Evaluation of severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using bronchial obstruction, dyspnea, exercise index and global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease classification and it’s correlation with physical quality of life measured by St. George’s respiratory disease questionnaire score

Background: The Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria classified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by severity into four stages. Recently, Body mass index (BMI), Bronchial Obstruction, Dyspnea, Exercise (BODE) index, was proposed to provide useful prognostic information of COPD patients. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is measured by St. George’s Respiratory disease Questionnaire (SGRQ). Study was undertaken to assess correlations between BODE index and GOLD classification with SGRQ score.Methods: Fifty five COPD patients were included. Spirometry was performed in all patients. Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale was used to label severity of dyspnea. Six-minute walking distance (6 MWD) was performed. BODE index was calculated by giving points to BMI, forced expiratory volume in one minute (FEV1), 6 MWD, and mMRC. SGRQ was used to determine HRQOL. Correlation analysis was done using Pearson’s method.Results: Mean symptoms, mean activity, mean impacts and mean total SGRQ score were significantly higher in patients having mMRC scale 0-1, patients who could walk ?149 meters, and in patients who had GOLD III and IV class. Lesser the FEV1, higher the mMRC grade, and lesser the 6 MWD, worse was the quality of life. BODE index (r = 0.72) and GOLD classification (r =0.59) were significantly and positively correlated with symptoms score, activity score, impacts score and total SGRQ score.Conclusions: BODE index correlated better than the Gold classification with SGRQ score implying that apart from the airflow limitation, functional impairment measured by the 6MWT and mMRC also affect HRQOL.

Aortic Patch Repair and Bronchial Stenting for a Giant Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm with Airway Obstruction / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 62-year-old woman with severe breathlessness was admitted to the emergency department. Computed tomography revealed nearly complete airway obstruction by a giant thoracic aortic aneurysm, measuring 90 mm in diameter. Previously, she had undergone hemiarch replacement for acute aortic dissection and was not attending follow-up consultations for personal reasons. Owing to the excessive adhesion of the aorta, the aorta and aneurysm could not be detected. We decided to remove the hematoma inside the aneurysm and perform aortic patch repair instead of total arch replacement. After cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade selective cerebral perfusion, a hall of 30 mm diameter through the intimal wall was found at the aortic distal arch. The hall was a neck of the aneurysm. A dacron patch was attached to the intimal wall covering the hall after removal of the hematoma to reduce the volume of the aneurysm. After surgery, her airway was not completely relived yet owing to the remaining hematoma. Subsequently, bronchial stenting was performed. Bronchial compression was successfully resolved. She underwent tracheotomy and safely withdrew from the respirator. Aortic patch reconstruction is an alternative technique for thoracic aortic disease in the case of incapability of graft replacement or endovascular therapy. Additionally, although bronchial compression from an aortic aneurysm is not common, it could be life threatening. Endobronchial stenting is indicated not only for unresectable malignancy but also for benign lesions like an aortic aneurysm.

Validez y confiabilidad de la escala de Tal modificada en niños chilenos: Estudio multicéntrico / Validity and reliability of the modified Tal score in Chilean children: A multicenter study

Introducción: En pediatría, evaluar la gravedad de la obstrucción bronquial es determinante; por esto, se han creado escalas de puntuación clínica, como la escala de Tal modificada. El objetivo fue determinar su validez y confiabilidad en niños atendidos en unidades de emergencia de Concepción, Chile. Población y métodos: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo. Se incluyeron niños < 36 meses con diagnóstico de bronquitis y/o bronquiolitis durante meses de invierno y primavera de 2015. La validez de criterio concurrente se determinó mediante la correlación entre el puntaje de la escala y la saturación de oxígeno, como estándar de referencia. La validez predictiva se evaluó mediante la asociación entre el puntaje de la escala y la probabilidad de nueva atención en la Unidad de Emergencia dentro de 7 días. Se calculó el área bajo la curva mediante curva ROC. La confiabilidad entre kinesiólogos y médicos se determinó mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI). Un valor de p < 0,05 se consideró estadísticamente significativo. Resultados: Se evaluaron 102 niños; se observó correlación débil entre la puntuación de la escala y la saturación de oxígeno en kinesiólogos (Rho= -0,41). Existió asociación entre la puntuación y la probabilidad de nueva atención en centros de emergencia. El área bajo la curva medida por ambos profesionales fue > 0,80. La confiabilidad interobservador entre médicos y kinesiólogos presentó correlación débil (CCI= 0,17). Conclusiones: La escala de Tal modificada presenta una adecuada validez predictiva, pero pobre validez al correlacionarla con la saturación de oxígeno y una débil confiabilidad interobservador.

