Evaluation of nasal levels of interferon and clinical severity of influenza in children.

BACKGROUND: Experimental data show that type I interferon has a key role in innate immune response against influenza infection. OBJECTIVE: We compared nasal levels of interferon-α2 and ß among inpatients and outpatients with influenza. STUDY DESIGN: Children younger than 5 years of age with influenza-like illness seeking care at the emergency department within the first 72 h of disease onset were prospectively included. Clinical and demographic data and secretions through nasal wash were obtained. Influenza infection was assessed through reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and nasal levels of interferon-α2 and ß were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All patients followed until the end of the disease. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included, of which 24 had confirmed influenza infection, and 5 of them were hospitalized. Subtypes A (H3N2) and B were confirmed in 10 and 14 patients, respectively. Seventy-six patients without influenza, including 48% of outpatients, were recruited as controls. All hospitalized patients were significantly younger regardless of influenza status (age <6 months in 59% vs. 23.2%, p < 0.001). All other data were similar among the groups. Comparing median levels of interferon-α2 among children with influenza, levels were significantly higher in outpatients than in hospitalized patients and were 263.2 pg/mL (25-75 interquartile range: 58.3-634) and detectable in only one patient (90 pg/mL), respectively. The levels of interferon-α2 in controls and those of interferon-ß in all groups were not detected. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of interferon-α2 in patients with less severe influenza reinforce experimental evidence about the protective role of interferon-α2 against influenza infection.

Brazilian version of the Fresno test of competence in Evidence-Based Medicine: a validation study / Versão brasileira do teste Fresno de competência em Medicina Baseada em Evidências: um estudo de validação

AIMS: To validate the Brazilian version of the Fresno test of competence in Evidence-Based Medicine. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, validation study. Phase 1: translation of the Fresno instrument. Phase 2: validation of the translated version, which was tested in 70 undergraduate medical students. The psychometric properties evaluated were validity, internal consistency, and sensitivity to change. RESULTS: Overall, validity was adequate; most items showed a moderate to strong and significant correlation with the total score; there was an important and significant difference between both groups, with and without previous contact with Evidence-Based Medicine (median, 55 [IQ25-75, 45.2-61.7] vs. median, 18.5 [IQ25-75, 6.0-29.7]) (p<0.001). Internal consistency was also adequate (α-C 0.718), and sensitivity to change showed a considerable and significant difference between pre and post-test (median, 18.5 [IQ25-75, 6.0-29.7] vs. median, 44 [IQ25-75, 34.0-60.0]) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian version of the Fresno test showed satisfactory psychometric properties, and it can now be used as a tool to assess the knowledge and skills of Evidence-Based Medicine in Brazilian medical students.

OBJETIVOS: Validar a versão brasileira do teste Fresno de competência em Medicina Baseada em Evidências. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo transversal de validação. Fase 1: tradução do instrumento Fresno. Fase 2: validação da versão traduzida, testada em 70 estudantes de graduação em medicina. As propriedades psicométricas avaliadas foram validade, consistência interna e sensibilidade à mudança. RESULTADOS: No geral, a validade foi adequada; a maioria dos itens apresentou correlação moderada a forte e significativa com o escore total; houve diferença importante e significativa entre os dois grupos, com e sem contato prévio com medicina baseada em evidências (mediana, 55 [IQ25-75, 45,2-61,7] vs. mediana, 18,5 [IQ25-75, 6,0-29,7]) (p<0,001). A consistência interna também foi adequada (α-C 0,718), e a sensibilidade à mudança mostrou uma diferença considerável e significativa entre o pré e o pós-teste (mediana, 18,5 [IQ25-75, 6,0-29,7] vs. mediana, 44 [IQ25-75], 34,0-60,0]) (p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A versão brasileira do teste Fresno mostrou propriedades psicométricas satisfatórias, e agora pode ser usada como uma ferramenta para avaliar o conhecimento e as habilidades da Medicina Baseada em Evidências em estudantes de medicina brasileiros.

Evidence on nutritional assessment techniques and parameters used to determine the nutritional status of children and adolescents: systematic review.

