Varicela neonatal tardía: presentación en un paciente pediátrico / Late neonatalchickenpox: presentation in a pediatric patient

La varicela es una infección poco frecuente durante la gestación, el riesgo para el feto y las manifestaciones clínicas, variarán en función del momento del embarazo en que se produce la infección materna, cuando la erupción maculopapular materna se produce entre los 5 días previos al parto y las 48 horas posteriores, se habla de varicela neonatal tardía. La clínica es grave, con afectación visceral (pulmonar, cerebral, hepática, hemorragias cutáneas, etc.) y un 30 % de los casos desarrollarán una varicela fulminante. Se presenta el caso de neonato masculino que consultó por lesiones en piel, tipo pápulas eritematosas y vesiculares pleomorfas, de distribución dispersa. Con evolución clínica tórpida, permaneció 24 horas en la institución, con franco deterioro respiratorio y neurológico, compatible con cuadro de varicela neonatal tardía fulminante(AU)

Chickenpox is considered a rare infection during pregnancy, the risk to the fetus and the clinical manifestations will vary depending on the time of pregnancy when the maternal infection occurs, when the maternal maculo-papular injuries occurs within the previous 5 days after delivery and 48 hours after, there is talk of late neonatal chickenpox. The symptoms are severe with visceral involvement (lung, brain, liver, skin bleeding, etc.) and 30% of cases will develop fulminant chickenpox. We present the case of a male neonate who consults due to skin lesions, such as erythematous papules and pleomorphic vesicles, with scattered distribution. With a torpid clinical course, who remains in the institution for 24 hours, with frank respiratory and neurological deterioration compatible with late-neonatal fulminant varicella symptoms(AU)

Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to omeprazole-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): Case report and review of the literature.

Eosinophilia in not an uncommon findings in the intensive care unit (ICU); however, DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) syndrome, which is characterized by a hypersensitivity reaction to drugs and manifests as eosinophilia, systemic involvement and maculopapular erythematous rash 2-6 weeks after exposure to the offending drug, is an exceptional occurrence. We present the first case described in the literature of DRESS syndrome with pulmonary involvement in the form of interstitial pneumonitis and persistent adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to proton pump inhibitors (PPI). The patient made a good recovery after withdrawal of the offending drug and long-term treatment with systemic corticosteroids. We also present a systematic review of all cases of DRESS with pulmonary involvement in the form of interstitial pneumonitis and cases of PPI-induced DRESS published to date; none of these describe pulmonary involvement.

Asma bronquial reagudizada y neumonitis por hipersensibilidad provocada por alergia a perros domésticos / Exacerbated Bronchial Asthma and Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Triggered by Allergy to Domestic Dogs

RESUMEN Se presenta un caso clínico interpretado al principio como asma alérgica al pelo de perro y, luego, documentado como neumonitis por hipersensibilidad no fibrótica vinculada al antecedente ambiental doméstico.

ABSTRACT We present a case initially interpreted as allergic asthma triggered by dog hair and later confirmed as non-fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) associated with domestic environmental conditions.

Patrón micronodulillar tras instilaciones de BCG intravesical, ¿neumonitis por hipersensibilidad o tuberculosis miliar? A propósito de un caso / Micronodular pattern after intravesical BCG instillations, hypersensitivity pneumonitis or miliar tuberculosis? Case report

La inmunoterapia con el bacilo Calmette-Guérin (BCG) es el agente intravesical más efectivo para el tratamiento de carcinoma vesical in situ tras la resección transuretral del tumor. Pese a ser un agente seguro y las complicaciones sistémicas son infrecuentes, las complicaciones locales leves son frecuentes. La afectación pulmonar es inusual (< 1%) suele ser grave, en forma de patrón micronodulillar y su mecanismo etiopatológico es controvertido. Se presenta el caso clínico de un varón con afectación pulmonar micronodulillar secundaria a instilaciones de BCG intravesical (AU)

Immunotherapy with Calmette-Guérin bacillus (BCG) is the most effective intravesical treatment of in situ bladder carcinoma besides the transurethral resection. Tough its known to be secure, and systemic complications are very rare, mild local complications are frequents. The lung involvement is unusual (< 1%), normally severe, with a micronodular pattern, and its etiopathogenic mechanism is a controversial issue. We present a case of a man with micronodular pattern secondary to intravesical BCG’s instillations (AU)

