Traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica: uma atualização / Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis: an update

RESUMO As infecções do trato respiratório inferior associadas à ventilação mecânica são uma das complicações mais frequentes em pacientes em ventilação mecânica. Há muitos anos, a traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica tem sido considerada uma doença que não demanda antibioticoterapia. Na última década, diversos estudos demonstraram que a traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica deve ser considerada um processo intermediário que leva à pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, uma vez que apesar de ter impacto limitado sobre a mortalidade dos pacientes gravemente enfermos internados nas unidades de terapia intensiva, em contrapartida, demonstra associação significativa com o aumento dos custos hospitalares desses pacientes, assim como do tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva e hospitalar, do uso de antibióticos, e da duração da ventilação mecânica. Embora ainda necessitemos de evidências científicas mais robustas, especialmente no que tange às modalidades terapêuticas, os dados atuais a respeito da traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica salientam que há desfechos suficientemente importantes que exigem vigilância epidemiológica e controle clínico adequados.

ABSTRACT Ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infection is one of the most frequent complications in mechanically ventilated patients. Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis has been considered a disease that does not warrant antibiotic treatment by the medical community for many years. In the last decade, several studies have shown that tracheobronchitis could be considered an intermediate process that leads to ventilator-associated pneumonia. Furthermore, ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis has a limited impact on overall mortality but shows a significant association with increased patient costs, length of stay, antibiotic use, and duration of mechanical ventilation. Although we still need clear evidence, especially concerning treatment modalities, the present study on ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis highlights that there are important impacts of including this condition in clinical management and epidemiological and infection surveillance.

Nosocomial tracheobronchitis in mechanically ventilated patients: frequency, aetiology and outcomes

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, etiology, microbiological sensitivity and outcomes of nosocomial tracheobronchitis [NTB] in mechanically ventilated patients admitted in surgical intensive care unit. A prospective observational study was conducted in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit [ICU], Department of Anaesthesiology, Civil Hospital Karachi from April 2009 to April 2010. All the patients on mechanical ventilator for more than 48 hours in the ICU were evaluated according to the criteria for the diagnosis of nosocomial tracheobronchitis [NTB]. Outcomes of the patients were measured in terms of development of nosocomial pneumonia after NTB, length of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and mortality in the ICU. Two hundred and eighteen patients were evaluated for this study. Nosocomial tracheobronchitis was diagnosed in 72 patients. The frequency of NTB was 33%. Sixteen types of organisms were identified, 61.23% cases were poly-microbial, while in the remaining 39.7% cases single organism was isolated. The most common organism was gram negative Acinetobacter spp [51%], followed by Klebsiella spp [29%] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [16.6%]. Escherichia coli and other gram negative rods were 13.8 % and 11.4%, respectively. There were 4.16 % cases of MRSA isolated in patients who had positive cultures for gram negative organ-isms [poly-microbial]. Ceftriaxone was given in 44% cases as empirical therapy and continued in 33% cases after microbial sensitivity and replaced in 11% cases after culture sensitivity to Cefiperazone + salbactum and in 14% cases cefiperazone was given in combination therapy. Imipenem was used in 28.5% of patients. Quinolones were used in 19% contaminated cases of gut surgeries. Nosocomial tracheobronchitis was significantly associated with increased length of ICU stay and longer duration of mechanical ventilation in our patients when compared to those patients who did not develop NTB [p<0.001]. Moreover, out of 72 patients, 11 developed subsequent nosocomial pneumonia. There was no statistically significant difference noted in mortality rates among patients with NTB and without NTB [43% vs. 41%]. The mortality was related to concomitant comorbitidies, primary cause and surgical outcomes. Nosocomial tracheobronchitis is a common infection in mechanically ventilated patients that significantly affects the development of pneumonia and length of ICU stay for the patients. This study was an insight to the state of NTB in an ICU setup. The higher frequency of NTB demands such studies to set protocols in every intensive care unit

Inhaler use in adolescents and adults with self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema in the city of Pelotas, Brazil / Uso de inaladores na população de adolescentes e adultos com diagnóstico médico autorreferido de asma, bronquite ou enfisema em Pelotas, RS

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics of users of inhalers and the prevalence of inhaler use among adolescents and adults with self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. METHODS: A population-based study conducted in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, involving 3,670 subjects ≥ 10 years of age, evaluated with a questionnaire. RESULTS: Approximately 10% of the sample reported at least one of the respiratory diseases studied. Among those individuals, 59% reported respiratory symptoms in the last year, and, of those, only half reported using inhalers. The use of inhalers differed significantly by socioeconomic status (39% and 61% for the lowest and the highest, respectively, p = 0.01). The frequency of inhaler use did not differ by gender or age. Among the individuals reporting emphysema and inhaler use, the use of the bronchodilator-corticosteroid combination was more common than was that of a bronchodilator alone. Only among the individuals reporting physician-diagnosed asthma and current symptoms was the proportion of inhaler users higher than 50%. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, inhalers were underutilized, and the type of medication used by the individuals who reported emphysema does not seem to be in accordance with the consensus recommendations. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as características dos usuários de dispositivos inalatórios e a prevalência de uso desses em adolescentes e adultos com diagnóstico médico autorreferido de asma, bronquite ou enfisema. MÉTODOS: Estudo de base populacional realizado em Pelotas, RS, incluindo 3.670 indivíduos com idade ≥ 10 anos, avaliados com um questionário. RESULTADOS: Aproximadamente 10% da amostra referiram pelo menos uma das doenças respiratórias investigadas. Entre esses, 59% apresentaram sintomas respiratórios no último ano, e, desses, apenas metade usou inaladores. O uso de inaladores diferiu significativamente de acordo com o nível socioeconômico (39% e 61% entre mais pobres e mais ricos, respectivamente; p = 0,01). Não houve diferença na frequência de uso de inaladores por sexo ou idade. Entre indivíduos com enfisema, o uso da combinação broncodilatador + corticoide inalatório foi mais frequente que o uso isolado de broncodilatador. Somente entre os indivíduos que referiram diagnóstico médico de asma e sintomas atuais, a proporção de uso de inaladores foi maior que 50%. CONCLUSÕES: Em nossa amostra, os inaladores foram subutilizados, e o tipo de medicamento usado por aqueles que referiram enfisema parece não estar de acordo com o preconizado em consensos sobre essa doença. .

