Air pollution and children's health-a review of adverse effects associated with prenatal exposure from fine to ultrafine particulate matter

BACKGROUND@#Particulate matter (PM), a major component of ambient air pollution, accounts for a substantial burden of diseases and fatality worldwide. Maternal exposure to PM during pregnancy is particularly harmful to children's health since this is a phase of rapid human growth and development.@*METHOD@#In this review, we synthesize the scientific evidence on adverse health outcomes in children following prenatal exposure to the smallest toxic components, fine (PM@*RESULTS@#Maternal exposure to fine and ultrafine PM directly and indirectly yields numerous adverse birth outcomes and impacts on children's respiratory systems, immune status, brain development, and cardiometabolic health. The biological mechanisms underlying adverse effects include direct placental translocation of ultrafine particles, placental and systemic maternal oxidative stress and inflammation elicited by both fine and ultrafine PM, epigenetic changes, and potential endocrine effects that influence long-term health.@*CONCLUSION@#Policies to reduce maternal exposure and health consequences in children should be a high priority. PM

Occupational exposure to pesticides and health symptoms among family farmers in Brazil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of occupational pesticide exposure with acute and mental health symptoms. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey carried out with 78 Brazilian family farmers, who were pesticide applicators and helpers conveniently selected. Symptoms and exposure data were collected by interviews, and mental health outcomes by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Blood samples were analyzed to assess cholinesterase levels. Exposure indicators and symptoms were compared between applicators and helpers, and Poisson regression was performed to estimate prevalence ratios. RESULTS: Farmers reported exposure to multiple pesticides from early ages; they worked without safety training, technical support, and full protective equipment, and they had a high prevalence of acute and mental health symptoms (e.g., headache, mucosal irritation, tachycardia, and depressive signs). Applicators had more cholinesterase changes than helpers, but less symptoms. Helpers used less personal protection and had significantly higher prevalence ratio of headache, dyspnea, wheezing, cough, poor digestion, tiredness, and feeling worthless, after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Acute and mental health symptoms were observed, both among farmers and helpers. Thus, surveillance actions must be reinforced in Brazil, technical support and safety training improved, focused on applicators and helpers, who are occupationally and environmentally exposed to pesticides. Agricultural practices of these groups with less pesticide use should receive incentive.

Impacto de la contaminación por material particulado sobre las atenciones de urgencias por causas respiratorias en Chillán, Concepción y Los Ángeles / Impact of pollution by particulate matter on emergency room admissions for respiratory causes in Chillán, Concepción, and Los Ángeles, Chile

OBJETIVO: Determinar el impacto de la contaminación del aire sobre la salud respiratoria en las comunas de Chillán, Concepción y Los Ángeles entre los años 2013 y 2017. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se estimaron modelos lineales generalizados (GLM) a partir de datos diarios de atenciones de urgencias por enfermedades respiratorias desagregadas por tipo y rango etario, concentraciones de material particulado respirable (MP10) y material particulado fino (MP2,5), índice viral, variables meteorológicas y estacionales. RESULTADOS: Se obtiene una asociación positiva entre los contaminantes analizados y las atenciones de urgencias por causas respiratorias, especialmente IRA alta y Bronquitis/Bronquiolitis aguda en Chillán, IRA alta en Concepción, y además, IRA alta, Influenza y Crisis Obstructiva Bronquial en Los Ángeles. CONCLUSIONES: El incremento en el número de todas las atenciones de urgencia es aproximadamente 18.695 al año por cada 1 μg/m3 de incremento en las concentraciones de material particulado.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of air pollution on respiratory diseases in the districts of Chillán, Concepción and Los Ángeles, Chile between 2013 and 2017. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Generalized linear models (GLM) were estimated from daily data for emergency room admissions disaggregated by type and age range, concentrations of respirable particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), viral index, meteorological and seasonal variables. RESULTS: A positive association is obtained between the analyzed contaminants and the number of emergency room admissions for respiratory causes, especially acute upper respiratory infection (URI) and acute bronchitis / bronchiolitis in Chillán, acute URI in Concepción, and also, acute URI, Influenza and obstructive bronchial crisis in Los Angeles. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the total number of emergency room admissions is approximately 18,695 per year for every 1 μg / m3 increase in PM concentrations.

Análise espaço-temporal do efeito da poluição do ar na saúde de crianças / Análisis espacio-temporal del efecto de la contaminación del aire en la salud de los niños / Space-time analysis of the effect of air pollution on children's health

