Correlation analysis between post-stroke depression and serum bilirubin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the influential factors of post-stroke depression and investigate the effects of changes in serum bilirubin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein on post-stroke depression.Methods:A total of 199 patients with stroke admitted to Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital from December 2019 to December 2020 were included in this study. These patients were divided into the Xining urban group (2 000-3 000 meters above sea level; n = 165) and the Xining prefecture and county group (over 3 000 meters above sea level; n = 34) according to their long-term residence. They were also divided into the post-stroke depression group ( n = 56, including 45 patients in the Xining urban group and 11 patients in the Xining prefecture and county group) and non-post-stroke depression group ( n = 143, including 120 patients in the Xining urban group and 23 patients in the Xining prefecture and county group). Related scales were used to evaluate neurologic deficits and the degree of depression in the two groups. Serum levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured in each group. Neurologic deficits and the degree of depression were correlated with serum levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Results:Serum levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the post-stroke depression group were (19.95 ± 7.22) mmol/L, (3.98 ± 1.49) mmol/L, and (1.40 ± 2.29) mg/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (16.20 ± 7.61) mmol/L, (3.19 ± 1.62) mmol/L, and (0.63 ± 1.33) mg/L in the non-post-stroke depression group ( t = 3.17, 3.18, 2.35, all P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in serum level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein between stroke patients with mild and moderate depression and stroke patients with severe depression ( t = 2.48, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Serum levels of bilirubin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein play an important role in the pathogenesis of post-stroke depression and there is a significant correlation between the two.

Correlación del recuento de eosinófilos con las proteínas totales y la fosfatasa alcalina en pacientes asintomáticos con niveles normales y elevados de aspartato aminotransferasa de un policlínico de Villa El Salvador en Lima-Perú

Objetivo: Evaluar la correlación del recuento diferencial de eosinófilos con niveles de proteínas totales y fosfatasa alcalina en pacientes con valores normales y elevados de aspartato aminotransferasa pertenecientes a un policlínico de Villa El Salvador en Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico y correlacional realizado en pacientes de ambos sexos con edades iguales o mayores a 18 años, aparentemente sanos, con niveles normales y elevados de la enzima aspartato aminotransferasa. 279 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad. Se utilizó la prueba de correlación de Spearman para determinar grado de correlación entre recuento de eosinófilos con fosfatasa alcalina y proteínas totales en pacientes con niveles normales y elevados de aspartato aminotransferasa. Resultados: No hubo correlación entre las variables estudiadas en el grupo con valores de aminotransferasas normales. Sin embargo, en el grupo que presentó valores de aspartato aminotransferasa elevados se encontró una correlación moderada y negativa entre el recuento de eosinófilos con las proteínas totales (Rho = -465) y correlación baja y positiva con la fosfatasa alcalina (Rho = 296). Conclusiones: En presencia de valores de aminotransferasas superiores al rango normal, los eosinófilos se correlacionan con las proteínas totales y la fosfatasa alcalina. Son necesarios estudios con mayor número de pacientes y complejidad metodológica para determinar si la interacción entre eosinófilos con la albúmina y la fosfatasa ocurre frecuentemente en condiciones de aminotransferasas elevadas, y considerar posibles implicaciones en la fisiopatología de las enfermedades crónicas asociadas a esta enzima, así como posibles repercusiones clínicas y terapéuticas.

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between eosinophil differential count and total protein and alkaline phosphatase levels in patients with normal and high levels of aspartate aminotransferase from a polyclinic in the district of Villa El Salvador in Lima, Peru. Materials and methods: An observational, analytical and correlational study conducted with apparently healthy male and female patients aged 18 years or older, showing normal and high levels of enzyme aspartate aminotransferase. The study included 279 patients who met the eligibility criteria. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between eosinophil count and alkaline phosphatase and total protein in patients with normal and high levels of aspartate aminotransferase. Results: No correlation was found between the variables studied in the group with normal levels of aminotransferases. However, in the group with high levels of aspartate aminotransferase, a moderate and negative correlation was found between eosinophil count and total protein (Rho = -465) and a low and positive correlation between eosinophil count and alkaline phosphatase (Rho = 296). Conclusions: In the presence of aminotransferase levels above the normal range, eosinophils correlate with total protein and alkaline phosphatase. Further studies with a larger number of patients and greater methodological complexity are necessary to determine if the interaction between eosinophils and albumin and phosphatase is frequently seen with high levels of aminotransferases. Moreover, they are necessary to consider possible implications in the pathophysiology of chronic diseases associated with this enzyme, as well as possible clinical and therapeutic implications.