Traqueobronquitis asociada al ventilador (TAV), implicancias del diagnostico clinico y microbiologico en una cohorte de pacientes en ventilacion mecanica / Ventilator associated tracheobronchitis (VAT), implications of clinical and microbiological diagnosis in a cohort of mechanical ventilated patients

Tratar con antibioticos una TAV, proceso intermedio entre colonizacion y neumonia asociada al ventilador (NAV), reduciria la incidencia de NAV y sus consecuencias. Metodos: seguimiento clinico diario y cultivos cuantitativos rutinarios de aspirado traqueal (CRAT) bisemanales hasta el destete en 323 pacientes en ventilacion mecanica. Cuando se sospecho clinicamente infeccion (2/3 criterios), si habia infiltrado radiografico nuevo, se diagnostico NAV y se practico lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) y sin infiltrado nuevo, se diagnostico TAV, se consideraron los aislamientos del LBA positivos (¡Ý 104 unidades formadoras de colonias (ufc)/ml) para la NAV) y del CRAT positivos (¡Ý 103 y < 106 ufc/ml (bajo recuento) y ¡Ý 106 ufc/ml (alto recuento)) para TAV. Resultados: 443 de 2.309 radiografias mostraban ausencia de infiltrado o infiltrado difuso estable; 92 cumplian criterios de TAV, 13 de estas, 12 con CRAT ¡Ý 106 ufc/ml, tuvieron una NAV en los siguientes 3 dias (12 con cultivo de LBA ¡Ý104 ufc/ml). En estas NAV, 11/15 (73.3%) de los pat¨®genos coincidian con los de la TAV precedente. Desde otro punto de vista, 10 TAVs ocurrieron durante la semana posterior a una NAV, solo 4/12(33.3%) patogenos de estas coincidian con los de la TAV, p=0.045 comparando con TAV precediendo a NAV. Setenta TAVs no tuvieron relacion temporal con NAVs. Discusion: este estudio sugiere que tratar con antibioticos las TAVs podria prevenir una NAV en 14% de los casos, exponiendo a un uso innecesario al 86%, lo cual limitaria fuertemente la conveniencia de tratar las TAVs para prevenir las NAVs.

The ventilator associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) is a process between airway colonization and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The antimicrobial therapy of VAT wouldreduce the incidence of VAP and its consequences. Methods: Daily follow up and twice a week routine quantitative culture of endotracheal aspirates (CETA) up to weaning were performed in 323 mechanically ventilated patients.When a lower respiratory tract infection was suspected (2/3 clinical criteria), if a new radiographic inf¨ªltrate was present, VAP was diagnosed and a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) culture was performed; if a radiographic infiltrate was absent, VAT was diagnosed. The bacteriological criteria for diagnosis were a BAL culture positive (¡Ý 104 colony forming units - cfu/ml) for VAP and a CETA positive culture (low count from ¡Ý 103 to < 106 cfu/ml and high count ¡Ý 106 ufc/ml) for VAT. Results: In 443 of 2,309 radiographs an infiltrate was absent or was diffuse and stable; 92 of them met diagnostic clinical criteria for VAT. In 13 (12 with CETA culture ¡Ý 106 cfu/ml), a VAP episode happened during the following 3 days (12 with BAL culture ¡Ý 104 cfu/ml). In 11/15 (73.3%) VAP cases, the isolated pathogens were the same that had been present in the preceding VAT episode. On the other side, ten episodes of VAT were diagnosed during the 7 days after the VAP. Only 4/12 (33.3%) isolated pathogens were the same than those isolated in the VAT preceding the VAP, p=0.045. Seventy VATs had not any temporal relationship with episodes of VAP. Discusion: This study suggests that antimicrobial therapy could prevent a VAP in 14% of the TAV cases. Therefore, exposure to antibiotics was unnecessary in 86% of cases. This finding could represent a severe limitation to the recommendation of treating TAVs with antibiotics to prevent VAPs.