O objetivo foi investigar a associação de curto prazo entre a poluição do ar e atendimentos em emergências por doenças respiratórias, em crianças de 0 a 6 anos. Estudo ecológico, espacial e temporal realizado na Região Metropolitana da Grande Vitoria, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Utilizou-se o modelo aditivo generalizado (MAG) de regressão de Poisson, com a variável dependente o número diário de atendimentos por doenças respiratórias, e as variáveis independentes, concentrações diárias dos poluentes atmosféricos (MP10, SO2, NO2, O3 e CO), temperatura, umidade e precipitação pluviométrica. Por meio das médias diárias das concentrações, foram feitas estimativas para toda a região e análises in loco com a consideração de crianças residentes no entorno de 2km de oito estações de monitoramento da qualidade do ar. O incremento de 10μg/m3 nos níveis de concentração dos poluentes atmosféricos aumentou o risco de atendimento em emergência por doença respiratória. Na região geral, para o MP10, o aumento foi de 2,43%, 2,73% e 3,29% nos acumulados de 5, 6 e 7 dias, respectivamente. Para o SO2, o acréscimo foi de 4,47% no dia da exposição, 5,26% dois dias após, 6,47%, 8,8%, 8,76% e 7,09% nos acumulados de 2, 3, 4 e 5 dias, respectivamente. O CO apresentou associação significativa para residentes no entorno de duas estações, e o O3 somente em uma. Mesmo dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, os poluentes MP10, SO2, NO2 e O3 estão associados ao maior risco para atendimento por doenças respiratórias em crianças de 0 a 6 anos, e alguns efeitos só foram identificados nas localidades desagregadas por região, isto é, in loco, o que possibilita captar maior variabilidade dos dados.

El objetivo fue investigar la asociación de corto plazo entre la contaminación del aire y la atención en urgencias por enfermedades respiratorias, en niños de 0 a 6 años. Estudio ecológico, espacial y temporal realizado en la Región Metropolitana de la Grande Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Se utilizó el modelo aditivo generalizado (MAG) de regresión de Poisson, con la variable dependiente que es el número diario de consultas por enfermedades respiratorias, y las variables independientes: concentraciones diarias de los contaminantes atmosféricos (MP10, SO2, NO2, O3 y CO), temperatura, humedad y precipitación pluviométrica. Mediante las medias diarias de las concentraciones, se realizaron estimativas para toda la región y análisis in loco, considerando a niños residentes en un entorno de 2km con 8 estaciones de monitoreo de la calidad del aire. El incremento de 10μg/m3 en los niveles de concentración de los contaminantes atmosféricos aumentó el riesgo de atención en urgencias por enfermedad respiratoria. En la región como un todo, en el caso del MP10, el aumento fue de 2,43%, 2,73% y 3,29% en los acumulados de 5, 6 y 7 días, respectivamente. En el SO2, el incremento fue de 4,47% durante el día de la exposición, 5,26% dos días después, 6,47%, 8,8%, 8,76% y 7,09% en los acumulados de 2, 3, 4 y 5 días, respectivamente. El CO presentó asociación significativa para residentes alrededor de dos estaciones, y el O3 solamente en una. Incluso dentro de los límites establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, los contaminantes MP10, SO2, NO2 y O3 están asociados a un mayor riesgo en relación con la atención por enfermedades respiratorias en niños de 0 a 6 años, y algunos efectos sólo se identificaron en las localidades desagregadas por región, esto es, in loco, lo que posibilita captar una mayor variabilidad de los datos.

The study aimed to investigate the short-term association between air pollution and emergency treatments for respiratory diseases in children 0 to 6 years of age. This was an ecological space-time study in Greater Metropolitan Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. A Poisson regression general additive model (GAM) used the number of daily treatments for respiratory diseases as the dependent variable, and the independent variables were daily concentrations of air pollutants (PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO), temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Average daily concentrations were used to make estimates for the entire metropolitan area and in loco analyses considering children residing in a 2km radius around 8 air quality monitoring stations. An increase of 10μg/m3 in the concentration of air pollutants increased the risk of emergency treatment for respiratory disease. In the overall area, for PM10, the increase was 2.43%, 2.73%, and 3.29% in the cumulative values at 5, 6, and 7 days, respectively. For SO2, the increase was 4.47% on the day of exposure, 5.26% two days later, and 6.47%, 8.8%, 8.76%, and 7.09% for the cumulative values at days 2, 3, 4, and 5 days, respectively. CO showed a significant association for residents around two stations, and O3 for only one. Even within the limits set by the World Health Organization, the pollutants PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3 are associated with increased risk of treatment for respiratory diseases in children 0 to 6 years of age, and some effects were only identified when disaggregating by neighborhood, i.e., in loco, which allows capturing greater variation in the data.

Complicación respiratoria en el postoperatorio tardío en un paciente con distrofia miotónica tipo I. Reporte de un caso / Respiratory complication in the late postoperative period in a patient with type I myotonic dystrophy. Case report

Myotonic dystrophy is an uncommon disease, characterised by disorders of the muscle membrane. Its clinical manifestations are muscle weakness, difficulty at initiating movements and delayed muscle relaxation. Carriers of this disease are very sensitive to anaesthetic drugs. Residual neuromuscular blockade is common among these patients, leaving them at risk of various postoperative complications. Proper neuromuscular blockade reversal is therefore crucial. We report the case of an 18-year-old male with myotonic dystrophy type I (Steinert's disease), who was admitted for a complicated hydatid cyst. He required a laparotomy, which was done under general anesthesia with no intraoperative incidents. He was extubated at the end of the procedure, with 94% response at the train-of-four (TOF) and adequate spontaneous ventilation. No reversal for neuromuscular blockade was given. The patient evolved favourably during the postoperative phase. However, in the later postoperatory period the patient presented severe respiratory complications. Proper anaesthetic management of these patients, as described in the literature, includes the use of non-depolarising muscle relaxants, monitoring of muscle relaxation and reversal of neuromuscular blockade. The combination of rocuronium and sugammadex appears to convey the optimum reversal required for these cases.

