Allergic sensitization in low-income urban children: relationship with current symptoms of asthma and rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Recent information on the prevalence of allergic sensitization (AS) in children from low-income urban areas is limited. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, randomized, population-based study to determine the prevalence of AS, and its relationship with asthma and rhinitis in low-income schoolchildren in Santiago, Chile. The parents answered a standardized questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, and a skin prick test (SPT) for common aeroallergens was performed on all children. RESULTS: In the 545 schoolchildren studied (mean age 8.3 ± 0.9 years), the prevalence of positive SPT was 25.5%. The current prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and rhinoconjunctivitis was 20%, 43.4%, and 27.8%, respectively. SPT was positive in 30.6%, 32.8%, and 38.0% of children with current asthma, rhinitis, and rhinoconjunctivitis, respectively. Positive SPT was significantly associated with rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis (p < 0.001) but not with asthma. Breastfeeding for at least 4 months was significantly protective against AS (odds ratio [OR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-0.78; p = 0.008); no other factor studied was associated with AS. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of AS was low; less than 40% of children with current asthma, rhinitis, or rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms evidenced AS. The prevalence of non-atopic asthma and rhinitis is consistent with previous findings in children from low-income urban areas. Other environmental factors, such as the high burden of respiratory infections and environmental pollution, might be more critical than atopy for developing asthma and rhinitis in schoolchildren from deprived urban areas.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La información reciente sobre la prevalencia de sensibilización alérgica (SA) en niños de áreas urbanas de bajos recursos es limitada. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal, aleatorio, a nivel poblacional, para determinar la prevalencia de SA y su relación con asma y rinitis en escolares de bajos recursos en Santiago de Chile. Los padres respondieron un cuestionario estandarizado de síntomas respiratorios y se realizaron pruebas cutáneas (PC) para alérgenos comunes en los niños. RESULTADOS: En los 545 escolares estudiados (media de edad 8.3 ± 0.9 años) la prevalencia de PC positivas fue del 25.5%. La prevalencia actual de asma, rinitis y rinoconjuntivitis fue del 20%, 43.4% y 27.8%, respectivamente. Las PC fueron positivas en el 30.6%, 32.8% y 38.0% de los niños con síntomas actuales de asma, rinitis y rinoconjuntivitis, respectivamente. La rinitis y la rinoconjuntivitis se asociaron significativamente con PC positiva (p < 0.001), pero no el asma. La lactancia materna por al menos cuatro meses protegió significativamente contra SA (razón de momios [RM] 0.48, intervalo de confianza [IC] 95% 0.26-0.78; p = 0.008); ningún otro factor estudiado se asoció con SA. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de SA fue baja; menos del 40% de los niños con síntomas actuales de asma, rinitis o rinoconjuntivitis evidenció SA. La alta prevalencia de asma y rinitis no atópicas concuerda con hallazgos previos en niños de áreas urbanas de bajos ingresos. Otros factores ambientales como la alta carga de infecciones respiratorias y contaminación ambiental podrían ser más importantes que la atopia para el desarrollo de asma y rinitis en escolares de áreas urbanas desfavorecidas.

Allergic sensitization in low-income urban children: relationship with current symptoms of asthma and rhinitis / Sensibilización alérgica en niños urbanos de escasos recursos: relación con síntomas actuales de asma y rinitis

Abstract Background: Recent information on the prevalence of allergic sensitization (AS) in children from low-income urban areas is limited. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, randomized, population-based study to determine the prevalence of AS, and its relationship with asthma and rhinitis in low-income schoolchildren in Santiago, Chile. The parents answered a standardized questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, and a skin prick test (SPT) for common aeroallergens was performed on all children. Results: In the 545 schoolchildren studied (mean age 8.3 ± 0.9 years), the prevalence of positive SPT was 25.5%. The current prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and rhinoconjunctivitis was 20%, 43.4%, and 27.8%, respectively. SPT was positive in 30.6%, 32.8%, and 38.0% of children with current asthma, rhinitis, and rhinoconjunctivitis, respectively. Positive SPT was significantly associated with rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis (p < 0.001) but not with asthma. Breastfeeding for at least 4 months was significantly protective against AS (odds ratio [OR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-0.78; p = 0.008); no other factor studied was associated with AS. Conclusions: The prevalence of AS was low; less than 40% of children with current asthma, rhinitis, or rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms evidenced AS. The prevalence of non-atopic asthma and rhinitis is consistent with previous findings in children from low-income urban areas. Other environmental factors, such as the high burden of respiratory infections and environmental pollution, might be more critical than atopy for developing asthma and rhinitis in schoolchildren from deprived urban areas.