Doenças respiratórias e fatores associados: estudo de base populacional em São Paulo, 2008-2009 / Respiratory diseases and associated factors: population-based study in São Paulo, 2008-2009 / Enfermedades respiratorias y factores asociados: estudio de base poblacional en Sao Paulo (Sureste de Brasil), 2008-2009

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de bronquite aguda, rinite e sinusite em crianças e adolescentes e identificar fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, de base populacional. Foi realizado inquérito domiciliar com 1.185 crianças e adolescentes de São Paulo, SP, de 2008 a 2009. Os participantes foram selecionados a partir de amostragem probabilística, estratificada por sexo e idade e por conglomerados em dois estágios. Para análise ajustada foi realizada regressão múltipla de Poisson. RESULTADOS: Dos entrevistados, 7,3 por cento referiram bronquite aguda, 22,6 por cento rinite e 15,3 por cento sinusite. Após análise ajustada, associaram-se à bronquite aguda auto-referida: idade de zero a quatro anos (RP = 17,86; IC95 por cento: 3,65;90,91), cinco a nove anos (RP = 37,04; IC95 por cento: 8,13;166,67), dez a 14 anos (RP = 20,83; IC95 por cento: 4,93;90,91), referir ter alergia (RP = 3,12; IC95 por cento: 1,70;5,73), cor da pele preta/parda (RP = 2,29; IC95 por cento: 1,21;4,35) e morar em domicílio com um a três cômodos (RP = 1,85; IC95 por cento: 1,17;2,94); à rinite auto-referida: idade dez a 14 anos (RP = 2,77; IC95 por cento: 1,60;4,78), 15 a 19 anos (RP = 2,58; IC95 por cento: 1,52;4,39), referir ter alergia (RP = 4,32; IC95 por cento: 2,79;6,70), referir ter asma (RP = 2,30; IC95 por cento: 1,30;4,10) e morar em apartamento (RP = 1,70; IC95 por cento: 1,06;2,73); à sinusite auto-referida: idade cinco a nove anos (RP = 2,44; IC95 por cento: 1,09;5,43), dez a 14 anos (RP = 2,99; IC95 por cento: 1,36;6,58), 15 a 19 anos (RP = 3,62; IC95 por cento: 1,68;7,81), referir ter alergia (RP = 2,23; IC95 por cento: 1,41;3,52) e apresentar obesidade (RP = 4,42; IC95 por cento: 1,56;12,50). CONCLUSÕES: As doenças respiratórias foram mais prevalentes em grupos populacionais com características definidas, como grupo etário, doenças auto-referidas, tipo de moradia e obesidade.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of acute bronchitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis among children and adolescents and identify associated factors. METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study. A household survey was conducted with 1,185 children and adolescents from the city of São Paulo (Southeastern Brazil), from 2008 to 2009. The participants were selected by means of probability sampling, stratified by sex and age, and by two-stage cluster sampling. For the adjusted analysis, multiple Poisson regression was used. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 7.3 percent reported acute bronchitis, 22.6 percent rhinitis and15.3 percent sinusitis. After the adjusted analysis, the following characteristics were associated with self;reported acute bronchitis: age 0 to 4 years (PR=17.86; 95 percentCI: 3.65;90.91), 5 to 9 years (PR=37.04; 95 percentCI: 8.13;166.67), 10 to 14 years (PR=20,83; 95 percentCI: 4.93;90.91), allergy (PR=3.12; 95 percentCI: 1.70;5.73), black and mixed-ethnicity (black and white) skin color (PR=2.29; 95 percentCI: 1.21;4.35), and living in a household with 1 to 3 rooms (PR=1.85; 95 percentCI: 1.17;2.94). As to self-reported rhinitis, the following characteristics were associated: age 10 to 14 years (PR=2.77; 95 percentCI: 1.60;4.78), 15 to 19 years (PR=2.58; 95 percentCI: 1.52;4.39), allergy (PR=4.32; 95 percentCI: 2.79;6.70), asthma (PR=2.30; 95 percentCI: 1.30;4.10) and living in flats (PR=1.70; 95 percentCI: 1.06;2.73). Concerning self-reported sinusitis, the following characteristics were associated: age 5 to 9 years (PR=2.44; 95 percentCI: 1.09;5.43), 10 to 14 years (PR=2.99; 95 percentCI: 1.36;6.58), 15 to 19 years (PR=3.62; 95 percentCI: 1.68;7.81), allergy (PR=2.23 (95 percentCI: 1.41;3.52) and obesity (PR=4.42; 95 percentCI: 1.56;12.50). CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory diseases were more prevalent in population groups with defined characteristics, such as age group, self-reported diseases, type of household and obesity.

OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia de bronquitis aguda, rinitis y sinusitis en niños y adolescentes e identificar factores asociados. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, de base poblacional. Se realizó pesquisa domiciliar con 1.185 niños y adolescentes de Sao Paulo (Sureste de Brasil), de 2008 a 2009. Los participantes fueron seleccionados a partir de muestreo probabilístico, estratificado por sexo y edad y por conglomerados en dos fases. Para análisis ajustado fue realizada regresión múltiple de Poisson. RESULTADOS: De los entrevistados, 7,3 por ciento narraron bronquitis aguda, 22,6 por ciento rinitis y 15,3 por ciento sinusitis. Posterior al análisis ajustado, se asociaron la bronquitis aguda auto-referida: edad de cero a cuatro años (RP=17,86; IC95 por ciento:3,65;90,91), cinco a nueve años (RP=37,04; IC95 por ciento:8,13;166,67), diez a 14 años (RP=20,83; IC95 por ciento: 4,93;90,91), relatar presencia de alergia (RP=3,12; IC95 por ciento: 1,70;5,73), color de la piel negra/parda (RP=2,29; IC95 por ciento: 1,21;4,35) y vivir en domicilio con uno a tres cuartos (RP=1,85; IC95 por ciento:1,17;2,94); a la rinitis auto-referida: edad de diez a 14 años (RP=2,77; IC95 por ciento:1,60;4,78), 15 a 19 años (RP=2,58; IC95 por ciento:1,52;4,39), relatar presencia de alergia (RP=4,32; IC95 por ciento: 2,79;6,70), relatar presencia de asma (RP= 2,30; IC95 por ciento:1,30;4,10) y vivir en apartamento (RP=1,70; IC95 por ciento:1,06;2,73); a la sinusitis auto-referida: edad de cinco a nueve años (RP=2,44; IC95 por ciento: 1,09;5,43), diez a 14 años (RP=2,99; IC95 por ciento: 1,36;6,58), 15 a 19 años (RP=3,62; IC95 por ciento: 1,68;7,81), relatar presencia de alergia (RP=2,23; IC95 por ciento: 1,41;3,52) y presentar obesidad (RP=4,42; IC95 por ciento: 1,56;12,50). CONCLUSIONES: Las enfermedades respiratorias prevalecieron mayormente en grupos poblacionales con características definidas, como grupo de edad, enfermedades auto-referidas, tipo de vivienda y obesidad.

Physicians’ responsibility for antibiotic use in infants from periurban Lima, Peru / Responsabilidad del médico en el uso de antibióticos en niños menores de 1 año de zonas periurbanas de Lima, Perú

Objetivo. Describir el uso de antibióticos en niños de 2 a 12 meses de edad en entornos donde estos medicamentos se pueden obtener sin prescripción. Métodos. Se analizaron los datos de un estudio de cohorte efectuado entre septiembre del 2006 y diciembre del 2007 en 1 023 niños menores de 2 meses de la zonaperiurbana de Lima, Perú, cuyo seguimiento se realizó hasta el año de edad. Resultados. De los 1 023 niños, 770 (75,3%) tomaron 2 085 tandas de tratamiento antibiótico. Se registraron dos tandas por niño por año (rango 0–12). Las tasas más elevadas de uso de antibióticos se encontraron en los niños de 3 a 6 meses (37,2%). Los niños recibieron antibióticos para 8,2% de los resfriados comunes, 58,6% de las faringitis, 66,0% de las bronquitis, 40,7% de las diarreas, 22,8% de las dermatitis y 12,0% de las obstruccionesbronquiales. La prescripción de un médico fue la razón más frecuente para el uso de antibióticos (90,8%). Se comprobó el uso de medicamentos sin prescripción en 6,9% de los niños, y en 63,9% de ellos este fue precedido por una prescripción médica. Conclusiones. En el entorno estudiado, los niños menores de 1 año a menudo estánexpuestos a los antibióticos. El abuso de los antibióticos es frecuente ante enfermedades como faringitis, bronquitis, obstrucción bronquial y diarrea, pero por lo general es inadecuado (83,1% de las tandas de tratamiento antibiótico) según las etiologías más comunes en este grupo etario. Las intervenciones dirigidas a mejorar el uso de los antibióticos deben concentrarse en los médicos, ya que la prescripción médica fue la razón más común para el uso de antibióticos.

Objective. To describe the use of antibiotics in Peruvian children under 1 year in a setting where they are available without a prescription. Methods. Data were analyzed from a cohort study between September 2006 and December 2007 of 1 023 children < 2 months old in periurban Lima, Peru, followed until they were 1 year old. Results. Seven hundred seventy of 1 023 (75.3%) children took 2 085 courses of antibiotics. There were two courses per child per year (range 0–12). Higher rates of antibiotic usewere found in children 3–6 months old (37.2%). Antibiotics were given to children for 8.2% of common colds, 58.6% of all pharyngitis, 66.0% of bronchitis, 40.7% of diarrheas, 22.8%of dermatitis, and 12.0% of bronchial obstructions. A physician’s prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use (90.8%). Medication use without a prescription was found in 6.9% of children, and in 63.9% of them it was preceded by a physician’s prescription. Conclusions. Infants are often exposed to antibiotics in this setting. Overuse of antibiotics is common for diagnoses such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, bronchial obstruction, and diarrhea but is typically inappropriate (83.1% of courses) based on the most common etiologies for this age group. Interventions to improve the use of antibiotics should focus on physicians, since a physician’s prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use.

Doenças respiratórias e fatores associados: inquérito de saúde no Município de São Paulo ISA-CAPITAL 2008 / Respiratory diseases and risk factors health survey in São Paulo ISA-CAPITAL 2008

