Evaluación del control del Asma en República Dominicana: una perspectiva clínica / Evaluation of Asthma Control in the Dominican Republic: a Clinical Perspective

Introducción: El asma es una patología respiratoria caracterizada por inflamación cró-nica y reversible de las vías aéreas. Esta se asocia con factores de riesgo modificables y no modificables que influyen sobre su control y exacerbaciones. En países como Puer-to Rico y Cuba, la prevalencia del asma es significativamente mayor a la global (22,8%, 23% y 6,6%, respectivamente).

Introduction: Asthma is a respiratory pathology characterized by chronic and reversible airway inflammation. It is associated with modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that influence its control and exacerbations. In countries such as Puerto Rico (22.8 %) and Cuba (23 %), the prevalence of asthma is significantly higher than the global prevalence (6.6 %).

Avaliação dos níveis de alfabetismo em saúde, conhecimento em asma e qualidade de vida de pais associados ao controle da doença em crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico de asma de centros especializados / Evaluation of levels of literacy in health, knowledge in asthma and quality of life of parents associated with disease control in children and adolescents diagnosed with asthma from specialized centers

Objetivo: avaliar o nível de conhecimento em asma, alfabetismo em saúde e qualidade de vida de cuidadores de crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico da doença, bem como, a associação com o controle da asma, adesão ao tratamento e qualidade de vida. Métodos: estudo transversal, realizado com cuidadores e pacientes de dois centros especializados de referência no Sul do Brasil, entre março de 2018 e novembro de 2018. Participaram pais e cuidadores de crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico de asma, com idade a partir de 18 anos. Foram aplicados os questionários: sociodemográfico, Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Portuguese-Speaking Adults, Questionário de Conhecimento em Asma Pediátrica e Paediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life Questionnaire. Para fins estatísticos, foram utilizados o teste t, qui-quadrado e Regressão Logística Binária. Resultados: foram incluídos 125 cuidadores, sendo 89 (71,2%) mães, com idade média de 35,7±9,2 anos, 65 (52%) com ensino médio completo e 100 (80%) pertencentes à classe econômica C. Do total, 74 (59,2%) apresentaram níveis inadequados de alfabetismo em saúde e 117 (94,4%) inadequados níveis de conhecimento em asma. A asma não estava controlada em 91 (72,8%) dos pacientes, estando associado a menor qualidade de vida deles e de seus cuidadores (p<0,001). A Regressão Logística verificou se o alfabetismo em saúde, o conhecimento em asma e a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores estavam associados ao controle da asma dos pacientes, sendo esse modelo significativo [X2(4) = 22,083; p<0,001, R2Nagelkerke = 0,484]. As variáveis categóricas utilizadas como referência foram as que apresentaram maior frequência (asma não controlada e conhecimentos inadequados). O alfabetismo em saúde (OR = 3,650; IC95% = 1,335 - 9,984) e qualidade de vida (OR = 3,095; IC95% = 1,850 ­ 5,178) também foram significativos. Conclusão: a população analisada apresentou níveis de alfabetismo em saúde e conhecimento em asma insatisfatórios. Ainda, os níveis de controle da doença foram baixos podendo estar associados aos níveis de qualidade de vida.

Aims: to evaluate the level of knowledge in asthma, health literacy and quality of life of caregivers of children and adolescents diagnosed with the disease, as well as the association with asthma control, treatment adherence and quality of life. Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted with caregivers and patients from two specialized referral centers in southern Brazil, between March 2018 and November 2018. Parents and caregivers of children and adolescents diagnosed with asthma, aged 18 years and older, participated in the study. The following questionnaires were applied: sociodemographic, Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Portuguese-Speaking Adults and Paediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life Questionnaire. For statistical purposes, the t-test, chi-square and Binary Logistic Regression were used. Results: a total of 125 caregivers were included, 89 (71.2%) mothers, with a mean age of 35.7±9.2 years, 65 (52%) with completed high school and 100 (80%) belonging to economy class C. Of the total, 74 (59.2%) inadequate levels of literacy in health and 117 (94.4%) inadequate levels of knowledge in asthma. Asthma was not controlled in 91 (72.8%) of the patients, being associated with a lower quality of life of them and their caregivers (p<0.001). Logistic Regression verified whether health literacy, asthma knowledge and caregivers' quality of life were associated with asthma control of patients, and this model was significant [X2(4) = 22.083; p<0.001, R2Nagelkerke = 0.484]. The categorical variables used as reference were the ones with the highest frequency (uncontrolled asthma and inadequate knowledge). Health literacy (OR = 3,650; CI95% = 1.335 - 9.984) and quality of life (OR = 3.095; CI95% = 1.850 - 5.178) were also significant. Conclusion: the analyzed population presented levels of literacy in health and knowledge in asthma unsatisfactory. Furthermore, the levels of disease control were low and may be associated with quality of life levels.