Resumen Introducción: La información reciente sobre la prevalencia de sensibilización alérgica (SA) en niños de áreas urbanas de bajos recursos es limitada. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, aleatorio, a nivel poblacional, para determinar la prevalencia de SA y su relación con asma y rinitis en escolares de bajos recursos en Santiago de Chile. Los padres respondieron un cuestionario estandarizado de síntomas respiratorios y se realizaron pruebas cutáneas (PC) para alérgenos comunes en los niños. Resultados: En los 545 escolares estudiados (media de edad 8.3 ± 0.9 años) la prevalencia de PC positivas fue del 25.5%. La prevalencia actual de asma, rinitis y rinoconjuntivitis fue del 20%, 43.4% y 27.8%, respectivamente. Las PC fueron positivas en el 30.6%, 32.8% y 38.0% de los niños con síntomas actuales de asma, rinitis y rinoconjuntivitis, respectivamente. La rinitis y la rinoconjuntivitis se asociaron significativamente con PC positiva (p < 0.001), pero no el asma. La lactancia materna por al menos cuatro meses protegió significativamente contra SA (razón de momios [RM] 0.48, intervalo de confianza [IC] 95% 0.26-0.78; p = 0.008); ningún otro factor estudiado se asoció con SA. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de SA fue baja; menos del 40% de los niños con síntomas actuales de asma, rinitis o rinoconjuntivitis evidenció SA. La alta prevalencia de asma y rinitis no atópicas concuerda con hallazgos previos en niños de áreas urbanas de bajos ingresos. Otros factores ambientales como la alta carga de infecciones respiratorias y contaminación ambiental podrían ser más importantes que la atopia para el desarrollo de asma y rinitis en escolares de áreas urbanas desfavorecidas.

Associated factors with recurrent wheezing in infants: is there difference between the sexes?

Abstract Objective: Identify associated factors for recurrent wheezing (RW) in male and female infants. Methods: Cross-sectional multicentric study using the standardized questionnaire from the Estudio Internacional sobre Sibilancias en Lactantes (EISL). The questionnaire was applied to parents of 9345 infants aged 12-15 months at the time of immunization/routine visits. Results: One thousand two hundred and sixty-one (13.5%) males and nine hundred sixty-three (10.3%) females have had RW (≥3 episodes), respectively (p10 colds episodes (OR = 3.46; IC 95% 2.35-5.07), air pollution (OR = 1.33; IC 95% 1.12-1.59), molds at home (OR = 1.23; IC 95% 1.03-1.47), Afro-descendants (OR = 1.42; IC 95% 1.20-1.69), bronchopneumonia (OR = 1.41; IC; 1.11-1.78), severe episodes of wheezing in the first year (OR = 1.56; IC 95% 1.29-1.89), treatment with bronchodilators (OR = 1.60; IC 95% 1.22-2,1) and treatment with oral corticosteroids (OR = 1,23; IC 95% 0.99-1,52). Associated factors for RW for females were passive smoking (OR = 1.24; IC 95% 1.01-1,51), parents diagnosed with asthma (OR = 1.32; IC 95% 1,08-1,62), parents with allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.26; IC 95% 1.04-1.53), daycare attendance (OR = 1.48; IC 95% 1.17-1,88), colds in the first 6 months of life (OR = 2.19; IC 95% 1.69-2.82), personal diagnosis of asthma (OR = 1.84; IC 95% 1.39-2.44), emergency room visits (OR = 1.78; IC 95% 1.44-2.21), nighttime symptoms (OR = 2.89; IC 95% 2.34-3.53) and updated immunization (OR = 0.62; IC 95% 0.41-0.96). Conclusion: There are differences in associated factors for RW between genders. Identification of these differences could be useful to the approach and management of RW between boys and girls.

Hospital admission for symptoms exacerbation in 2,075 infants suffering from recurrent asthma-like symptoms: (EISL-3 South America).