Neumonitis por hipersensibilidad: a propósito de un caso

La neumonitis por hipersensibilidad o alveolitis alérgica extrínseca se produce como consecuencia de la inhalación repetida de determinadas sustancias orgánicas o antígenos que, en individuos susceptibles, puede producir una inflamación de las paredes alveolares, bronquiolo e intersticio con alteración del intercambio gaseoso. Su presentación clínica puede ser muy diversa según la edad del paciente. Los niños de mayor edad suelen debutar con cuadros de disnea de esfuerzo que progresa hasta aparecer en reposo, hipoxemia y estertores crepitantes en la auscultación. No hay ninguna prueba definitiva que diagnostique por sí misma la enfermedad, pero los hallazgos analíticos, pruebas de imagen y función pulmonar apoyan la sospecha clínica. La medida más importante de tratamiento es evitar la exposición al antígeno responsable. En algunas ocasiones puede ser útil la utilización de corticoides orales. A continuación, presentamos el caso de un menor con datos clínicos de neumonitis por hipersensibilidad secundaria a la exposición a aves con hipertensión pulmonar secundaria. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis or extrinsic allergic alveolitis occurs because of the repeated inhalation of certain organic substances or antigens which, in susceptible individuals, can cause inflammation of the alveolar, bronchiole and interstice with gas exchange disorder.  Its clinical presentation can be very diverse according to the age of the patient. Older children usually present as dyspnea with exercises that progress to appear at rest, hypoxemia, and rattles on auscultation. There is no definitive test that by itself diagnoses the disease, but laboratory findings, imaging tests, and pulmonary function support clinical suspicion. The most important measure of treatment is to avoid exposure to the responsibility antigen. Sometimes, the use of oral corticosteroids may be useful. Below, we present the case of a minor with clinical data of hypersensitivity pneumonitis secondary to exposure to birds with secondary pulmonary hypertension. (provided by Infomedic International)

Ecografía pulmonar y neumonitis por aspiración de queroseno

Introducción: La ingestión de queroseno conduce a la aparición de diversas complicaciones. Dada su baja viscosidad, en el sistema respiratorio es capaz de llegar a las vías aéreas distales y provocar lesión pulmonar, lo cual requiere atención urgente. La ecografía pulmonar, en la emergencia médica es un pilar que ha aumentado la capacidad de diagnóstico, guía la toma de decisiones y permite estratificar el pronóstico del paciente. Objetivo: Presentar un paciente con neumonitis química por aspiración de queroseno, sus características clínicas y procedimiento ecográfico pulmonar empleado. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 68 años de edad con antecedentes de alcoholismo y epilepsia, que hace tratamiento irregular. Asistió al servicio de urgencias con dificultad respiratoria de varios días de evolución y el precedente de ingesta de queroseno, con broncoaspiración. Se le realizó ecografía pulmonar, según el protocolo Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency; se observó síndrome intersticio alveolar grave, engrosamiento de la línea pleural, microconsolidaciones subpleurales y pérdida grave de la aireación pulmonar. Se le instauró tratamiento con ventilación mecánica invasiva y antibiótico terapia; mejoró el puntaje de aireación pulmonar y el paciente se recuperó. Conclusiones: La insuficiencia respiratoria aguda secundaria a neumonitis química por queroseno, es una entidad clínica compleja en su evaluación; el uso de la ecografía pulmonar constituye una herramienta vital que permite valorar en tiempo real el parénquima pulmonar y la pleura, para tomar decisiones terapéuticas oportunas y precisas.

