Necrotizing Pneumonia In Children: A Review.

The objective of the review was to determine the long-term outcomes of necrotising pneumonia (NP). Studies published since 1990 in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, published on PubMed and Scielo were evaluated. Our findings showed ultrasound scanning is the diagnostic modality of choice. Despite prolonged hospitalisation (median 13-27 days) and fever (median 9-16 days), most patients recover completely. Empyema and bronchopleural fistulae are frequent in bacterial NP. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most prevalent cause. Seventeen studies with 497 patients followed for 30 days to 8.75 years showed that most patients were clinically asymptomatic and had normal lung function. X-ray or CT chest imaging demonstrated that almost all lung lesions recovered within 4-6 months. We suggest that it is not necessary to request frequent chest X-rays during the treatment and recovery process. Chest CT scans should be reserved for specific cases not following the expected clinical course.

Surgical treatment of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents: A review.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss surgery for non-cystic fibrosis [CF] bronchiectasis in children and adolescents. SOURCES: Non-systematic review including articles in English, mainly from the last 5 years. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: In this review, we present that in low- and middle-income countries [LMIC] clinical treatment fails in around 20% of cases due to low socioeconomic status and poor adherence. This causes the disease to progress and require surgery. We emphasize that the indications for surgery are not well defined and must be considered on an individual basis. The surgical treatment of bronchiectasis in children may be indicated in selected cases; especially in localized disease with frequent exacerbations despite an optimized clinical approach. Surgery can improve quality of life [QoL] and reduce exacerbations. It has few postoperative complications and low morbidity and mortality. Finally, we propose an algorithm for managing bronchiectasis, which takes into account LMIC settings with limited resources. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in LMICs, surgery is a treatment strategy for selected children/adolescents with bronchiectasis.

Pleural tuberculosis: experiences from two centers in Brazil

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to describe the clinical and laboratory findings of patients diagnosed with pleural tuberculosis at two hospitals in southern Brazil. Methods: Patients aged < 18 years were evaluated retrospectively. The patients' medical and epidemiological history, tuberculin skin test results, radiological and pathological findings, and pleural fluid analysis results were retrieved. Results: Ninety-two patients with pleural tuberculosis were identified. The mean age was 10.9 years old. Twenty-one percent were children aged six years or less. The most common symptoms were fever (88%), cough (72%), and chest pain (70%). Unilateral pleural effusion was observed in 96% of the cases. Lymphocyte predominance was found in 90% of the pleural fluid samples. The adenosine deaminase activity of the pleural fluid was greater than 40 U/L in 85% of patients. A diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia with antibiotic prescriptions was observed in 76% of the study population. Conclusions: Tuberculosis etiology must be considered in unilateral pleural effusion in a child with contact with a case of tuberculosis. Pleural fluid biomarkers contribute to the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis in children and adolescents.

The wheezy infant: A viewpoint from low-middle income countries.

OBJECTIVE: To review the recent evidence in the literature of various aspects of recurrent/severe wheezing in children under 3 in low-middle income countries [LMICS]. SOURCES: A non-systematic review including articles in English. We mainly selected publications from the last 5 years. Studies on epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention were included in the search. We reviewed differential diagnoses of wheezing that focused on LMICS. We also reviewed aspects of prevention. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Many epidemiological studies have shown a variable but significant number of wheezy infants [WI] cases in LMICS when compared to other countries. The differential diagnosis of causes of wheezing in this age group is mandatory, taking into account local facilities. Few treatment options have been well studied for this age group. In LMICS, a pragmatic approach could be considered, as described in the article. It is difficult to study primary prevention for WI and secondary prevention (mainly environmental) may have some impact. A schematic approach for recurrent wheezers is presented, which takes into account settings with limited resources. CONCLUSION: Severely or recurrently wheezy children under 3 is a common clinical issue in LMICS. Studies on this age group are needed to reduce the significant morbidity. It may be possible to lower the high burden of wheezing in this age group by selecting the phenotype which may respond to inhaled steroids.

