LwPTL: a novel classification for upper airway collapse in sleep endoscopies / LwPTL: uma nova classificação para o colapso das vias aéreas superiores em endoscopias do sono

Abstract Introduction: There is no consensus on a single classification system for the obstructive findings in drug-induced sleep endoscopy. Previous classification systems have neglected to address the upper retropalatal obstruction, the segmental division of the lateral pharyngeal wall and the primary or secondary nature of laryngeal collapse. Objective: To propose, illustrate and evaluate a more comprehensive and yet simple classification for drug-induced sleep endoscopy findings. Methods: Cross sectional study in a tertiary sleep surgery unit. A total of 30 patients with obstructive sleep apnea underwent drug-induced sleep endoscopy according to a new classification system called LwPTL, and its findings were analyzed according to obstructive sleep apnea severity and body mass index. LwPTL incorporates the description of upper retropalatal collapse, distinguishes the lateral pharyngeal wall collapse into three levels and clarify when laryngeal collapses are primary or secondary. Results: 93.3% of the patients presented lateral pharyngeal wall collapse, usually at the level of the velum (73.3%). 80% presented multilevel collapse. Regarding the upper retropalatal region, LwPTL identified 10% of the cases presenting lateral salpingopharyngeal obstruction and 6.6% with high palatal collapse. 3.3% presented epiglottic collapse. Patients presenting lower levels of collapse, either from the lateral wall and/or tongue and/or larynx, represented 30% of the cases and had significantly more severe obstructive sleep apnea, without significant differences in body mass indexes. Conclusion: LwPTL seems a simple and straightforward staging system for classifying drug-induced sleep endoscopy, distinguishing the important upper retopalatal obstruction and the primary and secondary laryngeal collapses, providing more information for appropriate treatment selection.

Resumo Introdução: Não há consenso sobre um sistema único de classificação para os achados obstrutivos da endoscopia do sono induzido por drogas. Os sistemas de classificação anteriores negligenciaram a abordagem da obstrução retropalatal alta, a divisão segmentar da parede lateral da faringe e a natureza primária ou secundária do colapso laríngeo. Objetivo: Propor, ilustrar e avaliar uma classificação mais abrangente e simples para os achados da endoscopia do sono induzido por drogas. Método: Estudo transversal em uma unidade terciária de cirurgia do sono. Foram submetidos à endoscopia do sono induzido por drogas 30 pacientes com apneia obstrutiva do sono, de acordo com um novo sistema de classificação denominado LwPTL, e seus achados foram analisados de acordo com a gravidade da apneia obstrutiva do sono e índice de massa corpórea. O LwPTL incorpora a descrição do colapso retropalatal alto, distingue o colapso da parede faríngea lateral em três níveis e esclarece quando os colapsos laríngeos são primários ou secundários. Resultados: Apresentaram colapso da parede faríngea lateral 93,3% dos pacientes, geralmente no nível do palato mole (73,3%). Em 80% dos pacientes o colapso foi multinível. Em relação à região retropalatal alta, o LwPTL identificou 10% dos casos com obstrução salpingo-faríngea lateral e 6,6% com colapso alto do palato. Em 3,3% ocorreu colapso epiglótico. Pacientes com colapso em regiões baixas, tanto da parede lateral e/ou língua como e/ou laringe, representaram 30% dos casos e apresentaram apneia obstrutiva do sono significativamente mais grave, sem diferenças significantes no índice de massa corpórea. Conclusão: O LwPTL parece um sistema de estadiamento simples e direto para classificar os achados da endoscopia do sono induzido por drogas, distingue a importante obstrução retropalatal alta e os colapsos laríngeos primários e secundários, fornece mais informações para uma seleção adequada do tratamento.

Association of bone mineral density with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in postmenopausal women

Abstract Background Osteoporosis (OP) is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The relationship between OP and COPD has been primarily studied in male patients, and few reports are available in postmenopausal women. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and COPD in postmenopausal women. Methods This cross-sectional study included 133 clinically stable female ex-smokers with confirmed COPD, and 31 age-matched “ex-smoker” female controls. We analyzed groups according to their airway obstruction category. BMD was measured on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry images of the left femoral neck. Results Patients with COPD had lower T-scores and higher prevalence of osteopenia/OP than the control group. In the COPD group, the airway obstruction category was significantly associated with the T-score after adjustment for confounders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed COPD was an independent marker for increased risk of osteopenia/OP in postmenopausal women. Conclusions COPD and airway obstruction category were strongly related to BMD. Postmenopausal women with COPD, especially those with severe airway obstruction, had a higher prevalence rate and a higher risk of osteopenia and OP than female controls without COPD.

