Description of a single centre cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis from the University Hospital of Buenos Aires and factors associated with lung function deterioration. A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Given the paucity of data in Latin America and especially in Argentina regarding the epidemiology of SSc, the prevalence of ILD, its course, and particularly the response to treatment, our objective was to evaluate a cohort of SSc patients evaluated in a single University Hospital in Buenos Aires. PATIENTS/METHODS: We included 152 patients with SSc, followed from disease onset to last pulmonary function test and with at least two PFT and up to 30 months between each. RESULTS: Sixty-one percent had diffuse SSc (DSSc) and 32% limited SSc (LSSc). The only significant clinical differences between these groups were a higher initial mRodnan score and prevalence of ILD in the DSSc. These also had significantly more anti Scl-70 (Topoisomerase 1) antibodies compared to the LSSC group who had significantly more anti centromere antibodies. The DSSc group also had significantly more extensive damage on HRCT with no differences in terms of imaging patterns. Comparing patients with and without ILD by HRCT, those with ILD had significantly more extensive damage, significantly more anti Scl-70 antibodies, and significantly fewer anti centromere antibodies than those without ILD. Patients whose ILD progressed had a smoking history (OR 4.97) and prior immunosuppressive treatment (OR 15.6) (multivariate analysis). Overall disease duration was significantly shorter in those who progressed. CONCLUSIONS: Our SSc population had similar characteristics to those described elsewhere as well as prevalence of ILD and its progression. We found a shorter disease duration, smoking, and prior immunosuppressive treatment to be associated with ILD progression.

Description of a single centre cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis from the University Hospital of Buenos Aires and factors associated with lung function deterioration. A retrospective study / Descripción de una cohorte de pacientes con esclerosis sistémica del Hospital de la Universidad de Buenos Aires y factores asociados al deterioro de la función pulmonar. Un estudio retrospectivo

Introduction: Given the paucity of data in Latin America and especially in Argentina regarding the epidemiology of SSc, the prevalence of ILD, its course, and particularly the response to treatment, our objective was to evaluate a cohort of SSc patients evaluated in a single University Hospital in Buenos Aires. Patients/Methods: We included 152 patients with SSc, followed from disease onset to last pulmonary function test and with at least two PFT and up to 30 months between each. Results: Sixty-one percent had diffuse SSc (DSSc) and 32% limited SSc (LSSc). The only significant clinical differences between these groups were a higher initial mRodnan score and prevalence of ILD in the DSSc. These also had significantly more anti Scl-70 (Topoisomerase 1) antibodies compared to the LSSC group who had significantly more anti centromere antibodies. The DSSc group also had significantly more extensive damage on HRCT with no differences in terms of imaging patterns. Comparing patients with and without ILD by HRCT, those with ILD had significantly more extensive damage, significantly more anti Scl-70 antibodies, and significantly fewer anti centromere antibodies than those without ILD. Patients whose ILD progressed had a smoking history (OR 4.97) and prior immunosuppressive treatment (OR 15.6) (multivariate analysis). Overall disease duration was significantly shorter in those who progressed. Conclusions: Our SSc population had similar characteristics to those described elsewhere as well as prevalence of ILD and its progression. We found a shorter disease duration, smoking, and prior immunosuppressive treatment to be associated with ILD progression.(AU)