Las distrofias miotónicas son enfermedades poco comunes, caracterizadas por trastornos a nivel de la membrana muscular. Clínicamente se manifiestan por debilidad muscular progresiva, dificultad al iniciar movimientos y retardo en la relajación muscular. Los portadores de este grupo de enfermedades tienen una marcada sensibilidad a los fármacos anestésicos. Es habitual que presenten bloqueo neuromuscular residual, arriesgándose a sufrir diversas complicaciones postoperatorias. Por ello, es importante realizar una reversión adecuada de la relajación muscular en estos pacientes. Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 18 años, con distrofia miotónica de Steinert tipo I, que ingresa para laparotomía por quiste hidatídico hepático complicado. Recibió anestesia general sin incidentes. Es extubado con una respuesta al tren-de-cuatro (TOF) de 94% y ventilación espontánea adecuada. No se realiza reversión del bloqueo neuromuscular y evoluciona favorablemente en el postoperatorio inmediato. Sin embargo, en el período postoperatorio tardío, presenta complicaciones respiratorias severas. El adecuado manejo de estos pacientes, según lo recomendado en la literatura, requiere el uso de relajantes no-depolarizantes, monitorización y reversión del bloqueo neuromuscular, siendo probablemente la combinación de rocuronio y sugammadex, la más adecuada para estos fines.

Evaluation of pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in pyrochlore mine workers / Avaliação da função pulmonar e sintomas respiratórios em trabalhadores da mineração de pirocloro

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify respiratory symptoms and evaluate lung function in mine workers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study involving production sector workers of a pyrochlore mining company. The subjects completed the British Medical Research Council questionnaire, which is designed to evaluate respiratory symptoms, occupational exposure factors, and smoking status. In addition, they underwent pulmonary function tests with a portable spirometer. Results: The study involved 147 workers (all male). The mean age was 41.37 ± 8.71 years, and the mean duration of occupational exposure was 12.26 ± 7.09 years. We found that 33 (22.44%) of the workers had respiratory symptoms and that 26 (17.69%) showed abnormalities in the spirometry results. However, we found that the spirometry results did not correlate significantly with the presence of respiratory symptoms or with the duration of occupational exposure. Conclusions: The frequencies of respiratory symptoms and spirometric changes were low when compared with those reported in other studies involving occupational exposure to dust. No significant associations were observed between respiratory symptoms and spirometry results.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a presença de sintomas respiratórios e avaliar a função pulmonar de trabalhadores da mineração. Métodos: Estudo observacional de caráter transversal realizado com trabalhadores do setor de produção de uma mineradora de pirocloro. Para avaliar os sintomas respiratórios, fatores de exposição ocupacional e tabagismo, foi aplicado o questionário de sintomas respiratórios British Medical Research Council, e a função pulmonar foi avaliada utilizando-se um espirômetro portátil. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 147 trabalhadores, todos do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 41,37 ± 8,71 anos e com tempo de exposição ocupacional de 12,26 ± 7,09 anos. Foi observado que 33 (22,44%) dos trabalhadores apresentaram sintomas respiratórios e que 26 (17,69%) dos trabalhadores apresentaram alguma alteração nos resultados espirométricos. Entretanto, os resultados espirométricos não se correlacionaram significativamente com sintomas respiratórios e tempo de exposição. Conclusões: As frequências de sintomas respiratórios e de alterações espirométricas apresentaram-se baixas quando comparadas às de estudos que envolviam exposição à poeira ocupacional. Não foram observadas associações significativas dos sintomas respiratórios com os valores espirométricos.

Air pollution and its impacts on health in Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil / Poluição do ar e impactos na saúde em Vitória, Espírito Santo