This article aims to review systematically the evidence on nutritional assessment techniques and parameters used to determine the nutritional status of children and adolescents. The literature review and the selection of publications were performed using the Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, Embase, personal files. 17 studies were identified, 7 addressed the anthropometric indices as the main outcome, 7 analyzed the growth and development of children and adolescents through growth curves, and the remainder surveyed body composition. In general, all met the quality criteria, unless 6 of the articles who did not discuss the limitations. The literature review suggests several techniques and parameters that can be applied to determine the nutritional status of children and adolescents from different countries. Growth graphs are essential to assess the health of children, but depend greatly of the growth tables used. Although BMI can be practical, it does not distinguish body fat from lean mass. The best interpretation of anthropometry will depend of valid reference values for age range of the study population. BIA is a quick feasible method, but the measurement has some various nationalities.

Evidence on nutritional assessment techniques and parameters used to determine the nutritional status of children and adolescents: systematic review / Evidência sobre técnicas e parâmetros de avaliação nutricional para crianças e adolescentes: revisão sistemática

Abstract This article aims to review systematically the evidence on nutritional assessment techniques and parameters used to determine the nutritional status of children and adolescents. The literature review and the selection of publications were performed using the Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, Embase, personal files. 17 studies were identified, 7 addressed the anthropometric indices as the main outcome, 7 analyzed the growth and development of children and adolescents through growth curves, and the remainder surveyed body composition. In general, all met the quality criteria, unless 6 of the articles who did not discuss the limitations. The literature review suggests several techniques and parameters that can be applied to determine the nutritional status of children and adolescents from different countries. Growth graphs are essential to assess the health of children, but depend greatly of the growth tables used. Although BMI can be practical, it does not distinguish body fat from lean mass. The best interpretation of anthropometry will depend of valid reference values for age range of the study population. BIA is a quick feasible method, but the measurement has some various nationalities.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é revisar sistematicamente as evidências sobre as técnicas de avaliação nutricional e parâmetros utilizados para determinar o estado nutricional em crianças e adolescentes. Revisão da literatura com busca nas bases de dados, Medline, Lilacs, SciELO e Embase, além de arquivos pessoais. Identificamos 17 artigos que relatavam dados de diferentes populações, sete estudos abordaram os índices antropométricos, quatro o crescimento e o desenvolvimento de crianças e adolescentes por meio de curvas de crescimento, e o restante a composição corporal. Todos preencheram os critérios de qualidade, com exceção das limitações. A revisão da literatura sugere diversas técnicas e parâmetros que podem ser aplicados para determinar o estado nutricional de crianças e adolescentes de diferentes países. Gráficos de crescimento são essenciais para avaliar a saúde de crianças, mas depende muito das tabelas de crescimento utilizadas. Embora o IMC seja prático, não distingue a gordura corporal de massa magra. Existem várias técnicas para avaliar proporções, tamanho e composição corporal. A melhor interpretação da antropometria dependerá de valores de referência válidos para a faixa etária da população estudada. BIA é um método factível, mas tem algumas limitações para a realização do exame.

Evaluating bronchodilator response in pediatric patients with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans: use of different criteria for identifying airway reversibility.