Introduction: In pediatrics, it is decisive to assess the severity of bronchial obstruction; to this end, different clinical scoring scales have been developed, including the modified Tal score. The objective of this study was to determine its validity and reliability in children seen at two emergency departments of Concepción, Chile. Population and methods: Prospective, cohort study. Children younger than 36 months old diagnosed with bronchitis and/or bronchiolitis during the winter and spring months of 2015 were included. Concurrent criterion validity was determined based on the correlation between the score and oxygen saturation, as a reference standard. Predictive validity was assessed based on the association between the score and the probability of a new visit to the emergency department in the following 7 days. The area under the ROC curve was estimated. Reliability between kinesiologists and physicians was established based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 102 children were assessed; a weak correlation between the score and oxygen saturation was observed among kinesiologists (Rho = -0.41). An association was observed between the score and the probability of a new visit to the emergency department. The area under the curve measured by both health care providers was > 0.80. Inter-observer reliability between physicians and kinesiologists showed a weak correlation (ICC = 0.17). Conclusions: The modified Tal score shows an adequate predictive validity, but a poor validity when correlated to oxygen saturation, and a weak inter-observer reliability.

Avaliação da função respiratória: comparação entre valores de referência percentuais fixos e o 5º percentil para diagnóstico de obstrução das vias aéreas / Lung function evaluation: comparing fixed percentage reference values vs. the 5th percentile in the diagnosis of airway obstruction

Introdução: Têm sido utilizados critérios fixos para avaliação funcional de doentes com patologia respiratória. É atualmente recomendado pelas orientações internacionais a utilização preferencial do limite inferior do normal (LIN) e limite superior do normal (LSN) (inferior ou superior ao 5º percentil). Objetivo: Comparar os resultados das provas de função respiratória(PFR), utilizando os valores percentuais fixos versus 5º percentil (método de referência), como limites da normalidade, no diagnóstico funcional de obstrução das vias aéreas. Métodos: Análise retrospetiva dos registos de PFR (espirometria e pletismografia corporal) efetuados pelos autores em 2011. Foi avaliada a concordância entre os dois métodos na amostra global, sendoos doentes distribuídos por faixas etárias. Posteriormente foram selecionadas as PFR com razãoVEF1/CV < LIN. Nestas, foram analisados os parâmetros VEF1, CVF, CPT e VR quando considerados o 5º percentil versus valores percentuais fixos. A análise estatística for realizada utilizando-seo kappa de Cohen. Resultados: Em 2011, 1.358 indivíduos realizaram PFR. Foram excluídos 8por dados incompletos. De forma geral, o grau de concordância entre os dois critérios foi bom(valor de Kappa = 0,655±0,035). Entretanto, entre os 124 doentes que apresentavam obstrução pelo LIN, 32 (26%) tiveram um teste normal pelo cut-off de 0,70, pelo que seriam erroneamente sub diagnosticados. Este fato foi verificado apenas nas faixas etárias mais jovens, enquanto nos grupos etários mais idosos se observou uma elevada taxa de sobre diagnóstico (51 indivíduos,36%). Entre os doentes com obstrução, a concordância para os restantes parâmetros foi boa,exceto para a hiper insuflação diagnosticada por CPT. Conclusão: A utilização de valores percentuais fixos para diagnóstico de obstrução resulta em elevada taxa de subdiagnóstico em idades jovens e sobrediagnóstico em idade avançadas.