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of air pollution on respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity of children and adults in the city of Vitoria, state of Espirito Santo. METHODS A study was carried out using time-series models via Poisson regression from hospitalization and pollutant data in Vitoria, ES, Southeastern Brazil, from 2001 to 2006. Fine particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) were tested as independent variables in simple and cumulative lags of up to five days. Temperature, humidity and variables indicating weekdays and city holidays were added as control variables in the models. RESULTS For each increment of 10 µg/m3 of the pollutants PM10, SO2, and O3, the percentage of relative risk (%RR) for hospitalizations due to total respiratory diseases increased 9.67 (95%CI 11.84-7.54), 6.98 (95%CI 9.98-4.17) and 1.93 (95%CI 2.95-0.93), respectively. We found %RR = 6.60 (95%CI 9.53-3.75), %RR = 5.19 (95%CI 9.01-1.5), and %RR = 3.68 (95%CI 5.07-2.31) for respiratory diseases in children under the age of five years for PM10, SO2, and O3, respectively. Cardiovascular diseases showed a significant relationship with O3, with %RR = 2.11 (95%CI 3.18-1.06). CONCLUSIONS Respiratory diseases presented a stronger and more consistent relationship with the pollutants researched in Vitoria. A better dose-response relationship was observed when using cumulative lags in polynomial distributed lag models.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar o impacto da poluição atmosférica na morbidade respiratória e cardiovascular de crianças e adultos em Vitória. MÉTODOS Foi realizado estudo utilizando modelos de séries temporais via regressão de Poisson a partir de dados de hospitalizações e poluentes em Vitória, ES, de 2001 a 2006. Foram testadas como variáveis independentes o material particulado fino (PM10); o dióxido de enxofre (SO2) e o ozônio (O3) em defasagem simples e acumulada até cinco dias. Introduziu-se temperatura, umidade e variáveis indicadoras dos dias da semana e feriados da cidade como variáveis de controle nos modelos. RESULTADOS Para cada incremento de 10 µg/m3 dos poluentes PM10, SO2 e O3, foram observados aumentos no risco relativo percentual (RR%) para as hospitalizações por doenças respiratórias totais de 9,67 (IC95% 11,84-7,54), 6,98 (IC95% 9,98-4,17) e 1,93 (IC95% 2,95-0,93), respectivamente. Encontrou-se RR% = 6,60 (IC95% 9,53-3,75), RR% = 5,19 (IC95% 9,01-1,5) e RR% = 3,68 (IC95% 5,07-2,31) para doenças respiratórias em menores de cinco anos para o PM10, SO2 e O3, respectivamente. As doenças cardiovasculares apresentaram relação significativa com o O3 com RR% = 2,11 (IC95% 3,18-1,06). CONCLUSÕES As doenças respiratórias apresentaram relação mais forte e consistente com os poluentes pesquisados em Vitória. Observou-se melhor relação dose-resposta quando se utilizou defasagens acumuladas em modelos de distribuição polinomial.

High risk of respiratory diseases in children in the fire period in Western Amazon / Alto risco de doenças respiratórias em crianças no período de incêndios na Amazônia

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the toxicological risk of exposure to ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) among schoolchildren.. METHODS Toxicological risk assessment was used to evaluate the risk of exposure to O3 and PM2.5 from biomass burning among schoolchildren aged six to 14 years, residents of Rio Branco, Acre, Southern Amazon, Brazil. We used Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the potential intake dose of both pollutants. RESULTS During the slash-and-burn periods, O3 and PM2.5 concentrations reached 119.4 µg/m3 and 51.1 µg/m3, respectively. The schoolchildren incorporated medium potential doses regarding exposure to O3 (2.83 μg/kg.day, 95%CI 2.72-2.94). For exposure to PM2.5, we did not find toxicological risk (0.93 μg/kg.day, 95%CI 0.86-0.99). The toxicological risk for exposure to O3 was greater than 1 for all children (QR = 2.75; 95%CI 2.64-2.86). CONCLUSIONS Schoolchildren were exposed to high doses of O3 during the dry season of the region. This posed a toxicological risk, especially to those who had previous diseases.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar os riscos toxicológicos da exposição ao ozônio (O3) e a partículas finas (PM2,5) em escolares. MÉTODOS Avaliação do risco toxicológico foi aplicada para verificar o risco de exposição ao O3 e PM2,5 a partir da queima de biomassa, em escolares de seis a 14 anos, moradores de Rio Branco, Acre, no sul da Amazônia. Nós usamos a simulação de Monte Carlo para estimar a dose potencial de ingresso do poluente. RESULTADOS As concentrações de O3 e PM2,5 atingiram 119,4 mg/m3 e 51,1 mg/m3, respectivamente, durante os períodos de queimadas. Os escolares incorporaram doses potenciais médias relativas à exposição ao O3 (2,83 μg/kg.dia, IC95% 2,72-2,94). Para a exposição a PM2,5, não encontramos risco toxicológico (0,93 μg/kg.dia; IC95% 0,86-0,99). O O3 apresentou risco toxicológico maior que 1 para todas as crianças (Quociente de Risco [QR] = 2,75; IC95% 2,64-2,86). CONCLUSÕES Escolares são expostos a altas doses de O3 durante a estação seca. Isso representa risco toxicológico, principalmente para aqueles com agravos à saúde pregressa.

Enfermedades respiratorias en trabajadores expuestos al polvo laterítico / Respiratory diseases in workers exposed to lateritic dust

INTRODUCCIÓN: la inhalación sostenida de polvos inorgánicos en el ambiente laboral puede originar diversas enfermedades respiratorias, conocidas como enfermedades pulmonares de origen ocupacional. OBJETIVO: determinar la asociación entre la exposición prolongada al polvo de mineral laterítico y la ocurrencia de enfermedades respiratorias en los trabajadores expuestos. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de cohorte, prospectivo durante los años 2003 al 2012 en una empresa productora de níquel y cobalto, en el municipio Moa. RESULTADOS: predominó el sexo masculino con 91,73 % y el grupo etario más afectado fue el de 45-49 años. De los trabajadores expuestos, 44 presentaron alguna enfermedad respiratoria, con un riesgo relativo de 5,59 y fracción atribuible de 0,8333. La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, la neumoconiosis y la infección respiratoria por micobacterias atípicas, se presentaron en el 61,36 %, 22,72 % y 13,63 % de los pacientes, respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: se halló una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la exposición al polvo de mineral laterítico y la ocurrencia de enfermedades respiratorias en los trabajadores expuestos.