OBJECTIVE: Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) is a clinical entity that has been classified as constrictive, fixed obstruction of the lumen by fibrotic tissue. However, recent studies using impulse oscillometry have reported bronchodilator responses in PIBO patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate bronchodilator responses in pediatric PIBO patients, comparing different criteria to define the response. METHODS: We evaluated pediatric patients diagnosed with PIBO and treated at one of two pediatric pulmonology outpatient clinics in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Spirometric parameters were measured in accordance with international recommendations. RESULTS: We included a total of 72 pediatric PIBO patients. The mean pre- and post-bronchodilator values were clearly lower than the reference values for all parameters, especially FEF25-75%. There were post-bronchodilator improvements. When measured as mean percent increases, FEV1 and FEF25-75%, improved by 11% and 20%, respectively. However, when the absolute values were calculated, the mean FEV1 and FEF25-75% both increased by only 0.1 L. We found that age at viral aggression, a family history of asthma, and allergy had no significant effects on bronchodilator responses. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with PIBO have peripheral airway obstruction that is responsive to treatment but is not completely reversible with a bronchodilator. The concept of PIBO as fixed, irreversible obstruction does not seem to apply to this population. Our data suggest that airway obstruction is variable in PIBO patients, a finding that could have major clinical implications. OBJETIVO: A bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa (BOPI) é uma entidade clínica que tem sido classificada como obstrução fixa e constritiva do lúmen por tecido fibrótico. Entretanto, estudos recentes utilizando oscilometria de impulso relataram resposta ao broncodilatador em pacientes com BOPI. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta broncodilatadora em pacientes pediátricos com BOPI, comparando critérios diferentes para a definição da resposta. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados pacientes pediátricos com diagnóstico de BOPI tratados em um de dois ambulatórios de pneumologia pediátrica na cidade de Porto Alegre (RS). Parâmetros espirométricos foram medidos de acordo com recomendações internacionais. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 72 pacientes pediátricos com BOPI no estudo. As médias dos valores pré- e pós-broncodilatador foram claramente inferiores aos valores de referência para todos os parâmetros, especialmente FEF25-75%. Houve uma melhora pós-broncodilatador. Quando medidos como aumentos percentuais médios, VEF1 e FEF25-75% melhoraram em 11% e 20%, respectivamente. Entretanto, quando os valores absolutos foram calculados, as médias de VEF1 e FEF25-75% aumentaram somente em 0,1 l. Verificamos que a idade da agressão viral, história familiar de asma e alergia não tiveram efeitos significativos na resposta ao broncodilatador. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes pediátricos com BOPI têm uma obstrução das vias aéreas periféricas que responde ao tratamento, mas não uma reversão completa com o broncodilatador. O conceito de BOPI como obstrução fixa e irreversível parece não se aplicar a essa população. Nossos dados sugerem que a obstrução de vias aéreas em pacientes com BOPI é variável, e esse achado pode ter importantes implicações clínicas.

Evaluating bronchodilator response in pediatric patients with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans: use of different criteria for identifying airway reversibility / Avaliação da resposta ao broncodilatador em pacientes pediátricos com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa: uso de diferentes critérios de identificação de reversibilidade das vias aéreas

ABSTRACT Objective: Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) is a clinical entity that has been classified as constrictive, fixed obstruction of the lumen by fibrotic tissue. However, recent studies using impulse oscillometry have reported bronchodilator responses in PIBO patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate bronchodilator responses in pediatric PIBO patients, comparing different criteria to define the response. Methods: We evaluated pediatric patients diagnosed with PIBO and treated at one of two pediatric pulmonology outpatient clinics in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Spirometric parameters were measured in accordance with international recommendations. Results: We included a total of 72 pediatric PIBO patients. The mean pre- and post-bronchodilator values were clearly lower than the reference values for all parameters, especially FEF25-75%. There were post-bronchodilator improvements. When measured as mean percent increases, FEV1 and FEF25-75%, improved by 11% and 20%, respectively. However, when the absolute values were calculated, the mean FEV1 and FEF25-75% both increased by only 0.1 L. We found that age at viral aggression, a family history of asthma, and allergy had no significant effects on bronchodilator responses. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with PIBO have peripheral airway obstruction that is responsive to treatment but is not completely reversible with a bronchodilator. The concept of PIBO as fixed, irreversible obstruction does not seem to apply to this population. Our data suggest that airway obstruction is variable in PIBO patients, a finding that could have major clinical implications.

