Composición Corporal y Capacidad Física en Pacientes con COVID-19 Hospitalizados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Body Composition and Physical Capacity in Patients with COVID-19 Hospitalized in a Intensive Care Unit

Las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y agudos han sido los contenedores del avance de la pandemia por COVID-19. Sin embargo, la estadía prolongada en esta unidad puede repercutir sobre la composición corporal (CC) y la capacidad derealizar ejercicio de los pacientes. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar si existe relación entre composición corporal (CC) y la prueba de caminata en 6 minutos (PC6m). Se reclutaron 17 personas (8 mujeres y 9 hombres). Se tomaron las siguientes medidas: PC6m, se consideró su distancia recorrida (DRPC6m) y su velocidad (VelPC6m). Las variables de CC medidas fueron índice de masa corporal (IMC), masa grasa (MG), masa libre de grasa (MLG) y masa magra (MM). La DRPC6m sólo mostró relación significativa con la MM corporal (MMC). Por otra parte, la VelPC6m tuvo una relación significativa con la MMC. Además de esto, la MLG del miembro inferior derecho y la MLG del miembro inferior izquierdo mostraron una relación con la VelPC6m (r=0,422; p=0,041 y r=0,417; p=0,025, respectivamente). También la MM del miembro inferior derecho y la MM del miembro inferior izquierdo se relacionaron significativamente con la VelPC6m (r=0,422; p=0,030 y r=0,420; p=0,042). En conclusión, existe relación entre composición corporal y VelPC6m. Esto permitiría aproximarse de manera rápida al nivel de funcionalidad con la que ingresa un paciente a un programa de rehabilitación.

SUMMARY: The intensive care units (ICU) and acute care units have been the containers for the advance of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, prolonged stay in this unit can impact patients' body composition (WC) and ability to exercise. This research aimed to determine if there is a relationship between body composition (BC) and the 6-minute walk test (6mWT). 17 people were recruited (8 women and 9 men). The following measurements were taken: 6mWT, its distance traveled (6mWTDT) and its speed (6mWTS) were considered. The WC variables measured were body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and lean mass (LM). 6mWTDT only showed a significant relationship with body LM (BLM). On the other hand, 6mWTS had a significant relationship with BLM. In addition to this, the FFM of the right lower limb and the FFM of the left lower limb showed a relationship with 6mWTS (r=0.422; p=0.041 and r=0.417; p=0.025, respectively). Also, the LM of the right lower limb and the LM of the left lower limb were significantly related to the 6mWTS (r=0.422; p=0.030 and r=0.420; p=0.042). In conclusion, there is a relationship between body composition and 6mWTS. This would allow us to quickly approach the level of functionality with which a patient enters a rehabilitation program.

Playful strategy to improve the quality of spirometry and analysis of reference values in a group of schoolchildren from Asunción / Estrategia lúdica para mejorar la calidad de las espirometría y análisis de los valores de referencia en un grupo de escolares de Asunción

Introducción. Los niños requieren especial dedicación para lograr espirometrías de calidad. Objetivo. Este trabajo evalúa la frecuencia de maniobras aceptables en escolares, la utilidad de gestos de incentivo para optimizar la obtención de pruebas de alta calidad y realiza un análisis de ajuste a varias ecuaciones de referencia. Materiales y Métodos. Se realizaron maniobras espiratorias forzadas en un grupo de escolares de Asunción- Paraguay, escogiendo variables recomendadas para la interpretación en un espirómetro portátil, para evaluar la frecuencia de pruebas de calidad. Aquellos que no consiguieron estudios aceptables, fueron sometidos a un entrenamiento con silbato en rollo (juguete) para evaluar el desempeño ulterior. Los resultados de alta calidad fueron pareados a valores esperados determinados por diversas ecuaciones buscando evaluar el grado de adecuación. Resultados. De 113 escolares, el 58,4% pudo conseguir maniobras de grado A o B. Después del estímulo con el silbato en rollo, la frecuencia de estudios aceptables ascendió a 79,6%. Los parámetros de referencia con mejor ajuste fueron aquellos determinados por la Global Lung Initiative (GLI). Conclusión. Los incentivos lúdicos son una alternativa para optimizar la obtención de pruebas de espirometría en escolares, que con el uso de parámetros de GLI adecuarían el manejo clínico de ciertas enfermedades respiratorias.

Introduction. Children require special dedication to achieve high quality spirometry. Objective. This work evaluates the frequency of acceptable maneuvers in schoolchildren, the usefulness of incentive gestures to optimize the obtaining of high-quality tests, and performs an analysis of adjustments to several reference equations. Material and Methods. Forced expiratory maneuvers were performed in a group of schoolchildren from Asunción, Paraguay, choosing variables recommended for interpretation in a portable spirometer, to evaluate the frequency of high quality tests. Those who did not achieve acceptable studies were subjected to training with a roll whistle (toy) to evaluate their subsequent performance. The high-quality results were matched to expected values determined by various equations to evaluate adequacy. Results. Of 113 schoolchildren, 58,4% were able to achieve grade A or B maneuvers. After the stimulus with the roll whistle, the frequency of acceptable studies rose to 79,6%. The reference parameters with the best fit were those determined by the Global Lung Initiative (GLI). Conclusion. Playful incentives are an alternative to obtaining acceptable spirometry tests in schoolchildren, which, with the use of GLI parameters, would adjust the clinical management of certain respiratory diseases.