Controversies and limitations in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality worldwide. While the cut-off point to define airflow obstruction has been controversial, it is widely accepted that the spirometry test is vital, as well as performing it after using a bronchodilator. The 6-second spirometry and the forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced expiratory volume in 6 seconds (FEV1/FEV6) have demonstrated validity for defining obstruction, and it would be advisable to incorporate them in the definitions of obstruction. Another relevant issue is that spirometry with borderline obstruction can vary over time, changing to above or below the cut-off point. Thus, surveillance should be considered over time, repeating the spirometry to have a greater certainty in the diagnosis. The objective of this article was to conduct an in-depth review of the controversies in the diagnosis of COPD. During the past years, COPD definition has been updated in different times; however, it is now considered more as a complex syndrome with systemic participation, requiring a multidimensional assessment, and not only a spirometry.

Evaluación de la disnea asociada al ejercicio / Exercise-induced dyspnea evaluation

Exercise-induced dyspnea is a common pediatric question but difficult to address since usually symptoms are described ambiguously by the child or parents. Most of times dyspnea is secondary to poor training but sometimes may be due to an underlying condition like exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or vocal cord dysfunction. To provide clinicians with a practical approach about exercise-induced dyspnea we have review pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of respiratory diseases and proposed an algorithm for study.

Frecuentemente nos vemos enfrentados a evaluar un niño con síntomas vagos asociados al ejercicio que el mismo paciente o sus padres describen como ahogo o sensación de pecho apretado. La mayoría de las veces se trata de cansancio atribuible al ejercicio normal que solo refleja pobre condicionamiento físico del individuo; sin embargo, este cansancio puede ser desproporcionado al esfuerzo, lo que obliga a considerar enfermedades comunes como asma o poco comunes como disfunción de cuerdas vocales. El objetivo de esta revisión es actualizar el conocimiento aquellas enfermedades respiratorias que forman parte del diagnóstico diferencial de la disnea asociada al ejercicio y proponer un algoritmo de estudio que permita un acercamiento práctico según causas de origen.

Significance of Hypoxia-related microRNA for Estimating the Cause of Mechanical Asphyxia Death / 法医学杂志

Under hypoxia condition, microRNA （miRNA） can interact with transcription factors for regulating the cell metabolism, angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The biological processes above may play an important role in mechanical asphyxia death. This article reviews the regulating function of miRNA under hypoxia condition and the influence of hypoxia to biosynthesis of miRNA, which may provide some new ideas to the research of miRNA on determining the cause of mechanical asphyxia death in the field of forensic medicine.

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

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

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

Alterações de mastigação e deglutição em crianças com hipertrofia de tonsilas / Mastication and deglutition changes in children with tonsillar hypertrophy

As alterações de mastigação e de deglutição em crianças com hipertrofia adenoamigdaliana precisam ser melhor caracterizadas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência das alterações miofuncionais autorreportadas pelos pais, e se há diferenças entre os padrões de alterações entre crianças com hipertrofia adenoamigdaliana e as com hipertrofia apenas adenoideana. MÉTODO: Aplicação de questionário e avaliação clínica fonoaudiológica em crianças com hipertrofia de tonsilas com idade entre 3 e 6 anos. Os dados reportados pelos pais foram comparados com os dados obtidos pela avaliação fonoaudiológica; além disso, os dados das crianças com hipertrofia adenoamigdaliana foram comparados com as com hipertrofia adenoideana. Desenho científico: coorte transversal. RESULTADOS: As alterações miofuncionais observadas pela fonoaudióloga foram muito mais frequentes do que as reportadas pelos pais e não houve concordância entre os dois achados. As crianças com hipertrofia adenoideana e as com hipertrofia adenoamigdaliana apresentaram o mesmo padrão de alterações miofuncionais. CONCLUSÃO: Os pais relacionam pouco a hipertrofia de tonsilas a alterações na mastigação e na deglutição. A causa da obstrução respiratória parece não interferir no padrão de alteração miofuncional.

The changes in mastication and deglutition in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy need to be better characterized. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of parent-reported myofunctional changes and to determine if there are differences in the alteration patterns of children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and subjects with adenoid hypertrophy. METHOD: Questionnaire and assessment by a speech therapist of children aged between three and six years with tonsillar hypertrophy. The data reported by the parents were compared to the data obtained from the speech therapist's evaluation; additionally, data from children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy were compared to findings from subjects with adenoid hypertrophy. Study Design: cross-sectional cohort. RESULTS: The myofunctional changes observed by the speech therapist were more frequent than the alterations reported by the parents, and there was no correlation between the two findings. The children with adenoid hypertrophy and the individuals with adenotonsillar hypertrophy had the same pattern of myofunctional alteration. CONCLUSION: Parents cannot clearly correlate tonsillar hypertrophy with changes in mastication and deglutition. The cause of the respiratory obstruction does not seem to interfere in the pattern of myofunctional change.