Introdução - As doenças respiratórias - asma, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC), rinite alérgica, sinusite e bronquite aguda - estão entre as principais causas de morbidade, mortalidade e de encargos financeiros para população e para o sistema de saúde. Objetivo - Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados às doenças respiratórias no município de São Paulo entre 2008 e 2009. Métodos - Estudo transversal, de base populacional, utilizando-se os dados do Inquérito de Saúde no Município de São Paulo 2008 (ISA-Capital 2008), conduzido de 2008 a 2009, com amostra total de 3.271 pessoas de ambos os sexos. As informações foram coletadas por entrevistas domiciliares e os participantes foram selecionados por amostragem probabilística, estratificada por sexo e idade e por conglomerados em dois estágios: setores censitários e domicílios. Associação entre variáveis independentes e dependentes foi verificada na análise bivariada pelo teste 2 com nível de significância de 5 por cento. Foram utilizadas razões de prevalência e intervalos de confiança de 95 por cento e para análise ajustada utilizou-se regressão múltipla de Poisson. Resultados - A prevalência estimada para asma foi 9,1 por cento (IC95 por cento: 7,0-11,7 por cento), DPOC 4,2 por cento (IC95 por cento: 3,1-5,4 por cento), bronquite aguda 7,3 por cento (IC95 por cento: 5,5-9,8 por cento), rinite 22,6 por cento (IC95 por cento: 19,3-26,2 por cento), e para sinusite 15,3 por cento (IC95 por cento: 12,6-18,5 por cento). Após análise ajustada, identificaram-se os seguintes fatores independentemente associados à asma: idade entre 5 e 9 anos, alergia, rinite, problemas de saúde nos últimos 15 dias à entrevista, número menor de cômodos no domicílio e raça/cor da pele preta/parda; à DPOC: idade acima de 60 anos, número de cigarros fumados na vida, cansar-se com facilidade, problemas de saúde nos últimos 15 dias à entrevista e inatividade física; à bronquite aguda: idade entre 5 e 9 anos, alergia, raça/cor da pele preta/parda, número menor de cômodos no domicílio; à rinite: alergia, asma, idade entre 10 e 14 anos e residir em apartamento; à sinusite: alergia, idade entre 15 e 19 anos e obesidade. Conclusões - Os achados do presente estudo apontam para importância da abordagem integrada da asma com rinite e alergias, considerando o conceito da "via aérea única".

Avaliação de critérios para o diagnóstico de asma através de um questionário epidemiológico / Evaluation of criteria for the diagnosis of asthma using an epidemiological questionnaire

OBJETIVO: Avaliar critérios para o diagnóstico de asma em um estudo epidemiológico. MÉTODOS: Adolescentes (13-14 anos) e responsáveis por escolares (6-7 anos) do município de Santo André, São Paulo, responderam o questionário escrito padrão do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Respostas afirmativas quanto a ter sibilos nos últimos 12 meses, ter asma ou ter bronquite (pergunta adicionada ao final do questionário), assim como o escore global do ISAAC acima dos pontos de corte pré-definidos, foram consideradas como indicativo de asma. RESULTADOS: Os questionários foram adequadamente preenchidos por 2.180 responsáveis por escolares e 3.231 adolescentes. Dependendo do critério empregado, a prevalência de asma variou de 4,9 por cento a 26,8 por cento para os escolares, e de 8,9 por cento a 27,9 por cento para os adolescentes. Os critérios com as menores e maiores prevalências foram, respectivamente, diagnóstico médico de asma e diagnóstico médico de bronquite. A análise comparativa entre o diagnóstico médico de bronquite e os demais critérios mostrou níveis de concordância entre 71,9 por cento e 79,4 por cento, valores preditivos positivos entre 0,16 e 0,63 e concordância fraca (kappa: 0,21-0,46). Índices elevados de concordância foram observados entre sibilos nos últimos 12 meses e o escore global do ISAAC (kappa: 0,82 e 0,98). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de asma variou significantemente, de acordo com o critério diagnóstico adotado, e houve baixa concordância entre os critérios. Sibilos nos últimos 12 meses e o escore global do ISAAC são os critérios mais recomendados para se diagnosticar asma, ao passo que a pergunta "bronquite alguma vez" não demonstrou melhorar o questionário. Modificações nesse instrumento devem ser cuidadosamente avaliadas e podem dificultar comparações.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate criteria for the diagnosis of asthma in an epidemiological survey. METHODS: Adolescents (13-14 years of age) and legal guardians of schoolchildren (6-7 years of age) in the city of Santo André, Brazil, completed the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) standard written questionnaire. Affirmative responses regarding wheezing within the last 12 months, asthma ever, bronchitis ever (question added at the end of the questionnaire), as well as the overall ISAAC score above the predefined cutoff points, were considered indicative of asthma. RESULTS: The legal guardians of 2,180 schoolchildren and 3,231 adolescents completed the questionnaires properly. Depending on the criterion adopted, the prevalence of asthma ranged from 4.9 percent to 26.8 percent for the schoolchildren and from 8.9 percent to 27.9 percent for the adolescents. The criteria with the lowest and highest prevalences were, respectively, physician-diagnosed asthma and physician-diagnosed bronchitis. When compared with other criteria, physician-diagnosed bronchitis showed concordance levels between 71.9 percent and 79.4 percent, positive predictive values between 0.16 and 0.63 and poor concordance (kappa: 0.21-0.46). Strong concordance levels were found only between wheezing within the last 12 months and the overall ISAAC score (kappa: 0.82 and 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma varied significantly, depending on the criterion adopted, and there was poor concordance among the criteria. Wheezing within the last 12 months and the overall ISAAC score are the best criteria for the diagnosis of asthma, whereas the question regarding bronchitis ever did not improve the questionnaire. Modifications in this instrument can make it difficult to draw comparisons and should therefore be carefully evaluated.

