Exploring Inflammatory Asthma Phenotypes: Proteomic Signatures in Serum and Induced Sputum.

Asthma drug responses may differ due to inflammatory mechanisms triggered by the immune cells in the pulmonary microenvironment. Thus, asthma phenotyping based on the local inflammatory profile may aid in treatment definition and the identification of new therapeutic targets. Here, we investigated protein profiles of induced sputum and serum from asthma patients classified into eosinophilic, neutrophilic, mixed granulocytic, and paucigranulocytic asthma, according to inflammatory phenotypes. Proteomic analyses were performed using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography (ultra-HPLC) system coupled to the Q Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer. Fifty-two (52) proteins showed significant differences in induced sputum among the groups, while only 12 were altered in patients' sera. Five proteins in the induced sputum were able to discriminate all phenotypic groups, while four proteins in the serum could differentiate all except the neutrophilic from the paucigranulocytic inflammatory pattern. This is the first report on comparative proteomics of inflammatory asthma phenotypes in both sputum and serum samples. We have identified a potential five-biomarker panel that may be able to discriminate all four inflammatory phenotypes in sputum. These findings not only provide insights into potential therapeutic targets but also emphasize the potential for personalized treatment approaches in asthma management.

Evaluation of patients' satisfaction with domiciliary biological treatment in severe asthma: a Portuguese survey.

Dear Editor, According to GINA, severe asthma is defined as uncontrolled asthma, despite therapy adherence with an optimized high dose of inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting ß2-agonist coupled with management of modifiable factors/comorbidities, that worsens when this treatment is decreased. It affects a significant portion of asthmatic patients and imposes a high risk of exacerbations and mortality, which are associated with significant healthcare costs and psychosocial impact...

Mortality risk prediction with ILD-GAP index in a fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis cohort.

BACKGROUND: Fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Interstitial lung disease-gender-age-physiology (ILD-GAP) performance in fHP outside the initial cohort was never performed. AIM: To assess the ILD-GAP index's ability to predict mortality in a Portuguese cohort of patients with fHP and analyse whether other clinical variables add value. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of fHP cohort in two Portuguese ILD centres. The baseline ILD-GAP index was calculated. Survival was analysed in months; mortality was the primary outcome. Univariate and multivariate analyses to identify mortality risk factors were performed. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients were included. Fifty-three patients (37.6%) died during the follow-up. The usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern was found in 49.6%, and their survival was inferior to non-UIP [32 months (interquartile range, IQR = 19, 60) versus 52 months (IQR = 28, 98), p = 0.048]. Patients with an ILD-GAP index higher than three double their risk of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) = 6.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (3.03-13.96)] when compared with the patients with an index between 2 and 3 [HR = 3.04, 95% CI = (1.62-5.71)] adjusting for acute exacerbation history. Even though UIP patients had worse survival, it did not reach statistical significance when UIP pattern was added to this model. Acute exacerbation history was an independent risk factor for mortality; however, ILD-GAP still predicted mortality after adjusting for this factor. PaO2 and 6-minute walk test desaturation were not significant risk factors. CONCLUSION: ILD-GAP index is a good predictor for mortality in fHP, even after adjusting for other mortality risk factors.

Pleural AA amyloidosis preceding the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease / Amioloidosis AA pleural que precede el diagnóstico de una enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal

Pleural amyloidosis constitutes a rare presentation of a rare disease. We report a case of amyloidotic pleural effusion that preceded the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease by six months. The patient had a paucisymptomatic gastrointestinal disease but an exuberant AA amyloidosis that progressed to involve multiple organs, including lung, kidney and heart. Despite immunomodulatory treatment with corticosteroids and infliximab with good gastrointestinal response, the patient eventually passed away 2 years after diagnosis. (AU)

Influence of diode laser treatment and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate paste on eroded root dentin.