Uma nova abordagem na determinação da resistência das vias aéreas: técnica do interruptor vs. pletismografia / A new approach to the determination of airway resistance: interrupter technique vs. plethysmography

OBJETIVO: Determinar a concordância da medida da resistência das vias aéreas (RVA) pela técnica interrupter resistance (Rint, resistência do interruptor) com a do método pletismográfico para fins de aplicabilidade clínica. MÉTODOS: A técnica Rint foi realizada com os pacientes em posição sentada, em expiração, utilizando clipe nasal e com suporte das bochechas. O exame pletismográfico foi realizado de acordo com protocolos padronizados. As medidas foram realizadas antes e após a administração inalatória de um broncodilatador via spray dosimetrado com espaçador. RESULTADOS: Avaliamos 99 pacientes consecutivos encaminhados para o Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre (RS), para a realização de testes de função pulmonar, com idades entre 18 e 82 anos. Desses, 52 eram mulheres. Houve boa concordância entre os métodos (r = 0,8; coeficiente de correlação intraclasse = 0,8) nos pacientes com VEF1 > 60 por cento do previsto. Os valores de Rint foram menores que os da RVA por pletismografia em indivíduos mais graves. Entretanto, houve boa concordância entre Rint > 4 cmH2O • L-1 • s-1 e RVA por pletismografia > 2,5 cmH2O • L-1 • s-1 (razão de verossimilhança > 8 e coeficiente kappa = 0,73). CONCLUSÕES: A concordância entre o Rint e a RVA por pletismografia foi boa nos indivíduos menos graves. A concordância para um diagnóstico de aumento da RVA entre os dois métodos também foi forte. A técnica Rint é um método potencialmente útil na prática assistencial em adultos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the agreement between interrupter resistance (Rint) and airway resistance (Raw) by plethysmography in order to verify the clinical applicability of the interrupter technique. METHODS: The Rint technique was performed with the patients in a sitting position, during exhalation, with a nose clip and cheek support. Plethysmography was carried out in accordance with standard protocols. All measurements were taken prior to and after the administration of an inhaled bronchodilator via a metered dose inhaler with a spacer. RESULTS: The study comprised 99 consecutive patients referred to the Porto Alegre Hospital de Clínicas, located in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, for pulmonary function testing. Patient ages ranged from 18 to 82 years, and 52 of the patients were women. In the patients with FEV1 > 60 percent of predicted, there was good agreement between the methods (r = 0.8; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.8). The Rint values were lower than were those of Raw by plethysmography in the patients with more severe disease. However, there was good agreement between Rint > 4 cmH2O • L-1• s-1 and Raw by plethysmography > 2.5 cmH2O • L-1 • s-1 (likelihood ratio > 8; kappa coefficient = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: In the patients with less severe disease, there was good agreement between Rint and Raw by plethysmography. The agreement between the two methods was also strong regarding the detection of an increase in Raw. The Rint technique is a potentially useful method for the evaluation of adult patients.

Upper airway collapsibility evaluated by a negative expiratory pressure test in severe obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the usefulness of measuring upper airway collapsibility with a negative expiratory pressure application as a screening test for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). INTRODUCTION: OSA is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it may have serious consequences. Its recognition may have important implications during the perioperative period. Increased upper airway collapsibility is one of the main determinants of OSA, and its evaluation could be useful for identifying this condition. METHODS: Severe OSA and normal subjects (24 in each group) were matched by body mass index and referred to our sleep laboratory. The subjects were enrolled in an overnight sleep study, and a diurnal negative expiratory pressure test was performed. Flow drop (DV) and expiratory volume were measured in the first 0.2 s (V02) of the negative expiratory pressure test. RESULTS: DV ( percent) and V02 ( percent) values were statistically different between normal and OSA subjects. OSA patients showed a greater decrease in flow than normal subjects. In addition, severely OSA patients exhaled during the first 0.2 s of the negative expiratory pressure application was an average of only 11.2 percent of the inspired volume compared to 34.2 percent for the normal subjects. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristics showed that V02 ( percent) and DV ( percent) could accurately identify severe OSA in subjects with sensitivities of 95.8 percent and 91.7 percent, respectively, and specificities of 95.8 percent and 91.7 percent, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: V02 ( percent) and DV ( percent) are highly accurate parameters for detecting severe OSA. The pharyngeal collapsibility measurement, which uses negative expiratory pressure during wakefulness, is predictive of collapsibility during sleep.