Misperception of poor asthma control in the outpatients clinic of a tertiary hospital in Rio de Janeiro / Má percepção da falta de controle da asma em ambulatório de hospital terciário do Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the proportion of patients with asthma with misperception of poor control of their disease. Methods A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of patients with asthma and aged ≥18 years. Asthma control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test and the Global Initiative for Asthma questionnaire. The Kappa coefficient was used to analyze the agreement between the results of these tests and the patients' perception of asthma control, defined by the response to one question of the Asthma Control Test: "How do you evaluate your asthma control during the last 4 weeks?". Results Among the 71 patients aged 19 to 81 years and a mean of 57.7±13.9 years, there were 27 (38%) controlled, according to the Asthma Control Test, and 18 (25.3%) using the Global Initiative for Asthma questionnaire. The Kappa coefficients of the results of these tests and the perception of control by the patients were 0.4 and 0.29, respectively. Among the 41 (57.7%) patients who considered themselves controlled, 18 (43.9%) had a misperception of their poor control, as per the Asthma Control Test, and 25 (61%) by the Global Initiative for Asthma. Conclusion Applying the Asthma Control Test, it was observed that almost half of the participants had a misperception of their poor control of the disease and, according to the Global Initiative for Asthma questionnaire, more than half of the sample did not notice the lack of asthma control.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar a proporção de pacientes com asma com percepção inadequada do mau controle de sua doença. Métodos Estudo transversal com amostra de conveniência de pacientes com asma e idade ≥18 anos. Avaliou-se o controle da asma por meio do Asthma Control Test e do questionário do Global Initiative for Asthma. Utilizou-se o coeficiente Kappa para análise da concordância entre os resultados desses testes e a percepção do controle da asma pelo paciente, definida pela resposta a uma questão do Asthma Control Test: "Como você avalia o controle da sua asma durante as últimas 4 semanas?". Resultados Entre os 71 pacientes com idades entre 19 e 81 anos e média de 57,7±13,9 anos, existiam 27 (38%) controlados, segundo o Asthma Control Test, e 18 (25,3%) de acordo com o questionário do Global Initiative for Asthma. Os coeficientes de Kappa entre os resultados desses testes e a percepção do controle pelos pacientes foram, respectivamente, 0,4 e 0,29. Entre os 41 (57,7%) pacientes que se consideravam controlados, 18 (43,9%) tinham percepção inapropriada do seu mau controle, de acordo com o Asthma Control Test, e 25 (61%) segundo o Global Initiative for Asthma. Conclusão Aplicando-se o Asthma Control Test, observou-se que quase metade dos participantes tinha percepção inadequada de seu mau controle da doença e, segundo o questionário da Global Initiative for Asthma, mais da metade da amostra não percebeu o descontrole da asma.

Control de asma bronquial en niños y adolescentes atendidos en establecimientos de salud de Chiclayo / Control of bronchial asthma in children and adolescents treated in health facilities in Chiclayo

Introducción: El asma es un problema frecuente en la niñez y adolescencia y es importante su adecuado control. Objetivos: Estimar el nivel de control de asma en niños y adolescentes atendidos en establecimientos de salud. Métodos: Estudio censal de tipo transversal descriptivo realizado en la ciudad de. Chiclayo, entre julio-diciembre 2013. Se incluyeron menores de edad de 5 a 18 años con diagnóstico de asma. Se identificaron a los pacientes en la base de datos de la red de salud Lambayeque y se les realizó una visita domiciliaria donde se les invitó al estudio y se aplicó el instrumento de evaluación. Resultados: Se identificaron 203 pacientes, se contactaron y reclutaron 107 individuos. Se incluyeron 89 (83,2 por ciento) niños y 18 (16,8 por ciento) adolescentes con una mediana de edad de 7 (p25= 5/p75= 9) años y 15 (p25= 15/p75= 17) años, respectivamente. Según el puntaje del instrumento de evaluación: 52 (48,6 por ciento) estaban mal controlados; 46 (43,0 por ciento) parcialmente controlados; y 9 (8,4 por ciento), bien controlados. En el caso de los niños, la frecuencia de no control fue de 48,3 por ciento, parcialmente controlado 43,8 por ciento y controlado 7,9 por ciento; y en los adolescentes fue de 50,0; 38,9 y 11,1 por ciento, respectivamente. Se observó una relación significativa entre el nivel de control y el nivel educativo del cuidador en niños (p= 0,006) y adolescentes (p= 0,005). Conclusiones: Se demuestra una frecuencia elevada de control inadecuado de asma, lo cual contrasta con otras realidades similares donde hay una mayor frecuencia de control(AU)

Introduction: Asthma is a common problem in childhood and adolescence and is important its adequate control. Objectives: To estimate the level of asthma control in children and adolescents treated in health facilities. Methods: Census data of descriptive cross-sectional type study conducted in the city of Chiclayo, from July to December, 2013. There were included children from 5 to 18 years diagnosed with asthma. Patients were identified in the database of Lambayeque health network and underwent a home visit where they were invited to the study and it was applied the assessment instrument. Results: 203 patients were identified, and there were contacted and recruited 107 individuals. 89 (83.2 percent) children and 18 (16.8 percent) adolescents were included with a mean age of 7 (p25= 5/p75= 9) and 15 (p25= 15/p75= 17) years, respectively. According to the score of the assessment instrument: 52 (48.6 percent) were poorly controlled; 46 (43.0 percent) partially controlled; and 9 (8.4 percent), well-controlled. In the case of children, the frequency of no control was of 48.3 percent, partially controlled was 43.8 percent and controlled was 7.9 percent; and in the adolescents, it was 50.0, 38.9 and 11.1 percent , respectively. It was observed a significant relationship between the level of control and the educational level of the caregiver in children (p= 0.006) and adolescents (p= 0.005). Conclusions: It is demonstrated the high frequency of inadequate control of asthma, which contrasts with other similar realities where there is a greater frequency of control(AU)

