Performance of risk scores in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD / Desempenho de escores de risco em pacientes com exacerbações agudas da DPOC

ABSTRACT Objective: Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are common causes of hospitalization. Various scoring systems have been proposed to classify the risk of clinical deterioration or mortality in hospitalized patients with AECOPD. We sought to investigate whether clinical deterioration and mortality scores at admission can predict adverse events occurring during hospitalization and after discharge of patients with AECOPD. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients admitted with AECOPD. The National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2), the NEWS288-92%, the Dyspnea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidemia, and atrial Fibrillation (DECAF) score, and the modified DECAF (mDECAF) score were calculated at admission. We assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and overall performance of the scores for the following outcomes: in-hospital mortality; need for invasive mechanical ventilation or noninvasive ventilation (NIV); long hospital stays; hospital readmissions; and future AECOPD. Results: We included 119 patients admitted with AECOPD. The median age was 75 years, and 87.9% were male. The NEWS288-92% was associated with an 8.9% reduction in the number of individuals classified as requiring close, continuous observation, without an increased risk of death in the group of individuals classified as being low-risk patients. The NEWS288-92% and NEWS2 scores were found to be adequate in predicting the need for acute NIV and longer hospital stays. The DECAF and mDECAF scores were found to be better at predicting in-hospital mortality than the NEWS2 and NEWS288-92%. Conclusions: The NEWS288-92% safely reduces the need for clinical monitoring in patients with AECOPD when compared with the NEWS2. The NEWS2 and NEWS288-92% appear to be good predictors of the length of hospital stay and need for NIV, but they do not replace the DECAF and mDECAF scores as predictors of mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: As exacerbações agudas da DPOC (EADPOC) são causas comuns de hospitalização. Vários escores foram propostos para classificar o risco de deterioração clínica ou mortalidade em pacientes hospitalizados com EADPOC. Buscamos investigar se escores de deterioração clínica e mortalidade no momento da admissão podem prever eventos adversos durante a hospitalização e após a alta de pacientes com EADPOC. Métodos: Realizamos um estudo retrospectivo a respeito de pacientes admitidos com EADPOC. O National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2), o NEWS288-92%, o escore Dyspnea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidemia, and atrial Fibrillation (DECAF, Dispneia, Eosinopenia, Consolidação, Acidemia e Fibrilação atrial) e o escore DECAF modificado (DECAFm) foram calculados no momento da admissão. Avaliamos a sensibilidade, a especificidade e o desempenho geral dos escores quanto aos seguintes desfechos: mortalidade hospitalar; necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva ou ventilação não invasiva (VNI); longas internações hospitalares; readmissões hospitalares e futuras AECOPD. Resultados: Incluímos 119 pacientes admitidos com EADPOC. A mediana da idade foi de 75 anos, e 87,9% eram do sexo masculino. O NEWS288-92% associou-se a uma redução de 8,9% no número de indivíduos classificados em pacientes com necessidade de observação atenta e contínua, sem aumento do risco de morte no grupo de indivíduos classificados em pacientes de baixo risco. O NEWS288-92% e o NEWS2 foram considerados adequados para prever a necessidade de VNI aguda e internações hospitalares mais longas. O DECAF e o DECAFm foram considerados melhores em prever a mortalidade hospitalar do que o NEWS2 e o NEWS288-92%. Conclusões: Em comparação com o NEWS2, o NEWS288-92% reduz com segurança a necessidade de monitoramento clínico em pacientes com EADPOC. O NEWS2 e o NEWS288-92% aparentemente são bons preditores do tempo de internação hospitalar e da necessidade de VNI, mas não substituem o DECAF e o DECAFm como preditores de mortalidade.

Telehealth and telemedicine in the management of adult patients after hospitalization for COPD exacerbation: a scoping review / Telessaúde e telemedicina no manejo de pacientes adultos após hospitalização por exacerbação da DPOC: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objective: A substantial number of people with COPD suffer from exacerbations, which are defined as an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms. To minimize exacerbations, telehealth has emerged as an alternative to improve clinical management, access to health care, and support for self-management. Our objective was to map the evidence of telehealth/telemedicine for the monitoring of adult COPD patients after hospitalization due to an exacerbation. Methods: Bibliographic search was carried in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, Scopus, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde/LILACS and Cochrane Library databases to identify articles describing telehealth and telemonitoring strategies in Portuguese, English, or Spanish published by December of 2021. Results: Thirty-nine articles, using the following concepts (number of articles), were included in this review: telehealth (21); telemonitoring (20); telemedicine (17); teleconsultation (5); teleassistance (4); telehomecare and telerehabilitation (3 each); telecommunication and mobile health (2 each); and e-health management, e-coach, telehome, telehealth care and televideo consultation (1 each). All these concepts describe strategies which use telephone and/or video calls for coaching, data monitoring, and health education leading to self-management or self-care, focusing on providing remote integrated home care with or without telemetry devices. Conclusions: This review demonstrated that telehealth/telemedicine in combination with telemonitoring can be an interesting strategy to benefit COPD patients after discharge from hospitalization for an exacerbation, by improving their quality of life and reducing re-hospitalizations, admissions to emergency services, hospital length of stay, and health care costs.

