Quality of life in asthmatic adolescents: an overall evaluation of disease control.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the relative impact of reported symptoms, school absenteeism, hospital admission, medical visits, and the presence of emotional and behavioral disorders on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of low income asthmatic adolescents. METHODS: Asthmatic adolescents were randomly selected among public schools in Belo Horizonte/MG, Brazil. Asthma severity was rated according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) classification. Emotional and behavior disorders (EBDs) were evaluated through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. HRQL was assessed through the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ). PAQLQ score was analyzed for each intervening variable. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-six adolescents participated in the present study, 45% being male and age ranging from 14 to 16 years old. Mean PAQLQ score was 5.7 +/- 1.3 SD, with no significant difference regarding sociodemographic characteristics, except for gender (p = 0.001). The regression equation of the final model for the multivariate analysis was as follows: Mean PAQLQ score = 1.88 (Constant) - 0.42 gender + 1.14 nighttime symptoms + 0.69 medical visits in the past 12 months + 0.95 EBDs. Therefore, if the other variables remained constant, PAQLQ score: reduced in 0.42 points for females (p = 0.01); increased in 1.14 when there were no nighttime symptoms (p < 0.01); increased in 0.69 when there was no medical visit for respiratory problems within the past 12 months (p < 0.01); and increased in 0.95 when no EBDs were present (p < 0.01). This model was able to explain approximately half of the variation found in PAQLQ score (R-Sq = 49.4%). CONCLUSIONS: HRQL of asthmatic adolescents is influenced by the complex interaction among several factors: the severity of clinical symptoms, morbidity, gender, and the psychological resources available so as to deal with such difficulties. A careful evaluation of HRQL is essential in order to capture feelings and subjective perceptions, which are not investigated by the conventional evaluation of asthma control.

Impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life among schoolchildren.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among schoolchildren aged 8 to 10 years and their parents in Diamantina, a town in the southeast of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 390 randomly selected children who were subjected to a clinical oral examination. The Dental Aesthetic Index was used to diagnose malocclusion and the need for orthodontic treatment. The Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ (8-10)) was used to evaluate the impact of malocclusion on OHRQoL. The children's parents answered the Brazilian Economic Criterion Questionnaire for the socioeconomic classification. Data analysis involved the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation coefficients. The variables were grouped into a hierarchy of categories ranging from distal to proximal determinants. Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was performed at each level to correlate the total CPQ (8-10) score with the independent variables. The prevalence of malocclusion was 78.7%. Crossbite remained significantly associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL (PR = 1.28; 95%CI:1.17-1.39; p < 0.001). The prevalence of malocclusion was high in the sample investigated and exerted a negative impact on OHRQoL.

Early diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis: assessment by latex particle agglutination test.

OBJECTIVES: Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common diseases in pediatric practice, and the most common bacterial etiology is group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS). Correct diagnosis and treatment are primarily of importance to the prevention of non-suppurative sequelae. Rapid tests for detecting the antigen of group A streptococcus are a useful tool for the diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis, due to the speed of results, accuracy and low cost; however, in our country they are little used and have been little studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a GABHS rapid antigen detection test kit, in comparison with oropharynx swab culture. METHODS: Children aged 1 to 18 years with clinical diagnoses of acute pharyngitis were chosen at public emergency and private clinical services in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with children being excluded if they had taken antibiotics within 30 days of their consultation. The final sample consisted of 229 patients, each of whom had two oropharynx swabs taken, one for rapid GABHS testing and the other to be sent for culture. RESULTS: We observed sensitivity of 90.7%, specificity of 89.1%, a positive predictive value of 72.1%, a negative predictive value of 96.9% and a positive likelihood ratio of 9.0 for the rapid test used here, compared with culture. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid test studied exhibited a good correlation with culture and is, therefore, of great use in clinical practice for detection of GABHS.

Compliance with inhaled corticosteroid treatment: rates reported by guardians and measured by the pharmacy.

