Laboratory screening test with inhalant and food allergens in atopic Brazilian children and adolescents: a performance.

The Phadiatop Infant® (PhInf) is a panel developed to assess allergic sensitization (immunoglobulin E [IgE]) in children aged <5 years and combines inhalant and food allergens. The test has not been evaluated outside Europe. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at 11 pediatric allergy centers to evaluate PhInf as an allergic disease screening method in Brazilian children. Children as controls and patients (aged 6 months-18 years) were grouped according to their primary disease and age group. PhInf and specific serum IgE (sIgE) screening was performed for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP), cat and dog epithelia, a mix of grasses and pollens, eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, and shrimp. Values ≥ 0.35 kUA/L (or PAU/L) were considered positive. A total of 470 children and adolescents, which included 385 patients and 85 controls, participated in the study (47.7% boys, average age: 6.3 years). In all, 72.6% of the participants had positive PhInf test (n = 341), with a higher proportion of those having food allergy (92.6%), atopic dermatitis (91.9%), and those aged >13 years having allergy (95%). The PhInf and sIgE agreement between patients (Kappa = 0.94, P < 0.001) and controls (Kappa = 0.84, P < 0.001) was high. PhInf and DP agreement in patients aged >13 years was excellent (Kappa = 0.936, P < 0.001). Compared with sIgE dosage, PhInf had high sensitivity (97%) and specificity (93%). Positivity of PhInf test in this population was high and had an excellent correlation with the allergens comprising the panel. It is a useful method for screening children suspected of having allergic diseases in a non-European country.

Repercussão da COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes: nova inflamação multissistêmica ou desencadeamento da doença de Kawasaki? / COVID-19 repercussion in children and adolescents: a new multisystem inflammation or a Kawasaki disease trigger?

A doença causada pelo novo coronavírus (COVID-19) teve início em dezembro de 2019 na China e rapidamente adquiriu grande importância epidemiológica, com um crescente número de casos e mortes no Brasil e no mundo. Entre os diversos estudos sobre a doença causada pelo SARS-CoV-2, foram relatados casos de crianças infectadas que apresentaram inflamação multissistêmica, mimetizando a doença de Kawasaki, o que instigou a possibilidade de uma associação entre esta e a COVID-19. O presente artigo de revisão visa destacar esta nova possibilidade diagnóstica, discutindo principalmente os sintomas, exames laboratoriais e a epidemiologia que podem diferenciar a síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica em crianças (MIS-C) como decorrente da COVID- 19 ou desencadeante da doença de Kawasaki. O banco de dados eletrônico PubMed foi utilizado para a pesquisa de artigos originais e de revisão de 2020 e 2021, selecionados de acordo com critérios de atualidade e menção a descritores científicos como infecções por coronavírus, síndrome de linfonodos mucocutâneos e inflamação. A revisão dos sintomas da MIS-C e achados de exames laboratoriais relacionados à COVID-19 foi feita por meio de artigos com estudos realizados com mais de 10 pacientes. Entre os principais resultados obtidos tem-se a diferença entre a faixa etária e etnia acometidas, presença de sintomas gastrointestinais, mecanismos de lesão cardíaca envolvidos e alterações de exames laboratoriais na doença de Kawasaki e na MIS-C. Assim, a conclusão é que a MIS-C está relacionada à infecção prévia pelo SARS-CoV-2, compartilhando dos sintomas da doença de Kawasaki, sem atuar como um desencadeante desta doença.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) arose in December 2019 in China and quickly assumed great epidemiological importance, with an increasing number of cases and deaths in Brazil and worldwide. Among the several studies on this disease, cases of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 who had multisystem inflammation, mimicking Kawasaki disease, were reported, which raised the possibility of an association between Kawasaki disease and COVID-19. This review article aims to highlight this new diagnostic possibility and mainly discusses the symptoms, laboratory tests, and epidemiology that may differentiate multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) as a result of COVID-19 or as a Kawasaki disease trigger. Original and review articles from 2020 and 2021 that were current and mentioned keywords such as coronavirus infections, mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, and inflammation were selected from the electronic database PubMed. The review of MIS-C symptoms and laboratory findings related to COVID-19 was based on articles of studies that included more than 10 patients. The main results obtained were differences between the affected age group and ethnicity, presence of gastrointestinal tract symptoms, different mechanisms of cardiac injury involved, and changes in laboratory tests in Kawasaki disease and MIS-C. In conclusion, MIS-C is related to previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and leads to the same symptoms of Kawasaki disease, without acting as a trigger for this disease.

Evaluation of treatment of the exacerbation of asthma and wheezing in a pediatric emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the treatment of wheezing and exacerbation of asthma in a pediatric emergency unit (ED), comparing it to that recommended by the guidelines for this purpose. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study through medical records survey of children and adolescents (0-15 years of age) who received medication for wheezing or asthma exacerbation from January to April 2015 in the ED. The selected treatment was compared to that recommended by the guidelines, being analyzed the variables related to the medication (number and dose of short-acting ß2 agonist, associated or not with anticholinergic, oral or parenteral corticosteroid) and the length of stay in ED (≤1 h, ≥8 h and hospital admission). RESULTS: One-thousand eleven patients were selected with 56.7% between 3 and 15 years and 56% male. Although the selected drugs were in accordance with what was recommended, errors were observed in relation to dose, drug of choice, and method and time of use with the most frequent finding being incorrect dose (short-acting ß2 agonist: 66% and ipratropium bromide: 95.2%). CONCLUSION: The level of use of the measures recommended by the guidelines was low but compatible with other studies, leading to an increased risk of treatment failure and higher costs. Despite wide dissemination, the established concepts have not been sufficiently incorporated into clinical practice, suggesting the need for more effective educational actions for this process to occur.