RESUMO Objetivo: A bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa (BOPI) é uma entidade clínica que tem sido classificada como obstrução fixa e constritiva do lúmen por tecido fibrótico. Entretanto, estudos recentes utilizando oscilometria de impulso relataram resposta ao broncodilatador em pacientes com BOPI. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta broncodilatadora em pacientes pediátricos com BOPI, comparando critérios diferentes para a definição da resposta. Métodos: Foram avaliados pacientes pediátricos com diagnóstico de BOPI tratados em um de dois ambulatórios de pneumologia pediátrica na cidade de Porto Alegre (RS). Parâmetros espirométricos foram medidos de acordo com recomendações internacionais. Resultados: Foram incluídos 72 pacientes pediátricos com BOPI no estudo. As médias dos valores pré- e pós-broncodilatador foram claramente inferiores aos valores de referência para todos os parâmetros, especialmente FEF25-75%. Houve uma melhora pós-broncodilatador. Quando medidos como aumentos percentuais médios, VEF1 e FEF25-75% melhoraram em 11% e 20%, respectivamente. Entretanto, quando os valores absolutos foram calculados, as médias de VEF1 e FEF25-75% aumentaram somente em 0,1 l. Verificamos que a idade da agressão viral, história familiar de asma e alergia não tiveram efeitos significativos na resposta ao broncodilatador. Conclusões: Pacientes pediátricos com BOPI têm uma obstrução das vias aéreas periféricas que responde ao tratamento, mas não uma reversão completa com o broncodilatador. O conceito de BOPI como obstrução fixa e irreversível parece não se aplicar a essa população. Nossos dados sugerem que a obstrução de vias aéreas em pacientes com BOPI é variável, e esse achado pode ter importantes implicações clínicas.

Respiratory viral coinfection and disease severity in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: With advent of molecular diagnostic technologies, studies have reported detection of two or more respiratory viruses in about 30% of children with respiratory infections. However, prognostic role of coinfection remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate relation between respiratory viral confection and illness severity in children. STUDY DESIGN: MEDLINE (through PUBMED), EMBASE, EBSCO, LILACS databases were searched up to March 2015 by two independent reviewers. Studies assessing severity of viral coinfection in patients aged less than 18 years were included. Standardized forms were used for data extraction of population, study design, clinical syndromes, virus combinations compared and severity outcomes. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed through EPHPP and GRADE. Subgroup analysis was performed according to age and viral combinations. RESULTS: Of 5218 records screened, 43 were included in analysis. Viral coinfection did not influence risks of all outcomes assessed: length of stay (mean difference in days in coinfection, -0.10 [95% confidence interval: -0.51 to 0.31]), length of supplemental oxygen (-0.42 [-1.05 to 0.20]), need of hospitalization (odds ratio of coinfection, 0.96 [95% confidence interval: 0.61-1.51]), supplemental oxygen (0.94 [0.66 to 1.34]), need of intensive care (0.99 [0.64 to 1.54]), mechanical ventilation (0.81 [0.33 to 2.01]) and death (2.22 [0.83 to 5.95]). Sub-analyses according to age and viral combinations have not shown influence of these factors in outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory viral coinfection did not increase severity in all outcomes assessed. Further studies are necessary to confirm this finding, especially regarding role of specific viral interactions.

Burden of asthma among inner-city children from Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of asthma in a population of inner-city Brazilian children. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we selected children with asthma and healthy controls from public schools (8-16 years) from a capital city of Southern Brazil. Divided into three phases, questionnaires were administered, assessing lung function, body mass index and allergic sensitization. RESULTS: From 2500 children initially included in the study (48.4% males; mean age of 11.42 ± 2.32 years), asthma prevalence was detected in 28.6% (715/2500). The disease was not controlled in 42.7% (305/715) of the children, with 7.6% of hospitalization rate. School absenteeism (at least one day of missing school because of asthma) and sedentary behavior were high (57.1 and 67.2%, respectively), with 47.9% of subjects requiring oral steroids in the previous year, and physical well-being significantly lower than controls, directly interfering with quality of life, and therefore in the daily activities of these students. Moreover, 38% of the parents admitted to being non-adherent to treatment with their children and 31.1 and 53.6%, respectively, believed that rescue medication and exercise might be harmful. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of asthma in Brazilian children seems to be substantial. New international guidelines with a special focus in developing countries settings, with more pragmatic approaches, should be a priority for discussion and implementation actions.