Impacto de un programa de educación terapéutica en asma en un niño y sus cuidadores / Impact of a program of health education for the asthmatic child and their families

Las guías para el manejo del asma promueven la educación sanitaria como un escalón más en su terapéutica. Se creó el programa Educación Sanitaria del Niño Asmático y su Familia. El objetivo fue evaluar el impacto del Programa sobre el bienestar del niño asmático y su familia.Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, durante 3 años, que analizó características epidemiológicas, impacto y satisfacción de las familias. Se incluyeron 386 pacientes. Asma controlada al corte: el 78 %. Descendieron el uso de beta-2-adrenérgicos y las admisiones hospitalarias (p < 0,05), el uso de corticoides orales y consultas en Urgencias (p < 0,001). Evaluó el Programa como excelente el 98 %; comprendió y aceptó la enfermedad el 99 %; reconoció el inicio de crisis y comenzó el tratamiento el 96 %; aplicó bien la terapia inhalatoria el 92 %. El Programa tuvo alto impacto en el control del asma. Constituyó un modelo útil para replicar.

Guidelines for management establish health education as part of asthma care. A Health Education Program for Asthmatic Children and Families was started in our institution. This descriptive retrospective study was designed in order to evaluate the Program impact in children and family satisfaction; 386 children were enrolled. Their asthma was properly controlled in 78 %. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of rapid action beta 2 agonists use and hospital admissions, and a highly significant decrease (p < 0.001) of corticosteroids use and emergency visits. Educational content was found to be excellent in 98 %; 99 % understood and accepted the condition; 96 % were able to recognize early symptoms and started home treatment; 92 % correctly managed inhalation technique. The Program had a high impact on children asthma control, with a significant decrease in emergency visits, admissions, and drug use, becoming a useful model

Serviço social e arte educação: cuidado na prevenção da asma / Social work and art education: attention on prevention of asthma / Trabajo social y arte educación: atención a la prevención del asma

Objetivo: Descrever sobre a experiência em arte educação do Serviço Social em equipe multiprofissional, no cuidado preventivo à asma, e as mudanças sentidas pelos participantes do "Coral Voices em Superação", mediante as (inter)experiências e vivências de cantar e conviver com a asma. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, empírica, bibliográfica e fenomenológica. Com uso de diário de campo, entrevista semiestruturada e análise de conteúdo. Participaram 14 mulheres e um homem entre 23 e 75 anos, acompanhados no Centro de Referência em Asma. Resultado: Arte educação, por meio da música, é um recurso para o assistente social potencializar a autoestima de pessoas em tratamento de asma. Conclusão: O convívio de pessoas com asma, em uma atividade de arte educação, influencia na sua qualidade de vida

Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe the experience in art education of Social Work in a multiprofessional team, in the preventive care for asthma, and the changes felt by the participants of the "Choir Voices in Overcoming", through the (inter) experiences and experiences of singing and living with to asthma. Methods: Qualitative, empirical, bibliographical and phenomenological research. Using field diary, semi-structured interview and content analysis. A total of 14 women and a man between the ages of 23 and 75 participated in the Asthma Reference Center. Results: Art education, through music, is a resource for the social worker to enhance the self-esteem of people in asthma treatment. Conclusion: The conviviality of people with asthma, in an activity of art education, influences their quality of life

Objetivo: Describir sobre la experiencia en arte educación del Trabajo Social en equipo multiprofesional, en el cuidado preventivo del asma, y los cambios sentidos por los participantes del "Coral Voices en Superación", mediante las (inter) experiencias y vivencias de cantar y convivir con el asma. Métodos: Investigación cualitativa, empírica, bibliográfica y fenomenológica. Con uso de diario de campo, entrevista semiestructurada y análisis de contenido. Participaron 14 mujeres y un hombre entre 23 y 75 años, acompañados en el Centro de Referencia en Asma. Resultado: El arte de la educación, a través de la música, es un recurso para que el asistente social potencializar la autoestima de las personas en el tratamiento del asma. Conclusión: La convivencia de personas con asma, en una actividad de arte educación, influye en su calidad de vida

Effect of physical activity on asthma control in schoolchildren / Efeito da atividade física no controle da asma em escolares

