Ventilation Rates Achieved in Eucapnic Voluntary Hyperpnea Challenge and Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction Diagnosis in Young Patients with Asthma.

PURPOSE: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) affects approximately 50% of young asthma patients, impairing their participation in sports and physical activities. Eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH) is an approved surrogate challenge to exercise for objective EIB diagnosis, but the required minimum target hyperventilation rates remain unexplored in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the achieved ventilation rates (VRs) during a challenge and EIB-compatible response (EIB-cr) in young asthma patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 72 asthma patients aged 10-20 years. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was measured before and 5, 15, and 30 min after the EVH. The target VR was set at 21 times the individual's baseline FEV1. A decrease of > 10% in FEV1 after the challenge was considered an EIB-cr. The challenge was repeated after 48-72 h in those without an EIB-cr. RESULTS: Thirty-six individuals had an EIB-cr at initial evaluation. The median VRs achieved was not different between individuals with and without an EIB-cr (19.8 versus 17.9; p = 0.619). The proportion of individuals with an EIB-cr was nor different comparing those who achieved (12/25) or not (24/47) the calculated target VRs (p = 0.804). At the repeated EVH challenge an EIB-cr was observed in 14/36 individuals with a negative response in the first evaluation, with no differences in achieved VRs between the two tests (p = 0.463). CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the achieved VR, an EIB-compatible response after an EVH challenge must be considered relevant for clinical and therapeutic judgment and negative tests should be repeated.

Reproducibility of eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction diagnosis in asthmatic children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory symptoms after exercise are frequently reported by asthmatic patients, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a frequent cause, which requires objective testing for diagnosis. Eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH) is recommended as a surrogate stimulus for this purpose. Its short-term reproducibility is not yet established in children and young adolescents with asthma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term test-retest agreement and reproducibility of FEV1 changes after EVH in this population. METHODS: Asthmatic patients aged between 10 and 20 years underwent EVH for EIB diagnosis on two occasions 2-4 days apart at a specialized university clinic. FEV1 was measured at 5, 15, and 30 min after EVH with a target ventilation rate 21 times the baseline FEV1 . EIB was diagnosed as a decrease ≥10% in FEV1 from baseline. RESULTS: A total of 26 of 62 recruited individuals tested positive for EIB on both visits (positive group) and 17 on one visit only (divergent group), while 19 tested negative on both visits (negative group). The overall agreement was 72.5% (95%CI 61.6%, 83.6%), and Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.452. Low bias (0.87%) and high intra-class correlation coefficient (0.854, 95%CI 0.758,0.912; p < .001) for FEV1 response between test days were found, but with wide limits of agreement (±20.72%). There were no differences in pre-challenge FEV1 or achieved ventilation rate between visits either between groups (p = .097 and p = .461) or within groups (p = .828 and p = .780). There were no safety issues. CONCLUSIONS: More than one EVH test should be performed in children and young adolescents with asthma to exclude EIB and minimize misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

Can physical exercise assist in controlling and reducing the severity of exercise-induced bronchospasm in children and adolescents? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze whether physical exercise can contribute to improving the control and severity of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in children and adolescents. METHOD: This is a systematic review that used PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases as a search source, and using descriptors indexed to DeCS/Mesh. The articles were analyzed in three stages in the selection process. Methodological quality was assessed using the TESTEX scale. RESULT AND DISCUSSION: A total of 5867 articles were filtered in the initial search; however, only eight of these were included after the eligibility criteria. All presented improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. Only two followed the international EIB diagnostic guidelines. Of these, only one described a reduction in FEV1 and considered that this improvement may influence the EIB response in children and adolescent athletes with a non-asthmatic sample. CONCLUSION: The studies analyzed in this review did not enable drawing a conclusion regarding the influence of physical exercise on EIB in asthmatics. The lack of clinical trials on EIB and physical exercise, as well as the difficulty in methodological standardization for EIB diagnosis evidence the lack of scientific knowledge in this area, serving as a stimulus for researchers to find more consolidated answers.