Pleural tuberculosis: experiences from two centers in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the clinical and laboratory findings of patients diagnosed with pleural tuberculosis at two hospitals in southern Brazil. METHODS: Patients aged < 18 years were evaluated retrospectively. The patients' medical and epidemiological history, tuberculin skin test results, radiological and pathological findings, and pleural fluid analysis results were retrieved. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients with pleural tuberculosis were identified. The mean age was 10.9 years old. Twenty-one percent were children aged six years or less. The most common symptoms were fever (88%), cough (72%), and chest pain (70%). Unilateral pleural effusion was observed in 96% of the cases. Lymphocyte predominance was found in 90% of the pleural fluid samples. The adenosine deaminase activity of the pleural fluid was greater than 40 U/L in 85% of patients. A diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia with antibiotic prescriptions was observed in 76% of the study population. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis etiology must be considered in unilateral pleural effusion in a child with contact with a case of tuberculosis. Pleural fluid biomarkers contribute to the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis in children and adolescents.

COVID-19 Prevention Policies Reduce Pediatric Hospital Mortality Due to Community-acquired Pneumonia

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Adverse early-life environmental exposures and their repercussions on adult respiratory health.

OBJECTIVE: To review in the literature the environmental problems in early life that impact the respiratory health of adults. SOURCES: Non-systematic review including articles in English. Search filters were not used in relation to the publication date, but the authors selected mainly publications from the last five years. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: In this review, the authors present the exposure pathways and how the damage occurs depending on the child's stage of development; the authors describe the main environmental pollutants - tobacco smoke, particulate matter, air pollution associated with traffic, adverse childhood experiences and socioeconomic status; the authors present studies that evaluated the repercussions on the respiratory system of adults resulting from exposure to adverse environmental factors in childhood, such as increased incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma and allergies; and, a decline in lung function. The authors emphasize that evidence demonstrates that adult respiratory diseases almost always have their origins in early life. Finally, the authors emphasize that health professionals must know, diagnose, monitor, and prevent toxic exposure among children and women. CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that it is necessary to recognize risk factors and intervene in the period of greatest vulnerability to the occurrence of harmful effects of environmental exposures, to prevent, delay the onset or modify the progression of lung disease throughout life and into adulthood.

Adverse early-life environmental exposures and their repercussions on adult respiratory health

Abstract Objective: To review in the literature the environmental problems in early life that impact the respiratory health of adults. Sources: Non-systematic review including articles in English. Search filters were not used in relation to the publication date, but the authors selected mainly publications from the last five years. Summary of the findings: In this review, the authors present the exposure pathways and how the damage occurs depending on the child's stage of development; the authors describe the main environmental pollutants - tobacco smoke, particulate matter, air pollution associated with traffic, adverse childhood experiences and socioeconomic status; the authors present studies that evaluated the repercussions on the respiratory system of adults resulting from exposure to adverse environmental factors in childhood, such as increased incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma and allergies; and, a decline in lung function. The authors emphasize that evidence demonstrates that adult respiratory diseases almost always have their origins in early life. Finally, the authors emphasize that health professionals must know, diagnose, monitor, and prevent toxic exposure among children and women. Conclusion: The authors conclude that it is necessary to recognize risk factors and intervene in the period of greatest vulnerability to the occurrence of harmful effects of environmental exposures, to prevent, delay the onset or modify the progression of lung disease throughout life and into adulthood.

Influência da intubação orotraqueal nas alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em lactentes / Influencia de la intubación orotraqueal sobre los cambios miofuncionales orofaciales en lactantes / Influence of orotracheal intubation on orofacial myofuncional changes in infants

Introdução: As alterações da deglutição pós-extubação são amplamente identificadas e estudadas, nas quais a disfagia é identificada nas fases oral e faríngea, acompanhada de penetração laríngea e aspiração traqueal. Entretanto, as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes pós-extubação ainda não estão bem descritas em Pediatria. Objetivo: Verificar a influência da intubação orotraqueal (IOT) nas alterações miofuncionais orofaciais do lactente. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica no período entre novembro de 2015 a setembro de 2016. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo estudo, com diagnóstico médico de cardiopatia congênita, pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca, em IOT por no mínimo 6 horas, e grupo controle composto por lactentes de 0 a 6 meses, previamente saudáveis, que não tiveram histórico de qualquer IOT anterior. Após a seleção, ambos os grupos foram submetidos ao Protocolo de Avaliação de Disfagia Pediátrica. Resultados: Postura e tônus labial, postura de língua, palato e qualidade vocal estiveram significativamente associados ao uso de IOT, pressão intraoral e padrão de sucção. Ao analisar a distribuição de frequência da comparação com e sem IOT, observa-se que não há um padrão específico que indique se a associação é prejudicial, protetora ou não interfere no padrão das características miofuncionais nesses casos. Conclusão: A influência da IOT foi encontrada nas estruturas miofuncionais orofaciais de bebês, quando comparados a bebês não intubados.