Introduction: Fixed criteria have been traditionally used in the functional characterization ofpatients with respiratory disease. International guidelines currently recommend the preferentialuse of the lower limit of normal (LLN) and the upper limit of normal (ULN) (below or above the5th percentile). Objective: To compare the results of lung function (LF) tests obtained in clinicalpractice for the diagnosis of airway obstruction using fixed percentage values vs. the 5th percentile(reference standard) as normality limit. Methods: LF tests (spirometry and body plethysmography)performed in 2011 by the authors were retrospectively analyzed. Concordance between bothmethods in the global sample was evaluated, and data were analyzed according to age group.Patients meeting criteria for airway obstruction (FEV1/VC ratio < LLN) were selected and had thefollowing variables analyzed considering the 5th percentile vs. fixed percentage values: FEV1/VC,FEV1, FVC, TLC, and RV. Statistical analysis was performed using Cohen’s kappa. Results: Over the year 2011, 1,358 subjects underwent LF tests; eight were excluded due to incomplete data.Overall, the concordance rate between the two criteria was good (kappa value = 0.655±0.035).However, of the 124 patients diagnosed with obstruction using the LLN, 32 (26%) showed a normaltest using the 0.70 cut-off, and would therefore be underdiagnosed. These results were foundonly in younger age groups, while in older patients a high rate of overdiagnosis was observed (51subjects, 36%). Among patients diagnosed with airway obstruction, concordance between the twocriteria was good for the remaining parameters, except for hyperinflation diagnosed with TLC.Conclusion: The use of fixed percentage values in the diagnosis of airway obstruction leads toa high rate of underdiagnosis in younger patients and overdiagnosis in older ones.

Aceptación del uso de aerocámaras / Acceptance of the use of holding chambers

Objetivo: Obtener una aproximación objetiva de la aceptabilidad de los aerosoles de salbutamol por las madres de los pacientes con sibilancias o asma. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, realizado con encuestas aplicadas a madres de pacientes que están usando o han usado salbutamol como tratamiento broncodilatador. La encuesta se realizó desde el 1 de julio al 31 de agosto de 2010 a pacientes que acudieron al consultorio. Se analizaron los datos con el programa EPI- Info 2002. Resultados: Respondieron a la encuesta 102 madres de pacientes, el rango de edad de los niños fue: 0 a 11 años y la media de 3 años. Usó salbutamol en aerosol: 79,4% de los pacientes, jarabe: 65,7 % y nebulizaciones: 72,5%. Cuál le parece mejor: 72% salbutamol en aerosol en aerocámara; 19% en jarabe y el 9% en las nebulizaciones. Alguien le dijo que el aerosol produce adicción: 40,6% y le dijo un vecino en el 50%, un familiar 12,5%, una enfermera 10,4%, un pediatra 8,3% y un médico general 15,7%. Cree que produce adicción: Sí 12,9%. Recomendaría el uso de aerocámaras el 76,8% de las encuestadas. Conclusión: Hay un porcentaje mayor de encuestadas que acepta la utilización del aerosol como mejor forma de usar el salbutamol, sin embargo hay un 28 % que no acepta los aerosoles. Un respetable número de pacientes (34,4%) refieren ser desaconsejadas en el uso de la aerosolterapia por profesionales sanitarios. El jarabe goza de una cierta aceptación, argumentando mayor aprobación por el niño y mayor efectividad. Pesa mucho la creencia popular en la forma de administrar el salbutamol, lo cual resalta la disrelación entre la evidencia científica y la aceptación del paciente o de su madre y del profesional sanitario que aplica el tratamiento broncodilatador con salbutamol.