INTRODUCTION: sustained inhalation of inorganic dust at the workplace can cause various respiratory diseases, known as lung disease of occupational origin. OBJECTIVE: determine the association between prolonged exposure to dust from lateritic ore and the occurrence of respiratory disease in exposed workers. METHODS: an observational, analytical, cohort study was performed prospectively from 2003 to 2012 in a nickel and cobalt factory, in Moa municipality. RESULTS: male prevailed (91.73 %) and the most affected age group was 45-49 years. 44 out of the exposed workers had respiratory disease, with a relative risk of 5.59 and 0.8333 attributable fractions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumoconiosis and respiratory atypical mycobacterial infection, occurred in 61.36 %, 22.72 % and 13.63 % of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: a statistically significant association between exposure to dust from lateritic ore and the occurrence of respiratory disease in exposed workers was found.

Cuantificación económica de los beneficios en salud asociados a la reducción de la contaminación por MP10 en Concepción Metropolitano, Chile / Health and economic benefits of reducing 10 µm particulate matter (PM10) in Metropolitan Area of Concepción, Chile

Background: Several international studies show the effects of PM10 pollution on health but specific analyses for many cities in Chile are lacking. Aim: To relate PM10 concentrations to effects with population health and quantify the economic benefits of its reduction in Concepción Metropolitan Area. Material and Methods: Poisson regression and generalized additive models were used to analyze the short-term effects of PM10 on mortality and morbidity, controlling for lags, seasonal, trend and weather variables. The damage function method to determine the economic impact of pollution reduction was used. Results: The selected concentration-response (C-R) coefficients showed that PM10 concentrations had effects on hospital admissions with a two days lag for respiratory diseases in children under 15 years of age and with a one day lag for asthma in patients over 64 years. The effects on premature mortality had a six days lag. The decrease in 1 µg/m³ of PM10 concentration would generate benefits ranging from 1,025.8 to 32,490.9 million of Chilean pesos per year, with a confidence level of 95%, according the estimation based on concentration-response coefficients and their economic cost. Conclusions: Reduction of PM10 would have important health and economic benefits.

Isolated and synergistic effects of PM10 and average temperature on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality / Efeitos isolados e sinérgicos do MP10 e da temperatura média na mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares e respiratórias

OBJECTIVE To analyze the effect of air pollution and temperature on mortality due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. METHODS We evaluated the isolated and synergistic effects of temperature and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 10 µm (PM10) on the mortality of individuals > 40 years old due to cardiovascular disease and that of individuals > 60 years old due to respiratory diseases in Sao Paulo, SP, Southeastern Brazil, between 1998 and 2008. Three methodologies were used to evaluate the isolated association: time-series analysis using Poisson regression model, bidirectional case-crossover analysis matched by period, and case-crossover analysis matched by the confounding factor, i.e., average temperature or pollutant concentration. The graphical representation of the response surface, generated by the interaction term between these factors added to the Poisson regression model, was interpreted to evaluate the synergistic effect of the risk factors. RESULTS No differences were observed between the results of the case-crossover and time-series analyses. The percentage change in the relative risk of cardiovascular and respiratory mortality was 0.85% (0.45;1.25) and 1.60% (0.74;2.46), respectively, due to an increase of 10 μg/m3 in the PM10 concentration. The pattern of correlation of the temperature with cardiovascular mortality was U-shaped and that with respiratory mortality was J-shaped, indicating an increased relative risk at high temperatures. The values for the interaction term indicated a higher relative risk for cardiovascular and respiratory mortalities at low temperatures and high temperatures, respectively, when the pollution levels reached approximately 60 μg/m3. CONCLUSIONS The positive association standardized in the Poisson regression model for pollutant concentration is not confounded by temperature, and the effect of temperature is not confounded by the pollutant levels ...

OBJETIVO Analisar o efeito da poluição do ar e da temperatura na mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares e respiratórias. MÉTODOS Foram analisados os efeitos da temperatura e do material particulado com diâmetro aerodinâmico < 10 micrômetros (MP10), isolado e sinérgico, na mortalidade de indivíduos > 40 anos por doenças cardiovasculares e na mortalidade de indivíduos > 60 anos por doenças respiratórias em São Paulo, SP, entre 1998 e 2008. Três tipos de metodologias foram aplicadas para avaliar a associação isolada: análise de séries temporais com regressão de Poisson, análise case-crossover com pareamento temporal bidirecional e análise case-crossover com pareamento pelo fator confundidor, i.e., temperatura média ou poluente. Foi interpretada a representação gráfica da superfície resposta, gerada por termo de interação entre tais fatores adicionado à regressão de Poisson, para avaliar o efeito sinérgico entre os fatores de risco. RESULTADOS Não foram observadas diferenças entre os resultados das análises case-crossover e de séries temporais. Estimou-se mudança percentual no risco relativo para mortalidade cardiovascular e respiratória de 0,85% (0,45;1,25) e 1,60% (0,74;2,46), respectivamente, devido ao aumento de 10 μg/m3 na concentração do MP10. O padrão de associação da temperatura para mortalidade cardiovascular foi de U-shape e para mortalidade respiratória foi de J-shape, representando maior risco relativo em temperaturas altas. As figuras do termo de interação indicaram maior risco relativo em baixas temperaturas para mortalidade cardiovascular e em altas temperaturas para mortalidade respiratória em níveis de poluição em torno de 60 μg/m3. CONCLUSÕES ...