BACKGROUND: Contrary to what happens in children and adults, the prevalence and the factors related to hospitalisation for asthma/wheezing in infants with recurrent asthma-like symptoms are poorly known. METHODS: This study is part of the International Study of Wheezing in infants Phase 3; 2,079 infants (aged 12-18 months) with recurrent asthma-like symptoms, from 11 South American centres, were studied to determine the prevalence and the associated factors for wheezing exacerbation admission. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were employed for analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of admission for wheezing was 29.7% (95% CI 27.7-31.6) and was significantly associated to severe wheezing episodes (OR: 3.89; 95% CI: 2.93-5.18, p < 0.001), physician-diagnosed asthma (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.33-2.41, p < 0.0001), use of inhaled corticosteroids (OR: 1.78; 95%CI: 1.38-2.29, p < 0.0001), maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.19-2.39, p = 0.003) and onset of wheezing in the first trimester of life (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02-1.66, p = 0.038). Breast feeding ≥4 months (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.54-0.96, p = 0.004), maternal high educational level (>12 years) (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.51-0.85, p = 0.001) and total monthly household income ≥US$ 3,000 (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.18-0.67, p = 0.002), were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with recurrent asthma-like symptoms have a high rate of admissions. Tobacco smoking in pregnancy, viral respiratory illness in the first trimester of life and severe progression were risks for admissions. Improving medical management to prevent severe exacerbations, prolonging the postnatal period at home longer than 3 months, favouring breastfeeding and avoiding smoking during pregnancy may have a preventive role for admissions in infants with recurrent asthma-like symptoms.

Hospital admission for symptoms exacerbation in 2.075 infants suffering from recurrent asthma-like symptoms: (EISL-3 South America)

Background: Contrary to what happens in children and adults, the prevalence and the factors related to hospitalisation for asthma/wheezing in infants with recurrent asthma-like symptoms are poorly known. Methods: This study is part of the International Study of Wheezing in infants Phase 3; 2,079 infants (aged 12–18 months) with recurrent asthma-like symptoms, from 11 South American centres, were studied to determine the prevalence and the associated factors for wheezing exacerbation admission. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were employed for analysis. Results: The prevalence of admission for wheezing was 29.7% (95% CI 27.7–31.6) and was significantly associated to severe wheezing episodes (OR: 3.89; 95% CI: 2.93–5.18, p < 0.001), physician-diagnosed asthma (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.33–2.41, p < 0.0001), use of inhaled corticosteroids (OR: 1.78; 95%CI: 1.38–2.29, p < 0.0001), maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.19–2.39, p = 0.003) and onset of wheezing in the first trimester of life (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02–1.66, p = 0.038). Breast feeding ≥4 months (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.54–0.96, p = 0.004), maternal high educational level (>12 years) (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.51–0.85, p = 0.001) and total monthly household income ≥US$ 3,000 (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.18–0.67, p = 0.002), were protective factors. Conclusions: Infants with recurrent asthma-like symptoms have a high rate of admissions. Tobacco smoking in pregnancy, viral respiratory illness in the first trimester of life and severe progression were risks for admissions. Improving medical management to prevent severe exacerbations, prolonging the postnatal period at home longer than 3 months, favouring breastfeeding and avoiding smoking during pregnancy may have a preventive role for admissions in infants with recurrent asthma-like symptoms (AU)

Prevalence and Determinants of Tobacco Smoking Among Low-Income Urban Adolescents.

Background: Tobacco-smoking in children is one of the most crucial public health concerns, which could be highly prevalent in underprivileged populations. Methods: A cross sectional, random sampling survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of current tobacco-smoking and related risk factors among adolescents living in a low-income area of Santiago de Chile. Results: Of the 2,747 adolescents participating in the study, 24.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 22.3-25.5] were current smokers, with no significant difference between girls and boys. Factors associated with current smoking were as follows: positive attitude to smoking cigarettes offered by peers [odds ratio (OR) 8.0; 95% CI 5.7-11.3, P < 0.001], having smoking best friends (OR 4.0; 95% CI 2.6-6.0, P < 0.001), and passive smoking in the house (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.2-3.1, P = 0.008). A total of 16.8% (95% CI 11.4-18.2) of children had smoked an entire cigarette at the age of ≤12, and 62.3% (95% CI, 60.5-64.1) were passive smokers at home. Regarding nonsmoking children, 52.4% (95% CI 49.74-55.06) were exposed to tobacco smoke at home. Conclusion: The prevalence of current tobacco-smoking in adolescents is high and increasing compared to previous studies undertaken in the selected low-resourced area. Two-thirds of children who started smoking before the age of 12 years were current smokers at the time of the survey, highlighting the prevalence of the powerful addiction generated and the need for better preventive strategies against tobacco-smoking for children living in low-resource communities.

Associated factors with recurrent wheezing in infants: is there difference between the sexes?

