Respiratory syncytial virus seasonality in Brazil: implications for the immunisation policy for at-risk populations

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the leading cause of hospitalisation for respiratory diseases among children under 5 years old. The aim of this study was to analyse RSV seasonality in the five distinct regions of Brazil using time series analysis (wavelet and Fourier series) of the following indicators: monthly positivity of the immunofluorescence reaction for RSV identified by virologic surveillance system, and rate of hospitalisations per bronchiolitis and pneumonia due to RSV in children under 5 years old (codes CID-10 J12.1, J20.5, J21.0 and J21.9). A total of 12,501 samples with 11.6% positivity for RSV (95% confidence interval 11 - 12.2), varying between 7.1 and 21.4% in the five Brazilian regions, was analysed. A strong trend for annual cycles with a stable stationary pattern in the five regions was identified through wavelet analysis of the indicators. The timing of RSV activity by Fourier analysis was similar between the two indicators analysed and showed regional differences. This study reinforces the importance of adjusting the immunisation period for high risk population with the monoclonal antibody palivizumab taking into account regional differences in seasonality of RSV.

Atualizações no tratamento de bronquiolite viral aguda / Updates on acute bronchiolitis treatment

Bronquiolite viral aguda consiste em uma afecção viral que acomete lactentes com idade inferior a dois anos, sendo o pico de incidência abaixo de seis meses de vida. O quadro clínico consiste em sintomas de infecção de vias aéreas superiores, que evolui após dois a quatro dias com cansaço, dispneia, taquipneia, além de esforço respiratório. Febre e redução da aceitação da dieta também podem ocorrer. Apneia tem sido relatada em casos graves ou em prematuros. O diagnóstico baseia-se na história clínica e no exame físico, sendo exames complementares reservados quando há suspeita de outros diagnósticos ou de complicações. O tratamento é suportivo, sendo a oxigenoterapia indicada para pacientes com saturação de oxigênio abaixo de 90%. Atualmente, o corticoide oral não tem indicação no tratamento. Broncodilatadores não são indicados de rotina e o uso da salina hipertônica é controverso. O antiviral, ribavirina, tem indicação em casos específicos, devido aos efeitos adversos e ao alto custo. A profilaxia da BVA é fundamental, sendo a lavagem das mãos e o uso de álcool, de máscaras e de luvas essenciais para prevenção da doença. Como medicação profilática, o palivizumabe é indicado apenas em casos selecionados.(AU)

Acute bronchiolitis consists of a viral infection that affects children younger than 2 years old, with the peak of incidence under 6 months. The clinical disease has symptoms of infection of the upper airway, which develops after 2-4 days with fatigue, dyspnea, tachypnea, and respiratory effort. Fever and reduction of dietary compliance, may also occur. Apnea has been reported in severe cases or premature. The diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical examination, reserved additional tests when there is a suspicion of other diagnoses or complications. Treatment is supportive, the oxygen therapy is indicated for patients with oxygen saturation under 90%. Currently, oral corticosteroids has no indication for the treatment. The use of bronchodilators is not routinely indicated and the use of hypertonic saline is controversial. The use of the antiviral ribavirin is indicated in specific cases because there are adverse effects and high costs. Prophylaxis of bronchiolitis is fundamental, and hand-washing, use of alcohol, use of masks and gloves are essential for disease prevention. The use of palivizumab is indicated in selected cases.(AU)

Bronquiolitis: artículo de revisión / Bronchiolitis: review

Bronchiolitis is a common childhood disease and is the leading cause of hospitalization in children under 2 years, lower respiratory tract infection. It is characterized by upper respiratory symptoms which lead to lower respiratory symptoms for primary infection or reinfection with a viral pathogen, more identified is the respiratory syncytial virus. Despite the frequency and importance of this disease, there is still much controversy regarding the most appropriate treatment protocol. Its definition and treatment remain the subject of ongoing debate and the subject of study, seeking to reach a global consensus on the appropriate approach to this entity, so this article is a practical approach to bronchiolitis, based on the available scientific evidence to epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of bronchiolitis. The implementation of a treatment algorithm is feasible and can help reduce operating errors and the rate of inadequate prescription of steroids and antibiotics in children with bronchiolitis.

La bronquiolitis, es una enfermedad frecuente en la infancia y constituye la principal causa de ingreso hospitalario en los menores de 2 años, por infección del tracto respiratorio inferior (ITRI). Se caracteriza por síntomas respiratorios superiores que conducen a síntomas respiratorios inferiores por la infección primaria o la reinfección con un patógeno viral, el más identificado es el virus respiratorio sincicial (VRS). A pesar de la frecuencia e importancia de esta enfermedad, aún existen grandes controversias en cuanto al protocolo terapéutico más adecuado. Su definición y tratamiento siguen siendo tema de constantes debates y motivo de estudio, buscando llegar a un consenso mundial sobre el adecuado abordaje de esta entidad, por lo que este artículo es un enfoque práctico de la bronquiolitis, basado en la evidencia científica disponible en cuanto a la epidemiología, manifestaciones clínicas, diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención de la bronquiolitis. La implementación de un algoritmo terapéutico es factible y puede ayudar a reducir los errores de manejo y la tasa de prescripción de esteroides y antibióticos, inadecuados en niños con bronquiolitis.