Efecto del tiempo de exposición a PM10 en las urgencias por bronquitis aguda / Effect of exposure time to PM10 on emergency admissions for acute bronchitis

Este trabajo analiza el efecto de las horas de exposición a PM10 en las urgencias diarias por bronquitis aguda, controlando por temperatura y humedad. El estudio fue realizado en seis sectores de la ciudad de Santiago, Chile, durante el período de invierno de los años 2002 al 2004, para lactantes (< 1 año) y adultos mayores (> 65 años). Analizamos el retraso de la respuesta mediante una función polinomial distributiva (pdl), incluida en un modelo lineal generalizado (GLM-pdl), y la estructura del efecto de la exposición, mediante modelos aditivos generalizados (GAM), utilizando regresión spline como técnica de estimación. Los resultados mostraron que al cuarto día de retardo, el efecto de la exposición fue mayor, especialmente en lactantes, y varió en la medida que incrementó la concentración atmosférica de PM10. El efecto de las horas de exposición a PM10 mostró una variación significativa, según el sector geográfico. Al estimar linealmente este efecto en el sector Oeste, notamos que el incremento de consultas diarias en lactantes fue de 3 por ciento por cada hora de exposición sobre os 150µg/m³.

To study the health effect of air pollution, measured as particulate matter greater than 10mm in diameter (PM10), we analyzed the effect of daily hours of exposure on the number of urgency admissions for acute bronchitis, adjusting for temperature and humidity on the same day. The study was conducted in six regions of Santiago, Chile, during the winter of years 2002 to 2004, for infants and elders. The delay between pollution time series and disease was modeled using a polynomial distributed lag (PDL) function included in a generalized linear model. The linearity assumption was evaluated using a smooth-spline model approach. The highest effect for exposure to PM10 was detected with 4 days of delay. For both groups, the effect of temperature was linear, but that of humidity was not. Air pollution effect varied according to level of exposure and geographic region, increasing by 3 percent the total number of infant emergency consultations for each hour of exposure to levels greater than 150µg/m³. The study thus showed a significant impact of air pollution on population health.

Contaminación atmosférica y salud infantil en áreas urbanas e industriales de La Plata, Argentina / Air pollution and children's health in urban and industrial areas of La Plata, Argentina

El impacto de la exposición a contaminantes ambientales sobre la salud humana ha sido ampliamente investigado, encontrándose que muchos problemas de salud están relacionados con la contaminación del aire. En el presente trabajo se analizan los resultados obtenidos de un relevamiento empleando cuestionarios epidemiológicos a niños en edad pre-escolar de la ciudad de La Plata, capital de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, y sus alrededores. Para el estudio se consideraron cuatro zonas, una típicamente urbana, otra con influencia industrial, otra de característica semi-rural y una residencial. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian, en cuanto a las enfermedades asociadas a las zonas en estudio, correlaciones significativas entre la zona industrial y dos tipos de afecciones: bronquitis crónica y piel fotosensible. Estos resultados están en concordancia con el elevado nivel de partículas, compuestos orgánicos asociados con las mismas y compuestos orgánicos volátiles hallados en la zona industrial en comparación con las zonas control. Otras correlaciones significativas encontradas se refieren a mayor predisposición a padecer bronquitis en la población que utiliza querosén como combustible para cocinar y calefacción doméstica y el desarrollo de bronquiolitis en zonas con tránsito vehicular congestionado. Estos resultados contribuyen con información de base de gran utilidad para contextualizar futuros estudios epidemiológicos en la región.

The influence of air pollution on human health has been studied during the last decades. In this sense, several epidemiological studies have shown an association between air pollutants and various diseases. In the present study an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to a population of children between 3 and 6 years of La Plata and its neighbouring areas, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Four different areas were considered: urban, industrial, semi-rural and residential. Results show significant correlations between industrial area and chronic bronchitis and skin photosensitivity. These results depend on the high levels of particles, organic compounds bound to particles and volatile organic compounds found in the industrial area compared to control zones. Other significant correlations are related to the use of kerosene for heating and cooking, and a predisposition to develop bronchitis. Besides, the analyses of questionnaires show a correlation between bronchiolitis and heavy traffic. This investigation contributes with preliminary information to future epidemiological studies in the region.

Factores asociados a infecciones respiratorias dentro de los tres primeros meses de vida / Factors associated to morbidity consultations due respiratory infection within first three months of life

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are trie most frequent cause of medical consultation in primary care, emergency room, as well as, for pediatric hospitalization. Objective: To characterize trie morbidity by ARI until trie third month of life and to evalúate its risk factors. Methods: Cohort study in full-term newborns (n = 316) admitted with their mothers at trie Maternity of trie Hospital Clinico Regional of Valdivia. During 3 months of follow-up, medical consultations by ARI were identified, and overall and specific incidence for ARI was estimated. Maternal, neonatal, socioeconomic and environmental factors were evaluated as associated factors with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), using stepwise logistic regression. Results: The overall incidence rate of ARI was 20.4 episodes per 100 child-months, while LRTI reached 6.2 episodes per 100 child-months. Incidence rate of common cold, wheezing bronchitis and pneumonia was 11.6, 4.4 and 0.85 per 100 child-months, respectively. Risk factors for LRTI were: unmarried single mother [OR=2.6; Cl95 percent 1.22-5.60], indoor tobacco smoke [OR=2.9; CI95o/o 1.34-6.33], use of wood as exclusive fuel [OR=4.0; CI95 percent 1.66-9.79] and season (March-July) [OR=7.6; CI95 percent 3.25-18.0]. Conclusions: ARI persists as main cause of ambulatory medical consultation in smaller babies, and environmental factors acquire fundamental importance for prevention in its oceurrence.

