Photogrammetry: a proposal of objective assessment of chest wall in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / Fotogrametria: uma proposta de avaliação objetiva da caixa torácica na escoliose idiopática do adolescente

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the chest wall shape in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in comparison to healthy subjects and the association between the chest wall shape with the spine deformity and lung function in patients with AIS. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 30 AIS patients and 20 healthy subjects aged 11-18 years old. The Cobb angle evaluation was performed in AIS patients. The chest wall shape was assessed by the photogrammetry method, using the Postural Assessment Software (PAS). We created thoracic markers shaped as angles (A) and distances (D), as follows: A2 (right acromion/xiphoid/left acromion), A4L (angle formed between the outer point of the smallest waist circumference and its upper and lower edges on the left side), A7 (angle formed by the intersection of the tangent segments of the upper and lower scapulae angles), D1R/D1L [distance between the xiphoid process and the last false rib on the right (R) and left (L) sides], and D3 (distance between xiphoid process and anterior superior iliac spine). Results: The thoracic markers A2 and A7 were significantly higher, while the A4L and D1R/D1L were significantly reduced in the AIS group compared to the control. Moderate correlations were found between: A2 and the main and proximal thoracic Cobb angles (r=0.50, r=0.47, respectively); D1R/D1L and the main thoracic Cobb angle (r=- 0.40); and the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and D3R (r=0.47). Conclusions: The photogrammetry method was able to detect chest wall changes in AIS patients, besides presenting correlation between Cobb angles and lung function.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o formato da caixa torácica em pacientes com escoliose idiopática do adolescente (EIA), comparando-os com indivíduos saudáveis e analisar a associação do formato da caixa torácica com a deformidade da coluna vertebral e função pulmonar em pacientes com EIA. Métodos: Estudo transversal que avaliou 30 pacientes com EIA e 20 indivíduos saudáveis com idade entre 11 e 18 anos. O ângulo de Cobb foi avaliado em pacientes com EIA. O formato da caixa torácica foi analisado pelo método da fotogrametria, utilizando o Software para Avaliação Postural (SAPO). Foram criados marcadores torácicos descritos como ângulos (A)e distâncias (D): A2 (acrômio direito/processo xifoide/acrômio esquerdo), A4E (ângulo formado entre o ponto externo da menor circunferência da cintura e suas bordas superior e inferior do lado esquerdo), A7 (ângulo formado pela interseção das retas tangentes aos ângulos superior e inferior das escápulas), D1D/D1E [distância entre o processo xifoide e a última costela falsa nos lados direito (D) e esquerdo (E)] e D3 (distância entre o processo xifoide e a espinha ilíaca anterossuperior). Resultados: Os marcadores torácicos A2 e A7 foram significativamente maiores, enquanto o A4E e o D1D/D1E foram significativamente menores no grupo EIA em relação ao controle. Foram encontradas correlações moderadas entre: A2 e os ângulos de Cobb torácico principal e proximal (r=0,50 e r=0,47, respectivamente); D1D/D1E e o ângulo de Cobb torácico principal (r=-0,40); e o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) e D3D (r=0,47). Conclusões: O método da fotogrametria detectou alterações na caixa torácica de pacientes com EIA, além de apresentar correlações significativas entre os ângulos de Cobb e a função pulmonar.

Effects of manual chest compression on expiratory flow bias during the positive end-expiratory pressure-zero end-expiratory pressure maneuver in patients on mechanical ventilation / Efeitos da compressão torácica manual sobre o flow bias expiratório durante a manobra positive end-expiratory pressure-zero end-expiratory pressure em pacientes sob ventilação mecânica invasiva

