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.

Aerobic Exercise Increases Vascular Diameter of Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients.

INTRODUCTION: A healthy arteriovenous fistula (AVF) depends on adequate vessel diameter which can be maintained through aerobic exercises. A randomized crossover study was conducted to evaluate the acute effects of aerobic exercise on a cycle ergometer on AVF vascular diameter, through ultrasound, and on blood pressure (BP). METHODS: Eight hemodialysis (HD) patients completed 2 different occasions in random order with a 7-day washout: (a) exercising moment, in which 30-min aerobic exercise was performed on a cycle ergometer; and (b) resting moment, which was performed 30-min with the patient sitting in a chair. Both occasions were evaluated 1-h before the second weekly HD day. RESULTS: A significant increase in AVF vascular diameter induced by 30-min aerobic exercise was found (1.15 ± 0.56 to 1.47 ± 0.66 cm; p = 0.042), whereas systolic (p = 0.105) and diastolic BP (p = 0.366) did not change. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that acute aerobic exercise was shown to be effective in improving the AVF vascular diameter in HD patients. The aerobic exercise benefits in endothelium-dependent vasodilation which may be an effective, practical, and economic strategy to maintain AVF patency.

Occupational exposure to crystalline silica and peripheral biomarkers: An update.

Peripheral biomarkers are important tools for detecting occupational exposures to prevent the onset and/or progression of diseases. Studies that reveal early peripheral biomarkers are highly important to preserve the health of workers and can potentially contribute to diagnosing and/or prognosing occupational pathologies. Exposure to crystalline silica is a problem in several workplaces because it increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis, clinically defined as silicosis. Silicosis is diagnosed by chest radiography and/or lung tomography in advanced stages when there is a severe loss of lung function. Peripheral biomarkers can help in diagnosing early changes prior to silicosis and represent a highly important technical-scientific advance that is minimally invasive. This review aimed to investigate the biomarkers studied for evaluating occupational exposure to crystalline silica and to understand the recent advances in this area. Potential oxidative, inflammatory, and immunological biomarkers were reviewed, as well as routine biomarkers such as biochemical parameters. It was found that biomarkers of effect such as serum CC16 and l-selectin levels could represent promising alternatives. Additionally, studies have shown that neopterin levels in urine and serum can be used to monitor worker exposure. However, further studies are needed that include a greater number of participants, different times of exposure to crystalline silica, and a combination of silicosis patients and healthy volunteers. Evaluating the concentration of crystalline silica in occupational environments, its impact on biomarkers of effect, and alterations in lung function could contribute to revealing early health alterations in workers in a more robust manner.

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.

The relationship between height of vertical jumps, functionality and fall episodes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A case-control study.

This study aimed to compare the height of jumps and functional parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to those in healthy people, in addition to assessing the relationship among variables in patients with COPD. Twenty patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume [FEV1] % of predicted: 39.98 ± 11.69%; age: 62.95 ± 8.06 years) and 16 healthy people (FEV1% of predicted: 97.44 ± 14.45%; age: 59.94 ± 6.43 years) were evaluated, and all participants performed the Squat Jump (SJ) and Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) tests to assess rapid force considering the jumping height. Functional capacity was assessed using the self-selected walking speed tests, walking speed in 10 m, walking test in 6 min, balance on one leg, sitting and standing, timed up and go, and a stair-climbing test. In addition, the questionnaires on recall of falls, Falls Efficacy Scale-International (concern with falling), International Physical Activity Questionnaires, and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire were administered. The height of the jumps showed no difference between the groups, but the COPD group performed worse in most functional tests and was more afraid of falling. The number of falls was correlated with height in the SJ (r = -0.51) and CMJ (r = -0.62) jumps (p < 0.05), and with the performance in different functional tests. We suggest that interventions targeting rapid force may bring improvements in functional mobility and physical fitness as well as reducing fall episodes in patients with COPD.