Introduction: It is still unclear whether the pretreatment for dentin hypersensitivity can interfere with the adhesive-dentin bonding strength. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the effect of pretreatment with a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste and diode laser on the shear bond strength of the etch-and-rinse adhesive system in the adhesive-dentin interface. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five bovine root specimens were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n = 15). Samples were eroded by six cycles of immersion in hydrochloric acid solution (0.01M; pH = 1.2) for 20 s each, at 45 min intervals, and treated with: G2 - no treatment, G3 - CPP-ACP, G4 - diode laser (970 nm), and G5 - CPP-ACP + Diode laser. After treatments, the morphology of the specimens was analyzed. Results: The fracture mode of each group was evaluated after restoration with composite resins in the treated area. Data were analyzed by the one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). G3 showed the highest values for shear bond strength; there was no significant difference among G1, G3, and G5 (P > 0.05). The adhesive fracture was predominant for all groups. Conclusion: The use of desensitizers containing CPP-ACP, associated or not with a diode laser, increased the bond strength of the etch-and-rinse adhesive system on eroded root dentin.

2021 Brazilian Thoracic Association recommendations for the management of severe asthma.

Advances in the understanding that severe asthma is a complex and heterogeneous disease and in the knowledge of the pathophysiology of asthma, with the identification of different phenotypes and endotypes, have allowed new approaches for the diagnosis and characterization of the disease and have resulted in relevant changes in pharmacological management. In this context, the definition of severe asthma has been established, being differentiated from difficult-to-control asthma. These recommendations address this topic and review advances in phenotyping, use of biomarkers, and new treatments for severe asthma. Emphasis is given to topics regarding personalized management of the patient and selection of biologicals, as well as the importance of evaluating the response to treatment. These recommendations apply to adults and children with severe asthma and are targeted at physicians involved in asthma treatment. A panel of 17 Brazilian pulmonologists was invited to review recent evidence on the diagnosis and management of severe asthma, adapting it to the Brazilian reality. Each of the experts was responsible for reviewing a topic or question relevant to the topic. In a second phase, four experts discussed and structured the texts produced, and, in the last phase, all experts reviewed and approved the present manuscript and its recommendations.

Follow-up loss in smoking cessation consultation: can we predict and prevent it?

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking has a considerable health and economic burden in modern society, with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, smoking cessation policies and medical treatments are essential. However, cessation rates are low and the abandonment of the consultation is common. The identification of characteristics that may predict adherence will help defining the best treatment strategy. This study aimed to identify predictors of follow-up loss in smoking cessation consultation. METHODS: We made a retrospective observational study, including a cohort of patients who started smoking cessation consultation (April-December 2018). Clinical data from consultations was collected and analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics (SPSS, RRID:SCR_002865). RESULTS: A total of 175 patients was selected (41.1% female), with a mean age of 53±12 years. Eighty-five patients (48.6%) were discharged for abandonment. They had a median pack-year unit 38±36 (P=0.011), Fagerström and Richmond scores of 5±2 and 7±2, respectively. There was an association between women (P<0.001), younger age (P<0.001), depression/anxiety (P=0.023), lower smoking load (P=0.019), starting the treatment in the first appointment (P=0.004) and the abandonment of the consultation. In binary logistic regression, younger age (less than 50 years) (OR =4.39; 95% CI: 1.99-9.70), starting the treatment in the first appointment (OR =3.04; 95% CI: 1.44-6.42) and depression/anxiety (OR =2.30; 95% CI: 1.08-4.88) remained independent predictors of loss in follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Women, younger age, depression/anxiety, lower smoking load and starting treatment in the first appointment are predictors of follow-up loss, so, these patients may benefit from more frequent evaluations and intensive cognitive approach. This study also raises awareness about the adequate timing to start pharmacological support for smoking cessation.

A rare cause of secondary organising pneumonia.

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease may have different clinical manifestations. We report a case of a 64-year-old woman presenting with persistent respiratory complaints, fever and radiological findings. Initially, she was diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia, but after being submitted to an extensive investigation, including CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy, a diagnosis of organising pneumonia (OP) was established. The patient was treated with corticosteroids with no favourable response. Subsequently, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) was identified in bronchoalveolar lavage culture. The patient was diagnosed with OP secondary to MAC infection and specific antibiotic treatment was initiated. This case represents an infrequent association and illustrates how important it is to investigate primary causes of OP to obtain a satisfactory treatment response.

Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features: A case series and overview.

The topic of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) is a research classification proposed by the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society Task Force: this includes patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) and clinical features, suggesting an underlying autoimmune process, but who do not meet established criteria for a connective tissue disease (CTD). We aimed to perform a detailed characterization of clinical, serological, and radiological features for our patients with IPAF criteria. Six patients were included, and a comprehensive description of these cases revealed a heterogeneous group in terms of clinical and treatment options. In most patients, it was possible to identify other features and disorders with an autoimmune "background," which may support the inclusion of these patients in the IPAF classification. No deaths or significant decline in lung function occurred, and thus no definitive diagnosis of CTD could be found over 35 months of median follow-up. Therefore, IPAF is a recent concept, with many questions still open in regard to its usage in the ILD field.

Inspiratory muscle training in neuromuscular patients: Assessing the benefits of a novel protocol.

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular diseases are characterized by the compromise of respiratory muscles, thoracic ventilation, muscle strength and coughing capacity. Patients have low quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality mostly due to respiratory impairment. OBJECTIVE: To assess the benefits of adding inspiratory muscle training to neuromuscular patients' treatment and their compliance to the approach. METHODS: We conducted a single-center prospective study with neuromuscular patients with decreased maximal inspiratory pressure. We developed an inspiratory muscle training protocol with three-month duration and once-daily training. The protocol had a progressive intensity that was individually tailored based on patients' baseline characteristics and tolerance. We used Powerbreathe Medic Classic devices to perform the training. RESULTS: There were 21 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Muscular dystrophy (n= 12, 57.3%) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n= 4, 19%) were the most common diseases. After three months of training, patients increased their maximal inspiratory muscle pressure (p= 0.002) and peak cough flow (p= 0.011). Compliance to the protocol was 99 ± 5.5%. CONCLUSIONS: This protocol showed significant improvements on pulmonary muscles function and might be considered as an adjunct treatment to neuromuscular treatment. However, these positive results require larger further studies to validate the clinical benefits long-term.

[Patent blue V dye anaphylaxis: a case report and literature review]. / Anafilaxia por corante azul patente V: relato de caso e revisão da literatura.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is a constant perioperative concern due to the exposure to several agents capable of inducing hypersensitivity reactions. Patent blue V (PBV), also known as Sulfan Blue, a synthetic dye used in sentinel node research in breast surgery, is responsible for 0.6% of reported anaphylactic conditions. We present a case of a 49-year-old female patient who underwent left breast tumorectomy with sentinel lymph node staging using PBV and experienced an anaphylactic reaction. METHODS: We conducted a literature search through PubMed for case reports, case series, reviews, and systematic reviews since 2005 with the keywords "anaphylaxis" and "patent blue". We then included articles found in these publications' reference sections. RESULTS: We found 12 relevant publications regarding this topic. The main findings are summarized, with information regarding the clinical presentation, management, and investigation protocol. Hypotension is the most common clinical manifestation. The presentation is usually delayed when compared with anaphylaxis from other agents, and cutaneous manifestations are occasionally absent. Patients may have had previous exposure to the dye, used also as a food, clothes and drug colorant. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of anaphylaxis in patients under sedation or general anesthesia may be difficult due to particularities of the perioperative context. According to the published literature, the presentation of the reaction is similar in most cases and a heightened clinical sense is key to address the situation appropriately. Finding the agent responsible for the allergic reaction is of paramount importance to prevent future episodes.