Evolución clínico funcional de pacientes con fibrosis quística tratados con lumacaftor/ivacaftor en un centro pediátrico. Serie de casos / Clinical and functional course of patients with cystic fibrosis treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor at a children's hospital. A case series

Los moduladores de la proteína reguladora transmembrana de fibrosis quística (CFTR) tratan el defecto de esta proteína. El objetivo es describir la evolución de niños con fibrosis quística tratados con lumacaftor/ivacaftor. Se trata de una serie de 13 pacientes de 6 a 18 años con ≥ 6 meses de tratamiento. Se analizaron el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1), puntaje Z del índice de masa corporal (IMC), antibioticoterapia/año, antes del tratamiento y durante 24 meses posteriores. A los 12 meses (9/13) y 24 meses (5/13), la mediana de cambio del porcentaje del predicho VEF1 (ppVEF1) fue de 0,5 pp [-2-12] y 15 pp [8,7-15,2], y del puntaje Z de IMC de 0,32 puntos [-0,2-0,5] y 1,23 puntos [0,3-1,6]. El primer año (11/13) la mediana de días de uso de antibiótico disminuyó de 57 a 28 (oral) y de 27 a 0 (intravenoso). Dos niños evidenciaron eventos adversos asociados.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) modulators treat defective CFTR protein. Our objective is to describe the course of children with cystic fibrosis treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor. This is a case series of 13 patients aged 6 to 18 years with ≥ 6 months of treatment. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), body mass index (BMI) Z-score, antibiotic therapy/year, before treatment and for 24 months after treatment were analyzed. At 12 months (9/13) and 24 months (5/13), the median change in the percent predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1) was 0.5 pp (-2­12) and 15 pp (8.7­15.2) and the BMI Z-score was 0.32 points (-0.2­0.5) and 1.23 points (0.3­1.6). In the first year, in 11/13 patients, the median number of days of antibiotic use decreased from 57 to 28 (oral) and from 27 to 0 (intravenous). Two children had associated adverse events.

Relación entre dimensiones antropométricas de tronco y valores de espirometría / Association between anthropometric dimensions of trunk and spirometry indices

Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron primero evaluar la asociación de dimensiones antropométricas de tórax y tronco con índices espirométricos, segundo, ajustar una ecuación de predicción con dimensiones antropométricas de tronco y tercero, comparar nuestro modelo predictivo con dos ecuaciones diagnósticas. Se evaluaron 59 estudiantes universitarios entre 20 y 40 años, de ambos sexos, sin hábito tabáquico. Las variables consideradas fueron: edad, sexo, peso, estatura, diámetro transverso de tórax, diámetro anteroposterior de tórax, perímetro de tórax, altura de tórax, altura de tronco, flujo espiratorio máximo (FEM), volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1) y capacidad vital forzada (CVF). Se utilizó el análisis de regresión múltiple para estimar los valores espirométricos en función de las variables demográficas y antropométricas. La CVF y el VEF1 tienen asociación lineal directa con el diámetro transverso de tórax, altura de tórax, perímetro de tórax y altura de tronco. Se ajustó una ecuación de regresión lineal múltiple que indicó que es posible estimar la CVF y el VEF11 en función de la altura de tronco y el perímetro de tórax para ambos sexos. Estas variables son capaces de explicar el 74 % de los valores de CVF y el 68 % de los valores de VEF1. Al comparar los valores obtenidos por nuestras ecuaciones predictivas con las ecuaciones de referencia nacional observamos que nuestros resultados son más cercanos a los de Quanjer et al. (2012) que a los de Knudson et al. (1983). La altura de tronco y el perímetro de tórax tienen asociación directa con el VEF1 y CVF y son buenos predictores del VEF1 y CVF en estudiantes universitarios. Nuestros valores estimados son más cercanos a las ecuaciones de Quanjer et al. (2012) en comparación a las estimaciones de Knudson (1983).

SUMMARY: The purposes of the present study were first to evaluate the association between anthropometric dimensions of the thorax and trunk with spirometric indices, second, to fit a prediction equation with anthropometric dimensions of the trunk, and third, to compare our predictive model with two diagnostic equations. Fifty-nine university students between 20 and 40 years old, of both sexes and non-smokers were recruited. Variables considered were age, sex, weight, height, chest transverse diameter, chest anteroposterior diameter, chest perimeter, chest height, trunk height, maximum expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate spirometric values based on demographic and anthropometric variables. FVC and FEV1 have a direct linear association with chest transverse diameter, chest height, chest circumference, and trunk height. A multiple linear regression equation was fitted, indicating that it is possible to estimate FVC and FEV1 as a function of trunk height and chest girth for both sexes. These variables can explain 74% of the FVC values and 68% of the FEV1 values. Comparing the values obtained by our predictive equations with the national reference equations, we observe that our results are closer to those of Quanjer et al. (2012) than to those of Knudson et al. (1983). Trunk height and chest circumference have a direct association with FEV1 and FVC and are good predictors of FEV1 and FVC in university students. Our estimated values are closer to Quanjer et al. (2012) than Knudson et al. (1983) prediction equations.