Balanço energético em crianças e adolescentes com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa / Energy balance in children and adolescents with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans

OBJETIVOS: Quantificar o gasto e estimar a ingestão energética de crianças e adolescentes com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa e comparar com crianças e adolescentes hígidos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 72 crianças e adolescentes de 8 a 18 anos. Compararam-se dois grupos de 36 indivíduos - um com diagnóstico de bronquiolite obliterante e outro hígido -, os quais foram pareados pelo sexo, idade e classificação do índice de massa corporal. Para avaliação nutricional, utilizaram-se a antropometria e a composição corporal. O gasto energético foi medido pela calorimetria indireta; o fator atividade, pelo recordatório 24h de atividades físicas, e a ingestão energética, pelos inquéritos alimentares. RESULTADOS: O grupo com bronquiolite obliterante e o grupo-controle apresentaram respectivamente: índice de massa corporal de M=18,9, DP=4,0kg/m² e M=18,8, DP=3,4kg/m²; gasto energético de repouso de M=1717,6, DP=781,5 e M=2019,9, DP=819; gasto energético total de M=2677,5, DP=1514,0kcal/dia e M=3396,1, DP=1557,9kcal/dia; estimativa da ingestão energética de M=2294,1, DP=746,7kcal/dia e M=2116,5, DP=612,1kcal/dia. O gasto energético de repouso (p=0,102) e o gasto energético total (p=0,051) não foram diferentes entre os grupos, mesmo quando ajustados pela massa magra. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre o o gasto energético total e o consumo energético no grupo com bronquiolite obliterante (p=0,202). O grupo-controle consumiu menos calorias do que o previsto pelo gasto energético total (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O gasto energético de repouso e o gasto energético total foram semelhantes entre os grupos. A estimativa da ingestão energética dos hígidos foi menor que o gasto energético total. O grupo com bronquiolite obliterante apresentava um balanço energético adequado.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the energy expenditure and estimate the energy intake of children and adolescents with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans and compare them with those of healthy children and adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 36 children and adolescents with bronchiolitis obliterans aged 8 to 18 years, and a control group with 36 healthy individuals matched for sex, age and body mass index. Anthropometric data were collected from all individuals. Energy expenditure was determined by indirect calorimetry, activity factor was estimated by a 24-hour record of physical activities, and energy intake was estimated by the 24-hour food recall. RESULTS: Data for the bronchiolitis obliterans and control groups are, respectively: body mass index of M=18.9, SD=4.0kg/m² and M=18.8, SD=3.4kg/m²; resting energy expenditure of M=1717.6, SD=781.5kcal/day and M=2019.9, SD=819kcal/day; total energy expenditure of M=2677.5, SD=1514.0kcal/day and M=3396.1, SD=1557.9kcal/day; estimated energy intake of M=2294.1, SD=746.7kcal/day and M=2116.5, SD=612.1kcal/day. Resting energy expenditure (p=0.102) and total energy expenditure (p=0.051) did not differ between the groups, even when adjusted for lean mass. Total energy expenditure and intake of the bronchiolitis obliterans group did not differ significantly (p=0.202). Energy intake by the control group was lower than expected according to their total energy expenditure (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The resting energy expenditure and total energy expenditure of the two groups were similar. The estimated energy intake of the control group was lower than their total energy expenditure. The bronchiolitis obliterans group had an appropriate energy balance.

Prevalence of and risk factors for wheezing in the first year of life.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of and the risk factors for wheezing in infants under one year of age and residing in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study and is part of a multicenter, multinational project. The parents or legal guardians of the infants were interviewed at primary health care clinics or during home visits. We used a standardized questionnaire, validated for use in Brazil. Potential risk factors were assessed by means of a Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation, using the Wald test to determine the significance of each variable in the model. RESULTS: The sample comprised 1,013 infants. The majority of those were male (53%), and the mean age was 13.5 ± 1.2 months. In 61% of the infants, there had been at least one episode of wheezing, which had recurred at least three times in one third of those infants. The mean age at the first episode of wheezing was 5.16 months (median, 5 months). Over 40% of the infants with wheezing visited emergency rooms due to wheezing, and 17% of those were hospitalized at least once in the first year of life because of this symptom. In the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for wheezing were as follows: male gender; history of pneumonia; maternal smoking during pregnancy; day care center attendance; low maternal level of education; early weaning; multiple episodes of cold; first viral infection prior to 3 months of age; existence of siblings; and history of asthma in the nuclear family. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of wheezing is high among infants in the city of Porto Alegre. We identified various risk factors for wheezing in infants.