Introducción: Las infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA) constituyen el principal motivo de consultas en centros primarios y de urgencia, así como de hospitalización pediátrica. Objetivos: Caracterizar la morbilidad por IRA hasta el tercer mes de vida y evaluar sus factores de riesgo. Métodos: Cohorte de recién nacidos de término ingresados con sus madres en la Maternidad del Hospital Clínico Regional de Valdivia (n=316). Durante 3 meses de seguimiento se estableció la morbilidad por IRA y estimó la tasa de incidencia global y específica. La asociación entre IRA y factores maternos-neonatales, socioeconómicos y ambientales se evaluó mediante regresión logística stepwise. Resultados: La incidencia de IRA global e IRA baja (IRAB) fue 20,4 y 6,2 episodios por cien meses-niño, respectivamente. La tasas por diagnósticos fueron: resfrío 11,6, síndrome bronquial obstructivo 4,4 y neumonía 0,85 episodios por cien meses-niño. Los factores de riesgo para IRAB fueron: ser hijo de madre soltera (sin pareja) [OR=2,6; Cl95 por ciento 1,22-5,60], tabaquismo intradomiciliario [OR=2,9; Cl95 por cientol,34-6,33], uso exclusivo de leña como combustible [OR=4,0; Cl95 por ciento 1,66-9,79] y estacionalidad (Marzo-Julio) [OR=7,6; Cl95 por ciento 3,25-18,0]. Conclusiones: Las IRA persisten como principal motivo de consulta ambulatoria en lactantes pequeños, en quienes los factores ambientales adquieren vital importancia para su prevención.

Laringotraqueobronquitis en niños hospitalizados: características clínicas / Laryngotracheobronchitis in hospitalized children: clinical features

Introducción: Laringotraqueobronquitis (LTB) es una condición frecuente en niños, con escasos estudios publicados en la literatura nacional. Objetivo: Caracterizar los episodios de LTB en nuestra institución. Método: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo del 2001 al 2003. Resultados: 68 pacientes sufrieron 72 episodios de LTB. La edad promedio fue 16,5 meses, 62 por ciento eran varones. La mayoría de los ingresos ocurrieron en otoño (65 por ciento). El número de días promedio de síntomas previo al ingreso fue 2, siendo los más frecuentes estridor (85 por ciento), tos seca (78 por ciento) y fiebre (72 por ciento). La estadía promedio duró 1 día. Se identificó virus Parainfluenza en 12 de 23 inmunofluorescencias. La terapia incluyó adrenalina (100 por ciento), corticoides (96 por ciento), oxígeno (15 por ciento), salbutamol (11 por ciento) y antibióticos (11 por ciento). Las complicaciones fueron neumonía (3 por ciento) y traqueitis bacteriana (2 por ciento). Conclusión: En nuestra serie, LTB fue más frecuente en varones y menores de 2 años, con clara estacionalidad, estadías hospitalarias cortas y un bajo riesgo de complicaciones.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in Yemen: incidence, presentation and antibiotic susceptibility

To determine the incidence, clinical presentation and antibiotic susceptibility of Mycoplasma pneumoniae at the main hospitals in Sana'a, we studied 405 patients clinically and radiographically diagnosed with lower respiratory tract infections aged 10-60 years. M. pneumoniae was identified by 3 different methods: culture, antigen detection and IgM serology. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for confirmed isolates by macro-broth dilution technique. There were 125 patients [30.9%] with current infection, mostly among younger age groups, with bronchopneumonia the most common underlying clinical condition. All tested isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics in the in vitro antibiogram, with erythromycin the most active. The results indicate the need for different approaches in the diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infection in Yemen

Microbial pattern of acute infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive airway disease in a hospital based study.

Chronic bronchitis is associated with acute exacerbation, most often infective in origin. In order to study the bacteriological profile in such cases a total of 58 patients were enrolled in this study from the chest clinic of our hospital. The male to female ratio was 2 to 1. Mean age of study group was 47 years. All patients had increased cough and sputum production. Barlett count, gram stain and sputum cultures were done for all patients. IgM and IgG antibodies for M. pneumoniae by ELISA were estimated in all cases. The etiological diagnosis could be established in 72% cases. S. pneumoniae (25.8%), P. aeruginosa (12%), Klebsiella sp (10.3%), B. catarrhalis (3.4%), S. aureus (1.7%) were isolated. Although M. pneumoniae was not cultured it was demonstrated serologically in 20% of cases. H. influenzae was not isolated in any case. The frequency of isolating an etiological agent increased with severity of dysponea.

Time trends and seasonal variations in hospital admissions for childhood asthma in Taiwan from 1990 to 1998.

The aim of the study was to determine the trends and seasonal variations in hospital admissions for childhood asthma in a tertiary medical center since 1990. Data were collected according to the age and sex of patients and obtained from hospital registries between 1990 and 1998. Children between 2 and 14 years of age admitted with the diagnosis of asthma, or asthmatic bronchitis (ICD-9 code 493) were included. Age-specific and sex-specific hospital admission rates for asthma were calculated for each calendar year. The asthma admission rates were defined as the number of asthma admissions divided by the total number of all pediatric admissions in a year. Seasonal admission rates were calculated in a similar fashion. In addition, the number of readmissions was also calculated during the study period with comparisons of sex and age differences. The asthma admission rates showed a significant upward trend throughout the period studied, particularly among the 2-4 years of age group (relative risk = 2.08; p = 0.0001). Seasonal admission rates revealed a statistically significant increase during the October-December period, peaking in November or December of each calendar year (relative risk = 1.84; p = 0.0001). There was a male predominance in both age categories during the 9-year period. Comparisons of readmissions for asthma (at least three admissions) disclosed that girls were far more likely to be readmitted than boys among the 5-14 years of age group (p = 0.01). Our results indicate 1) an increased prevalence and severity of childhood asthma in Taiwan; 2) boys and younger children aged 2-4 years with asthma had increased risks of admission for asthma (relative risks were 1.22 and 1.96, respectively) and 3) girls among the older children with asthma tend to present with greater severity than boys owing to higher relative risks of readmission for asthma.