Effect of respiratory filter on pulmonary function in occupational health examination / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To explore the influence and significance of respiratory filter on the judgment of pulmonary function and the conclusion of occupational health examination in occupational health examination. Methods: From August to November 2020, 252 occupational health examinees were randomly selected as the research objects, and the lung function was examined with the respiratory filter bite and the straight cylinder bite without filter, respectively. The lung function examination indexes and the qualification rate of lung function examination were analyzed and compared between the two groups, and the diagnostic criteria of lung function examination was corrected. Results: 252 subjects were 36 (30, 42) years old. The qualified rate of lung function examination with respiratory filter bite (28.17%, 71/252) was lower than that with straight cylinder bite (34.92%, 88/252) , the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . The percentage of forced vital capacity in normal predicted value (FVC%) , percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second in normal predicted value (FEV(1)%) , and percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second in forced vital capacity (FEV(1)/FVC%) of subjects using respiratory filter bite were lower than those using the straight cylinder bite (P<0.05) . The corrected diagnostic criteria of pulmonary function were FVC%>78%, FEV(1)%>77%, FEV(1)/FVC%>68%. There was no significant difference between the qualified rate of the respiratory filter bite lung function test calculated according to the corrected diagnostic criteria (35.71%, 90/252) and the qualified rate of the straight cylinder bite lung function test calculated according to the original diagnostic criteria (34.92%, 88/252) (P>0.05) . Conclusion: In occupational health examination, the use of respiratory filter may affect the results of pulmonary function examination. The diagnostic criteria of pulmonary function can be corrected according to different filtering effects to ensure the accuracy of the conclusions of occupational health examination.

Investigation of the chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function of adult residents in Hongtong County, Shanxi Province / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function of adult residents in 3 towns of Hongtong County, Shanxi Province, and to explore their risk factors. Methods: The investigation of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function status of adult residents in Hongdong County is based on the regional population of the entire county in Hongdong County. The project was initiated by the Science and Technology Department of Linfen City and coordinated by the Hongdong County Government. The investigation will be conducted in 3 townships in Hongdong County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province from April to November 2021: Demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms, smoking dust exposure and other personal history were collected through questionnaires. Physical examination, routine blood tests and lung function tests were also performed on each individual. SPSS 22.0 software was used to conduct t test, χ2 test, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test for statistical analysis of the collected information. Results: 10 945 subjects aged 18-102 years were included in the analysis, of whom 3 754 (34.3%) were male, 1 222 (11.2%) had a history of dust exposure, 7 164 (65.5%) had used straw and firewood as cooking fuel, and 3 296 (30.1%) had a history of smoking. Among the participants, 394 (3.6%), 339 (3.1%), and 1 543 (14.1%) had respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, sputum, and dyspnea. Statistics showed that the population with chronic respiratory symptoms was more elderly and had a smoking history, and the incidence of chronic respiratory symptoms was higher in those who smoked more than 40 packs a year (all P<0.05). Men with a history of dust exposure were more likely to suffer from chronic cough and expectoration, while emaciation and biofuel use for more than 40 years were more likely to suffer from chronic expectoration and dyspnea (all P<0.05). The median values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC in 1 second were 2.19 L/s, 3.24 L and 69.16%, respectively. Among them, the lung function of 5 801 (53.0%) respondents was lower than the expected value. The median FEV1/FVC decreased with the increase of age. The FEV1/FVC of people over 40 years old with smoking history was lower, the dust exposure history of people with decreased lung function was more than that of people with normal lung function, and the incidence of chronic expectoration and dyspnea was higher in people with decreased lung function (all P<0.05). The absolute value and ratio of eosinophils in patients with decreased ventilation function over 60 years old were significantly higher than those with normal ventilation function, but the level of body mass index (BMI) was lower (all P<0.05). Conclusion: In Hongdong County, Shanxi Province, grassroots residents have poor medical awareness, low lung function examination rate, chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function decline are associated with more risk factors. Primary medical institutions need to formulate prevention strategies and carry out lung function detection according to the actual situation, focusing on monitoring and follow-up of high-risk groups to achieve early and timely prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Investigation of the chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function of adult residents in Hongtong County, Shanxi Province / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function of adult residents in 3 towns of Hongtong County, Shanxi Province, and to explore their risk factors. Methods: The investigation of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function status of adult residents in Hongdong County is based on the regional population of the entire county in Hongdong County. The project was initiated by the Science and Technology Department of Linfen City and coordinated by the Hongdong County Government. The investigation will be conducted in 3 townships in Hongdong County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province from April to November 2021: Demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms, smoking dust exposure and other personal history were collected through questionnaires. Physical examination, routine blood tests and lung function tests were also performed on each individual. SPSS 22.0 software was used to conduct t test, χ2 test, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test for statistical analysis of the collected information. Results: 10 945 subjects aged 18-102 years were included in the analysis, of whom 3 754 (34.3%) were male, 1 222 (11.2%) had a history of dust exposure, 7 164 (65.5%) had used straw and firewood as cooking fuel, and 3 296 (30.1%) had a history of smoking. Among the participants, 394 (3.6%), 339 (3.1%), and 1 543 (14.1%) had respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, sputum, and dyspnea. Statistics showed that the population with chronic respiratory symptoms was more elderly and had a smoking history, and the incidence of chronic respiratory symptoms was higher in those who smoked more than 40 packs a year (all P<0.05). Men with a history of dust exposure were more likely to suffer from chronic cough and expectoration, while emaciation and biofuel use for more than 40 years were more likely to suffer from chronic expectoration and dyspnea (all P<0.05). The median values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC in 1 second were 2.19 L/s, 3.24 L and 69.16%, respectively. Among them, the lung function of 5 801 (53.0%) respondents was lower than the expected value. The median FEV1/FVC decreased with the increase of age. The FEV1/FVC of people over 40 years old with smoking history was lower, the dust exposure history of people with decreased lung function was more than that of people with normal lung function, and the incidence of chronic expectoration and dyspnea was higher in people with decreased lung function (all P<0.05). The absolute value and ratio of eosinophils in patients with decreased ventilation function over 60 years old were significantly higher than those with normal ventilation function, but the level of body mass index (BMI) was lower (all P<0.05). Conclusion: In Hongdong County, Shanxi Province, grassroots residents have poor medical awareness, low lung function examination rate, chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function decline are associated with more risk factors. Primary medical institutions need to formulate prevention strategies and carry out lung function detection according to the actual situation, focusing on monitoring and follow-up of high-risk groups to achieve early and timely prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Trayectorias de función pulmonar en asma persistente: del preescolar al escolar / Lung function trajectories in persistent asthma: from preschool to schoolchildren

