenta e CVF

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the relationship that the difference between slow vital capacity (SVC) and FVC (ΔSVC-FVC) has with demographic, clinical, and pulmonary function data. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study in which participants completed a respiratory health questionnaire, as well as undergoing spirometry and plethysmography. The sample was divided into two groups: ΔSVC-FVC ≥ 200 mL and ΔSVC-FVC < 200 mL. The intergroup correlations were analyzed, and binomial logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The sample comprised 187 individuals. In the sample as a whole, the mean ΔSVC-FVC was 0.17 ± 0.14 L, and 61 individuals (32.62%) had a ΔSVC-FVC ≥ 200 mL. The use of an SVC maneuver reduced the prevalence of nonspecific lung disease and of normal spirometry results by revealing obstructive lung disease (OLD). In the final logistic regression model (adjusted for weight and body mass index > 30 kg/m2), OLD and findings of air trapping (high functional residual capacity and a low inspiratory capacity/TLC ratio) were predictors of a ΔSVC-FVC ≥ 200 mL. The chance of a bronchodilator response was found to be greater in the ΔSVC-FVC ≥ 200 mL group: for FEV1 (OR = 4.38; 95% CI: 1.45-13.26); and for FVC (OR = 3.83; 95% CI: 1.26-11.71). Conclusions: The use of an SVC maneuver appears to decrease the prevalence of nonspecific lung disease and of normal spirometry results. Individuals with a ΔSVC-FVC ≥ 200 mL, which is probably the result of OLD and air trapping, are apparently more likely to respond to bronchodilator administration.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a relação da diferença entre a capacidade vital lenta (CVL) e CVF (ΔCVL-CVF) com dados demográficos, clínicos e de função pulmonar. Métodos: Estudo analítico, transversal, no qual os participantes responderam a um questionário de saúde respiratória e foram submetidos a espirometria e pletismografia. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos: ΔCVL-CVF ≥ 200 mL e ΔCVL-CVF < 200 mL. Foram realizadas análises de correlações entre os grupos e de regressão logística binominal. Resultados: Foram selecionados 187 indivíduos. Na amostra total, a média da ΔCVL-CVF foi de 0,17 ± 0,14 L. Na amostra, 61 indivíduos (32,62%) apresentaram ΔCVL-CVF ≥ 200 mL. O uso da manobra expiratória lenta reduziu a prevalência de distúrbio ventilatório inespecífico e resultados espirométricos normais, ao revelar distúrbio ventilatório obstrutivo (DVO). DVO e achados de aprisionamento aéreo (capacidade residual funcional elevada e capacidade inspiratória/CPT reduzida) foram preditores de ΔCVL-CVF ≥ 200 mL no modelo final da regressão logística (ajustada para peso e índice de massa corpórea > 30 kg/m2). Foi observada maior chance de resposta ao broncodilatador no grupo ΔCVL-CVF ≥ 200 mL: VEF1 (OR = 4,38; IC95%: 1,45-13,26) e CVF (OR = 3,83; IC95%: 1,26-11,71). Conclusões: O uso da manobra expiratória lenta diminuiu a prevalência de distúrbio ventilatório inespecífico e de resultados espirométricos normais, podendo a ΔCVL-CVF ≥ 200 mL ser resultado de DVO e aprisionamento aéreo, tendo maior chance de resposta ao broncodilatador.

Update on the approach to smoking in patients with respiratory diseases.

Smoking is the leading cause of respiratory disease (RD). The harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system begin in utero and influence immune responses throughout childhood and adult life. In comparison with "healthy" smokers, smokers with RD have peculiarities that can impede smoking cessation, such as a higher level of nicotine dependence; nicotine withdrawal; higher levels of exhaled carbon monoxide; low motivation and low self-efficacy; greater concern about weight gain; and a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. In addition, they require more intensive, prolonged treatment. It is always necessary to educate such individuals about the fact that quitting smoking is the only measure that will reduce the progression of RD and improve their quality of life, regardless of the duration and severity of the disease. Physicians should always offer smoking cessation treatment. Outpatient or inpatient smoking cessation treatment should be multidisciplinary, based on behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy. It will thus be more effective and cost-effective, doubling the chances of success.

