Nocturnal hypoxemia in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis / Hipoxemia noturna em criancas e adolescentes com fibrose cistica

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of nocturnal hypoxemia and its association with pulmonary function, nutritional status, sleep macrostructure, and obstructive respiratory events during sleep in a population of clinically stable children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 67 children and adolescents with CF between 2 and 14 years of age. All of the participants underwent polysomnography, and SpO2 was measured by pulse oximetry. We also evaluated the Shwachman-Kulczycki (S-K) scores, spirometry findings, and nutritional status of the patients. RESULTS: The study involved 67 patients. The mean age of the patients was 8 years. The S-K scores differed significantly between the patients with and without nocturnal hypoxemia, which was defined as an SpO2 < 90% for more than 5% of the total sleep time (73.75 ± 6.29 vs. 86.38 ± 8.70; p < 0.01). Nocturnal hypoxemia correlated with the severity of lung disease, FEV1 (rs = −0.42; p = 0.01), FVC (rs = −0.46; p = 0.01), microarousal index (rs = 0.32; p = 0.01), and apnea-hypopnea index (rs = 0.56; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of patients with CF and mild-to-moderate lung disease, nocturnal oxygenation correlated with the S-K score, spirometry variables, sleep macrostructure variables, and the apnea-hypopnea index. .

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de hipoxemia noturna e sua associação com função pulmonar, estado nutricional, macroestrutura do sono e eventos respiratórios obstrutivos durante o sono em uma população de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística (FC) clinicamente estáveis. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal envolvendo 67 crianças e adolescentes com FC e idade entre 2 e 14 anos. Todos os participantes foram submetidos a polissonografia com medição da SpO2 por oximetria de pulso. O escore de Shwachman-Kulczycki (S-K), a espirometria e o estado nutricional dos pacientes também foram avaliados. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 67 pacientes. A média de idade foi de 8 anos. Os resultados do escore de S-K diferiram significativamente entre os pacientes com e sem hipoxemia noturna, definida como SpO2 < 90% por mais que 5% do tempo total de sono (73,75 ± 6,29 vs. 86,38 ± 8,70; p < 0,01). A presença de hipoxemia noturna correlacionou-se com a gravidade da doença pulmonar, VEF1 (rs = −0,42; p = 0,01), CVF (rs = −0,46; p = 0,01), índice de microdespertares do sono (rs = 0,32; p = 0,01) e índice de apneia e hipopneia (rs = 0,56; p = 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Nesta amostra de pacientes com FC e doença pulmonar leve a moderada, o nível de oxigenação noturna correlacionou-se com escore de S-K, variáveis espirométricas e da macroestrutura do sono, assim como o índice de apneia e hipopneia. .

A first-year dornase alfa treatment impact on clinical parameters of patients with cystic fibrosis: the Brazilian cystic fibrosis multicenter study / El impacto de primer ano de tratamiento con dornasa alfa en los parametros clinicos de pacientes con fibrosis quistica: resultado de estudio brasileno multicentrico / O impacto de primeiro ano de tratamento com dornase alfa nos parametros clinicos de pacientes com fibrose cistica: estudo multicentrico brasileiro

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical impact of the first year treatment with dornase alfa, according to age groups, in a cohort of Brazilian Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. METHODS: The data on 152 eligible patients, from 16 CF reference centers, that answered the medical questionnaires and performed laboratory tests at baseline (T0), and at six (T2) and 12 (T4) months after dornase alfa initiation, were analyzed. Three age groups were assessed: six to 11, 12 to 13, and >14 years. Pulmonary tests, airway microbiology, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, emergency and routine treatments were evaluated. Student's t-test, chi-square test and analysis of variance were used when appropriated. RESULTS: Routine treatments were based on respiratory physical therapy, regular exercises, pancreatic enzymes, vitamins, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. In the six months prior the study (T0 phase), hospitalizations for pulmonary exacerbations occurred in 38.0, 10.0 and 61.4% in the three age groups, respectively. After one year of intervention, there was a significant reduction in the number of emergency room visits in the six to 11 years group. There were no significant changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (VEF1), in forced vital capacity (FVC), in oxygen saturation (SpO2), and in Tiffenau index for all age groups. A significant improvement in Shwachman-Kulczychi score was observed in the older group. In the last six months of therapy, chronic or intermittent colonization by P. aeruginosa was detected in 75.0, 71.4 and 62.5% of the studied groups, respectively, while S. aureus colonization was identified in 68.6, 66.6 and 41.9% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with dornase alfa promoted the maintenance of pulmonary function parameters and was associated with a significant reduction of emergency room visits due to pulmonary exacerbations in the six to 11 years age group, with better clinical ...