Introduction: Post-extubation swallowing changes are widely identified and studied, in which dysphagia is identified in the oral and pharyngeal phases, accompanied by laryngeal penetration and aspiration. However, orofacial myofunctional changes in post-extubation patients are still not well described in pediatrics. Objective: Verify the influence of orotracheal intubation on orofacial myofunctional changes in lactates. Methods: Cross-sectional study, performed in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit from November 2015 to September 2016. Participants were divided into two groups: study group, with medical diagnosis of congenital heart disease, post-cardiac surgery, undergoing OTI for at least 6 hours, and the control group was composed of infants aged 0 to 6 months, previously healthy, who did not have any previous IOT. After selection, babies from both groups were submitted to the same assessment protocols. The clinical evaluation of the child's orofacial myofunctional structures was performed using the Pediatric Dysphagia Assessment Protocol. Results: Lip posture, lip tone, tongue posture, palate, and vocal quality were significantly associated with the use of OIT, intraoral pressure and suction pattern. When analyzing the frequency distribution of the comparison with and without OIT, it is observed that there is no specific pattern that indicates whether the association is harmful, protective or does not interfere in the pattern of myofunctional characteristics in these cases. Conclusion: OIT influence was found in orofacial myofunctional structures in infants, when compared to babies who were not intubated.

Introducción: Los cambios en la deglución post-extubación están ampliamente identificados y estudiados, en los que se identifica disfagia en las fases oral y faríngea, acompañada de penetración y aspiración laríngea. Sin embargo, los cambios miofuncionales orofaciales en pacientes post-extubación todavía no están bien descritos en pediatría. Objetivo: Verificar la influencia de la intubación orotraqueal sobre los cambios miofuncionales orofaciales en lactatos. Metodos: estudio transversal, realizado en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos desde noviembre de 2015 hasta septiembre de 2016. Los participantes se dividieron en dos grupos: grupo de estudio, con diagnóstico médico de cardiopatía congénita, postoperatorio cardíaco, sometidos a IOT durante al menos 6 horas y el grupo control, compuesto por lactantes de 0 a 6 meses, previamente sanos, que no tiene alguna IOT anterior. Después de la selección, los bebés de ambos grupos fueron sometidos a los mismos protocolos de evaluación. La evaluación clínica de las estructuras miofuncionales orofaciales del niño se realizó mediante el Protocolo de Evaluación de Disfagia Pediátrica. Resultados: La postura de los labios, el tono de los labios, la postura de la lengua, el paladar, la calidad vocal se asociaron significativamente con el uso de ITO, la presión intraoral y el patrón de succión. Al analizar la distribución de frecuencias de la comparación con y sin ITO, se observa que no existe un patrón específico que indique si la asociación es dañina, protectora o no interfiere en el patrón de características miofuncionales en estos casos. Conclusión: la influencia de la ITO se encontró en las estructuras miofuncionales orofaciales en los bebés, en comparación con los bebés que no fueron intubados.

Impact of non-pharmacological initiatives for COVID-19 on hospital admissions due to pediatric acute respiratory illnesses.

