Frequency of sarcopenia and associated factors among hospitalized elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is an important public health problem that affects mainly elders, and has negative consequences, such as disability and even death. Due to the lack of studies evaluating sarcopenia in elderly persons hospitalized in Brazil, the aim of the present study was to describe the frequency of sarcopenia and associated factors among elders in a hospital in the city of Salvador-Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 110 hospitalized elderly patients in a multi-specialty hospital in Salvador-BA, Brazil. Inclusion criteria: were elders aged ≥60 years between the first and fifth day of hospitalization; who were able to walk without external assistance; with medical permission to walk, and who did not take vasoactive and inotropic drugs. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was determined by combining the reduction in skeletal muscle mass with muscle weakness (women, <20 kg; men, <30 kg) and/or poor physical performance (gait speed ≤0.8 m/s). To obtain reduced skeletal muscle mass, the skeletal muscle mass index ≤6.37 kg/m(2) for women and ≤8.90 kg/m(2) for men was used. Cognitive function, Charlson index, admission profile (clinical and surgical), smoking, falls suffered in the last year and physical inactivity prior to admission were also evaluated. The frequency of sarcopenia was described in percentages with their respective confidence intervals and logistic regression was performed for multivariate analysis of factors associated with sarcopenia. RESULTS: Among the 110 patients included, the frequency of sarcopenia was 21.8%, with 10.0% being of the severe type. There was a predominance of clinical profile (59.1%), such as heart disease (20.0%), pneumonia (13.6%) and skin infections (9.1%), with a Charlson index of 5.4 ± 1.8. The factors associated with sarcopenia were age (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.23), clinical profile on admission (OR = 5.15; 95% CI = 1.16-22.9) and smoking (OR = 7.8; 95% CI = 1.53-39.9). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of sarcopenia in elderly hospitalized patients was high (1 in 5 elderly) and anthropometric equation can be a viable and inexpensive alternative to screening and programming intervention in this population.

Effects of the Use of Beta-Blockers on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Associated with Cardiovascular Comorbities: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Cardiovascular comorbidity is common in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This factor interferes with pharmacological treatment. The use of ß-blockers has been proposed for their known cardioprotective effects. However, due to their adverse reactions, and the risk of causing bronchospasm, there is reluctance to use them. To summarize existing evidence on the effects of ß-blocker use in COPD associated with cardiovascular comorbidities in relation to disease severity, exacerbation, and mortality outcomes. EMBASE, Medline, Lilacs, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct databases were used. Observational studies that evaluated the effects of ß-blockers on individuals with COPD and cardiovascular comorbidities, and related disease severity, exacerbations, or mortality outcomes were included. Studies that did not present important information about the sample and pharmacological treatment were excluded. Twenty studies were included. Relevance to patient care and clinical practice: The use of ß-blockers in individuals with COPD and cardiovascular disease caused positive effects on mortality and exacerbations outcomes, compared with the results of individuals who did not use them. The severity of the disease caused a slight change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second. The odds ratio for mortality was 0.50 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 0.63; p<0.00001), and for exacerbations, 0.76 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.92; p=0.005), being favorable to the group that used ß-blockers. Further studies are needed to study the effect of using a specific ß-blocker in COPD associated with a specific cardiovascular comorbidity.

Assessing the performance of commercial serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.

Objectives: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has triggered a global pandemic with profound implications for public health. Rapid changes in the pandemic landscape and limitations in in vitro diagnostics led to the introduction of numerous diagnostic devices with variable performance. In this study, we evaluated three commercial serological assays in Brazil for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Methods: We collected 90 serum samples from SARS-CoV-2-negative blood donors and 352 from SARS-CoV-2-positive, unvaccinated patients, categorized by symptom onset. Subsequently, we assessed the diagnostic performance of three commercial enzyme immunoassays: GOLD ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) COVID-19 Ig (immunoglobulin) G + IgM, Anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP IgM ELISA, and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP IgG ELISA. Results: Our findings revealed that the GOLD ELISA COVID-19 IgG + IgM exhibited the highest sensitivity (57.7%) and diagnostic odds ratio, surpassing the manufacturer's reported sensitivity in most analyzed time frames while maintaining exceptional specificity (98.9%). Conversely, the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP IgG ELISA demonstrated lower sensitivity but aligned with independent evaluations, boasting a specificity of 100%. However, the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP IgM ELISA exhibited lower sensitivity than claimed, particularly in samples collected shortly after positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results. Performance improved 15-21 days after symptom onset and beyond 22 days, but in the first week, both Anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP IgM ELISA and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP IgG ELISA struggled to differentiate positive and negative samples. Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the need for standardized validation protocols to address discrepancies between manufacturer-claimed and actual performance. These insights provide essential information for health care practitioners and policymakers regarding the diagnostic capabilities of these assays in various clinical scenarios.

Usefulness of receptor binding domain protein-based serodiagnosis of COVID-19.