Desensibilización al ácido acetil-salicílico como tratamiento para la enfermedad respiratoria exacerbada por antiinflamatorios no esteroides / Desensitization to acetyl-salicylic acid as a treatment for non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-exacerbated respiratory disease

La coexistencia de hipersensibilidad al ácido acetil salicílico (ASA) y a otros antiinflamatorios no esteroides (AINE) con enfermedad de la vía aérea superior (rinosinusitis/poliposis nasosinusal) o inferior (asma) se denomina enfermedad respiratoria exacerbada por ASA (EREA). Las opciones de tratamiento incluyen la evitación de todos los analgésicos inhibidores de la ciclooxigenasa 1 (COX-1) o la desensibilización a ASA, continuando su consumo diario. Esta última opción terapéutica ha demostrado mejorar la calidad de vida, reducir la formación de pólipos nasosinusales, los episodios de sinusitis infecciosa, la frecuencia de las hospitalizaciones y de las cirugías para resección de pólipos; también mejora la hiposmia y reduce la necesidad de tratamiento con esteroides sistémicos. Se han usado múltiples esquemas de desensibilización, tratando de reducir el riesgo asociado con el procedimiento y los efectos adversos derivados del consumo crónico de ASA. En este artículo se presentan una revisión de los diferentes esquemas de desensibilización y dos casos clínicos ilustrativos que sirven de ejemplo para comprender mejor los factores que influyen en la elección del tratamiento para los pacientes con esta enfermedad.

The coexistence of hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and other NSAIDs with disease of the upper or the lower airways (rhinosinusitis/sinonasal polyposis, or asthma) is defined as NSAIDs-exacerbated respiratory disease. Treatment options include the avoidance of all analgesics that inhibit COX-1 or ASA desensitization, continuing its daily consumption. The latter treatment has shown to improve quality of life, reduce the formation of sinonasal polyps, the episodes of sinus infection, the frequency of hospitalizations and surgeries for resection of polyps and the need for systemic steroid treatment. Multiple desensitization schedules have been used, trying to reduce the risk associated with the procedure and the adverse effects of chronic use of ASA. In this paper we present a review of the different methods of desensitization and two illustrative clinical cases to help understand the factors that influence the choice of treatment for these patients.

Principal components and generalized linear modeling in the correlation between hospital admissions and air pollution / Componentes principais e modelagem linear generalizada na associação entre atendimento hospitalar e poluição do ar

OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between concentrations of air pollutants and admissions for respiratory causes in children. METHODS Ecological time series study. Daily figures for hospital admissions of children aged < 6, and daily concentrations of air pollutants (PM10, SO2, NO2, O3 and CO) were analyzed in the Região da Grande Vitória, ES, Southeastern Brazil, from January 2005 to December 2010. For statistical analysis, two techniques were combined: Poisson regression with generalized additive models and principal model component analysis. Those analysis techniques complemented each other and provided more significant estimates in the estimation of relative risk. The models were adjusted for temporal trend, seasonality, day of the week, meteorological factors and autocorrelation. In the final adjustment of the model, it was necessary to include models of the Autoregressive Moving Average Models (p, q) type in the residuals in order to eliminate the autocorrelation structures present in the components. RESULTS For every 10:49 μg/m3 increase (interquartile range) in levels of the pollutant PM10 there was a 3.0% increase in the relative risk estimated using the generalized additive model analysis of main components-seasonal autoregressive – while in the usual generalized additive model, the estimate was 2.0%. CONCLUSIONS Compared to the usual generalized additive model, in general, the proposed aspect of generalized additive model − principal component analysis, showed better results in estimating relative risk and quality of fit. .

OBJETIVO Analisar a associação entre concentrações dos poluentes atmosféricos e atendimentos diários por causas respiratórias em crianças. MÉTODOS Estudo ecológico de série temporal. Foram analisadas as contagens diárias de admissões hospitalares de crianças < 6 anos e as concentrações diárias de poluentes atmosféricos (PM10, SO2, NO2, O3 e CO), na Região da Grande Vitória, ES, de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2010. Foram combinadas duas técnicas para a análise estatística: modelo de regressão de Poisson em modelos aditivos generalizados e análise de componentes principais. Essas técnicas complementaram-se e forneceram estimativas mais expressivas na estimação do risco relativo. Os modelos foram ajustados para efeitos da tendência temporal, sazonalidade, dias da semana, fatores meteorológicos e autocorrelação. No ajuste final do modelo, foi necessária a inclusão de modelos do tipo Autoregressive Moving Average Models (p,q) nos resíduos, para eliminar as estruturas de autocorrelação presente nas componentes. RESULTADOS O aumento de 10.49 μg/m3 (intervalo interquartílico) nos níveis do poluente PM10 resultou num aumento de 3,0% do valor do risco relativo estimado por meio do modelo aditivo generalizado – análise de componentes principais-sazonal autorregressivo –, enquanto no modelo aditivo generalizado usual a estimativa foi de 2,0%. CONCLUSÕES Em comparação ao modelo aditivo generalizado usual, em geral, a vertente proposta do modelo aditivo generalizado – análise de componentes principais apresentou melhores resultados na estimativa do risco relativo e na qualidade do ajuste. .