Neurophysiological aspects and their relationship to clinical and functional impairment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to assess functional (balance L-L and A-P displacement, sit-to-stand test (SST) and Tinetti scale - balance and gait) and neurophysiological aspects (patellar and Achilles reflex and strength) relating these responses to the BODE Index. INTRODUCTION: The neurophysiological alterations found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with the severity of the disease. There is also involvement of peripheral muscle which, in combination with neurophysiological impairment, may further compromise the functional activity of these patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. Twenty-two patients with moderate to very severe COPD (>60 years) and 16 age-matched healthy volunteers served as the control group (CG). The subjects performed spirometry and several measures of static and dynamic balance, monosynaptic reflexes, peripheral muscle strength, SST and the 6-minute walk test. RESULTS: The individuals with COPD had a reduced reflex response, 36.77±3.23 (p<0.05) and 43.54±6.60 (p<0.05), achieved a lower number repetitions on the SST 19.27±3.88 (p<0.05), exhibited lesser peripheral muscle strength on the femoral quadriceps muscle, 24.98±6.88 (p<0.05) and exhibited deficits in functional balance and gait on the Tinetti scale, 26.86±1.69 (p<0.05), compared with the CG. The BODE Index demonstrated correlations with balance assessment (determined by the Tinetti scale), r = 0.59 (p<0.05) and the sit-to-stand test, r = 0.78 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The individuals with COPD had functional and neurophysiological alterations in comparison with the control group. The BODE Index was correlated with the Tinetti scale and the SST. Both are functional tests, easy to administer, low cost and feasible, especially the SST. These results suggest a worse prognosis; however, more studies are needed to identify the causes of these changes and the repercussions that could result in their activities ...

Dispneia em DPOC: além da escala modified Medical Research Council / Dyspnea in COPD: beyond the modified Medical Research Council scale

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as correlações entre diversos instrumentos de avaliação de dispneia, dados espirométricos e de tolerância ao exercício e índice Body mass index, airway Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE) em pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: Entre março de 2008 e julho de 2009, de 79 pacientes com DPOC recrutados, 50 foram selecionados. Esses pacientes retornaram após um mês de tratamento regular com formoterol e responderam aos seguintes instrumentos: escala modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), Baseline Dyspnea Index (BDI), Oxygen Cost Diagram (OCD) e Shortness Of Breath Questionnaire (SOBQ). Em seguida, realizaram espirometria e teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6), com a medição da distância percorrida no TC6 (DTC6), medida de SpO2 inicial e final, e graduação da dispneia pela escala analógica visual (EAV) e escala de Borg. RESULTADOS: As melhores correlações entre os instrumentos foram entre Borg e EAV (r s = 0,79) e BDI e SOBQ (r s = -0,73). Entre as escalas unidimensionais (VAS, mMRC, OCD e de Borg), apenas VAS se correlacionou com os parâmetros de espirometria, ao passo que as escalas multidimensionais BDI e SOBQ apresentaram fraca correlação. Houve boas correlações entre mMRC, BDI e SOBQ com DTC6. Entre os parâmetros espirométricos, a capacidade inspiratória (CI) e CVF tiveram as melhores correlações com DTC6. Na análise multivariada, BDI e CI foram selecionados como os melhores preditores para DTC6. CONCLUSÕES: Escalas multidimensionais de dispneia devem ser aplicadas para avaliar pacientes com DPOC.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlations among various dyspnea scales, spirometric data, exercise tolerance data, and the Body mass index, airway Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE) index in patients with COPD. METHODS: Between March of 2008 and July of 2009, 79 patients with COPD were recruited, and 50 of those patients were included in the study. After being regularly treated with formoterol for one month, the patients completed the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC, dyspnea scale), Baseline Dyspnea Index (BDI), Oxygen Cost Diagram (OCD), and Shortness Of Breath Questionnaire (SOBQ). Subsequently, the patients underwent spirometry and six-minute walk tests (6MWTs), with determination of the six-minute walk distance (6MWD), as well as initial and final SpO2. All patients also completed the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Borg scale. RESULTS: The best correlations were between the Borg scale and the VAS (r s = 0.79) and between the BDI and the SOBQ (r s = -0.73). Among the one-dimensional scales (the VAS, mMRC, OCD, and Borg scale), only the VAS correlated with the spirometric parameters, whereas the multidimensional scales BDI and SOBQ did correlate, but poorly. The MRC, BDI, and SOBQ correlated well with 6MWD. Among the spirometric data, inspiratory capacity (IC) and FVC had the strongest correlations with 6MWD. In the multivariate analysis, BDI and IC were selected as the best predictors of 6MWD. CONCLUSIONS: Multidimensional dyspnea scales should be applied in the evaluation of COPD patients.