Introduction: The ingestion of kerosene leads to the appearance of various complications. Given its low viscosity, in the respiratory system, it is capable of reaching the distal airways and causing lung injury, which requires urgent attention. Lung ultrasound, in medical emergencies, is a pillar that has increased diagnostic capacity, guides decision-making and allows stratifying the patient's prognosis. Objective: To present a patient with chemical pneumonitis due to aspiration of kerosene, its clinical characteristics and pulmonary ultrasound procedure used. Clinical case: 68-year-old male patient with a history of alcoholism and epilepsy, which undergoes irregular treatment. He attended Emergency with respiratory distress of several days of evolution and the precedent of ingestion of kerosene, with bronchial aspiration. Lung ultrasound was performed, according to the Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency protocol; severe alveolar interstitial syndrome, thickening of the pleural line, subpleural micro-consolidations, and severe loss of pulmonary aeration were observed. Treatment with invasive mechanical ventilation and antibiotic therapy was established; the pulmonary aeration score improved, and the patient recovered. Conclusions: Acute respiratory failure secondary to chemical pneumonitis due to kerosene is a complex clinical entity in its evaluation; the use of lung ultrasound is a vital tool that allows the lung parenchyma and pleura to be assessed in real time, in order to make timely and precise therapeutic decisions.

Radiological and histological characteristics of patients with interstitial lung disease undergoing lung biopsy in a reference institution from eastern Colombia / Características radiológicas e histológicas de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar intersticial llevados a biopsia pulmonar en una institución del oriente colombiano

Abstract Introduction: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnosis requires a mukidisciplinary approach and, in some cases, lung biopsy. Objective: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the radiological and histological findings, of patients with ILD who required lung biopsy after a mukidisciplinary board (pneumology, radiology, and pathology) of a reference center for respiratory diseases in Bucaramanga, Colombia, failed to reach the ILD diagnosis. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study. The medical records of 56 patients treated at the Instituto Neumológico del Oriente who underwent lung biopsy between 2015 and 2019 were reviewed. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated for demographic and clinical variables, respectively, to characterize them. A bivariate analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test to determine whether there were differences in the distribution of the sociodemographic and clinical variables according to the radiological patterns and the final histological diagnosis. Results: Participants' median age was 67 years (IQR: 59-72) and 55.35% were men. 43 patients had a radiological pattern inconsistent with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP); 4 had a pattern consistent with possible UIP; and 9 had a pattern consistent with UIP. The most common histologic diagnoses were hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) (32.14%), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (17.86%), and UIP (19.64%). Conclusion: In the study population, the primary reason for performing a lung biopsy was the presence of a radiologic pattern inconsistent with UIP, with HP being the predominant histopathological diagnosis. This is the first study to characterize patients with ILD who underwent lung biopsy in eastern Colombia, making a significant contribution to our understanding of the disease's epidemiology in the country.

Resumen Introducción. El diagnóstico de la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) requiere un enfoque multidisciplinar y, en ocasiones, de una biopsia pulmonar. Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas, y los hallazgos radiológicos e histológicos de pacientes con EPI que requirieron biopsia pulmonar luego de no lograrse un diagnóstico de esta enfermedad por la junta médica multidisciplinar (neumología, radiología y patología) de un centro de referencia en enfermedades respiratorias de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 56 pacientes atendidos en el Instituto Neumológico del Oriente y que fueron remitidos a biopsia pulmonar entre 2015 y 2019. Se analizaron variables demográficas y clínicas, calculando medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión para su respectiva caracterización. Se realizó un análisis bivariado mediante test exacto de Fisher para determinar si existían diferencias en la distribución de las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas de acuerdo con los patrones radiológicos y el diagnóstico histológico definitivo. Resultados. La mediana de edad fue 67 años (RIC: 59-72), 55.35% fueron hombres. 43 pacientes presentaron patrón radiológico inconsistente con neumonía intersticial usual (NIU); 4, patrón de posible NIU y, 9, patrón de NIU. Los diagnósticos histológicos más frecuentes fueron neumonitis por hipersensibilidad (NH) (32.14%), neumonía intersticial no específica (17.86%) y NIU (19.64%). Conclusión. La principal razón para realizar biopsia pulmonar en la población de estudio fue la presencia de un patrón radiológico inconsistente con NIU, siendo la NH el principal diagnóstico histopatológico. Este es el primer trabajo que caracteriza a pacientes con EPI del oriente colombiano llevados a biopsia pulmonar, lo que representa un importante aporte al conocimiento de la epidemiología de esta enfermedad en Colombia.