Manifestaciones respiratorias de las enfermedades reumáticas en niños / Respiratory manifestation of rheumatic disease in children

Rheumatic diseases are a heterogeneous group of autoimmune basis and mainly joint and skin manifestations. Respiratory manifestations of these are less common in children than in adults, can affect all respiratory structures, however the most common are the pleural space with pleuritis and effusion and interstitial lung disease. Alterations are usually subclinical beginning, which are evident to the tomography of chest or lung function tests as spirometry or diffusion test for carbon monoxide. Some cases presents with severe respiratory impairment as respiratory bleeding or pneumonia. The comprehensive evaluation included clinical history, imaging studies and pulmonary function is key in the evaluation and management of these patients.

Las enfermedades reumáticas son un grupo heterogéneo de patologías de base autoinmune y manifestaciones principalmente articulares y cutáneas. Las expresiones respiratorias de estas en niños son menos frecuentes que en los adultos, pueden afectar todas las estructuras respiratorias, sin embargo las más frecuentes son el espacio pleural con pleuritis y derrame y la afectación intersticial pulmonar. Las alteraciones suelen ser de comienzo subclínico, que se hacen evidentes a la exploración con tomografía de tórax o en pruebas de función respiratoria como espirometría o prueba de difusión de monóxido de carbono. Algunos casos cursan con afectación respiratoria severa, como hemorragia respiratoria o neumonías sobre agregadas. La evaluación integral con historia clínica, estudios de imágenes y de función respiratoria son la clave en la evaluación y manejo de estos pacientes.

Association between particulate matter air pollution and monthly inhalation and nebulization procedures in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil / Associação entre a poluição atmosférica por material particulado e contagens mensais de procedimentos de inalação e nebulização em Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil

The study was designed to investigate the impact of air pollution on monthly inhalation/nebulization procedures in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil, from 2004 to 2010. To assess the relationship between the procedures and particulate matter (PM10) a Bayesian Poisson regression model was used, including a random factor that captured extra-Poisson variability between counts. Particulate matter was associated with the monthly number of inhalation/nebulization procedures, but the inclusion of covariates (temperature, precipitation, and season of the year) suggests a possible confounding effect. Although other studies have linked particulate matter to an increasing number of visits due to respiratory morbidity, the results of this study suggest that such associations should be interpreted with caution.

O objetivo foi investigar os possíveis efeitos da poluição atmosférica nas contagens mensais de procedimentos de inalação/nebulização no Município de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil, no período de 2004 a 2010. Para verificar a relação existente entre os procedimentos e o material particulado (MP10) foi assumido um modelo bayesiano de regressão de Poisson, na presença de um fator aleatório que captura a variabilidade extra Poisson entre as contagens. O material particulado mostrou-se associado ao número de inalações/nebulizações, mas a inserção de covariáveis (temperatura, precipitação e estação) sugere um possível efeito de confundimento. Embora outros estudos relacionem o material particulado com o aumento do número de atendimentos em decorrência de morbidades, os resultados do presente trabalho sugerem que estas associações devem ser interpretadas com cautela.

Poluição atmosférica e internações hospitalares por doenças respiratórias em crianças e adolescentes em Cubatão, São Paulo, Brasil, entre 1997 e 2004 / Air pollution and pediatric hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases in Cubatão, São Paulo State, Brazil, from 1997 to 2004

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos dos poluentes atmosféricos e suas estruturas de defasagem sobre a morbidade respiratória de crianças e adolescentes, na cidade de Cubatão, São Paulo, Brasil, entre 1997 e 2004. Um estudo ecológico de séries temporais foi realizado, analisando internações nos hospitais do Sistema Único de Saúde por doenças respiratórias de crianças e adolescentes residentes no município. Foram utilizados modelos lineares generalizados de regressão de Poisson, controlando-se para sazonalidade, temperatura, umidade e tendência de curta duração. PM10 e ozônio estiveram positiva e estatisticamente associados com as internações por doenças respiratórias. No grupo de crianças, aumentos de um interquartil nas médias móveis de sete dias do PM10 (56,5µg/m³) e de cinco dias do ozônio (46,7µg/m³) levaram a aumentos nas internações hospitalares de 9,6 por cento (IC95 por cento: 3,0 por cento-16,1 por cento) e 2,4 por cento (IC95 por cento: 0,1 por cento-4,7 por cento), respectivamente. Esforços para redução das concentrações dos poluentes do ar ainda precisam ser implementados para minimizar os seus efeitos adversos sobre crianças e adolescentes em Cubatão.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of air pollutants and their lag structures in relation to respiratory morbidity among children and adolescents in the city of Cubatão, São Paulo State, Brazil, from 1997 to 2004. An ecological time-series study was performed, analyzing respiratory hospital admissions of children and adolescents in National Health System hospitals in Cubatão. Generalized linear Poisson regression models were used to control for seasonality, temperature, humidity, and short-term trends. PM10 and ozone were significantly associated with respiratory hospital admissions. Among children, inter-quartile range increases in the PM10 7-day moving average (56.5µg/m³) and in the ozone 5-day moving average (46.7µg/m³) led to increases of 9.6 percent (95 percentCI: 3.0 percent-16.1 percent) and 2.4 percent (95 percentCI: 0.1 percent-4.7 percent) in respiratory hospital admissions, respectively. Efforts to reduce air pollutants need to be adopted to minimize the adverse effects on children and adolescents in Cubatão.