Relación entre índice de masa corporal y trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad en niños / Relationship between body mass index and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity in children

Introducción: El índice de masa corporal es un indicador de la densidad corporal. El trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad es un síndrome que presenta tres síntomas: inatención, hiperactividad e impulsividad. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre el índice de masa corporal y el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad en niños. Métodos: Investigación observacional, transversal, analítica bivariada y ambispectiva, desarrollada en 111 niñas y 125 niños, de 10 a 12 años de edad estudiantes de la Unidad Educativa Hispano América de la ciudad de Ambato, Ecuador, en el período septiembre 2017- febrero 2018. Los datos del índice de masa corporal y el trastorno por déficit de atención se procesaron en Microsoft Excel, el software Minitab® 18.1 para el cálculo de los coeficientes de correlación de Pearson y Spearman, y prueba de Grubbs para comprobar normalidad y análisis de valores atípicos. Resultados: La media del índice de masa corporal fue de 20,15 en niños y 20,63 en niñas, lo que se consideró normal. El trastorno por déficit de atención: 93,7 por ciento de niñas y 90,4 por ciento de niños, también fue normal. En estos últimos, existió una ligera predisposición por este trastorno. La correlación entre ambas variables fue ligeramente positiva: niñas 0,02 y niños 0,457. Conclusiones: El índice de masa corporal y el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad tienen parámetros normales en niñas y niños y existe entre ambos una correlación positiva débil. Es necesario establecer estrategias educativas para la disminución de la obesidad y malnutrición infantil(AU)

Introduction: The body mass index is an indicator of body density, determined by the relationship between body weight and height. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a syndrome with three symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Objective: To analyze the relationship between the body mass index and the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in students. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, bivariate and ambispective analytical research, carried out in a population of 111 girls and 125 boys, from 10 to 12 years of the Hispanic American Education Unit of the city of Ambato, Ecuador, in the period September 2017 - February 2018. Processing data in Microsoft Excel for body mass index and for the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and with Minitab® 18.1 software for the calculation of coefficients of Pearson and Spearman correlation, as well as the normality tests and analysis of outliers with the Grubbs test. Results: The average for body mass index was 20.15 in boys and 20.63 in girls, considered normal. Normal results were obtained in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 93.7 percent of girls and 90.4 percent of boys, there being a slight predisposition for this disorder. The correlation between both variables was slightly positive: girls 0.202 and boys 0.457. Conclusions: Both, body mass index and the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have normal parameters in girls and boys, with a weak positive correlation between them. It was proposed to establish educational strategies for the reduction of obesity and child malnutrition(AU)

The Average Annual Percent Change Analyzes of Preventive Dental Care in the Slovak Republic, 2014-2016

Objective: To analyse of the average annual percent change (AAPC) of registered dental patients, patients with preventive dental care and patients requiring dental treatment in the period of 2014-2016 in the Slovak Republic. Material and Methods: Data from registered dental patients (n=14,736,888), patients with preventive dental care (n=8,212,441) and patients requiring dental treatment (n=5,262,323) in the period of 2014-2016 were obtained from the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic; 28,211,652 dental patients were analysed. The Theil-Sen estimator of trend line based on median and its significance was tested by nonparametric Wilcoxon test using statistical software R package. Results: The significant decrease (-4.11%) of the AAPC rates of registered dental patient (p<0.05) during the entire period (2014-2016) can be observed in age subcategory 15-18 years, while in age subcategory 19+ years the nonsignificant increase (1.08%) of the AAPC rate of registered dental patients in the same period was achieved. In the period of 2014-2016, the highest AAPC rate of patients with preventive dental care with the significant decrease was found in age subcategory 6-14 years (-17.19%; p<0.001). The AAPC rate of patients requiring dental treatment proved the significant negative values in age subcategory 0-5 years (-7.26%; p<0.01), in age subcategory 6-14 years (-9.33%; p<0.001), in age subcategory 15-18 years (-8.81%; p<0.01). Conclusion: The highest decrease AAPC rate of registered dental patients was observed in age subcategory 15-18 years. The statistical significant decrease AAPC rate of patients with preventive dental care was found in children ≤ 18 years. In patients requiring dental treatment (≤ 18 y.) was observed decrease AAPC rate.