Enfermedades respiratorias bajas en menores de 6 años: seguimiento de un año / Low respiratory diseases in children under 6 years old: 1 year follow up

Con el objetivo de estudiar la frecuencia de episodios de los diferentes diagnósticos de enfermedad respiratoria aguda (ERA) baja, por un año de edad y por sexo, se tomó una muestra aleatoria sistemática de 468 niños de 0 a 5 años, que consultaron a lo largo de un año y que fueron seguidos por 12 meses. Al 53,6 por ciento de los niños se les diagnóstico bronquitis aguda, el máximo fue de 7 episodios, aunque el 84,1 por ciento de ellos tuvo solo 1 ó 2. El Síndrome Bronquial Obstructivo (SBO) afectó al 46,4 por ciento, de ellos, el 54 por ciento presentó un solo episodio y un tercio entre 2 y 3, el máximo fue de 8. Las neumopatías (N) que incluyen neumonitis y bronconeumonias, afectaron al 23,7 por ciento de la serie, tres de cada cuatro de ellos sumaron 3 episodios en el año, el 75 por ciento fue afectado sólo una vez. Al sumar los episodios de ERA bajas en cada niño, se encontró que solo el 28 por ciento consultó por otras enfermedades. El máximo de episodios en un mismo niño fue de 13, algunos diagnosticados simultáneamente o en secuencia muy estrecha. La mediana es 2 episodios, el P75:4 y el P90:6. No se encontraron diferencias significativas para ninguna ERA baja, pero sí entre menores de 3 años que enferman más de SBO y N que los de 3 a 5 años. No se encontraron diferencias significativas por sexo

Prevalence of chronic bronchitis in urban population of Kashmir.

Population based survey was conducted in an urban area of Kashmir comprising 629 males and 511 females. Majority (27.9%) of individuals studied were in the age group of < 40 years. Prevalence of chronic bronchitis was more in the age group of 70 years and above (14.12%), in smokers the prevalence was 7.55% and in people living in poorly ventilated dwellings it was 10.56%.

Clinical characteristics of acute viral lower respiratory tract infections in hospitalized children in Seoul, 1996-1998

This study was performed to investigate the etiologic agents, age distribution, clinical manifestations and seasonal occurrence of acute viral lower respiratory tract infections in children. We confirmed viral etiologies using nasopharyngeal aspirates in 237 patients of the ages of 15 years or younger who were hospitalized for acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) from March 1996 to February 1998 at Samsung Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The overall isolation rate was 22.1%. The viral pathogens identified were adenovirus (12.7%), influenza virus type A (21.1%), -type B (13.9%), parainfluenza virus type 1 (13.5%), -type 2 (1.3%), -type 3 (16.0%) and respiratory syncytial virus (21.5%). The occurrence of ALRIs was highest in the first year of life, although parainfluenza virus type 1 infection occurred predominantly in the second year of life and influenza virus caused illnesses in all age groups. The specific viruses are frequently associated with specific clinical syndromes of ALRI. The respiratory agents and associated syndromes frequently have characteristic seasonal patterns. This study will help us to estimate the etiologic agents of ALRI, and establish a program for the prevention and treatment. An annual nationwide survey is necessary to understand the viral epidemiology associated with respiratory illnesses in Korea.

Calendario y variación estacional de las afecciones respiratorias en Santa Fe de Bogotá / Seasonal variation of respiratory diseases in Santa Fe de Bogotá

Introducción: Las infecciones respiratorias bajas (laringotraqueítis, bronquiolitis y neumonía) y el asma son responsables de un alto porcentaje de la morbimortalidad de la población pediátrica. El conocimiento de su calendario y patrón estacional es importante por las implicaciones que tiene en la planificación de salud. Santa Fe de Bogotá, con 6 millones de habitantes, tiene características geográficas y climatológicas muy particulares, pués encontrándose en el trópico, está a 2640 m de altura. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo el conocimiento del calendario y patrón estacional de las enfermedades arriba mencionadas en la ciudad de Santa Fe de Bogotá. Material y métodos: Se analizaron 3193 consultas al servicio de urgencias de la Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, entre 1990 y 1994. El calendario obtenido se correlacionó con las variaciones de siete indicadores climatológicos evaluados en la ciudad durante los mismos años. Conclusión: Los resultados de esta investigación indican que las afecciones respiratorias más comúnes en la población pediátrica en Santa Fe de Bogotá aparecen todos los años con un mismo patrón. El período más crítico es el comprendido entre abril y mayo. La época de la epidemia de bronquitis no coincide con la del hemisferio norte ni con la del hemisferio sur, como tampoco con lo descrito en otras zonas ecuatoriales del mundo