Predictors of health-related quality of life among semi-precious stone mineworkers exposed to silica dust.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to comparatively evaluate HRQOL in miners of semi-precious stones with and without silicosis, and determine the associated factors, as well as the performance of two different questionnaires in measuring HRQOL. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 348 male miners (129 with silicosis) who underwent an interview and spirometry, HRQOL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). RESULTS: Miners with silicosis were older, had less schooling, worked more hours daily, and had longer exposure to silica. They also had worse scores of QoL in both questionnaires. Respiratory symptoms and %FEV1 were contributing factors for the models of total health and all the domains of the SGRQ, and 40% of the variability of the general health domain of WHOQOL-BREF was due to dyspnea, wheezing, %FEV1, and pack-years of cigarette smoking. Respiratory symptoms, lung function, pack-years of cigarette smoking, years of education, and average monthly income were contributing factors for the models of the different domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed impaired HRQOL in semi-precious stone miners evaluated using both questionnaire tools of SGRQ and WHOQOL-BREF, of which SGRQ had superior performance. Respiratory symptoms, functional impairment, and pack-years of cigarette smoking were the most important determinants of the workers' general HRQOL.

Phase Angle Evaluation of Lung Disease Patients and Its Relationship with Nutritional and Functional Parameters.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the value of phase angle (PhA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) and its association with nutritional and functional parameters. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 77 patients under follow-up at the pulmonary outpatient clinic of a public hospital. Anthropometric measurements and functional assessments of physical and pulmonary capacity were performed, and a regular physical activity questionnaire was administered. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 38 patients with COPD (mean age, 63.8 ± 9.9 years; 68.4% female) and 39 patients with PH (mean age, 46.6 ± 14.4 years; 79.5% female). There was no difference in anthropometric measurements between patients with COPD and PH. Patients with COPD had mild to moderate limitations of pulmonary function, while patients with PH had only mild limitations (p < 0.01). Although the median distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was different between the COPD and PH groups (p < 0.05), it was considered adequate for these populations. Mean PhA was within the range considered adequate in patients with COPD (6.3°±1°) and PH (6.2°±0.8°) (p > 0.05). In the statistical analyses, although the correlations were weak, adequate PhA correlated with fat free mass index, 6MWT, disease staging, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in the first second. CONCLUSION: The anthropometric profile of both patient groups was very similar, and PhA values were within the expected range. Despite weak correlations, PhA is a clinical component to be followed and investigated in patients with lung disease.

Effect of the expiratory positive airway pressure on dynamic hyperinflation and exercise capacity in patients with COPD: a meta-analysis.

Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) is widely applicable, either as a strategy for pulmonary reexpansion, elimination of pulmonary secretion or to reduce hyperinflation. However, there is no consensus in the literature about the real benefits of EPAP in reducing dynamic hyperinflation (DH) and increasing exercise tolerance in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To systematically review the effects of EPAP application during the submaximal stress test on DH and exercise capacity in patients with COPD. This meta-analysis was performed from a systematic search in the PubMed, EMBASE, PeDRO, and Cochrane databases, as well as a manual search. Studies that evaluated the effect of positive expiratory pressure on DH, exercise capacity, sensation of dyspnea, respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, sense of effort in lower limbs, and heart rate were included. GRADE was used to determine the quality of evidence for each outcome. Of the 2,227 localized studies, seven studies were included. The results show that EPAP did not change DH and reduced exercise tolerance in the constant load test. EPAP caused a reduction in respiratory rate after exercise (- 2.33 bpm; 95% CI: - 4.56 to - 0.10) (very low evidence) when using a pressure level of 5 cmH2O. The other outcomes analyzed were not significantly altered by the use of EPAP. Our study demonstrates that the use of EPAP does not prevent the onset of DH and may reduce lower limb exercise capacity in patients with COPD. However, larger and higher-quality studies are needed to clarify the potential benefit of EPAP in this population.

Lung function and functional exercise capacity in underground semi-precious stone mineworkers.