OBJECTIVE: There is elevated morbidity associated with asthma, particularly in developing countries, and failure to comply with inhaled corticosteroid treatment contributes to this morbidity. The objective of this study is to compare rates of compliance with beclomethasone treatment reported by parents or guardians with those measured by pharmacy dispensing records. METHODS: A concurrent cohort study of 12 months' duration was carried out, enrolling 106 asthmatic children and adolescents, selected at random. Linear regression was used to compare rates of compliance reported by parents or guardians with the pharmacy dispensing records at the service, every 4 months after enrollment on the study. RESULTS: Compliance rates reported by parents and/or guardians were always higher (p < 0.001) and exhibited a weak correlation with pharmacy records during the period studied; fourth (r = 0.37) and twelfth (r = 0.31) months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of compliance reported by parents were overestimated during all study periods. The compliance rates of children with asthma should also be monitored by other methods and, in this case, pharmacy records effectively revealed compliance failures. Given its low cost, this method is indicated for verification of these compliance rates.

Oral corticosteroids for asthma exacerbations might be associated with adrenal suppression: Are physicians aware of that?

INTRODUCTION: Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are a mainstay of treatment for asthma exacerbations, and short-term OCS courses were generally considered to be safe. Nevertheless, frequent short-term OCS courses could lead to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction. Our study aimed at investigating the integrity of the HPA axis in children with persistent asthma or recurrent wheezing at the beginning of an inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) trial. METHOD: Morning basal cortisol was assessed just before the beginning of ICS, and 30, 60, and 90 days later, using Immulite® Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostic chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (Los Angeles, USA; 2006). RESULTS: In all, 140 children (0.3-15 years old) with persistent asthma or recurrent wheezing have been evaluated and 40% of them reported short-term OCS courses for up to 30 days before evaluation. Out of these, 12.5% had biochemical adrenal suppression but showed adrenal recovery during a three-month ICS trial treatment. No significant differences were observed among children with or without adrenal suppression, neither in the number of days free of OCS treatment before cortisol evaluation (p=0.29) nor in the last OCS course duration (p=0.20). The number of short-term OCS courses reported in the year preceding the cortisol evaluation was also not different (p=0.89). CONCLUSION: Short-term systemic courses of corticosteroids at conventional doses can put children at risk of HPA axis dysfunction. ICS treatment does not impair adrenal recovery from occurring. Health practitioners should be aware of the risk of a blunted cortisol response upon exposure to stress during the follow-up of patients with persistent asthma or recurrent wheezing.

[Diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in children and adolescents: clinical picture limitations]. / Diagnóstico da faringoamigdalite estreptocócica em crianças e adolescentes: limitações do quadro clínico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of clinical features for diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in pediatrics. METHODS: A total of 335 children aged 1-18 years old and presenting clinical manifestations of acute pharyngotonsillitis (APT) were subjected to clinical interviews, physical examinations, and throat swab specimen collection to perform cultures and latex particle agglutination tests (LPATs) for group A streptococcus (GAS) detection. Signs and symptoms of patients were compared to their throat cultures and LPATs results. A clinical score was designed based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis and also was compared to throat cultures and LPATs results. Positive throat cultures and/ or LPATs results were used as a reference standard to establish definitive streptococcal APT diagnosis. RESULTS: 78 children (23.4%) showed positivity for GAS in at least one of the two diagnostic tests. Coryza absence (odds ratio [OR]=1.80; p=0.040), conjunctivitis absence (OR=2.47; p=0.029), pharyngeal erythema (OR=3.99; p=0.006), pharyngeal exudate (OR=2.02; p=0.011), and tonsillar swelling (OR=2.60; p=0.007) were significantly associated with streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis. The highest clinical score, characterized by coryza absense, pharyngeal exudate, and pharyngeal erythema had a 45.6% sensitivity, a 74.5% especificity, and a likelihood ratio of 1.79 for streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical presentation should not be used to confirm streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis, because its performance as a diagnostic test is low. Thus, it is necessary to enhance laboratory test availability, especially of LPATs that allow an acurate and fast diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis.

Does BCG revaccination protect against the development of asthma?