OBJETIVO: Relatar el impacto clínico del primer año de tratamiento con dornasa alfa conforme a la franja de edad, en una cohorte de pacientes brasileños con fibrosis quística (FC). MÉTODOS: El presente estudio analizó datos de 152 pacientes elegibles, de 16 centros de referencia para FC, los que contestaron a los cuestionarios clínicos y realizaron pruebas laboratoriales, al inicio del tratamiento con la dornasa alfa (T0) y después de 6 (T2) y 12 (T4) meses de la intervención. Se analizaron 3 grupos etarios: 6-11, 12-13 e >14 años de edad. Se evaluaron las pruebas pulmonares, la microbiología de vías aéreas, las atenciones de emergencia, hospitalizaciones y tratamientos emergenciales y de rutina. Las estadísticas descriptivas, pruebas t y chi-cuadrado y ANOVA fueron usadas cuando pertinentes. RESULTADOS: El tratamiento regular se basó en la fisioterapia respiratoria, ejercicios regulares, encimas pancreáticas, vitaminas, broncodilatadores, corticosteroides y antibióticos. En los 6 meses anteriores al estudio (fase T0), las hospitalizaciones por exacerbación pulmonar ocurrieron en 38, 10 y 61,4%, respectivamente, para las tres franjas de edad analizadas. En el grupo 6-11 años, hubo reducción significativa de atenciones de emergencia después de 1 año de tratamiento. No hubo modificaciones significativas de volumen espiratorio forzado en el 1er segundo (VEF1), capacidad vital forzada (CVF), saturación de oxígeno (SpO)2 e índice de Tiffeneau, en todos grupos. El escore de Schwachman-Kulczychi mejoró significativamente en el grupo de más edad. Los últimos 6 meses de tratamiento, la colonización crónica o intermitente por P. aeruginosa fue detectada en el 75, 71,4 y 62,5%, respectivamente, mientras que por S. aureus ocurrió en 68,6, 66,6 y 41,9% de los casos en cada grupo de ...

OBJETIVO: Relatar o impacto clínico do primeiro ano de tratamento com dornase alfa de acordo com a faixa etária, numa coorte de pacientes brasileiros com fibrose cística (FC). MÉTODOS: O presente estudo analisou dados de 152 pacientes elegíveis, de 16 centros de referência para FC, os quais responderam aos questionários clínicos e realizaram testes laboratoriais, ao início do tratamento com dornase alfa (T0) e após seis (T2) e 12 (T4) meses da intervenção. Analisaram-se três grupos etários: seis a 11, 12 a 13 e >14 anos de idade. Avaliaram-se os testes pulmonares, a microbiologia de vias aéreas, os atendimentos de emergência, as hospitalizações e os tratamentos emergenciais e rotineiros. O teste t de Student, o qui-quadrado e a análise de variância foram usados quando pertinentes. RESULTADOS: O tratamento baseou-se em fisioterapia respiratória, exercícios regulares, enzimas pancreáticas, vitaminas, broncodilatadores, corticosteroides e antibióticos. Nos seis meses anteriores ao estudo (fase T0), as hospitalizações por exacerbação pulmonar ocorreram em 38,0, 10,0 e 61,4%, respectivamente para as três faixas etárias analisadas. No grupo de seis a 11 anos, houve redução significativa de atendimentos de emergência após um ano de tratamento. Não houve modificações significativas de volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1), capacidade vital forçada (CVF), saturação de oxigênio (SpO)2 e índice de Tiffeneau em todos os grupos. O escore de Shwachman-Kulczychi melhorou significativamente no grupo de mais idade. Nos últimos seis meses de tratamento, a colonização crônica ou intermitente por P.aeruginosa foi detectada em 75,0, 71,4 e 62,5%, respectivamente, enquanto a colonização ...