RESUMO Objetivo: Um número substancial de pessoas com DPOC sofre de exacerbações, definidas como uma piora aguda dos sintomas respiratórios. Para minimizar as exacerbações, a telessaúde surgiu como alternativa para melhorar o manejo clínico, o acesso aos cuidados de saúde e o apoio à autogestão. Nosso objetivo foi mapear as evidências de telessaúde/telemedicina para o monitoramento de pacientes adultos com DPOC após hospitalização por exacerbação. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nos bancos de dados PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, Scopus, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde/LILACS e Cochrane Library para identificar artigos que descrevessem estratégias de telessaúde e telemonitoramento em português, inglês, ou espanhol, publicados até dezembro de 2021. Resultados: Trinta e nove artigos, utilizando os seguintes conceitos (número de artigos), foram incluídos nesta revisão: telessaúde (21); telemonitoramento (20); telemedicina (17); teleconsulta (5); teleassistência (4); telecuidado domiciliar e telerreabilitação (3 cada); telecomunicação e saúde móvel (2 cada); e gestão de e-saúde, e-coach, teledomicílio, cuidados de telessaúde e tele/videoconsulta (1 cada). Todos esses conceitos descrevem estratégias que utilizam chamadas telefônicas e/ou de vídeo para coaching, monitoramento de dados e educação em saúde levando à autogestão ou autocuidado, com foco na prestação de cuidados domiciliares remotos integrados, com ou sem dispositivos de telemetria. Conclusões: Esta revisão demonstrou que a telessaúde/telemedicina associada ao telemonitoramento pode ser uma estratégia interessante para beneficiar pacientes com DPOC após a alta hospitalar por exacerbação, por meio da melhora da qualidade de vida e da redução das re-hospitalizações, admissões em serviços de emergência, tempo de internação hospitalar e custos de cuidados de saúde.

Espirometria e oscilometria de impulso durante internação por exacerbação pulmonar aguda em escolares com fibrose cística / Spirometry and impulse oscillometry during acute pulmonary exacerbation hospitalization in children with cystic fibrosis

Objetivo: avaliar o comportamento de parâmetros do sistema respiratório durante internação para antibioticoterapia intravenosa (AIV) como tratamento da exacerbação pulmonar aguda (EPA) em escolares com fibrose cística (FC). Métodos: estudo do tipo analítico observacional, before-after, realizado no Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão, Florianópolis ­ Santa Catarina. Foram incluídas crianças com diagnóstico de FC, entre seis e 15 anos, em internação para tratamento da exacerbação pulmonar aguda, no início (T1), durante (T2) e ao final (T3) da internação foi conduzida avaliação de escores específicos de EPA, dados antropométricos e realizada avaliação dos parâmetros do sistema respiratório pelo sistema de oscilometria de impulso (IOS) e espirometria. Foram obtidos, em prontuário, dados de colonização bacteriana, genótipo, gravidade da doença (Escore de Schwachman-Doershuk-ESD) e espirometria mais recente em estabilidade clínica. Aplicou-se o teste Shapiro-Wilk para análise da distribuição dos dados e os testes ANOVA de medidas repetidas, teste de Friedman, teste T pareado e Wilcoxon, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: participaram 16 crianças/adolescentes (68.8% meninas, 12.88±1.67anos). Houve aumento dos parâmetros da espirometria e dados antropométricos (p<0.005) no T3, bem como redução dos escores de EPA e do X5 (p<0.005) no T3. Conclusão: os dados apresentados nesse trabalho mostram melhora dos escores de EPA, dados antropométricos, parâmetros da espirometria e do parâmetro de recolhimento elástico do IOS (X5).RESUMODescritores: Fibrose cística, Exacerbação dos sintomas, Testes de função pulmonar, Mecânica respiratória (AU)