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effect of levels of physical activity on asthma control in children. Methods A cross-sectional study, including public school students aged 8 to 12 years, of both sexes, with asthma, from a capital and a medium-sized cities in Southern Brazil. At home, the students answered the questionnaire on levels of physical activity and disease control. Results A total of 482 schoolchildren with asthma participated in the study, with mean age of 10.9±2.2 years, and 253 (52%) were girls. Regarding disease control, 50% had controlled asthma, and 67% were considered sedentary. Schoolchildren with controlled asthma were more active than those with uncontrolled asthma (p=0.032). Active schoolchildren were more likely to have asthma controlled (OR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.04-2.25). Conclusion The results demonstrated an association between physical activity levels and asthma control. More active schoolchildren were more likely to have asthma controlled.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o efeito dos níveis de atividade física no controle da asma em crianças. Métodos Estudo transversal, incluindo escolares da rede pública, de 8 a 12 anos, de ambos os sexos, com asma, de uma capital e de uma cidade de porte médio da Região Sul do Brasil. Os escolares responderam, em seus domicílios, um questionário de níveis de atividade física e de controle da doença. Resultados Participaram da pesquisa 482 escolares com asma, com média de idade de 10,9±2,2 anos, e 253 (52%) eram meninas. Quanto ao controle da doença, 50% apresentavam asma controlada e 67% foram considerados sedentários. Os escolares com asma controlada foram mais ativos do que os com asma não controlada (p=0,032). Os escolares ativos tiveram mais chance de ter a asma controlada (RC=1,5; IC95%: 1,04-2,25). Conclusão Os resultados demonstraram associação entre os níveis de atividade física e controle da asma. Os escolares mais ativos apresentaram mais chance de ter a asma controlada.

Microecology research: a new target for the prevention of asthma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

The incidence and prevalence of asthma have increased remarkably in recent years. There are lots of factors contributing to the occurrence and development of asthma. With the improvement of sequencing technology, it has been found that the microbiome plays an important role in the formation of asthma in early life. The roles of the microbial environment and human microbiome in the occurrence and development of asthma have attracted more and more attention. The environmental microbiome influences the occurrence of asthma by shaping the human microbiome. The specific mechanism may be related to the immune regulation of Toll-like receptors and T cells (special Tregs). Intestinal microbiome is formed and changed by regulating diet and lifestyle in early life, which may affect the development and maturation of the pulmonary immune system through the intestinal-pulmonary axis. It is well-recognized that both environmental microbiomes and human microbiomes can influence the onset of asthma. This review aims to summarize the recent advances in the research of microbiome, its relationship with asthma, and the possible mechanism of the microbiome in the occurrence and development of asthma. The research of the microbial environment and human microbiome may provide a new target for the prevention of asthma in children who have high-risk factors to allergy. However, further study of "when and how" to regulate microbiome is still needed.

Vitamina D y asma / Vitamin D and asthma

The main source of Vitamin D is the bioconversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholecalciferol, however, the level of sun exposition has been drastically reduced during the last decades, so it is not unusual to find a high deficit of Vitamin D in the population. There is evidence to suggest that the deficit of Vitamin D is associated with a worse evolution of asthma and a greater risk of serious exacerbations. Possibly prenatal Vitamin D supplementation to pregnant mothers reduces the risk of wheezing and asthma in the offspring, and supplementation to asthmatic children could improve the evolution of the disease.

La principal fuente de Vitamina D es la bioconversión del 7-dehidrocolesterol a colecalciferol, sin embargo, el nivel de exposición solar se ha reducido drásticamente durante las últimas décadas, por lo que no es extraño encontrar un déficit elevado de Vitamina D en la población. Existe evidencia que sugiere que el déficit de Vitamina D se asocia a peor evolución del asma y mayor riesgo de exacerbaciones graves. Posiblemente la suplementación prenatal de Vitamina D a madres embarazadas reduzca el riesgo de sibilancias y asma en los hijos que nacerán, y la suplementación a niños asmáticos podría mejorar la evolución de la enfermedad.

Nivel de control del asma en pacientes que acuden al Departamento de Neumología del Hospital Infantil doctor Robert Reid Cabral, agosto 2015 a febrero 2016. Santo Domingo, República Dominicana / Level of control of asthma in patients who come to the Department of Pulmonology of the Children's Hospital Doctor Robert Reid Cabral, August 2015 to February 2016. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Antecedentes: el asma es la enfermedad crónica más frecuente en la infancia, aun con medicamentos eficaces y seguros, muchos permanecen sin control. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de control del asma que tienen los pacientes que acuden al Departamento de Neumología del Hospital Infantil Doctor Robert Reid Cabral, durante el periodo de agosto 2015 a febrero 2016. Material y Métodos: estudio descriptivo con recolección prospectiva de datos. Se incluyeron pacientes con edad de 6 años o más y diagnóstico de asma, se excluyeron menores de 6 años de edad, con comorbilidades agregadas y que rechazaron participar; se siguieron por 3 meses, el nivel de control y tratamiento se estableció de acuerdo a las recomendaciones de la Iniciativa Global de Asma (GINA). Resultados: se siguieron 36 pacientes, 56 % masculino, con edad media de 9,2 ± 2,8 años. En el 92 % se identificó algún factor de riesgo para asma. El 75 % no tenía controlada la enfermedad; al tercer mes de iniciar tratamiento, 22.2 % ya tenían controlada el asma y aquellos sin control de la enfermedad disminuyó a 16.6 %. 12 pacientes suspendieron el tratamiento, 75 % de estos por limitación económica para comprar el medicamento