Single BCG vaccination has been considered as a protective factor against asthma. However the effect of a second dose of BCG on the prevalence rate of asthma and asthma-allergic rhinitis-eczema comorbidity has not been studied exclusively among adolescents. In this ISAAC protocol-based cross sectional study we assessed the association between one single versus two doses of BCG among 2213 individuals aged 13-14 years old. We found no association between BCG revaccination and asthma, associated (OR = 0.68, 95% CI, 0.37-1.25) or not to allergic rhinitis and/or atopic eczema (OR = 1.07, 95% CI, 0.84-1.36).

Oral corticosteroids for asthma exacerbations might be associated with adrenal suppression: Are physicians aware of that? / Uso de corticosteroides orais nas exacerbações da asma pode estar associado à supressão adrenal: os médicos estão alertas?

Summary Introduction: Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are a mainstay of treatment for asthma exacerbations, and short-term OCS courses were generally considered to be safe. Nevertheless, frequent short-term OCS courses could lead to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction. Our study aimed at investigating the integrity of the HPA axis in children with persistent asthma or recurrent wheezing at the beginning of an inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) trial. Method: Morning basal cortisol was assessed just before the beginning of ICS, and 30, 60, and 90 days later, using Immulite® Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostic chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (Los Angeles, USA; 2006). Results: In all, 140 children (0.3-15 years old) with persistent asthma or recurrent wheezing have been evaluated and 40% of them reported short-term OCS courses for up to 30 days before evaluation. Out of these, 12.5% had biochemical adrenal suppression but showed adrenal recovery during a three-month ICS trial treatment. No significant differences were observed among children with or without adrenal suppression, neither in the number of days free of OCS treatment before cortisol evaluation (p=0.29) nor in the last OCS course duration (p=0.20). The number of short-term OCS courses reported in the year preceding the cortisol evaluation was also not different (p=0.89). Conclusion: Short-term systemic courses of corticosteroids at conventional doses can put children at risk of HPA axis dysfunction. ICS treatment does not impair adrenal recovery from occurring. Health practitioners should be aware of the risk of a blunted cortisol response upon exposure to stress during the follow-up of patients with persistent asthma or recurrent wheezing.

Resumo Introdução: A corticoterapia oral (CO) é um dos pilares do tratamento na exacerbação da asma, e cursos de curta duração são geralmente considerados seguros. No entanto, crianças submetidas a repetidos cursos estão sujeitas a disfunção do eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-adrenal (HHA). Objetivo: Investigar a integridade do eixo HHA em crianças com asma persistente ou sibilância recorrente com indicação para corticoterapia inalatória (CI). Método: Avaliação do cortisol sérico basal antes da introdução da CI e 30, 60 e 90 dias após iniciado o tratamento, utilizando-se o imunoensaio ImmuliteÒ Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostic chemiluminescent (Los Angeles, EUA; 2006). Resultados: Das 140 crianças avaliadas (0,3 a 15 anos de idade) com asma persistente ou sibilância recorrente, 40% relataram ter recebido CO no último mês antes da avaliação. Cerca de 12,5% delas apresentaram supressão adrenal bioquímica e evoluíram com recuperação do eixo HHA durante os primeiros três meses em CI. O número de dias livres de CO e a duração do último curso antes da avaliação do cortisol não foram significativamente diferentes entre as crianças com ou sem supressão adrenal (p=0,29 e p=0,20, respectivamente). O número de cursos de curta duração relatados no ano anterior à avaliação também não esteve associado à supressão adrenal (p=0,89). Conclusão: A utilização dos corticosteroides nas doses convencionais, em cursos de curta duração, pode colocar as crianças em risco de disfunção do eixo HHA. A recuperação desse eixo é possível durante a CI. Profissionais de saúde devem estar atentos para a possibilidade de resposta inadequada ao estresse durante o acompanhamento de crianças com asma persistente ou sibilância recorrente.