Percepción sobre riesgo al cambio climático como una amenaza para la salud humana, taganga, santa marta, 2014 / Perception of risk to climate change as a threat to human health, taganga, santa marta, 2014

La Organización Mundial de la Salud considera el cambio climático o calentamiento global un problema de salud pública. De esta manera, se hace necesario conocer la percepción del riesgo al cambio climático en las diferentes comunidades para proponer acciones de adaptación y mitigación al cambio climático; pero esa percepción del riesgo puede variar en las diferentes poblaciones. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue observar la percepción de riesgo sobre el cambio climático como una amenaza para la salud humana en Taganga, Santa Marta, 2014. A nivel metodológico se encuestaron 484 personas de la comunidad de Taganga, mediante un muestreo por conglomerado. Se les aplicó el instrumento validado, a nivel internacional y nacional, mediante el alfa de Cronbach y el coeficiente de Kuder-Richardson 20. Entre los índices se aplicó la correlación de Spearman. Como resultados se observó una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre las acciones políticas frente al cambio climático y el índice de percepción de riesgo; y también entre el índice de voluntad para actuar y los índices de percepción de riesgo, conocimiento sobre los efectos en la salud por causa del cambio climático y las acciones políticas frente al cambio climático. En este estudio se concluye que existe una asociación entre el índice de voluntad para actuar y la percepción de riesgo, conocimiento sobre los efectos en la salud por el cambio climático y las acciones políticas frente al cambio climático; igualmente, una asociación entre las acciones políticas frente al cambio climático y la percepción de riesgo.

The World Health Organization considers climate change or global warming a problem of public health. Thus it is necessary to know the perception of risk to climate change in different communities to generate actions for adaptation and mitigation to climate change; but that perception of risk may vary in different populations. The objective of this study was to observe the risk perception on climate change as a threat to human health in the town of Taganga, Santa Marta, 2014. In methods, it was surveyed 484 people in Taganga, through a cluster sampling. It was applied the validated instrument, internationally and nationally, through Cronbach's alpha and Kuder-Richardson formula 20. Spearman's correlation was applied. In results, statistically significant correlation was observed between political action on climate change and risk perception index; and also between the index will to act and indices of risk perception, knowledge about the health effects due to climate change and political action on climate change. This study concludes that was observed an association between the index of willingness to act and risk perception, knowledge about the health effects of climate change and political action on climate change; also an association between political action on climate change and risk perception.

Relationship between muscle strength and motor function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy / Relação entre força muscular e função motora na distrofia muscular de Duchenne

ABSTRACT Measuring muscle strength and motor function is part of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) assessment. However, the relationship between these variables is controversial. Objective To investigate the relationship between muscle strength and motor function and between these variables and age. Method Muscle strength was measured by Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and motor function, by Motor Function Measure (MFM), in 40 non-ambulatory patients. Spearman tests investigated the relationships between muscle strength, motor function and age. Results Total MRC and MFM scores were strongly related to each other (r = 0.94; p < 0.001), but not to age (r = -0.19, r = -0.31, respectively; p > 0.05). Strong and moderate relationships between partial muscle strength and motor function scores were found. Higher correlation coefficients were found between total scores and Dimensions 2 (axial/ proximal control) and 3 (distal control) of MFM. Conclusion Muscle strength and motor function are strongly correlated and seem to decrease proportionally in DMD.