Introducción: Se han informado patrones de deterioro temprano de la función pulmonar en el asma pediátrica. Nuestro objetivo fue identificar las trayectorias de la función pulmonar en la espirometría, desde la edad preescolar hasta la edad escolar. Materiales: Estudio prospectivo realizado entre el 2016 y el 2021. Se reclutaron pacientes con asma persistente a quienes se les realizó oscilometría de impulso (IOS)-espirometría al inicio y después de 3 años. La espirometría anormal se definió de acuerdo con las guías ATS/ERS. Métodos: se utilizó χ2 y ANOVA para comparar las características clínicas y promedios de parámetros de la espirometría e IOS entre trayectorias. Resultados: 86 pacientes, promedio de edad 5,3 y 8,3 años en su primera y segunda evaluación. El 70,9% de los pacientes mantuvo la espirometría normal en ambas evaluaciones (trayectoria 1), el 9,3% presentó espirometría preescolar anormal que normalizó en la edad escolar (trayectoria 2) y el 19,8% espirometría en anormal en ambas evaluaciones (trayectoria 3). La trayectoria 3 registró menor peso promedio al nacer (2,4 kg vs 3,02 kg p = 0,04), mayor promedio de exacerbaciones (5,3 vs 2,01 p = 0,00002), mayor promedio de hospitalizaciones (0,61 vs 0,16 p = 0,04), parámetros promedio más bajos en espirometría (relación VEF1/CVF %, relación VEF0,75/CVF %, VEF0,75 L, VEF0,5 L), promedios más bajos en X5 kPa/Ls y más altos en AX kPa/Ls, que la trayectoria 1. Conclusiones: La trayectoria 1 fue la más frecuente, con persistencia de función pulmonar normal. La trayectoria 3, la segunda más frecuente, inició seguimiento con función pulmonar disminuida en la espirometría y disfunción de vía aérea pequeña en el IOS que se mantuvo en la edad escolar. Los niños que siguieron la trayectoria 3 tuvieron menor peso al nacer, más exacerbaciones y hospitalizaciones que los niños de la trayectoria 1.

Introduction: Patterns of early decline in lung function have been reported in pediatric asthma. Our objective was to identify pulmonary function trajectories in spirometry, from preschool age to school age. Materials: Prospective study conducted between 2016 and 2021. Patients with persistent asthma who underwent impulse oscillometry (IOS)-spirometry at baseline and after 3 years were recruited. Abnormal spirometry was defined according to ATS/ERS guidelines. Methods: χ2 and ANOVA was used to compare clinics characteristics and means of IOS-spirometry parameters between trajectories. Results: 86 patients, mean age of 5,3 and 8,3 years in their first and second evaluation. 70.9% of the patients maintained normal spirometry in both evaluations (Track 1), 9.3% presented abnormal preschool spirometry that normalized at school age (Track 2) and 19.8% abnormal spirometry in both evaluations (Track 3). Trajectory 3 had a lower average birth weight (2,4 kg vs 3,02 kg p = 0,04), higher average of exacerbations (5,3 vs 2,01 p = 0,00002), higher average of hospitalizations (0,61 vs 0,16 p = 0,04), lowest averages parameters in spirometry (FEV1/FVC % ratio, FEV0,75/FVC % ratio, FEV0,75 L, FEV0,5 L), lower average in X5 kPa/Ls and higher in AX kPa/Ls, than trajectory 1. Conclusions: Trajectory 1 was the most common, with persistent normal lung function. Trajectory 3, the second most frequent, started follow-up with decreased lung function in spirometry and small airway disfunction in the IOS that were maintained at school age. Children who followed trajectory 3 had lower birth weight, more exacerbations, and hospitalizations than children in trajectory 1.

Consultas a urgencia y valores espirométricos tras el reemplazo de salmeterol/fluticasona por budesonida/formoterol en pacientes con asma moderada a grave / Emergency consultations and spirometric values after replacement of salmeterol/fluticasone with budesonide/formoterol in patients with moderate to severe asthma

El asma se caracteriza por su impacto deletéreo que incluye gran coste económico para el sistema de salud. En pacientes con asma mal controlada a pesar del tratamiento, se propone un régimen de mantenimiento con corticoides inhalados y formoterol. El objetivo del presente estudio observacional retrospectivo fue evaluar las modificaciones espirométricas tras el cambio del medicamento controlador en pacientes con asma moderada a severa asistidos en el Hospital Clínico de Magallanes de Punta Arenas, así como también cuantificar la modificación en el número de exacerbaciones graves (consulta a un servicio de urgencia y/u hospitalización por asma). Participaron 61 adultos con asma moderada a severa (mediana de edad: 60 años [rango: 21-87], mujeres: 69,4%; comorbilidad atópica/alérgica: 79%; otras comorbilidades: 46,8%) en los que se cambió el tratamiento con fluticasona/salmeterol 250/25 μg por budesónida/formoterol 160/4,5 μg. No se observaron cambios significativos en los índices espirométricos tras el cambio. Con el tratamiento inicial, el 46,9% presentó ≥ 1 visita a urgencias (total: 50 consultas). Tras el cambio por budesonida/formoterol, el 21% requirió al menos una visita a urgencias (total: 14 consultas; p < 0,01). La proporción de pacientes con ≥ 2 consultas a urgencias fue de 19,7% con el tratamiento basal y de 1,6% tras el cambio a budesonida/formoterol (p < 0,01). No se observaron diferencias significativas en la cantidad de hospitalizaciones. En este estudio del mundo real de pacientes con asma moderada a grave, el cambio del tratamiento a budesonida/formoterol se asoció con reducción significativa de las consultas a urgencias, a pesar de no detectarse cambios de significación estadística en los índices espirométricos habituales.