BACKGROUND: Semi-precious stone mining may cause occupational lung disease. The impact of inhaling silica on workers' exercise capacity has only been partially studied. OBJECTIVES: To study lung function, exercise capacity, and identify factors associated with functional impairment. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 193 current miners from Ametista do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, medical and occupational data were collected. The diagnosis of silicosis was established by the history of dust exposure and chest radiographic findings. All workers performed a spirometry and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS: Of the sample 51 (26.4%) had silicosis. Time working in mine was 14.7±8.7 years. Spirometry showed a normal, restrictive or obstructive ventilatory pattern in 75.1 %, 13 % and 9.3 % of the workers, respectively. The diagnosis of silicosis and length of time working in mining negatively affected lung function, although exercise capacity was preserved. In the multivariate analysis, time working in mining, diagnosis of silicosis and education remained significant for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; r = 0.60; r2 = 0.36; p < 0.001) and age and height for distance in 6MWT (r = 0.66; r2 = 0.43; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show impaired lung function and preserved exercise capacity in current mineworkers exposed to silica. Length of time working in mining, presence of silicosis and lower education were factors associated with reduced lung function.

Comportamento dos achados de ultrassonografia pulmonar durante tentativa de respiração espontânea / Behavior of lung ultrasound findings during spontaneous breathing trial

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar potencial associação entre a presença de linhas B e a falha do desmame. Métodos: Foram inscritos 57 pacientes elegíveis para liberação da ventilação. Excluíram-se pacientes com traqueostomia. Realizou-se avaliação ultrassonográfica pulmonar de seis zonas torácicas imediatamente antes e após o final da tentativa de respiração espontânea. Definiu-se a predominância de linhas B como qualquer perfil com padrão B bilateral anterior. Os pacientes foram seguidos por 48 horas após a extubação. Resultados: Foram extubados com sucesso 38 pacientes; 11 tiveram falha da tentativa de respiração espontânea; e 8 necessitaram de reintubação dentro de 48 horas após extubados. No início da tentativa com peça T, já se observava padrão B ou consolidação nas regiões posterior e inferior dos pulmões em mais de metade dos indivíduos, que permaneceram não aeradas ao final da tentativa. Observou-se certa tendência à perda da aeração pulmonar durante a tentativa de respiração espontânea apenas no grupo com falha da tentativa de respiração espontânea (p = 0,07), assim como maior predominância de padrão B ao final da tentativa (p = 0,01). Conclusão: A perda de aeração pulmonar durante a tentativa de respiração espontânea em áreas pulmonares não dependentes foi demonstrada em pacientes que tiveram falha do desmame.

ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to investigate a potential association between B-lines and weaning failure. Methods: Fifty-seven subjects eligible for ventilation liberation were enrolled. Patients with tracheostomy were excluded. Lung ultrasound assessments of six thoracic zones were performed immediately before and at the exnd of the spontaneous breathing trial. B-predominance was defined as any profile with anterior bilateral B-pattern. Patients were followed up to 48 hours after extubation. Results: Thirty-eight individuals were successfully extubated; 11 failed the spontaneous breathing trial and 8 needed reintubation within 48 hours of extubation. At the beginning of the T-piece trial, B-pattern or consolidation was already found at the lower and posterior lung regions in more than half of the individuals and remained non-aerated at the end of the trial. A trend toward loss of lung aeration during spontaneous breathing trials was observed only in the spontaneous breathing trial-failure group (p = 0.07), and there was higher B-predominance at the end of the trial (p = 0.01). Conclusion: A loss of lung aeration during the spontaneous breathing trial in non-dependent lung zones was demonstrated in subjects who failed to wean.