Objectives: This study evaluated the performance of recombinant receptor binding domain (RBD) protein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (RBD-ELISAs) for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies. Methods: In this study, 705 sera from SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals and 315 sera from healthy individuals were analyzed. Results: The RBD-ELISA IgG exhibited high specificity (99.1%) and moderate sensitivity (48.0%), with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 73.5%. RBD-ELISA IgM demonstrated specificity at 94.6% and sensitivity at 51.1%, with an accuracy of 72.8%. Both assays displayed improved performance when analyzing samples collected 15-21 days post-symptom onset, achieving sensitivity and accuracy exceeding 88% and 90%, respectively. Combining RBD-ELISA IgG and IgM in parallel analysis enhanced sensitivity to 98.6% and accuracy to 96.2%. Comparing these RBD-ELISAs with commercially available tests, the study found overlapping sensitivity and similar specificity values. Notably, the combined RBD-ELISA IgG and IgM showed superior performance. Cross-reactivity analysis revealed low false-positive rates (4.4% for IgG, 3.7% for IgM), primarily with viral infections. Conclusion: This research underscores the potential of RBD-based ELISAs for COVID-19 diagnosis, especially when assessing samples collected 15-21 days post-symptom onset and utilizing a parallel testing approach. The RBD protein's immunogenicity and specificity make it a valuable tool for serodiagnosis, offering an alternative to polymerase chain reaction-based methods, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Comprehensive Study of the IBMP ELISA IgA/IgM/IgG COVID-19 Kit for SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Detection.

COVID-19 laboratory diagnosis primarily relies on molecular tests, highly sensitive during early infection stages with high viral loads. As the disease progresses, sensitivity decreases, requiring antibody detection. Since the beginning of the pandemic, serological tests have been developed and made available in Brazil, but their diagnostic performance varies. This study evaluated the IBMP ELISA IgA/IgM/IgG COVID-19 kit performance in detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. A total of 90 samples, including 64 from COVID-19 patients and 26 pre-pandemic donors, were assessed based on time post symptom onset (0-7, 8-14, and 15-21 days). The kit showed 61% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 72% accuracy overall. Sensitivity varied with time, being 25%, 57%, and 96% for 0-7, 8-14, and 15-21 days, respectively. Similar variations were noted in other commercial tests. The Gold ELISA COVID-19 (IgG/IgM) had sensitivities of 31%, 71%, and 100%, while the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP ELISA (IgG) and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP ELISA (IgM) showed varying sensitivities. The IBMP ELISA kit displayed high diagnostic capability, especially as the disease progressed, complementing COVID-19 diagnosis. Reproducibility assessment revealed minimal systematic and analytical errors. In conclusion, the IBMP ELISA IgA/IgM/IgG COVID-19 kit is a robust tool for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, increasing in efficacy over the disease course, and minimizing false negatives in RT-PCR COVID-19 diagnosis.

Prevalence and Impact of Comorbidities in Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review.

This study aimed to describe the prevalence of comorbidities associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their relation with relevant outcomes. A systematic review based on the PRISMA methodology was performed from January 2020 until July 2021. The MEDLINE, Lilacs, and Scielo databases were searched to identify studies related to COPD and its comorbidities. Observational studies on the prevalence of comorbidities in COPD patients and costs with health estimates, reduced quality of life, and mortality were included. Studies that were restricted to one or more COPD pain assessments and only specific comorbidities such as osteoporosis, bronchitis, and asthma were excluded. The initial search identified 1,409 studies and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 studies were finally selected for analysis (comprising data from 447,459 COPD subjects). The most frequent COPD comorbidities were: hypertension (range, 17%-64.7%), coronary artery disease (19.9%-47.8%), diabetes (10.2%-45%), osteoarthritis (18%-43.8%), psychiatric conditions (12.1%-33%), and asthma (14.7%-32.5%). Several comorbidities had an impact on the frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations, quality of life, and mortality risk, in particular malignancies, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias. Comorbidities, especially cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, are frequent in COPD patients, and some of them are associated with higher mortality.

Early detection of P.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a cluster of cases in Salvador, Brazil.

We report 3 cases of severe COVID-19 due to the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 lineage in a familial cluster detected in Salvador, Bahia-Brazil. All cases were linked to travel by family members from the state of Amazonas to Bahia in late December 2020. This report indicates the cryptic transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 lineage across Brazil and highlights the importance of genomic surveillance to track the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Home exercise improves the quality of sleep and daytime sleepiness of elderlies: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Aging causes physiological changes which affect the quality of sleep. Supervised physical exercise is an important therapeutic resource to improve the sleep of the elderlies, however there is a low adherence to those type of programs, so it is necessary to implement an exercise program which is feasible and effective. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that a semi-supervised home exercise program, improves sleep quality and daytime sleepiness of elderlies of the community who present poor sleep quality. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial study, conducted from May to September 2017, in Northeastern Brazil, with elderlies of the community aging 60 years old or older, sedentary, with lower scores or equal to 5 at the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and without cognitive decline. From one hundred ninety-one potential participants twenty-eight refused to participate, therefore, one hundred thirty-one (mean age 68 ± 7 years), and 88% female, were randomly assigned to an intervention group - IG (home exercise and sleep hygiene, n = 65) and a control group - CG (sleep hygiene only, n = 66). Sleep assessment tools were used: PSQI, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and clinical questionnaire of Berlin. The level of physical activity has been assessed by means of International Physical Activity Questionnaire adapted for the elderly (IPAQ) and Mini-Mental State Examination for cognitive decline. All participants were assessed before and after the 12-week intervention period and, also, the assessors were blind. RESULTS: The IG showed significant improvement in quality of sleep with a mean reduction of 4.9 ± 2.7 points in the overall PSQI (p < 0.01) and in all its 7 components of evaluation (p < 0.05), and improvement of secondary endpoint, daytime sleepiness, a decline of 2.8 ± 2.2 points in the ESS (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that semi-supervised home exercise is effective in improving the quality of sleep and self-referred daytime sleepiness of sedentary elderlies of the community who presented sleep disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ensaiosclinicos.gov.br process number: RBR-3cqzfy.