Evaluation of treatment of the exacerbation of asthma and wheezing in a pediatric emergency department

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the treatment of wheezing and exacerbation of asthma in a pediatric emergency unit (ED), comparing it to that recommended by the guidelines for this purpose. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study through medical records survey of children and adolescents (0-15 years of age) who received medication for wheezing or asthma exacerbation from January to April 2015 in the ED. The selected treatment was compared to that recommended by the guidelines, being analyzed the variables related to the medication (number and dose of short-acting β2 agonist, associated or not with anticholinergic, oral or parenteral corticosteroid) and the length of stay in ED (≤1 h, ≥8 h and hospital admission). RESULTS: One-thousand eleven patients were selected with 56.7% between 3 and 15 years and 56% male. Although the selected drugs were in accordance with what was recommended, errors were observed in relation to dose, drug of choice, and method and time of use with the most frequent finding being incorrect dose (short-acting β2 agonist: 66% and ipratropium bromide: 95.2%). CONCLUSION: The level of use of the measures recommended by the guidelines was low but compatible with other studies, leading to an increased risk of treatment failure and higher costs. Despite wide dissemination, the established concepts have not been sufficiently incorporated into clinical practice, suggesting the need for more effective educational actions for this process to occur.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o tratamento da sibilância e da exacerbação da asma em unidade de emergência pediátrica (DE), comparando-o ao recomendado pelas diretrizes para esse fim. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo transversal, por meio do levantamento de prontuários de crianças e adolescentes (0 - 15 anos de idade) que receberam medicação para sibilância ou exacerbação da asma, no período de janeiro a abril de 2015, em DE. O tratamento empregado foi comparado ao preconizado pelas diretrizes sendo analisadas as variáveis referentes à medicação (número e dose de β2 agonista de curta ação, associado ou não a anticolinérgico, corticosteroide oral ou parenteral) e ao tempo de permanência na DE (≤1 h, ≥8 h e internação hospitalar). RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 1011 pacientes, 56,7% com idades entre 3 e 15 anos e 56 % do sexo masculino. Embora os fármacos utilizados estivessem de acordo com o preconizado, foram observados erros com relação a dose, droga de escolha, forma de utilização, tempo de uso, sendo dose incorreta o achado mais frequente (β2 agonista de curta ação: 66% e brometo de ipratrópio: 95,2%). CONCLUSÃO: O nível de utilização das medidas recomendadas pelas diretrizes foi baixo e compatível com outros estudos, levando a risco aumentado de falha no tratamento e maior custo. Apesar da ampla divulgação, os conceitos estabelecidos não são suficientemente incorporados à prática clínica, sugerindo a necessidade de ações educativas mais efetivas para que isso ocorra.

Phadiatop, Phadiatop Infant and total IgE evaluated in allergic Brazilian children and adolescents

The clinical history is of importance in the investigation of allergic diseases but does have limitations. Many allergic conditions will be over-diagnosed if anamnesis alone is used for diagnostic criteria. Serum total immunoglobulin E (TIgE) quantification, as well as panels containing allergens prevalent in the studied population, may serve as screening tests and facilitate the diagnosis of allergic disease or its exclusion. We assessed the positivity of two versions of these tests, Phadiatop Europe® (PhEU) and Phadiatop Infant® (PhInf), as well as total IgE (TigE) values in patients with a medical diagnosis of allergic disease and non-allergic individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study performed in eleven Brazilian pediatric allergy centers with patients divided into groups according to the primary condition and a group of assessed control subjects. They were submitted to TIgE measurement and screening tests (PhEu and PhInf). RESULTS: TIgE mean serum levels were significantly higher among allergic patients, especially those with asthma/rhinitis or atopic dermatitis. The positivity of the screening tests, considering the total population, was 63.8% for PhEU and 72.6% for PhInf. These increased when we evaluated only the allergic subjects. The concordance index of the two tests was Kappa = 0.7 and higher among those of greater age. CONCLUSIONS: In the assessed population, there were significantly higher levels among those with positive screening tests and PhInf showed better performance in the identification of sensitized individuals, regardless of age. This is the first study to evaluate Phadiatop and Phadiatop Infant in the same population

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Phadiatop, Phadiatop Infant and total IgE evaluated in allergic Brazilian children and adolescents.