Objective: Evaluate the respiratory system parameters of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) during hospitalization for acute pulmonary exacerbation (APE) treatment. Methods: observational study before-after that occurred at the CF reference center. There were included children with cystic fibrosis (CF) between six to 15 years old hospitalized due to APE. The registration of the APE clinical scores, anthropometric data, and respiratory system (IOS and spirometry) evaluation occurred at the beginning (T1), during (T2), and at the end (T3) of the hospitalization. There were registered pathogens, genetic mutation, disease severity (Schwachman-Doershuk Score), and the most recent spirometry when they were clinically stable. The Shapiro-Wilk test was applied to analyze data distribution, and the repeated measure ANOVA, Friedman test, Tpaired test, and Wilcoxon test were performed to compare data, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: sixteen children/adolescents participated in the study (68.8% girls, 12.88±1.67 years old). The spirometric parameters, X5 parameter, and anthropometric data increased (p<0.005) and the APE scores decreased (p<0.005) at T3. Conclusion: APE scores, anthropometric data, spirometric parameters, and IOS elastic recoil parameter (X5) improved at the end of hospitalization (AU)

Espirometria e oscilometria de impulso durante internação por exacerbação pulmonar aguda em escolares com fibrose cística / Spirometry and impulse oscillometry during acute pulmonary exacerbation hospitalization in children with cystic fibrosis

RESUMO: Objetivo: avaliar o comportamento de parâmetros do sistema respiratório durante internação para antibioticoterapia intravenosa (AIV) como tratamento da exacerbação pulmonar aguda (EPA) em escolares com fibrose cística (FC). Métodos: estudo do tipo analítico observacional, before-after, realizado no Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão, Florianópolis ­ Santa Catarina. Foram incluídas crianças com diagnóstico de FC, entre seis e 15 anos, em internação para tratamento da exacerbação pulmonar aguda, no início (T1), durante (T2) e ao final (T3) da internação foi conduzida avaliação de escores específicos de EPA, dados antropométricos e realizada avaliação dos parâmetros do sistema respiratório pelo sistema de oscilometria de impulso (IOS) e espirometria. Foram obtidos, em prontuário, dados de colonização bacteriana, genótipo, gravidade da doença (Escore de Schwachman-Doershuk-ESD) e espirometria mais recente em estabilidade clínica. Aplicou-se o teste Shapiro-Wilk para análise da distribuição dos dados e os testes ANOVA de medidas repetidas, teste de Friedman, teste T pareado e Wilcoxon, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: participaram 16 crianças/adolescentes (68.8% meninas, 12.88±1.67anos). Houve aumento dos parâmetros da espirometria e dados antropométricos (p<0.005) no T3, bem como redução dos escores de EPA e do X5 (p<0.005) no T3. Conclusão: os dados apresentados nesse trabalho mostram melhora dos escores de EPA, dados antropométricos, parâmetros da espirometria e do parâmetro de recolhimento elástico do IOS (X5).RESUMODescritores: Fibrose cística, Exacerbação dos sintomas, Testes de função pulmonar, Mecânica respiratória. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Objective: Evaluate the respiratory system parameters of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) during hospitalization for acute pulmonary exacerbation (APE) treatment. Methods: observational study before-after that occurred at the CF reference center. There were included children with cystic fibrosis (CF) between six to 15 years old hospitalized due to APE. The registration of the APE clinical scores, anthropometric data, and respiratory system (IOS and spirometry) evaluation occurred at the beginning (T1), during (T2), and at the end (T3) of the hospitalization. There were registered pathogens, genetic mutation, disease severity (Schwachman-Doershuk Score), and the most recent spirometry when they were clinically stable. The Shapiro-Wilk test was applied to analyze data distribution, and the repeated measure ANOVA, Friedman test, Tpaired test, and Wilcoxon test were performed to compare data, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: sixteen children/adolescents participated in the study (68.8% girls, 12.88±1.67 years old). The spirometric parameters, X5 parameter, and anthropometric data increased (p<0.005) and the APE scores decreased (p<0.005) at T3. Conclusion: APE scores, anthropometric data, spirometric parameters, and IOS elastic recoil parameter (X5) improved at the end of hospitalization.ABSTRACTKeywords: Cystic fibrosis, Symptom flare up, Respiratory function tests, Respiratory mechanics.1. Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina ­ UDESC ­ Florianópolis, (SC) ­ Brasil https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2176-7262.rmrp.2022.183755Tayná Castilho1, Renata Maba Gonçalves Wamosy1, Camila Isabel Santos Schivinski1Este é um artigo publicado em acesso aberto (Open Access) sob a licença Creative Commons Attribution, que permite uso, distribuição e reprodução em qualquer meio, sem restrições, desde que o trabalho original seja corretamente citado. (AU)

Actividad lúpica en paciente con enfermedad renal terminal: reporte de caso / Lupus activity in a patient with end-stage renal disease: a case report

RESUMEN El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad autoinmune que afecta múltiples órganos; el compromiso renal se encuentra en el 50% de los pacientes y es variable de acuerdo con el grupo racial y étnico. Se estima que el 10% de los pacientes con nefritis lúpica (NL) desarrollan enfermedad renal terminal (ERT) y, una vez que se da la progresión, el 80% de los pacientes negativizan los marcadores de actividad. Sin embargo, aunque es inusual, la reactivación de la enfermedad puede presentarse en compromiso renal avanzado y es importante diagnosticarla oportunamente para definir la causa, tratarla y evitar complicaciones. Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente de 45 arios, con ERT en diálisis peritoneal, que se encontraba en remisión de la enfermedad y posteriormente desarrolló actividad lúpica.