Oral and inhaled corticoid treatment for wheezing in the first year of life.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of corticoid utilization for the treatment of wheezing in infants less than 12 months old and to analyze factors associated with this practice. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that administered the validated questionnaire from the International Study on the Prevalence of Wheezing in Infants to 1,261 infants aged 12 to 15 months in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Proportions and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and the chi-square test was used to detect associations between variables. RESULTS: Six hundred and fifty-six (52%) infants, 53% male and 48.2% white, exhibited wheezing during the first year of life. Mean age at first episode was 5.11±2.89 months. There was a high rate of morbidity, with many emergency visits (71%) and hospitalizations (27.8%). Also common were a family history of asthma and atopic disease (32.2 to 71%) and exposure to passive smoking (41.5%) and to mould (47.3%). The prevalence rates for corticoid use, whether via oral route (48.7%) or inhaled (51.3%), were elevated and were higher in the group that suffered three or more episodes. Children suffering greater morbidity were more likely to be prescribed a corticoid (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high frequency of corticoid use highlights the need to establish specific criteria for the treatment of wheezing in the first years of life in order to avoid extrapolation of asthma treatments to other conditions that are transitory and self-limiting and in which using corticoids could involve more risk than benefit.

Impact of an asthma management program on hospitalizations and emergency department visits.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency of hospitalizations and emergency department visits of children and adolescents before and after the enrollment in an asthma program. METHODS: Medical records of 608 asthmatics younger than 15 years were assessed retrospectively. The frequency of hospitalizations and emergency department visits caused by exacerbations were evaluated before and after enrollment in an asthma program. Patients were treated with medications and a wide prophylactic management program based on the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). The before asthma program (BAP) period included 12 months before enrollment, whereas the after asthma program (AAP) period ranged from 12 to 56 months after enrollment. RESULTS: In the BAP period, there were 895 hospitalizations and 5,375 emergency department visits, whereas in the AAP period, there were 180 and 713, respectively. This decrease was significant in all statistical analyses (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with the GINA recommendations led to a significant decrease in the frequency of hospitalizations and emergency department visits in children and adolescents with asthma.

Wheezy child program: the experience of the belo horizonte pediatric asthma management program.

BACKGROUND: : Until 1994, assistance provided by the Municipal Public Health System to children with asthma in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was ineffective because it focused only on treating exacerbations. This scenario motivated the implementation of the Wheezy Child Program. OBJECTIVES: : The main objectives were to reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations. METHODS: : The strategies adopted were as follows: continued medical education for pediatricians, reorganization of public assistance into different levels of complexity regarding asthma care, and free dispensation of inhaled beclomethasone, albuterol, and valved spacers. A partnership between the Pediatric Pulmonology staff of the Federal University of Minas Gerais and the Belo Horizonte Municipal Health Authority made these strategies come to fruition, especially through the training of health workers and the devising of protocol after GINA guidelines. RESULTS: : Of 2149 patients with a history of hospitalization after program admission, only 453 were re-admitted in the 6 to 12 months after, a reduction of 79%. There was a 300% increase in the use of aerosol and a reduction to 50% in the use of oxygen-driven nebulizers (P < 0.001) in the management of exacerbations. For patients enrolled in the program with moderate and severe persistent asthma, the median adherence rate was 50%. CONCLUSIONS: : The Wheezy Child Program has significantly reduced hospitalizations and emergency room visits, has improved quality of life, and has shown that programs of this kind are feasible in low- to middle-income countries. More than 30,000 children have been assisted by the program, and now it seeks to optimize asthma control and increase adherence rates.

Diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in children and adolescents: clinical picture limitations / Diagnóstico da faringoamigdalite estreptocócica em crianças e adolescentes: limitações do quadro clínico

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of clinical features for diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in pediatrics. METHODS: A total of 335 children aged 1-18 years old and presenting clinical manifestations of acute pharyngotonsillitis (APT) were subjected to clinical interviews, physical examinations, and throat swab specimen collection to perform cultures and latex particle agglutination tests (LPATs) for group A streptococcus (GAS) detection. Signs and symptoms of patients were compared to their throat cultures and LPATs results. A clinical score was designed based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis and also was compared to throat cultures and LPATs results. Positive throat cultures and/or LPATs results were used as a reference standard to establish definitive streptococcal APT diagnosis. RESULTS: 78 children (23.4%) showed positivity for GAS in at least one of the two diagnostic tests. Coryza absence (odds ratio [OR]=1.80; p=0.040), conjunctivitis absence (OR=2.47; p=0.029), pharyngeal erythema (OR=3.99; p=0.006), pharyngeal exudate (OR=2.02; p=0.011), and tonsillar swelling (OR=2.60; p=0.007) were significantly associated with streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis. The highest clinical score, characterized by coryza absense, pharyngeal exudate, and pharyngeal erythema had a 45.6% sensitivity, a 74.5% especificity, and a likelihood ratio of 1.79 for streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical presentation should not be used to confirm streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis, because its performance as a diagnostic test is low. Thus, it is necessary to enhance laboratory test availability, especially of LPATs that allow an acurate and fast diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis...