The clinical history is of importance in the investigation of allergic diseases but does have limitations. Many allergic conditions will be over-diagnosed if anamnesis alone is used for diagnostic criteria. Serum total immunoglobulin E (TIgE) quantification, as well as panels containing allergens prevalent in the studied population, may serve as screening tests and facilitate the diagnosis of allergic disease or its exclusion. We assessed the positivity of two versions of these tests, Phadiatop Europe® (PhEU) and Phadiatop Infant® (PhInf), as well as total IgE (TigE) values in patients with a medical diagnosis of allergic disease and non-allergic individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study performed in eleven Brazilian pediatric allergy centers with patients divided into groups according to the primary condition and a group of assessed control subjects. They were submitted to TIgE measurement and screening tests (PhEu and PhInf). RESULTS: TIgE mean serum levels were significantly higher among allergic patients, especially those with asthma/rhinitis or atopic dermatitis. The positivity of the screening tests, considering the total population, was 63.8% for PhEU and 72.6% for PhInf. These increased when we evaluated only the allergic subjects. The concordance index of the two tests was Kappa=0.7 and higher among those of greater age. CONCLUSIONS: In the assessed population, there were significantly higher levels among those with positive screening tests and PhInf showed better performance in the identification of sensitized individuals, regardless of age. This is the first study to evaluate Phadiatop and Phadiatop Infant in the same population.

A microbiota intestinal e sua interface com o sistema imunológico / Gut microbiota and its interface with the immune system

A microbiota intestinal humana influencia diversos sistemas orgânicos e há evidências de sua ação sobre o sistema imunológico. O objetivo desta revisão foi verificar a influência da microbiota intestinal humana e sua interface com o sistema imunológico. A partir das palavras-chaves gut (intestino) e microbiota (microbiota), e utilizando o operador boleano AND para correlacionar a palavra-chave com os diversos temas propostos para o artigo de revisão, como por exemplo, gut microbiota AND delivery ou gut microbiota AND mode of delivery, foram selecionados artigos obtidos da busca na base PubMed, sobretudo nos últimos 10 anos (2009-2019). Há evidências de que a janela de oportunidade para intervenção e prevenção primária das doenças alérgicas começa antes do nascimento e provavelmente dentro do período fetal, estendendo-se ao tipo de parto, alimentação nos primeiros meses de vida, fatores ambientais e uso de antibióticos. Compreender esta complexa interface que envolve, por um lado a microbiota (microrganismos e seus subprodutos) e, por outro, receptores e células especializadas, é fundamental para o entendimento dos mecanismos de tolerância ou desequilíbrio imunológico, os quais estão respectivamente ligados ao estado fisiológico de saúde ou aos processos patofisiológicos de diversas doenças, sobretudo aquelas de contexto imunomediado.

The human gut microbiota influences various organ systems, and there is evidence of its action on the immune system. The aim of this review was to determine the influence of the human gut microbiota and its interface with the immune system. The PubMed database was searched for articles published from 2009 to 2019 using the keywords "gut" and "microbiota". The Boolean operator AND was used to combine terms in the search, such as "gut microbiota AND delivery" and "gut microbiota AND mode of delivery". There is evidence that the window of opportunity for intervention and primary prevention of allergic diseases begins before birth, probably within the fetal period, and includes mode of delivery, early infant feeding, environmental factors, and antibiotic use. Understanding the complex interface that involves, on the one hand, the microbiota (microorganisms and their by-products) and, on the other hand, specialized receptors and cells is essential for understanding the mechanisms of tolerance and immune imbalance, which are respectively linked to the physiological health status and to the pathophysiological processes of various diseases, especially of immune-mediated diseases.

Concentrações de vitamina D em lactentes sibilantes e crianças asmáticas: relação com a condição nutricional e o controle da doença / Vitamin D concentrations in wheezing infants and asthmatic children: relationship with nutritional status and disease control

Introdução: Deficiência de vitamina D e obesidade foram associadas a um pior controle da asma em países desenvolvidos, embora essa relação ainda não esteja devidamente estabelecida. Assim, o presente estudo visa avaliar a relação entre deficiência de vitamina D, controle da asma e a condição nutricional em crianças menores de 10 anos. Métodos: 46 crianças asmáticas menores de 10 anos foram recrutadas para esse estudo observacional transversal, realizado entre outubro de 2016 e julho de 2018. O controle da asma foi verificado de acordo com o GINA 2016. A condição nutricional foi considerada como eutrófica (Z escore -2 a +1) ou sobrepeso/obesidade (Z score > +1), de acordo com a classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Valores de vitamina D < 20 ng/mL foram considerados deficiência. A análise laboratorial foi realizada pelo laboratório de análises clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. Resultados: Não foi encontrada relação estatisticamente significante entre controle da asma e condição nutricional (p = 0,766), controle da asma e níveis de vitamina D (p = 0,880), ou níveis de vitamina D e condição nutricional (p = 0,610). Deficiência de vitamina D foi encontrada em 21,8% das crianças incluídas; 63,5% apresentavam asma não controlada; e 41,3% apresentavam sobrepeso/obesidade. Conclusões: O presente estudo não encontrou associação entre controle da asma, níveis de vitamina D e condição nutricional, questionando a importância dessa relação em crianças com menos de 10 anos.

