[Pulse Oximetry Values in Preterm infants at 34-36 weeks postmenstrual age]. / Valores de Oximetría de Pulso en Prematuros a las 34-36 semanas post-concepcional.

Pulse oximetry (SpO2) is essential for guiding oxygen therapy in preterm infants. Data on SpO2 values before discharge are limited. OBJECTIVE: To establish SpO2 values in asymptomatic premature infants at 34, 35, and 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Longitudinal, multicen ter study carried out from May 2018 to May 2019 in three neonatal intensive care units in Santiago, Chile (altitude 579 m) which included premature infants born ≤ 32 weeks of gestational age, healthy, with clinical stability, and without respiratory morbidity at the moment of the study or until dis charge. The following parameters were analyzed: mean accumulated SpO2 and SD, minimum SpO2 value, SpO2 time percentage < 90%, SpO2 time percentage < 80%, DI4, and DI80. Continuous over night SpO2 was obtained with Masimo Radical-7 or Rad-8 (USA), mean artifact-free-recording-time (AFRT) ≥ 6 hours. RESULTS: 101 SpO2 recordings were registered in 44, 33, and 24 studies at 34, 35, and 36 weeks of PMA, respectively, from 62 preterm infants, twenty-eight (45%) were male, median gestational age at birth 30 weeks (range 26-32), and median birth weight 1480 g (range 785-2700g). Oximetry variables were mean AFRT (± SD) 8.6 (± 1.5) hours; median mean SpO2 96.9% (range 93.3-99.3%); median minimum SpO2 74% (range 51-89%); median time of SpO2 < 90% 2% (range 0-10.6%); median time of SpO2 < 80% 0.1% (range 0-1.3%); median desaturation event ≥ 4% (DI4) within ≥ 10 seconds per hour sampled 15 (range 3.5-62.5); and median desaturation event <80% (DI80) 0.58 (range 0-10.8). We found no differences in SpO2 values between the different PMA wee ks. CONCLUSIONS: We described SpO2 values in very preterm infants, asymptomatic at 34-36 PMA weeks. These values could be used as a reference for guiding oxygen therapy.

Función pulmonar: función pulmonar en pacientes con displasia broncopulmonar / Pulmonary function: pulmonary function in patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

La displasia broncopulmonar (DBP) es una complicación frecuente en los prematuros extremos. La detención de la alveolarización determina menor volumen pulmonar total, el cual se recupera al menos parcialmente en el trayecto de la vida. La vía aérea se ve afectada en su crecimiento en mayor proporción que los alvéolos, y en los pacientes con displasia severa va a existir hasta la etapa adulta una limitación al flujo aéreo debido a su menor calibre. En este artículo, se describirá el origen, hallazgos característicos y evolución de las alteraciones en la función pulmonar, especialmente, en los pacientes con la nueva DBP.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a frequent complication in extremely premature infants. The arrest of alveolarization determines a lower total lung volume, which recovers at least partially during life. The airway is affected in its growth to a greater extent than the alveoli, and in patients with severe dysplasia there will be airflow limitation until adulthood due to its smaller caliber. In this article, the origin, characteristic findings, and evolution of changes in lung function will be described, especially in patients with the new BPD.

Función pulmonar: medición continua de la saturación del pulso arterial de oxígeno: propuesta para interpretación / Continuous measurement of oxygen arterial pulse saturation: an interpretation proposal

La medición continua de la saturación de pulso arterial de oxígeno (SpO2) es un método no invasivo, confiable y seguro. El consolidado permite obtener valores promedio de SpO2 y frecuencia cardiaca, gráficos y valores acumulados, rangos de valores de SpO2, que permiten definir si existe o no alguna alteración. Los avances tecnológicos han dado paso a la fabricación de equipos con alta exactitud de las mediciones, mediante algoritmos matemáticos que filtran los artefactos debido a movimientos y/o hipoperfusión. La ventaja, es una mayor precisión para determinar estados de hipoxemia en distintas situaciones clínicas. Las principales indicaciones en pediatría son la determinación de hipoxemia y titulación de oxígeno en niños con enfermedades que comprometen el sistema respiratorio, especialmente displasia broncopulmonar. También se usa como screening para apneas obstructivas del sueño en rango moderado a severo en situaciones en que no es posible realizar poligrafía o polisomnografía, dado la facilidad con la que se puede realizar la medición continua de SpO2 en domicilio u hospitalizado. En este artículo se describen características importantes del procedimiento, y se propone un esquema para ordenar su interpretación.