Asthma is characterized by its deleterious impact, including a high cost to the healthcare system. In patients with poorly controlled asthma despite treatment, a maintenance regimen of inhaled corticosteroids and formoterol is proposed. The aim of this retrospective, observational study was to evaluate the spirometric changes after switching the controller medication in patients with moderate to severe asthma attended in our institution ("Hospital Clínico de Magallanes"), as well as the variation in the number of severe exacerbations (consultation to an emergency department and/or hospitalization for asthma). Sixty-one adults with moderate to severe asthma (median age: 60 years-old [range: 21-87], women: 69.4%; atopic/allergic comorbidity: 79%; other comorbidities: 46.8%) in whom treatment with fluticasone/salmeterol 250/25 μg was switched to budesonide/formoterol 160/4.5 μg participated in our study. No significant changes in spirometric parameters were observed after the replacement treatment. With the initial treatment, 46.9% patients presented ≥ 1 visit to the emergency department (total: 50 visits). After the switch to budesonide/formoterol, 21% required at least one emergency department visit (total: 14 consultations; p < 0.01). The proportion of patients with ≥ 2 emergency department visits was 19.7% with baseline treatment and 1.6% after switching to budesonide/formoterol (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in the number of hospitalizations. In this real-world study of moderate to severe asthma patients, switching to budesonide/formoterol was associated with a significant reduction in emergency department visits, despite no statistically significant changes in the usual spirometric parameters.

Función pulmonar: ¿Debemos cambiar la forma de calcular la respuesta broncodilatadora en la espirometría en niños? / Should we change the way we calculate the bronchodilator response in children's spirometry?

Tradicionalmente se ha definido la respuesta broncodilatadora (RB) positiva como una mejoría ≥ de 12 % del VEF1. En el año 2022 se publica una Guía sobre la interpretación de función la pulmonar de la Sociedad Americana de Tórax y la Sociedad Europea de Enfermedades Respiratorias, donde se propone que la RB debe expresarse como el cambio porcentual del VEF1 en relación con el VEF1 predicho y que un cambio ≥ 10 % indica una RB positiva. Las sociedades científicas en Chile están evaluando estas recomendaciones para decidir su adecuada implementación en pediatría.

Traditionally, a positive bronchodilator (BR) response has been defined as a ≥ 12% improvement in FEV1. In the year 2022, a Guide on the interpretation of pulmonary function of the American Thoracic Society and the European Society of Respiratory Diseases was published, where it was proposed that BR should be expressed as the percent change in FEV1 relative to predicted FEV1 and that a change ≥ 10% indicates a positive BR. Scientific societies in Chile are evaluating these recommendations to decide their proper implementation in pediatrics.

A randomized clinical trial on inhaled ciclesonide for managing acute asthma in the emergency room

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Use of inhaled corticosteroids for managing acute asthma exacerbations has been tested since the 1990s. OBJECTIVE: To compare high doses of inhaled ciclesonide with systemic hydrocortisone for managing acute asthma exacerbations in the emergency department. DESIGN AND SETTING: Double-blind, randomized clinical trial in the public healthcare system of the city of São Paulo. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with moderate or severe asthma with peak flow < 50% of predicted were randomized into two groups. Over the course of four hours, one group received 1440 mcg of inhaled ciclesonide plus hydrocortisone-identical placebo (ciclesonide + placebo), while the other received 500 mg of intravenous hydrocortisone plus ciclesonide-identical placebo (hydrocortisone + placebo). Both groups received short-acting bronchodilators (fenoterol hydrobromide and ipratropium bromide). The research protocol included spirometry, clinical evaluation, vital signs and electrocardiogram monitoring. Data were obtained at 30 (baseline), 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes. We compared data from baseline to hour 4, between and within groups. RESULTS: Overall, 31 patients received ciclesonide + placebo and 27 received hydrocortisone + placebo. Inhaled ciclesonide was as effective as intravenous hydrocortisone for improving clinical parameters (Borg-scored dyspnea, P = 0.95; sternocleidomastoid muscle use, P = 0.55; wheezing, P = 0.55; respiratory effort, P = 0.95); and spirometric parameters (forced vital capacity, P = 0.50; forced expiratory volume in the first second, P = 0.83; peak expiratory flow, P = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled ciclesonide was not inferior to systemic hydrocortisone for managing acute asthma exacerbations, and it improved both clinical and spirometric parameters. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-6XWC26 - Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-6xwc26/).