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency and obesity have been associated with poorer asthma control in developed countries, although this relationship has yet to be established. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency, asthma control, and nutritional status in children younger than 10 years. Methods: 46 asthmatic children younger than 10 years were recruited for a cross-sectional observational study conducted from October 2016 to June 2018. Asthma control was assessed according to the GINA 2016 guidelines. Children were classified as normal weight (Z score -2 to +1) or overweight/ obese (Z score > +1) according to the World Health Organization classification. Vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL were considered deficient. The laboratory analysis was performed in the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of the ABC Medical School. The statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test. Results: There was no statistically significant relationship between asthma control and nutritional status (p = 0.766), asthma control and vitamin D levels (p = 0.880), or vitamin D levels and nutritional status (p = 0.610). Vitamin D deficiency was present in 21.8% of children; 63.5% had uncontrolled asthma, and 41.3% were overweight/ obese. Conclusions: The present study found no association between asthma control, vitamin D levels, and nutritional status, questioning the importance of this relationship in children younger than 10 years.

Consenso Brasileiro sobre Alergia Alimentar: 2018 - Parte 1 - Etiopatogenia, clínica e diagnóstico. Documento conjunto elaborado pela Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria e Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia / Brazilian Consensus on Food Allergy: 2018 - Part 1 - Etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis. Joint position paper of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics and the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology

A alergia alimentar é definida como uma doença consequente a uma resposta imunológica anômala, que ocorre após a ingestão e/ou contato com determinado(s) alimento(s). Atualmente é considerada um problema de saúde pública, pois a sua prevalência tem aumentado no mundo todo. É um capítulo à parte entre as reações adversas a alimentos, e de acordo com os mecanismos fisiopatológicos envolvidos, essas reações podem ser imunológicas ou não-imunológicas. Em geral, a alergia alimentar inicia precocemente na vida com manifestações clínicas variadas na dependência do mecanismo imunológico envolvido. A anafilaxia é a forma mais grave de alergia alimentar mediada por IgE. Conhecimentos recentes permitiram a melhor caracterização da Síndrome da enterocolite induzida por proteína alimentar (FPIES), assim como da esofagite eosinofílica. Vários fatores de risco, assim como novos alérgenos alimentares, têm sido identificados nos últimos anos. Tomando-se como ponto de partida o "Consenso Brasileiro sobre Alergia Alimentar: 2007" foi realizada revisão e atualização dos conceitos apresentados por grupo de alergologistas, gastroenterologistas, nutrólogos e pediatras especializados no tratamento de pacientes com alergia alimentar. Novos conceitos foram apresentados sobretudo pela melhor caracterização. O objetivo desta revisão foi elaborar um documento prático capaz de auxiliar na compreensão dos mecanismos envolvidos na alergia alimentar, assim como dos possíveis fatores de risco associados à sua apresentação, bem como sobre a sua apresentação clínica.

Food allergy is defined as a disease resulting from an anomalous immune response that occurs after ingestion of and/or contact with certain foods. It is currently considered a public health problem because of its increased prevalence worldwide. Food allergy is a major entity among adverse reactions to foods; depending on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved, these reactions may be immunological or non-immunological. In general, food allergy starts early in life with varied clinical manifestations depending on the immune mechanism involved. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of IgE-mediated food allergy. Recent knowledge has allowed to better characterize food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), as well as eosinophilic esophagitis. Several risk factors as well as new food allergens have been identified in recent years. Taking the 2007 Brazilian Consensus on Food Allergy as a starting point, the concepts presented were reviewed and updated by a group of allergologists, gastroenterologists, nutrologists and pediatricians specialized in the treatment of patients with food allergy. The objective of this review was to develop a hands-on document capable of helping improve the understanding of the mechanisms involved in food allergy, possible associated risk factors, as well as clinical presentation.

Consenso Brasileiro sobre Alergia Alimentar: 2018 - Parte 2 - Diagnóstico, tratamento e prevenção. Documento conjunto elaborado pela Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria e Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia / Brazilian Consensus on Food Allergy: 2018 - Part 2 - Diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Joint position paper of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics and the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology

Na última década o conhecimento sobre a etiopatogenia da alergia alimentar (AA) avançou muito. A identificação de novas formas clínicas de apresentação, aliada à aquisição de novos métodos laboratoriais, possibilitaram a realização do diagnóstico etiológico de modo mais preciso, sobretudo quanto à reatividade cruzada entre alimentos e mesmo na identificação de marcadores indicativos de formas clínicas transitórias, persistentes e quadros mais graves. A padronização dos testes de provocação oral permitiu a sua realização de forma mais segura e possibilitou a sua inclusão entre as ferramentas disponíveis para uso na confirmação etiológica da AA. Apesar disso, a exclusão do alimento responsável pelas manifestações clínicas continua sendo a principal conduta terapêutica a ser empregada. Entre os pacientes alérgicos às proteínas do leite de vaca, a disponibilidade de fórmulas especiais, por exemplo parcialmente hidrolisadas, extensamente hidrolisadas à base da proteína do leite de vaca e fórmulas de aminoácidos, tem facilitado o tratamento substitutivo do leite de vaca para esses pacientes. A abordagem atual da anafilaxia é revisada, uma vez que os alimentos são os principais agentes etiológicos em crianças. Avanços na conduta de algumas manifestações gastrintestinais também são abordados. Na atualidade, a imunoterapia oral tem sido cada vez mais utilizada. A aquisição de novos agentes, os imunobiológicos, também são apresentados à luz das evidências científicas e clínicas atuais. Considerações sobre história natural da AA, assim como sobre formas de prevenção da AA também são abordadas. Em conclusão, o Consenso Brasileiro sobre Alergia Alimentar de 2018 objetivou rever os métodos diagnósticos e esquemas de tratamento disponíveis e empregados no acompanhamento de pacientes com AA, visando a melhor abordagem terapêutica desses pacientes.