Patent blue V dye anaphylaxis: a case report and literature review / Anafilaxia por corante azul patente V: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Abstract Background: Anaphylaxis is a constant perioperative concern due to the exposure to several agents capable of inducing hypersensitivity reactions. Patent blue V (PBV), also known as Sulfan Blue, a synthetic dye used in sentinel node research in breast surgery, is responsible for 0.6% of reported anaphylactic conditions. We present a case of a 49-year-old female patient who underwent left breast tumorectomy with sentinel lymph node staging using PBV and experienced an anaphylactic reaction. Methods: We conducted a literature search through PubMed for case reports, case series, review and systematic reviews since 2005 with the keywords "anaphylaxis" and "patent blue". We then included articles found in these publications' reference sections. Results: We found 12 relevant publications regarding this topic. The main findings are summarized, with information regarding the clinical presentation, management, and investigation protocol. Hypotension is the most common clinical manifestation. The presentation is usually delayed when compared with anaphylaxis from other agents and cutaneous manifestations are occasionally absent. Patients may have had previous exposure to the dye, used also as a food, clothes and drug colorant. Conclusion: The diagnosis of anaphylaxis in patients under sedation or general anesthesia may be difficult due to particularities of the perioperative context. According to the published literature, the presentation of the reaction is similar in most cases and a heightened clinical sense is key to address the situation appropriately. Finding the agent responsible for the allergic reaction is of paramount importance to prevent future episodes.

Resumo Introdução: A anafilaxia pode ocorrer durante o período perioperatório devido à exposição a diversos agentes capazes de induzir reações de hipersensibilidade. O corante sintético Azul Patente V (APV), também conhecido como Sulfan Blue, é usado na pesquisa de linfonodo sentinela em cirurgia de mama, e é responsável por 0,6% dos eventos anafiláticos relatados. Descrevemos o caso de uma paciente de 49 anos de idade submetida à tumorectomia de mama esquerda com estadiamento de linfonodo sentinela, em que se empregou o APV e que apresentou reação anafilática. Método: Por meio do PubMed, pesquisamos publicações que documentavam relatos de casos, séries de casos, revisões e revisões sistemáticas desde 2005, usando as palavras-chave "anaphylaxis" e "patent blue". Em seguida, incluímos artigos encontrados na lista de referências dessas publicações. Resultados: Encontramos 12 publicações relevantes sobre o tópico. Os principais achados estão resumidos, com informações do quadro clínico, tratamento e protocolo de investigação. A hipotensão foi a manifestação clínica mais frequente. De forma geral, o quadro clínico tem início tardio quando comparado à anafilaxia por outros agentes e, ocasionalmente, as manifestações cutâneas estão ausentes. Os pacientes podem ter tido exposição prévia ao APV, que também é usado como corante de alimentos, roupas e medicamentos. Conclusão: O diagnóstico de anafilaxia em pacientes sob sedação ou anestesia geral pode ser difícil devido às peculiaridades do contexto perioperatório. Segundo a literatura publicada, a apresentação da reação é semelhante na maioria dos casos e um discernimento clínico aguçado é fundamental para enfrentar o evento adequadamente. Encontrar o agente responsável pela reação alérgica é essencial para a prevenção de futuros episódios.

2020 Brazilian Thoracic Association recommendations for the management of asthma.

The pharmacological management of asthma has changed considerably in recent decades, as it has come to be understood that it is a complex, heterogeneous disease with different phenotypes and endotypes. It is now clear that the goal of asthma treatment should be to achieve and maintain control of the disease, as well as to minimize the risks (of exacerbations, disease instability, accelerated loss of lung function, and adverse treatment effects). That requires an approach that is personalized in terms of the pharmacological treatment, patient education, written action plan, training in correct inhaler use, and review of the inhaler technique at each office visit. A panel of 22 pulmonologists was invited to perform a critical review of recent evidence of pharmacological treatment of asthma and to prepare this set of recommendations, a treatment guide tailored to use in Brazil. The topics or questions related to the most significant changes in concepts, and consequently in the management of asthma in clinical practice, were chosen by a panel of experts. To formulate these recommendations, we asked each expert to perform a critical review of a topic or to respond to a question, on the basis of evidence in the literature. In a second phase, three experts discussed and structured all texts submitted by the others. That was followed by a third phase, in which all of the experts reviewed and discussed each recommendation. These recommendations, which are intended for physicians involved in the treatment of asthma, apply to asthma patients of all ages.