Impacto clínico de un grupo de discusión multidisciplinaria en el diagnóstico de fibrosis pulmonar idiopática en Colombia / Clinical impact of a multidisciplinary discussion group on the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Colombia

Resumen Introducción: la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (FPI) es una enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPID) de mal pronóstico, considerada huérfana en Colombia. Un diagnóstico correcto tiene implicaciones para el paciente y los costos de atención. Los grupos de discusión multidisciplinaria (GDM) se consideran el estándar de oro en el diagnóstico. No hay estudios previos en Colombia de la experiencia de un GDM. Objetivos: evaluar el impacto de un GDM en una institución de cuarto nivel en Bogotá en cambio de diagnóstico de pacientes con EPID y la concordancia entre el diagnóstico inicial y final de FPI. Material y métodos: pacientes con EPID evaluados entre 2015-2018 por el GDM conformado por neumólogos, radiólogo, patólogo y reumatólogos. Criterios ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT de diagnóstico de FPI. Descripción del cambio en el diagnóstico y concordancia entre el diagnóstico inicial y del GDM en FPI. Resultados: de 165 pacientes con EPID se cambió el diagnóstico en 35.2%. En 77.3% pacientes con diagnóstico inicial de FPI y en 6.7% con diagnóstico inicial diferente a FPI el GDM confirmó FPI. Al descartar FPI, los principales diagnósticos fueron neumonitis de hipersensibilidad en fase crónica (29.4%) y neumonía intersticial no específica (23.5%). El índice kappa entre el diagnóstico inicial y final de FPI fue 0.71 (0.60-0.82). Conclusiones: el GDM en EPID tuvo un importante impacto clínico demostrado por un alto porcentaje de cambió del diagnóstico de remisión. Se descartó el diagnóstico inicial de FPI en un porcentaje significativo de pacientes y se ratificó en un grupo menor sin esta sospecha clínica inicial. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2017).

Abstract Introduction: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) with a poor prognosis, considered an orphan disease in Colombia. An accurate diagnosis has implications for the patient and healthcare costs. Multidisciplinary discussion groups (MDGs) are considered the gold standard for diagnosis. There are no prior studies in Colombia on the experience of an MDG. Objectives: to evaluate the impact of an MDG in a quaternary care institution in Bogotá on the change in the diagnosis of patients with ILD and the concordance between the initial and final diagnosis of IPF. Materials and methods: patents with ILD evaluated from 2015-2018 by the MDG made up of pulmonologists, a radiologist, a pathologist and rheumatologists. The ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT diagnostic criteria for IPF. A description of changes in the diagnosis and the agreement between the initial diagnosis and the MDG diagnosis of IPF. Results: out of 165 patients with ILD, the diagnosis was changed in 32.5%. The MDG confirmed IPF in 77.3% of patients with an initial diagnosis of ILD and 6.7% of those with a different initial diagnosis. When IPF was ruled out, the main diagnoses were chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (24.8%) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (23.5%). The Kappa index between the initial and final IPF diagnoses was 0.71 (0.60-0.82). Conclusions: the MDG on ILD had a significant clinical impact evidenced by a high percentage of change in the referral diagnosis. The initial diagnosis of IPF was ruled out in a significant percentage of patients and confirmed in a smaller group which did not have this initial clinical suspicion. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2017).

Inhalational lung diseases.

The term inhalational lung disease comprises a group of entities that develop secondary to the active aspiration of particles. Most are occupational lung diseases. Inhalational lung diseases are classified as occupational diseases (pneumoconiosis, chemical pneumonitis), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and electronic-cigarette-associated lung diseases. The radiologic findings often consist of nonspecific interstitial patterns that can be difficult to interpret. Therefore, radiologists' experience and multidisciplinary teamwork are key to ensure correct evaluation. The role of the radiologist is fundamental in preventive measures as well as in diagnosis and management, having an important impact on patients' overall health. It is crucial to take into account patients' possible exposure to particles both at work and at home.