Continuous measurement of arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) is a non-invasive, reliable, and safe method. The consolidated allows obtaining average values of SpO2 and heart rate, graphs and accumulated values, ranges of SpO2 values, which allow defining whether or not there is any alteration. Technological advances have given way to the manufacture of equipment with high measurement accuracy, using mathematical algorithms that filter artifacts due to movements and/or hypoperfusion. The main indications are the diagnosis of hypoxemia and titration of oxygen requirements in patients with chronic lung damage and other diseases that compromise the respiratory system. Also, it is used as screening of moderate to severe obstructive apneas when other sleep studies, such as polysomnography or polygraphy, are not available. It can be done at home or hospitalized. This article describes important characteristics of the procedure, and a scheme is proposed to order its interpretation.

Actualización de la prueba de provocación bronquial con ejercicio (PPBE) / Update of the bronchial provocation test with exercise

The bronchial challenge test with exercise aims to demonstrate the presence of exercise-induced bronchial hyperreactivity, characteristic of bronchial asthma. Its realization is well standardized, requiring special environmental conditions, preparation and submaximum effort of the patient. The response is measured by spirometry, and it is considered a positive exercise test a drop in the expired volume at the first second (FEV1) of 10%. This article describes the elements necessary to facilitate this exam, according to national and international standards and guidelines.

La prueba de provocación bronquial con ejercicio tiene como objetivo demostrar la presencia de hiperreactividad bronquial inducida por ejercicio, característica del asma bronquial. Su realización está bien estandarizada, requiriendo de condiciones ambientales especiales, preparación y esfuerzo submáximo del paciente. La respuesta se mide mediante espirometría, y se considera una prueba de provocación con ejercicio positivo, a una caída del volumen espirado al primer segundo (VEF1) del 10%. En este artículo se describen los elementos necesarios para facilitar la realización de este examen, acorde a normas y guías nacionales e internacionales.

Actualización en la prueba de provocación bronquial con metacolina en el niño / Update in the bronchial challenge test with methacholine in children

This document updates the recommendations of the bronchial challenge test with methacholine in children. It is based primarily on the recommendations contained in the guide on the technical standard of the bronchial challenge test for methacholine from the European Society of Respiratory Diseases. The main change is the recommendation to use PD20 (methacholine dose that causes a 20% drop in FEV1) instead of PC20 (methacholine concentration that causes a 20% drop in FEV1), which allows for comparable results when different devices and different protocols are used.

Este documento actualiza las recomendaciones de la prueba de provocación bronquial con metacolina en niños. Se basa fundamentalmente en las recomendaciones contenidas en la guía sobre el estándar técnico de la prueba de provocación bronquial de metacolina de la Sociedad Europea de Enfermedades Respiratorias. El principal cambio es la recomendación de utilizar la PD20 (dosis de metacolina que provoca una caída de 20% del VEF1) en vez de PC20 (concentración de metacolina que provoca una caída del 20% en el VEF1), lo cual permite tener resultados comparables cuando se usan diferentes dispositivos y diferentes protocolos.

Actualización en espirometría en el preescolar / Preeschools spirometry update

Spirometry is better pulmonary function test for evaluating preschoolers with chronic lung disease and recurrent wheeze. It is useful, accessible and very good performance. For a correct interpretation it must be under the conditions specially controlled for this age group. In this review, product of the work done during the year 2018, by the Committee on pulmonary function in pediatric pulmonology Chilean society, will be showcased aspects for the realization and interpretation of spirometry in preschool children, with emphasis on the differences in the criteria typically described for older children and adults.

La espirometría es la prueba de función pulmonar más adecuada para evaluar a preescolares con enfermedades pulmonares crónicas y sibilancias recurrentes. Es útil, accesible y de buen rendimiento. Para una correcta interpretación debe realizarse bajo las condiciones especialmente normadas para este grupo etario. En esta revisión, producto del trabajo realizado durante el año 2018, por la comisión de función pulmonar de la sociedad Chilena de Neumología Pediátrica, se expondrán los aspectos actualizados para la realización e interpretación de la espirometría en preescolares, con énfasis en las diferencias de los criterios clásicamente descritos para niños mayores y adultos.