2020 Brazilian Thoracic Association recommendations for the management of asthma / Recomendações para o manejo da asma da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia - 2020

ABSTRACT The pharmacological management of asthma has changed considerably in recent decades, as it has come to be understood that it is a complex, heterogeneous disease with different phenotypes and endotypes. It is now clear that the goal of asthma treatment should be to achieve and maintain control of the disease, as well as to minimize the risks (of exacerbations, disease instability, accelerated loss of lung function, and adverse treatment effects). That requires an approach that is personalized in terms of the pharmacological treatment, patient education, written action plan, training in correct inhaler use, and review of the inhaler technique at each office visit. A panel of 22 pulmonologists was invited to perform a critical review of recent evidence of pharmacological treatment of asthma and to prepare this set of recommendations, a treatment guide tailored to use in Brazil. The topics or questions related to the most significant changes in concepts, and consequently in the management of asthma in clinical practice, were chosen by a panel of experts. To formulate these recommendations, we asked each expert to perform a critical review of a topic or to respond to a question, on the basis of evidence in the literature. In a second phase, three experts discussed and structured all texts submitted by the others. That was followed by a third phase, in which all of the experts reviewed and discussed each recommendation. These recommendations, which are intended for physicians involved in the treatment of asthma, apply to asthma patients of all ages.

RESUMO O manejo farmacológico da asma mudou consideravelmente nas últimas décadas, com base no entendimento de que a asma é uma doença heterogênea e complexa, com diferentes fenótipos e endótipos. Agora está claro que o objetivo do tratamento da asma deve ser alcançar e manter o controle da doença e evitar riscos futuros (exacerbações, instabilidade da doença, perda acelerada da função pulmonar e efeitos adversos do tratamento). Isso implica em uma abordagem personalizada, incluindo tratamento farmacológico, educação do paciente, plano de ação por escrito, treinamento para uso do dispositivo inalatório e revisão da técnica inalatória a cada visita ao consultório. Um painel de 22 pneumologistas brasileiros foi convidado a revisar criticamente evidências recentes de tratamento farmacológico da asma e a preparar esta recomendação, um guia de tratamento adaptado à nossa realidade. A escolha dos tópicos ou questões relacionadas às mudanças mais significativas nos conceitos e, consequentemente, no manejo da asma na prática clínica foi realizada por um painel de especialistas. Foi solicitado a cada especialista que revisasse criticamente um tópico ou respondesse a uma pergunta, com base em evidências, para estas recomendações. Numa segunda fase, três especialistas discutiram e estruturaram todos os textos submetidos pelos demais e, na última fase, todos revisaram e discutiram cada recomendação. As presentes recomendações se aplicam a adultos e crianças com asma e destinam-se a médicos envolvidos no tratamento da doença.

Family caregiver burden: the burden of caring for lung cancer patients according to the cancer stage and patient quality of life / Sobrecarga do cuidador familiar: a sobrecarga de cuidar de pacientes com câncer de pulmão, de acordo com o estágio do câncer e a qualidade de vida do paciente

ABSTRACT Objective: Patients with lung cancer experience different feelings and reactions, based on their family, social, cultural, and religious backgrounds, which are a source of great distress, not only for the patients but also for their family caregivers. This study aimed to evaluate the impact that lung cancer stage and quality of life (QoL) of lung cancer patients have on caregiver burden. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Consecutive patient-caregiver dyads were selected and asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item ShortForm Health Survey (SF-36). Family caregivers also completed the Caregiver Burden Scale. Group-based modeling was used in order to identify patients with early- or advanced-stage cancer (IA to IIIA vs. IIIB to IV) plus non-impaired or impaired QoL (SF36 total score > 50 vs. ≤ 50). Patient-caregiver dyads were stratified into four groups: early-stage cancer+non-impaired QoL; advanced-stage cancer+non-impaired QoL; early-stage cancer+impaired QoL; and advanced-stage cancer+impaired QoL. Results: We included 91 patient-caregiver dyads. The majority of the patients were male and heavy smokers. Family caregivers were younger and predominantly female. The burden, QoL, level of anxiety, and level of depression of caregivers were more affected by the QoL of the patients than by their lung cancer stage. The family caregivers of the patients with impaired QoL showed a higher median burden than did those of the patients with non-impaired QoL, regardless of disease stage. Conclusions: Caregiver burden is more affected by patient QoL than by lung cancer stage.