Arquitetura do sono e perfil respiratório polissonográfico de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística / Sleep architecture and polysomnographic respiratory profile of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a arquitetura do sono em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística (FC) e com suspeita clínica de distúrbios respiratórios do sono (DRS), e identificar o perfil respiratório polissonográfico desses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Os pais ou responsáveis dos pacientes com FC preencheram um questionário que abordava questões clínicas e relacionadas ao sono. As crianças e adolescentes que foram identificadas com quadro clínico sugestivo de DRS foram submetidas a polissonografia. Após a realização da polissonografia, os pacientes foram agrupados de acordo com o índice de apneia obstrutiva (IA) observado (< 1 ou > 1) e utilizou-se a análise fatorial de correspondência múltipla para análise e identificação dos perfis polissonográficos dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: Dos 74 pacientes que preencheram os critérios de inclusão para este estudo, 67 foram submetidos à polissonografia; observou-se que 38 (56,7 por cento) dos 67 pacientes apresentaram um IA > 1. A mediana das idades foi de 8 anos. O grupo de pacientes com IA > 1 caracterizou-se por apresentar tempo total de sono (TTS) nos estágios 4 e no REM < 21 e 13 por cento, respectivamente, latência do sono REM > 144 minutos, o percentual de TTS com saturação da oxi-hemoglobina medida por oximetria de pulso (SpO2) < 90 por cento maior que 0,28 segundos e o índice de dessaturação de oxigênio maior que 0,92. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que pacientes pediátricos clinicamente estáveis com FC têm uma alta prevalência de DRS e apresentam frequentes queixas relacionadas ao sono, significativas alterações na sua arquitetura, assim como episódios de dessaturação de oxigênio durante o sono.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate sleep architecture in children and adolescents with both cystic fibrosis (CF) and a clinical suspicion of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and to identify the respiratory polysomnographic profile of these patients. METHODS: Parents or guardians of children with CF filled out a questionnaire designed to assess their clinical and sleep conditions. Children who were identified as having behaviors associated with SDB underwent polysomnography. After polysomnography, patients were grouped according to the obstructive apnea index (AI) obtained (either < 1 or > 1), and a multiple correspondence factor analysis was used to analyze and identify the polysomnographic profile of patients. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients who met inclusion criteria for this study, 67 underwent polysomnography, and 38 (56.7 percent) of the 67 patients showed an AI > 1. Median age was 8 years. The group of patients with an AI > 1 was characterized by total sleep time (TST) during stage 4 and rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep < 21 and 13 percent, respectively, REM sleep latency > 144 minutes, percentage of TST with pulse oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) < 90 percent higher than 0.28 seconds, and an oxygen desaturation index higher than 0.92. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that clinically stable pediatric patients with CF have a high prevalence of SDB and present frequent sleep complaints, significant changes in sleep architecture, and episodes of oxygen desaturation during sleep.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of respiratory pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis

Respiratory infection is very common in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). However, the antimicrobial resistance rate of isolates from CF patients is not often documented. In this study, 279 respiratory specimens of 146 patients were prospectively collected from July to December 2006. Microbiological cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility tests of the most frequently isolated bacteria were performed. Sputum and oropharyngeal swabs were processed for culture. During the study period, 50 percent of the patients harbored Staphylococcus aureus, 35 percent Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 4.7 percent Haemophilus influenzae. Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were detected in 8 (6 percent) patients; ESBL and MBL-producing P. aeruginosa were not identified in these patients. The detection of MRSA in CF patients confirms that antimicrobial resistance patterns should be always kept under surveillance. Moreover, hygiene regulations in CF clinics should prevent a further spread of resistant bacterial strains.