Journalistic media and adolescents in the COVID-19 pandemic: a documental analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze how the journalistic media has described the issues of quality of life (QoL), physical activity (PA) and mental health (MH) of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a descriptive and qualitative study that used content analysis. Sixty-two journalistic publications were analyzed from a total of 8211 published by the most read newspapers in each Brazilian region between December 2019 and August 2021. RESULTS: The results were grouped and evaluated in three categories: QoL (n=11), PA (n =9) and MH (n=42). In the analyzed period, the adolescents had more time of exposure to screens, contributing to an inadequate diet, a decrease in PA and impairments in QoL. According to the media publications, the pandemic has also contributed to an increase in anxiety, depression, loneliness and fear resulting from the mental and emotional disorganization caused by the abrupt change in routine. Social vulnerability was presented as an aggravating factor in this context. The journalistic media did not pay the necessary attention to adolescents regarding the negative consequences of the pandemic on QoL, PA and MH. CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed reports showed that the pandemic caused a decrease in social interaction, feelings of uncertainty, fear and the appearance/exacerbation of symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. Social vulnerability was presented as another obstacle to be faced in this problem.

Is there cardiac autonomic dysfunction in children and adolescents with exercise-induced bronchospasm?

BACKGROUND: The pulmonary impairment in patients with bronchoconstriction induced by eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea(EVH) goes beyond the respiratory system, also impairing autonomic nervous modulation. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of cardiac autonomic modulation in young asthmatics with and without EIB after the EVH test. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study design using 54 asthmatics(51.9% female), aged between 10 and 19 years, investigated with the EVH test. Forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1) was measured at 5, 10, 15, and 30 min after EVH. Heart rate variability(HRV) measures of time were assessed pre and 30 min-post EVH. The diagnosis of Exercise-Induced bronchoconstriction with underlying clinical asthma(EIBA) was confirmed by a fall in FEV1 ≥10% compared to baseline. RESULTS: Thirty(55.5%) asthmatics had EIBA. Subjects with EIBA have reduced mean of the R-R intervals in relation to baseline until 15 minutes after EVH. Individuals without EIBA had increased parasympathetic activity compared to baseline(rMSSD) from 5 min after EVH(p < 0.05). This parasympathetic activity increase in relation to baseline was seen in individuals with EIBA after 25 minutes (rMSSD = 49.9 ± 5.3 vs 63.5 ± 7.2, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Young asthmatics with EIBA present a delay in the increase of the parasympathetic component after EVH when compared to asthmatics without EIBA.

Single breath counting technique to assess pulmonary function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pulmonary function is usually assessed by measuring Vital Capacity (VC) using equipment such as a spirometer or ventilometer, but these are not always available to the population, as they are relatively expensive tests, difficult to transport and require trained professionals. However, the single breath counting technique (SBCT) appears as a possible alternative to respiratory function tests, to help in the pathophysiological understanding of lung diseases. The objective is to verify the applicability of the SBCT as a parameter for evaluating VC. This is a systematic review registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023383706) and used for PubMed®, Scientific Electronic Library Online, LILACS, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases of articles published until January 2023. Methodological quality regarding the risk of bias was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 and National Institutes of Health tools. Eleven of a total of 574 studies were included, of these, nine showed a correlation between VC and SBCT (weak in healthy, moderate in neuromuscular and strong in hospitalized patients). One study of hospitalized patients accurately identified a count value of 21 for a VC of 20 ml kg-1(Sensitivity = 94% and Specificity = 77%), and another estimated a count lower than 41 for a VC below 80% of predicted in patients with neuromuscular dystrophy (Sensitivity = 89% and Specificity = 62%), and another showed good intra and inter-examiner reproducibility in young, adult, and elderly populations. A meta-analysis of three studies showed a moderate correlation in subjects with neuromuscular diseases (r= 0.62, 95% CI = 0.52-0.71,p< 0.01). A high risk of bias was identified regarding the justification of the sample size and blinding of the evaluators. SBCT has been presented as an alternative to assess VC in the absence of specific equipment. There is a clear relationship between SBCT and VC, especially in neuromuscular and hospitalized individuals. New validation studies conducted with greater control of potential bias risks are necessary.