Introduction: The latest recommendations of scientific publications, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), and European consensus all agree that the best way to administer salbutamol is as an aerosol due to its effectiveness, more direct action, greater convenience, and reduced side effects. However, not all patients, including some health professionals, accept their use due to cultural reasons, beliefs, or due to being out of date or reluctant to try innovations. What is recommended by science is not always accepted and incorporated into daily practice by patients or healthcare professionals. Objective: To obtain an objective estimate of the acceptability of aerosol salbutamol by the mothers of patients with wheezing or asthma. Methodology: A descriptive observational study carried out by surveying mothers of patients who are using or who have used salbutamol as a bronchodilator. The survey was carried out between July 1 and August 31, 2010 on patients attending the clinic. Results: The survey was completed by 102 mothers of patients, with children ranging from age 0 to 11 years with a mean age of 3 years. Salbutamol was used as aerosol by 79.4% of patients, as syrup by 65.7%, and in a mist by 72.5%. Asked which seems better, 72% cited salbutamol aerosol with a holding chamber, 19% syrup, and 9% the mists. Asked if someone had told them the aerosol causes addiction, 40.6% said someone had, with 50% citing a neighbor, 12.5% a relative, 10.4% a nurse, 8.3% a pediatrician, and 15.7% a general practitioner. Asked if they believe it causes addiction, 12.9% said they did, and 76.8% said they would recommend the use of holding chambers. Conclusion: A majority of respondents accepts the use of aerosol as the best way to administer salbutamol, while 28% do not accept aerosols. A notable number of mothers (34.4%) reported being discouraged from the use of aerosol by health professionals...

Función suprarrenal en pacientes con síndrome bronquial obstructivo tratados con corticoides sistémicos (Informe Preliminar) / Adrenal function in patients with acute bronchial obstruction treated with systemic corticosteroids: a preliminary report

Introduction: Systemic corticosteroids are widely used in patients with acute bronchial obstruction (ABO). It has been recommended that such treatment last a maximum of 5 days to avoid adverse effects. Suppression of the adrenal axis under these conditions among children has not been evaluated. Objective: Assessment of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HHS) function after use of systemic steroids in children after a 5-7 day use of corticoids, utilizing the micro ACTH test. Method: Prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universidad Católica de Chile. ACTH test used with microdosis (1 mcg/1.73 m²). A normal response was determined if cortisol post-ACTH > 20 mcg/dL. Results: 7 patients were recruited, median age was 4 years 4 months (range 4 months to 8 years). The test was perfomed within an average of 72 hours after discontinuation of prednisone. All patients had normal basal cortisol values, with an average value of 6.5 mcg/dl, range 1 to 9 mcg/dl. The ACTH test yielded a response of cortisol levels with an average value of 13.6 mcg/dL and a range of 3.7 to 20 mcg/dL. Five of the 7 patients presented an abnormal response. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the adrenal response may be reduced in children who have been treated with systemic steroids for ABO even if managed during short periods of time.

Introducción: Los corticoides sistémicos son ampliamente utilizados en pacientes con crisis bronquiales obstructivo (CBO). Se ha recomendado un máximo de 5 días para evitar efectos adversos. No ha sido evaluado si tratamientos por cursos cortos pueden suprimir el eje adrenal. Objetivo: Evaluar la función del eje hipotálamo hipófisis suprarrenal (HHS) mediante la prueba de microdosis de ACTH en pacientes con CBO que recibieron corticoides sistémicos entre 5 a 7 días. Diseño: Estudio observacional prospectivo realizado en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica de Chile. Prueba de ACTH con microdosis (1 mcg/1,73 m²). Se consideró como respuesta normal una respuesta de cortisol postestímulo > 20 mcg/dL. Resultados: Fueron reclutados 7 pacientes, mediana de edad de 4 años 4 meses (rango 4 meses a 8 años). Los resultados fueron obtenidos con una mediana de 72 horas de suspendidos los corticoides (prednisona). Todos los pacientes presentaban valores de cortisol basal normal promedio de 6,5 mcg/dl (rango 1 a 9 mcg/dl). La respuesta de cortisol postestímulo fue de 13,6 mcg/dL (3,7 a 20 mcg/ dL), cinco de los 7 pacientes presentaron respuesta anormal. Conclusiones: La respuesta adrenal puede estar disminuida en pacientes que usan corticoides sistémicos por cursos cortos por CBO.