INTRODUCTION: Interventions to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic may impact the burden of other respiratory diseases. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of non-pharmacological initiatives (NPI) against COVID-19 on the number of hospitalizations due to pediatric acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of pediatric hospitalizations in Porto Alegre, Brazil. We analyzed the monthly incidence of hospital admissions from 2018 to 2020 due to ARIs included in the study. The time series was divided into the period before introducing NPI (2018 and 2019), and the period when NPI were running (2020). We compared means between the years with Student's t-test. The Dickey-Fuller test was used for secular trend analysis. For seasonality, Fischer's G test was performed. Dynamic linear univariate and multivariate models were used to estimate the association between the predictors (the introduction of NPI, secular trend, and seasonality) and outcome (the incidence of ARI admissions). For the statistical analysis, the cut-off probability for rejecting the null hypothesis was defined as <5%. RESULTS: From 2018 to 2020, 10,109 hospital admissions were due to the respiratory causes included in this study. There was a significant decrease in 2020 in the mean incidence of the ARIs studied compared with 2018 and 2019. The number of hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases in children decreased by 64% for asthma and 93% for bronchiolitis. A secular trend of monthly admissions rates due to ARIs was only observed in the laryngotracheitis data (p = 0.485), but seasonality was detected in all analyses. According to the univariate and multivariate analysis, the introduction of NPI was associated with a decrease in the incidence of ARI admissions. CONCLUSION: There was a significant reduction in hospital admissions due to ARIs in children. Our data suggest a significant impact of NPI on reducing the spread of viruses associated with ARIs in children. These results support respiratory illness prevention strategies.

Disfagia orofaríngea em crianças com síndrome Cornélia De Lange: série de casos / Orofarineal dysfunction in children with the Cornélia De Lange Syndrome: series of cases / Disfagia orofaríngea en niños con síndrome de Cornelia De Lange: serie de casos

Introdução: A síndrome Cornélia De Lange (CdLS) é caracterizada por ser polimalformativa que envolve anomalias faciais, atraso de crescimento e desenvolvimento psicomotor, alterações comportamentais e malformações associadas. Sabe-se que as crianças acometidas por essa síndrome apresentam alterações de deglutição, mas são poucos os estudos apresentados na literatura devido à raridade da doença, sendo encontrado relato de um caso, e na maioria das vezes, com descrição dos achados. Objetivo: Identificar as alterações de deglutição em crianças com a Síndrome Cornélia de Lange, por meio da videofluoroscopia. Metodologia: Série de Casos, retrospectiva. Trata-se de uma amostra de conveniência com crianças, diagnosticadas com Síndrome Cornélia de Lange, que apresentassem videofluoroscopia da deglutição. Foram excluídos prontuários de pacientes que não estivessem completos. Os dados de caracterização da amostra foram obtidos através de prontuários físicos e os dados de desfecho do estudo através de laudos clínicos de videofluoroscopias da deglutição dos pacientes. Resultados: Dos 6 indivíduos, 5 do sexo masculino, em que 3 (50%) apresentaram aspiração laringotraqueal, de forma silente. A mediana de idade foi de 5,50 meses. Conforme os achados nas videofluoroscopias da deglutição, identificou-se dificuldades de deglutição como escape posterior prematuro de alimento, ejeção ineficiente e dificuldades de formação do bolo alimentar, como atraso no acionamento da reação faríngea, refluxo para nasofaringe, estase em valéculas e seios periformes e aspiração traqueal. Conclusão: Todas as crianças com Síndrome Cornélia de Lange deste estudo apresentaram disfagia em algum grau, e metade delas apresentou aspiração laringotraqueal de forma silente.

Introduction: Cornélia De Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is characterized by being polymalformative that involves facial anomalies, growth and psychomotor development retardation, behavioral changes and associated malformations. It is known that children affected by this syndrome have swallowing disorders, but there are few studies presented in the literature due to the rarity of the disease, with a case report being found and mostly with description of the findings. Objective: To identify swallowing disorders in children with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, through videofluoroscopy. Methodology: Case series, retrospective. This is a convenience sample with children, diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, who had swallowing videofluoroscopy. Medical records of patients who were not complete were excluded. The sample characterization data were obtained from physical records and the study outcome data through clinical reports of patients' swallowing videofluoroscopies. Results: Of the 6 individuals, 5 were male, in which 3 (50%) had laryngotracheal aspiration, silently. The median age was 5.50 months. According to the findings in the swallowing videofluoroscopies, swallowing difficulties were identified, such as premature posterior escape of food, inefficient ejection and difficulties in the formation of the bolus, such as delay in triggering the pharyngeal reaction, reflux to the nasopharynx, stasis in the valleys and peripheral sinuses and tracheal aspiration. Conclusion: All children with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome in this study had dysphagia to some degree, and half of them had silent laryngotracheal aspiration.;Introducción: El síndrome de Cornélia De Lange (CdLS) se caracteriza por ser polimalformativo que involucra anomalías faciales, retraso del crecimiento y desarrollo psicomotor, cambios de comportamiento y malformaciones asociadas. Se sabe que los niños afectados por este síndrome presentan trastornos de la deglución, pero existen pocos estudios presentados en la literatura debido a la rareza de la enfermedad, encontrándose un reporte de caso y la mayoría de las veces con descripción de los hallazgos.