Background: Asthma is the most frequent chronic disease in childhood, even with effective and safe medications, many remain uncontrolled. Objective: To determine the level of asthma control of patients who come to the Department of Pulmonology of the Children's Hospital Doctor Robert Reid Cabral, during the period from August 2015 to February 2016 Material and Methods: Descriptive study, prospective collection of data, patients with age 6 years or older and diagnosis of asthma were included; children under 6 years of age were excluded, with added comorbidities and who refused to participate; were followed for 3 months, the level of control and treatment was established according to the recommendations of the Global Asthma Initiative (GINA) Results: 36 patients were followed, 56% male, with a mean age of 9.2 + 2.8 years. In 92%, some risk factor for asthma was identified. 75% did not control the disease; at the third month after starting treatment, 22.2% had asthma controlled and those without control of the disease decreased to 16.6%. 12 patients suspended the treatment, 75% of these due to financial limitation to buy the medication

Asthma control in the quality of life levels of asthmatic patients' caregivers: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression / Controle da asma nos níveis de qualidade de vida de pais de asmáticos: uma revisão sistemática com meta-análise e meta-regressão

Abstract Objective: To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression to correlate the total scores of asthma control with the increase in the total scores of health-related quality of life levels of parents of asthmatic children. Sources: The search was carried out in the following databases: PubMed (MEDLINE); Embase and ScienceDirect (Elsevier); SciELO and LILACs (Bireme) in June 2017. The included studies assessed asthma control through the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), Asthma Control Test (C-ACT/ACT), and Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) questionnaires, whereas the Pediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ) was applied to assess the HRQoL of parents and family members. Summary of the findings: 294 articles were evaluated in the selected databases, of which (n = 38) were excluded for duplicity; (n = 239) after the reading of the titles and abstracts and (n = 5) after reading the studies in full, totaling 12 studies eligible for the meta-analysis. Of the 12 eligible articles, 11 (92%) were published in the last five years, and evaluated children and adolescents aged 1 -20 years, totaling 2804 samples. In the evaluation of the correlation between the disease control scores by ACQ and C-ACT/ACT, the results were satisfactory for both ACQ analyses [R 2: −0.88; p < 0.001], and for C-ACT/ACT [R 2: 0.82; p < 0.001]. Conclusions: The results show that asthma control levels can influence the total HRQoL scores of parents or relatives of children and adolescents with asthma.

Resumo Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sistemática, com meta-análise e meta-regressão para relacionar os escores totais do controle da asma com o aumento dos escores totais dos níveis de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pais de crianças asmáticas. Fontes: As buscas foram aplicadas nas bases de dados: PubMed (Medline); Embase e ScienceDirect (Elsevier); SciELO e LILACs (Bireme). A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados em saúde em junho de 2017. Os estudos incluídos precisavam ter avaliados o controle da asma pelos questionários Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), Asthma Control Test (C-ACT/ACT) e Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) e para a QVRS dos pais e familiares o Pediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ). Resumo dos achados: Foram avaliados 294 artigos nas bases de dados escolhidas, quanto aos níveis de duplicidade nas bases de dados (n = 38), excluídos por falta de enquadramento na leitura dos títulos e resumos (n = 239) e após leitura integral dos estudos (n = 05), restaram 12 estudos elegíveis à meta-análise. Dos 12 artigos elegíveis, 11 (92%) foram publicados nos últimos cinco anos, avaliaram crianças e adolescentes de 1 a 20 anos, total de 2.804 amostras. Na avaliação da correlação entre a pontuação dos escores de controle da doença por ACQ e C-ACT/ACT, os resultados se mostraram satisfatórios tanto para as análises de ACQ [R2: −0.88; p < 0,001], quanto para C-ACT/ACT [R2: 0,82; p < 0,001]. Conclusões: Os resultados demonstram que os níveis de controle da asma podem influenciar nos escores totais da QVRS de pais ou familiares de crianças e adolescentes com asma.

Conocimiento de la técnica de utilización de los aerosoles en pacientes con asma bronquial / Knowledge of the use´s technique of aerosols in patients with bronchial asthma

Introducción: El principal inconveniente de la utilización de la vía inhalada para la administración de fármacos estriba en la dificultad que la mayoría de los pacientes tienen para utilizarlos correctamente. Un uso inapropiado de estos contribuye a un control deficiente del asma. Objetivo: Determinar el conocimiento del uso de los inhaladores en pacientes asmáticos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con los 29 pacientes diagnosticados como asmáticos en el Consultorio 9, Área II, de Cienfuegos. Se utilizaron como variables: edad, sexo y los nueve pasos a evaluar en el uso de los nebulizadores. Los datos se expresaron en frecuencia absoluta y relativa para mejor comprensión. Resultados: Se demostró que el 72,4 por ciento de los enfermos recibieron calificación de mal. Predominaron los errores en realizar una espiración lenta y profunda, rectificar la curvatura de la tráquea, periodo de apnea y en retener la respiración, al menos, 10 segundos. Conclusiones: El mayor número de pacientes presentó un uso incorrecto de los aerosoles presurizados, a pesar de haber sido adiestrados por especialistas(AU)