Association of sleep quality with excessive daytime somnolence and quality of life of elderlies of community.

BACKGROUND: The progressive increase in the elderly population contributes to the fact that studies on human aging have important attention of health professionals and government agents, since they present a great challenge regarding public health. Our objective is to characterize the profile of older people with poor sleep quality and analyze possible associations with excessive daytime somnolence, quality of life and functional mobility. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, involving elderlies of the community, with the questionnaires Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, WHOQOL-OLD and application of the Timed Up and Go test - TUG. Descriptive statistics, Student's t test for paired samples and Pearson's correlation coefficient (p ≤ 0.05) were used. RESULTS: We recruited 131 elderly people, predominantly female (87%); mean age 68 ± 7 years, low per capita income (84.8% ≤ 2 minimum wage), low education (86.3% ≤ 3 years of study), and mostly staying with relatives (67.9%), married (39.7%) or amassed (35.9%). Seventy-one percent of the sample is above normal weight, 90.1% of women have an abdominal circumference ≥ 80 cm and a high prevalence of chronic and psychosocial diseases was identified in the self-report, and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea in 38.2%. The mean PSQI, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, WHOQOL-OLD and TUG were equal to, respectively, 11.2 ± 3.2; 8.32 ± 2.2; 84.8 ± 10.2 and 8.97 ± 2. An association of sleep quality with excessive daytime somnolence and quality of life, while not with functional mobility, was observed. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study allowed to identify a sleep quality associated with excessive daytime somnolence and quality of life and also to characterize the profile of elders with poor sleep quality.

Effect of a home-based exercise program on functional mobility and quality of life in elderly people: protocol of a single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Elderly people have high rates of functional decline, which compromises independence, self-confidence, and quality of life (QoL). Physical exercise leads to significant improvements in strength, balance, functional mobility, and QoL, but there is still reduced access to this therapeutic strategy due to difficulties in locomotion to training centers or lack of adaptation to the exercise environment. METHODS/DESIGN: The purpose of this clinical trial will be to verify the effect of a progressive and semi-supervised, home-based exercise program on the functional mobility, and in the QoL of sedentary elderly people. This is a protocol of a consecutive, single-center, single-blind, and randomized controlled trial. The design, conduct, and report follows the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) guidelines. Sedentary elderly people will be enrolled, and randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group will perform exercises in their own home and the control group will not perform exercises. The evaluations will occur at study enrollment and after 3 months of intervention, and will be performed using the functional mobility Timed Up & Go (TUG) test and sociodemographic and QoL questionnaires. In the statistical analysis, comparisons of mean and correlation analyses will be performed. The primary expected outcome is the improvement in functional mobility verified through the TUG test and the secondary outcome is the improvement in QoL verified by the WHOQOL-OLD. DISCUSSION: The lack of scientific evidence demonstrating the benefits of semi-supervised home exercise on functional mobility and QoL in elderly people represents an obstacle to the development of guidelines for clinical practice and for policy-makers. The World Health Organization highlighted the importance of musculoskeletal health programs for elderly people, and the exercise program described in this protocol was designed to be viable, easy to implement, and inexpensive, and could be performed at the home of elderly subjects after receiving only guidelines and follow-up via periodic visits. Based on these facts, we hope that this study will demonstrate that a well-structured, home-based exercise program can be effective in improving functional mobility and QoL of sedentary elderly people, even without constant supervision during exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC), Identifier: RBR-3cqzfy . Registered on 2 December 2016.

Associação entre doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica e a má condição de saúde periodontal: um estudo transversal / Association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and poor periodontal health: a cross-sectional study

Objetivo: estudos sugerem uma associação entre a doença periodontal e a doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a condição periodontal em pacientes com DPOC. Metodologia: Este estudo transversal incluiu 33 pacientes com DPOC e 30 pacientes sem DPOC (grupo controle). Todos os pacientes realizaram espirometria e foram examinados por um dentista. A condição periodontal foi avaliada através dos seguintes índices: número de dentes, índice de placa (IP), índice de sangramento gengival (IG), profundidade de sondagem (PS), PS dos sítios doentes (PSD), nível de inserção clínica (NIC), NIC dos sítios doentes (NICD) e percentual de sítios doentes (NICDP). Para análise estatística foram utilizados o teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson, o testet de Student, análise de regressão logística e cálculo do odds ratio. Resultados: O grupo DPOC apresentou maiores IP (p=0,01), NIC (p=0,001) e NICDP (p<0,001), com odds ratio de 1,2 (95%IC: 1,023­1,408). Conclusões: Os pacientes com DPOC apresentaram pior condição periodontal. Mais estudos são necessários para esclarecer o papel da terapia periodontal no protocolo de acompanhamento dos pacientes com DPOC

