Combined multi-channel intraluminal impedance measurement and pHmetry in the detection of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract Objective To assess the prevalence of GERD exclusively by means of multichannel intraluminal impedanciometry associated with pH monitoring (MIIpH) and compare it with respiratory symptoms in children with CF. To compare MIIpH with pHmetry alone to perform GERD diagnosis. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with children diagnosed with CF who underwent MIIpH. Clinical and laboratory markers, including respiratory and digestive symptoms, were used for comparative analyses. High-resolution chest computed tomography was performed on patients with symptoms of chronic lung disease. Severity was classified according to the Bhalla score. Results A total of 29 children < 10 yo (18 girls) were evaluated; 19 of whom with physiological GER and 10 with GERD. Of the children with GERD, seven had predominantly acid GER, two acid+non-acid GER, and one non-acid GER. Three patients had GERD diagnosed only by MIIpH. Bhalla scores ranged from seven to 17.75 with no significant relationship with GERD. The number of pulmonary exacerbations was associated with a decrease in esophageal clearance regardless of the position in pHmetry and MIIpH. Conclusions The prevalence of GERD was 34% in children with CF. There was no association between respiratory disease severity and GER types. MIIpH detected 30% more patients with GERD than pHmetry.

Combined multi-channel intraluminal impedance measurement and pHmetry in the detection of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of GERD exclusively by means of multichannel intraluminal impedanciometry associated with pH monitoring (MIIpH) and compare it with respiratory symptoms in children with CF. To compare MIIpH with pHmetry alone to perform GERD diagnosis. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with children diagnosed with CF who underwent MIIpH. Clinical and laboratory markers, including respiratory and digestive symptoms, were used for comparative analyses. High-resolution chest computed tomography was performed on patients with symptoms of chronic lung disease. Severity was classified according to the Bhalla score. RESULTS: A total of 29 children < 10 yo (18 girls) were evaluated; 19 of whom with physiological GER and 10 with GERD. Of the children with GERD, seven had predominantly acid GER, two acid+non-acid GER, and one non-acid GER. Three patients had GERD diagnosed only by MIIpH. Bhalla scores ranged from seven to 17.75 with no significant relationship with GERD. The number of pulmonary exacerbations was associated with a decrease in esophageal clearance regardless of the position in pHmetry and MIIpH. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of GERD was 34% in children with CF. There was no association between respiratory disease severity and GER types. MIIpH detected 30% more patients with GERD than pHmetry.

Gestational gigantomastia with fatal outcome.

Gigantomastia is a rare disease defined by an extreme and rapid enlargement of the breast, generally bilateral. The majority of cases are reported in pregnant women. Ninety-eight cases of gestational gigantomastia have been identified in electronic databases, and those with fatal outcomes comprised only 2 cases (2%). Despite its benign nature, it can lead to severe complications and even death. Its etiology has not been fully elucidated, but it has been speculated that a hormonal component may play a role in the pathogenesis. Currently, treatment options are limited, and surgery is gaining importance, but it is often not feasible in low-resource settings. Herein, we describe a case of a 30-year-old HIV-positive female with no relevant past medical history, who died due to the complications of gestational gigantomastia at the Maputo Central Hospital, in Mozambique.

Multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH and psychometric properties in gastroesophageal reflux: systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Systematically assess studies that have analyzed the psychometric properties of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux. Systematically verify studies that have analyzed the psychometric properties of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH regarding the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in pediatric patients. METHODS: Systematic review considering specific descriptors (children and adolescents, gastroesophageal reflux disease and multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH) and their synonyms. The systematic search was carried out in the MEDLINE/Ovid, Scopus, and Embase databases, considering the period from October 2017 to December 2018. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), which was used for study selection. The psychometric properties described in the studies were: sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility. RESULTS: Sensitivity was discussed in most studies, with a result of more than 70% in four of them. Specificity was assessed only in conjunction with sensitivity, with values from 23% to 25% in two studies, and it reached 80% in a single study. Accuracy was assessed higher than 76% in one of the selected articles. The methodological quality of the studies demonstrated low risk of bias, and there was no significant concern related to applicability of the studies. CONCLUSIONS: According to the selected studies, multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH was considered a safe and effective tool, presenting higher sensitivity values than pHmetry regarding the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gestational gigantomastia with fatal outcome