Prevalência de aspergilose broncopulmonar alérgica em pacientes com fibrose cística na Bahia, Brasil / Prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis in the state of Bahia, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de aspergilose broncopulmonar alérgica (ABPA) em pacientes com fibrose cística acompanhados em um centro de referência da Bahia. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com coleta prospectiva de dados, realizado no Centro de Referência de Fibrose Cística da Bahia do Hospital Especializado Octavio Mangabeira. Foram incluídos no estudo 74 pacientes que tinham diagnóstico de fibrose cística, com idade acima de 6 anos e tratados entre 9 de dezembro de 2003 e 7 de março de 2005. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: gênero, idade, capacidade vital forçada, volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo, resposta a prova farmacodinâmica, achados em radiografia torácica e de seios de face, presença de sibilância, culturas para Aspergillus spp., imunoglobulina E (IgE) total, IgE específica para Aspergillus fumigatus e teste cutâneo de leitura imediata para aspergilina. RESULTADOS: Dos 74 pacientes, 2 foram diagnosticados com ABPA. Níveis de IgE total > 1.000 UI/mL foram observados em 17 pacientes (23%), teste cutâneo de leitura imediata para A. fumigatus positivos em 19 (25,7%) e sibilância em 60 (81,1%). CONCLUSÕES: A taxa de prevalência de ABPA foi de 2,7%. As altas taxas de IgE total, de teste cutâneo imediato para A. fumigatus positivos e de sibilância sugerem que estes pacientes devam ser acompanhados cuidadosamente por haver a possibilidade do desenvolvimento de ABPA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in patients with cystic fibrosis treated at a referral center in the state of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, with prospective data collection, carried out at the Cystic Fibrosis Referral Center of Bahia of the Octavio Mangabeira Specialized Hospital. We evaluated 74 patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, older than six years of age, treated between December 9, 2003 and March 7, 2005. We analyzed the following variables: gender, age, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, pharmacodynamic response, chest X-ray findings, facial sinus X-ray findings, wheezing, cultures for Aspergillus spp., total immunoglobulin E (IgE), specific IgE for Aspergillus fumigatus and immediate skin test reactivity to A.fumigatus antigen. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients, 2 were diagnosed with ABPA. We found total IgE levels > 1,000 IU/mL in 17 (23%), positive immediate skin reactivity to A. fumigatus antigen in 19 (25.7%) and wheezing in 60 (81.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ABPA was 2.7%. The high levels of total IgE, high incidence of wheezing and high rate of immediate skin test reactivity to A. fumigatus antigen suggest that these patients should be carefully monitored due to their propensity to develop ABPA.

Diabetes melito: uma importante co-morbidade da fibrose cística / Diabetes mellitus in patients with cystic fibrosis

Diabetes melito relacionado à fibrose cística (DMFC) é a principal complicação extrapulmonar da fibrose cística. Atualmente, ele afeta 15-30 por cento dos adultos com fibrose cística e sua prevalência tende a aumentar com o aumento da expectativa de vida desses pacientes. Esse trabalho tem por objetivo rever a fisiopatologia, morbidade, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento do DMFC. Uma pesquisa bibliográfica utilizou os bancos de dados Medline e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, selecionando artigos publicados nos últimos vinte anos. A insulinopenia secundária à destruição de células beta pancreáticas é o principal mecanismo causal, embora a resistência insulínica também possa estar presente. O DMFC apresenta características do diabetes melito tipo 1 e tipo 2 e tem início, em média, aos 20 anos de idade. Ele pode cursar com hiperglicemia em jejum, pós-prandial ou intermitente. As alterações do metabolismo glicêmico agravam o estado nutricional, aumentam a morbidade, diminuem a sobrevida e pioram a função pulmonar. As complicações microvasculares estão presentes, porém raramente observam-se as macrovasculares. A triagem para o DMFC deve ser anual, a partir dos 10 anos de idade, através do teste de tolerância oral à glicose e, em qualquer faixa etária, se houver perda ponderal inexplicada ou sintomatologia de diabetes. Pacientes hospitalizados também devem ser investigados e receber terapia insulínica se a hiperglicemia em jejum persistir além de 48 h. A insulina é o tratamento de escolha para o diabetes com hiperglicemia em jejum. Não existe consenso quanto ao tratamento do diabetes intermitente ou sem hiperglicemia de jejum. Não há orientações de restrições alimentares. O acompanhamento deve ser multidisciplinar.

Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is the principal extra-pulmonary complication of cystic fibrosis, occurring in 15-30 percent of adult cystic fibrosis patients. The number of cystic fibrosis patients who develop diabetes is increasing in parallel with increases in life expectancy. The aim of this study was to review the physiopathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of CFRD. A bibliographic search of the Medline and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases was made. Articles were selected from among those published in the last twenty years. Insulin deficiency, caused by reduced beta-cell mass, is the main etiologic mechanism, although insulin resistance also plays a role. Presenting features of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, CFRD typically affects individuals of approximately 20 years of age. It can also be accompanied by fasting, non-fasting or intermittent hyperglycemia. Glucose intolerance is associated with worsening of nutritional status, increased morbidity, decreased survival and reduced pulmonary function. Microvascular complications are always present, although macrovascular complications are rarely seen. An oral glucose tolerance test is recommended annually for patients e" 10 years of age and for any patients presenting unexplained weight loss or symptoms of diabetes. Patients hospitalized with severe diseases should also be screened. If fasting hyperglycemia persists for more than 48 h, insulin therapy is recommended. Insulin administration remains the treatment of choice for diabetes and fasting hyperglycemia. Calories should not be restricted, and patients with CFRD should be managed by a multidisciplinary team.