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the effects of manual chest compression (MCC) on the expiratory flow bias during the positive end-expiratory pressure-zero end-expiratory pressure (PEEP-ZEEP) airway clearance maneuver applied in patients on mechanical ventilation. The flow bias, which influences pulmonary secretion removal, is evaluated by the ratio and difference between the peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the peak inspiratory flow (PIF). Methods: This was a crossover randomized study involving 10 patients. The PEEP-ZEEP maneuver was applied at four time points, one without MCC and the other three with MCC, which were performed by three different respiratory therapists. Respiratory mechanics data were obtained with a specific monitor. Results: The PEEP-ZEEP maneuver without MCC was enough to exceed the threshold that is considered necessary to move secretion toward the glottis (PEF − PIF difference > 33 L/min): a mean PEF − PIF difference of 49.1 ± 9.4 L/min was achieved. The mean PEF/PIF ratio achieved was 3.3 ± 0.7. Using MCC with PEEP-ZEEP increased the mean PEF − PIF difference by 6.7 ± 3.4 L/min. We found a moderate correlation between respiratory therapist hand grip strength and the flow bias generated with MCC. No adverse hemodynamic or respiratory effects were found. Conclusions: The PEEP-ZEEP maneuver, without MCC, resulted in an expiratory flow bias superior to that necessary to facilitate pulmonary secretion removal. Combining MCC with the PEEP-ZEEP maneuver increased the expiratory flow bias, which increases the potential of the maneuver to remove secretions.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da compressão torácica manual (CTM) sobre o flow bias expiratório durante a manobra positive end-expiratory pressure-zero end-expiratory pressure (PEEP-ZEEP) para a remoção de secreção em pacientes sob ventilação mecânica invasiva. O flow bias, que influencia na remoção de secreção pulmonar, foi avaliado pela razão e diferença entre pico de fluxo expiratório (PFE) e pico de fluxo inspiratório (PFI). Métodos: Estudo cruzado e randomizado no qual participaram 10 pacientes. A manobra PEEP-ZEEP foi aplicada em quatro momentos, sendo um sem CTM e os outros três em associação com a CTM, que foram aplicadas por três fisioterapeutas distintos. Um monitor específico foi utilizado para o registro dos dados de mecânica respiratória. Resultados: A manobra PEEP-ZEEP sem a CTM foi suficiente para ultrapassar o limiar do flow bias expiratório (diferença PFE − PFI > 33 l/min), considerado necessário para deslocar a secreção em direção à glote; a média da diferença PFE − PFI encontrada foi de 49,1 ± 9,4 l/min. A média da razão PFE/PFI alcançada foi de 3,3 ± 0,7. A associação da CTM à PEEP-ZEEP aumentou a média da diferença PFE − PFI em 6,7 ± 3,4 l/min. Foi observada correlação moderada entre a força de preensão manual dos fisioterapeutas e o flow bias gerado durante a CTM. Não foram encontradas alterações hemodinâmicas ou respiratórias adversas ao longo do estudo. Conclusões: A manobra PEEP-ZEEP sem a CTM resultou em um flow bias expiratório superior ao considerado efetivo para auxiliar na remoção de secreção pulmonar. A associação com a CTM aumentou o flow bias expiratório, o que aumenta o potencial da manobra para remover secreções.

Exercise performance and differences in physiological response to pulmonary rehabilitation in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with hyperinflation / Desempenho ao exercício e diferenças na resposta fisiológica à reabilitação pulmonar em doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica grave com hiperinsuflação

Objective: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves exercise capacity in most but not all COPD patients. The factors associated with treatment success and the role of chest wall mechanics remain unclear. We investigated the impact of PR on exercise performance in COPD with severe hyperinflation. Methods: We evaluated 22 COPD patients (age, 66 ± 7 years; FEV1 = 37.1 ± 11.8% of predicted) who underwent eight weeks of aerobic exercise and strength training. Before and after PR, each patient also performed a six-minute walk test and an incremental cycle ergometer test. During the latter, we measured chest wall volumes (total and compartmental, by optoelectronic plethysmography) and determined maximal workloads. Results: We observed significant differences between the pre- and post-PR means for six-minute walk distance (305 ± 78 vs. 330 ± 96 m, p < 0.001) and maximal workload (33 ± 21 vs. 39 ± 20 W; p = 0.02). At equivalent workload settings, PR led to lower oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production (VCO2), and minute ventilation. The inspiratory (operating) rib cage volume decreased significantly after PR. There were 6 patients in whom PR did not increase the maximal workload. After PR, those patients showed no significant decrease in VCO2 during exercise, had higher end-expiratory chest wall volumes with a more rapid shallow breathing pattern, and continued to experience symptomatic leg fatigue. Conclusions: In severe COPD, PR appears to improve oxygen consumption and reduce VCO2, with a commensurate decrease in respiratory drive, changes reflected in the operating chest wall volumes. Patients with severe post-exercise hyperinflation and leg fatigue might be unable to improve their maximal performance despite completing a PR program.