Introduction: The main drawback of the inhaled pathway for drugs administration lies in the difficulty that most patients present to use them correctly. An inappropriate use of those contributes to an inadequate control of asthma. Objective: To determine the knowledge on the use of inhalers in asthmatic patients. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with the 29 patients diagnosed as asthmatics in the Family Doctor´s Office 9, Area II, Cienfuegos province. The variables used were: age, sex, as well as the nine steps to assess in the use of nebulizers. Data were expressed in absolute and relative frequency for a better understanding. Results: It was shown that 72.4 percent of the patients received bad scores predominating errors in the performance of a slow and deep exhalation, in rectifying the curvature of the trachea, in the apnea period and holding the breath for at least 10 seconds. Conclusions: The highest number of patients presented a misuse of pressurized aerosols despite being trained by specialists(AU)

Pediatric Asthma Control and Communication Instrument: translation into Portuguese and cross-cultural adaptation for use in Brazil / Pediatric Asthma Control and Communication Instrument: tradução e adaptação transcultural para a língua portuguesa falada no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To translate the Pediatric Asthma Control and Communication Instrument (PACCI) to Portuguese and adapt it for use in Brazil, ensuring the cultural validity of the content and semantic equivalence of the target version. Methods: The Brazilian Portuguese-language version of the PACCI was developed according to the most commonly used methodology, which included the following steps: translation; synthesis of the translation; review by the author of the original questionnaire; back-translation; synthesis of the back-translation; review by a native external researcher who is a native speaker of English; approval of the author of the original questionnaire; review by a specialist in Portuguese; review by a multidisciplinary committee of experts to determine the agreement of the items, considering the clarity of each and its appropriateness in the cultural context; cognitive debriefing; and development of the final version. The cognitive debriefing involved 31 parents/legal guardians of children 1-21 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of asthma, as defined by the Global Initiative for Asthma, with the objective of determining the comprehensibility and clarity of the items for the target population. Results: The multidisciplinary committee of experts indicated that the items on the questionnaire were clear and comprehensible, with kappa values above 0.61, indicating substantial agreement. In the cognitive debriefing, the parents/legal guardians presented no difficulties in understanding any of the items (agreement > 0.90); therefore, no further changes were needed. Conclusions: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the PACCI for use in Brazil were successful.

RESUMO Objetivo: Realizar a tradução e a adaptação transcultural do Pediatric Asthma Control and Communication Instrument (PACCI) para o contexto da população brasileira, e assegurar a validade de conteúdo e equivalência semântica da versão adaptada. Métodos: A versão do PACCI para a língua portuguesa falada no Brasil foi desenvolvida de acordo com a metodologia mais comumente utilizada, que incluiu as seguintes etapas: tradução; síntese da tradução; revisão de um pesquisador nativo de língua inglesa; tradução reversa; síntese da tradução reversa; revisão de um pesquisador nativo de língua inglesa; apreciação do autor do questionário original; revisão por especialista em língua portuguesa; revisão do comitê multiprofissional de especialistas para verificar a concordância dos itens, considerando a clareza e a adequação dos itens ao contexto cultural; desdobramento cognitivo; e desenvolvimento da versão final. O desdobramento cognitivo foi realizado com 31 pais/responsáveis por crianças e adolescentes de 1-21 anos, com diagnóstico clínico de asma de acordo com a Global Initiative for Asthma, com o objetivo de verificar a compreensão e a clareza dos itens na população-alvo. Resultados: O comitê multiprofissional de especialistas indicou que os itens do questionário se apresentaram claros e compreensíveis, com valores de kappa superiores a 0,61, indicando concordância substancial. Considerando o procedimento de desdobramento cognitivo, os pais/responsáveis não apresentaram dificuldades de compreensão (concordância > 0,90) não havendo necessidade de modificações da versão final em português. Conclusões: O PACCI apresenta-se adequadamente traduzido e transculturalmente adaptado para uso na população brasileira.

The use of probiotics as a supplementary therapy in the treatment of patients with asthma: a pilot study and implications

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the use of probiotics as an additional therapy in the treatment of children and adolescents with asthma in Belo Horizonte, MG-Brazil. METHODS: A pilot longitudinal, experimental and nonrandomized study with 30 patients from six to 17 years old from Belo Horizonte. In the baseline appointment, all patients received beclomethasone, and one group also received a probiotic containing Lactobacillus reuteri (n=14). The patients were reassessed after at least 60 days with the Asthma Control Test, spirometry and self-report of the symptoms they experienced associated with asthma. RESULTS: A predominance of male patients (56.7%) and a mean age of 10.6 years were observed. The groups using probiotics did not differ in terms of sex, age or atopy. In the longitudinal evaluation, an increase in the Asthma Control Test scores and a reduction in the number of symptoms were observed in the probiotic group. There was an increase in the peak expiratory flow among those who used probiotics. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study supports the hypothesis that the administration of probiotics as a supplementary therapy for the treatment of children and adolescents with asthma improves the clinical condition of the patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of probiotics in asthma treatment.