OBJECTIVE: Identify associated factors for recurrent wheezing (RW) in male and female infants. METHODS: Cross-sectional multicentric study using the standardized questionnaire from the Estudio Internacional sobre Sibilancias en Lactantes (EISL). The questionnaire was applied to parents of 9345 infants aged 12-15 months at the time of immunization/routine visits. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and sixty-one (13.5%) males and nine hundred sixty-three (10.3%) females have had RW (≥3 episodes), respectively (p10 colds episodes (OR = 3.46; IC 95% 2.35-5.07), air pollution (OR = 1.33; IC 95% 1.12-1.59), molds at home (OR = 1.23; IC 95% 1.03-1.47), Afro-descendants (OR = 1.42; IC 95% 1.20-1.69), bronchopneumonia (OR = 1.41; IC; 1.11-1.78), severe episodes of wheezing in the first year (OR = 1.56; IC 95% 1.29-1.89), treatment with bronchodilators (OR = 1.60; IC 95% 1.22-2,1) and treatment with oral corticosteroids (OR = 1,23; IC 95% 0.99-1,52). Associated factors for RW for females were passive smoking (OR = 1.24; IC 95% 1.01-1,51), parents diagnosed with asthma (OR = 1.32; IC 95% 1,08-1,62), parents with allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.26; IC 95% 1.04-1.53), daycare attendance (OR = 1.48; IC 95% 1.17-1,88), colds in the first 6 months of life (OR = 2.19; IC 95% 1.69-2.82), personal diagnosis of asthma (OR = 1.84; IC 95% 1.39-2.44), emergency room visits (OR = 1.78; IC 95% 1.44-2.21), nighttime symptoms (OR = 2.89; IC 95% 2.34-3.53) and updated immunization (OR = 0.62; IC 95% 0.41-0.96). CONCLUSION: There are differences in associated factors for RW between genders. Identification of these differences could be useful to the approach and management of RW between boys and girls.

Value of bronchial reversibility to salbutamol, exhaled nitric oxide and responsiveness to methacholine to corroborate the diagnosis of asthma in children

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Functional and inflammatory measures have been recommended to corroborate asthma diagnosis in schoolchildren, but the evidence in this regard is conflicting. We aimed to determine, in real-life clinical situation, the value of spirometry, spirometric bronchial reversibility to salbutamol (BDR), bronchial responsiveness to methacholine (MCT) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), to corroborate the diagnosis of asthma in children on regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) referred from primary care. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-seven schoolchildren with mild-moderate persistent asthma, on treatment with regular ICS, participated in the study. Abnormal tests were defined as FENO ≥ 27 ppb, BDR (FEV1 ≥ 12%) and methacholine PC20 ≤ 4 mg/mL. RESULTS: The proportions of positive BDR, FENO and MCT, were 16.4%, 33.3%, and 87.0%, respectively. MCT was associated with FENO (p < 0.03) and BDR (p = 0.001); FENO was associated with BDR (p = 0.045), family history of asthma (p = 0.003) and use of asthma medication in the first two years of life (p = 0.004). BDR was significantly related with passive tobacco exposure (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Spirometry, BDR and BDR had a poor performance for corroborating diagnosis in our asthmatic children on ICS treatment; on the contrary, MCT was positive in most of them, which agrees with previous reports. Although asthma tests are useful to corroborate asthma when positive, clinical diagnosis remains the best current approach for asthma diagnosis, at least while better objective and feasible measurements at the daily practice are available. At present, these tests may have a better role for assessing the management and progression of the condition

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Value of bronchial reversibility to salbutamol, exhaled nitric oxide and responsiveness to methacholine to corroborate the diagnosis of asthma in children.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Functional and inflammatory measures have been recommended to corroborate asthma diagnosis in schoolchildren, but the evidence in this regard is conflicting. We aimed to determine, in real-life clinical situation, the value of spirometry, spirometric bronchial reversibility to salbutamol (BDR), bronchial responsiveness to methacholine (MCT) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), to corroborate the diagnosis of asthma in children on regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) referred from primary care. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-seven schoolchildren with mild-moderate persistent asthma, on treatment with regular ICS, participated in the study. Abnormal tests were defined as FENO ≥ 27 ppb, BDR (FEV1 ≥ 12%) and methacholine PC20 ≤ 4 mg/mL. RESULTS: The proportions of positive BDR, FENO and MCT, were 16.4%, 33.3%, and 87.0%, respectively. MCT was associated with FENO (p < 0.03) and BDR (p = 0.001); FENO was associated with BDR (p = 0.045), family history of asthma (p = 0.003) and use of asthma medication in the first two years of life (p = 0.004). BDR was significantly related with passive tobacco exposure (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Spirometry, BDR and BDR had a poor performance for corroborating diagnosis in our asthmatic children on ICS treatment; on the contrary, MCT was positive in most of them, which agrees with previous reports. Although asthma tests are useful to corroborate asthma when positive, clinical diagnosis remains the best current approach for asthma diagnosis, at least while better objective and feasible measurements at the daily practice are available. At present, these tests may have a better role for assessing the management and progression of the condition.