Accuracy of peak nasal flow to determine nasal obstruction in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF) and Peak Nasal Expiratory Flow (PNEF) measures to predict symptoms of nasal obstruction. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out in 131 individuals (64 with symptomatic allergic rhinitis and 67 asymptomatic) aged between 16 and 50 years. Results: PNIF and PNEF were higher among non-rhinitis. In the curve analysis (receiver operating characteristic), a value of 115 was found for PNIF with a sensitivity of 98.4% and specificity of 87.5% (AUC = 0.99, p < 0.001) and 165 in PNEF with a sensitivity of 65.7% and specificity of 85.1% (AUC = 0.92, p < 0.001). Conclusions: PNIF and PNEF values were lower in patients with AR compared to asymptomatic cases. Our findings present reference values of PNIF and PNEF in the evaluation of nasal obstruction symptoms and reinforce the importance to complement more refined assessment of patients' symptoms. PNEF can be a valuable tool in screening patients and to complement PNIF measurement.

Comparison between impulse oscillometry parameters and spirometry for the diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Impulse oscillometry (IOS) parameters are obtained more easily and effortlessly in comparison to forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). OBJECTIVE: To compare IOS parameters to FEV1 in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) diagnosis. METHODS: Seventy-four (60.8% male; 39.2 female) young asthmatics aged between 7 and 17 years (mean 12.6 ± 2.8 years) were evaluated. EIB was defined as a reduction in FEV1 ≥ 10% compared with basal after standardized challenge by treadmill running (TR). IOS parameters and FEV1 were obtained at baseline and 5,15, and 30 min after TR. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated from the reduction in FEV1 ≥ 10% to evaluate the best psychometric characteristics of IOS parameters. RESULTS: Twenty-four individuals (32.4%) were diagnosed with EIB. A moderate inverse correlation was found between the IOS and FEV1 variables immediately after the TR, with resistance at 5 Hz (R5Hz), resonant frequency (Fres), and reactance area (AX), (r = -0.64, r = -0.53 and r = -0.69, respectively, all with p < 0.05). An increase of 25 kPa/l/s in R5 Hz, of 19k Pa/l/s in AX and 21 Hz in Fres were found to best correlate with EIB diagnosis by FEV1 (sensitivity 67% and specificity 62%, sensitivity 84% and specificity 50%, and sensitivity 84% and specificity 60%, respectively). CONCLUSION: IOS parameters have a significant inverse correlation with FEV1. This study presents cut-off points for EIB diagnosis for R5Hz, AX, and Fres, however, the findings in IOS parameters should be used and interpreted carefully if the goal is to replace spirometry.

Impact of climate variability on exercise-induced bronchospasm in adolescents living in a semi-arid region.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of climate variability on the occurrence of exercise-induced bronchospasm in the rainy and dry seasons of a Brazilian semi-arid region. METHODS: This sample comprised 82 adolescents aged 15 to 18 years, who were submitted to exercise-induced bronchospasm assessment on a treadmill and outdoors, during the rainy and the dry season. Anthropometric variables, sexual maturity and forced expiratory volume in the first second were analyzed. Air temperature and humidity, decline in forced expiratory volume in the first second (%) and frequency of bronchospasm were compared between seasons using the independent Student's t test, the Wilcoxon and McNemar tests, respectively. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The mean age was 15.65±0.82 years. Air temperature, air humidity and decline in forced expiratory volume in the first second (%) differed between seasons, with higher air temperature and humidity in the rainy season (29.6ºC±0.1 and 70.8%±0.6 versus 28.5ºC±0.2 and 48.5%±0.6; p<0.05). The decline in forced expiratory volume in the first second (%) was greater in the dry season (9.43%±9.97 versus 12.94%±15.65; p<0.05). The frequency of bronchospasm did not differ between seasons. CONCLUSION: The dry season had a negative impact on forced expiratory volume in the first second in adolescents, with greater decrease detected during this period. Findings of this study suggested bronchospasm tends to be more severe under low humidity conditions.