Objetivo: A reabilitação pulmonar (RP) melhora a capacidade de exercício na maioria (mas não todos) dos pacientes com DPOC. Os fatores associados ao sucesso do tratamento e o papel da mecânica da parede torácica na determinação desse sucesso ainda não é claro. Investigamos o impacto da RP no desempenho ao exercício em pacientes com DPOC e hiperinsuflação grave. Métodos: Foram avaliados 22 pacientes com DPOC (idade, 66 ± 7 anos; VEF1 = 37,1 ± 11,8% do previsto) submetidos a oito semanas de exercícios aeróbicos e treino de força. Antes e depois da RP, cada paciente também realizou um teste de caminhada de seis minutos e um teste de exercício incremental em uma bicicleta ergométrica. Durante esse último, os volumes da parede torácica (total e compartimental por pletismografia optoeletrônica) e a carga de trabalho máxima foram determinados. Resultados: Diferenças significativas foram observadas entre as médias pré e pós-RP da distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (305 ± 78 vs. 330 ± 96 m; p < 0,001) e da carga máxima (33 ± 21 vs. 39 ± 20 W; p = 0,02). Sob parâmetros de carga de trabalho equivalente, a RP levou a valores menores de consumo de oxigênio, produção de dióxido de carbono (VCO2) e ventilação minuto. O volume inspiratório (operacional) da caixa torácica diminuiu significativamente após a RP. Em 6 pacientes, a RP não aumentou a carga máxima. Após a RP, esses pacientes não apresentaram uma diminuição significativa na VCO2 durante o exercício, tiveram maiores volumes expiratórios finais da parede torácica com padrão respiratório mais rápido e superficial e continuaram a apresentar fadiga sintomática nas pernas. Conclusões: Na DPOC grave, a RP parece melhorar o consumo de oxigênio e reduzir VCO2, com uma diminuição proporcional no drive respiratório, mudanças essas que são refletidas nos volumes operacionais da parede torácica. Pacientes com hiperinsuflação grave pós-exercício e fadiga nas pernas podem ser incapazes de melhorar seu desempenho máximo apesar de completarem um programa de RP.

Effects of chest wall compression on expiratory flow rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Manual chest wall compression (CWC) during expiration is a technique for removing airway secretions in patients with respiratory disorders. However, there have been no reports about the physiological effects of CWC in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective: To compare the effects of CWC on expiratory flow rates in patients with COPD and asymptomatic controls. Method: Fourteen subjects were recruited from among patients with COPD who were receiving pulmonary rehabilitation at the University Hospital (COPD group). Fourteen age-matched healthy subjects were also consecutively recruited from the local community (Healthy control group). Airflow and lung volume changes were measured continuously with the subjects lying in supine position during 1 minute of quiet breathing (QB) and during 1 minute of CWC by a physical therapist. Results: During CWC, both the COPD group and the healthy control group showed significantly higher peak expiratory flow rates (PEFRs) than during QB (mean difference for COPD group 0.14 L/sec, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.24, p<0.01, mean difference for healthy control group 0.39 L/sec, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.57, p<0.01). In the between-group comparisons, PEFR was significantly higher in the healthy control group than in the COPD group (-0.25 L/sec, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.07, p<0.01). However, the expiratory flow rates at the lung volume at the PEFR during QB and at 50% and 25% of tidal volume during QB increased in the healthy control group (mean difference for healthy control group 0.31 L/sec, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.47, p<0.01: 0.31 L/sec, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.47, p<0.01: 0.27 L/sec, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.41, p<0.01, respectively) but not in the COPD group (0.05 L/sec, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.12: -0.01 L/sec, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.08: 0.02 L/sec, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.90) with the application of CWC. Conclusion: The effects of chest wall compression on expiratory flow rates was different between COPD patients and asymptomatic controls.