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a utilidade do quadro clínico para o diagnóstico da faringoamigdalite estreptocócica na faixa pediátrica. MÉTODOS: 335 indivíduos de 1 a 18 anos com quadro clínico de faringoamigdalite foram submetidos a anamnese, exame clínico, cultura e teste de aglutinação de partículas do látex (TAPL) para o estreptoco β-hemolítico do grupo A (EBHGA) em swab orofaríngeo. Os sinais e sintomas foram comparados ao resultado da cultura e do TAPL e, em seguida, também o foi o agrupamento de sinais e sintomas definido por regressão logística multivariada, utilizado para gerar um escore clínico. Para o diagnóstico definitivo de faringoamigdalite estreptocócica, o padrão de referência foi a cultura e o TAPL, em paralelo. RESULTADOS: 78 indivíduos (23,4%) apresentaram resultados positivos para EBHGA em pelo menos um dos testes. Ausência de coriza (OR=1,80; p=0,04); ausência de conjuntivite (OR=2,44; p=0,029); hiperemia de orofaringe (OR=3,99; p=0,006); exsudato de orofaringe (OR=2,02; p=0,011) e hipertrofia de amígdalas (OR=2,60; p=0,007) apresentaram associação significante com a faringoamigdalite estreptocócica. A pontuação máxima no escore clínico, no qual figuram três características (ausência de coriza, exsudato de orofaringe e hiperemia de orofaringe) correspondeu a uma sensibilidade de 45,6%, uma especificidade de 74,5% e uma likelihood ratio de 1,79 para a presença de faringoamigdalite estreptocócica. CONCLUSÃO: O quadro clínico não deve ser usado isoladamente para confirmar o episódio de faringoamigdalite estreptocócica por apresentar um baixo desempenho diagnóstico. É necessário aumentar a disponibilidade de testes laboratoriais, em especial o TALP, que permite o diagnóstico rápido...

Comparison of three sets of reference equations for spirometry in children and adolescents with distinct body mass indices.

OBJECTIVE: To compare FEV1 and FVC, calculated using three sets of reference equations (devised by Polgar & Promadhat, Hsu et al. and Mallozi in 1971, 1979 and 1995, respectively) and to determine whether the three are similar in predicting lung function in children and adolescents with distinct body mass indices (BMIs). METHODS: The individuals were separated into four groups in accordance with the reference standards of the National Center for Health Statistics: underweight (UW), normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), and obese (OB). All were then submitted to spirometry. RESULTS: We evaluated 122 healthy children and adolescents, aged 7-14 years. The FVC values predicted for NW females and UW males through the use of the Hsu et al. equation were significantly higher than the measured values, as were the FEV1 values for UW females and males predicted via the Polgar & Promadhat and Hsu et al. equations. In NW females, the FEV1 values predicted via the Polgar & Promadhat equation were significantly higher than were the measured values. CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with distinct BMIs, the measured FVC and FEV1 values were not equivalent to those predicted via the Polgar & Promadhat and Hsu et al. equations. The same was not true for the Mallozi equations. The BMI was not a relevant factor for the predictive index of these equations; therefore, the Mallozi equations can be used without alteration for children and adolescents with distinct BMIs.