RESUMO Objetivo: Pacientes com câncer de pulmão vivenciam diferentes sentimentos e reações, dependendo de sua formação familiar, social, cultural e religiosa, que são fonte de grande sofrimento, não só para os pacientes mas também para seus cuidadores familiares. Este estudo objetivou avaliar o impacto do estágio do câncer de pulmão e da qualidade de vida (QV) dos pacientes com câncer de pulmão na sobrecarga do cuidador. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo transversal. Díades paciente-cuidador foram selecionadas consecutivamente e solicitadas a preencher a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale e o Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Os cuidadores familiares também preencheram a Caregiver Burden Scale. Utilizou-se a modelagem de grupos para identificar pacientes com câncer em estágio inicial ou avançado (IA a IIIA vs. IIIB a IV) mais QV não comprometida ou comprometida (pontuação total no SF36 > 50 vs. ≤ 50). As díades paciente-cuidador foram estratificadas em quatro grupos: câncer em estágio inicial+QV não comprometida; câncer em estágio avançado+QV não comprometida; câncer em estágio inicial+QV comprometida; e câncer em estágio avançado+QV comprometida. Resultados: Foram incluídas 91 díades paciente-cuidador. A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino e grande fumante. Os cuidadores familiares eram mais jovens e predominantemente do sexo feminino. A sobrecarga, QV, nível de ansiedade e nível de depressão dos cuidadores foram mais afetados pela QV dos pacientes do que pelo estágio do câncer de pulmão. Os cuidadores familiares dos pacientes com QV comprometida apresentaram maior mediana de sobrecarga do que os dos pacientes com QV não comprometida, independentemente do estágio da doença. Conclusões: A sobrecarga do cuidador é mais afetada pela QV do paciente do que pelo estágio do câncer de pulmão.

Family caregiver burden: the burden of caring for lung cancer patients according to the cancer stage and patient quality of life.

OBJECTIVE:: Patients with lung cancer experience different feelings and reactions, based on their family, social, cultural, and religious backgrounds, which are a source of great distress, not only for the patients but also for their family caregivers. This study aimed to evaluate the impact that lung cancer stage and quality of life (QoL) of lung cancer patients have on caregiver burden. METHODS:: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Consecutive patient-caregiver dyads were selected and asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item ShortForm Health Survey (SF-36). Family caregivers also completed the Caregiver Burden Scale. Group-based modeling was used in order to identify patients with early- or advanced-stage cancer (IA to IIIA vs. IIIB to IV) plus non-impaired or impaired QoL (SF36 total score > 50 vs. ≤ 50). Patient-caregiver dyads were stratified into four groups: early-stage cancer+non-impaired QoL; advanced-stage cancer+non-impaired QoL; early-stage cancer+impaired QoL; and advanced-stage cancer+impaired QoL. RESULTS:: We included 91 patient-caregiver dyads. The majority of the patients were male and heavy smokers. Family caregivers were younger and predominantly female. The burden, QoL, level of anxiety, and level of depression of caregivers were more affected by the QoL of the patients than by their lung cancer stage. The family caregivers of the patients with impaired QoL showed a higher median burden than did those of the patients with non-impaired QoL, regardless of disease stage. CONCLUSIONS:: Caregiver burden is more affected by patient QoL than by lung cancer stage. OBJETIVO:: Pacientes com câncer de pulmão vivenciam diferentes sentimentos e reações, dependendo de sua formação familiar, social, cultural e religiosa, que são fonte de grande sofrimento, não só para os pacientes mas também para seus cuidadores familiares. Este estudo objetivou avaliar o impacto do estágio do câncer de pulmão e da qualidade de vida (QV) dos pacientes com câncer de pulmão na sobrecarga do cuidador. MÉTODOS:: Estudo prospectivo transversal. Díades paciente-cuidador foram selecionadas consecutivamente e solicitadas a preencher a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale e o Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Os cuidadores familiares também preencheram a Caregiver Burden Scale. Utilizou-se a modelagem de grupos para identificar pacientes com câncer em estágio inicial ou avançado (IA a IIIA vs. IIIB a IV) mais QV não comprometida ou comprometida (pontuação total no SF36 > 50 vs. ≤ 50). As díades paciente-cuidador foram estratificadas em quatro grupos: câncer em estágio inicial+QV não comprometida; câncer em estágio avançado+QV não comprometida; câncer em estágio inicial+QV comprometida; e câncer em estágio avançado+QV comprometida. RESULTADOS:: Foram incluídas 91 díades paciente-cuidador. A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino e grande fumante. Os cuidadores familiares eram mais jovens e predominantemente do sexo feminino. A sobrecarga, QV, nível de ansiedade e nível de depressão dos cuidadores foram mais afetados pela QV dos pacientes do que pelo estágio do câncer de pulmão. Os cuidadores familiares dos pacientes com QV comprometida apresentaram maior mediana de sobrecarga do que os dos pacientes com QV não comprometida, independentemente do estágio da doença. CONCLUSÕES:: A sobrecarga do cuidador é mais afetada pela QV do paciente do que pelo estágio do câncer de pulmão.