Behavior of lung ultrasound findings during spontaneous breathing trial. / Comportamento dos achados de ultrassonografia pulmonar durante tentativa de respiração espontânea.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate a potential association between B-lines and weaning failure. METHODS: Fifty-seven subjects eligible for ventilation liberation were enrolled. Patients with tracheostomy were excluded. Lung ultrasound assessments of six thoracic zones were performed immediately before and at the exnd of the spontaneous breathing trial. B-predominance was defined as any profile with anterior bilateral B-pattern. Patients were followed up to 48 hours after extubation. RESULTS: Thirty-eight individuals were successfully extubated; 11 failed the spontaneous breathing trial and 8 needed reintubation within 48 hours of extubation. At the beginning of the T-piece trial, B-pattern or consolidation was already found at the lower and posterior lung regions in more than half of the individuals and remained non-aerated at the end of the trial. A trend toward loss of lung aeration during spontaneous breathing trials was observed only in the spontaneous breathing trial-failure group (p = 0.07), and there was higher B-predominance at the end of the trial (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: A loss of lung aeration during the spontaneous breathing trial in non-dependent lung zones was demonstrated in subjects who failed to wean.

OBJETIVO: Investigar potencial associação entre a presença de linhas B e a falha do desmame. MÉTODOS: Foram inscritos 57 pacientes elegíveis para liberação da ventilação. Excluíram-se pacientes com traqueostomia. Realizou-se avaliação ultrassonográfica pulmonar de seis zonas torácicas imediatamente antes e após o final da tentativa de respiração espontânea. Definiu-se a predominância de linhas B como qualquer perfil com padrão B bilateral anterior. Os pacientes foram seguidos por 48 horas após a extubação. RESULTADOS: Foram extubados com sucesso 38 pacientes; 11 tiveram falha da tentativa de respiração espontânea; e 8 necessitaram de reintubação dentro de 48 horas após extubados. No início da tentativa com peça T, já se observava padrão B ou consolidação nas regiões posterior e inferior dos pulmões em mais de metade dos indivíduos, que permaneceram não aeradas ao final da tentativa. Observou-se certa tendência à perda da aeração pulmonar durante a tentativa de respiração espontânea apenas no grupo com falha da tentativa de respiração espontânea (p = 0,07), assim como maior predominância de padrão B ao final da tentativa (p = 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: A perda de aeração pulmonar durante a tentativa de respiração espontânea em áreas pulmonares não dependentes foi demonstrada em pacientes que tiveram falha do desmame.

Effect of 6-minute walk test on neuromuscular properties of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the neuromechanical properties of the knee extensor muscles before and after the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and control subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: COPD patients from the Department of Pulmonology of the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre and age- and sex-matched control volunteers without COPD were included in this study. Body composition and lower limb strength assessed by maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensors) were assessed before and after the 6MWT. The total reaction time (TRT), premotor time (PMT) and motor time (MT) were assessed using surface electromyography of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis knee extensor muscles. RESULTS: Eighteen patients COPD patients (10 men, FEV1 36 ± 12% of predicted) and 8 control subjects (5 men, FEV1 82 ± 7% of predicted) were included. COPD patients had lower muscle strength before (21.77 ± 7.86 kg) and after the 6MWT (11.16 ± 4.70 kg) compared with control subjects (33.50 ± 14.01 kg before; 29.25 ± 16.66 kg after). After the 6MWT, COPD patients showed a significant reduction in the MVIC and a significant increase in the TRT and PMT, which did not occur in control subjects. The reaction time parameters were higher in COPD patients after the 6MWT compared with control subjects. The TRT (r = -0.535, P < 0.005) and PMT (r = -0.549, P < 0.005) were inversely correlated with the MVIC after the 6MWT. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular changes associated with upper motor neuron activation contribute to MVIC impairment in COPD patients after performing a functional test.