Objective: evidence suggests an association between periodontal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal status in patients with COPD. Methods: this cross-sectional study included 33 patients with COPD and 30 patients without COPD (control group). All patients underwent spirometry and were examined by a dentist. Periodontal status was evaluated by the following indexes: number of teeth, plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing depth (PD), PD of diseased sites (PDD), clinical attachment level (CAL), CAL of diseased sites (CALD) and percentage of diseased sites (CALDP). The findings were analyzed under Pearson's chi-square test, independent samples t test and logistic regression with odds ratio. Results: the COPD group had higher PI (p = 0,01), CAL (p = 0,001) and CALDP (p <0,001), and the odds ratio for patients with COPD was 1.2 (95% CI: 1,023-1,408). Conclusions: patients with COPD present worse periodontal status. More studies are needed in order to clarify the role of periodontal therapy in the management of COPD.

Recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of COPD: questions and answers.

The treatment of COPD has become increasingly effective. Measures that range from behavioral changes, reduction in exposure to risk factors, education about the disease and its course, rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, management of comorbidities, and surgical and pharmacological treatments to end-of-life care allow health professionals to provide a personalized and effective therapy. The pharmacological treatment of COPD is one of the cornerstones of COPD management, and there have been many advances in this area in recent years. Given the greater availability of drugs and therapeutic combinations, it has become increasingly challenging to know the indications for, limitations of, and potential risks and benefits of each treatment modality. In order to critically evaluate recent evidence and systematize the major questions regarding the pharmacological treatment of COPD, 24 specialists from all over Brazil gathered to develop the present recommendations. A visual guide was developed for the classification and treatment of COPD, both of which were adapted to fit the situation in Brazil. Ten questions were selected on the basis of their relevance in clinical practice. They address the classification, definitions, treatment, and evidence available for each drug or drug combination. Each question was answered by two specialists, and then the answers were consolidated in two phases: review and consensus by all participants. The questions answered are practical questions and help select from among the many options the best treatment for each patient and his/her peculiarities.

Viability of gait speed test in hospitalized elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE: The gait speed test (GST) is a physical test that can predict falls and aid in the diagnosis of sarcopenia in the elderly. However, to our knowledge, there have been no studies evaluating its reproducibility in hospitalized elderly patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and reproducibility of the six-meter GST (6GST) in hospitalized elderly patients. METHODS: This repeated measures study involved hospitalized elderly patients (≥ 60 years of age) who underwent the 6GST by the fifth day of hospitalization, were able to walk without assistance, and presented no signs of dyspnea or pain that would prevent them from performing the test. The 6GST was performed three times in sequence, with a rest period between each test, in a level corridor. Gait speed was measured in meters/second. Reproducibility was assessed by comparing the means, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: We evaluated 110 elderly patients in a total of 330 tests. All participants completed all of the tests. The comparisons between the speeds obtained during the three tests showed high ICCs and a low mean bias (Bland-Altman plots). The correlation and accuracy were greatest when the mean maximum speed was compared with that obtained in the third test (1.26 ± 0.44 m/s vs. 1.22 ± 0.44 m/s; ICC = 0.99; p = 0.001; mean bias = 0.04; and limits of agreement = -0.27 to 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: The 6GST was proven to be safe and to have good reproducibility in this sample of hospitalized elderly patients. The third measurement seems to correspond to the maximum speed, since the first two measurements underestimated the actual performance. OBJETIVO: O teste de velocidade de marcha (TVM) é um teste físico que pode predizer quedas e auxiliar no diagnóstico de sarcopenia em idosos da comunidade. Entretanto, pelo que sabemos, não há estudos que avaliaram sua reprodutibilidade em idosos hospitalizados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a segurança e a reprodutibilidade do TVM de seis metros (TVM6) em idosos hospitalizados. MÉTODOS: Estudo com medidas repetidas envolvendo idosos hospitalizados (idade ≥ 60 anos) que realizaram o TVM6 até o quinto dia de hospitalização, sendo capazes de andar sem auxílio e não apresentando dispneia ou dor que os incapacitasse para a realização dos testes. O TVM6 foi realizado sequencialmente três vezes, com período de descanso, em um corredor plano, e a velocidade de marcha foi calculada em metros/segundo. A reprodutibilidade foi avaliada pela comparação das médias, coeficientes de correlação intraclasse (CCI) e disposições gráficas de Bland-Altman. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 110 idosos avaliados com um total de 330 testes. Todos os participantes completaram todos os testes. As comparações entre as velocidades obtidas nos três testes realizados indicaram CCIs elevados e viés médio baixo pela disposição gráfica de Bland-Altman. Em relação à maior velocidade aferida, a correlação e a precisão foram maiores quando comparadas à obtida no terceiro teste (1,26 ± 0,44 m/s vs. 1,22 ± 0,44 m/s; CCI = 0,99; p = 0,001; viés médio = 0,04; e limites de concordância = -0,27 a 0,15). CONCLUSÕES: O TVM6 mostrou-se seguro e teve boa reprodutibilidade nessa amostra de idosos hospitalizados. A terceira aferição parece corresponder à velocidade máxima, já que duas primeiras subestimaram o desempenho real.