Actualización en espirometría y curva flujo / volumen en escolares y adolescentes / School and adolescent spirometry and flow / volume curve update

Spirometry is the most commonly used test to evaluate lung function in children and adults. To obtain good quality results, several requirements must be fulfilled: professional capacity of the technician, the quality of the equipment, the patient's collaboration, the use of appropriate reference standards. The purpose of spirometry is to define types of ventilatory alterations of the central and peripheral airways, to evaluate the response to bronchodilators and to guide the presence of restrictive diseases. The new consensus of national and international experts are described, which have been perfecting several aspects of this test.

La espirometría es el examen más comúnmente utilizado para evaluar la función pulmonar en niños y adultos. Para obtener resultados de buena calidad deben cumplirse varios requisitos, desde la capacidad profesional del técnico, calidad de los equipos, colaboración del paciente y utilización de patrones de referencia adecuados. La espirometría tiene como utilidad definir alteraciones ventilatorias obstructivas de vía aérea central y periférica, evaluar respuesta a broncodilatador y orientar al diagnóstico de enfermedades restrictivas. Se describen los nuevos consensos de expertos nacionales e internacionales, los cuales han ido perfeccionando varios aspectos de este examen.

[Spirometric caracterization of cystic fibrosis patients]. / Caracterización espirométrica de pacientes con fibrosis quística.

INTRODUCTION: The prognosis of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has remarkably improved. The as sessment of the disease progression is based on the measurement of the FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second). OBJECTIVES: 1. To describe forced expiratory flows and volumes and com pare their interpretation according to different reference standards (Knudson, Gutiérrez, and multi ethnic GLI); 2. To describe bronchodilator response. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The medical records and spirometries of all patients with CF controlled at the Dr. Sotero del Rio Hospital were reviewed. Demographic background, sweat test results, genetic study , and bacteriological study were obtained. In addition, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) was recorded as well as FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio. Re sults: Data from 14 patients, were analyzed, seven males, aged 6-24 years, median 15 years, median BMI 18.15 (range 14.6-23.3), median sweat chloride test 76 mEq/l (range 50,2-119 mEq/l), seven patients with at least one F508del mutation. Using multi-ethnic and Gutierrez predictive formulas, lung function involvement occurred previously in relation to the use of Knudson equations. None of the patients had a significant bronchodilator response. CONCLUSION: The group of patients descri bed mostly presents functional respiratory involvement and had no bronchodilator response. The interpretation of functional respiratory involvement varies according to the theoretical values used.

Caracterización espirométrica de pacientes con fibrosis quística / Spirometric caracterization of cystic fibrosis patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: El pronóstico de los pacientes con fibrosis quística (FQ) ha mejorado en forma notable. La evaluación de la progresión de la enfermedad se basa en la medición del Volumen Espirado al primer segundo (VEF1). OBJETIVOS: 1. Describir volúmenes y flujos espiratorios forzados y comparar su interpretación según diferentes patrones de referencia (Knudson, multiétnicas Global Lung Initiative, Gutiérrez); 2. Comparar evolución de VEF1 según diferentes patrones de referencia; 3. Describir respuesta a broncodilatador. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo de fichas clínicas y espirometrías de pacientes con FQ controlados en Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río. Se obtuvo antecedentes demográficos, resultados de prueba de sudor, estudio genético, estudio bacteriológico. Se evaluó respuesta a broncodilatador (salbutamol 400 ugr), considerando significativo un aumento en 12% en el VEF1. El valor de cloro en sudor se obtuvo mediante método de Gibson y Cooke. Se registraron: Capacidad Vital Forzada (CVF), Volumen Espirado al primer segundo (VEF1) y relación VEF1/CVF. Para graficar la progresión del VEF1 en el tiempo y las curvas teóricas de GLI, Knudson y Gutiérrez, se utilizó el software de libre distribución R versión 3.3.1. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 14 pacientes, 7 varones, edad entre 6 y 24 años, mediana 15 años, me diana índice de masa corporal (IMC) 18,15 (rango 14,6-23,3), mediana cloro en sudor 76 mEq/l (rango 50,2- 119), 7 pacientes con al menos 1 mutación F508del. Al utilizar fórmulas predictivas multiétnicas y de Gutiérrez, el compromiso de la función pulmonar ocurría con anterioridad en relación al uso de ecuaciones de Knudson. Ninguno de los pacientes presentó respuesta significativa a broncodilatador. CONCLUSIÓN: El grupo de pacientes descritos presenta en su mayoría compromiso funcional respiratorio y no tiene respuesta a broncodilatador. La interpretación del compromiso funcional respiratorio varía según los valores teóricos utilizados.