Respiratory burden in obese and young asthmatics: a study of diaphragmatic kinetics. / Carga respiratória em obesos e jovens asmáticos: um estudo da cinética diafragmática.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the diaphragm kinetics, respiratory function, and serum dosage of leptin and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in three clinical groups: obese, asthmatic, and healthy. METHODS: This is a clinical exploratory study performed on 73 youths (12-24 years of age, 42.5% male) allocated into three groups: obesity (OG, n=33), body mass index (BMIz-score) ≥ +2, asthmatic (AG, n=26) controlled mild asthmatics, classified by GINA, and Healthy Control Group (CG, n=14). The participants were subjected to diaphragmatic ultrasound, spirometry, maximal respiratory pressure, serum leptin levels, and IL-6 and TNF-α whole blood cell culture levels. RESULTS: Diaphragm thickness was higher in OG in comparison to AG and CG (2.0±0.4 vs 1.7±0.5 and 1.6±0.2, both with p<0.05). Maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) was significantly lower in OG and AG in relation to the CG (82.8±21.4 and 72.5±21.2 vs 102.8±27.3, both with p<0.05). OG has the highest leptin rate among the groups (with the other two groups had p<0.05). All groups had similar TNF-α and IL-6 levels. CONCLUSION: The muscular hypertrophy found in the diaphragm of the obese individuals can be justified by the increase in respiratory work imposed by the chronic condition of the disease. Such increase in thickness did not occur in controlled mild asthmatics. The IL-6 and TNF-α markers detected no evidence of muscle inflammation, even though leptin was expected to be altered in obese individuals. Both obese and asthmatic patients had lower pulmonary resistance than the healthy ones.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a cinética diafragmática, a função respiratória e a dosagem sérica de leptina e citocinas inflamatórias (IL-6 e TNF-α) em três grupos clínicos: obeso, asmático e saudável. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico-exploratório realizado com 73 jovens (12-24 anos, sendo 42,5% do sexo masculino) alocados em três grupos: obesidade (GO, n = 33), índice de massa corporal (IMC z-score) ≥ + 2 e asmáticos leves controlados (GA, n = 26), classificados pela GINA, e grupo controle saudável (GC, n = 14). Os participantes foram submetidos à ultrassonografia diafragmática, espirometria, pressão respiratória máxima, níveis séricos de leptina e níveis de IL-6 e TNF-α em hemocultura total. RESULTADOS: A espessura do diafragma foi maior no GO em comparação ao GA e GC (2,0 ± 0,4 vs 1,7 ± 0,5 e 1,6 ± 0,2, respectivamente, com p < 0,05). A ventilação voluntária máxima (VVM) foi significativamente menor no GO e GA em relação ao GC (82,8 ± 21,4 e 72,5 ± 21,2 vs 102,8 ± 27,3, respectivamente, com p < 0,05). O GO tem a maior taxa de leptina entre todos os grupos (com os outros dois grupos, p < 0,05). Os três grupos tinham níveis semelhantes de TNF-α e IL-6. CONCLUSÃO: A hipertrofia muscular encontrada no diafragma de indivíduos obesos pode ser justificada pelo aumento do trabalho respiratório imposto pela condição crônica da doença. Esse aumento de espessura não ocorreu em asmáticos leves controlados. Os marcadores IL-6 e TNF-α não detectaram evidências de inflamação muscular, embora fosse esperado que a leptina estivesse alterada em indivíduos obesos. Pacientes obesos e asmáticos apresentaram menor resistência pulmonar do que os saudáveis.

Impulse oscillometry: pulmonary function assessment in preschool children.