Efecto de la rhDNasa sobre la obstrucción bronquial irreversible en adultos con asma grave / Effect of rhDNase on irreversible bronchial obstruction in severe adult asthma

Introducción: En algunos pacientes asmáticos la obstrucción de las vías aéreas no puede ser revertida por tratamiento broncodilatador y/o corticosteroideo. Esta obstrucción irreversible se ha atribuido a la remodelación de las vías aéreas, pero otros mecanismos, como el taponamiento mucoso, no se han explorado. Objetivo: Evaluar si la rhDNasa, enzima ampliamente usada para fluidificar el moco respiratorio en la fibrosis quística, mejora las variables espirométricas y la calidad de vida de pacientes con asma grave. Pacientes y métodos: Diez pacientes adultos (6 mujeres) con asma grave, dependientes de corticosteroides, recibieron nebulizaciones diarias de 2.5 mg de rhDNasa durante 14-28 días. Se realizaron espirometrías por lo menos cada semana, evaluando la capacidad vital forzada (FVC), el volumen espiratorio forzado al primer segundo (FEV1, la relación FEV1/ FVC y el flujo espiratorio máximo (PEF). Los cambios espirométricos se evaluaron mediante análisis de regresión. Se aplicó un cuestionario de calidad de vida antes y al final del tratamiento. Resultados: Las variables espirométricas no cambiaron en la mayoría de los pacientes. Sin embargo, al menos un paciente tuvo mejoría de la función pulmonar, de acuerdo con las pendientes ascendentes estadísticamente significativas en la FVC, el FEV1 y la relación FEV1/FVC. Aunque otros sujetos también tuvieron cambios ascendentes (2 pacientes) o descendentes (2 pacientes) de las pendientes, éstos sólo ocurrieron en una de las variables espirométricas. Como grupo, los pacientes mostraron tendencia a la mejoría en la calidad de vida. Conclusiones: Aunque la rhDNasa no modifica la obstrucción bronquial irreversible en la gran mayoría de los pacientes con asma grave, una pequeña proporción de ellos podría obtener algún efecto benéfico.

Background: In some asthma patients airway obstruction can not be reverted by bronchodilator and/ or corticosteroid treatment. This irreversible obstruction has been attributed to the remodeling process of airways, but other mechanisms such as mucus plugging have not been explored. Objective: To evaluate if rhDNase, an enzyme extensively used to fluidize the mucus in cystic fibrosis, improves spirometric variables and quality of life of asthmatic patients. Patients and methods: Ten adult patients (6 females) with severe corticosteroid-dependent asthma received daily nebulizations of 2.5 mg rhDNase during 14-28 days. Spirometries were performed at least at weekly intervals to evaluate the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow at the first second (FEV1, the FEV1/FVC ratio and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Changes in spirometric variables were assessed by regression analysis. An asthma quality of life questionnaire was applied before and at the end of treatment. Results: Spirometric variables did not change in most patients. However, pulmonary function improved in one patient, according to the statistically significant ascending slopes in FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. Although other subjects also had ascending (2 patients) or descending (2 patients) slopes, these changes only occurred in one spirometric variable. As a group, there was a trend for improvement in quality of life. Conclusions: Although rhDNase does not modify the irreversible bronchial obstruction in most patients with severe asthma, a small proportion of them might obtain some beneficial effect.

A Case of Primary Esophageal and Small Bowel Lymphoma Presenting as Bilateral Main Bronchial Obstruction / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Gastrointestinal involvement has been reported to occur in about 10 to 20% of patients with malignant lymphoma. The most common gastrointestinal site for the lymphoma is the stomach, followed by the small intestine, the ileocecal region and the colon. The esophagus is the least commonly involved gastrointestinal organ, accounting for less than 1% of patients with malignant lymphoma. We describe a case of primary esophageal and small bowel lymphoma presenting with bilateral main bronchial obstruction. The patient was treated with radiation therapy, small bowel segmental resection and combination chemotherapy. We report a case with a review of the relevant literature.