Objetivo: identificar los trastornos de la deglución en niños con síndrome de Cornelia de Lange, mediante videofluoroscopia. Metodología: Serie de casos, retrospectiva. Se trata de una muestra de conveniencia con niños, diagnosticados de Síndrome de Cornelia de Lange, que habían ingerido videofluoroscopia. Se excluyeron los registros médicos de los pacientes que no estaban completos. Los datos de caracterización de la muestra se obtuvieron de los registros médicos físicos y los datos de los resultados del estudio a través de informes clínicos de videofluoroscopias de deglución de los pacientes. Resultados: De los 6 individuos, 5 eran varones, de los cuales 3 (50%) tenían aspiración laringotraqueal, en silencio. La mediana de edad fue de 5,50 meses. De acuerdo con los hallazgos en las videofluoroscopias de deglución, se identificaron dificultades de deglución, como escape posterior prematuro de alimentos, eyección ineficiente y dificultades en la formación del bolo, como retraso en el desencadenamiento de la reacción faríngea, reflujo a la nasofaringe, estasis en los valles y senos periféricos y aspiración traqueal. Conclusión: Todos los niños con síndrome de Cornelia de Lange en este estudio tenían disfagia en algún grado y la mitad de ellos tenían aspiración laringotraqueal en silencio.

Challenges of COVID-19 in children in low- and middle-income countries.

As the coronavirus pandemic extends to low and middle income countries (LMICs), there are growing concerns about the risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in populations with high prevalence of comorbidities, the impact on health and economies more broadly and the capacity of existing health systems to manage the additional burden of COVID-19. The direct effects of COVID are less of a concern in children, who seem to be largely asymptomatic or to develop mild illness as occurs in high income countries; however children in LMICs constitute a high proportion of the population and may have a high prevalence of risk factors for severe lower respiratory infection such as HIV or malnutrition. Further diversion of resources from child health to address the pandemic among adults may further impact on care for children. Poor living conditions in LMICs including lack of sanitation, running water and overcrowding may facilitate transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The indirect effects of the pandemic on child health are of considerable concern, including increasing poverty levels, disrupted schooling, lack of access to school feeding schemes, reduced access to health facilities and interruptions in vaccination and other child health programs. Further challenges in LMICs include the inability to implement effective public health measures such as social distancing, hand hygiene, timely identification of infected people with self-isolation and universal use of masks. Lack of adequate personal protective equipment, especially N95 masks is a key concern for health care worker protection. While continued schooling is crucial for children in LMICs, provision of safe environments is especially challenging in overcrowded resource constrained schools. The current crisis is a harsh reminder of the global inequity in health in LMICs. The pandemic highlights key challenges to the provision of health in LMICs, but also provides opportunities to strengthen child health broadly in such settings.

A worldwide charter for all children with asthma.

Childhood asthma is a huge global health burden. The spectrum of disease, diagnosis, and management vary depending on where children live in the world and how their community can care for them. Global improvement in diagnosis and management has been unsatisfactory, despite ever more evidence-based guidelines. Guidelines alone are insufficient and need supplementing by government support, changes in policy, access to diagnosis and effective therapy for all children, with research to improve implementation. We propose a worldwide charter for all children with asthma, a roadmap to better education and training which can be adapted for local use. It includes access to effective basic asthma medications. It is not about new expensive medications and biologics as much can be achieved without these. If implemented carefully, the overall cost of care is likely to fall and the global future health and life chance of children with asthma will greatly improve. The key to success will be community involvement together with the local and national development of asthma champions. We call on governments, institutions, and healthcare services to support its implementation.