Reconstrução da parede torácica após a ressecção de extensos tumores / Reconstruction of chest wall after resection of large tumors

INTRODUÇÃO: Nos estágios finais da reconstrução torácica, consequente a exéreses tumorais, são necessários procedimentos complexos e implantes. O que requer cuidados multidisciplinares, com a participação dos cirurgiões torácicos, plástico, radiologista e fisioterapeuta. O objetivo foi descrever as opções de reconstrução torácica após ressecção de neoplasia, realizado no Hospital Sarah Brasília. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de reconstrução torácica em tempo único, após excisão de tumor, fisioterapia respiratória com ventilação não invasiva e exercícios. RESULTADOS: Entre 2007 a 2012 foram operados 10 pacientes, sete homens e três mulheres; idade 10 a 31 anos; oito apresentavam tumores torácicos metastáticos (osteosarcoma, sinoviosarcoma, Fibrosarcoma epitelioide esclerosante e Rabdomiosarcoma) e dois originários da parede torácica (fibromatose e condrosarcoma). Observou-se boa evolução no pós-operatório imediato, com extubação ao final da cirurgia, retirada do dreno torácico entre 5° e 8° PO. As complicações foram: atelectasia (10%), recorrência tumoral (10%), e óbito em 3 (30%) casos . CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível a reconstrução torácica em tempo único utilizando tela de polipropileno, polimetilmetacrilato e retalhos musculares, com recuperação precoce da função pulmonar e baixo índice de complicações imediatas.

INTRODUCTION: Complex procedures and implants are required in the final stages of chest wall reconstruction after tumor excision. This process requires multidisciplinary care with participation from thoracic and plastic surgeons, a radiologist, and a physical therapist. The goal of this study was to describe the options for chest wall reconstruction after neoplasm resection at Hospital Sarah Brasilia. METHOD: A retrospective study of one-time chest wall reconstruction after tumor excision, respiratory physical therapy with noninvasive ventilation, and exercises was conducted. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2012, 10 patients underwent surgery (seven men, three women; age range: 10-31 years); eight patients had metastatic thoracic tumors (e.g., osteosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma) and two had tumors originating from the chest wall (fibromatosis and chondrosarcoma). The outcomes were good after the immediate postoperative period, with extubation occurring at the end of surgery and chest tube removal between the fifth and eighth postoperative day. Three cases (30%) involved complications of atelectasis (10%), tumor recurrence (10%), or death. CONCLUSION: One-time chest wall reconstruction using polypropylene mesh, polymethylmethacrylate, and muscle flaps was possible and was associated with early recovery of pulmonary function and a low rate of immediate complications.

Dynamics of chest wall volume regulation during constant work rate exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This study evaluated the dynamic behavior of total and compartmental chest wall volumes [(V CW) = rib cage (V RC) + abdomen (V AB)] as measured breath-by-breath by optoelectronic plethysmography during constant-load exercise in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thirty males (GOLD stages II-III) underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test to the limit of tolerance (Tlim) at 75% of peak work rate on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. Exercise-induced dynamic hyperinflation was considered to be present when end-expiratory (EE) V CW increased in relation to resting values. There was a noticeable heterogeneity in the patterns of V CW regulation as EEV CW increased non-linearly in 17/30 "hyperinflators" and decreased in 13/30 "non-hyperinflators" (P < 0.05). EEV AB decreased slightly in 8 of the "hyperinflators", thereby reducing and slowing the rate of increase in end-inspiratory (EI) V CW (P < 0.05). In contrast, decreases in EEV CW in the "non-hyperinflators" were due to the combination of stable EEV RC with marked reductions in EEV AB. These patients showed lower EIV CW and end-exercise dyspnea scores but longer Tlim than their counterparts (P < 0.05). Dyspnea increased and Tlim decreased non-linearly with a faster rate of increase in EIV CW regardless of the presence or absence of dynamic hyperinflation (P < 0.001). However, no significant between-group differences were observed in metabolic, pulmonary gas exchange and cardiovascular responses to exercise. Chest wall volumes are continuously regulated during exercise in order to postpone (or even avoid) their migration to higher operating volumes in patients with COPD, a dynamic process that is strongly dependent on the behavior of the abdominal compartment.