Is a low level of education a limiting factor for asthma control in a population with access to pulmonologists and to treatment? / A baixa escolaridade é um fator limitante para o controle da asma em uma população com acesso a pneumologista e tratamento?

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine whether a low level of education is a risk factor for uncontrolled asthma in a population of patients who have access to pulmonologists and to treatment. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving outpatients > 10 years of age diagnosed with asthma who were followed by a pulmonologist for at least 3 months in the city of Jundiai, located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The patients completed a questionnaire specifically designed for this study, the 6-item Asthma Control Questionnaire (to assess the control of asthma symptoms), and a questionnaire designed to assess treatment adherence. Patients underwent spirometry, and patient inhaler technique was assessed. Results: 358 patients were enrolled in the study. Level of education was not considered a risk factor for uncontrolled asthma symptoms (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.94-1.05), spirometry findings consistent with obstructive lung disease (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99-1.01), uncontrolled asthma (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.95-1.10), or the need for moderate/high doses of inhaled medication (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.94-1.06). The number of years of schooling was similar between the patients in whom treatment adherence was good and those in whom it was poor (p = 0.08), as well as between those who demonstrated proper inhaler technique and those who did not (p = 0.41). Conclusions: Among asthma patients with access to pulmonologists and to treatment, a low level of education does not appear to be a limiting factor for adequate asthma control.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se a baixa escolaridade é um fator de risco para asma não controlada em uma população de pacientes que tem acesso a um pneumologista e ao tratamento. Métodos: Estudo transversal com pacientes com diagnóstico de asma, com idade > 10 anos, acompanhados por ao menos três meses por um pneumologista em ambulatórios na cidade de Jundiaí (SP). Os indivíduos responderam a um questionário específico do estudo, ao Questionário de Controle da Asma com seis questões para avaliar o controle dos sintomas da asma e a um questionário para avaliar a adesão ao tratamento. Avaliou-se a correção no uso de dispositivos inalatórios, e os pacientes realizaram espirometria. Resultados: Foram incluídos 358 pacientes. A escolaridade não foi fator de risco para sintomas de asma não controlados (OR = 0,99; IC95%: 0,94-1,05), presença de distúrbio ventilatório obstrutivo na espirometria (OR = 1,00; IC95%: 0,99-1,01), asma não controlada (OR = 1,03; IC95%: 0,95-1,10) e necessidade de dose moderada/alta de medicações inalatórias (OR = 0,99; IC95%: 0,94-1,06). O número de anos de escolaridade foi semelhante nos grupos com e sem adesão ao tratamento (p = 0,08) e nos grupos com e sem erros na utilização do dispositivo inalatório (p = 0,41). Conclusões: Nesta amostra de pacientes com asma que têm acesso a pneumologista e tratamento, a baixa escolaridade não foi um fator limitante para o controle adequado da asma.

Varredura espaço-temporal para identificação de áreas de risco para hospitalização de crianças por asma em Mato Grosso / Space-time scan for identification of risk areas for hospitalization of children due to asthma in Mato Grosso, Brazil

RESUMO: Introdução: A asma resulta de complexa interação entre fatores genéticos, ambientais e socioeconômicos e representa um importante problema de saúde pública mundial. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar áreas prioritárias para ações de controle de asma em crianças. Método: Estudo ecológico no qual foi utilizada a varredura espaço-temporal. Selecionaram-se as autorizações de internação hospitalar pagas, não eletivas, de curta permanência (tipo 1), segundo o ano de ocorrência e o local de residência. Os períodos de análise compreendem os anos de 2001-2004 e 2005-2012. Resultados: O cluster primário de alto risco esteve localizado na região do entorno de Barra do Bugres nos dois períodos de estudo (risco relativo = 8,17, no primeiro período, e 10,37, no segundo). O número de clusters de alto risco aumentou de 8, no período 2001-2004, para 9, entre 2005-2012; enquanto os clusters de baixo risco diminuíram de 6, no período inicial, para 4, no último. As áreas prioritárias para atenção e intervenção às crianças com asma são a região do entorno de Barra do Bugres, que se manteve nos dois períodos com clusters primários de alto risco, e a borda leste e nordeste do estado, que apresentou aumento do risco. Além disso, houve aumento de 87% do número de municípios de alto risco e diminuição em 28% dos municípios de proteção. Conclusão: Conclui-se que as áreas prioritárias para a atenção à saúde, nas quais aumentou o risco de internação por asma em crianças, são o entorno de Barra do Bugres e Porto Estrela e a borda leste e nordeste do estado.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Asthma is the result of a complex interaction between genetic, environmental and socioeconomic factors. It represents a serious global public health problem. The goal of this study was to identify geographic areas for priority actions in order to control of asthma in children. Method: Ecological study that space-time statistic Scan was used. Non-elective, short-stay (type 1) paid authorizations of hospitalizations were selected according to hospitalizations year and children place of residence. Results: In the two periods of the study, the high risk primary cluster was located in the region of Barra do Bugres (relative risk = 8.17, in the first period, and 10.37, in the second). The number of high-risk clusters increased from 8, in the period 2001-2004, to 9, in 2005-2012; while low-risk clusters decreased from 6, in the initial period, to 4, in the latest. The priority geographic areas for attention and intervention for children with asthma are the region around Barra do Bugres, which remained in the two periods with high risk primary clusters and the southwest border of the State that presented increase of the risk. Furthermore, there was an increase of 87% in the number of high risk counties and a reduction of 28% of the counties of protection. Conclusion: In conclusion, the surroundings areas of Barra do Bugres and Porto Estrela and the east and northeast border of the state are priority for health care, once there was an increased risk of hospitalization of children due to asthma.