Gigantomastia is a rare disease defined by an extreme and rapid enlargement of the breast, generally bilateral. The majority of cases are reported in pregnant women. Ninety-eight cases of gestational gigantomastia have been identified in electronic databases, and those with fatal outcomes comprised only 2 cases (2%). Despite its benign nature, it can lead to severe complications and even death. Its etiology has not been fully elucidated, but it has been speculated that a hormonal component may play a role in the pathogenesis. Currently, treatment options are limited, and surgery is gaining importance, but it is often not feasible in low-resource settings. Herein, we describe a case of a 30-year-old HIV-positive female with no relevant past medical history, who died due to the complications of gestational gigantomastia at the Maputo Central Hospital, in Mozambique.

Impulse Oscillometry System and Anthropometric Variables of Preschoolers, Children and Adolescents Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: To identify the anthropometric variables in equations/reference values of impulse oscillometry system (IOS) parameters in preschoolers, children and adolescents. METHOD: Systematic search on the databases MEDLINE/Ovid, SCOPUS and SciELO using the key words "preschool, child and adolescent", "impulse oscillometry", "reference values" and its variations. RESULTS: This review considered a total of 13 articles. The studies presented height, weight, sex and age as the variables correlated to oscillometric parameters. Most studies do not present the correlation values of analyzed variables, and only a few presented the results considering gender differences. The coefficients of determination of the equations were low, specially for the samples including preschoolers. Height was identified as the most influent predictive variable to IOS parameters in the studied age group. CONCLUSION: Anthropometric variables, especially height, plays an important role determining reference values/equations for oscillometric parameters, however, the data acquisition method should be standardized.

Association between clinical variables related to asthma in schoolchildren born with very low birth weight with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia / Associação entre variáveis clínicas relacionadas à asma em escolares nascidos com muito baixo peso com e sem displasia broncopulmonar

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence, spirometry findings and risk factors for asthma in schoolchildren who were very low birth weight infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. METHODS: Observational and cross-sectional study. The parents and/or tutors answered the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The schoolchildren were submitted to the skin prick test and spirometry assessment. RESULTS: 54 schoolchildren who were very low birth weight infants were assessed and 43 met the criteria for spirometry. Age at the assessment (bronchopulmonary dysplasia=9.5±0.85; without bronchopulmonary dysplasia=10.1±0.86 years) and birth weight (bronchopulmonary dysplasia=916.7±251.2; without bronchopulmonary dysplasia=1171.3±190.5g) were lower in the group with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p<0.05). The prevalence of asthma among very low birth weight infants was 17/54 (31.5%), being 6/18 (33.3%) in the group with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There was an association between wool blanket use in the first year of life (p=0.026) with the presence of asthma at school age. The skin prick test was positive in 13/17 (76.5%) and 23/37 (62.2%) of patients with and without asthma, respectively. The schoolchildren with asthma had lower z-score values of forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (n=16;−1.04±1.19) when compared to the group of patients without asthma (n=27;−0.380.93) (p=0.049). There was no difference between the spirometry variables in the groups regarding the presence or absence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Very low birth weight infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia showed a high prevalence of asthma (33.3% and 30.6%, respectively). Pulmonary flow in the small airways was lower in children with asthma.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar prevalência, espirometria e fatores de risco para asma em escolares que foram recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso com e sem displasia broncopulmonar. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional e transversal. Aplicou-se aos pais e/ou responsáveis o questionário International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Foi feito teste cutâneo de hipersensibilidade imediata e espirometria nos escolares. RESULTADOS: Avaliados 54 escolares que foram recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso e 43 preencheram critérios para espirometria. A idade na avaliação (displasia broncopulmonar=9,5±0,85; sem displasia broncopulmonar=10,1±0,86 anos) e o peso de nascimento (displasia broncopulmonar=916,7±251,2; sem displasia broncopulmonar=1.171,3±190,5 g) foram menores no grupo com displasia broncopulmonar (p<0,05). A prevalência de asma entre os recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso foi de 17/54 (31,5%); no grupo com displasia broncopulmonar, de 6/18 (33,3%). Houve associação entre uso de cobertor de lã no primeiro ano de vida (p=0,026) com presença de asma na idade escolar. O teste cutâneo de hipersensibilidade imediata foi positivo em 13/17 (76,5%) e 23/37 (62,2%) nos grupos com e sem asma, respectivamente. Os escolares com asma apresentaram menores valores em z-score do fluxo expiratório forçado entre 25% e 75% da capacidade vital forçada (n=16; −1,04±1,19) comparados com os do grupo de pacientes sem asma (n=27; −0,38±0,93) (p=0,049). Não houve diferença entre as variáveis da espirometria no grupo com relação à presença ou não de displasia broncopulmonar. CONCLUSÕES: Os recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso, com e sem displasia broncopulmonar, apresentaram prevalência elevada de asma (33,3% e 30,6%, respectivamente). Os fluxos pulmonares das pequenas vias aéreas foram menores nos escolares com asma.