RESUMO Mensurar força muscular e função motora é parte da avaliação em distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD). A relação entre essas variáveis é controversa. Objetivo Investigar a relação entre força muscular, função motora e idade. Método Força muscular foi medida pela Medical Research Council (MRC), e função motora pela escala Medida da Função Motora (MFM), em 40 pacientes cadeirantes. Teste de Spearman investigou as relações entre força muscular, função motora e idade. Resultados O escore total da escala MRC e da MFM foram fortemente relacionados entre si (r = 0,94; p < 0,001), mas não com a idade (r = -0,19; r = -0,31, respectivamente; p > 0,05). Foram encontradas correlações fortes e moderadas entre os escores parciais de força muscular e função motora. As relações mais fortes ocorreram entre os escores totais, Dimensão 2 (controle axial/proximal) e 3 (controle distal) da escala MFM. Conclusão Força muscular e função motora estão fortemente correlacionadas e parecem diminuir proporcionalmente na DMD.

Subaxial cervical fracture: application and correlation of ao and SLIC / Fratura cervical subaxial: aplicação e correlação das classificações ao e SLIC / Fractura subaxial cervical: aplicación y correlación de las clasificaciones ao y SLIC

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the AO/Magerl classification and the SLIC (Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification), used in the cervical spine fractures and assess whether they are correlated to the neurological severity of patients, the choice of approach to be used, de duration of surgery an between themselves. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of medical records and radiological image files of 77 patients surgically treated of subaxial cervical fracture or dislocation from August 2010 to September 2012. RESULTS: The SLIC classification showed a strong correlation with neurological deficit and Pearson correlation value of -0.600. The AO classification was not correlated with the Frankel scale and the value of Pearson was 0.06 with a statistical significance of 0.682 (p<0.05), that is, unable to determine or suggest the severity of the deficit. When compared to each other the two classifications showed statistical correlation and the value of Pearson was 0.282 with a significance value of 0.022 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Among the most used classifications, the SLIC has been able to statistically define the need for surgical treatment and the severity of the neurological status, but was unable to predict the approach or the time of the surgery; the classification AO failed to predict the severity of neurological injury, surgical time, and did not help to choose the approach, just being a morphological classification.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as classificações AO-Magerl e SLIC (Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification) utilizadas em fraturas da coluna cervical e avaliar se elas apresentam correlações com a gravidade neurológica dos pacientes, com a escolha da via de acesso, a duração do ato cirúrgico e entre si mesmas. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva do prontuário e acervo de imagens radiológicas dos 77 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de fratura e ou luxação da coluna cervical subaxial, no período de agosto de 2010 a setembro de 2012. RESULTADOS: A classificação SLIC apresentou forte correlação com déficit neurológico, com valor de correlação de Pearson de -0,600. Já a classificação AO não apresentou correlação com a escala de Frankel, e o valor de Pearson foi de 0,06 com significância estatística de 0,682 (p < 0,05), ou seja, incapaz de determinar ou sugerir a gravidade do déficit. Quando comparadas entre si as duas classificações apresentaram correlação estatística e o valor de Pearson foi de 0,282 com valor de significância de 0,022 (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Entre as classificações mais utilizadas, a classificação SLIC foi estatisticamente capaz de definir necessidade de tratamento cirúrgico e a gravidade do estado neurológico, porém foi incapaz de predizer a via de acesso ou o tempo de duração da cirurgia; a classificação AO falhou em predizer a gravidade da lesão neurológica, o tempo cirúrgico e em auxiliar a escolha da via de acesso, sendo apenas uma classificação morfológica.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar las clasificaciones AO/Magerl y SLIC (Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification) utilizadas en las fracturas de la columna cervical y evaluar si tienen correlación con la gravedad neurológica de los pacientes, la elección de la vía de acceso, la duración de la cirugía y si están correlacionados entre sí. MÉTODO: Análisis retrospectivo de registros médicos y colección de imágenes radiológicas de 77 pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente de fractura o dislocación de la columna cervical subaxial, desde agosto 2010 a septiembre 2012. RESULTADOS: La clasificación SLIC mostró una fuerte correlación con déficit neurológico y el valor de correlación de Pearson de -0,600. La clasificación AO no se correlacionó con la escala de Frankel y el valor de Pearson fue 0,06, con una significación estadística de 0,682 (p < 0,05), es decir, incapaz de determinar o sugerir la gravedad del déficit. Cuando se compararon entre sí, las dos clasificaciones mostraron correlación estadística y el valor de Pearson fue de 0,282, con valor de significación de 0,022 (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: Entre las clasificaciones más utilizadas, la calificación SLIC ha sido capaz de definir estadísticamente la necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico y la gravedad del estado neurológico, pero fue incapaz de predecir la vía de acceso o la duración de la cirugía; la clasificación AO no logró predecir la gravedad de la lesión neurológica, el tiempo quirúrgico ni auxilió a elegir la vía de acceso, siendo sólo una clasificación morfológica.