Inflammatory and immunological profiles in patients with COPD: relationship with FEV 1 reversibility.

OBJECTIVE:: To determine whether COPD severity correlates with sputum cell counts, atopy, and asthma. METHODS:: This was a cross-sectional study involving 37 patients with COPD and 22 healthy subjects with normal lung function (controls). Sputum cell counts were determined by microscopy after centrifugation of samples. Skin prick tests were performed, and serum cytokines were determined by ELISA. RESULTS:: Patients were stratified by bronchodilator response: a non-reversible airflow limitation (nonRAL) group comprised 24 patients showing no significant post-bronchodilator change in FEV1; and a partially reversible airflow limitation (partialRAL) group comprised 13 patients showing FEV1 reversibility (post-bronchodilator FEV1 increase ≥ 12%). The proportion of eosinophils in sputum was higher in the partialRAL group than in the nonRAL group (p < 0.01), and there was an inverse correlation between the proportion of eosinophils and FEV1 (p < 0.05). However, none of the patients had a history of asthma and skin prick test results did not differ between the two groups. In the patient sputum samples, neutrophils predominated. Serum levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-8, and RANTES (CCL5) were higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.001) but did not differ between the two patient groups. CONCLUSIONS:: COPD patients with partial FEV1 reversibility appear to have higher sputum eosinophil counts and greater airway hyperresponsiveness than do those with no FEV1 reversibility. However, we found that COPD severity did not correlate with atopy or with the cytokine profile. OBJETIVO:: Determinar se a gravidade da DPOC se correlaciona com a contagem de células no escarro, atopia e asma. MÉTODOS:: Estudo transversal com 37 pacientes com DPOC e 22 indivíduos saudáveis com função pulmonar normal (controles). As contagens de células no escarro foram determinadas por microscopia após a centrifugação das amostras. Foram realizados testes cutâneos de puntura, e as citocinas séricas foram determinadas por ELISA. RESULTADOS:: Os pacientes foram estratificados pela resposta ao broncodilatador: o grupo de limitação ao fluxo aéreo não reversível (LFAnr) envolveu 24 pacientes sem alteração significativa do VEF1 pós-broncodilatador, e o grupo de limitação ao fluxo aéreo parcialmente reversível (LFApr) envolveu 13 pacientes com reversibilidade do VEF1 (aumento do VEF1 pós-broncodilatador ≥ 12%). A proporção de eosinófilos no escarro foi maior no grupo LFApr do que no LFAnr (p < 0,01), e houve uma correlação inversa entre a proporção de eosinófilos e VEF1 (p < 0,05). Entretanto, nenhum dos pacientes apresentou histórico de asma e os resultados dos testes cutâneos não diferiram entre os dois grupos. Nas amostras de escarro dos pacientes, os neutrófilos predominaram. Os níveis séricos de TNF, IL-6, IL-8 e RANTES (CCL5) foram maiores nos pacientes que nos controles (p < 0,001), mas não diferiram entre os dois grupos de pacientes. CONCLUSÕES:: Pacientes com DPOC e reversibilidade parcial do VEF1 parecem apresentar maiores contagens de eosinófilos no escarro e maior hiper-responsividade das vias aéreas que aqueles sem reversibilidade do VEF1. Entretanto, a gravidade da DPOC não se correlacionou com atopia ou perfil das citocinas.

Reprodutibilidade intraobservador do teste Timed Up and Go para pacientes com DPOC / Intrarater reliability of Timed Up and Go Test to patients with COPD

| INTRODUÇÃO: O Timed UP and Go Test (TUG) é um importante teste utilizado para a avaliação de desfechos funcionais na DPOC, como mobilidade, equilíbrio dinâmico e risco de queda. No cenário clínico prático, a aplicação repetida do TUG é realizada muitas vezes pelo mesmo observador, no objetivo de avaliar diversas intervenções aplicadas na DPOC. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de reprodutibilidade intraobservador do TUG em indivíduos com DPOC. METODOLOGIA: Estudo descritivo, de corte transversal, realizado com indivíduos com DPOC, atendidos ambulatorialmente na cidade de Salvador-Bahia. Foram verificadas características sociodemográficas e clínicas como a espirometria (VEF1/CVF), e tempo de realização de duas práticas no mesmo dia do teste TUG. A reprodutibilidade do TUG foi avaliada pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI), CAAE número 38143214.0.0000.0057. RESULTADOS: Trinta e um pacientes voluntários foram avaliados; destes, 24 (77,4%) homens, média da idade de 68,6 ± 9,8 anos, com relação VEF1/CVF pós-broncodilatador de 59,0 ± 10,8 %. Na análise da reprodutibilidade intraobservador do TUG pelo CCI, obteve-se α = 0,897 (CI 95%: 0,786; 0,950; p < 0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: O teste TUG possui excelente reprodutibilidade intraobservador e uma pequena variabilidade quando aplicados duas vezes em pacientes com DPOC, sendo a aplicação para avaliação da mobilidade, na prática do cuidado em saúde considerada factível.