Prevalência e fatores de risco para sibilância no primeiro ano de vida / Prevalence of and risk factors for wheezing in the first year of life

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência e os fatores de risco para sibilância em lactentes com até um ano de idade e residentes na cidade de Porto Alegre (RS). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, parte de um projeto multicêntrico e multinacional. Os pais ou responsáveis dos lactentes foram entrevistados em unidades básicas de saúde ou durante visitas domiciliares. Utilizamos um questionário padronizado e validado para uso no Brasil. Potenciais fatores de risco foram avaliados mediante um modelo de regressão de Poisson com estimativa robusta de variância, utilizando-se o teste de Wald para determinar a significância de cada variável no modelo. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 1.013 lactentes. A maioria era do sexo masculino (53 por cento), e a média de idade foi de 13,5 ± 1,2 meses. Houve pelo menos um episódio de sibilância em 61 por cento dos lactentes, e houve recorrência do sintoma em pelo menos três ocasiões em um terço daqueles lactentes. A média de idade no início dos episódios de sibilância foi de 5,16 meses (mediana, 5 meses). Mais de 40 por cento dos lactentes com sibilância visitaram serviços de urgência em função desse sintoma, e 17 por cento tiveram pelo menos uma hospitalização por essa causa no primeiro ano de vida. Na análise multivariada, os fatores de risco para sibilância foram os seguintes: sexo masculino, história de pneumonia, tabagismo na gravidez, frequência a creches, baixo nível de escolaridade da mãe, desmame precoce, número elevado de resfriados, primeiro quadro viral antes dos 3 meses, presença de irmãos e história familiar de asma. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de sibilância em lactentes no município de Porto Alegre é elevada. Vários fatores de risco para sibilância em lactentes foram identificados.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of and the risk factors for wheezing in infants under one year of age and residing in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study and is part of a multicenter, multinational project. The parents or legal guardians of the infants were interviewed at primary health care clinics or during home visits. We used a standardized questionnaire, validated for use in Brazil. Potential risk factors were assessed by means of a Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation, using the Wald test to determine the significance of each variable in the model. RESULTS: The sample comprised 1,013 infants. The majority of those were male (53 percent), and the mean age was 13.5 ± 1.2 months. In 61 percent of the infants, there had been at least one episode of wheezing, which had recurred at least three times in one third of those infants. The mean age at the first episode of wheezing was 5.16 months (median, 5 months). Over 40 percent of the infants with wheezing visited emergency rooms due to wheezing, and 17 percent of those were hospitalized at least once in the first year of life because of this symptom. In the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for wheezing were as follows: male gender; history of pneumonia; maternal smoking during pregnancy; day care center attendance; low maternal level of education; early weaning; multiple episodes of cold; first viral infection prior to 3 months of age; existence of siblings; and history of asthma in the nuclear family. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of wheezing is high among infants in the city of Porto Alegre. We identified various risk factors for wheezing in infants.

Field-test validation of the brazilian version of the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychometric properties of the official Brazilian Portuguese-language version of the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) in a representative group of Brazilian children and adolescents with asthma. METHODS: A total of 125 individuals with asthma, aged 8-17 years and being monitored at a pediatric pulmonology outpatient clinic in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, completed the PAQLQ. Validity was assessed by means of convergent validity (correlation between PAQLQ domains and those of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0. Reliability was assessed by determining internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient), reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient), sensitivity to change (effect size), and discriminatory power (floor/ceiling effects). RESULTS: The mean age was 11 years, and 75 (60%) of the participants were male. The mean PAQLQ total score was 5.1, with floor/ceiling effects < 10%. Correlations between PAQLQ domains and the PedsQL 4.0 domains were acceptable (r = 0.37-0.40). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total score was 0.93, ranging from 0.72 to 0.88 for the domains. The overall effect size was 0.60 (range: 0.45-0.60), whereas the overall intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.80 (range: 0.66-0.79). CONCLUSIONS: The official Brazilian Portuguese-language version of the PAQLQ showed good psychometric performance, confirming its cultural adequacy for use in Brazil.