Introducción: La escasez de datos en Latinoamérica, y especialmente en Argentina, sobre la epidemiología de la esclerosis sistémica (SSc), la prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPID) y su progresión, llevó a evaluar una cohorte de pacientes con SSc atendidos en un hospital universitario de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Pacientes/Métodos: Incluimos 152 pacientes con SSc, seguidos desde el inicio de la enfermedad hasta el último examen funcional respiratorio (EFR) y con por lo menos dos EFR separados por un mínimo de 30 meses. Resultados: El 61% tenían enfermedad difusa (DSSc) y el 32%, limitada (LSSc). Aquellos con DSSc tuvieron significativamente un mayor índice modificado de Rodnan y prevalencia de EPID. Estos también tuvieron significativamente más anticuerpos anti-Scl-70 (topoisomerasa 1) comparados con LSSc, quienes tuvieron significativamente más anticuerpos anti-centrómero. Aquellos con DSSc mostraron significativamente más daño en la tomografía computada de alta resolución (TACAR), pero sin diferencias respecto a patrón de imágenes. Aquellos con EPID por TACAR tuvieron significativamente más daño, más anticuerpos anti Scl-70 y menos anticuerpos anti-centrómero que aquellos sin EPID. La progresión de EPID (análisis multivariado) se relacionó con consumo de tabaco (OR: 4,97) y uso previo de inmunosupresores (OR: 15,6). La duración de la enfermedad fue menor en los que progresaron. Conclusiones:Nuestra población de SSc tuvo características similares a lo descripto en el resto del mundo, así como la prevalencia y la progresión de EPID. Encontramos una menor duración de enfermedad, el consumo de tabaco y el uso previo de inmunosupresores asociados a la progresión de EPID.(AU)

[Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A series of nine cases with surgical lung biopsy]. / Neumonitis por hipersensibilidad. Serie de nueve casos con biopsia pulmonar quirúrgica.

In a series of nine patients with histopathological diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, we retrospectively evaluated clinical data, exposure related factors, pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography scans. A restrictive abnormality with reduction of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide was mainly found. Chest scans showed fibrotic patterns in most cases; ground glass attenuation areas with mosaic pattern and consolidation in the rest. Exposure to avian antigens, cereal grains and air conditioners contaminated with fungi yeasts and bacteria, were suspected from clinical data in two-thirds of the cases. Since there are no unique features that allow differentiation from other interstitial lung diseases, a high clinical suspicion is required and a careful search of environmental exposure to possible antigens is needed that, together with clinical, radiological and pathological data, may lead to diagnosis.

Neumonitis por hipersensibilidad: Serie de nueve casos con biopsia pulmonar quirúrgica / Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A series of nine cases with surgical lung biopsy

En una serie de nueve pacientes con diagnóstico histopatológico de neumonitis por hipersensibilidad, se revisaron en forma retrospectiva la historia clínica, los factores de exposición, las pruebas de función pulmonar y las tomografías computarizadas de tórax. La función pulmonar evidenció principalmente compromiso restrictivo con disminución de la difusión de monóxido de carbono. Las tomografías de tórax mostraron patrones fibróticos en la mayoría de los casos; áreas de vidrio esmerilado con patrón en mosaico y áreas de consolidación en el resto. Pudo detectarse exposición a antígenos aviarios, granos de cereales y acondicionadores de aire contaminados con esporas de hongos y bacterias, en dos tercios de los casos. Dado que no existen características únicas que permitan diferenciar la neumonitis por hipersensibilidad de otras enfermedades del intersticio pulmonar, se requiere de un alto índice de sospecha clínica y de una detallada búsqueda de exposición ambiental que deberán complementarse con los datos clínicos, radiológicos y de anatomía patológica para llegar al diagnóstico.

In a series of nine patients with histopathological diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, we retrospectively evaluated clinical data, exposure related factors, pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography scans. A restrictive abnormality with reduction of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide was mainly found. Chest scans showed fibrotic patterns in most cases; ground glass attenuation areas with mosaic pattern and consolidation in the rest. Exposure to avian antigens, cereal grains and air conditioners contaminated with fungi yeasts and bacteria, were suspected from clinical data in two-thirds of the cases. Since there are no unique features that allow differentiation from other interstitial lung diseases, a high clinical suspicion is required and a careful search of environmental exposure to possible antigens is needed that, together with clinical, radiological and pathological data, may lead to diagnosis.