INTRODUCTION: The Timed UP and Go Test (TUG) is an important test used to assess functional outcomes in COPD, such as mobility, dynamic balance, and risk of falling. In clinical practice, the repeated application of the TUG is performed several times by the same observer to evaluate different interventions applied in COPD. OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of intraobserver reproducibility of TUG in individuals with COPD. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out with individuals with COPD treated in an outpatient clinic in the city of SalvadorBahia. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics such as spirometry (FEV1/FVC) were verified, as well as two practices of the TUG Test on the same day. The reproducibility of TUG was evaluated fur Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). CAAE number 38143214.0.0000.0057. RESULTS: Thirty-one volunteer patients were evaluated, of which 24 (77.4%) men, mean age 68.6 ± 9.8 years, with post-bronchodilator FEV1//FVC ratio 59.0 ± 10.8%. In the analysis of intraobserver reproducibility of the TUG by the ICC, α = 0.897 (CI 95%: 0.786; 0.950; p < 0.0001) was obtained. CONCLUSION: The TUG test has excellent intraobserver reproducibility and a small variability when applied twice in patients with COPD, being the application for mobility assessment, in care practice, considered viable.

Atualização: Sarcopenia / Update: Sarcopenia

OBJETIVO: Fazer uma atualização da revisão de literatura sobre sarcopenia publicada em 2014 nesta revista. De acordo com o Consenso do Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2), a sarcopenia foi redefinida como uma doença muscular, caracterizada pela redução da força muscular, associada à diminuição da qualidade/quantidade muscular e/ou desempenho físico, sendo classificada como primária, secundária, aguda e crônica. Além de consequências físicas como aumento da ocorrência de quedas e limitação para atividades cotidianas, pode promover alterações sistêmicas pelo desequilíbrio entre síntese e degradação proteica. A prevalência aumenta com a idade, sendo mais alta a partir de 60 anos. Estudos em seis países encontraram prevalência entre 4,6% e 22,1%, havendo oscilação de valores conforme definições utilizadas, métodos diagnósticos e os pontos de corte para índice de massa muscular (IMM). Como estratégia para refinar a detecção do risco da sarcopenia, o EWGSOP2 sugere aplicação do questionário SARC-F. Para mensuração da variável massa muscular, os métodos recomendados são Ressonância Magnética, Tomografia Computadorizada, Absorciometria de Raio-X de Dupla Energia, Bioimpedância Elétrica e Antropometria, existindo acurácias e custos variáveis entre eles. Na aferição da força muscular, a principal forma de mensuração é a força de preensão palmar. Já o desempenho físico pode ser quantificado através do teste de velocidade de marcha de quatro metros. As formas de tratamento são treino de exercícios de resistência progressiva e aeróbicos, além de uma nutrição adequada. O estilo de vida sedentário, obesidade e fragilidade são fatores desencadeantes de perda de massa e função muscular no ambiente clínico.

OBJECTIVES: To update on a sarcopenia literature review published in 2014 in this journal. According to the Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People Consensus (EWGSOP2), sarcopenia was redefined as a muscular disease, characterized by muscular strength reduction, associated with a diminished muscular quantity and /or quality and /or low physical performance, being stratified as primary, secondary acute and chronic. Beyond physical consequences as a fall risk and daily activities, sarcopenia can promote a dysbalance between protein synthesis and degradation. Sarcopenia prevalence is higher with increasing age, especially after 60 years. Studies in six countries had found sarcopenia prevalence between 4.6% and 22.1%, but differences between definitions, diagnostic methods, and cutoff points to evaluate muscle mass and function are found. To improve sarcopenia risk detection, EWGSOP2 suggests the use of the SARC-F questionnaire. Muscle mass measurement recommended methods are Magnet Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, Double Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, Electric Bioimpedance, and Anthropometry with variable accuracy and costs between these methods. To evaluate muscle strength, the handgrip strength test is the main method recommended. In addition, four Meter Gait speed is recommended to evaluate physical performance. Treatment options are progressive exercise, endurance training, and aerobic exercises, together with nutritional interventions. Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and frailty are the main risks factors associated with muscle mass and function losses in the clinical setting