Study on the Benefit of Postoperative Exercise Rehabilitation in Patients with Lung Cancer Complicated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) affects 45%-63% of lung cancer patients worldwide. Lung cancer patients complicated with COPD have decreased cardiopulmonary function and increased perioperative risk, and their postoperative exercise endurance and lung function are significantly lower than those with conventional lung cancer. Previous studies have shown that postoperative exercise training can improve the exercise endurance of unselected lung cancer patients, but it is unclear whether lung cancer patients with COPD can also benefit from postoperative exercise training. This study intends to explore the effects of postoperative exercise training on exercise endurance, daily activity and lung function of lung cancer patients with COPD.@*METHODS@#Seventy-four patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) complicated with COPD who underwent pneumonectomy in the lung cancer center of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from August 5, 2020 to August 25, 2021 were prospectively analyzed. They were randomly divided into exercise group and control group; The patients in the two groups received routine postoperative rehabilitation in the first week after operation, and the control group was given routine nursing from the second week. On this basis, the exercise group received postoperative exercise rehabilitation training for two weeks. Baseline evaluation was performed 3 days before operation and endpoint evaluation was performed 3 weeks after operation.@*RESULTS@#The exercise endurance, daily activity and pulmonary function test results of the two groups decreased from baseline to the end point. However, after the operation and intervention program, the maximum oxygen consumption of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test and the walking distance of 6-Minute Walking Test in the exercise group were significantly better than those in the control group [(13.09±1.46) mL/kg/min vs (11.89±1.38) mL/kg/min, P=0.033; (297±46) m vs (243±43) m, P=0.041]. The average number of we-chat steps in the exercise group was also significantly better than that in the control group (4,381±397 vs 3,478±342, P=0.035). Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in the exercise group were better than those in the control group, but the difference did not reach a statistically significant level [(1.76±0.19) L vs (1.60±0.28) L, P=0.084; (1.01±0.17) L vs (0.96±0.21) L, P=0.467].@*CONCLUSIONS@#Postoperative exercise rehabilitation training can improve exercise endurance and daily activity ability of patients with lung cancer complicated with COPD and promote postoperative rehabilitation.

Correlation Analysis of the Lung Volume Reduction and the Lung Function Loss after the Thoracoscopic Lobectomy / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#To investigate the correlation between the reduction of lung volume and the degree of lung function damage after lobectomy.@*METHODS@#A total of 131 patients (72 males and 59 females) who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University from January 2019 to July 2020 (including thoracoscopic resection of left upper lobe, left lower lobe, right upper lobe, right middle lobe and right lower lobe). In order to compare the difference between postoperative pulmonary function and preoperative pulmonary function, the pulmonary function measurements were recorded at 7 days before operation, and 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after operation. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was used as the main evaluation parameter of pulmonary function. The original lung volume and the remaining lung volume at each stage were calculated by Mimics Research 19.0 software. The correlation between lung volume and lung function was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#FEV1 in postoperative patients was lower than that before operation, and the degree of decline was positively correlated with the resection volume of lung lobes (the maximum value was shown in the left lower lobe group). Significantly, there was no significant difference in the degree of pulmonary function reduction between 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after operation.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The decrease of lung tissue volume after lobectomy is the main reason for the decrease of lung function, especially in the left lower lobe. And 3 months after lobectomy can be selected as the evaluation node of residual lung function.

Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of Suhuang Zhike Capsules in treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Suhuang Zhike Capsules in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Chinese and English databases were searched(from the establishment to July 2021) for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) on the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with Suhuang Zhike Capsules, yielding 130 articles and finally 12 eligible RCTs. The 12 RCTs enrolled a total of 1 159 patients(579 in experimental group, 580 in control group), with 728 males(62.8%) and 431 females(37.2%). Meta-analysis showed that the conventional western medicine combined with Suhuang Zhike Capsules increased clinical efficacy(OR=4.31, 95%CI[2.88, 6.46], Z=7.08, P<0.000 01), forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1)(SMD=0.88, 95%CI[0.60, 1.16], Z=6.24, P<0.000 01), forced vital capacity(FVC)(SMD=0.96, 95%CI[0.38, 1.55], Z=3.22, P=0.001), forced vital capacity rate of one second(FEV1/FVC%)(SMD=0.85, 95%CI[0.51, 1.19], Z=4.92, P<0.000 01), and maximum voluntary ventilation(MVV)(SMD=0.61, 95%CI[0.39, 0.83], Z=5.40, P<0.000 01) compared with the conventional western medicine alone. The differences in residual volume/total lung capacity(RV/TLC)(SMD=-0.93, 95%CI[-3.38, 1.53], Z=0.74, P=0.46) and adverse reactions(OR=1.39, 95%CI[0.76, 2.56], Z=1.07, P=0.28) are insignificant. The study showed that the conventional western medicine combined with Suhuang Zhike Capsules could improve clinical efficacy and lung functions in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, the combination had been verified to be safe. However, in view of the uneven method quality, small sample size, and inconsistent outcome indicators of the included studies, higher-quality, multi-center, and large-sample RCTs are needed for further verification.

Caracterización de parámetros del intercambio gaseoso en la Ciudad de México / Characterization of gas exchange parameters in Mexico City

Introducción: en las grandes altitudes, el intercambio gaseoso suele estar deteriorado; en la altitud moderada de la Ciudad de México esto no está aún plenamente definido. Objetivo: caracterizar el intercambio gaseoso en la altitud moderada de la Ciudad de México. Material y métodos: mediante un estudio transversal analítico se estudiaron sujetos nacidos y habitantes de la Ciudad de México, de ambos géneros, con edades de 20 a 59 años sin enfermedad cardiopulmonar. Se registraron sus variables demográficas, espirometría simple y de gasometría arterial. Las diferencias en las variables se calcularon con ANOVA de una vía para grupos independientes y ajuste de Bonferroni. Una p < 0.05 se aceptó como significativa. Resultados: se estudiaron 335 sujetos, de los cuales 168 (50.15%) fueron hombres, la edad grupal fue de 45 ± 11 años, con índice de masa corporal 22.97 ± 1.54 Kg/m2. La relación volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo/Capacidad vital forzada (VEF1/CVF) de 91.58 ± 12.86%. La presión arterial de oxígeno fue de 66 ± 5.02 mmHg, el bióxido de carbono: 32.07 ± 2.66 mmHg, la saturación arterial de oxígeno: 93.03 ± 1.80% y la hemoglobina: 14.07 ± 1.52 gr/dL. Conclusiones: la presión arterial de oxígeno y del bióxido de carbono están disminuidos a la altura de la Ciudad de México.