Alternative diagnoses based on CT angiography of the chest in patients with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of alternative diagnoses based on chest CT angiography (CTA) in patients with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) who tested negative for PTE, as well as whether those alternative diagnoses had been considered prior to the CTA. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study involving 191 adult patients undergoing CTA for suspected PTE between September of 2009 and May of 2012. Chest X-rays and CTAs were reviewed to determine whether the findings suggested an alternative diagnosis in the cases not diagnosed as PTE. Data on symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities, length of hospital stay, and mortality were collected. RESULTS: On the basis of the CTA findings, PTE was diagnosed in 47 cases (24.6%). Among the 144 patients not diagnosed with PTE via CTA, the findings were abnormal in 120 (83.3%). Such findings were consistent with an alternative diagnosis that explained the symptoms in 75 patients (39.3%). Among those 75 cases, there were only 39 (20.4%) in which the same alterations had not been previously detected on chest X-rays. The most common alternative diagnosis, made solely on the basis of the CTA findings, was pneumonia (identified in 20 cases). Symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities, and the in-hospital mortality rate did not differ significantly between the patients with and without PTE. However, the median hospital stay was significantly longer in the patients with PTE than in those without (18.0 and 9.5 days, respectively; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that chest CTA is useful in cases of suspected PTE, because it can confirm the diagnosis and reveal findings consistent with an alternative diagnosis in a significant number of patients.

Alternative diagnoses based on CT angiography of the chest in patients with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism / Diagnósticos alternativos corroborados por angiotomografia computadorizada de tórax em pacientes com suspeita de tromboembolia pulmonar

Objective : To determine the prevalence of alternative diagnoses based on chest CT angiography (CTA) in patients with suspected pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) who tested negative for PTE, as well as whether those alternative diagnoses had been considered prior to the CTA. Methods : This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study involving 191 adult patients undergoing CTA for suspected PTE between September of 2009 and May of 2012. Chest X-rays and CTAs were reviewed to determine whether the findings suggested an alternative diagnosis in the cases not diagnosed as PTE. Data on symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities, length of hospital stay, and mortality were collected. Results : On the basis of the CTA findings, PTE was diagnosed in 47 cases (24.6%). Among the 144 patients not diagnosed with PTE via CTA, the findings were abnormal in 120 (83.3%). Such findings were consistent with an alternative diagnosis that explained the symptoms in 75 patients (39.3%). Among those 75 cases, there were only 39 (20.4%) in which the same alterations had not been previously detected on chest X-rays. The most common alternative diagnosis, made solely on the basis of the CTA findings, was pneumonia (identified in 20 cases). Symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities, and the in-hospital mortality rate did not differ significantly between the patients with and without PTE. However, the median hospital stay was significantly longer in the patients with PTE than in those without (18.0 and 9.5 days, respectively; p = 0.001). Conclusions : Our results indicate that chest CTA is useful in cases of suspected PTE, because it can confirm the diagnosis and reveal findings consistent with an alternative diagnosis in a significant number of patients.

Objetivo : Determinar a prevalência de diagnósticos alternativos corroborados por angiotomografia computadorizada (angio-TC) de tórax em pacientes com suspeita de tromboembolia pulmonar (TEP) e com resultados negativos para TEP, assim como investigar se esses diagnósticos alternativos já haviam sido identificados antes dos resultados da angio-TC. Métodos : Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, com 191 pacientes adultos que realizaram angio-TC por suspeita de TEP no período entre setembro de 2009 e maio de 2012. As radiografias de tórax e as angio-TCs foram revisadas para determinar se os achados poderiam fornecer um diagnóstico alternativo nos casos não diagnosticados como TEP. Dados sobre sintomas, fatores de risco, comorbidades, tempo de internação e mortalidade foram coletados. Resultados : A angio-TC foi positiva para tromboembolia pulmonar em 47 casos (24,6%). Entre os 144 pacientes sem tromboembolia pulmonar, achados anormais foram observados em 120 (83,3%). Tais achados foram compatíveis com um diagnóstico alternativo que explicava os sintomas do paciente em 75 casos (39,3%). Desses 75 casos, os achados não haviam sido detectados previamente na radiografia de tórax em apenas 39 (20,4%) dos casos. O diagnóstico alternativo mais frequente, identificado somente por angio-TC, foi pneumonia (em 20 casos). Sintomas, fatores de risco, comorbidades e taxa de óbito intra-hospitalar não diferiram significativamente entre os pacientes com ou sem TEP. Entretanto, a mediana de tempo de internação foi significativamente maior nos pacientes com TEP do que naqueles sem TEP (18,0 e 9,5 dias, respectivamente; p = 0,001). Conclusões : Nossos resultados demonstram que a angio-TC de tórax é útil em casos com suspeita de TEP, pois pode confirmar o diagnóstico e evidenciar achados sugestivos de um diagnóstico alternativo em um significativo número de pacientes.