Over the last decade, knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of food allergy (FA) has advanced a great deal. The identification of new clinical presentations, associated with the acquisition of new laboratory methods, have made the diagnostic process more accurate, especially with regard to cross-reactivity between foods and the identification of biomarkers suggestive of transitory, persistent clinical forms and/or more severe manifestations. The standardization of oral provocation tests has made their performance safer and has allowed their inclusion among the tools available for use in the etiological confirmation of FA. Despite this, exclusion of the food involved in the clinical manifestations remains as the main therapeutic strategy. Among patients allergic to cow's milk proteins, the availability of special formulas, e.g., partially hydrolyzed and extensively hydrolyzed cow's milk protein-based formulas, in addition to amino acid formulas, has facilitated the introduction of substitute formulas for these patients. The current approach to anaphylaxis is reviewed, since food is the major etiological agent in children. Advances in the management of some gastrointestinal manifestations are also addressed. Currently, oral immunotherapy has been increasingly used. The acquisition of new agents, namely, immunobiological agents, is also described in light of current scientific and clinical evidence. Considerations on the natural history of FA, as well as on ways how to prevent FA, are addressed. In conclusion, the 2018 Brazilian Consensus on Food Allergy aimed to review the diagnostic methods and treatment schemes available and used in the follow-up of patients with FA, with a view to adopting the best possible therapeutic approach to these patients.

[Prevalence and severity of wheezing in the first year of life in the city of Santo André, Brazil]. / Prevalência e gravidade da sibilância no primeiro ano de vida no município de Santo André

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and the severity of wheezing in the first year of life for infants who live in Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Cross sectional study with the administration of the Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes (EISL), which is a standardized and validated written questionnaire applied to parents and/or guardians of infants aged 12-24 months treated at primary health units, vaccination centers, day care centers, or kindergartens. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding demographic characteristics, presence of wheezing, respiratory infections, and risk factors. Results were analyzed using the SPSS for Windows, 20.0 (SPSS Inc. - Chicago, Il, United States). Logistic regression was applied to verify variables associated to recurrent wheezing. RESULTS: Among the 1,028 infants studied, 48.5% had one or more episodes of wheezing during the first 12 months of life (wheezing once), and 23.9% had three or more episodes (recurrent wheezing). Nocturnal symptoms, severe breathing difficulty, and visits to the emergency room were observed in 67.3%, 42.4%, and 60.7% of infants, respectively. Among the studied infants, 19.4% were hospitalized, and 11.0% had a medical diagnosis of asthma in the first year of life. Use of ß2-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, and leukotriene receptor antagonists were observed in 88.8%, 21.0%, 54.9%, and 3.2% of children with wheezing, respectively. Use of oral corticosteroids, perception of breathlessness by parents, diagnosis of asthma, pneumonia, and hospitalization for pneumonia were more frequent among infants with recurrent wheezing (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the city of Santo André, approximately half of infants had at least one episode of wheezing in the first year of life, and almost 25% had recurrent wheezing. Wheezing disorders in Santo André have early onset and high morbidity.

Prevalência e gravidade da sibilância no primeiro ano de vida no município de Santo André / Prevalence and severity of wheezing in the first year of life in the city of Santo André, Brazil

Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência e a gravidade da sibilância no primeiro ano de vida em lactentes no município de Santo André. Métodos: Estudo transversal com aplicação de questionário escrito, padronizado e validado do estudo EISL (do espanhol: Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes) aos pais e/ou responsáveis por lactentes de 12 a 24 meses de idade, em unidades básicas de saúde, durante campanhas de vacinação em creches e escolas maternais. O questionário consiste de questões sobre características demográficas, presença de sibilância, infecções respiratórias e fatores de risco. Os dados obtidos foram analisados com o Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows, versão 20.0 (SPSS inc., Chicago, Il, EUA). A regressão logística foi aplicada para analisar as variáveis associadas à presença de sibilos recorrentes. Resultados: Do total de 1.028 lactentes estudados, 48,5% apresentaram um ou mais episódios de sibilância nos primeiros 12 meses de vida (sibilância alguma vez) e 23,9%, três ou mais episódios (sibilância recorrente). Sintomas noturnos, dificuldade intensa para respirar e visitas à emergência estiveram presentes em 67,3%, 42,4% e 60,7% dos lactentes, respectivamente, sendo que 19,4% foram hospitalizados e 11,0% tiveram diagnóstico médico de asma. O uso de β2-agonistas, corticoides inalatórios, corticoides orais e antagonistas do receptor de leucotrienos foram observados em 88,8%, 21,0%, 54,9% e 3,2% das crianças com sibilância, respectivamente. Uso de corticoide oral, percepção de falta de ar pelos pais, diagnóstico de asma, pneumonia e hospitalização por pneumonia foram mais frequentes entre os sibilantes recorrentes (p<0,001). Conclusões: No município...