ABSTRACT Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs, and renal involvement is found in 50% of patients and is variable according to racial and ethnic group. It is estimated that 10% of patients with lupus nephritis (NL) develop end-stage renal disease (ERT), and once progression occurs, 80% of patients are negative for activity markers. However, although it is rare, the reactivation of the disease can occur in advanced renal involvement, and it is important to diagnose it in a timely manner to define the cause and treat it, avoiding complications.

The AsthmaID Tool in Singapore: Four Simple Questions to Detect Patients in need of an Asthma Review by a Specialist

@#A rising prevalence of asthma in Singapore translates to a more considerable patient care burden for general practitioners. Along with diagnosing and managing the treatment of asthma, general practitioners must recognise when referral to a respiratory specialist is necessary. Although mild to moderate asthma is generally manageable in the primary care setting, patients with poorly controlled, difficult-to-treat, or severe asthma may benefit from referral to a specialist. Currently, many of these patients are not receiving optimal care, which places them at risk of asthma exacerbations and unnecessary systemic corticosteroid use. AsthmaID was developed as a tool for general practitioners to identify patients with asthma for whom a specialist evaluation could help improve asthma symptom control and optimise treatment strategies. Using four questions developed by asthma experts and rooted in the Global Initiative for Asthma report, AsthmaID quickly identifies patients who may benefit from a specialist referral without requiring additional patient assessments or testing modalities. Implementation of AsthmaID in clinical practice has the potential to transform the patient care pathway, thereby improving the quality of care for patients with asthma.

Caracterización de pacientes con lupus y fiebre: actividad, infección o ambas / Characterisation of patients with lupus and fever: Activity, infection or both

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y de laboratorio en pacientes mayores de 15 arios con diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) hospitalizados por fiebre, cuyo diagnóstico final fue infección, actividad lúpica o ambas (actividad e infección). Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en el que se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de LES admitidos por fiebre en el servicio de urgencias del Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael; se estudiaron variables clínicas y paraclínicas, dividiéndose en 3 grupos de interés: pacientes con actividad de la enfermedad, de la infección o de ambas, de acuerdo con el diagnóstico definitivo una vez se daba el alta hospitalaria. Se estudiaron variables clínicas y de laboratorio, realizándose una descripción de la población en los 3 estados. Resultados: Se evaluaron en total 115 pacientes, incluyéndose en el análisis final 108 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 36 años y el 86% fueron mujeres. La mediana del puntaje del Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) en toda la población fue de 6 (R 1-15), en los pacientes con infección y actividad el puntaje mostró una mediana de 9,5 (R 6-15). No hubo diferencias significativas entre los síntomas clínicos y los hallazgos de laboratorio en los diferentes grupos. El uso de prednisolona en los últimos 3 meses fue mayor en el grupo de infección (p = 0,001), pero sin diferencias significativas entre las otras terapias de inmunosupresión. Conclusión: El uso de esteroides en los últimos 3 meses, el puntaje de la escala SLEDAI y el tiempo transcurrido desde el diagnóstico de LES podrían ser variables que pueden ayudar a discriminar entre infección y actividad en pacientes con historia de LES y fiebre. Los hallazgos clínicos y paraclínicos no discriminan entre estas condiciones de enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of patients older than 15 years of age diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) that were admitted to hospital with fever and with a final diagnosis of infection, disease flare-up, or both. Methods: A retrospective chart review of medical charts was performed to identify patients with a diagnosis of SLE with a fever, admitted to the Emergency Department of Hospital Universitario Clinica San Rafael. The data collected included demographics, SLEDAI (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) scores, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and steroid use. Results analysis was based on three groups (according to final diagnosis at discharge): patients diagnosed with SLE and infection, SLE and disease flare-up, and SLE with both infection and disease flare-up. Results: This study included 108 patients with a mean age of 36, of whom 86% were female. The mean SLEDAI score of all patients analysed was 6 (R 1-15), and for patients with SLE with both infection and disease flare-up was 9.5 (R 6-15). No significant differences were found with clinical symptoms and laboratory findings for any group analysed. SLE patients diagnosed with infections took significantly more prednisolone in the last three months before admission (P = .001). No differences were found with other immunosuppressants. Conclusion: The use of steroids in the last three months, the SLEDAI score, and time since a SLE diagnosis may be variables used to distinguish between infection and disease flare-up in SLE patients presenting with fever. Clinical symptoms and laboratory results are not useful markers to make this distinction.