Accuracy of the Timed Up and Go test for predicting sarcopenia in elderly hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVES: The ability of the Timed Up and Go test to predict sarcopenia has not been evaluated previously. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Timed Up and Go test for predicting sarcopenia in elderly hospitalized patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed 68 elderly patients (≥60 years of age) in a private hospital in the city of Salvador-BA, Brazil, between the 1st and 5th day of hospitalization. The predictive variable was the Timed Up and Go test score, and the outcome of interest was the presence of sarcopenia (reduced muscle mass associated with a reduction in handgrip strength and/or weak physical performance in a 6-m gait-speed test). After the descriptive data analyses, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of a test using the predictive variable to predict the presence of sarcopenia were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 68 elderly individuals, with a mean age 70.4±7.7 years, were evaluated. The subjects had a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 5.35±1.97. Most (64.7%) of the subjects had a clinical admission profile; the main reasons for hospitalization were cardiovascular disorders (22.1%), pneumonia (19.1%) and abdominal disorders (10.2%). The frequency of sarcopenia in the sample was 22.1%, and the mean length of time spent performing the Timed Up and Go test was 10.02±5.38 s. A time longer than or equal to a cutoff of 10.85 s on the Timed Up and Go test predicted sarcopenia with a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 88.7%. The accuracy of this cutoff for the Timed Up and Go test was good (0.80; IC=0.66-0.94; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The Timed Up and Go test was shown to be a predictor of sarcopenia in elderly hospitalized patients.

Qualidade de vida de idosos hipertensos e diabéticos da comunidade: um estudo observacional / Quality of life of elderly hypertensive and diabetics of the community: an observational study

INTRODUÇÃO: O envelhecimento da população brasileira provocou modificações no perfil das morbidades, aumentando as doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT), principalmente hipertensão e diabetes, interferindo na qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de idosos hipertensos e diabéticos da comunidade, analisar suas correlações e caracterizar o perfil desses idosos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODO: Estudo observacional, transversal, com 108 idosos da comunidade com 60 anos ou mais. Na coleta de dados, aplicaram-se questionários sociodemográficos, antropométricos, de morbidades, avaliação do comprometimento cognitivo, por meio do Mini Exame do Estado Mental, e da qualidade de vida por meio do WHOQOL-OLD. Os dados foram submetidos à estatística descritiva, análise de variância para comparação de médias entre os grupos e correlação de Pearson para testar a associação da qualidade de vida com o quantitativo de DCNT. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi 70±6 anos, predominância do sexo feminino (85,2%); baixa escolaridade (75,8%); baixa renda (51,9%); morando com familiares (80,6%) e casados (46,3%). Em relação às DCNT, 37,0% eram hipertensos, 18,5% diabéticos e 14,8% tinham associação das duas. Os idosos sem DCNT apresentaram médias do WHOQOL-OLD maiores que os demais grupos com pelo menos uma DCNT e houve correlação negativa da quantidade de DCNT e a qualidade de vida. CONCLUSÃO: DCNT influenciam negativamente a qualidade de vida dos idosos, sendo que idosos sem DCNT apresentaram melhor qualidade de vida, comparados aos hipertensos, diabéticos ou com associação de ambas e, o medo de morrer foi a variável que apresentou maior interferência na qualidade de vida dos idosos.

INTRODUCTION: With the aging of the Brazilian population, there was a change in the morbidity profile, with a consequent increase in chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCD) OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life of elderly diabetic and hypertensive in the community and characterize the profile of these elderly people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 108 elderly subjects were investigated in a cross-sectional observational study. Data collection included questionnaires containing sociodemographic, anthropometric and self-reported morbidity data, as well as the evaluation of cognitive impairment through the Mini Mental State Examination and quality of life through the WHOQOL-OLD. Data were submitted to descriptive statistics, analysis of variance for comparison of means between groups and Pearson correlation to test the association of quality of life with the quantitative of CNCD. RESULTS: Mean age 70 ± 6, predominantly female (85.2%); low schooling (75.8%); low income (51.9%); living with relatives (80.6%) and married (46.3%). They were hypertensive (37.0%), diabetics (18.5%) and both (14.8%). Elderly non-CNCD had WHOQOL-OLD averages higher than the other groups with at least one CNCD, and there was a moderate and statistically significant negative association of the amount of CNCD and quality of life. CONCLUSION: CNCD negatively influence the quality of life of the elderly, and the elderly without chronic disease presented better quality of life when compared to the elderly with the presence of hypertension, diabetes or both, and the fear of dying was the variable that presented greater interference in the quality of life of the elderly.

Adaptação cardiovascular no Teste de Caminhada dos Seis Minutos em pacientes com DPOC: estudo transversal / Cardiovascular adaptation in the six-minute walk test in COPD patients: transversal study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o comportamento da adaptação cardiovascular e da saturação periférica de oxigênio em indivíduos com DPOC submetidos no teste de caminhada dos seis minutos (TC6). MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal, que foram incluídas pessoas com diagnóstico de DPOC, confirmado pela espirometria e de ambos os sexos. A magnitude de sintomas foi avaliada pela escala de dispneia Medical Research Council (MRC) e questionário COPD Assessment Test (CAT). Aplicou-se o TC6 para avaliar a tolerância ao esforço. Para mensurar a frequência cardíaca máxima (FC máx) prevista para a idade foram utilizadas equações específicas para população brasileira. RESULTADOS: Avaliou-se 34 indivíduos com DPOC, 20 (58,8%) homens; relação VEF1/CVF foi 56,7%± 10,2% pós broncodilatador (BD). Quatorze 14 (41,2%) indivíduos apresentaram impacto clínico moderado; 16 (47,2%) dos avaliados apresentou grau 2 na escala do MRC. As médias das distâncias percorridas no primeiro e segundo TC6 foram 383,5 ± 13,6; 408,6 ± 85,7 metros, correspondendo a 70, 75%; 75,10% em relação ao valor previsto (p=0,001). As médias da FC máx ao final do primeiro e segundo TC6, foram 94,1 ± 21,9; 92,3 ± 17,9 bpm e a FC pós percentual da FC máx prevista pré e pós TC6 foram 61,1% ± 17,7%; 59,7% ± 21,5% e 14 (41,2%) pacientes apresentaram dessaturação de O2 no primeiro TC6; 9 (26,5%) no segundo teste. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com DPOC, apresentam aumento da FC identificado pelo esforço submáximo, por meio do percentual da FC max. Indivíduos com maior comprometimento da função pulmonar apresentaram dessaturação de O2. .