Comparação dos valores medidos e previstos de pressões respiratórias máximas em escolares saudáveis / Comparison of measured and predicted values for maximum respiratory pressures in healthy students / Comparación de los valores medidos y previstos de presiones respiratorias máximas en escolares sanos

A Força Muscular Respiratória é uma ferramenta capaz de diagnosticar diferentes desordens. As equações de referência até hoje descritas consideram diferentes populações e metodologias. Entretanto, não há consenso quanto a qual equação é ideal para se utilizar. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar e correlacionar valores medidos de pressões respiratórias máximas com aqueles previstos por equações descritas na literatura. A amostra foi de 90 indivíduos saudáveis de 6 a 12 anos. Foram realizadas antropometria, espirometria e manovacuometria. A comparação dos valores medidos e previstos diferiu significativamente, apresentando pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx) média (80,65±26,78), no sexo masculino, maior que a prevista por Wilson et al. (67,40±5,65; p<0,001) e Schmidt et al. (70,69±21,70; p<0,05). Pressão expiratória máxima (PEmáx) masculina média (84,35±23,16) foi menor que a prevista por Domènech-Clar et al. (92,25±16,90; p<0,01) e maior que a prevista por Schmidt et al. (72,78±13,62; p<0,001). Pressão inspiratória máxima feminina média (76,14±26,08) foi maior que a prevista por Wilson et al. (57,96±6,04; p<0,001), Schmidt et al. (68,54±7,08; p<0,01) e Domènech-Clar et al. (67,61±11,17; p<0,01). Pressão expiratória máxima feminina média (74,55±20,05) foi maior que a prevista por Wilson et al. (66,65±9,55; p<0,001) e menor que a prevista por Domènech-Clar et al. (81,16±14,37; p<0,01). As correlações entre valores medidos e previstos foram de baixa a média magnitude (variação entre r=0,1 e 0,5), sendo significativas para o sexo masculino quando a PImáx foi correlacionada à prevista por Wilson et al. (p<0,01) e Domènech-Clar et al. (p<0,05). Já para o sexo feminino, ambas as correlações foram significativas (PImáx p<0,01; PEmáx p<0,05). Concluiu-se que as equações não conseguiram predizer os valores de pressões respiratórias máximas, reforçando a necessidade de novas equações de força muscular respiratória...

Respiratory Muscle Strength is an important tool to diagnose different disorders. Reference equations considered different populations and methodologies. However, there is no agreement on what is the ideal equation to use. The aim of this study was to compare and correlate the measured values of maximal respiratory pressures with those demonstrated by equations described in literature. The sample consisted of 90 healthy individuals aged from 6 to 12 years old. Anthropometric, spirometric and manometric measurements were performed. The comparison between measured and predicted values was significantly different, showing the mean male maximum inspiratory pressure (maxIP) (80.65±26.78) to be higher than that predicted by Wilson et al. (67.40±5.65, p<0.001) and Schmidt et al. (70.69±21.70, p<0.05). The mean male maximum expiratory pressure (maxEP) (84.35±23.16) was lower than the one predicted by Domènech-Clar et al. (92.25±16.90, p<0.01) and higher than the one predicted by Schmidt et al. (72.78±13.62 p<0.001). The mean of female individuals' maxIP (76.14±26.08) was higher than that predicted by Wilson et al. (57.96±6.04, p<0.001), Schmidt et al. (68.54±7.08, p<0.01), and Domènech-Clar et al. (67.61±11.17, p<0.01). The mean female maxEP (74.55±20.05) was higher than the ones predicted by Wilson et al. (66.65±9.55, p<0.001) and lower than the one predicted by Domènech-Clar et al. (81.16±14.37, p<0.01). The correlations between measured and predicted values were from low to medium magnitude (range r=0.1 to 0.5) being significant for males when maxIP was correlated with that predicted by Wilson et al. (p<0.01) and Domènech-Clar et al. (p<0.05). For females, both correlations were significant (maxIP p<0.01; maxEP p<0.05). It was concluded that the equations failed to predict the values of maximum respiratory pressures, reinforcing the need for new equations of respiratory muscle strength...