Frequency of emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations in patients included in two models of care / Frecuencia de visitas al departamento de emergencias y hospitalizaciones debido a exacerbaciones de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en pacientes incluidos en dos modelos de atención

Introduction: Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a huge impact on lung function, quality of life and mortality of patients. Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations due to exacerbations cause a significant economic burden on the health system. Objective: To describe the differences in the number of emergency visits and hospitalizations due to exacerbations of COPD among patients included in two models of care of the same institution. Materials and methods: A historical cohort study in which COPD patients who are users of two models of care were included: COPD integrated care program (CICP) and general consultation of pulmonology (GCP). The first model, unlike the second one, offers additional educational activities, 24/7 telephone service, and priority consultations. The number of emergency visits and hospitalizations due to COPD exacerbations in patients who had completed at least one year of follow-up was evaluated. The multivariable Poisson regression model was used for calculating the incidence rate (IR) and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) with an adjustment for confounding factors. Results: We included 316 COPD patients (166 from the CICP and 150 from the GCP). During the year of follow-up, the CICP patients had 50% fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations than patients from the GCP (IRR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.29-0.87, p=0.014). Conclusions: COPD patients in the CICP had fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations due to exacerbations. Prospective clinical studies are required to confirm the results and to evaluate the factors that contribute to the differences.

Introducción. Las exacerbaciones de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) tienen un gran impacto en la función pulmonar, la calidad de vida y la mortalidad de los pacientes. Las visitas al Departamento de Emergencias y las hospitalizaciones debido a las exacerbaciones, causan una carga económica importante para el sistema de salud. Objetivo. Describir las diferencias en el número de visitas de emergencia y hospitalizaciones debidas a exacerbaciones de la EPOC, entre los pacientes incluidos en dos modelos de atención de la misma institución. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio de cohorte histórica en el que se incluyeron pacientes que son usuarios de dos modelos de atención: el programa de atención integrada de la EPOC (CICP) y la consulta general de neumología (PCG). El primer modelo, a diferencia del segundo, ofrece actividades educativas adicionales, servicio telefónico las 24 horas del día y consultas prioritarias. Se evaluó el número de visitas de emergencia y hospitalizaciones debido a exacerbaciones de la EPOC en pacientes que habían completado, al menos, un año de seguimiento. Se utilizó el modelo de regresión multivariable de Poisson para calcular la tasa de incidencia (IR) y la razón de tasas de incidencia (IRR), con un ajuste para factores de confusión. Resultados. Se incluyeron 316 pacientes con EPOC, 166 del CICP y 150 de la PCG. Durante el año de seguimiento, los pacientes en el CICP tuvieron 50 % menos visitas de emergencia y hospitalizaciones que los pacientes en la PCG (IRR=0,50; IC95% 0,29-0,87; p=0,014). Conclusiones. Los pacientes con EPOC en el CICP, tuvieron menos visitas de emergencia y hospitalizaciones debido a las exacerbaciones. Se requieren estudios clínicos prospectivos para confirmar los resultados y evaluar los factores que contribuyen a las diferencias.

Clinical efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in adjuvant therapy for acute exacerbation of asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To investigate clinical efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the adjuvant treatment of patients with acute exacerbation of asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap (ACO). Methods One hundred and forty-six patients with acute exacerbation of ACO admitted to department of respiratory and critical care medicine of Henan provincial people′s hospital from March 2016 to August 2018 were divided into control group and observation group according to random number table, with 73 patients in each group. The control group was given clinical treatment such as bronchodilator, inhaled glucocorticoid and low- flow oxygen inhalation during hospitalization, and inhalation of budesonide/formoterol fumarate powder combined with tiotropium was continued after discharge. The treatment lasted for 4 weeks. The observation group was added with NAC 600 mg, twice daily, totally for 4 weeks on the basis of the control group. Baseline data and duration of hospital stay were collected. Before and after treatment, blood routine, c-reactive protein (CRP), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1% pred were recorded. Clinical efficacy and adverse drug reaction were compared between the two groups. Results The white blood cell count, eosinophil count, neutrophil count, CRP, FEV1/FVC and FEV1% pred of two groups were significantly ameliorative after treatment compared with those before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The white blood cell count, eosinophil count, neutrophil count and CRP after treatment in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group: (7.40 ± 1.12)×109/L vs. (8.34 ± 1.56) ×109/L, (0.30 ± 0.15) ×109/L vs. (0.42 ± 0.18) ×109/L, (3.76 ± 1.49) ×109/L vs. (4.58 ± 1.72) × 109/L, (5.33 ± 1.65) mg/L vs. (5.95 ± 1.74) mg/L, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in FEV1/FVC and FEV1%pred after treatment between observation group and control group (P > 0.05). The total effective rate after treatment in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group: 94.52% (69/73) vs. 82.19% (60/73), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). During the treatment, duration of hospital stay in observation group was shorter than that in control group: (5.82 ± 2.29) d vs. (7.25 ± 3.05) d, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in observation group was compared with control group: 10.96% (8/73) vs.5.48% (4/73), and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions NAC has a significant effect in adjuvant treatment of acute exacerbation of ACO, which can significantly inhibit the level of inflammation and shorten the length of hospital stay.