Cystic Fibrosis: A Simple and Customized Strategy for Genetic Screening Able to Detect Over 90% of Identified Mutated Alleles in Brazilian Newborns.

INTRODUCTION: The incorporation of molecular genetic testing into cystic fibrosis (CF) screening programs increases the specificity of the diagnostic strategy and has the potential to decrease the rate of false- positive results. In this sense, our objective was to develop a genotyping assay that could detect 25 pathogenic variants in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene with high sensitivity and that could be incorporated into the routine of newborn screening, complementing the current existing protocol used in our public health institution. METHODS: A mini-sequencing assay was standardized using single-base extension in a previously genotyped control sample. This strategy was validated in a Brazilian cohort of CF patients by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The inclusion of the 25 variants in the current newborn screening program increased the identification rates of two alleles from 33 to 52.43% in CF patients. This new approach was able to detect a total of 37 variants, which represents 93.01% of all mutated alleles described in the last CF Brazilian Register. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-sequencing for the simultaneous detection of 25 CFTR gene variants improves the screening of Brazilian newborns and decreases the number of inconclusive cases. This method uses minimal hands-on time and is suited for rapid screening, which reduces sample processing costs.

Identifying pneumococci in parapneumonic pleural effusion: Is there a role for culture-independent methods?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate culture-independent procedures (immunochromatography and quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR]) in the detection and susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae directly from culture-negative pleural fluid (PF) in children. METHOD: Detection of S. pneumoniae in PF of children with parapneumonic effusion and/or empyema by using two culture-independent methods: an immunochromatographic membrane test (IMT) which identifies the pneumococcal C antigen, and a real-time PCR test to detect pneumococcal genes lytA and pbp2b, a marker of susceptibility of ß-lactam agents, in PF samples. RESULTS: We tested 36 PF specimens and recorded the previous use of antimicrobials. In the final analysis, 34 samples were included. IMT and qPCR presented positive results in 23 (67.6%) and 24 (70.6%) of the samples, respectively, showing a moderate agreement (k = 0.518) between the two methods. From the 36 children included, 34 (94.4%) had antibiotic data available by the time when PFs were collected. Thirty-four (100%) children had been given treatment before PF sampling, with 33 (97%) receiving ß-lactam antibiotics administered empirically. Of the 24 lytA real-time positive samples, 21 (87.5%) were also positive for pbp2b, a marker of ß-lactam susceptibility. CONCLUSION: The reduced sensitivity of culture for pneumococcal detection can be improved through the addition of IMT and qPCR analysis. The utility of qPCR combining detection of lytA and a marker of ß-lactam susceptibility should be explored further.

Health-related quality of life in post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans: agreement between children and their proxy / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde na bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa: concordância entre as crianças e seus cuidadores

Abstract Objective: To assess the level of agreement in health-related quality of life between children with Post-infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans and their parent (so-called proxy). Methods: Participants aged between 8and 17 years who had been previously diagnosed with Post-infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans were regularly followed up at a pediatric pulmonology outpatient clinic. Parents or legal guardians (caregivers) of these patients were also recruited for the study. A validated and age-appropriate version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 was used for the assessment of health-related quality of life. Caregivers completed the corresponding proxy versions of the questionnaire. The correlation between self and proxy reports of health-related quality of life was determined by intra-class correlation coefficient and dependent t-tests. Results: The majority of participants were males (79.4%), and the average age was 11.8 years. Intra-class correlations between each of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 domains and the total score were all lower than 0.6, with a range between 0.267 (poor) and 0.530 (fair). When the means of each domain and the total score of the questionnaires were compared, caregivers were observed to have a significantly lower health-related quality of life score than children, with the exception of the social domain in which the difference was not significant. However, the differences in score exceeded the critical threshold difference of four points in all other domains. Conclusion: Proxies of children and adolescents with Post-infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans appear to consistently perceive their children as having lower health-related quality of life than how the patients perceive themselves.