A psychiatric perspective view of bariatric surgery patients

Abstract Background Bariatric surgery is the only procedure that has significant results in weight loss and improvements in medical comorbidities in morbid obese patients. Severely obese patients are also associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders and poor quality of life. Objective To evaluate specific areas of psychopathology in individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods A review of the literature was conducted from January 2002 to March 2014 by researching PubMed database using the following query: “morbid AND obesity AND bariatric AND surgery AND (psychiatry OR psychology)”. Results Overall improvements in eating behaviors, mood disorders and body image are reported after bariatric surgery, and the mechanism is not enlightened. Risk of suicide and consumption of substances of abuse, especially alcohol, after gastric bypass surgery are problems that clinicians must be aware. Discussion Bariatric patients should be monitored after surgery to identify who did not show the expected benefits postoperatively and the ones who develop psychiatric symptoms after an initial positive response.

A workshop on asthma management programs and centers in Brazil: reviewing and explaining concepts.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of a workshop regarding asthma management programs and centers (AMPCs) in Brazil, so that they can be used as a tool for the improvement and advancement of current and future AMPCs. METHODS: The workshop consisted of five presentations and the corresponding group discussions. The working groups discussed the following themes: implementation of asthma management strategies; human resources needed for AMPCs; financial resources needed for AMPCs; and operational maintenance of AMPCs. RESULTS: The workshop involved 39 participants, from all regions of the country, representing associations of asthma patients (n = 3), universities (n = 7), and AMPCs (n = 29). We found a direct relationship between a lack of planning and the failure of AMPCs. Based on the experiences reported during the workshop, the common assumptions about AMPCs in Brazil were the importance of raising awareness of managers; greater community participation; interdependence between primary care and specialized care; awareness of regionalization; and use of medications available in the public health system. CONCLUSIONS: Brazil already has a core of experience in the area of asthma management programs. The implementation of strategies for the management of chronic respiratory disease and their incorporation into health care system protocols would seem to be a natural progression. However, there is minimal experience in this area. Joint efforts by individuals with expertise in AMPCs could promote the implementation of asthma management strategies, thus speeding the creation of treatment networks, which might have a multiplier effect, precluding the need for isolated centers to start from zero.