Flujometría en la práctica de atención primaria / Peak expiratory fow measurement in primary clinical practice

Measurement of peak expiratory fow (PEF) by using the mini Wright meter is widely used for assessing patients with airway obstruction in the clinical practice. This document -written by the Pulmonary Function Commission of Chilean Respiratory Disease Society- provides a basic guideline for using this measurement in adult patients. Indications, technique and evaluation of the airway obstruction by measuring PEF through a mini Wrigth meter are briefy described.

La medición del fujo espiratorio máximo (FEM) con el mini-fujómetro de Wright se usa ampliamente en la práctica clínica para evaluar pacientes con obstrucción de las vías aéreas. Este documento redactado por la Comisión de Función Pulmonar de la Sociedad Chilena de Enfermedades Respiratorias, proporciona una guía práctica para efectuar esta medición en pacientes adultos. En este artículo se describen resumidamente las indicaciones, la técnica y la evaluación de la obstrucción de las vías aéreas a través de la medición del FEM con el mini-fujómetro de Wright.

Evaluation of the upper airway in obstructive sleep apnoea.

The evaluation of the upper airway (UA) includes the physical examination of pharyngeal structures and a number of imaging techniques that vary from the mostly used lateral cephalometry and computed tomography to more sophisticated methods such as tri-dimensional magnetic resonance image (MRI). Other complex techniques addressing UA collapsibility assessed by measurement of pharyngeal critical pressure and negative expiratory pressure however are not routinely performed. These methods provide information about anatomic abnormalities and the level of pharyngeal narrowing or collapse while the patient is awake or asleep. Data suggest that individual patients have different patterns of UA narrowing. So, the best method for evaluating obstruction during obstructive events remains controversial. In general, in clinical practice physical examination including a systematic evaluation of facial morphology, mouth, nasal cavity and the pharynx as well as simple imaging techniques such as nasopharyngoscopy and cephalometry have been more routinely utilized. Findings associated with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are UA narrowing by the lateral pharyngeal walls and enlargements of tonsils, uvula and tongue. Additionally cephalometry identifies the most significant craniofacial characteristics associated with this disease. MRI studies demonstrated that lateral narrowing of UA in OSA is due to parapharyngeal muscle hypertrophy and/or enlargement of non adipose soft tissues. The upper airway evaluation has indubitably contributed to understand the pathophysiology and the diagnosis of OSA and snoring. Additionally, it also helps to identify the subjects with increased OSA risk as well as to select the more appropriate modality of treatment, especially for surgical procedures.

Efeito da obstrução de vias aéreas nas variações das propriedades resistivas e elásticas do sistema respiratório de asmáticos, mediadas pelo uso de salbutamol / Effects of airway obstruction on albuterol-mediated variations in the resistive and elastic properties of the respiratory system of patients with asthma

OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos da obstrução de vias aéreas nas variações das propriedades resistivas e elásticas do sistema respiratório de asmáticos adultos mediadas pelo uso de salbutamol. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 24 indivíduos controles e 69 asmáticos, todos não tabagistas, divididos em três grupos segundo o nível de obstrução de vias aéreas (leve, moderada e acentuada). Cada grupo foi dividido em dois subgrupos de acordo com a resposta broncodilatadora: resposta broncodilatadora positiva (RB+) ou negativa (RB-). A espirometria foi utilizada para a avaliação da obstrução, e a técnica de oscilações forçadas, para a análise das propriedades resistivas e elásticas, sendo realizadas antes e após a utilização de 300 µg de salbutamol. RESULTADOS: A resistência no intercepto (R0) apresentou maior redução nos grupos com maior obstrução. Essa redução foi mais evidente nos subgrupos RB+ do que nos RB- (p < 0,02 e p < 0,03, respectivamente). Houve diferença significativa entre o grupo controle e a o subgrupo com obstrução acentuada RB+ (p < 0,002). As reduções na elastância dinâmica (Edyn) se acentuaram significativamente com a obstrução, tanto para os subgrupos RB- (p < 0,03), quanto para os RB+ (p < 0,003). As reduções da Edyn foram significativamente maiores nos subgrupos com obstrução moderada RB- (p < 0,008) e com obstrução acentuada RB+ (p < 0,0005) do que no grupo controle. CONCLUSÕES: Em asmáticos, o aumento da obstrução de vias aéreas resulta na elevação das variações em R0 e Edyn com o uso de salbutamol. Pacientes com RB+ apresentam variações mais elevadas que indivíduos com RB-.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of airway obstruction on albuterol-mediated variations in the resistive and elastic properties of the respiratory system of adult patients with asthma. METHODS: This study comprised 24 healthy controls and 69 patients with asthma, all of whom were nonsmokers. The patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of airway obstruction (mild, moderate or severe). Each of the three groups was divided into two subgroups according to the bronchodilator response (BR): positive (BR+) or negative (BR-). Airway obstruction was determined by means of spirometry, and the resistive and elastic properties were determined by means of the forced oscillation technique. These measurements were conducted before and after albuterol use (300 µg). RESULTS: The resistance at the intercept (R0) presented greater reductions in the groups with higher obstruction. This reduction was more evident in the BR+ subgroups than in the BR- subgroups (p < 0.02 and p < 0.03, respectively). There was a significant difference between the control group and the BR+ subgroup with severe obstruction (p < 0.002). The reductions in dynamic elastance (Edyn) were significantly greater in proportion to the degree of obstruction, in the BR- subgroups (p < 0.03), and in the BR+ subgroups (p < 0.003). The reductions in Edyn were significantly greater in the BR- subgroup with moderate obstruction (p < 0.008) and in the BR+ subgroup with severe obstruction (p < 0.0005) than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with asthma, increased airway obstruction results in greater reductions in R0 and Edyn after albuterol use. These reductions are greater among BR+ patients than among BR- patients.