Hepatitis autoinmune y enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa: Una asociación poco frecuente: a propósito de un caso / A Patient with Autoimmune Hepatitis and Interstitial Lung Disease

Las enfermedades autoinmunes pueden comprometer el pulmón, como ocurre por ejemplo en las enfermedades del tejido conectivo, pero poco se ha publicado sobre la asociación entre la hepatitis autoinmune (HAI) y la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPID). Se presenta una mujer de 57 años de edad, hipotiroidea, fumadora activa que consulta por tos seca y disnea. El examen físico reveló crepitantes aislados en bases pulmonares. La oximetría de pulso fue de 96%. El laboratorio mostró niveles elevados de las transaminasas, factor anti núcleo 1/80 y anticuerpo anti músculo liso 1/1280. La espirometría dejó en evidencia capacidad vital forzada del 85% y capacidad de difusión de monóxido de carbono del 53% del predicho. Ecografía hepática: hepatomegalia lobulada. Vías biliares intra y extrahepáticas conservadas, sin hipertensión portal. La biopsia hepática demostró infiltrado inflamatorio moderado y algunos plasmocitos con extensa hepatitis. A nivel acinar, se observaron focos necroinflamatorios aislados. Tricómico: bandas fibrosas gruesas que delimitan nódulos de regeneración. Tomografía de tórax: patrón reticular con vidrio esmerilado bilateral, algunas bronquiolectasias y sin panal de abeja. Se interpretó como HAI más EPID. La paciente rechazó la biopsia pulmonar. Hay muy pocos reportes en la literatura médica que describan la asociación entre la hepatopatía autoinmune y afectación intersticial pulmonar. Es importante determinar si la HAI comparte un mecanismo fisiopatológico común con la EPID, ya que tiene implicaciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas. Se deben tener en cuenta la HAI y la EPID, como enfermedades potencialmente relacionadas, con probables mecanismos fisiopatológicos en común.

Autoimmune diseases can compromise the lung, for example the connective tissue diseases, but little has been published about the association between autoimmune hepatitis (AH) and interstitial lung diseases (ILD). We present a 57 year old woman with hypothyroidism and current smoking habit who complains of dry cough and dyspnea. Physical examination detected isolated crackles in pulmonary bases. Pulse oximetry was 96%. Blood tests showed elevated aminotransferase levels, antinuclear antibody 1/80, anti-smooth muscle antibodies: 1/1280. Spirometry showed forced vital capacity of 85% of predicted value and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was 53% of predicted value. Hepatic ultrasonography showed diffuse, lobulated hepatomegaly. Intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tracts were preserved without portal hypertension. Liver biopsy demonstrated moderate inflammatory infiltrate and some plasmocytes with extensive hepatitis. At acinar level isolated necroinflammatory foci were observed. The Tricomic Technique showed thick fibrous bands that delimit regenerative nodules. The Chest Tomography showed diffuse interstitial opacities with bilateral ground glass, reticular pattern, few bronchiolectasis and no honeycombing. The case was interpreted as AH plus ILD. The patient refused lung biopsy. There are very few reports in the medical literature describing the association between autoimmune liver disease and pulmonary interstitial involvement. It is important to determine whether this type of autoimmune liver disease shares a common pathophysiological mechanism with ILD, because of the diagnostic and therapeutic implications (e.g. the decision to perform surgical lung biopsy) and possible prognostic significance. We should consider AH and ILD as related diseases with probable common pathophysiological mechanisms.

Evolución de la función pulmonar en la enfermedad intersticial pulmonar asociada a esclerodermia tratada con ciclofosfamida: Análisis retrospectivo de una serie de casos en un hospital universitario / Evolution of Pulmonary Function in Scleroderma-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Treated with Cyclophosphamide: Retrospective Study of a Case Series in a School Hospital