Avaliação da espirometria de gestantes expostas à poluição atmosférica da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo / Spirometric evaluation of pregnant women exposed to air pollution in the metropolitan region of São Paulo

Introdução: A poluição do ar pode levar a alterações no sistema respiratório, especialmente entre certos grupos, como as gestantes, que são mais vulneráveis aos efeitos de poluentes atmosféricos. A gravidez é um período que envolve alterações funcionais e anatômicas no corpo da mulher, incluindo alterações na função pulmonar, o que pode ser avaliado por espirometria, um método simples, barato e eficaz. Objetivos: Os objetivos deste estudo foram a usar a espirometria para avaliar a função pulmonar de mulheres no primeiro trimestre (T1) e no terceiro trimestre (T3) de gravidez e analisar a influência da exposição a poluição do ar sobre os parâmetros espirométricos. Metodologia: O estudo foi realizado no Ambulatório de Obstetrícia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP) entre Maio de 2011 e Agosto de 2013. Foram aplicados os seguintes critérios de inclusão: gestação única, idade gestacional no dia da primeira espirometria inferior a 13,86 semanas, ausência de doenças maternas préexistentes, preparação adequada para o teste de espirometria e amostradores passivos individuais (APIs) adequados para análise. Os critérios de exclusão foram a mudança de endereço, o aborto, o teste de espirometria inadequado e desistência de participar do projeto. Os APIs contendo dois filtros de celulose embebidos com solução absorvente para capturar os níveis de NO2 e outros dois filtros embebidos com solução de índigo blue para medir os níveis de O3 foram entregues às gestantes cerca de 12 dias antes da realização do teste de espirometria. Dados do relatório anual da Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB) para o mesmo período dos amostradores passivos, foram utilizados. Para a espirometria, um espirômetro Koko foi utilizado, sendo considerada as duas melhores curvas para avaliar os resultados da função pulmonar. Análise estatística: Foi utilizado o teste Mann-Whitney para grupos independentes e Wilcoxon para...

Introduction - Air pollution can lead to alterations to the respiratory system, particularly among certain groups, such as pregnant women, which are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollutants. Pregnancy is a period involving functional and anatomical changes in a woman's body. These changes include pulmonary function, which can be assessed by spirometry, a simple, inexpensive and effective method. Objectives - The aims of this study were to use spirometry to evaluate pulmonary function in pregnant women in the first trimester (T1) and the third trimester (T3) of pregnancy and to analyze the influence of air pollution exposure on the spirometry parameters. Methodology - This study was carried out at the Obstetrics Clinic of Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP) between May 2011 and August 2013. The following inclusion criteria were applied: singleton pregnancy, 13.86 weeks gestational age at the first spirometry, no preexisting maternal diseases, adequate preparation for the spirometry test and individual passive samplers (IPAs) suitable for analysis. The exclusion criteria were change of address, abortion, inadequate spirometry testing and withdrawal from the project. The exposure to pollutants prior to the spirometry tests was assessed in T1 and T3. The passive samplers containing two cellulose filters soaked with absorbent solution to capture NO2 levels and two other filters soaked with indigo solution to measure O3 levels were provided to the pregnant women roughly 12 days prior to the spirometry test. Data from the environmental Company of São Paulo State (CETESB) annual report for the same period the passive samplers were used. For the spirometry, a Koko spirometer was used, taking the two best curves to assess lung function results. Statistical Analysis - We used Mann- Whitney tests for independent groups and Wilcoxon for the dependent ones. Due to the small variation in the...