La Fuerza Muscular Respiratoria es una herramienta capaz de diagnosticar diferentes desórdenes. Las ecuaciones de referencia hasta hoy descritas consideran diferentes poblaciones y metodologías. Entre tanto, no hay consenso en cuanto a que ecuación es ideal para utilizar. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar y correlacionar valores medidos de presiones respiratorias máximas con aquellos previstos por las ecuaciones descritas en la literatura. La muestra fue de 90 individuos sanos de 6 a 12 años. Fueron realizadas antropometría, espirometría y manovacuometría. La comparación de los valores medidos y previstos difirió significativamente, presentando presión inspiratoria máxima (PImáx) media (80,65±26,78) , en el sexo masculino, mayor que la prevista por Wilson et al. (67,40±5,65; p<0,001) y Schmidt et al. (70,69±21,70; p<0,05). Presión expiratoria máxima (PEmáx) masculina media (84,35±23,16) menor que la prevista por Domènech-Clar et al. (92,25±16,90; p<0,01) y mayor que Schmidt et al. (72,78±13,62; p<0,001). Presión inspiratoria máxima femenina media (76,14±26,08) mayor que la prevista por Wilson et al. (57,96±6,04; p<0,001), Schmidt et al. (68,54±7,08; p<0,01) y Domènech-Clar et al. (67,61±11,17; p<0,01). Presión expiratoria máxima femenina media (74,55±20,05) mayor que la prevista por Wilson et al. (66,65±9,55; p<0,001) y menor que Domènech-Clar et al. (81,16±14,37; p<0,01). Las correlaciones entre valores medidos y previstos fueron de baja a media magnitud (variación entre r=0,1 y 0,5) siendo significativas para el sexo masculino cuando la PImáx fue correlacionada a la prevista por Wilson et al. (p<0,01) y Domènech-Clar et al. (p<0,05). Para el sexo femenino, ambas correlaciones fueron significativas (PImáx p<0,01; PEmáx p<0,05). Se concluyó que las ecuaciones no consiguieron predecir los valores de presiones respiratorias máximas, reforzando la necesidad de nuevas ecuaciones de fuerza muscular respiratoria...

Asthma and allergic rhinitis co-morbidity: a cross-sectional questionnaire study on adolescents aged 13-14 years.

AIMS: There is scarce epidemiological population-based data on the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) co-morbidity in adolescents. The aim was to verify asthma and AR prevalence rates in order to emphasise asthma/AR co-morbidity. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire in adolescents aged 13-14 years, chosen randomly from public schools in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 3262 students were identified, 3083 (47.3% males) of whom completed the questionnaire (response rate 94.7%). The prevalence of symptoms related to asthma and AR co-morbidity was 8.4% (95% CI, 8.09-10.25). Among asthmatic adolescents, symptoms of AR were reported in 46.5% (95% CI, 42.60-52.08%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of adolescent asthma and AR co-morbidity in this area of Brazil. This co-morbidity is an important health issue that requires strategic application of primary health care facilities to achieve adequate control of both asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Dispnéia em indivíduos com asma, rinite alérgica e respiração oral / Dyspnea in patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis and mouth breathing

OBJETIVO: avaliar a presença de dispnéia durante atividades físicas, de fala e sua associação. MÉTODO: a população alvo foi composta de 24 indivíduos com diagnóstico médico prévio de asma, rinite alérgica e respiração oral, onde aplicou-se oralmente em cada individuo o Questionário de Dispnéia traduzido por Cukier (1998), composto por 30 questões que permitiu a quantificação da dispnéia em atividades de fala, físicas e associadas. RESULTADOS: pela análise do questionário verificou-se maior freqüência da dispnéia durante a realização das atividades físicas associadas à fala, seguidas das atividades físicas isoladas e depois associadas as atividades de fala. CONCLUSÕES: as maiores queixas respiratórias foram encontradas nas atividades físicas associadas à fala, seguidas das atividades físicas isoladas. Já nas atividades comunicativas, apenas as atividades que exigiam maior intensidade vocal foram relatadas como dificultosas por alguns indivíduos.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the presence of respiratory dyspnea during physical activity, speech and its association. METHOD: the target population consisted of 24 patients with prior asthma medical diagnosis, allergic rhinitis and oral breathing, where we orally applied in each individual the Dyspnea Questionnaire translated by Cukier (1998), composed of 30 questions that allowed quantification of dyspnea activities in speech, physical and associates. RESULTS: the analysis of the questionnaire showed higher respiratory complaints during the performance of physical activity associated with speech, followed by individual physical activities. CONCLUSIONS: the major respiratory symptoms were found in physical activity associated with speech, followed by physical activity per se. Already in communicative activities, only activities that required more vocal intensity were reported to be hampered by some subjects.