Background: At high altitude the gas exchange is impaired, in the moderate altitude of Mexico City they are not yet defined. Objective: To characterize the gas exchange in the moderate altitude of Mexico City. Material and methods: Through an analytical cross-sectional study, subjects born and inhabitants of Mexico City, both genders, aged 20 to 59 years without cardiopulmonary disease, were studied. Their demographic variables, simple spirometry and arterial blood gas were recorded. Differences in variables were calculated with one-way ANOVA for independent groups and Bonferroni adjustment. p < 0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: 335 subjects were studied, 168 (50.15%) men. Group age 45 ± 11 years old, body mass index 22.97 ± 1.54 Kg/m2. Forced expiratory volume ratio in the first second / Forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) 91.58 ± 12.86%. The arterial oxygen pressure was: 66 ± 5.02 mmHg, carbon dioxide: 32.07 ± 2.66 mmHg, arterial oxygen saturation: 93.0 3 ± 1.80%, and hemoglobin: 14.07 ± 1.52 gr/dL. Conclusions: The arterial oxygen pressure and carbon dioxide are lowered at the Mexico City altitude.

Alteraciones de la función pulmonar medida por espirometría y oscilometría de impulso en niños asmáticos con sobrepeso y obesidad / Alterations in lung function as measured by spirometry and impulse oscillometry in asthmatic children with overweight and obesity

INTRODUCCIÓN: El incremento del índice de masa corporal afecta la función pulmonar en el asma. Objetivo: determinar si existen diferencias entre asmáticos con estado nutricional normal, sobrepeso y obesidad en cuanto a alteraciones de la oscilometría de impulso (IOS) y espirometría. MÉTODO: Estudio realizado en niños y adolescentes con asma persistente. Se practicó sucesivamente IOS y Espirometría pre y post- broncodilatador según criterios ATS/ERS/SER. Los pacientes se clasificaron en: eutróficos (AE), con sobrepeso (ASP) y obesos (AO). Se compararon promedios de valores basales y con respuesta broncodilatadora (RB) en espirometría e IOS, con análisis de varianzas ANOVA y test de Tukey post hoc. Se consideró un poder de 80% y error α de 5%. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 559 pacientes, promedio de edad 9,2 años, 50,9% varones. AE 52,4%, ASP 31,3% y AO 16,3%. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre AO vs AE (X5, AX, D5-20, VEF1/CVF, FEF25-75/CVF, RB VEF1), y entre ASP vs AE (AX, D5-20, VEF1/CVF). También se encontraron diferencias significativas en varones, no encontradas en las mujeres (X5, D5-20, VEF1/CVF, RB CVF, RB VEF1). CONCLUSIONES: Los niños asmáticos con sobrepeso y obesidad, tienen un mayor compromiso de los índices de función pulmonar medida por espirometría e IOS que los asmáticos con estado nutricional normal. Existen diferencias de género en las alteraciones espirometría e IOS.

INTRODUCTION: Increased body mass index asthma affects lung function in asthma. Objective: to determine if asthmatics with overweight or obesity have alterations in Impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry compared to eutrophic METHOD: Study carried out in children and adolescents with persistent asthma. IOS-Spirometry pre and post bronchodilator were performed successively according to ATS/ERS/SER criteria. The patients were classified as: eutrophic (AE), overweight (ASP) and obese (OA). Baseline and bronchodilator response (BR) averages were compared in spirometry and IOS with ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc analysis of variance. A power of 80% and α error of 5% were considered. RESULTS: 559 patients were analyzed, mean age 9.2 years, 50.9% male. AE 52.4%, ASP 31.3% and OA 16.3%. Significant differences were found between OA vs AE (X5, AX, D5-20, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75 / FVC, RB FEV1), and between ASP vs AE (AX, D5-20, FEV1/FVC). Significant differences were also found in men, not women (X5, D5-20, FEV1/FVC, BR FVC, BR FEV1). CONCLUSIONS: Asthmatic children with overweight and obesity have a greater compromise of pulmonary function parameters measured by spirometry and IOS than asthmatics with normal nutritional status. There are gender differences in spirometry and IOS alterations.

Evaluation of the pulmonary function of patients with severe coronavirus 2019 disease three months after diagnosis / Evaluación de la función pulmonar de pacientes con enfermedad grave por coronavirus 2019 tres meses después del diagnóstico

Abstract There are few data regarding the repercussion in the pulmonary function of patients who had severe or critical COVID-19 pneumonia. The objective was to describe these patients´ pulmonary function and establish an association with the severity of the disease (patients with severe or critical pneumonia), the presence of comorbidities, the tomographic involvement and the persistence of dyspnoea. Fifty-five patients were included, 40 (73%) male, media of age 54.9 (11.6) years old and body mass index (BMI) 33.1 (6.09) kg/m2. Fifty (90%) had 1 comorbidity, obesity 67%, arterial hypertension 36%, and diabetes mellitus 35%. Twenty-five (45%) had critical pneumonia. Fifteen (27%) had a spirometric alteration that suggested restriction and 32 (58%) had gas exchange defect. The latter had forced volume capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) values significantly lower. Ninety percent presented some degree of involvement in the chest CT scan, ground glass-opacities the most frequent finding. A moderate negative correlation was found between the severity of the tomographic involvement and the DLCO levels. Thirty patients (55%) referred some degree of dyspnoea. Patients with this symptom had DLCO and KCO values below those who did not have dyspnoea: 70.5 vs. 85.1 p = 0.02 and 88 vs. 104 p = 0.02. The presence of abnormal gas exchange is the main characteristic of patients with pulmonary sequelae due to COVID-19. Our study does not show either predictor of evolution towards pulmonary sequelae or an association with the severity of the disease.