Quemadura de vía aérea / Airway burn

La mayoría de las muertes tempranas por accidentes con fuego son provocadas por la inhalación de gases más que por las lesiones causadas por llamas, debido principalmente al compromiso ventilatorio que esto produce. Por lo anterior debe existir un alto grado de sospecha de compromiso de vía aérea en aquellos pacientes que presenten quemaduras faciales, en espacios cerrados, vibrisas chamuscadas, compromiso respiratorio progresivo, esputo carbonáceo o que se encuentren en estado de inconciencia. Sin embargo, la presencia de estos hallazgos no es patognomónica de daño en el árbol bronquial ni su ausencia lo descarta. El principal método de diagnóstico es la fibrobroncoscopía, que permite observar directamente las lesiones y además lavar y remover restos que puedan encontrarse en la vía aérea, pero lamentablemente no se encuentra disponible en todos los servicios de urgencia.

Most of the early deaths from accidents with are fire mainly caused by compromise of the ventilation due to gas inhalation rather thand by injuries caused by flames. Therefore there must be a high degree of suspicion of air compromise for patients presenting facial burns indoors, burnt hair of the nasal cavity, progressive respiratory compromise, carbonaceous sputum or unconsciousness. However, neither is the presence of these findings pathognomonic of damage to the bronchial tree nor does their discharge it. The main method is the fibrobroncoscopy diagnosis, which allows direct observation of the injuries and also the washing and removal of debris that can be found in the airways. Unfortunately, this is method is not available in all amergency services.

Fenótipos clínicos de asma grave / Clinical phenotypes of severe asthma

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer os fenótipos clínicos em portadores de asma grave. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados, retrospectivamente, 111 pacientes em um ambulatório especializado. Os pacientes foram avaliados e acompanhados de maneira sistemática, estabelecendo-se ao final do acompanhamento a adesão e o controle ou não da doença por dados clínicos e funcionais. A resistência ao tratamento foi definida como o não preenchimento, ao final do acompanhamento, por pelo menos seis meses, dos critérios de controle de asma, apesar do uso correto e adesão à medicação. Os fenótipos foram determinados por análise fatorial e comparados por testes diversos. RESULTADOS: Ao final, 88 pacientes foram considerados aderentes e 23 não aderentes. Por análise fatorial do grupo aderente, quatro fenótipos foram determinados: o fenótipo 1 (28 pacientes), formado pelos pacientes resistentes ao tratamento, com maior freqüência de sintomas noturnos, maior número de exacerbações e uso mais freqüente de broncodilatador de resgate; o fenótipo 2 (48 pacientes), formado pelos pacientes com obstrução persistente, com menores valores de relação volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo/capacidade vital forçada na avaliação inicial, idade mais avançada e maior tempo de doença; o fenótipo 3 (42 pacientes), representa os pacientes com rinossinusite alérgica, sendo constituído de não fumantes com obstrução predominantemente reversível; e o fenótipo 4 (15 pacientes), formado por casos com história de intolerância à aspirina associado à asma quase fatal. CONCLUSÕES: Um número significativo de portadores de ama grave não adere ao tratamento. Muitos pacientes com asma grave têm obstrução irreversível, mas o fenótipo clínico mais relevante é constituído pelos pacientes resistentes ao tratamento habitual.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical phenotypes of severe asthma. METHODS: A total of 111 patients were retrospectively evaluated at a specialized outpatient clinic. A systematic protocol for patient evaluation and follow-up was applied. Treatment compliance and control of the disease at the end of follow-up were defined by clinical and functional data. Patients who did not meet asthma control criteria after six months despite compliance with treatment and correct use of medication were characterized as treatment-resistant. Phenotypes were determined by factorial analysis and compared using various tests. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up, 88 patients were considered treatment compliant and 23 were considered noncompliant. Factorial analysis of the compliant patients identified four phenotypes: phenotype 1 (28 patients) comprised patients who were treatment-resistant, more often presenting nocturnal symptoms and exacerbations, as well as more often using rescue bronchodilators; phenotype 2 (48 patients) comprised patients with persistent airflow limitation, lower ratios of forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity at baseline, more advanced age and longer duration of symptoms; phenotype 3 (42 patients) comprised patients with allergic rhinosinusitis who were nonsmokers and presented predominantly reversible airflow obstruction; and phenotype 4 (15 patients) comprised cases with a history of aspirin intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid associated with near-fatal asthma. Conclusions: A significant number of patients with severe asthma are noncompliant with treatment. Although many patients with severe asthma have persistent airflow obstruction, the most relevant clinical phenotype comprises patients who are resistant to the typical treatment.