Síndrome de Hamman - rich: Reporte de caso / Hamman-Rich Syndrome: case report

Resumen La neumonía intersticial aguda, también conocida como síndrome de Hamman-Rich, se caracteriza por la presencia de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, hallazgo imagenológico de infiltrados difusos bilaterales del parénquima pulmonar y daño alveolar difuso en histopatología pulmonar. Es una patología con una mortalidad mayor al 50% debido a la falta de una terapia específica más allá del manejo sintomático y soporte ventilatorio. Se expone el caso de un paciente masculino de 56 años quien se presenta con síntomas respiratorios inespecíficos, deterioro progresivo de la oxigenación y hallazgo de opacidades en vidrio esmerilado difusas bilaterales. Además, biopsia pulmonar en la que se evidencia daño alveolar difuso en fase fibroproliferativa en quien se descarta proceso infeccioso, enfermedades autoinmunes y toxicidad medicamentosa, por lo que se hace el diagnóstico. Recibió manejo con pulsos de metilprednisolona con recuperación completa del cuadro. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(3): 103-8.

Abstract Acute interstitial pneumonitis, also known as Hamman Rich syndrome, characterised by acute respiratory failure, bilateral lung infiltrates on radiographs and diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) on lung histopathology, is an exclusion diagnosis which requires a complete study of other possible etiologies of DAD. It is a pathology with a mortality greater than 50% due to not having a specific therapy beyond symptomatic management and ventilatory support. We present a case of a 56 year old male with respiratory symptoms, who has progressive worsening oxygen levels and bilateral ground glass opacities on chest images. Lung biopsy with diffuse alveolar damage, infection, autoimmune diseases, and drug adverse reaction were ruled out. Managed with mechanical ventilation and high dose systemic corticoids with complete recovery. MÉD.UIS.2021;34(3): 103-8.

Neumonitis por nitrofurantoína, ¿tres episodios en un año? / Nitrofurantoin pneumonitis, three episodes in one year?

La nitrofurantoína es un antimicrobiano ampliamente utilizado en el tratamiento y profilaxis de infecciones urinarias no complicadas, su eficacia clínica parece equivalente a la de otros antibióticos. Su toxicidad pulmonar se conoce desde 1962. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 82 años que se diagnosticó en agosto de 2009 y que refería dos cuadros pulmo nares previos ese mismo año, compatibles con toxicidad por nitrofurantoína y que en los 12 años siguientes no ha presentado cuadros similares. Se exponen las formas clínicas de presentación, la dificultad diagnóstica y las dudas sobre el tratamiento adecuado (AU)

Nitrofurantoin is an antimicrobial widely used in the treatment and prophylaxis of uncomplicated urinary tract infections, its clinical efficacy seems equivalent to that of other antibiotics. Its pulmonary toxicity has been known since 1962. We present the case of an 82-year-old patient who was diagnosed in August 2006 and who reported two previous pulmo nary symptoms that same year, compatible with nitrofurantoin toxicity and who in the following 12 years had not presented similar symptoms. The clinical forms of presentation, the diagnostic difficulty and the doubts about the appropriate treatment are exposed (AU)

Pilot Study Using Recombinant Antigens r-PROE and r-IGLL1 for the Serodiagnosis of Feather Duvet Lung.

BACKGROUND: Feather duvet lung (FDL) is an underestimated form of acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Serological tests for FDL need to be validated. We investigated the ability of recombinant pigeon Proproteinase E (r-PROE) and Immunoglobulin-lambda-like-polypeptide-1 (r-IGLL1) proteins to support the serological diagnosis of FDL, and propose them as a serological tool for clinicians to differentiate cases from FDL and Bird fancier's lung (BFL). METHODS: Specific IgG antibodies against r-PROE and r-IGLL1, analyzed with ELISA, were measured in patients diagnosed with FDL (n=31), BFL (n=15) controls exposed (n=15) and unexposed to feathers (n=15). RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the r-PROE ELISA for the serological diagnosis of FDL cases versus exposed and unexposed controls were 74.2% and 86.7% respectively, with an index threshold of 0.5 (AUC: 0.89). In addition, this serological test was effective to support the serological diagnosis of FDL and BFL cases with significantly different thresholds. The r-IGLL1 ELISA was only effective for the serological diagnosis of BFL. Also, these two serological tests were useful for the diagnosis of both chronic and acute forms. CONCLUSIONS: The new diagnostic test for FDL using r-PROE protein should help to detect overt and hidden cases of FDL. The combination of both test will help the clinician in distinguish between the etiology of birds or feathers duvet.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and (Idiopathic) Pulmonary Fibrosis Due to Feather Duvets and Pillows.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to feather bedding may be an unnoticed cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Thus, an in-depth clinical study of the diagnosis of patients with suspected HP and IPF is required in order to determine their etiologies. The objective of the present study is to raise awareness of HP and pulmonary fibrosis due to exposure to feather bedding, and to study the prevalence and describe long-term outcomes. METHODS: We describe a series of 33 patients diagnosed with HP and pulmonary fibrosis due to feather bedding exposure and followed over a 10-year period. The patients were from a subgroup of 127 individuals with HP undergoing in-depth evaluation using a diagnostic protocol at a regional referral center. RESULTS: Eleven (33%) patients were clinically diagnosed with acute HP and 22 (67%) with chronic HP. Ten (45%) chronic HP patients showed a high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) with suspected IPF. The prevalence of HP was 6.2/100 000 feather bedding users (compared with 54.6 per 100 000 bird-breeders). The survival rates of patients over the 10-year period was 100% for acute HP and 64% for chronic HP. CONCLUSIONS: In a series of HP patients, the diagnosis was attributed to feather bedding exposure in 26%. UIP pattern on HRCT was present in nearly half of the chronic cases. The survival of patients with chronic HP at ten years was 64%, despite avoiding further exposure.