Update on the approach to smoking in patients with respiratory diseases / Atualização na abordagem do tabagismo em pacientes com doenças respiratórias

ABSTRACT Smoking is the leading cause of respiratory disease (RD). The harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system begin in utero and influence immune responses throughout childhood and adult life. In comparison with "healthy" smokers, smokers with RD have peculiarities that can impede smoking cessation, such as a higher level of nicotine dependence; nicotine withdrawal; higher levels of exhaled carbon monoxide; low motivation and low self-efficacy; greater concern about weight gain; and a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. In addition, they require more intensive, prolonged treatment. It is always necessary to educate such individuals about the fact that quitting smoking is the only measure that will reduce the progression of RD and improve their quality of life, regardless of the duration and severity of the disease. Physicians should always offer smoking cessation treatment. Outpatient or inpatient smoking cessation treatment should be multidisciplinary, based on behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy. It will thus be more effective and cost-effective, doubling the chances of success.

RESUMO O tabagismo é o maior responsável pelas doenças respiratórias (DR). Os efeitos nocivos do tabaco sobre o aparelho respiratório se iniciam ainda intraútero e influenciam as respostas imunológicas ao longo da infância e vida adulta. Os tabagistas com DR possuem peculiaridades que podem dificultar a cessação tabágica, tais como maior grau de dependência e de abstinência de nicotina; níveis mais elevados de monóxido de carbono exalado; motivação e autoeficácia baixas; maior preocupação com ganho ponderal; e elevada prevalência de ansiedade e depressão. Além disso, requerem tratamento mais intensivo e prolongado. É necessário esclarecer sempre o paciente sobre o fato de que parar de fumar será a única medida que irá reduzir a progressão das DR e melhorar sua qualidade de vida, independentemente do tempo e da gravidade da doença. Os médicos devem sempre oferecer o tratamento de cessação tabágica. O tratamento ambulatorial ou hospitalar deve ser multidisciplinar, baseado em intervenções comportamentais e farmacoterapia, sendo eficaz e custo-efetivo, dobrando as chances de sucesso.

Comprehensive analysis of immune, extracellular matrices and pathogens profile in lung granulomatosis of unexplained etiology.

This study analyzed the type 1 and type 2T helper (Th1/Th2) cytokines (including interleukins), immune cellular, matrix profile, and pathogens in granulomas with unexplained etiology compared to those with infectious and noninfectious etiology. Surgical lung biopsies from 108 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, morphometry and polymerase chain reaction were used, respectively, to evaluate total collagen and elastin fibers, collagen I and III, immune cells, cytokines, matrix metalloproteinase-9, myofibroblasts, and multiple usual and unusual pathogens. No relevant polymerase chain reaction expression was found in unexplained granulomas. A significant difference was found between the absolute number of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes within granulomas compared to uninvolved lung tissue. Granulomas with unexplained etiology (UEG) presented increased number of eosinophils and high expression of interleukins (ILs) IL-4/IL-5 and transforming growth factor-ß. In sarcoidosis, CD4/CD8 cell number was significantly higher within and outside granulomas, respectively; the opposite was detected in hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Again, a significant difference was found between the high number of myofibroblasts and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in UEG, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and sarcoidosis compared to granulomas of tuberculosis. Granulomas of paracoccidioisis exhibited increased type I collagen and elastic fibers. Th1 immune cellular profile was similar among granulomas with unexplained, infectious, and noninfectious etiology. In contrast, modulation of Th2 and matrix remodeling was associated with more fibroelastogenesis and scarring of lung tissue in UEG compared to infectious and noninfectious. We concluded that IL-4/IL-5 and transforming growth factor-ß might be used as surrogate markers of early fibrosis, reducing the need for genotyping, and promise therapeutic target in unexplained granulomas.

Hospitalization due to exacerbation of COPD: "Real-life" outcomes.