Inhalation therapy in mechanical ventilation.

Patients with obstructive lung disease often require ventilatory support via invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation, depending on the severity of the exacerbation. The use of inhaled bronchodilators can significantly reduce airway resistance, contributing to the improvement of respiratory mechanics and patient-ventilator synchrony. Although various studies have been published on this topic, little is known about the effectiveness of the bronchodilators routinely prescribed for patients on mechanical ventilation or about the deposition of those drugs throughout the lungs. The inhaled bronchodilators most commonly used in ICUs are beta adrenergic agonists and anticholinergics. Various factors might influence the effect of bronchodilators, including ventilation mode, position of the spacer in the circuit, tube size, formulation, drug dose, severity of the disease, and patient-ventilator synchrony. Knowledge of the pharmacological properties of bronchodilators and the appropriate techniques for their administration is fundamental to optimizing the treatment of these patients.

[The challenge of tobacco control at a university hospital]. / O dasafio de controlar o tabagismo em um hospital universitário.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the actions taken by the Commission of Tobacco Control (CTC) to control smoking in the hospital environment. METHODS: Descriptive and exploratory retrospective documentary research conducted at a university hospital in southern Brazil, in 2014. The content of the minutes of CTC meetings was used to create a database, and the rounds reports were descriptively analyzed. We sought to identify the most relevant actions from 2005 to 2014. RESULTS: The CTC implemented the Tobacco-Free Environment programme restricted cigarette smoking to designated areas and subsequently deactivated these areas. The only remaining outdoor smoking area in 2014 was deactivated. CONCLUSION: CTC actions have contributed to tobacco control in the hospital environment. This study will hopefully serve as a model to encourage other institutions to implement similar actions.

Inhalation therapy in mechanical ventilation / Terapia inalatória em ventilação mecânica

Patients with obstructive lung disease often require ventilatory support via invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation, depending on the severity of the exacerbation. The use of inhaled bronchodilators can significantly reduce airway resistance, contributing to the improvement of respiratory mechanics and patient-ventilator synchrony. Although various studies have been published on this topic, little is known about the effectiveness of the bronchodilators routinely prescribed for patients on mechanical ventilation or about the deposition of those drugs throughout the lungs. The inhaled bronchodilators most commonly used in ICUs are beta adrenergic agonists and anticholinergics. Various factors might influence the effect of bronchodilators, including ventilation mode, position of the spacer in the circuit, tube size, formulation, drug dose, severity of the disease, and patient-ventilator synchrony. Knowledge of the pharmacological properties of bronchodilators and the appropriate techniques for their administration is fundamental to optimizing the treatment of these patients.

Pacientes com doenças pulmonares obstrutivas frequentemente necessitam de suporte ventilatório através de ventilação mecânica invasiva ou não invasiva, dependendo da gravidade da exacerbação. O uso de broncodilatadores inalatórios pode reduzir significativamente a resistência das vias aéreas, contribuindo para a melhora da mecânica respiratória e da sincronia do paciente com o respirador. Apesar dos diversos estudos publicados, pouco se conhece sobre a eficácia dos broncodilatadores rotineiramente prescritos para pacientes em ventilação mecânica ou sobre sua distribuição pulmonar. Os agonistas beta-adrenérgicos e as drogas anticolinérgicas são os broncodilatadores inalatórios mais usados em UTIs. Muitos fatores podem influenciar no efeito das drogas broncodilatadoras, entre eles o modo ventilatório, a posição do espaçador no circuito, o tamanho do tubo, a formulação/dose da droga, a gravidade da doença e a sincronia do paciente. O conhecimento das propriedades farmacológicas das drogas broncodilatadoras e das técnicas adequadas para sua administração são fundamentais para otimizar o tratamento desses pacientes.