Precisión de la taquipnea y las retracciones subcostales como signos clínicos para diagnóstico de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en niños: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Identification of tachypnea and subcostal retractions as clinical signs for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia among children: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objetivos. Evaluar si la taquipnea y las retracciones subcostales son predictoras eficientes para el diagnóstico de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) en niños. Materiales y métodos. Se revisaron las bases de datos: PubMed, LILACS, The African Journal Database y The Cochrane Central Library. Se incluyeron estudios originales que evaluaron el rendimiento diagnóstico de los criterios clínicos de taquipnea o retracciones subcostales, definidos según los criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) para el diagnóstico de NAC en niños de hasta cinco años de edad con tos y fiebre. Se estimaron las razones de probabilidades (LR), el odds ratio diagnostico (DOR) y sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%) para cada prueba clínica evaluada. Resultados. Se encontraron 975 estudios, incluyendo ocho en la revisión. Se enrolaron 4740 pacientes y analizaron 3584 (75%), de los cuales 916 (19%) tuvieron el diagnóstico de NAC. Al combinar los datos, la taquipnea obtuvo una LR positiva de 3,16, (IC95% 2,11-4,73) y una LR negativa de 0,36 (IC95% 0,23-0,57). El DOR fue de 10,63 (IC95% 4,4-25,66, I2=93%). Al realizar el análisis para retracciones subcostales se obtuvo un LR positivo de 2,49 (IC95% 1,41-4,37) y un LR negativo de 0,59 (IC95% 0,4-0,87). El DOR fue de 5,32 (IC95% 1,88-15,05, I2=89%). Conclusiones. Se puede tomar en cuenta la presencia o ausencia de taquipnea y retracciones subcostales en el diagnóstico de NAC, cabe considerar la incertidumbre relativa en su poder diagnóstico y los LR relativamente modestos. La confianza en estos resultados es baja por la inadecuada calidad de la evidencia en este tema.

Objectives. Determine whether tachypnea and subcostal retractions can be efficient predictors for the diagnosis of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) among children. Materials and methods. These were the databases used: PubMed, LILACS, The African Journal Database and The Cochrane Central Library. Original studies were included which assessed the diagnostic performance of the clinical criteria for tachypnea or subcostal retraction defined in accordance with the criteria of the World Health Organization (OMS) for CAP diagnosis in children ≤ 5 with cough and fever. The likelihood ratio (LR), the diagnosis odds ratio (DOR), and their respective confidence intervals at 95% (IC95%) were estimated for each clinical test. Results. 975 studies were found, eight were included in the review. 4740 patients were enrolled and 3584 (75%) were analyzed, 916 (19%) of which had a CAP diagnosis. When data were combined, tachypnea had a positive LR of 3.16, (95% CI 2.11-4.73) and a negative LR of 0.36 (95% CI 0.23-0.57). The DOR was 10.63 (95% CI 4.4-25.66, I2=93%). When subcostal retractions were analyzed, a positive LR of 2.49 (95%CI 1.41-4.37) and a negative LR of 0.59 (95%CI 0.4-0.87) were obtained. The DOR was 5.32 (95%CI 1.88-15.05, I2=89%). Conclusions. The presence or absence of tachypnea and subcostal retractions can be used in CAP diagnosis; it is worth considering the relative uncertainty in its diagnostic power and relatively modest LR. The confidence of these results is low due to the inadequate quality of the related evidence.

Sarcoma fibromixóide de baixo grau da parede torácica: relato de caso / Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma of the chest wall: a case report

Este relato descreve um caso de sarcoma fibromixóide de baixo grau na parede torácica em uma paciente feminina de 23 anos de idade. A radiografia de tórax e a tomografia computadorizada demonstraram massa heterogênea na região inferior do hemitórax direito, com necrose e focos de calcificação. O exame histológico foi sugestivo de leiomioma, mas a imuno-histoquímica definiu o diagnóstico de sarcoma fibromixóide de baixo grau. A evolução clínica do caso foi boa, apesar dos aspectos de malignidade demonstrados na tomografia computadorizada.

We report the case of a 23-year-old female patient with a low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma involving the chest wall. The chest radiography and computed tomography scan showed a heterogeneous mass in the lower right hemithorax, with necrosis and calcification foci. Histological examination was suggestive of a leiomyoma but the immunohistochemical study proved to be a low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma. The clinical outcome of this patient was good, although the computed tomography scan showed signs of malignancy.