Resumen Se conocen pocos datos acerca de la repercusión en la función pulmonar de pacientes que cursaron una neumonía grave o crítica por COVID-19. El objetivo fue describir la función pulmonar de estos pacientes y establecer si existe asociación con la gravedad (neumonía grave o crítica), comorbilidades, compromiso tomográfico y persistencia de disnea. Se incluyeron 55 pacientes, 40 (73%) varones, media de edad 54.9 (11.6) años e índice de masa corporal (IMC) 33.1 (6.09) kg/m2. Cincuenta (90%) tenían una comorbilidad, obesidad 67%, hipertensión arterial 36% y diabetes mellitus 35%. Veinticinco (45%) presentaron neumonía crítica. Se hallaron 15 (27%) con una alteración que sugiere restricción y 32 (58%) presentaron trastorno del intercambio gaseoso. Aquellos con trastorno del intercambio gaseoso, tenían valores de capacidad vital forzada (FVC), volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (FEV1) y difusión de monóxido de carbono (DLCO) significativamente menores. El 90% tenía algún grado de compromiso en TAC de tórax siendo vidrio esmerilado el hallazgo más frecuente. Se encontró moderada correlación negativa entre gravedad del compromiso tomográfico y nivel de DLCO. A la consulta, 30 (55%) referían algún grado de disnea. Los pacientes con disnea presentaban valores de DLCO y KCO inferiores respecto a los que no referían disnea 70.5 vs. 85.1 p = 0.02 y 88 vs. 104 p = 0.02. La presencia de intercambio anormal de gases es la característica principal de los pacientes con secuelas pulmonares por COVID-19. De nuestro trabajo no surgen predictores para evolución hacia secuela pulmonar ni pudimos asociarlo a la gravedad de la enfermedad.

High-resolution CT pulmonary findings in children with severe asthma

Abstract Objective: To compare quantitative CT parameters between children with severe asthma and healthy subjects, correlating to their clinical features. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed CT data from 19 school-aged children (5-17 years) with severe asthma and 19 control school-aged children with pectus excavatum. The following CT parameters were evaluated: total lung volume (TLV), mean lung density (MLD), CT air trapping index (AT%) (attenuation ≤856 HU), airway wall thickness (AWT), and percentage of airway wall thickness (AWT%). Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) data were correlated to the following clinical parameters: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow at 25-75% (FEF 25-75%), FEV1/FVC ratio, sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage analysis, serum IgE levels, and previous hospitalizations due to asthma. Results: Asthma patients presented higher mean values of AT% (23.8 ± 6.7% vs. controls, 9.7 ± 3.2%), AWT (1.46 ± 0.22 mm vs. controls, 0.47 ± −735 ± 28 HU vs. controls, −666 ± 19 HU). Mean AT% was 29.0 ± 4.7% in subjects with previous hospitalization against 19.2 ± 5.0% in those with no prior hospitalization (p < 0.001). AT% presented very strong negative correlations with FVC (r = −0.933, p < 0.001) and FEV1 (r = −0.841, p < 0.001) and a moderate correlation with FEF 25-75% (r = −0.608, p = 0.007). AT% correlation with FEV1/FVC ratio and serum IgE was weak (r = −0.184, p = 0.452, and r = −0.363, p = 0.202) Conclusion: Children with severe asthma present differences in quantitative chest CT scans compared to healthy controls with strong correlations with pulmonary function tests and previous hospitalizations due to asthma.

Association between socioeconomic status and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Jiangsu province, China: a population-based study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common public health problem worldwide. Recent studies have reported that socioeconomic status (SES) is related to the incidence of COPD. This study aimed to investigate the association between SES and COPD among adults in Jiangsu province, China, and to determine the possible direct and indirect effects of SES on the morbidity of COPD.@*METHODS@#A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 40 years and above between May and December of 2015 in Jiangsu province, China. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling approach. COPD, the outcome variable, was diagnosed by physicians based on spirometry, respiratory symptoms, and risk factors. Education, occupation, and monthly family average income (FAI) were used to separately indicate SES as the explanatory variable. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were introduced to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for examining the SES-COPD relationship. A pathway analysis was conducted to further explore the pulmonary function impairment of patients with different SES.@*RESULTS@#The mean age of the 2421 participants was 56.63 ± 9.62 years. The prevalence of COPD was 11.8% (95% CI: 10.5%-13.1%) among the overall sample population. After adjustment for age, gender, residence, outdoor and indoor air pollution, body weight status, cigarette smoking, and potential study area-level clustering effects, educational attainment was negatively associated with COPD prevalence in men; white collars were at lower risk (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43-0.83) of experiencing COPD than blue collars; compared with those within the lower FAI subgroup, participants in the upper (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49-0.97) tertiles were less likely to experience COPD. Such negative associations between all these three SES indicators and COPD were significant among men only. Education, FAI, and occupation had direct or indirect effects on pulmonary function including post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), FEV1, FVC, and FEV1 percentage of predicted. Education, FAI, and occupation had indirect effects on pulmonary function indices of all participants mainly through smoking status, indoor air pollution, and outdoor air pollution. We also found that occupation could affect post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC through body mass index.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Education, occupation, and FAI had an adverse relationship with COPD prevalence in Jiangsu province, China. SES has both direct and indirect associations with pulmonary function impairment. SES is of great significance for COPD morbidity. It is important that population-based COPD prevention strategies should be tailored for people with different SES.