El cigarrillo electrónico: un problema de salud pública emergente / The electronic cigarette: an emerging public health problem

RESUMEN Desde el 2004 se dispone del cigarrillo electrónico (CE), dispositivo que calienta nicotina y la administra formando parte de un vapor. Presentamos una revisión narrativa del CE y su efecto en la salud. Su uso es para dejar de fumar, en lo que la evidencia es baja, terminando usándolo a la vez que el cigarrillo que no pudieron dejar. Además, los que nunca fumaron, principalmente adolescentes y jóvenes, se inician en su consumo. Su uso eleva en el aire los niveles de nicotina, partículas, compuestos orgánicos volátiles, hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos, carbonilos y metales como aluminio. In vitro el CE causa infla mación, estrés oxidativo y es tóxico para múltiples tipos de células, incluyendo células pulmonares, en doteliales y células madre. Produce incremento de la susceptibilidad a infecciones virales y bacterianas. Comparado con cigarrillos, el CE produce un número mayor y más intenso de genes suprimidos. A la broncoscopia las vías aéreas están friables y eritematosas, y el epitelio bronquial con expresión diferen ciada de proteínas. Se le ha asociado con tos, síntomas de bronquitis y con la epidemia de insuficiencia respiratoria por neumonitis que ha llevado a varias decenas de personas a la muerte. Por sus efectos dañinos el CE debería solo usarse por prescripción médica, como una medida para ayudar a dejar el tabaco, y estar prohibido su uso en interiores y ambientes públicos. Como no se han determinado los componentes del CE responsables de las muertes asociadas, su uso debería ser proscrito hasta que se conozcan cuáles son estos factores.

ABSTRACT Since 2004, the electronic cigarette (EC) is available, a device that heats nicotine and administers it as part of a vapor. We present a narrative review of the EC and its effect on health. Its use is to stop smoking, in which the evidence is low, and ends up being used at the same time as the cigarette they could not quit. In addition, those who never smoked, mainly teenagers and young people, begin consumption. Its use rais es the levels of nicotine, particles, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbo nyls and metals such as aluminum. In vitro, the EC causes inflammation, oxidative stress and is toxic to multiple cell types, including lung, endothelial and stem cells. Produces increased susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. Compared to cigarettes, the EC produces a larger and more intense number of deleted genes. At bronchoscopy the airways are friable and erythematous, and the bronchial epithelium with a differentiated protein expression. It has been associated with cough, bronchitis symptoms and the respiratory failure by pneumonitis epidemic that has led several dozen people to death. Because of its harmful effects, the EC should only be used by medical prescription, as a measure to help quit tobacco, and its use in indoor and public environments be prohibited. As the EC components responsible for the associated deaths have not been determined, their use should be banned until these factors are known.