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the behavior of cardiovascular adaptation and peripheral oxygen saturation in individuals with COPD submitted to the six-minute walk test (6MWT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was performed a descriptive study with person with a diagnosis of COPD confirmed by spirometry of both sexes. The Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) questionnaire were used to assess the magnitude of symptoms. The 6MWT was used to assess effort tolerance. To measure the maximum heart rate (HRmax) predicted for age, specific equations were used for the Brazilian population. RESULTS: 34 individuals with COPD were evaluated, 20 (58.8%) men; FEV1 / FVC ratio was 56.7% ± 10.2% after BD. Fourteen (41.2%) were classified as grade 2 and were classified as grade 2 (MRC scale). The means of the distances covered in the first and second TC6 were 383.5 ± 13.6; 408.6 ± 85.7 meters, corresponding to 70.7%; 75.1% in relation to the predicted value (p = 0.001). The mean maximum heart rate at the end of the first and second 6MWT were 94.1 ± 21.9; 92.3 ± 17.9 bpm and the heart rate post-percentage of the predicted maximum heart rate before and after the 6MWT were 61.1% ± 17.7%; 59.7% ± 21.5% and 14 (41.2%) patients presented O2 desaturation on the 6MWT; 9 (26.5%) in the second test. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COPD throughout the 6MWT show increased heart rate and O2 desaturation in exercise activity.

Associação do desempenho físico no teste Timed Up and Go com autorrelato de quedas em idosos hospitalizados / Association of physical performance in the Timed Up and Go test with self-report of falls in hospitalized elderly

INTRODUÇÃO: Episódios de quedas estão associados com redução da mobilidade e mortalidade e são mais comuns em idosos. O Timed up and Go (TUG) é um dos principais instrumentos para rastrear o risco de cair em idosos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação do teste TUG para autorrelato de quedas no último ano em idosos hospitalizados. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado em um hospital privado da cidade de Salvador/BA, no período de Agosto de 2013 a Janeiro de 2014. Foram incluídos indivíduos de ambos os sexos, a partir do 1º ao 5º dia de internação. A acurácia do teste foi calculada pela curva ROC (Receiver Operator Characteristic) e análise dos valores de sensibilidade e especificidade. Os resultados foram dispostos em média e desvio padrão ou valor absoluto e percentual. Foi considerado significativo um valor de p <0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram inclusos 68 idosos, com idade média 70,4 ± 7,7 anos, IMC = 25,66 ± 5,26 kg/m2, índice de Charlson 5,35 ± 1,97 e tempo médio de internação 2,76 ± 1,71 dias. O tempo médio de realização do TUG foi 10,02 ± 5,38 segundos. A acurácia do TUG foi considerada moderada (0,67; IC = 0,54 - 0,80; p=0,029). O ponto de corte de 9,2 segundos encontrado na curva ROC foi o ponto de maior associação com autorrelato de quedas com uma sensibilidade de 67,7% e especifidade 68,2%. CONCLUSÃO: O desempenho no TUG tem associação com autorrelato de quedas no último ano em idosos hospitalizados.

INTRODUCTION: Episodes of falls are associated with decreased mobility and mortality and are more common in the elderly. Timed up and Go (TUG) is one of the key tools for tracking the risk of falling in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of the TUG test for self-report of falls in the last year in hospitalized elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a private hospital in the city of Salvador, Bahia, from August 2013 to January 2014. Individuals of both sexes were included from the 1st to 5th day of hospitalization. The accuracy of the test was calculated by the Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve and analysis of the sensitivity and specificity values. The results were arranged as mean and standard deviation or absolute and percentage values. A value of p <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We included 68 elderly people, mean age 70.4 ± 7.7 years, BMI = 25.66 ± 5.26 kg / m2, Charlson index 5.35 ± 1.97 and mean time of hospitalization 2.76 ± 1.71 days. The mean TUG time was 10.02 ± 5.38 seconds. The cutoff point of 9.2 seconds found in the ROC curve was the point of greatest association with self-report of falls with a sensitivity of 67.7% and specificity of 68.2%. CONCLUSION: TUG performance is associated with self-report of falls in the last year in hospitalized elderly.