INTRODUCTION: The prognosis of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has remarkably improved. The as sessment of the disease progression is based on the measurement of the FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second). OBJECTIVES: 1. To describe forced expiratory flows and volumes and com pare their interpretation according to different reference standards (Knudson, Gutiérrez, and multi ethnic GLI); 2. To describe bronchodilator response. Patients and Method: The medical records and spirometries of all patients with CF controlled at the Dr. Sotero del Rio Hospital were reviewed. Demographic background, sweat test results, genetic study , and bacteriological study were obtained. In addition, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) was recorded as well as FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio. RESULTS: Data from 14 patients, were analyzed, seven males, aged 6-24 years, median 15 years, median BMI 18.15 (range 14.6-23.3), median sweat chloride test 76 mEq/l (range 50,2-119 mEq/l), seven patients with at least one F508del mutation. Using multi-ethnic and Gutierrez predictive formulas, lung function involvement occurred previously in relation to the use of Knudson equations. None of the patients had a significant bronchodilator response. CONCLUSION: The group of patients descri bed mostly presents functional respiratory involvement and had no bronchodilator response. The interpretation of functional respiratory involvement varies according to the theoretical values used.

[Quality scale for preschool spirometry interpretation]. / Elaboración de una escala de calidad para la interpretación de espirometrías en preescolares.

Since 2007, there are international guidelines for implementation and interpretation of spirometry in preschool children. A percentage of these patients cannot obtain maneuvers that meet all eligibility criteria. The objective of this study was to develop a quality scale for interpreting these partially acceptable spirometry. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Delphi methodology was used, which allows to reach consensus among experts analyzing a defined problem. We invited to participate pediatric pneumologists dedicated to lung function and who participated actively in scientific specialty societies in Chile. Successive rounds were conducted with questionnaires about criteria used to assess spirometry in preschool children. These criteria define the acceptability of spirometric maneuvers according to international guidelines. Proposed quality grades were “very good”, “good”, “fair” and “bad”. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 15 invited experts accepted our invitation. In the first round 9 disagreed with the degree of “regular” quality. In the second round this was removed and 11 experts answered, 9 of them agreed with the use of this new version. The most contentious criterion was the end of expiration. CONCLUSION: Most experts agreed with the final scale, using “very good”, “good” and “bad” judgments. This would help to improve the performance of spirometry in children between 2 and 5 years.

Elaboración de una escala de calidad para la interpretación de espirometrías en preescolares / Quality scale for preschool spirometry interpretation

Desde el año 2007 existen guías internacionales para la realización e interpretación de espirometrías en preescolares. Un porcentaje de estos pacientes no logra obtener maniobras que cumplan con todos los criterios de aceptabilidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar una escala de calidad mediante el juicio de expertos para interpretar estas espirometrías parcialmente aceptables. Material y Método: Se utilizó metodología Delphi, la cual permite llegar a un consenso entre expertos analizando un problema definido. Para esto se invitó a participar a pediatras especialistas en enfermedades respiratorias con dedicación en función pulmonar y que participan activamente en las sociedades científicas de la especialidad en Chile. Se realizaron rondas sucesivas solicitándoles su opinión por escrito acerca de los criterios utilizados para valorar espirometrías realizadas en preescolares. Estos criterios son los que definen la aceptabilidad de las maniobras espirométricas según las guías internacionales. Los grados de calidad propuestos fueron: “muy bueno”, “bueno”, “regular” y “malo”. Resultados: Participaron 13 de los 15 expertos invitados. En la primera ronda 9 de ellos estuvieron en desacuerdo con el grado de calidad “regular”. En la segunda ronda esta se eliminó y respondieron 11 expertos; 9 de ellos estuvieron de acuerdo con la utilización de esta nueva versión. El criterio más discutido fue el final de la espiración. Conclusión: La mayoría de los expertos estuvieron de acuerdo con la escala final, usando las apreciaciones “muy bueno”, “bueno” y “malo”. Esta contribuiría a mejorar el rendimiento de las espirometrías realizadas en niños entre 2 y 5 años.