An Open-label Study With Pirfenidone on Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP) represents a severe lung disease often evolving to fibrosis with the subsequent destruction of the lung parenchyma. There are no approved therapies with confirmed efficacy to deal with this disease. METHODS: We performed an open-label, proof of concept study, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone added to immunosuppressive drugs on the treatment of cHP. We included 22 patients assigned to two groups: Group 1, nine patients that received prednisone plus azathioprine and Group 2, thirteen patients, received prednisone plus azathioprine and pirfenidone (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02496182). There were no significant imbalances in clinically relevant baseline characteristics between two study groups. RESULTS: After 1 year of treatment, inclusion of pirfenidone was not associated with improved forced vital capacity (primary end-point). A not significant tendency to show higher improvement of diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was observed in the group receiving pirfenidone (p=0.06). Likewise, a significant improvement in the total score on the SGRQ was found in the group 2 (p=0.02) without differences in other two questionnaires related to quality of life (ATAQ-IPF and EQ-5D-3L). HRCT showed a decrease of the ground glass attenuation without changes in the fibrotic lesions and without differences between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the addition of pirfenidone to the anti-inflammatory treatment in patients with chronic HP may improve the outcome with acceptable safety profile. However, prospective randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in largest cohorts are needed to validate its efficacy.

Forced Oscillation Technique and Small Airway Involvement in Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

OBJECTIVE: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of specific organic antigens or low-molecular weight substances in genetically susceptible individuals. Although small airway involvement is prominent in patients with chronic HP, conventional pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are relatively insensitive to identify it. Thus, the authors aimed to evaluate resistance (R5) and reactance (X5) values at 5Hz on inspiration, expiration, and whole breath, as well as small airway resistance (R5-19) values using a forced oscillation technique (FOT) in patients with chronic HP, and their responses after bronchodilator. In addition, R5 and X5 values according to the presence or absence of mosaic attenuation on computed tomography (CT) were compared. METHODS: PFTs with plethysmography, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and FOT measurements were performed pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator. High-resolution CT was performed at the same visit, and classified according to the presence or absence of mosaic attenuation. R5 and X5 values were then compared according to the presence or absence of mosaic attenuation on CT. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with chronic HP (57.1% female; mean age, 56±11.5 years; mean forced vital capacity 57±17% predicted) were evaluated. All patients had low X5 values, reflecting lower lung compliance, and only three (8%) demonstrated elevated R5 (whole-breath) values. No patients exhibited bronchodilator response in R5, X5 and R5-19 values. In patients who exhibited greater extension of mosaic attenuation (n=11), R5 and X5 values could not discriminate those with a greater presence of these areas on CT. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that FOT does not help to additionally characterise concomitant small airway involvement in patients with chronic fibrotic HP who demonstrate restrictive ventilatory pattern in conventional PFTs. Nevertheless, FOT appeared to better characterise decreased lung compliance due to fibrosis through X5. Bronchodilator therapy did not appear to induce an acute response in chronic HP patients with restrictive disease. The precise role of FOT in subacute HP and obstructive chronic HP, therefore, must be evaluated.

Pulmonary manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus: pleural involvement, acute pneumonitis, chronic interstitial lung disease and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. / Manifestaciones pulmonares en lupus eritematoso sistémico: afección pleural, neumonitis aguda, enfermedad intersticial crónica y hemorragia alveolar difusa.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is the diffuse autoimmune connective tissue disease that most frequently involves pulmonary involvement, affecting 20% of 90% of the patients. The percentage varies depending on the defining criteria (symptoms, pulmonary tests or histopathological studies). At least once during the disease course, 50% of those affected have pleural and/or pulmonary manifestations, which are associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary involvement has no correlation with lupus activity biomarkers, and it is necessary to rule out infectious processes in the initial approach. Bacterial infection is most frequently the cause of lung involvement in lupus and is one of the most important causes of death. Pulmonary involvement is considered to be primary when it is associated with disease activity, and secondary when other causes participate. Drugs have been reported to be associated with pulmonary damage, including interstitial disease. The incidence of malignant lung diseases is increased in systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment depends on the type and severity of pulmonary involvement.

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.

Farmer's lung disease: Analysis of 75 cases. / Enfermedad del pulmón del granjero: análisis de 75 casos.