Clinical and epidemiologic characterization of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus admitted to an intensive care unit in Colombia

Abstract Objective: Describe the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: a retrospective study with medical records review of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) admitted to the ICU between 2004 and 2015 were included. Qualitative variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies. For quantitative variables mean value and standard deviation (SD) or median value with the interquartile range (IQR) depending on data distribution. To compare groups, it was used the Student t-test or Mann Whitney U test as appropriate and Fisher's exact test. Results: 33 patients were included, with a total of 45 ICU admissions, 29 (87.9%) were females with a median age of 26 years. The median time of diagnosis of SLE was two years, (IQR 1.5-5). The most common SLE manifestation and comorbidity were renal disease and hypertension with 27 (81.8%) and 14 (42.4%) respectively. The main reason for admittance was lupus flare with 25 events (55.5%). Infection was the second cause of admission with 19 events (42.2%). The median stay time in the ICU was four days (IQR 2-7). LODS score was 6 (RIQ 5-8), and APACHE II score was 13 (RIQ 11-17.7). There were 29 infections (64.5%) of which 20 (69%) were hospital-acquired. Four (12.1%) patients died. Conclusion: Unlike most of the previously reported series, in this study SLE activity was the most common cause of admission in the ICU. A more aggressive disease and difficulties in the ambulatory setting could explain this behavior. Despite the higher percentage of lupus flares, there was lower mortality.

Association between hypovitaminosis D and frequency of pulmonary exacerbations in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis / Associação entre hipovitaminose D e frequência de exacerbações pulmonares em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística

Abstract Objective We evaluated the association between vitamin D levels and nutritional status, pulmonary function and pulmonary exacerbations in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Methods 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels of 37 children and adolescents were retrospectively evaluated. Pulmonary function, body mass index, height for age, and pulmonary exacerbations episodes were associated with vitamin D levels divided into two groups: sufficient (≥30ng/mL) and hypovitaminosis (<30ng/mL). Results Hypovitaminosis D (25(OH)D <30ng/mL) was observed in 54% of subjects. The mean level of 25(OH)D was 30.53±12.14ng/mL. Pulmonary function and nutritional status were not associated with vitamin D levels. Pulmonary exacerbations over a 2-year period (p=0.007) and the period from measurement up to the end of the follow-up period (p=0.002) were significantly associated with vitamin D levels. Conclusion Hypovitaminosis D was associated with higher rates of pulmonary exacerbations in this sample of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Hypovitaminosis D should be further studied as a marker of disease severity in cystic fibrosis. Further prospective and randomized studies are necessary to investigate causality of this association.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a associação entre níveis de vitamina D e estado nutricional, função pulmonar e exacerbações pulmonares em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística. Métodos Os níveis de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25(OH)D) de 37 crianças e adolescentes foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Função pulmonar, índice de massa corporal, altura para a idade, e episódios de exacerbações pulmonares foram associados aos níveis de vitamina D divididos em dois grupos: suficiente (≥30ng/mL) e hipovitaminose (<30ng/mL). Resultados Hipovitaminose D (25(OH)D <30ng/mL) foi observada em 54% dos pacientes. O nível médio de 25(OH)D foi de 30,53±12,14ng/mL. A função pulmonar e o estado nutricional não foram associados aos níveis de vitamina D. As exacerbações pulmonares durante um período de 2 anos (p = 0,007) e do período de medição até o final do período de seguimento (p=0,002) foram significativamente associadas aos níveis de vitamina D. Conclusão A hipovitaminose D esteve associada a maiores taxas de exacerbações pulmonares nesta amostra de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística. A hipovitaminose D deve ser mais estudada como marcador da gravidade da doença na fibrose cística. Outros estudos prospectivos e randomizados são necessários para investigar a relação causal desta associação.