Since 2007, there are international guidelines for implementation and interpretation of spirometry in preschool children. A percentage of these patients cannot obtain maneuvers that meet all eligibility criteria. The objective of this study was to develop a quality scale for interpreting these partially acceptable spirometry. Material and Method: Delphi methodology was used, which allows to reach consensus among experts analyzing a defined problem. We invited to participate pediatric pneumologists dedicated to lung function and who participated actively in scientific specialty societies in Chile. Successive rounds were conducted with questionnaires about criteria used to assess spirometry in preschool children. These criteria define the acceptability of spirometric maneuvers according to international guidelines. Proposed quality grades were “very good”, “good”, “fair” and “bad”. Results: Thirteen of the 15 invited experts accepted our invitation. In the first round 9 disagreed with the degree of “regular” quality. In the second round this was removed and 11 experts answered, 9 of them agreed with the use of this new version. The most contentious criterion was the end of expiration. Conclusion: Most experts agreed with the final scale, using “very good”, “good” and “bad” judgments. This would help to improve the performance of spirometry in children between 2 and 5 years.

Valores espirométricos en niños y adolescentes chilenos sanos / Spirometric values in healthy Chilean children and adolescents

Background: Spirometric flow and volume measurement are essential to evaluate patients with pulmonary disease. In Chile, several reference equations are used. Aim: To measure flow and expiratory volumes in healthy children and adolescents and compare their results with theoretical values according to Knudson, Quanjer, Gutierrez and NANHES III. Subjects and Methods: Spirometries were performed according to international standards in 1589 healthy children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years (861 females) who lived in Santiago, Chile. Results: The obtained values for forced vital capacity, expiratory volume in one second, peak expiratory flow, were significantly higher than those calculated according to the above mentioned standards (p < 0.0001) with differences up to 18.7%. We constructed reference formulas for ages ranging from 6 to 18 years, separated by gender, using age, weight and height as independent variables. The latter had the greater influence on formula construction. Conclusions: The use of these new local formulas with allow the correct interpretation of spirometric results obtained in Chilean children and adolescents.

Spirometry interpretation feasibility among pre-school children according to the European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society Guidelines / Factibilidad de la interpretación de espirometrías en preescolares según criterios ATS/ERS.

INTRODUCTION: Spirometry is the most used test to evaluate pulmonary function. Guidelines that defined acceptability and repeatability criteria for its implementation and interpretation among preschoolers were published in 2007. Our objective was to quantify the actual compliance with these criteria among pre-school patients. METHODS: A review was performed on the baseline spirometry measured in patients aged 2 to 5 years in the Pediatric Respiratory Laboratory of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, who were admitted due to recurrent or persistent coughing or wheezing. Only those results obtained in patients who took the test for the first time were considered. They were analyzed by international standards. RESULTS: A total of 93 spirometry results (mean age 57.4 ± 8.6 months, 48 males) were obtained, of which 44 (47%) met all acceptable criteria, 87 (93%) obtained expiratory time of ≥ 0.5seconds, and 67 (72%) of the patients had an end-expiratory flow of ≤10% from peak flow. The variation in the measurement of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was very low (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). CONCLUSION: It was possible to meet the acceptability and repeatability criteria for spirometry among pre-school children in our Center, which was similar to previous reports. As in older children, this test is fully recommended for pre-school children who require lung function studies.

Evaluación de flujos y volúmenes dinámicos en pacientes con compromiso muscular respiratorio / Dynamic flows and volumes evaluation in patients with respiratory muscle impairment

Spirometry measures the forced expiratory volumes and flows. In patients with neuromuscular disease, these are altered since there is some respiratory muscle involvement. The usefulness of this test is based on the interpretation of the shape of the flow / volume loop and values of spirometric variables. In patients with neuromuscular disease, Forced Vital Capacity is the most used especially for its prognosis value.

La espirometría mide volúmenes y flujos espiratorios forzados. En los pacientes con enfermedad neuromuscular (ENM) estos se ven alterados debido al compromiso muscular respiratorio. La utilidad de este examen se basa en la interpretación de la forma de la curva flujo/volumen y los valores de las variables espirométricas. En los pacientes con ENM la Capacidad Vital Forzada es la más utilizada ya que otorga valor pronóstico.

[Spirometric values in healthy Chilean children and adolescents]. / Valores espirométricos en niños y adolescentes chilenos sanos.