Efeitos da tosse manualmente assistida sobre a mecânica do sistema respiratório de pacientes em suporte ventilatório total / Effects of manually assisted coughing on respiratory mechanics in patients requiring full ventilatory support

OBJETIVO: A tosse manualmente assistida (TMA) consiste na compressão vigorosa do tórax no início da expiração espontânea ou da fase expiratória da ventilação mecânica. Tendo em vista a utilização rotineira da TMA na unidade de terapia intensiva, a proposta deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos dessa técnica no comportamento da mecânica do sistema respiratório de pacientes submetidos a suporte ventilatório total. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 16 pacientes intubados, sedados e submetidos à ventilação mecânica controlada, sem participação interativa com o ventilador. A mecânica do sistema respiratório e a saturação periférica de oxigênio foram mensuradas antes e após a aplicação de TMA e após a aspiração traqueal. Foram realizadas 10 aplicações bilaterais da técnica por paciente, com intervalos de 3 ciclos respiratórios entre cada aplicação. RESULTADOS: Os dados evidenciaram a diminuição da pressão resistiva e da resistência do sistema respiratório e aumento da saturação periférica de oxigênio após a aplicação da TMA associada à aspiração traqueal. Não foram evidenciadas alterações das pressões de pico, platô e complacência do sistema respiratório após a aplicação da TMA. CONCLUSÕES: A TMA foi capaz de alterar a mecânica do sistema respiratório, mais especificamente aumentando as forças resistivas através do deslocamento de secreção. A técnica pode ser considerada eficaz e segura para pacientes em pós-operatório imediato. A associação entre TMA e aspiração traqueal mostrou-se benéfica, alcançando os objetivos propostos: deslocamento e remoção de secreção das vias aéreas.

OBJECTIVE: Manually assisted coughing (MAC) consists of a vigorous thrust applied to the chest at the beginning of a spontaneous expiration or of the expiratory phase of mechanical ventilation. Due to routine use of MAC in intensive care units, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of MAC on respiratory system mechanics in patients requiring full ventilatory support. METHODS: We assessed 16 sedated patients on full ventilatory support (no active participation in ventilation). Respiratory system mechanics and oxyhemoglobin saturation were measured before and after MAC, as well as after endotracheal aspiration. Bilateral MAC was performed ten times on each patient, with three respiratory cycle intervals between each application. RESULTS: Data analysis demonstrated a decrease in resistive pressure and respiratory system resistance, together with an increase in oxyhemoglobin saturation, after MAC combined with endotracheal aspiration. No evidence of alterations in peak pressures, plateau pressures or respiratory system compliance change was observed after MAC. CONCLUSIONS: The use of MAC alters respiratory system mechanics, increasing resistive forces by removing secretions. The technique is considered safe and efficacious for postoperative patients. Using MAC in conjunction with endotracheal aspiration provided benefits, achieving the proposed objective: the displacement and removal of airway secretions.

Estudo comparativo do padrão de respiração e a porcentagem de ocupação da nasofaringe pela tonsila faríngea em crianças com ou sem história de infecção pelo HIV / A comparative study of the breathing pattern and amount of nasopharynx obstruction by the pharyngeal tonsil in hiv infected and non infected children