OBJECTIVES: In contrast to spirometry, which requires active participation of the individual and is challenging for the preschool age group, the impulse oscillometry system comprises a test that minimizes the degree of coordination required. The study aimed to compare the results of Impulse Oscillometry System (IOS) in children with and without respiratory symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in children aged between 3 and 6 years. A short version of the ATS-DLD-78-C questionnaire validated for Brazilian children was applied to identify two groups: children with and without respiratory symptoms. The IOS analysis was carried out measuring the following parameters in triplicate: resistance at 5 Hz (R5Hz) and 20 Hz (R20Hz), respiratory reactance at 5 Hz (X5Hz), and R5-R20Hz before and after bronchodilator application. RESULTS: A total of 76 preschoolers were selected, 55 (72.4%) of whom had respiratory complaints. The coefficient of variability of R5Hz was ≤17% in 70/76 (92.1%) of the children. Resistances at R5Hz and R5-R20Hz in the children with respiratory complaints reached values higher than those of children without symptoms before bronchodilation. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained for resistance using IOS in children with respiratory symptoms were higher in the pre-bronchodilator examination for R5Hz and R5-R20Hz compared to those of children without respiratory symptoms. EXPERT OPINION: Prospective investigations suggest that irreversible changes in lung function begin in infancy, before reaching school age. Pulmonary function follow-up in children with recurrent wheezing or asthma is important for confirmation of diagnosis and evaluation of the disease severity. The Impulse Oscillometry System (IOS) can be useful in assessing children's pulmonary function since it requires minimal patient cooperation and can be successfully applied to preschool children being an alternative to individuals who have difficulty performing spirometry.

Obesity is a risk factor for exercise-induced bronchospasm in asthmatic adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is common in young asthmatics and obesity is becoming an epidemic in this population. Both conditions can give rise to or worsen respiratory symptoms upon exercise and may interfere with recreational and sports activities. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between obesity and the risk and severity of EIB in asthmatic children and adolescents. METHODS: This study included data from asthmatic patients aged between 7 and 19 years undergoing treadmill running tests to evaluate EIB, defined as a reduction greater than or equal to 10% in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1 ) compared to baseline. Eutrophic, obese, and overweight individuals were categorized according to body mass index z-score (eutrophic, -0.5 < z ≤ 1; overweight, 1 < z < 2; and obese, z ≥ 2). RESULTS: Of the 156 individuals studied (42% female), 58% were eutrophic, 22% overweight, and 19% obese. Seventy-three individuals (47%) presented with EIB, with higher risk among obese (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.00-8.14; P = .05). Asthma severity was another independent risk factor for EIB (OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.36-6.42; P = .006). The number of patients in whom FEV1 returned to baseline values (difference less than 10% from baseline) at the 13th minute after challenge was lower in obese individuals compared to eutrophic and overweight ones (P = .04). Baseline FEV1 , gender, or age were not found to be risk factors for EIB in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Obese youngsters with asthma present a greater risk for EIB with slower recovery than their nonobese peers. Clinicians should be aware of this association, especially in those with more severe disease, for adequate recognition and treatment.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL IN ASTHMATIC ADOLESCENTS: CROSS-SECTIONAL POPULATION-BASED STUDY.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of physical activity in asthmatics in comparison with non-asthmatics in a population study. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 13 to 14-year-old adolescents who participated in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). The subjects were classified into three groups: individuals with active asthma, individuals diagnosed with asthma, and respiratory asymptomatic individuals. To evaluate the level of physical activity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short version) was used. The analysis consisted of comparing individuals with active asthma, diagnosed as asthmatic and asymptomatic, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The participants were 1,591 adolescents, of which 791 (49.7%) were male. There were 222 (14.0%) individuals with active asthma and 284 (17.8%) asthma diagnoses; 55% of the population were physically active. Adolescents diagnosed with asthma were more active than their non-asthmatic peers (64.4 versus 53.3%; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents diagnosed with asthma were more physically active than their non-asthmatic peers.

Journalistic media and adolescents in the COVID-19 pandemic: a documental analysis / Mídia jornalística e os adolescentes na pandemia da COVID-19: uma análise documental