BACKGROUND: Spirometric flow and volume measurement are essential to evaluate patients with pulmonary disease. In Chile, several reference equations are used. AIM: To measure flow and expiratory volumes in healthy children and adolescents and compare their results with theoretical values according to Knudson, Quanjer, Gutierrez and NANHES III. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Spirometries were performed according to international standards in 1589 healthy children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years (861 females) who lived in Santiago, Chile. RESULTS: The obtained values for forced vital capacity, expiratory volume in one second, peak expiratory flow, were significantly higher than those calculated according to the above mentioned standards (p < 0.0001) with differences up to 18.7%. We constructed reference formulas for ages ranging from 6 to 18 years, separated by gender, using age, weight and height as independent variables. The latter had the greater influence on formula construction. CONCLUSIONS: The use of these new local formulas with allow the correct interpretation of spirometric results obtained in Chilean children and adolescents.

Fisiología de la curva flujo/volumen espirométrica / Flow-volume curve: its physiological basis

We describe physiological basis to explain flow/volume curve obtained by forced spirometry. The main factors involved are alveolar and intraluminal airway pressure and transthoracic pressure, whose interrelationship determines dynamic airway compression. Lung and thoracic elastic recoil pressure and lung volumes also participate.

Se describen las bases fisiológicas de la curva flujo/volumen obtenida mediante espirometría forzada. Los principales factores involucrados son la presión alveolar y de la vía aérea y la presión transtorácica, cuyo balance determina la compresión dinámica de la vía aérea. Además intervienen la presión de retracción elástica pulmonar y de la caja torácica y los volúmenes pulmonares.

Otitis media aguda / Acute otitis media

We review differents topics about acute otitis media without complication. There is a frequent cause of visit to pediatric office. We showed risk factors, to consider how to prevent it. As viral infection are frequent cause there is not necessary to start antibiotics. Finally we describe complications as otitis effusion.

Se revisan diversos aspectos de la otitis media aguda no complicada, causa muy frecuente de consulta en nuestra práctica pediátrica. Se mencionan sus factores de riesgo, que constituyen los principales elementos a considerar para su prevención. Debido a la frecuente etiología viral, la conducta terapéutica actual considera en ciertas situaciones postergar el inicio del tratamiento antibiótico. Finalmente se describen sus complicaciones, siendo la más frecuente la efusión en oído medio.

Bronquio traqueal / Tracheal bronchio

Tracheal bronchus is considered an anatomical variant or bronchial malformation. Its clinical manifestations are rare, and are due to a failure to drain bronchial secretions. Anatomically it may be a supernumerary or ectopic bronchus. His diagnosis is made by direct visualization of images and airway. Generally its treatment is expectant.

El bronquio traqueal es considerado como una variante anatómica o malformación bronquial. Sus manifestaciones clínicas son infrecuentes, y se deben a una falla para el adecuado drenaje de secreciones bronquiales. Anatómicamente puede tratarse de un bronquio supernumerario o ectópico. Su diagnóstico se realiza mediante imágenes y visualización directa de la vía aérea. En general su tratamiento es expectante.

Evaluación funcional de la vía aérea / Functional asessment of airway

Airway function study includes a variety of tests involving various sub-specialties of medicine and related professions. We describe the methods that assess: 1) upper airway (nose to larynx): rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry and nasopharingolaryngoscopy, 2) central airways (trachea and main bronchi): bronchoscopy, imaging study and Flow / Volume curve, 3) distal or peripheral airway: spirometry, bronchodilator response assessment, airway hyper responsiveness and measurement of airway resistance (plethysmography, interrupted resistence and impulse oscillometry).

El estudio de la función de la vía aérea abarca una gran variedad de exámenes que implican a diversas subespecialidades de la medicina y profesiones relacionadas. Se describen los métodos que evalúan: 1) vía aérea superior (nariz hasta laringe): rinomanometría, rinometría acústica y nasofarigolaringoscopía, 2) vía aérea central (tráquea y bronquios mayores): bronconcoscopia, estudio de imágenes y curva flujo/volumen, 3) vía aérea distalo periférica: espirometría, evaluación de respuesta a broncodilatador y de hiperreactividad bronquial y medición de la resistencia de la vía aérea (pletismografía, resistencia interrumpida y oscilometría de impulso).