Asthma control, lung function, nutritional status, and health-related quality of life: differences between adult males and females with asthma / Controle da asma, função pulmonar, estado nutricional e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde: diferenças entre homens e mulheres adultos com asma

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate health-related quality of life in asthma patients treated at a referral center in southern Brazil, identifying differences between male and female patients, as well as to evaluate differences between the males and females in terms of asthma control, lung function, and nutritional status. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving patients ≥ 18 years of age treated at an asthma outpatient clinic. We evaluated clinical parameters, lung function, nutritional status, and quality of life. Results: A total of 198 patients completed the study. The mean age was 56.2 ± 14.8 years, and 81.8% were female. The proportion of patients with uncontrolled asthma was higher among females than among males (63.0% vs. 44.4%; p = 0.041). The body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat were higher in females than in males (30.2 ± 5.8 kg/m2 vs. 26.9 ± 4.5 kg/m2 and 37.4 ± 6.4% vs. 26.5 ± 7.4%; p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Quality of life was lower in females than in males in the following domains: symptoms (3.8 ± 1.5 vs. 4.6 ± 1.7; p = 0.006); activity limitation (3.6 ± 1.3 vs. 4.4 ± 1.5; p = 0.001); emotional function (3.6 ± 1.9 vs. 4.5 ± 1.7; p = 0.014); and environmental stimuli (3.2 ± 1.6 vs. 4.3 ± 1.9; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Male asthma patients appear to fare better than do female asthma patients in terms of health-related quality of life, asthma control, BMI, percentage of body fat, and comorbidities.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em pacientes com asma tratados em um centro de referência no sul do Brasil e identificar diferenças entre homens e mulheres, além de avaliar as diferenças entre os sexos no tocante ao controle da asma, função pulmonar e estado nutricional. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com pacientes com idade ≥ 18 anos tratados em um ambulatório de asma. Foram avaliados parâmetros clínicos, função pulmonar, estado nutricional e qualidade de vida. Resultados: Cento e noventa e oito pacientes completaram o estudo. A média de idade foi de 56,2 ± 14,8 anos, e 81,8% eram do sexo feminino. A proporção de pacientes com asma não controlada foi maior entre as mulheres que entre os homens (63,0% vs. 44,4%; p = 0,041). O índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a porcentagem de gordura corporal foram maiores nas mulheres que nos homens (30,2 ± 5,8 kg/m2 vs. 26,9 ± 4,5 kg/m2 e 37,4 ± 6,4% vs. 26,5 ± 7,4%; p = 0,002 e p < 0,001, respectivamente). A qualidade de vida foi menor nas mulheres que nos homens nos seguintes domínios: sintomas (3,8 ± 1,5 vs. 4,6 ± 1,7; p = 0,006); limitação das atividades (3,6 ± 1,3 vs. 4,4 ± 1,5; p = 0,001); função emocional (3,6 ± 1,9 vs. 4,5 ± 1,7; p = 0,014); estímulos ambientais (3,2 ± 1,6 vs. 4,3 ± 1,9; p = 0,001). Conclusões: Homens com asma aparentemente apresentam melhores resultados que mulheres com asma no que tange à qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, controle da asma, IMC, porcentagem de gordura corporal e comorbidades.

Barriers to the provision of asthma services and perceived practice towards asthma management among urban community pharmacists in Selangor, Malaysia

This study aims to assess the perceived practice and barriers towards the provision of asthma management services among urban community pharmacists in Selangor, Malaysia. The study also highlights both pharmacist and patient-related barriers in asthma counseling. One hundred fifty urban community pharmacists in Selangor, Malaysia, were randomly selected and recruited for the present cross sectional baseline study. Previous studies have explored pharmacists' perception on their roles in asthma management in different parts of the world. The data was collected through self-explanatory questionnaires (containing 47 items). The extracted data from the completed questionnaires were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 19. Results showed that pharmacists perceived their roles in asthma management along three major dimensions: 'patient self-management', 'medication use' and 'asthma control', mean (±SD) score of the perception towards asthma management was 99.29 ± 4.58 over a maximum possible score of 110 with 90.26%. There were significant differences between the pharmacy education level and perceived practice of asthma management while there were insignificant differences between age, gender, ethnicity, number of practicing year and perceived practice of asthma management among respondents. Most common barriers towards asthma counselling including lack of time, lack of asthma knowledge, lack of counselling space and cost of asthma drugs. Conclusively, urban community pharmacists in Selangor, Malaysia, demonstrate good perceived practice of better management of asthma with multidimensional dimensional role against in disease care.