Corticoide oral e inalatório para tratamento de sibilância no primeiro ano de vida / Oral and inhaled corticoid treatment for wheezing in the first year of life

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência e os fatores associados ao uso de corticoides para o tratamento de sibilância em lactentes no 1º ano de vida. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, realizado com o questionário validado do Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes, com 1.261 lactentes entre 12 e 15 meses em Belo Horizonte (MG). Foi realizado o cálculo das proporções e intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento e teste de qui-quadrado para estudo da associação entre as variáveis. RESULTADOS: Seiscentos e cinquenta e seis (52 por cento) manifestaram sibilância no 1º ano de vida, sendo 53 por cento do sexo masculino e 48,2 por cento brancos. A média de idade do primeiro episódio foi 5,11±2,89 meses. Verificou-se elevada morbidade, com frequentes idas à emergência (71 por cento) e hospitalizações (27,8 por cento). Foram frequentes a história familiar de asma e atopia (32,2 a 71 por cento), exposição a tabagismo passivo (41,5 por cento) e mofo (47,3 por cento). As prevalências da utilização de corticoides, tanto por via oral (48,7 por cento) quanto inalatória (51,3 por cento), foram elevadas e maiores no grupo com três ou mais episódios. Crianças com maior morbidade tiveram maior chance de receber uma prescrição de corticoide (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A elevada frequência de utilização de corticoides aponta para a necessidade de estabelecerem-se critérios específicos para o tratamento da sibilância nos primeiro anos de vida, para evitar a extrapolação do tratamento da asma para outras condições transitórias e autolimitadas, em que o uso do corticoide pode representar mais um risco do que um benefício.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of corticoid utilization for the treatment of wheezing in infants less than 12 months old and to analyze factors associated with this practice. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that administered the validated questionnaire from the International Study on the Prevalence of Wheezing in Infants to 1,261 infants aged 12 to 15 months in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Proportions and 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated and the chi-square test was used to detect associations between variables. RESULTS: Six hundred and fifty-six (52 percent) infants, 53 percent male and 48.2 percent white, exhibited wheezing during the first year of life. Mean age at first episode was 5.11±2.89 months. There was a high rate of morbidity, with many emergency visits (71 percent) and hospitalizations (27.8 percent). Also common were a family history of asthma and atopic disease (32.2 to 71 percent) and exposure to passive smoking (41.5 percent) and to mould (47.3 percent). The prevalence rates for corticoid use, whether via oral route (48.7 percent) or inhaled (51.3 percent), were elevated and were higher in the group that suffered three or more episodes. Children suffering greater morbidity were more likely to be prescribed a corticoid (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high frequency of corticoid use highlights the need to establish specific criteria for the treatment of wheezing in the first years of life in order to avoid extrapolation of asthma treatments to other conditions that are transitory and self-limiting and in which using corticoids could involve more risk than benefit.

Asma não controlada e angústia na adolescência: escutar o paciente? / Uncontrolled asthma and psychological distress in adolescence: hearing the patient?

Este artigo, com base na apresentação do caso clínico de uma adolescente portadora de asma persistente associada a distúrbios psicoafetivos, procura comentar o atual modelo biotecnológico de atendimento que exclui a subjetividade do paciente. Discute, a partir do caso apresentado, as possíveis contribuições da escuta médica de orientação psicanalítica na condução de casos de pacientes portadores de asma não controlada.

This article. through the presentation of a clinical case of a teen-ager with persistent asthma associated to psycho-affective disorders attempts to discuss the current biotechnological model that excludes patients subjectivity and consider possible contributions of a medical practice under psychoanalytical theory orientation in the management of these uncontrolled asthmatic patients.