OBJETIVO: Relatar os resultados de uma oficina de trabalho sobre programas e centros de atenção a asmáticos (PCAAs) no Brasil para que possam servir como instrumento para melhoria e avanço dos PCAAs existentes e criação de novos. MÉTODOS: A oficina de trabalho constituiu-se de cinco apresentações e discussões em grupos. Os grupos de trabalho discutiram os seguintes temas: implementação de uma linha de cuidado em asma; recursos humanos necessários para os PCAA; recursos necessários para financiar os PCAA; e manutenção do funcionamento dos PCAAs. RESULTADOS: A oficina envolveu 39 participantes de todas as regiões do país, representando associações de asmáticos (n = 3), centros universitários (n = 7) e PCAAs (n = 29). Evidenciou-se uma relação direta entre a ausência de planejamento e o insucesso dos PCAAs. Com base nas experiências brasileiras elencadas durante a oficina, as premissas comuns foram a importância da sensibilização do gestor, maior participação da comunidade, interdependência entre a atenção primária e a especializada, observação da regionalização e utilização dos medicamentos disponíveis no sistema público de saúde. CONCLUSÕES: O Brasil já tem um núcleo de experiências na área programática da asma. A implementação de uma linha de cuidado em doenças respiratórias crônicas e sua inclusão nas redes de saúde parecem ser o caminho natural. Porém, a experiência nessa área ainda é pequena. Agregar pessoas com experiência nos PCAAs na elaboração da linha de cuidado em asma encurtaria tempo na criação de redes de atenção com possível efeito multiplicador, evitando que se partisse do zero em cada local isolado.

A workshop on asthma management programs and centers in Brazil: reviewing and explaining concepts / Programas e centros de atenção a asmáticos no Brasil; uma oficina de trabalho: revisitando e explicitando conceitos

Objective: To report the results of a workshop regarding asthma management programs and centers (AMPCs) in Brazil, so that they can be used as a tool for the improvement and advancement of current and future AMPCs. Methods: The workshop consisted of five presentations and the corresponding group discussions. The working groups discussed the following themes: implementation of asthma management strategies; human resources needed for AMPCs; financial resources needed for AMPCs; and operational maintenance of AMPCs. Results: The workshop involved 39 participants, from all regions of the country, representing associations of asthma patients (n = 3), universities (n = 7), and AMPCs (n = 29). We found a direct relationship between a lack of planning and the failure of AMPCs. Based on the experiences reported during the workshop, the common assumptions about AMPCs in Brazil were the importance of raising awareness of managers; greater community participation; interdependence between primary care and specialized care; awareness of regionalization; and use of medications available in the public health system. Conclusions: Brazil already has a core of experience in the area of asthma management programs. The implementation of strategies for the management of chronic respiratory disease and their incorporation into health care system protocols would seem to be a natural progression. However, there is minimal experience in this area. Joint efforts by individuals with expertise in AMPCs could promote the implementation of asthma management strategies, thus speeding the creation of treatment networks, which might have a multiplier effect, precluding the need for isolated centers to start from zero. .

Objetivo: Relatar os resultados de uma oficina de trabalho sobre programas e centros de atenção a asmáticos (PCAAs) no Brasil para que possam servir como instrumento para melhoria e avanço dos PCAAs existentes e criação de novos. Métodos: A oficina de trabalho constituiu-se de cinco apresentações e discussões em grupos. Os grupos de trabalho discutiram os seguintes temas: implementação de uma linha de cuidado em asma; recursos humanos necessários para os PCAA; recursos necessários para financiar os PCAA; e manutenção do funcionamento dos PCAAs. Resultados: A oficina envolveu 39 participantes de todas as regiões do país, representando associações de asmáticos (n = 3), centros universitários (n = 7) e PCAAs (n = 29). Evidenciou-se uma relação direta entre a ausência de planejamento e o insucesso dos PCAAs. Com base nas experiências brasileiras elencadas durante a oficina, as premissas comuns foram a importância da sensibilização do gestor, maior participação da comunidade, interdependência entre a atenção primária e a especializada, observação da regionalização e utilização dos medicamentos disponíveis no sistema público de saúde. Conclusões: O Brasil já tem um núcleo de experiências na área programática da asma. A implementação de uma linha de cuidado em doenças respiratórias crônicas e sua inclusão nas redes de saúde parecem ser o caminho natural. Porém, a experiência nessa área ainda é pequena. Agregar pessoas com experiência nos PCAAs na elaboração da linha de cuidado em asma encurtaria tempo na criação de redes de atenção com possível efeito multiplicador, evitando que se partisse do zero em cada local isolado. .