Association between clinical variables related to asthma in schoolchildren born with very low birth weight with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. / Associação entre variáveis clínicas relacionadas à asma em escolares nascidos com muito baixo peso com e sem displasia broncopulmonar.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the prevalence, spirometry findings and risk factors for asthma in schoolchildren who were very low birth weight infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. METHODS: Observational and cross-sectional study. The parents and/or tutors answered the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The schoolchildren were submitted to the skin prick test and spirometry assessment. RESULTS: 54 schoolchildren who were very low birth weight infants were assessed and 43 met the criteria for spirometry. Age at the assessment (bronchopulmonary dysplasia=9.5±0.85; without bronchopulmonary dysplasia=10.1±0.86 years) and birth weight (bronchopulmonary dysplasia=916.7±251.2; without bronchopulmonary dysplasia=1,171.3±190.5g) were lower in the group with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p<0.05). The prevalence of asthma among very low birth weight infants was 17/54 (31.5%), being 6/18 (33.3%) in the group with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There was an association between wool blanket use in the first year of life (p=0.026) with the presence of asthma at school age. The skin prick test was positive in 13/17 (76.5%) and 23/37 (62.2%) of patients with and without asthma, respectively. The schoolchildren with asthma had lower z-score values of forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (n=16; -1.04±1.19) when compared to the group of patients without asthma (n=27; -0.38±0.93) (p=0.049). There was no difference between the spirometry variables in the groups regarding the presence or absence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Very low birth weight infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia showed a high prevalence of asthma (33.3% and 30.6%, respectively). Pulmonary flow in the small airways was lower in children with asthma.

Incidence of HIV and the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis among youths in Maputo, Mozambique: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of HIV in Mozambique among individuals aged 15-49 years is 11.5%. The HIV prevalence is higher in women than in men across the country, peaking at ages 25-29 years and 35-39 years, respectively. In this study, we aimed at determining the prevalence and incidence of HIV, prevalence of Hepatitis B (HBV), and prevalence of syphilis in youths. We also characterized a cohort of youths for future participation in phase I/II HIV vaccine trials. METHODS: The study was conducted at a youth clinic in Maputo Central Hospital from August 2009 to October 2011. Youths of both genders aged 18-24 years (n = 1380) were screened for HIV using a sequential algorithm of two immunochromatographic assays, HBV using an enzyme linked immunosorbant test, and syphilis using a treponemal immunochromatographic strip test. The HIV seronegative participants (n = 1309) were followed-up for 12 months with quarterly study visits. The clinical and behavioral data were collected using structured questionnaires. The HIV seroconversions were confirmed by a molecular assay. RESULTS: The study population was female dominant (76.8%). All participants had a formal education, with 44.6% studying for technical or higher education degrees. The mean age at sexual debut was 16.6 years (SD: ± 1.74), with 85.6% reporting more than one sexual partner in life. The screening showed the prevalence of HIV, HBV, and syphilis at 5.1% (95% CI: 3.97-6.31), 12.2% (95% CI 10.5%-14.0%), and 0.36% (95% CI 0.15%-0.84%), respectively. The HIV incidence rate was found to be 1.14/100 person years (95% CI: 0.67-1.92). Retention rates were stable throughout the study being 85.1% at the last visit. CONCLUSION: Incidence of HIV in this cohort of youths in Maputo was relatively low. Also, the prevalence of HIV and syphilis was lower than the national values in this age group. However, the HBV prevalence was higher than in previous reports in the country.