Hemangioendothelioma Leading to Obstruction of the Left Main Bronchus in Infant

Hemangioendothelioma is the most common vascular tumor in children, however hemangioendothelioma occurring in the bronchus is very rare. We experienced a case of hemangioendothelioma in the left main bronchus of an infant which was successfully removed by a sleeve resection. Respiratory distress developed in a 3-month-old female infant with roentgenographic finding oi' hyperinflation of the left lung. Chest CT and MRI revealed a highly vascular tumor extending from the wall of the left main bronchus leading to hyperinflation by a check-valve mechanism. Bronchoscopic finding showed left main bronchus obstruction due to a round, hypervasculm protruding mass. Lung scans showed markedly decreased perfusion in the left lung, At the age oi 4 months, a sleeve of the left main bronchus was resected and end-to-end anastomosi performed. The excised specimen contained a hemangioendothelioma measuring 1.5x1.5cm. Anastomotic site narrowing was observed on postoperative bronchoscopy, but ventilation of the lef1: lung remained relatively good. Perfusion of the left lung and respiratory distress symptom was markedly improved 2 months later. Hemangioendothelioma must be considered as one of thc causes of bronchial obstruction during infancy.

A Case of Bronchial Obstruction Caused by Charcot-Leyden Crystals / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

Charcot-Leyden crystals are slender, hexagonal, bipyramidal crystals formed predominantly from eosinophil but also from basophil granules composed of a single protein of 17,400 daltons of lysophospholipase activity. It has been identified in a variety of body fluids and tissues in human tissues and secretions in association with eosinophilic inflammatory reactions, asthma, myeloid leukemias, and allergic, parasitic, and other diseases. In this report, we describe a child with bronchial obstruction and subsequent atelectasis caused by Charcot-Leyden crystals containing fibronous material who was treated with flexible bronchofiberscope to remove it.

A Case of Bronchial Obstruction due to Right Aortic Arch and Kommerell's Diverticulum / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

College of Medicine, Ulsan University, Seoul, Korea The vascular rings comprise less than 1% of congenital cardiovascular malformations and can be overlooked because they are rare diseases and show nonspecific respiratory symptoms such as wheezing or airway obstruction or apnea. This case is a 2-months old infant who had been repaired patch closure due to ventricular septal defect, but failed to wean from ventilator. Chest CT showed right main stem bronchus lying between right pulmonary arery and right descending aorta, bronchoscopy showed right main bronchus was compressed by extrinsic pulsating mass which were descending aorta and Kommerell's diverticulum . After aortopexy and transfer of subclavian artery, this patient was able to be extubated and is now free of respiratory symptoms. When there is failure to weaning of ventilator and persistent bronchial obstruction and emphysema, we should have more vigorous effort to seek the cause of bronchial obstruction, using bronchoscope and chest CT.

Serum eosinophil cationic protein in patient with bronchial asthma ; comparison with other markers of disease activity / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND: Serum eosinophil cationic protein(ECP) level has been proposed as a indirect marker of eosinophilic inflammation of the airway in bronchial asthma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum ECP against indirect clinical markers of disease, we compared bronchial obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and peripheral blood eosinophil counts, total IgE with serum ECP levels in patients with bronchial asthma and normal controls. METHOD: Fourty-two patients with bronchial asthma and twenty-six normal controls were enrolled. Measurement were made by spirometry, inhalation challenge with methacholine, peripheral blood eosinophil counts, total IgE and FEIA(fluoroenzymatic immunoassay) of serum ECP RESULT: Serum ECP levels were significantly higher in asthmatic patients than normal controls(p<0.0,5). Serum ECP levels were correlated with peripheral blood eosinophil counts(p<0.01, r=0.544) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness(PC,)(p<0.01, r=-0.456) in patients with bronchial asthma. Serum ECP levels were correlated with degree of bronchial obstruction(FEV, % to predicted value, FEV1/FVC%) in total subjects, but not in asthmatic patients. CONCLUSION: Serum ECP level may be used as indicator of disease activity in bronchial asthma and be helpful in differentiation between normal person and asthmatic patients on simple serological method. Further studies on the changes of serum ECP levels according to disease course and therapeutic responses are needed.