Pulmonary function in children and adolescents with postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the pulmonary function in children and adolescents with postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO), as well as to evaluate potential risk factors for severe impairment of pulmonary function. METHODS: The pulmonary function of 77 participants, aged 8-18 years, was assessed by spirometry and plethysmography. The following parameters were analyzed: FVC; FEV1; FEF25-75%; FEV1/FVC; RV; TLC; RV/TLC; intrathoracic gas volume; and specific airway resistance (sRaw). We used Poisson regression to investigate the following potential risk factors for severe impairment of pulmonary function: gender; age at first wheeze; age at diagnosis; family history of asthma; tobacco smoke exposure; length of hospital stay; and duration of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: The mean age was 13.5 years. There were pronounced decreases in FEV1 and FEF25-75%, as well as increases in RV and sRaw. These alterations are characteristic of obstructive airway disease. For the parameters that were the most affected, the mean values (percentage of predicted) were as follows: FEV1 = 45.9%; FEF25-75% = 21.5%; RV = 281.1%; RV/TLC = 236.2%; and sRaw = 665.3%. None of the potential risk factors studied showed a significant association with severely impaired pulmonary function. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with PIBO had a common pattern of severe pulmonary function impairment, characterized by marked airway obstruction and pronounced increases in RV and sRaw. The combination of spirometric and plethysmographic measurements can be more useful for assessing functional damage, as well as in the follow-up of these patients, than are either of these techniques used in isolation. Known risk factors for respiratory diseases do not seem to be associated with severely impaired pulmonary function in PIBO.

Versão brasileira do Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire: validação de campo / Field-test validation of the brazilian version of the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire

OBJETIVO: Determinar as propriedades psicométricas da versão oficial em português do Brasil de Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) em uma amostra representativa de crianças e adolescentes brasileiros com asma. MÉTODOS: Um total de 125 participantes com asma, com idades de 8-17 e monitorados em um ambulatório pediátrico de pneumologia em Porto Alegre (RS), responderam o PAQLQ. A validade foi avaliada através de validade convergente (correlação entre os domínios do PAQLQ e os domínios do Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0). A confiabilidade foi avaliada através da consistência interna (coeficiente alfa de Cronbach), reprodutibilidade (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse), sensibilidade a mudança (tamanho do efeito) e discriminação (efeitos mínimo/máximo). RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 11 anos, e 75 (60 por cento) eram meninos. A média do escore global do PAQLQ foi de 5.1, com efeitos mínimo/máximo < 10 por cento. As correlações com os domínios do PedsQL 4.0 foram aceitáveis (r = 0,37-0,40). O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach do escore global foi 0,93, variando de 0,72 a 0,88 nos domínios. O tamanho do efeito global foi de 0,60 (variação: 0,45-0,60), e a correlação intraclasse global foi de 0,80 (variação: 0,66-0,79). CONCLUSÕES: A versão oficial em português do Brasil do PAQLQ demonstrou boa performance psicométrica do instrumento, confirmando sua adequação para uso no contexto cultural brasileiro.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychometric properties of the official Brazilian Portuguese-language version of the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) in a representative group of Brazilian children and adolescents with asthma. METHODS: A total of 125 individuals with asthma, aged 8-17 years and being monitored at a pediatric pulmonology outpatient clinic in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, completed the PAQLQ. Validity was assessed by means of convergent validity (correlation between PAQLQ domains and those of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0. Reliability was assessed by determining internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient), reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient), sensitivity to change (effect size), and discriminatory power (floor/ceiling effects). RESULTS: The mean age was 11 years, and 75 (60 percent) of the participants were male. The mean PAQLQ total score was 5.1, with floor/ceiling effects < 10 percent. Correlations between PAQLQ domains and the PedsQL 4.0 domains were acceptable (r = 0.37-0.40). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total score was 0.93, ranging from 0.72 to 0.88 for the domains. The overall effect size was 0.60 (range: 0.45-0.60), whereas the overall intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.80 (range: 0.66-0.79). CONCLUSIONS: The official Brazilian Portuguese-language version of the PAQLQ showed good psychometric performance, confirming its cultural adequacy for use in Brazil.