Custo de exacerbações em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica submetidos a um programa de reabilitação pulmonar / Cost exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease submitted to a pulmonary rehabilitation program / Costo de exacerbaciones en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstrutiva crónica submetidos a un programa de rehabilitación pulmonar

Justificativa e Objetivos: A exacerbação contribui na progressão da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) e gera altos custos para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Neste sentido nosso objetivo foi estimar o custo do SUS nas exacerbações dos portadores de DPOC em diferentes tempos de permanência no Programa de Reabilitação Pulmonar (PRP) do Hospital Santa Cruz (HSC). Métodos: 32 prontuários de portadores de DPOC foram analisados através do sistema informatizado do HSC, de novembro a dezembro de 2015. Posteriormente foram estratificados conforme tempo de PRP: Grupo 1 (G1, n=4), ˂2 meses; Grupo 2 (G2, n=20), 2-12 meses; e Grupo 3 (G3, n=8), ≥12 meses. Resultados: Houve predominância do sexo masculino (n=19, 59,3%), idade adulta (63,5±6,9anos), VEF1 1,03±0,47l/min, %predito do VEF1 39,4±16,5%, e estadiamento severo da doença (n=14, 43,7%). Exacerbações moderadas (n=34) e graves (n=3) foram contabilizadas, totalizando gasto de R$7.030,78 para o SUS. Entretanto somente 2 indivíduos mantinham o hábito de fumar. O G3 apresentou-se menor na severidade da doença (n=2, 25%), taxa de exacerbação (n=3, 37,5%) e custos para o SUS (R$40,8±14,5). Conclusão: A redução da quantidade e severidade de exacerbações, bem como menores custos do SUS, estão diretamente relacionados com a maior permanência no PRP.(AU)

Background and Objectives: Exacerbation contributes to the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and generates high costs for the Unified Health System (SUS). In this sense, our aim was to estimate the cost of SUS in the exacerbations of COPD patients in different times of stay in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program (PRP) of Santa Cruz Hospital (HSC). Methods: 32 medical records of patients with COPD were analyzed through the HSC computerized system, from November to December 2015. Subsequently, they were stratified according to PRP time: Group 1 (G1, n=4), ˂2 months; Group 2 (G2, n=20), 2-12 months; And Group 3 (G3, n=8), ≥12 months. Results: There was a predominance of males (n=19, 59.3%), adult age (63.5±6.9 years), FEV1 1.03±0.47l/min, predicted FEV1 39.4±16.5%, and severe disease staging (n=14, 43.7%). Moderate (n=34) and severe (n=3) exacerbations were recorded, totaling R$ 7,030.78 for SUS. However, only 2 individuals maintained a smoking habit. G3 was lower in disease severity (n=2, 25%), exacerbation rate (n=3, 37.5%) and costs for SUS (R$ 40.8±14.5). Conclusion: The reduction in the amount and severity of exacerbations, as well as lower SUS costs, are directly related to the longer stay in PRP.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: La exacerbación contribuye a la progresión de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y genera altos costos para el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). En este sentido nuestro objetivo fue estimar el costo del SUS en la sexacerbaciones de los portadores de EPOC en diferentes tiempos de permanência en el Programa de Rehabilitación Pulmonar (PRP) del Hospital Santa Cruz (HSC). Métodos: 32 prontuarios de portadores de EPOC fueron analizados através del sistema informatizado del HSC, de noviembre a diciembre de 2015. Posteriormente fueron estratificados conforme tiempo de PRP: Grupo 1 (G1, n=4), ˂2 meses; Grupo 2 (G2, n=20), 2-12 meses; y el grupo 3 (G3, n=8), ≥12 meses. Resultados: Hubo predominiodel sexo masculino (n=19, 59,3%), edad adulta (63,5±6,9 años), VEF1 1,03±0,47 l/min, % predichodel VEF1 39,4±16,5%, y estadificación severa de laenfermedad (n=14, 43,7%). Las exacerbaciones moderadas (n=34) y graves (n=3) se contabilizaron, totalizando un gasto de R$ 7.030,78 para el SUS. Sin embargo solamente 2 individuos manteníanel hábito de fumar. El G3 se presentó menor en las everidad de la enfermedad (n=2, 25%), tasa de exacerbación (n=3, 37,5%) y costos para el SUS (R$ 40,8±14,5). Conclusiones: La reducción de la cantidad y severidad de exacerbaciones, así como menores costos del SUS, estándirectamente relacionados conlamayorpermanenciaenel PRP.(AU)

Incidência e fatores associados a flare-ups em endodontia: revisão de literatura / Incidence and factors related to endodontic flare-ups: a literature review