Resumo: Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de concordância a respeito da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde entre crianças com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa e seus pais (responsáveis). Métodos: Os participantes entre 8-17 anos, anteriormente diagnosticados com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa, foram acompanhados regularmente no ambulatório de pneumologia pediátrica. Os pais ou responsáveis legais (cuidadores) desses pacientes também foram convidados a participar do estudo. Uma versão validada e adequada para a idade do Inventário Pediátrico de Qualidade de Vida, versão 4.0, foi utilizada para a avaliação da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. Os cuidadores concluíram as versões do questionário correspondentes aos responsáveis. A correlação entre os autorrelatos e os relatos dos responsáveis da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde foi determinada pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse e pelos testes t dependentes. Resultados: A maior parte dos participantes era do sexo masculino (79,4%) e a idade média foi 11,8 anos. As correlações intraclasse entre cada um dos domínios do Inventário Pediátrico de Qualidade de Vida e o escore total foram todas inferiores a 0,6, com intervalo entre 0,267 (baixo) e 0,530 (justo). Quando as médias de cada domínio e o escore total dos questionários foram comparados, observamos que os cuidadores apresentaram qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde significativamente menor em comparação com as crianças, com exceção do domínio social, no qual a diferença não foi significativa. Contudo, as diferenças no escore ultrapassaram o limite de diferença essencial de 4 pontos em todos os outros domínios. Conclusão: Os responsáveis pelas crianças e adolescentes com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa parecem perceber de forma consistente que suas crianças possuem qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde menor que os próprios pacientes.

Disfagia orofaríngea y neumopatías en la infancia / Oropharyngeal dysphagia and childhood pneumopathies

OBJETIVOS: Presentar brevemente las principales patologías pulmonares y sus interferencias en la alimentación de niños. MÉTODOS: Se trata de una Actualización, basada en referencias bibliográficas actuales y referencias en pediatría. RESULTADOS: Se presentaron las posibles alteraciones de deglución en niños con: Bronquilitis Viral Aguda, Displasia Broncopulmonar, Enfermedades Intersticiales Pulmonares y Neumonias Aspirativas. CONCLUSIONES: Este material sirve para dirigir la atención del público de atención en salud en general, para trastornos de deglución niños neumópatas.

OBJECTIVES: Present briefly the main pulmonary pathologies and their interferences in the feeding of children. METHODS: This is an Update, based on current bibliographical references and references in pediatrics. RESULTS: Possible alterations of swallowing were presented in children with: Acute Viral Bronchitis, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Pulmonary Interstitial Diseases and Aspirative Pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: This material serves to direct the attention of the health care public in general, for children swallowing disorders pneumatics.

Health-related quality of life in post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans: agreement between children and their proxy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of agreement in health-related quality of life between children with Post-infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans and their parent (so-called proxy). METHODS: Participants aged between 8and 17 years who had been previously diagnosed with Post-infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans were regularly followed up at a pediatric pulmonology outpatient clinic. Parents or legal guardians (caregivers) of these patients were also recruited for the study. A validated and age-appropriate version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 was used for the assessment of health-related quality of life. Caregivers completed the corresponding proxy versions of the questionnaire. The correlation between self and proxy reports of health-related quality of life was determined by intra-class correlation coefficient and dependent t-tests. RESULTS: The majority of participants were males (79.4%), and the average age was 11.8 years. Intra-class correlations between each of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 domains and the total score were all lower than 0.6, with a range between 0.267 (poor) and 0.530 (fair). When the means of each domain and the total score of the questionnaires were compared, caregivers were observed to have a significantly lower health-related quality of life score than children, with the exception of the social domain in which the difference was not significant. However, the differences in score exceeded the critical threshold difference of four points in all other domains. CONCLUSION: Proxies of children and adolescents with Post-infectious Bronchiolitis Obliterans appear to consistently perceive their children as having lower health-related quality of life than how the patients perceive themselves.

Childhood asthma in low and middle-income countries: Where are we now?

Pediatric asthma has been increasing in LMICs (Low Middle-Income Countries), leading to an important burden for both children and national health systems. Implementing measures to achieve control are influenced by the degree of organization health systems have, the availability and affordability of essential asthma medications, and the effective implementation of asthma programs and asthma guidelines. In this review authors give an updated view of the current situation of these components of asthma management in LMICs.