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze how the journalistic media has described the issues of quality of life (QoL), physical activity (PA) and mental health (MH) of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a descriptive and qualitative study that used content analysis. Sixty-two journalistic publications were analyzed from a total of 8211 published by the most read newspapers in each Brazilian region between December 2019 and August 2021. Results: The results were grouped and evaluated in three categories: QoL (n=11), PA (n =9) and MH (n=42). In the analyzed period, the adolescents had more time of exposure to screens, contributing to an inadequate diet, a decrease in PA and impairments in QoL. According to the media publications, the pandemic has also contributed to an increase in anxiety, depression, loneliness and fear resulting from the mental and emotional disorganization caused by the abrupt change in routine. Social vulnerability was presented as an aggravating factor in this context. The journalistic media did not pay the necessary attention to adolescents regarding the negative consequences of the pandemic on QoL, PA and MH. Conclusions: The analyzed reports showed that the pandemic caused a decrease in social interaction, feelings of uncertainty, fear and the appearance/exacerbation of symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. Social vulnerability was presented as another obstacle to be faced in this problem.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar como a mídia jornalística tem descrito as questões de qualidade de vida (QV), atividade física (AF) e saúde mental (SM) de adolescentes durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e qualitativo que utilizou a análise de conteúdo. Foram analisadas 62 publicações jornalísticas do total de 8.211 veiculadas pelos jornais mais lidos de cada região brasileira entre dezembro de 2019 e agosto de 2021. Resultados: Os resultados foram agrupados e avaliados em três categorias: QV (n=11), AF (n=9) e SM (n=42). No período analisado as publicações jornalísticas sugerem que os adolescentes apresentaram maior tempo de exposição a telas, contribuindo para uma alimentação inadequada, diminuição da AF e prejuízos na QV. A pandemia também contribuiu com aumento da ansiedade, depressão, solidão e medo resultantes da desorganização mental e emocional causada pela mudança abrupta de rotina. A vulnerabilidade social apresentou-se como um fator agravante nesse contexto. As mídias jornalísticas não deram a atenção necessária aos adolescentes no que se refere às consequências negativas da pandemia na QV, AF e SM. Conclusões: As reportagens analisadas mostraram que a pandemia causou diminuição na interação social, sentimentos de incerteza, medo e o aparecimento/exacerbação de sintomas de ansiedade, estresse e depressão. A vulnerabilidade social apresentou-se como mais um obstáculo a ser enfrentado nesta problemática.

Exercise-induced bronchospasm in children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis by treadmill and hyperventilation challenges.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory complaints after exercise are common in patients with rhinitis. Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) may be one of the causes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate EIB prevalence in a group of children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis, to compare the treadmill running (TR) and eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) challenge methods as diagnostic tools and to assess the association between respiratory complaints on exercise and EIB. METHODS: Patients aged between 10 and 20 years were studied at the Pulmonology Department of the Hospital das Clínicas -UFPE- Recife, Brazil. The severity of symptoms of rhinitis and exercise-related respiratory complaints in the past year were evaluated. Challenges were performed in random sequence, no more than 72 h apart and followed international guidelines. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was determined before and 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 30 min after each challenge. A >10% reduction in FEV1 from baseline at two points after the challenge was considered sufficient to diagnose EIB. RESULTS: Of the thirty-five subjects evaluated, thirteen (37%) showed EIB, six by both methods, three only after TR and four only after EVH (Coens' Kappa = 0.489). There was no association between respiratory complaints after exercise and EIB (p = 0.74). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of EIB was found in this population but only moderate agreement between the challenges used to diagnose EIB. Caution should be adopted when comparing these methods or interpreting their results interchangeably. There was no association between reported respiratory symptoms after exercise and EIB.

Lower prevalence and greater severity of asthma in hot and dry climate.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate asthma prevalence, severity, and associated factors in adolescents who live in a low relative humidity environment. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, adolescents aged 13-14 years from the city of Petrolina located in the Brazilian semiarid region answered the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. The possible explanatory variables of the study were gender, family income, mother's education, smokers in the household, parental history of asthma, personal history of allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis, and physical activity level. Poisson regression analysis was used to assess the association between asthma and the explanatory variables. RESULTS: A total of 1591 adolescents participated in the study, of whom 49.7% were male. The prevalence of active asthma, severe asthma, and physician-diagnosed asthma were 14.0%, 10.4%, and 17.8%, respectively. Adolescents with asthma missed more school days than their peers (33 vs. 22 days/year; p<0.03). Associated factors that remained significant after adjustment were history of asthma in parents (PR=2.65, p<0.001) and personal diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (PR=1.96, p<0.001) and/or atopic dermatitis (PR=2.18, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Asthma prevalence in this low-humidity environment was lower, but more severe than those reported in other Brazilian cities. The dry climate might hamper disease control and this may have contributed to the higher school absenteeism observed. The association of asthma with allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis as well as a history of asthma in parents suggests that atopy is an important risk factor for asthma in this population.