Nontuberculosis mycobacteria at a multiresistant tuberculosis reference center in Bahia: clinical epidemiological aspects

OBJETIVO: Examine the prevalence and clinical/epidemiological aspects of patients with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolated from sputum provided by an outpatient clinic specializing in the treatment of multiresistant tuberculosis (MRTB) in Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: All patients followed at the MRTB outpatient clinic of the Octávio Mangabeira Specialized Hospital (HEOM) were evaluated retrospectively from July 1998 to July 2003. All patients underwent direct examinations and cultures to identify the mycobacteria species found during initial and subsequent evaluations. The following variables were recorded: age, gender, clinical symptoms and signs, pre-existing lung disease, prior TB treatment, HIV serology, and NTM species. Categorical and quantitative variables were respectively characterized using proportions and measures ± SD. RESULTS: NTM were isolated in 19 of 231 patients (8.2 percent; 95 percentCI: 5.2 percent-12.3 percent), with the following species distribution: 58 percent (11/19) M. chelonae/abscessus; 16 percent (3/19) M. avium-intracellular complex; 16 percent (3/19) M. kansasii; and 11 percent (2/19) M. fortuitum. HIV serology was positive for just one patient (5 percent), from whom M. chelonae/abscessus was isolated. Productive coughing was observed in all cases. American Thoracic Society (ATS) diagnostic criteria for NTM lung disease were observed in 14 patients (74 percent). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of NTM isolated from patients referred to the MRTB outpatient clinic in Bahia was 8.2 percent (CI 95 percent: 5.2 percent-12.3 percent); rapid-growth mycobacteria (M. chelonae/M. fortuitum) were the most frequently isolated (68 percent).

Fibrose cística em adultos: aspectos clínicos e espirométricos / Cystic fibrosis in adults clinical and spirometric aspects

INTRODUÇAO: A fibrose cística é diagnosticada usualmente na infância. No Brasil, poucos estudos abordam seu diagnóstico na idade adulta. OBJETIVO: Descrever as características demográficas, clínicas e os achados de espirometria dos pacientes com fibrose cística diagnosticados na idade adulta, na Bahia (Brasil). MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 28 pacientes com fibrose cística diagnosticada na idade adulta no Centro de Referência de Fibrose Cística do Estado da Bahia. As variáveis de interesse foram: idade, gênero, cor, índice de massa corpórea (IMC), cultivo do escarro, porcentagem do previsto da capacidade vital forçada ( por cento CVF), porcentagem do previsto do volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo ( por cento VEF1) e resposta ao broncodilatador. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 31,1±12,4 anos. A proporção de negros e mulatos foi de 53,7 por cento, e a média de IMC foi 18,7±3,0Kg/m2. Em doze pacientes (43 por cento) foi confirmada P. aeruginosa no escarro. As médias ±DP dos percentuais do previsto da CVF e do VEF1 foram de 58,9±21,6 por cento e 44,1±23 por cento respectivamente. No grupo colonizado por P. aeruginosa as médias dos parâmetros espirométricos foram inferiores às do grupo não colonizado. Entretanto, somente em relação à CVF esta diferença alcançou significância estatística (p= 0,007). CONCLUSAO: Concordante com a literatura, este estudo reforça que o diagnóstico de fibrose cística deve ser investigado em pacientes com infecções respiratórias de repetição, sinusite e bronquiectasias, mesmo na idade adulta. Os valores dos percentuais da CVF e VEF1 em relação ao previsto foram menores nos pacientes colonizados por P aeruginosa, evidenciando uma maior deterioração da função pulmonar.