INTRODUCTION: Farmer's lung disease (FLD) is a common form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis possibly underdiagnosed in our midst. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics, evolution and factors that influence the prognosis of patients with FLD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study that included all patients diagnosed with FLD presenting an environmental exposure risk, a clinic, lung function and a compatible radiology, in which antigen sensitisation was demonstrated and/or a concordant pathology. RESULTS: We selected 75 patients with FLD, 50 with acute or subacute form (ASF) and 25 with chronic form (CF). Forty-four percent of patients (n=33) were diagnosed during the months of March and April, especially those with ASF compared to CF (52 vs. 28%; P=.0018). In the ASF group, DLco showed an improvement during follow-up (P=.047). The determination of specific IgG antibodies was positive in 39 patients (78%) with ASF (44% of them against Aspergillus) and CF 12 (48%). The realisation of antigenic avoidance (OR 9.26, 95% CI 1.3-66.7, P=.026) and the administration of immunosuppressive therapy (OR 16.13, 95% CI 1.26-200, P=.033) were predictors of better disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: FLD is predominantly seasonal in our environment. CF usually has a negative specific IgG antibodies unlike ASF, where antibodies against Aspergillus are the most common. The realisation of antigenic avoidance and immunosuppressive treatment are possible predictors of better disease progression.

Neumonitis intersticial descamativa en el paciente pediátrico / Desquamative interstitial penumonitis in a pediatric patient

Introducción: la neumonitis intersticial descamativa es una entidad caracterizada en la clínica por mostrar tos, disnea, cianosis e hipercapnia, con un patrón restrictivo de las pruebas funcionales respiratorias, debido a la presencia de fibrosis pulmonar, cuya frecuencia es inusual en Pediatría. Presentación del caso: adolescente que fue remitida al Hospital Docente Pediátrico del Cerro por sospecha de dengue, al referir fiebre de 38 °C de 3 días de evolución, acompañada de dolores musculares en miembros inferiores, escalofríos y cefalea, por lo cual fue internada en la sala de misceláneas. Durante su evolución mostró dificultad respiratoria, tos seca, taquipnea, taquicardia y disminución del murmullo vesicular en la base del pulmón izquierdo. Se observó en la radiografía de tórax una opacidad en dicha zona y fue tratada con antibióticos. En etapa posterior se trasladó a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos por ocurrir un incremento de las lesiones pulmonares e insuficiencia respiratoria; por ello, se indicó ventilación mecánica, variedad presión controlada. Posteriormente se aisló en hemocultivo y secreciones bronquiales, Pseudomona Stutzeri, evento considerado como una sepsis asociada a cuidados sanitarios. Se planteó un distrés respiratorio del adulto en niños que no involucionó, y falleció en un cuadro de insuficiencia respiratoria a los 19 días de estadía. Conclusiones: esta paciente mostró síntomas y signos sugestivos de una infección pulmonar bacteriana de evolución tórpida. Los hallazgos necrópsicos describen la presencia de una bronconeumonía bacteriana como causa directa, y una neumonitis intersticial descamativa, como entidad básica del fallecimiento(AU)

Introduction: desquamative interstitial pneumonitis is a characterized condition in the clinical field since it shows cough, dysnea, cyanosis and hypercapnia, with a restrictive pattern of the functional respiratory tests due to the presence of pulmonary fibrosis that is unusual in pediatrics. Case presentation: a female adolescent was referred to the pediatric teaching hospital of Cerro on suspicion of dengue since she presented with 38 °C for three days, accompanied with muscle aches in lower limbs, chills and headache. She was admitted to a general ward. During her progression, she showed respiratory distress, unproductive cough, tachypnea, tachycardia and reduction of vesicular murmur in the left lung basis. The thoracic X ray showed opacity in the area and was treated with antibiotics. In a later phase, she was moced to the intensive care unit due to increase in pulmonary lesions and respiratory failure. She was also under mechanical ventilation with controlled pressure. Later, Pseudomona Stutzeri was isolated in blood culture and bronchial secretions, an event considered to be health care-associated sepsis. It was stated that this case was a respiratory distress of adult in a child that evolved and finally the adolescent died of respiratory failure 19 days after her hospitalization. Conclusions: this patient showed symptoms and signs suggestive of bacterial pulmonary infection of torpid progression. The necropsis finding describe the presence of bacterial bronchopneumonia as a direct cause and desquamative interstitial pneumonitis as the basic condition for death(AU)