Exercise-induced bronchospasm in a hot and dry region: study of asthmatic, rhinitistic and asymptomatic adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is the bronchial narrowing that occurs after intense exercise in a significant number of asthmatics and in some non-asthmatics. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of EIB in adolescents with asthma, rhinitis and respiratory asymptomatics in a hot and dry climate. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study based on an epidemiological study that evaluated the prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren in a semi-arid zone of Brazil. The EIB was defined as a reduction in forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) greater than 10%. RESULTS: A total of 114 individuals participated in the study (36.8% male), of whom 54 were asymptomatic, 30 asthmatic and 30 with rhinitis. Asthmatics presented a higher proportion of EIB in comparison to rhinitis and asymptomatics (46.7% vs. 13.3% and 7.4%, p = 0.001) and none of the individuals had severe EIB (ΔFEV1 ≥ 50%). CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of the asthmatics selected from the community for the clinical study had EIB. Among participants with rhinitis, EIB was found in slightly more than 10%, while in the asymptomatics the frequency was slightly more than 5%. This study presents an important aspect in individuals living in hot and dry climates.

Impact of Covid-19 on the mental health, quality of life and level of physical activity in university students / Impacto da Covid-19 na saúde mental, qualidade de vida e nível de atividade física em universitários

Young people can have negative repercussions on their mental health, quality of life and on illnesses related to physical inactivity due to social isolation and fear of the disease (Covid-19). This study aimed to analyze the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the quality of life, level of physical activity and mental health of university students. College students (16-24 years old) completed an online interview, considering possible changes in mental health, quality of life and physical activity level, evaluating the moment before and during the pandemic. The recruitment strategy of the participants was the snowball type. 1,167 young people (69.2%-women) attended in the study, of which 8.8% had a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19. There was a worsening in all scores of quality of life, stress and depression during the pandemic when compared to the period prior to the pandemic (p < 0.001). The pandemic also increased inactivity among young people (49.1% vs 28%, p < 0.001). Female students, from the health area, who had their own home and who did not have confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 showed increased stress in the pandemic period. The Covid-19 pandemic worsened the indicators of mental health, quality of life and level of physical activity among university students. It is noteworthy that despite not being a risk group for the aggravation of the disease and consequent higher mortality, restrictions related to the pandemic limited or prevented the movement of people and this isolation can represent important changes in health in the medium and long term in this population

Jovens podem ter repercussões negativas em sua saúde mental, qualidade de vida e em doenças relacionadas com a inatividade física devido ao isolamento social e medo da doença (Covid-19). Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o impacto da pandemia da Covid-19 na qualidade de vida, nível de atividade física e saúde mental de jovens universitários. Jovens universitários (16 a 24 anos) completaram uma entrevista online, considerando possíveis mudanças na saúde mental, qualidade de vida e nível de atividade física considerando o momento anterior e durante a pandemia. A estratégia de recrutamento dos participantes foi do tipo bola de neve. Participaram 1.167 jovens (69,2% mulheres), dos quais 8,8% tiveram diagnóstico de Covid-19 confirmado. Houve uma piora em todos os escores de qualidade de vida, estresse e depressão durante a pandemia quando comparados com o período anterior à pandemia (p < 0,001). A pandemia também aumentou a inatividade nos jovens (49% vs 28%, p < 0,001). Estudantes do sexo feminino, da área de saúde, que tinham casa própria e que não tiveram diagnóstico confirmado de Covid-19 apresentaram aumento do estresse no período pandêmico. A pandemia Covid-19 piorou os indicadores de saúde mental, qualidade de vida e nível de atividade física de jovens universitários. Chama atenção que apesar de não ser um grupo de risco para o agravamento da doença e consequente maior mortalidade, restrições relacionadas a pandemia limitaram ou evitaram a circulação de pessoas e esse isolamento pode representar importantes modificações na saúde a médio e longo prazo nesse público