Função pulmonar de crianças e adolescentes com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa / Pulmonary function in children and adolescents with postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans

OBJETIVO: Descrever a função pulmonar de crianças e adolescentes com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa (BOPI) e avaliar potenciais fatores de risco para pior função pulmonar. MÉTODOS: A função pulmonar de 77 participantes, com idades de 8-18 anos, foi avaliada por meio de espirometria e pletismografia. Os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados: CVF, VEF1, FEF25-75 por cento, VEF1/CVF, VR, CPT, VR/CPT, volume de gás intratorácico e specific airway resistance (sRaw, resistência específica das vias aéreas). Foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson para investigar os seguintes potenciais fatores de risco para pior função pulmonar: sexo, idade do primeiro sibilo, idade ao diagnóstico, história familiar de asma, exposição ao tabaco, tempo de hospitalização e tempo de ventilação mecânica. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 13,5 anos. Houve uma diminuição importante de VEF1 e FEF25-75 por cento, assim como um aumento de VR e sRaw, característicos de doença obstrutiva das vias aéreas. Os parâmetros mais afetados e as médias percentuais dos valores previstos foram VEF1 = 45,9 por cento; FEF25-75 por cento = 21,5 por cento; VR = 281,1 por cento; VR/CPT = 236,2 por cento; e sRaw = 665,3 por cento. Nenhum dos potenciais fatores de risco avaliados apresentou uma associação significativa com pior função pulmonar. CONCLUSÕES: As crianças com BOPI apresentaram um padrão comum de comprometimento grave da função pulmonar, caracterizado por uma obstrução importante das vias aéreas e um expressivo aumento de VR e sRaw. A combinação de medidas espirométricas e pletismográficas pode ser mais útil na avaliação do dano funcional, assim como no acompanhamento desses pacientes. Fatores de riscos conhecidos para doenças respiratórias não parecem estar associados a pior função pulmonar em BOPI.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the pulmonary function in children and adolescents with postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO), as well as to evaluate potential risk factors for severe impairment of pulmonary function. METHODS: The pulmonary function of 77 participants, aged 8-18 years, was assessed by spirometry and plethysmography. The following parameters were analyzed: FVC; FEV1; FEF25-75 percent; FEV1/FVC; RV; TLC; RV/TLC; intrathoracic gas volume; and specific airway resistance (sRaw). We used Poisson regression to investigate the following potential risk factors for severe impairment of pulmonary function: gender; age at first wheeze; age at diagnosis; family history of asthma; tobacco smoke exposure; length of hospital stay; and duration of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: The mean age was 13.5 years. There were pronounced decreases in FEV1 and FEF25-75 percent, as well as increases in RV and sRaw. These alterations are characteristic of obstructive airway disease. For the parameters that were the most affected, the mean values (percentage of predicted) were as follows: FEV1 = 45.9 percent; FEF25-75 percent = 21.5 percent; RV = 281.1 percent; RV/TLC = 236.2 percent; and sRaw = 665.3 percent. None of the potential risk factors studied showed a significant association with severely impaired pulmonary function. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with PIBO had a common pattern of severe pulmonary function impairment, characterized by marked airway obstruction and pronounced increases in RV and sRaw. The combination of spirometric and plethysmographic measurements can be more useful for assessing functional damage, as well as in the follow-up of these patients, than are either of these techniques used in isolation. Known risk factors for respiratory diseases do not seem to be associated with severely impaired pulmonary function in PIBO.