INTRODUCTION:: Hospitalization due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation (eCOPD) may indicate worse prognosis. It is important to know the profile of hospitalized patients and their outcome of hospitalization to customize and optimize treatment. METHOD:: Evaluation of patients hospitalized for eCOPD, with ≥ 10 pack/years and ≥ 1 previous spirometry with airway obstruction over the course of one year at the pulmonology service of a general hospital, applying: COPD assessment test (CAT); mMRc and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for dyspnea; hospitalized anxiety and depression questionnaire (HAD); Divo's comorbidities and Cote index; spirometry; and laboratory tests including number of eosinophils, C-reactive protein (CRP), brain natriuretic protein (BNP). Patient progression, number of days of hospitalization and hospitalization outcomes were observed. RESULTS:: There were 75 (12%) hospitalizations for eCOPD, with 27 readmissions, nine of which during a period ≤ 30 days after hospital discharge. The main outcomes were: number of days of hospitalization (17±16.5 [2-75]); hospital discharge (30 [62.5%] patients); discharge/rehospitalization (18 [37.5%] patients), eight of them more than once; death (7 [14.5%] patients), five during rehospitalization. We analyzed 48 patients in their first hospitalization. The sample comprised a heterogeneous group separated in three clusters according to age, FEV1, body mass index (BMI) and CAT. The clusters did not correlate with the main outcomes. CONCLUSION:: Hospitalization for eCOPD is frequent. The number of readmissions was high and associated with death as an outcome. Patients hospitalized for eCOPD were a heterogeneous group separated in three clusters with different degrees of disease severity and no correlation with hospitalization outcomes.

Recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of COPD: questions and answers / Recomendações para o tratamento farmacológico da DPOC: perguntas e respostas

ABSTRACT The treatment of COPD has become increasingly effective. Measures that range from behavioral changes, reduction in exposure to risk factors, education about the disease and its course, rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, management of comorbidities, and surgical and pharmacological treatments to end-of-life care allow health professionals to provide a personalized and effective therapy. The pharmacological treatment of COPD is one of the cornerstones of COPD management, and there have been many advances in this area in recent years. Given the greater availability of drugs and therapeutic combinations, it has become increasingly challenging to know the indications for, limitations of, and potential risks and benefits of each treatment modality. In order to critically evaluate recent evidence and systematize the major questions regarding the pharmacological treatment of COPD, 24 specialists from all over Brazil gathered to develop the present recommendations. A visual guide was developed for the classification and treatment of COPD, both of which were adapted to fit the situation in Brazil. Ten questions were selected on the basis of their relevance in clinical practice. They address the classification, definitions, treatment, and evidence available for each drug or drug combination. Each question was answered by two specialists, and then the answers were consolidated in two phases: review and consensus by all participants. The questions answered are practical questions and help select from among the many options the best treatment for each patient and his/her peculiarities.

RESUMO O tratamento da DPOC vem se tornando cada vez mais eficaz. Medidas que envolvem desde mudanças comportamentais, redução de exposições a fatores de risco, educação sobre a doença e seu curso, reabilitação, oxigenoterapia, manejo de comorbidades, tratamentos cirúrgicos e farmacológicos até os cuidados de fim de vida permitem ao profissional oferecer uma terapêutica personalizada e efetiva. O tratamento farmacológico da DPOC constitui um dos principais pilares desse manejo, e muitos avanços têm sido atingidos na área nos últimos anos. Com a maior disponibilidade de medicações e combinações terapêuticas fica cada vez mais desafiador conhecer as indicações, limitações, potenciais riscos e benefícios de cada tratamento. Com o intuito de avaliar criticamente a evidência recente e sistematizar as principais dúvidas referentes ao tratamento farmacológico da DPOC, foram reunidos 24 especialistas de todo o Brasil para elaborar a presente recomendação. Foi elaborado um guia visual para a classificação e tratamento adaptados à nossa realidade. Dez perguntas foram selecionadas pela relevância na prática clínica. Abordam a classificação, definições, tratamento e evidências disponíveis para cada medicação ou combinação. Cada pergunta foi respondida por dois especialistas e depois consolidadas em duas fases: revisão e consenso entre todos os participantes. As questões respondidas são dúvidas práticas e ajudam a selecionar qual o melhor tratamento, entre as muitas opções, para cada paciente com suas particularidades.