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in adolescents and association with computer and videogame use.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in high school adolescents from public schools and its association with electronic device use. METHODS: The sample consisted of 961 boys and girls aged 14-19 years who answered a questionnaire regarding the use of computers and electronic games, and questions about pain symptoms and physical activity. Furthermore, anthropometric assessments of all volunteers were performed. The chi-squared test and a multiple logistic regression model were used for the inferential analysis. RESULTS: The presence of musculoskeletal pain symptoms was reported by 65.1% of the adolescents, being more prevalent in the thoracolumbar spine (46.9%), followed by pain in the upper limbs, representing 20% of complaints. The mean time of use for computers and electronic games was 1.720 and 583 minutes per week, respectively. The excessive use of electronic devices was demonstrated to be a risk factor for cervical and lumbar pain. Female gender was associated with the presence of pain in different body parts. Presence of a paid job was associated with cervical pain. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in adolescents, as well as an increased amount of time using digital devices was observed. However, it was only possible to observe an association between the increased use of these devices and the presence of cervical and low back pain.

Factors associated with neonatal death among adolescent mothers / Fatores associados ao óbito neonatal de mães adolescentes

Abstract Objectives: to analyze factors associated with neonatal death among adolescent mothers. Methods: randomized hospital-based cross-sectional study in a tertiary institution,, data from the Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (Sinasc), (Live Birth Information System), Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) (Mortality Information System), and medical records. The study population was comprised of 1,341 adolescents aged 10-19 who had assisted childbirth at the institution between 2012 to 2016. The independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, care, prenatal, childbirth, birth, and newborn's hospitalization, as well as the baby's characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess the association between neonatal death and explanatory variables. Results: the factors associated with death were from the countryside or other States (OR=2.68; CI95% =1.24-5.81), Apgar scores lower than 7 in the 1st (OR= 9.52; CI95% = 4.15-21.81) and the 5th (OR=4.17; CI95%=1.53-11.34) minutes of life; and birth weight less than 999g (OR=13.37; CI95% =3, 64-49.04) and between 1,500 to 2,499g (OR=3.43; CI95%=1.37-8.58). Conclusions: apgar and low birth weight were associated with the neonatal death among adolescent mothers, as well as the fact they come from the countryside and other States. These findings show, in addition to classic risks, potential difficulties for adolescents in having access to healthcare services in their hometown. To reduce the risks, there is a need for restructuring the maternal and child healthcare network and ensure a social protection network for these girls.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar fatores associados ao óbito neonatal de mães adolescentes. Métodos: estudo transversal de base hospitalar em instituição terciária, randomizado, com dados do Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (Sinasc), Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e de prontuários. A população do estudo compreendeu 1.341 adolescentes de 10 a 19 anos assistidos durante o parto na instituição entre 2012 a 2016. As variáveis independentes foram características sociodemográficas, assistenciais, relacionadas ao pré-natal, parto, nascimento e internamento do recém-nascido, além das características do bebê. Realizou-se análise de regressão logística para avaliar a associação entre óbito neonatal e variáveis explanatórias. Resultados: os fatores associados ao óbito foram municípios do interior e outros estados (OR=2,68; IC95%=1,24-5,81), índices de apgar menor que sete no 1º(OR=9,52; IC95%=4,15-21,81) e no 5º(OR=4,17; IC95%=1,53-11,34) minutos de vida e peso ao nascer menor que 999g (OR=13,37; IC95%= 3,64-49,04) e entre 1500 a 2499g (OR=3,43; IC95%= 1,37-8,58). Conclusões: o apgar e o baixo peso ao nascer se associaram ao óbito neonatal de mães adolescentes além da procedência de municípios do interior e outros estados. Estes achados mostram além de riscos clássicos, potenciais dificuldade das adolescentes em dispor de assistência nos seus lugares de residência. Para reduzir os riscos há necessidade de reorganizar a rede assistencial materno-infantil e garantir uma rede de proteção social a estas meninas.