Risk factors for wheezing in primary health care settings in the tropics.

BACKGROUND: The International Study of Wheezing in Infants (EISL) is a cross-sectional, population-based study, based on ISAAC (http://www.isaac.auckland.ac.nz). It uses a validated questionnaire on early wheezing and risk/protective factors. OBJECTIVE: To apply the EISL questionnaire regarding wheezing events in 0- to 12-month-old infants with or without atopic background searching for risk factors in the tropics. METHODS: The population was toddlers coming in for a checkup or 12-months' vaccination in primary health care clinics of a tropical city. Apart from child factors (eg, daycare attendance), we evaluated home factors (eg, air conditioning, bathroom, carpet, >6 persons, pollution) and mothers' factors (eg, education level, employment, cellphone). Data analysis was descriptive and case-control, with as cases atopic (AW) or non-atopic (NAW) wheezing children vs healthy controls. Wheezing-associated factors were evaluated using multivariate analysis, adjusted for the relation of AW/NAW with factors that were significant in prior univariate analysis. RESULTS: The study included 999 toddlers. Any wheeze: 31.3%, recurrent wheeze (≥3 episodes): 12.1%. Major risk factors for AW (OR; 95%CI) included smoking (11.39; 2.36-54.99), common cold before 3 months of life (3.72; 2.59-5.36), mold (3.48; 2.28-5.30), kitchen indoors (2.40; 1.27-4.54), and pets (1.69; 1.09-2.62); breastfeeding was almost protective. For NAW, common cold and pets were risk factors, but cesarean section (0.44; 0.23-0.82), more than 1 sibling (0.33; 0.18-0.61), and breastfeeding for longer than 3 months (0.50; 0.28-0.91) were protective. CONCLUSION: Wheezing is a health care burden. We found potential new risk factors for AW, some possibly unique for tropical climates. We suggest testing several hypotheses: could early AW be reduced in the tropics by attacking mold growth? Enhancing cooking place ventilation? Keeping pets outside? Or by postponing daycare attendance until after 4 months of age and avoiding (passive) smoking during pregnancy?

Sibilância em lactentes: o que mudou? / Wheezing in infants: what has changed?

O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar a prevalência e fatores de risco para sibilância recorrente e asma em lactentes. Foi realizada pesquisa de artigos originais, revisões, consensos indexados e publicações on-line, nos últimos 15 anos, nos bancos de dados PubMed, MEDLINE, LILACS e SciELO. Conhecer a prevalência de sibilância recorrente e os fatores a ela associados é imprescindível, visto a sibilância recorrente ser uma das principais manifestações clínicas da asma na infância, sendo inclusive considerada por alguns autores como sinônimo desta doença, somado ao fato de que alguns dos fatores associados à sibilância no primeiro ano de vida também o são ao desenvolvimento de asma em crianças e adolescentes. A realização e aprofundamento de pesquisas sobre a sibilância e a asma na infância se fazem necessárias, e podem colaborar com a implantação de políticas públicas de saúde e programas educacionais objetivando o diagnóstico precoce de asma, e a adoção de medidas preventivas que favoreçam seu controle e evolução.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of recurrent wheezing and asthma in infants. MEDLINE (via PubMed), LILACS, and SciELO databases were searched for original articles, reviews, indexed guidelines, and online resources published in the past 15 years. It is essential to know the prevalence of recurrent wheezing and its associated factors, since recurrent wheezing is one of the main clinical manifestations of childhood asthma, being considered by some authors a synonym of this disease. Also, some factors associated with wheezing in the first year of life may influence the development of asthma in children and adolescents. Further research on wheezing and asthma in childhood is needed and may contribute to the implementation of public health policies and educational programs aimed at the early diagnosis of asthma and to the adoption of preventive measures to improve asthma control and reduce disease burden.

Prevalence of recurrent wheezing during the first year of life in Setúbal district, Portugal