Efecto de tres herbicidas pre-emergentes en el establecimiento en campo de plantas in vitro de yuca (Manihot esculenta crantz) / Effect of three pre-emergent herbicides on field adaptation of cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) in vitro plants

Entre los principales problemas para el desarrollo del cultivo de la yuca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) en Venezuela esta la carencia de buen material de siembra. Tradicionalmente, la yuca se propaga por estacas, siendo esto una fuente importante en la diseminación de plagas y enfermedades. El uso de plantas in vitro permite obtener material de siembra sano y vigoroso; sin embargo, su adaptación en campo requiere mayor atención en el control de malezas o arvenses. El presente trabajo evaluó el efecto de 3 herbicidas, fluometurón, S-metolacloro, pendimetalín, en comparación con el desyerbe manual, durante el establecimiento en campo de plantas in vitro de yuca. Los ensayos se realizaron en San Pablo, Edo. Yaracuy. Se usó un diseño de bloques al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Aunque los resultados no mostraron diferencias significativas en el porcentaje de supervivencia de las plántulas, su crecimiento fue significativamente superior (p <0,05) en parcelas tratadas con fluometurón y S-metolacloro con respecto al control manual. No se encontró diferencias entre tratamientos en el control general de arvenses, pero el S-metolacloro mostró mejor control de especies de hoja ancha. Se recomienda usar S-metolacloro y fluometurón el mismo día del transplante para mejorar la competitividad de las plántulas.

Pseudotumoral form of primary progressive tuberculosis: a diagnosis to be considered

The diversity of clinical presentations of primary progressive tuberculosis (TB) and the difficulty in establishing the diagnosis of paucibacillary forms is the subject of painstaking research, as well as a cause of delay in therapy. We report the case of a 10-year-old black child who presented with chest pain and progressive widening of the upper mediastinum. Computerized tomography of the chest revealed multiple calcifications that were not identified with X-rays. Biopsy through mediastinoscopy was compatible with a diagnosis of tuberculosis. Despite exhaustive investigation that included direct examination, culture for mycobacteria and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) of tissue samples, the etiologic agent was not revealed. Tuberculin conversion was observed during the follow-up and resolution period of the lesion, after administration of isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide. The nodal pseudotumoral form of tuberculosis is rare in immunocompetent children and it may simulate neoplastic disease; therefore, it should be included in the list of differential diagnoses of masses located in the anterosuperior mediastinum

Prevalence of pathogens in cystic fibrosis patients in Bahia, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent respiratory infections account for most of the morbidity and mortality of cystic fibrosis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The objective was to determine the prevalence of pathogens isolated from lower respiratory tract secretions in cystic fibrosis patients. In this descriptive observational study, data from 69 patients was collected from medical records. RESULTS: The microorganisms that were identified included 36.2 percent P. aeruginosa, 28.9 percent S. Aureus, 4.3 percent K. pneumoniae, 1.5 percent H. influenzae, 1.5 percent E. coli, 1.5 percent S. maltoophilia, and in 27.5 percent the flora was normal. The prevalence of P. aeruginosa was 83 percent in patients under two years of age, demonstrating early colonization. CONCLUSION: P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were the most prevalent pathogens; there was also early infection/colonization by P. aeruginosa. This information will contribute to improved therapeutic measures for patients of the Bahia Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center

Clinical and radiological analysis of children and adolescents with tuberculosis in Bahia, Brazil

We reviewed the clinical and radiological characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) in children and adolescents at the Hospital Especializado Octávio Mangabeira, (HEOM) in Salvador, Bahia. This study included 275 TB patients aged 1 to 15 years seen between January 1990 and November 2001. Standardized forms were filled out on the basis of a review of patient records and x-rays. Through a retrospective and descriptive analysis, it was found that 51.6 percent were male, 35.3 percent were aged 1 to 5 years, 28 percent were aged 6 to 10 and 36.7 percent were aged 11 to 15. Among all patients, 79.6 percent lived in the city of Salvador. A history of contact with TB was found in 63.9 percent, most frequently among children under 5 years old; 77.2 percent were vaccinated with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). The most frequently observed symptoms were coughing (76 percent), fever (73.1 percent) weight loss (53.1 percent), and 4.7 percent were asymptomatic. Pulmonary TB was most frequent (57.8 percent) and extra-pulmonary TB occurred in 24.4 percent, with a predominance of hilar adenopathy. Both forms occurred simultaneously in 17.8 percent. In 53.1 percent of the cases the diagnosis was not determined by bacteriology or pathological anatomy; in these cases diagnosis was reached through clinical and radiological criteria, contact history, a tuberculin test >10mm and a positive response to tuberculostatic drugs