Objective: To determine the prevalence and the severity of wheezing in the first year of life for infants who live in Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Cross sectional study with the administration of the Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes (EISL), which is a standardized and validated written questionnaire applied to parents and/or guardians of infants aged 12-24 months treated at primary health units, vaccination centers, day care centers, or kindergartens. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding demographic characteristics, presence of wheezing, respiratory infections, and risk factors. Results were analyzed using the SPSS for Windows, 20.0 (SPSS Inc. - Chicago, Il, United States). Logistic regression was applied to verify variables associated to recurrent wheezing. Results: Among the 1,028 infants studied, 48.5% had one or more episodes of wheezing during the first 12 months of life (wheezing once), and 23.9% had three or more episodes (recurrent wheezing). Nocturnal symptoms, severe breathing difficulty, and visits to the emergency room were observed in 67.3%, 42.4%, and 60.7% of infants, respectively. Among the studied infants, 19.4% were hospitalized, and 11.0% had a medical diagnosis of asthma in the first year of life. Use of β2-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, and leukotriene receptor antagonists were observed in 88.8%, 21.0%, 54.9%, and 3.2% of children with wheezing, respectively. Use of oral corticosteroids, perception of breathlessness by parents, diagnosis of asthma, pneumonia, and hospitalization for pneumonia were more frequent among infants with recurrent wheezing (p<0.001). Conclusions: In the city of Santo André, approximately half of infants had at least one episode of wheezing in the first year of life, and almost 25% had recurrent wheezing. Wheezing disorders in Santo André have early onset and high morbidity...

Deficiência específica de anticorpo antipolissacarídeo de pneumococo e resposta humoral a vacinas pneumocócicas: atualização em diagnóstico / Specific anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide antibody deficiency and humoral response to pneumococcal vaccines: uptdate on diagnosis

A deficiência específica de anticorpo antipolissacarídeo de pneumococo é o comprometimento da resposta IgG específica aos antígenos polissacarídeos do pneumococo e manifesta-se de maneira semelhante às outras deficiências de imunoglobulinas, com infecções recorrentes do trato respiratório. A prevalência é variável, entre 7 a 19%, representando no Brasil 8,7% dos casos de imunodeficiências. O diagnóstico funcional baseia-se na capacidade do organismo montar uma resposta imune constituída pela produção de anticorpos quando estimulado por antígenos polissacarídeos presentes na vacina pneumocócica polissacarídea pura. No estudo da resposta à vacina pneumocócica polissacarídea pura é necessário testar os sorotipos não comuns à vacina polissacarídea conjugada para determinar a resposta de anticorpos antipolissacarídeos sem a interferência de anticorpos antiproteínas advindos da vacina polissacarídea conjugada. São reconhecidos quatro diferentes fenótipos da doença, denominados memória, leve, moderada e grave. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar revisão da literatura para verificar a epidemiologia, diagnóstico e fenótipos da deficiência específica de anticorpo antipolissacarídeo de pneumococo. Trata-se de revisão narrativa de artigos nos últimos 10 anos sobre a deficiência de anticorpo específica para o pneumococo. Concluímos que a deficiência específica de anticorpo antipolissacarídeo de pneumococo é frequente, com espectro laboratorial variável.

Specific anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide antibody deficiency is characterized by impairment of specific IgG response to pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens. Its clinical manifestation is similar to other immunoglobulin deficiencies, with recurrent infections of the respiratory tract. Prevalence is variable, ranging from 7 to 19%; in Brazil, it accounts for 8.7% of cases of immunodeficiencies. Diagnosis is based on the body’s functional ability to mount an immuneresponse including the production of antibodies after stimulation by polysaccharide antigens present in the pure pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. When studying responses to this vaccine, it is necessary to test serotypes other than those present in the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, in order to determine the response of anti-polysaccharide antibodies not influenced by antiprotein antibodies originating from the conjugate vaccine. Four different phenotypes of the disease are known: memory, mild, moderate, and severe. The objective of the present study was to review the literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and phenotypes of specific antipolysaccharide antibody deficiency. This narrative review includes papers published in the past 10 years on specific anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide antibody deficiency. We conclude that the condition is common, with a variable spectrum of laboratory findings.

Evaluation of criteria for the diagnosis of asthma using an epidemiological questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate criteria for the diagnosis of asthma in an epidemiological survey. METHODS: Adolescents (13-14 years of age) and legal guardians of schoolchildren (6-7 years of age) in the city of Santo André, Brazil, completed the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) standard written questionnaire. Affirmative responses regarding wheezing within the last 12 months, asthma ever, bronchitis ever (question added at the end of the questionnaire), as well as the overall ISAAC score above the predefined cutoff points, were considered indicative of asthma. RESULTS: The legal guardians of 2,180 schoolchildren and 3,231 adolescents completed the questionnaires properly. Depending on the criterion adopted, the prevalence of asthma ranged from 4.9% to 26.8% for the schoolchildren and from 8.9% to 27.9% for the adolescents. The criteria with the lowest and highest prevalences were, respectively, physician-diagnosed asthma and physician-diagnosed bronchitis. When compared with other criteria, physician-diagnosed bronchitis showed concordance levels between 71.9% and 79.4%, positive predictive values between 0.16 and 0.63 and poor concordance (kappa: 0.21-0.46). Strong concordance levels were found only between wheezing within the last 12 months and the overall ISAAC score (kappa: 0.82 and 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma varied significantly, depending on the criterion adopted, and there was poor concordance among the criteria. Wheezing within the last 12 months and the overall ISAAC score are the best criteria for the diagnosis of asthma, whereas the question regarding bronchitis ever did not improve the questionnaire. Modifications in this instrument can make it difficult to draw comparisons and should therefore be carefully evaluated.