Background: Recurrent wheezing during the first year of life is a major cause of respiratory morbidity worldwide, yet there are no studies on its prevalence in Portugal. Objective: Determine the prevalence and severity of recurrent wheezing, treatments employed and other related aspects, in infants during their first year of life in Setúbal, Portugal. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of a random sample of infants aged 12-15 months living in Setúbal district. It uses a validated questionnaire answered by parents/caregivers at local healthcare facilities where infants attend for growth/development monitoring and/or vaccine administration. Results: Among the 202 infants surveyed, 44.6% (95% CI 37.7-51.4) had at least one episode of wheezing; and 18.3% (95% CI 12.9-23.6) had recurrent wheezing. There was significant morbidity associated to recurrent wheezing in terms of severe episodes (17.3%-95% CI 12-22.5), visits to the emergency department (26.2%-95% CI 20.1-32.2) and hospital admissions (5.4%-95% CI 2.2-8.5); 10.4% (95% CI 6.1-14.6) used inhaled corticosteroids and 7.9% (95% CI 4.1-11.6) used a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Conclusions: The prevalence of recurrent wheezing in infants during the first year of life is high and is associated with significant morbidity, presenting as a relevant public health problem. An important proportion of infants’ progress with a more severe condition, resulting in high use of health resources (visits to emergency department and hospitalisations). The prevalence of recurrent wheezing in this district of Portugal stays between those related in other European and Latin American Centres, suggesting that maybe some of the well-known risk factors are shared with affluent countries

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Prevalence of recurrent wheezing during the first year of life in Setúbal district, Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent wheezing during the first year of life is a major cause of respiratory morbidity worldwide, yet there are no studies on its prevalence in Portugal. OBJECTIVE: Determine the prevalence and severity of recurrent wheezing, treatments employed and other related aspects, in infants during their first year of life in Setúbal, Portugal. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of a random sample of infants aged 12-15 months living in Setúbal district. It uses a validated questionnaire answered by parents/caregivers at local healthcare facilities where infants attend for growth/development monitoring and/or vaccine administration. RESULTS: Among the 202 infants surveyed, 44.6% (95% CI 37.7-51.4) had at least one episode of wheezing; and 18.3% (95% CI 12.9-23.6) had recurrent wheezing. There was significant morbidity associated to recurrent wheezing in terms of severe episodes (17.3%-95% CI 12-22.5), visits to the emergency department (26.2%-95% CI 20.1-32.2) and hospital admissions (5.4%-95% CI 2.2-8.5); 10.4% (95% CI 6.1-14.6) used inhaled corticosteroids and 7.9% (95% CI 4.1-11.6) used a leukotriene receptor antagonist. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of recurrent wheezing in infants during the first year of life is high and is associated with significant morbidity, presenting as a relevant public health problem. An important proportion of infants' progress with a more severe condition, resulting in high use of health resources (visits to emergency department and hospitalisations). The prevalence of recurrent wheezing in this district of Portugal stays between those related in other European and Latin American Centres, suggesting that maybe some of the well-known risk factors are shared with affluent countries.

TEMPORAL COMPARISON OF WHEEZING PREVALENCE IN THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE IN SÃO PAULO: INTERNATIONAL STUDY OF WHEEZING IN INFANTS. / COMPARAÇÃO TEMPORAL DA PREVALÊNCIA DE SIBILÂNCIA NO PRIMEIRO ANO DE VIDA EM SÃO PAULO: ESTUDO INTERNACIONAL DE SIBILÂNCIA EM LACTENTES.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and severity of wheezing in the first year of life of infants, using the standardized protocol of the Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes- phase 3, and compare the values obtained with those found in phase 1, conducted at the same center. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2010, parents and guardians of infants answered the written questionnaire of the Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes - phase 3, and its results were compared to those of phase 1, performed between 2005 and 2006. We divided the infants into wheezing and non-wheezing. The wheezing group was stratified according to the frequency of episodes: occasional wheezing - less than three -, and recurrent wheezing - three or more. RESULTS: Wheezing prevalence was similar in both phases (44.6 versus 46%). Regarding frequency, the prevalence of occasional wheezing increased (19.4 versus 23%; p=0.03) and recurrent wheezing decreased (26.7 versus 21.6%; p=0.005). Also, diagnosis of asthma (7.5 versus 21.8%), use of inhaled corticosteroids (11.7 versus35%), and hospitalization for wheezing (19.7 versus 32.6%) grew significantly in phase 3. This period coincides with the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, which could have contributed to this outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Wheezing prevalence in the first year of life remains high. Despite the temporal assessment showing a decrease in the prevalence of recurrent wheezing, a significant increase in its morbidity was identified due to the higher number of hospitalizations. In addition, there were signs of improvement in the wheezing management of infants, reflected by an increase in the diagnosis of asthma and a greater indication of preventive treatments.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência e a gravidade da sibilância em lactentes no primeiro ano de vida, utilizando o protocolo padronizado do Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes- fase 3, e comparar os valores obtidos com os observados no Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes- fase 1, realizado no mesmo centro. MÉTODOS: Entre 2009 e 2010, pais e responsáveis de lactentes responderam ao questionário escrito do Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes- fase 3, e os resultados obtidos foram comparados aos do Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes- fase 1, realizado entre 2005 e 2006. Oslactentes foram separados em sibilantes e "não sibilantes". Osprimeiros foram divididos de acordo com a frequência dos episódios: sibilância ocasional, quando apresentaram menos de três, e sibilância recorrente, quando manifestaram três ou mais. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de sibilantes foi similar nas duas fases (44,6 versus46%). Segundo a frequência, houve aumento na prevalência de sibilância ocasional (19,4 versus 23%; p=0,03) e redução na de sibilância recorrente (26,7 versus 21,6%; p=0,005). Observou-se, ainda, aumento expressivo no diagnóstico de asma (7,5 versus 21,8%) e no uso de corticosteroides inalatórios (11,7 versus 35%), como também na hospitalização por sibilância na fase 3 (19,7 versus 32,6%), período da pandemia Influenza A (H1N1), o que pode ter contribuído para este desfecho. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência da sibilância no primeiro ano de vida permanece elevada. Apesar de a avaliação temporal mostrar queda na prevalência da sibilância recorrente, aumento significante de sua morbidade foi identificado pelo maior número de hospitalizações. Além disso, houve indícios de melhora no manejo da sibilância dos lactentes, refletido pelo aumento do diagnóstico de asma e maior indicação de tratamentos preventivos.