Efectos clínicos de la exposición directa e indirecta a tabaco en los niños / Health effects of passive smoking exposure on children

El tabaquismo es fuente importante de contaminación intra domiciliaria. La prevención de la exposición al humo de tabaco tiene un impacto significativo en morbilidad y mortalidad en aquellos expuestos en forma indirecta, especialmente cuando se trata de un individuo en desarrollo activo como ocurre en la vida intrauterina y durante los primeros años de vida. La evidencia es contundente respecto del riesgo que existe en la disminución de la función pulmonar, aparición de sibilancias recurrentes, asma, neumonía y muerte súbita. La exposición al humo de tabaco en los niños debe recibir mayor atención de parte del equipo de salud, especialmente del pediatra.

Exposición a humo de tabaco ambiental: efectos sobre la salud respiratoria infantil: [revisión] / Environmental tobacco smoke exposure: effects on the respiratory health in children: [review]

La evidencia científica ha puesto de manifiesto que la exposición a humo de tabaco ambiental (HTA) es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Las campañas a nivel internacional y nacional tienen por objetivo disminuir el consumo de tabaco y con ello la exposición en la población general. Uno de los grupos más vulnerables a los efectos de la exposición a HTA son los niños, dado que tienen un sistema inmunitario y respiratorio en desarrollo y a que ventilan más aire por unidad de masa corporal por lo que pueden inhalar una mayor dosis efectiva de contaminantes por kg de peso. Ellos forman parte de los denominados fumadores pasivos cuya principal fuente de exposición es el consumo de tabaco en el hogar. En este grupo la exposición a HTA se ha relacionado con aumento de infecciones respiratorias bajas, inducción y exacerbación de asma, otitis media y bajo peso al nacer. Este artículo resume la evidencia sobre los daños a nivel respiratorio que provoca la exposición a HTA en la infancia y señala las ventajas de su control.

Impactos ambientales sobre la salud respiratoria de los niños: carga global de las enfermedades respiratorias pediátricas ligada al ambiente / Environmental impacts on the respiratory health of children: global burden of paediatric respiratory diseases linked to the environment

The child's respiratory system is a primary target for air pollutants, including tobacco smoke, biomass fuels and pollution from mobile and fixed sources. Children are, in general more susceptible to the effects of air pollutants; however, individual susceptibility also plays a role. Exposure to pollutants in early life decrease lung growth and results in reduced lung function. The range of respiratory illnesses with an environmental contribution includes: acute viral and bacterial lower respiratory infections; otitis media; asthma and chronic respiratory diseases. This review presents an overview of the identified risks posed by the environment to children's health and their health consequences.

El sistema respiratorio de los niños es un blanco primario para la contaminación del aire, incluyendo el humo de tabaco, combustibles de biomasa y polución de fuentes móviles y fijas. Los niños son, en general, más susceptibles a los efectos de los contaminantes del aire; sin embargo, la susceptibilidad individual también juega un rol. La exposición a temprana edad reduce el crecimiento pulmonar y resulta en función pulmonar disminuida. El rango de enfermedades respiratorias con una contribución causal ambiental incluye: infecciones agudas virales y bacterianas bajas; otitis media; asma y enfermedades respiratorias crónicas. Esta actualización es una revisión sobre los riesgos ambientales identificados como riesgos para la salud de los niños y sus consecuencias.

[Comparison of respiratory symptoms between welders and official staffs in one of the Arak industrial factory in 2007]

The respiratory symptoms in welding workers have been appear by increasing use of welding various poisoning gases and fumes in machine industry. It is necessary to evaluating of frequency of respiratory symptoms with scientific methods. In this historical cohort study, 60 non-smoker welding workers with history of at least 6 months work in welding, and 60 non-smoker office workers who were not exposed to respiratory pollution were selected from machine industry factories of Arak. Data was gathered by questionnaire. Occupationalist performed physical exams and spirometery. Data was statistically analyzed. There was a significant relationship between sore throat [p=0.02], cough [p=0.04], spectrum [p=0.01], and dyspnea [p=0.007] with working in welding. But in symptoms such as rinite, hoarsening, nasal congestion, epistaxis, respiratory assessment and spirometery results difference was not significant. Symptoms of upper respiratory tract stimulation in welding workers were significantly more than non-exposed workers