Introducción: La ciclofosfamida (CYC) es utilizada frecuentemente para el tratamiento de la Intersticiopatía asociada a Esclerodermia (ES-EPID), a pesar de su limitada eficacia. El objetivo primario fue evaluar cambios en la función pulmonar en pacientes tratados con CYC en ES-EPID. Métodos: Se estudiaron retrospectivamente 24 pacientes con ES-EPID que asistieron al consultorio de neumonología del Hospital de Clínicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina. De los 24 pacientes, 18 tenían ES-EPID extensa, definida como extensión mayor 30% en Tomografía computada o Capacidad vital forzada (FVC) menor 70%, y de éstos, 12 fueron tratados con CYC, mientras que los 6 pacientes con enfermedad limitada no recibieron tratamiento. Se recabaron datos de FVC y Difusión de monóxido de carbono (DLCO) pre y post tratamiento. Resultados: Entre los 12 pacientes incluidos, la FVC (litros) pre tratamiento fue de 2.25 ± 0.51, (75.6 ± 15.3% del predicho), mientras que luego de una mediana de 9 meses era de 2.14 ± 0.50; (71.9 ± 14.1%) (p: 0.17). Se encontró además, un descenso no significativo de la DLCO (ml/mmHg/min) luego del tratamiento, descendiendo de 9.03 ± 1.68, a 8.39 ± 1.31 (p: 0.29). Conclusión: El tratamiento con CYC de ES-EPID extensa no se asoció con mejoría significativa, aunque si con estabilidad de la función pulmonar tras una mediana de 9 meses de tratamiento.

Introduction: In spite of its limited efficacy, cyclophosphamide (CYC) is frequently used to treat scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate changes in pulmonary function in SSc-ILD patients treated with CYC. Materials and Methods: 24 SSc-ILD outpatients from the Pneumonology Department of the Hospital de Clínicas in Buenos Aires, Argentina were studied retrospectively. Out of the 24 patients, 18 had extensive SSc-ILD, defined as disease extent on CT greater than 30% or FCV less than 70%; 12 of them were treated with CYC while the remaining 6 with limited disease did not receive treatment. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) data were collected both before and after treatment. Results: Among the 12 patients included, the FVC before and after the 9 month treatment was 2.25±0.51 (75.6±15.3% of the predicted value) and 2.14±0.50; (71.9±14.1%) (p: 0.17) respectively. In addition, a non-significant decrease in DLCO (ml/mmHg/min) was found after treatment (from 9.03 ±1.68 to 8.39 ± 1.31 (p: 0.29)). Conclusion: Although the 9 month treatment of extensive SSc-ILD with CYC did not show significant improvement, pulmonary function was stabilized.

Dolor músculo-esquelético en alumnos de postgrado en rehabilitación oral de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad del Desarrollo-Concepción: estudio piloto / Muskulosketal pain in postgraduate students on oral rehabilitation of the Dental School from the Universidad del Desarrollo-Concepción: pilot study

Las enfermedades laborales son un problema de Salud Pública debido a la adopción de posiciones inadecuadas para el desempeño laboral. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de dolor músculo-esquelético a través del método denominado Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) en sujetos odontólogos alumnos, pertenecientes al Postgrado de Rehabilitación Oral de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad del Desarrollo en Concepción. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron 14 sujetos (9: hombres, 5: mujeres) a través del método RULA posterior a la aplicación de una encuesta para conocer la prevalencia e intensidad de dolor músculo-esquelético. Resultados: De un total de 14 sujetos evaluados, según el método ergonómico RULA, seis presentaron un nivel de actuación de 4, cuatro un nivel de actuación de 3 y cuatro un nivel de actuación de 2. Conclusiones: Los alumnos evaluados presentan una alta prevalencia de dolor músculo esquelético.

Workplace illnesses are matter of public health, due to the adoption of improper postures to work. Target: To establish the muskuloskeletal level of pain through a procedure called Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) in subjects, dentist students, belonging to the post grade of oral rehabilitation from the dental school of the Universidad del Desarrollo in Concepción. Materials and methods: 14 Subjects were tested (9: men, 5 women) using the RULA method after the implementation of a survey, oriented to know the prevalence and intensity of the muskuloskeletal pain. Results: From a total of 14 evaluated subjects, according to the RULA ergonomic method, six presented and action level of 4, four of them an action level of 3 and four presented an action level of 2. Conclusion: The tested students presented a high prevalence of muskuloskeletal pain.