Comparação temporal da prevalência de sibilância no primeiro ano de vida em são paulo: estudo internacional de sibilância em lactentes / Temporal comparison of wheezing prevalence in the first year of life in são paulo: international study of wheezing in infants

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência e a gravidade da sibilância em lactentes no primeiro ano de vida, utilizando o protocolo padronizado do Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes- fase 3, e comparar os valores obtidos com os observados no Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes- fase 1, realizado no mesmo centro. Métodos: Entre 2009 e 2010, pais e responsáveis de lactentes responderam ao questionário escrito do Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes- fase 3, e os resultados obtidos foram comparados aos do Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes- fase 1, realizado entre 2005 e 2006. Oslactentes foram separados em sibilantes e "não sibilantes". Osprimeiros foram divididos de acordo com a frequência dos episódios: sibilância ocasional, quando apresentaram menos de três, e sibilância recorrente, quando manifestaram três ou mais. Resultados: A prevalência de sibilantes foi similar nas duas fases (44,6 versus46%). Segundo a frequência, houve aumento na prevalência de sibilância ocasional (19,4 versus 23%; p=0,03) e redução na de sibilância recorrente (26,7 versus 21,6%; p=0,005). Observou-se, ainda, aumento expressivo no diagnóstico de asma (7,5 versus 21,8%) e no uso de corticosteroides inalatórios (11,7 versus 35%), como também na hospitalização por sibilância na fase 3 (19,7 versus 32,6%), período da pandemia Influenza A (H1N1), o que pode ter contribuído para este desfecho. Conclusões: A prevalência da sibilância no primeiro ano de vida permanece elevada. Apesar de a avaliação temporal mostrar queda na prevalência da sibilância recorrente, aumento significante de sua morbidade foi identificado pelo maior número de hospitalizações. Além disso, houve indícios de melhora no manejo da sibilância dos lactentes, refletido pelo aumento do diagnóstico de asma e maior indicação de tratamentos preventivos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of wheezing in the first year of life of infants, using the standardized protocol of the Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes- phase 3, and compare the values obtained with those found in phase 1, conducted at the same center. Methods: Between 2009 and 2010, parents and guardians of infants answered the written questionnaire of the Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes - phase 3, and its results were compared to those of phase 1, performed between 2005 and 2006. We divided the infants into wheezing and non-wheezing. The wheezing group was stratified according to the frequency of episodes: occasional wheezing - less than three -, and recurrent wheezing - three or more. Results: Wheezing prevalence was similar in both phases (44.6 versus 46%). Regarding frequency, the prevalence of occasional wheezing increased (19.4 versus 23%; p=0.03) and recurrent wheezing decreased (26.7 versus 21.6%; p=0.005). Also, diagnosis of asthma (7.5 versus 21.8%), use of inhaled corticosteroids (11.7 versus35%), and hospitalization for wheezing (19.7 versus 32.6%) grew significantly in phase 3. This period coincides with the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, which could have contributed to this outcome. Conclusions: Wheezing prevalence in the first year of life remains high. Despite the temporal assessment showing a decrease in the prevalence of recurrent wheezing, a significant increase in its morbidity was identified due to the higher number of hospitalizations. In addition, there were signs of improvement in the wheezing management of infants, reflected by an increase in the diagnosis of asthma and a greater indication of preventive treatments.

Changes in the prevalence and severity of recurrent wheezing in infants: The results of two surveys administered 7 years apart.