Avaliação de critérios para o diagnóstico de asma através de um questionário epidemiológico / Evaluation of criteria for the diagnosis of asthma using an epidemiological questionnaire

OBJETIVO: Avaliar critérios para o diagnóstico de asma em um estudo epidemiológico. MÉTODOS: Adolescentes (13-14 anos) e responsáveis por escolares (6-7 anos) do município de Santo André, São Paulo, responderam o questionário escrito padrão do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Respostas afirmativas quanto a ter sibilos nos últimos 12 meses, ter asma ou ter bronquite (pergunta adicionada ao final do questionário), assim como o escore global do ISAAC acima dos pontos de corte pré-definidos, foram consideradas como indicativo de asma. RESULTADOS: Os questionários foram adequadamente preenchidos por 2.180 responsáveis por escolares e 3.231 adolescentes. Dependendo do critério empregado, a prevalência de asma variou de 4,9 por cento a 26,8 por cento para os escolares, e de 8,9 por cento a 27,9 por cento para os adolescentes. Os critérios com as menores e maiores prevalências foram, respectivamente, diagnóstico médico de asma e diagnóstico médico de bronquite. A análise comparativa entre o diagnóstico médico de bronquite e os demais critérios mostrou níveis de concordância entre 71,9 por cento e 79,4 por cento, valores preditivos positivos entre 0,16 e 0,63 e concordância fraca (kappa: 0,21-0,46). Índices elevados de concordância foram observados entre sibilos nos últimos 12 meses e o escore global do ISAAC (kappa: 0,82 e 0,98). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de asma variou significantemente, de acordo com o critério diagnóstico adotado, e houve baixa concordância entre os critérios. Sibilos nos últimos 12 meses e o escore global do ISAAC são os critérios mais recomendados para se diagnosticar asma, ao passo que a pergunta "bronquite alguma vez" não demonstrou melhorar o questionário. Modificações nesse instrumento devem ser cuidadosamente avaliadas e podem dificultar comparações.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate criteria for the diagnosis of asthma in an epidemiological survey. METHODS: Adolescents (13-14 years of age) and legal guardians of schoolchildren (6-7 years of age) in the city of Santo André, Brazil, completed the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) standard written questionnaire. Affirmative responses regarding wheezing within the last 12 months, asthma ever, bronchitis ever (question added at the end of the questionnaire), as well as the overall ISAAC score above the predefined cutoff points, were considered indicative of asthma. RESULTS: The legal guardians of 2,180 schoolchildren and 3,231 adolescents completed the questionnaires properly. Depending on the criterion adopted, the prevalence of asthma ranged from 4.9 percent to 26.8 percent for the schoolchildren and from 8.9 percent to 27.9 percent for the adolescents. The criteria with the lowest and highest prevalences were, respectively, physician-diagnosed asthma and physician-diagnosed bronchitis. When compared with other criteria, physician-diagnosed bronchitis showed concordance levels between 71.9 percent and 79.4 percent, positive predictive values between 0.16 and 0.63 and poor concordance (kappa: 0.21-0.46). Strong concordance levels were found only between wheezing within the last 12 months and the overall ISAAC score (kappa: 0.82 and 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma varied significantly, depending on the criterion adopted, and there was poor concordance among the criteria. Wheezing within the last 12 months and the overall ISAAC score are the best criteria for the diagnosis of asthma, whereas the question regarding bronchitis ever did not improve the questionnaire. Modifications in this instrument can make it difficult to draw comparisons and should therefore be carefully evaluated.

Freqüência de sintomas associados à asma e doenças alérgicas em adultos jovens, na cidade de Santo André, SP / Frequency of asthma, allergic diseases and related symptoms among young adults of Santo André, state of São Paulo

OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência e a gravidade de sintomas relacionados à asma, à rinite e ao eczema atópico em adultos jovens, empregando o questionário escrito (QE) padronizado e auto-aplicável do ISAAC. MÉTODO: 747 estudantes da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, (Medicina, Enfermagem e Farmácia) foram aleatoriamente escolhidos para responder o QE padrão ISAAC, composto pelos 3 módulos (asma, rinite, eczema). Destes, 600 o fizeram de forma correta e completa. Foram calculadas as freqüências relativas e absolutas das respostas afirmativas às questões analisadas. RESULTADOS: A média de idade da população estudada foi de 26 anos (17- 28), sendo que 67 por cento eram mulheres. A freqüência de asma ativa (sibilos nos últimos 12 meses) foi 15,3 por cento e a de asma grave (dificuldade de fala durante as crises) foi 2 por cento. A freqüência de rinite foi 62,1 por cento (35,8 por cento com sintomas graves), a de rinoconjuntivite foi 33,8 por cento e a de eczema flexural, 6,6 por cento. Com exceção da asma e seus sintomas, observou-se predomínio no sexo feminino. Os dados analisados indicam a necessidade de estudos adicionais em adultos jovens e a utilização de marcadores para as doenças alérgicas e atópicas.(AU)