Introdução: Flare-up endodôntico pode ser definida como dor e/ou inflamação dentro de algumas horas ou dias após o tratamento endodôntico. O conhecimento das causas e mecanismos relacionados à flare-ups é de relevante importância para que o profissional possa efetivamente prevenir ou manejar esta indesejável condição. Objetivo: relatar e discutir através das evidencias científicas vigentes aspectos relacionados a frequência e fatores associados à flare-ups em tratamentos endodônticos. Método: revisão de literatura nas bases eletrônicas PubMed e Google Acadêmico nos meses de junho à julho de 2016, utilizando os termos de busca: Flare up e Endodontia ou Flare-up Endodôntico, Dor Pós-operatória e Tratamento Endodôntico. Foram incluídos trabalhos originais e ensaios clínicos publicados em inglês nos últimos 10 anos. Revisão de Literatura: com relação a ocorrência de flare-ups endodônticos, determinadas controvérsias permanecem no que concerne ao sexo, idade, posição do dente e diagnostico pulpar, técnica de instrumentação, soluções irrigadoras e medicação intracanal, bem como número de sessões clínicas. Conclusão: a presença de comprometimento periapical representou um forte preditor a ocorrência de flare-ups. Entretanto, se torna importante a realização de estudos futuros com metodologias apropriadas visando avaliar o relacionamento de outros fatores com esta indesejável condição.

Introdiction: endodontic flare-up can be defined as pain and/or inflammation in a few hours or days after the endodontic treatment of a tooth. Knowledge of the causes and mechanisms related to flare-ups is of great importance for the professional to effectively prevent or manage this undesirable condition. Objective: to review and discuss the scientific evidences regarding of frequency and factors associated with endodontic flare-ups. Methods: it was carried out a literature review in the electronic databases PubMed and Scholar Google from June to July of 2016 using as descriptors: Flare-up and Endodontics or Endodontic Flare-ups, Postoperative Pain and Endodontic Treatment. Original articles and clinical trials published in English in the last 10 years were included. Literature Review: controversies remain regarding of sex, age, tooth position and pulp diagnosis, instrumentation technique, irrigating solutions and dressing, as well as number of clinical session son the development of endodontic flare-ups. Conclusion: the presence of apical lesion was a strong predictor for the development of flare-ups compared to those without periapical involvement. However, It should carried out future studies with appropriate methodologies to evaluate the relationship of other factors in the manifestation of this undesirable condition.

Flare Up Reaction During Provocation Test to Glatiramer Acetate in a Patient With Allergy to Interferon Beta1a

Glatiramer acetate (GA) is a synthetic amino acid polymer, used for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The most common adverse effect of GA is a skin reaction at the injection site with a probable IgE-mediated mechanism. We report a case of a 45-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis and urticaria to interferon-beta1a, who underwent a challenge test to GA. She presented itching wheals at the intradermal sites. A month later the patient repeated the test and presented the same reactions of the first test. The next day she continued the test with subcutaneous injections. One hour later she presented a flare up of the reactions appeared during the previous 2 tests. No reactions appeared at the subcutaneous injection sites. The patient also presented dyspnea. Flare-up reactions are characterized by the reactivation of previously positive reactions to intradermal or skin tests triggered by patch testing and after systemic provocation with an allergen. The phenomenon is not common to drugs. The mechanisms involved in this reaction seem to be heterogeneous and are not completely understood. To our knowledge this is the first case of allergic reaction to GA manifested as a flare-up reaction during challenge test.

Endodontic flare-ups incidence and related factors / 대한치과보존학회지

The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of flare-ups among patients who received endodontic treatment and to examine the correlation with pre-operative and operative variables. Analysis was in two aspects (a) overall incidence of flare-ups as expressed by a percentage of all patients visits and (b) percentage of flare-ups that occurred as related to various factors such as patient demographics, diagnosis, and treatment procedures. 1. From the 840 teeth which were examined in this study, the total number of flare-ups was 13. 2. As to gender of patients, there was no significant difference in flare-ups. 3. As to tooth groups, there was no significant difference in flare-ups. 4. In the teeth with pre-operative symptom, there was a statistically significant higher incidence of flare-ups than the teeth without it. 5. In the teeth with apical periodontitis, there was a statistically significant higher incidence of flare-ups. 6. As to pulp and periapical status, non-vital teeth had a higher incidence as compared with vital teeth, irreversible pulpitis. 7. Multi-visit treatment resulted in the higher incidence of flare-ups than one visit treatment. 8. Re-treatment procedures had a statistically significant higher incidence of flare-ups than root canal treatment. In this study, overall percentages of flare-ups was 1.55%. It showed a statistically significant higher incidence related to pre-operative symptom, apical periodontitis, and re-treatment. There was no significant difference in flare-ups related to gender, tooth groups, and fistula.