OBJETIVO: o objetivo deste estudo foi estudar a associação entre o padrão de respiração e o tamanho da tonsila faríngea em 122 crianças (60 infectadas pelo HIV e 62 sem infecção). MATERIAL E MÉTODO: As crianças foram analisadas quanto ao padrão de respiração, fluxo nasal e ocupação da tonsila faríngea em radiografias cefalométricas de perfil, através de uma análise computadorizada. RESULTADOS: O padrão de respiração de maior ocorrência nos dois grupos foi o tipo misto. A maioria das crianças apresentou tipo de respiração bucal ou mista, não havendo associação entre o tipo de respiração e presença do HIV (p=0,091). O fluxo nasal mostrou predomínio do fluxo médio nos dois grupos. As crianças sem história de infecção pelo HIV apresentaram fluxo nasal de médio a grande e a maioria das crianças infectadas pelo HIV apresentou de pouco a médio fluxo nasal de ar, havendo uma associação positiva entre o fluxo nasal e a infecção pelo HIV (p<0,0001). A porcentagem média de ocupação da tonsila faríngea foi alta nos dois grupos, não havendo diferença estatisticamente significante entre eles. As crianças dos dois grupos apresentaram aumento moderado ou acentuado do tamanho da tonsila faríngea, não havendo associação entre o tamanho da tonsila faríngea e presença do HIV (p=0,201).

AIM: the goal of the present investigation was to study the association between breathing pattern and pharyngeal tonsil size in 122 children (60 HIV infected and 62 without such infection). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The children were analyzed as to their breathing pattern, nasal flow and pharyngeal tonsil obstruction seen in side cephalometric x-rays, by means of a computerized analysis. RESULTS: The pattern that most occurred in both groups was the mixed type. Most of the children presented oral or mixed type breathing and there was no association between the type of breathing and HIV presence (p=0.091). Nasal flow was mainly medium in both groups. Children without prior history of HIV infection had medium to large nasal flow and most of the HIV-infected children had medium nasal airflow. There was a positive association between nasal flow and HIV infection (p<0.0001). The average percentage of nasopharynx obstruction by the pharyngeal tonsil was high in both groups, and there was no statistically significance difference between them. Children from both groups had a moderate or large size of pharyngeal tonsil, and there was no association between tonsil size and HIV (p=0.21).

Capacidade inspiratória, limitação ao exercício, e preditores de gravidade e prognóstico, em doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica / Inspiratory capacity, exercise limitation, markers of severity, and prognostic factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a capacidade inspiratória (CI), por cento do previsto, pós-broncodilatador (pós-BD), com outras variáveis indicativas de gravidade e prognóstico, na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). MÉTODOS: Oitenta pacientes estáveis com DPOC realizaram manobras de capacidade vital forçada, capacidade vital lenta, e teste de caminhada de 6 min, antes e após salbutamol spray (400 µg). Foram divididos em quatro grupos, segundo o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo pós-BD. Diversas variáveis foram testadas, por análise univariada e multivariada, com a distância caminhada pós-BD, por cento do previsto. A CI pós-BD foi correlacionada com o estadiamento Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) e o índice Body mass index, airway Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE). RESULTADOS: Por análise de regressão multivariada, a CI pós BD, por cento do previsto, (p = 0,001), o uso de oxigênio a longo prazo (p = 0,014), e o número de medicamentos usados (p = 0,044), mantiveram associação significativa com a distância caminhada, por cento do previsto. A CI < 70 por cento foi observada em 56 por cento dos pacientes em estágios GOLD 3 ou 4 comparado a 20 por cento em estágios GOLD 1 ou 2 ( p < 0,001). A CI < 70 por cento foi observada em 60 por cento dos pacientes com escore BODE 3 ou 4 vs. 33 por cento com BODE 1 ou 2 (p = 0,02). CONCLUSÃO: A CI, por cento do previsto, pós-BD é o melhor preditor funcional da distância caminhada, associando-se significativamente com o escore GOLD e o índice BODE. Por isso, propomos que a CI seja incluída na rotina de avaliação dos portadores de DPOC.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the postbronchodilator (post-BD) inspiratory capacity (IC), percent of predicted, with other markers of severity and prognostic factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Eighty stable patients with COPD performed forced vital capacity and slow vital capacity maneuvers, as well as the 6-min walk test, prior to and after receiving albuterol spray (400 µg). Patients were divided into four groups, based on post-BD forced expiratory volume in one second. Several variables were tested to establish correlations with the post-BD distance walked, using univariate and multivariate analysis. Post-BD IC was found to correlated with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) staging and with the Body mass index, airway Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity (BODE) index. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the distance walked, percent predicted, correlated significantly with the IC post-BD, percent predicted (p = 0.001), long-term oxygen use (p = 0.014), and number of medications used in the treatment (p = 0.044). IC < 70 percent was observed in 56 percent patients in GOLD stages 3 or 4 vs. 20 percent in GOLD 1 or 2 (p < 0.001). IC < 70 percent was observed in (60 percent) patients with BODE score 3 or 4 vs. (33 percent) BODE score 1 or 2 (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Post-BD IC percent predicted is the best functional predictor of distance walked and is significantly associated with GOLD staging and BODE index. Therefore, We propose that the inspiratory capacity should be added to the routine evaluation of the COPD patients.