Reference values for clinical laboratory parameters in young adults in Maputo, Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: Clinical laboratory reference values from North American and European populations are currently used in most Africans countries due to the absence of locally derived reference ranges, despite previous studies reporting significant differences between populations. Our aim was to define reference ranges for both genders in 18 to 24 year-old Mozambicans in preparation for clinical vaccine trials. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including 257 volunteers (102 males and 155 females) between 18 and 24 years was performedat a youth clinic in Maputo, Mozambique. All volunteers were clinically healthy and human immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis B virus and syphilis negative.Median and 95% reference ranges were calculated for immunological, hematological and chemistry parameters. Ranges were compared with those reported based on populations in other African countries and the US. The impact of applying US NIH Division of AIDS (DAIDS) toxicity tables was assessed. RESULTS: The immunology ranges were comparable to those reported for the US and western Kenya.There were significant gender differences in CD4+ T cell values 713 cells/µL in males versus 824 cells/µL in females (p<0.0001). Hematologic values differed from the US values but were similar to reports of populations in western Kenya and Uganda. The lower and upper limits of the ranges for hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, white blood cells and lymphocytes were somewhat lower than those from these African countries. The chemistry values were comparable to US values, with few exceptions. The upper limits for ALT, AST, bilirubin, cholesterol and triglycerides were higher than those from the US. DAIDStables for adverse events predicted 297 adverse events and 159 (62%) of the volunteers would have been excluded. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to determine normal laboratory parameters in Mozambique. Our results underscore the necessity of establishing region-specific clinical reference ranges for proper patient management and safe conduct of clinical trials.

Relatório de estágio / Internship report

Este relatório de estágio tem como objectivos: • Descrever de forma sucinta as actividades realizadas durante o estágio do Curso de Enfermagem, Especialidade em Saúde Comunitária; • Analisar as actividades realizadas na comunidade no âmbito das funções inerentes à categoria de Enfermeiro Especialista em Enfermagem Comunitária e de Saúde Pública, como previsto no Regulamento n.º 128 / 2011 de 18 de Fevereiro. O estágio em Enfermagem Comunitária realizado surge na sequência da elaboração de um Diagnóstico de Saúde, onde identificámos e caracterizámos os principais problemas de saúde da população em estudo, de modo a planear e justificar as medidas a tomar. Neste contexto, e após os resultados obtidos, o planeamento em saúde é uma metodologia de trabalho fundamental da tomada de decisão, que permitiu a racionalização dos recursos de saúde, tendo em conta a existência de uma articulação intra-sectorial e inter-sectorial. Surgiu então a necessidade de criar um projecto. Esse projecto exigiu planeamento a longo prazo. O presente trabalho encontra-se fundamentalmente dividido em duas partes. A primeira parte é composta pelo enquadramento teórico. Na segunda parte é feita a descrição das actividades com base no Planeamento em Saúde, no fim, será feita uma análise das intervenções realizadas à luz das competências do Enfermeiro Especialista em Saúde Comunitária. A metodologia do Planeamento em Saúde utilizada foi fundamentada essencialmente em Imperatori e Giraldes.

This internship report aims to: - Describe briefly the activities undertaken during the stage of Nurse Specialist; - Review the activities carried out in the community under the activities inherent to the category of Nurse Specialist in Community Nursing and Public Health, as provided in Regulation. No 128/2011 of 18 February. The stage held in Community Nursing follows the development of a Diagnosis of Health, where we have identified and characterized the major health problems of the study population, in order to plan and justify the action. In this context, and after the results, health planning is a fundamental working methodology of decision making, which allowed the rationalization of health care resources, taking into account the existence of an intra-sectoral and intersectoral. Then came the need to create a project. This project required long term planning. This research is primarily divided into two parts. The first part consists of the theoretical framework. In the second part is the description of activities performed on the basis of Health Planning in the end it will be an analysis of interventions in the light of the powers of the Community Health Nurse Specialist. The health planning methodology used was based mainly on Imperatori and Giraldes.

Immune and virological benefits of 10 years of permanent viral control with antiretroviral therapy.

The effects of a 10-year control of HIV replication without viral blips with antiretroviral therapy were examined in progressors. CD4 cell counts did not plateau but showed a continuous increase until the 10th year. Ultrasensitive techniques showed very low plasma HIV RNA and cell-associated DNA levels. Robust memory T cell responses to HIV-p24 were higher than in 3-year treated patients and comparable to those of Elite controllers, whereas interferon-gamma-producing HIV-specific T cells were infrequent. Long-term and efficient antiretroviral therapy provides continuous benefits both on the immune system and on the HIV reservoirs.