Use of robust Z-score to assess creatinine proficiency testing data / 中华检验医学杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate creatinine proficiency testing data by robust Z-score analysis.MethodsThe data were collected from three proficiency surveys of routine biochemical test in 2009,to which 1 179,1 169 and 1 168 laboratories participated respectively.Creatinine data were divided into Jaffe group and enzymatic group based on the analytical method used.The results tested by both methods were compared using Mann-Whitney test.The outliers were deleted using the TUKEY fence established by quartile values.The normality of raw data and trimmed data was tested using one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.The performance of the laboratories was assessed using robust Z-score,whose values were considered satisfactory when ｜ Z-score｜ ≤2,questionable when 2 ＜ ｜ Z-score ｜ ＜ 3 and unsatisfactory when ｜ Z-score ｜ ≥3.Results86.7％ results tested using Jaffe and enzymatic methods were not comparable.The raw data in all research groups were not normally distributed.After deletion of outliers,73.3％ trimmed data in most research groups were normally distributed.For the three proficiency tests in 2009,in Jaffe group,the satisfactory rates were 89.8％( 495/551 ),87.2％( 468/537 ) and 89.5％( 476/532 ) respectively,unsatisfactory rates were 3.3％ ( 18/551 ),6.5％ (35/537) and 4.5％ (24/532) respectively; while in enzymatic group,the satisfactory rates were 88.8％ (558/628),89.3％ (564/632) and 88.1％ (560/636) respectively,unsatisfactory rates were 5.6％( 35/628 ),5.2％ (33/632) and 6.6％(42/636) respectively.Conclusion It is reasonable to choose robust Z-score as a proficiency testing assessment index,because it avoids the influence of the outliers on evaluation results.

Precisão e acurácia da cirtometria em adultos saudáveis / Reliability and accuracy of cirtometry in healthy adults

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a confiabilidade intra-examinador e inter-examinadores da cirtometria (conjunto de medidas das circunferências de tórax e abdômen durante os movimentos respiratórios) e sua correlação com volumes pulmonares medidos por meio da pletismografia respiratória por indutância. MÉTODOS: Quarenta indivíduos saudáveis, com média de idade de 28 anos, foram avaliados. As medidas foram realizadas em decúbito dorsal em três momentos: em repouso, em inspiração máxima e em expiração máxima. Dois examinadores treinados, os quais foram cegados, realizaram as medidas. Utilizou-se o teste de Friedman para avaliar a confiabilidade intra-examinador e foram utilizados o teste de Wilcoxon e o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para avaliar a confiabilidade inter-examinadores. A correlação entre os resultados da cirtometria e da pletismografia foi obtida por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Para todos os testes, considerou-se um nível de significância estatística de 0,05. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram confiabilidade intra-examinador adequada. Em relação à confiabilidade inter-examinadores, foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas (de no máximo 2,8 cm) em todas os conjuntos de medidas.No entanto, por meio da análise do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, observou-se que os examinadores foram responsáveis apenas por pequena parte da variabilidade (1,2-5,08 por cento) observada entre as medidas. Quando as medidas da cirtometria foram comparadas aos volumes pulmonares medidos por meio da pletismografia respiratória por indutância, encontraram-se correlações de baixa magnitude (variação de r = 0,170-0,343). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a cirtometria constitui uma medida precisa, mas não acurada, para aferir volumes pulmonares.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of cirtometry (measurements of the circumference of the chest and abdomen taken during respiratory movements) as well as its correlation with pulmonary volumes measured by respiratory inductive plethysmography. METHODS: A total of 40 healthy individuals were evaluated. The mean age was 28 years. The measurements were taken in the supine position at three different time points: at rest, at maximal inspiration, and at maximal expiration. Two trained investigators, each of whom was blinded as to the results obtained by the other, performed the measurements. The Friedman test was used to determine intrarater reliability, and the Wilcoxon test, together with the intraclass correlation coefficient, were used to determine interrater reliability. The correlation between the cirtometry measurements and the plethysmography results was obtained using Spearman's correlation coefficient. The level of significance was set at 0.05 for all tests. RESULTS: Intrarater reliability was satisfactory. Regarding interrater reliability, statistically significant differences (2.8 cm at the most) were found in all sets of measurements. However, through the analysis of the intraclass correlation coefficient, the investigators were found to be responsible only for a small portion of the variability (1.2-5.08 percent) found among the measurements. When the cirtometry measurements were compared to the volumes measured by respiratory inductive plethysmography, low correlations (range, r = 0.170-0.343) were found. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that, although cirtometry is a reliable measurement, it does not accurately measure pulmonary volumes.