Hospitalization due to exacerbation of COPD: "Real-life" outcomes / Hospitalização por exacerbação da DPOC: desfechos da "vida real"

Summary Introduction: Hospitalization due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation (eCOPD) may indicate worse prognosis. It is important to know the profile of hospitalized patients and their outcome of hospitalization to customize and optimize treatment. Method: Evaluation of patients hospitalized for eCOPD, with ≥ 10 pack/years and ≥ 1 previous spirometry with airway obstruction over the course of one year at the pulmonology service of a general hospital, applying: COPD assessment test (CAT); mMRc and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for dyspnea; hospitalized anxiety and depression questionnaire (HAD); Divo's comorbidities and Cote index; spirometry; and laboratory tests including number of eosinophils, C-reactive protein (CRP), brain natriuretic protein (BNP). Patient progression, number of days of hospitalization and hospitalization outcomes were observed. Results: There were 75 (12%) hospitalizations for eCOPD, with 27 readmissions, nine of which during a period ≤ 30 days after hospital discharge. The main outcomes were: number of days of hospitalization (17±16.5 [2-75]); hospital discharge (30 [62.5%] patients); discharge/rehospitalization (18 [37.5%] patients), eight of them more than once; death (7 [14.5%] patients), five during rehospitalization. We analyzed 48 patients in their first hospitalization. The sample comprised a heterogeneous group separated in three clusters according to age, FEV1, body mass index (BMI) and CAT. The clusters did not correlate with the main outcomes. Conclusion: Hospitalization for eCOPD is frequent. The number of readmissions was high and associated with death as an outcome. Patients hospitalized for eCOPD were a heterogeneous group separated in three clusters with different degrees of disease severity and no correlation with hospitalization outcomes.

Resumo Introdução: As hospitalizações por exacerbação da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (eDPOC) podem indicar um pior prognóstico. É importante conhecer o perfil dos pacientes internados e os desfechos das internações para personalizar e otimizar seu tratamento. Método: Avaliação dos pacientes hospitalizados por eDPOC, com ≥ 10 anos/maços e ≥ 1 espirometria prévia com obstrução ao fluxo aéreo no período de um ano em um serviço de pneumologia de um hospital geral. Foram utilizados: teste de avaliação da DPOC (CAT); mMRC e Escala Analógica Visual (EAV) para aferição da dispneia; escala hospitalar de ansiedade e depressão (HAD); comorbidades pelos critérios de Divo e índice de Cote; espirometria; e exames laboratoriais, eosinófilos no sangue, proteína C reativa (PCR), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Observamos evolução dos pacientes, duração da internação e desfechos da hospitalização. Resultados: Ocorreram 75 (12%) internações por eDPOC, sendo 27 reinternações, nove das quais com menos de 30 dias após a alta. Os principais desfechos foram: duração da internação de 17±16,5 (2-75) dias; 30 (62,5%) altas hospitalares; 18 (37,5%) altas/reinternações, oito pacientes reinternaram mais de uma vez; e sete (14,5%) óbitos, cinco durante as reinternações. Analisamos 48 pacientes em sua primeira internação. A amostra era um grupo heterogêneo que ordenamos em três clusters de acordo com idade, VEF1, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e CAT. Os clusters não se correlacionaram com os principais desfechos. Conclusão: A eDPOC é causa frequente de internações. Foram frequentes as reinternações e estas se correlacionaram com o desfecho óbito. Os pacientes internados por eDPOC formaram um grupo heterogêneo, que pôde ser agrupado em três clusters com diferentes graus de gravidade e sem correlação com os desfechos das hospitalizações.

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica.

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica is a rare benign disease, of unknown cause, characterized by numerous sessile, cartilaginous, or bony submucosal nodules distributed throughout the anterolateral walls, projecting into the laryngotracheobronchial lumen. In general, tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica is diagnosed incidentally during bronchoscopy or autopsy and is not associated with a specific disease. We report the case of a male patient who was diagnosed with tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica via bronchoscopy and biopsy. RESUMO A traqueobroncopatia osteocondroplástica é uma doença benigna rara, de causa desconhecida, caracterizada por numerosos nódulos submucosos sésseis, cartilaginosos e/ou ósseos, distribuídos pelas paredes anterolaterais da traqueia, projetando-se no lúmen laringotraqueobrônquico. Em geral, a traqueobroncopatia osteocondroplástica é descoberta acidentalmente durante broncoscopias ou em necropsias e não é associada a uma doença específica. Relatamos o caso de um paciente que foi diagnosticado com traqueobroncopatia osteocondroplástica por broncoscopia e biópsia.