OBJECTIVE: To identify changes in the prevalence and severity of recurrent wheezing (RW) in infants using data obtained from two surveys administered seven years apart. METHODS: A cross-sectional, international, population-based study in infants aged 12-15 months was conducted. Data were obtained from two surveys (S1 and S2, in 2005 and 2012, respectively) using the same methodology in three large Latin American cities: Curitiba (Brazil), São Paulo (Brazil), and Santiago (Chile). RESULTS: A decrease in the overall prevalence of RW was identified between S1 (23.3%) and S2 (20.4%), p = 0.004, but it was mainly driven by the reduction observed in São Paulo; in Curitiba and Santiago, this change was not significant. The mean prevalence of the following RW severity indicators remained high and stable: severe wheezing episodes (56.9% in S1 and 54.2% in S2, p = 0.32) and emergency department (ED) visits for wheezing (S1 = 68.1%, S2 70.9%, p = 0.21). A significant increase in admissions for wheezing (21.1% to 26.7%, p = 0.004) was observed. In Curitiba and São Paulo, there were significant increases in the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma and in the use of inhaled corticosteroids and oral antileukotrienes. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and severity of RW during the first year of life remained high over time, with remarkably high rates of ED visits, admissions for wheezing and use of asthma medications. This study suggests the need for considering early asthma diagnosis and to establish an appropriate treatment in infants with recurrent and severe asthma-like symptoms.

Sibilancias recurrentes: prevalencia y factores asociados en lactantes de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Recurrent wheezing: prevalence and associated factors in infants from Buenos Aires City, Argentina

Resumen: Introducción: Los episodios de obstrucción bronquial a temprana edad constituyen un problema frecuente en pediatría. El objetivo de este estudio, además de conocer la prevalencia de sibilancias recurrentes en lactantes de Buenos Aires, fue identificar los factores asociados. Métodos: Estudio de tipo transversal realizado durante 2011 y 2012, en el Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, como parte del Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes, mediante una encuesta validada para padres de lactantes de 12 a 15 meses. Se evaluó la prevalencia de sibilancias, fundamentalmente de tipo recurrentes (tres o más episodios) y los posibles factores asociados. El análisis estadístico se realizó por prueba de χ2, prueba de Fisher y análisis de regresión logística univariada y multivariada. El nivel de significación fue de 0.05. Resultados: De 1063 lactantes, el 58.9% (intervalo de confianza (IC) 95% 55.9-61.9) presentaron al menos un episodio de sibilancia y el 26.3% (IC 95% 23.8-29.9), tres o más episodios (sibilancias recurrentes). Los factores vinculados a padecer al menos un episodio de sibilancia fueron el sexo masculino (p = 0.001), seis o más resfríos en el primer año (p < 0.0001), edad del primer resfrío < 4 meses (p < 0.0001), neumonía (p < 0.0001), tabaquismo durante el embarazo (p = 0.01). Los factores relacionados con sibilancias recurrentes fueron seis o más resfríos en el primer año de vida (p < 0.0001), tener el primer episodio de sibilancia antes del cuarto mes de vida (p < 0.0001) y sibilancias nocturnas (p < 0.0001). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de sibilancias recurrentes en Buenos Aires es alta (26.3%). Algunos de los factores asociados serían prevenibles.

Abstract: Background: The episodes of bronchial obstruction at early age constitute a frequent problem in Pediatrics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of recurrent wheezing in infants in Buenos Aires City, as well as to identify any associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study performed from 2011 to 2012 in the Children Hospital Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires City, as part of the International Study of Wheezing in Infants. A validated questionnaire was applied to parents of infants aged between 12 and 15 months. The prevalence of wheezing, mostly the recurrent episodes (three or more), and their probable associated factors were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed with χ2, Fisher's test, binary and logistics multiple regression analysis. The significance level was 0.05. Results: Over 1063 infants, 58.9% (confidence interval (CI) 95% 55.9-61.9) presented at least one episode of wheezing and 26.3% (CI95% 23.8-29.9) three or more episodes (recurrent wheezing). Risk factors associated to wheezing were male gender (p = 0.001), six or more episodes of cold during the first year of life (p < 0.0001), age at first cold < 4 months (p < 0.0001); pneumonia (p < 0.0001) and smoking during pregnancy (tobacco) (p = 0.01). For recurrent wheezing, risk factors we considered as six or more episodes of cold during the first year of life (p < 0.0001), early (< 4 month of age) onset wheezing (p < 0.0001) and nocturnal wheezing (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The prevalence of recurrent wheezing among infants in Buenos Aires Ciy was high (26.3%). Some identified associated factors can be preventable.