AIM: To determine the Frequence and severity of symptoms related to asthma, rhinitis and atopic eczema in young adults, using the standard self-applicable ISAAC written questionnaire (WQ). METHOD: 747 students of Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy) were randomly chosen to answer the WQ. Six hundred students correctly and completely answered the WQ. Relative and absolute frequencies of affirmative answers to the analyzed questions were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied population was 26 years (17-28) and 67 percent were women. The prevalence of active asthma (wheezing in the last 12 months) was 15.3 percent and of severe asthma (speech difficulty during the crisis), 2 percent. The Frequence of rhinitis was 62.1 percent (35.8 percent with severe symptoms), of rhinoconjunctivitis, 33.8 percent, and of flexural eczema, 6.6 percent. With the exception of asthma and its symptoms, there was predominance of these diseases in females. The analyzed data indicate the need for further studies in young adults and the use of markers for allergic and atopic diseases.(AU)

Freqüência de sintomas associados à asma e doenças alérgicas em adultos jovens, na cidade de Santo André, SP / Frequency of asthma, allergic diseases and related symptoms among young adults of Santo André, state of São Paulo

OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência e a gravidade de sintomas relacionados à asma, à rinite e ao eczema atópico em adultos jovens, empregando o questionário escrito (QE) padronizado e auto-aplicável do ISAAC. MÉTODO: 747 estudantes da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, (Medicina, Enfermagem e Farmácia) foram aleatoriamente escolhidos para responder o QE padrão ISAAC, composto pelos 3 módulos (asma, rinite, eczema). Destes, 600 o fizeram de forma correta e completa. Foram calculadas as frequências relativas e absolutas das respostas afirmativas às questões analisadas. RESULTADOS: A média de idade da população estudada foi de 26 anos (17- 28), sendo que 67 por cento eram mulheres. A frequência de asma ativa (sibilos nos últimos 12 meses) foi 15,3 por cento e a de asma grave (dificuldade de fala durante as crises) foi 2 por cento. A frequência de rinite foi 62,1 por cento (35,8 por cento com sintomas graves), a de rinoconjuntivite foi 33,8 por cento e a de eczema flexural, 6,6 por cento. Com exceção da asma e seus sintomas, observou-se predomínio no sexo feminino. Os dados analisados indicam a necessidade de estudos adicionais em adultos jovens e a utilização de marcadores para as doenças alérgicas e atópicas.

AIM: To determine the Frequence and severity of symptoms related to asthma, rhinitis and atopic eczema in young adults, using the standard self-applicable ISAAC written questionnaire (WQ). METHOD: 747 students of Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy) were randomly chosen to answer the WQ. Six hundred students correctly and completely answered the WQ. Relative and absolute frequencies of affirmative answers to the analyzed questions were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied population was 26 years (17-28) and 67 percent were women. The prevalence of active asthma (wheezing in the last 12 months) was 15.3 percent and of severe asthma (speech difficulty during the crisis), 2 percent. The Frequence of rhinitis was 62.1 percent (35.8 percent with severe symptoms), of rhinoconjunctivitis, 33.8 percent, and of flexural eczema, 6.6 percent. With the exception of asthma and its symptoms, there was predominance of these diseases in females. The analyzed data indicate the need for further studies in young adults and the use of markers for allergic and atopic diseases.

Respiração bucal em pacientes com rinite alérgica: fatores associados e complicações / Mouth breathing in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis: associated factors and complications

Objetivos: Verificar a freqüência de complicações e co-morbidades associadas á rinite alérgica persistente (RAP) em crianças e adolescentes e, a interferência da respiração bucal sobre a oclusão dentária. Métodos: Avaliou-se 136 pacientes (7 a 15 anos) com RAP divididos em dois grupos: respiradores bucais (RB, N=76) e respiradores nasais (RN, N=60). Eles foram submetidos a exame clínico (incluindo rinoscopia anterior e avaliação da oclusão dentária) e teste cutâneo de hipersensibilidade imediata (TCHI). Seus pais ou responsáveis preencheram questionário sobre sintomas e doenças associadas à RAP: sono agitado, sialorréia, roncos noturnos, cansaço diurno, olheiras, número de sinusites e/ou otites médias nos últimos dois anos, conjuntivite alérgica, dermatite atópica, asma e apnéia noturna. Resultados: As freqüências de RAP associada à asma, otite média, sinusite, conjuntivite alérgica, dermatite atópica e má oclusão dentária foram: 69,1 por cento, 23,5 por cento, 40,4 por cento, 19,1 por cento, 18,3 por cento e 70,5 por cento, respectivamente. Todos os pacientes tiveram TCHI positivo para ácaros da poeira domiciliar. A respiração bucal associou-se a menor freqüência de asma [razão de chance (OR)=0,38; intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento (IC95 por cento)=0,18-0,84] e à maior freqüência de roncos noturnos (OR=2,4; IC95 por cento=1,1-4,8). A má oclusão dentária classe III de Angle associou-se de modo significante à respiração bucal (OR=3,4; IC95 por cento=1,1-10,9). Conclusões: Na população estudada, a freqüencia de complicações e co-morbidades associadas à RAP foi alta e a respiração bucal esteve associada à má-oclusão dentária classe III de Angle e a roncos noturnos.