Excessive gestational weight gain in first trimester is a risk factor for exacerbation of asthma during pregnancy: A prospective study of 1283 pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbation during pregnancy is the most important risk factor for an unfavorable outcome of pregnancy in women with asthma. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify pregnancy-related risk factors for acute exacerbations of asthma during pregnancy. METHODS: Since 2007, all pregnant women referred to give birth at Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark, have been offered participation in the prospective Management of Asthma during Pregnancy (MAP) program. Women were included in the present analysis if they fulfilled the following criteria: (1) diagnosed with asthma, (2) prescribed at least rescue bronchodilator, and (3) had the first visit to the respiratory outpatient clinic within the first 18 weeks of pregnancy. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models with backward stepwise elimination (Proc Logistic procedure in SAS). RESULTS: Over an 8-year study period, a total of 1283 pregnancies in 1208 women fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the MAP cohort. Women with asthma exacerbation(s) had larger gestational weight gain (GWG) in the first trimester of pregnancy (P < .001) and increased total GWG (P < .001) compared with women without exacerbation. More than 5 kg first-trimester weight gain was associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbation (odds ratio, 9.35; 95% CI, 6.39-13.68; P < .001), and the risk increased in a dose-dependent manner with additional weight gain in excess of 5 kg. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive GWG in the first trimester is a risk factor for asthma exacerbation during pregnancy and the risk increases in a dose-dependent manner with increasing GWG.

La Unidad de Neumología Pediátrica y Fibrosis Quística del Hospital Infantil Universitario Miguel Servet / Pediatric pneumology and cystic fibrosis of the Hospital Infantil Universitario Miguel Servet

Se describe en este artículo la estructura, actividad asistencial y docente de la Unidad de Neumología Pediátrica y Fibrosis Quística del Hospital Infantil Miguel Servet, dedicada integramente al cuidado de los niños con enfermedades respiratorias. Es la Unidad de referencia para niños con problemas respiratorios de mayor complejidad en toda la Comunidad de Aragón, en especial para pacientes con asma de difícil control o fibrosis quística, asi como para la realización de diferentes técnicas específicas, como la fibrobroncoscopia (AU)

This article describes the structure, clinical and teaching activity of Pediatric Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis Unit in the Children’s Hospital Miguel Servet, entirely dedicated to the care of children with respiratory diseases. It is the reference Unit for children with severe respiratory problems in the community of Aragon, especially for patients with difficult asthma or cystic fibrosis, and also to perform different specific techniques, such as flexible bronchoscopy (AU)

Anticossos monoclonals anti-IgE. Què ens han aportat en el maneig de l'asma greu al·lèrgica? / No disponible

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Patrones inflamatorios en niños asmáticos basados en la determinación de óxido nítrico alveolar / Inflammatory Patterns in Asthmatic Children Based on Alveolar Nitric Oxide Determination

Introducción: El óxido nítrico (NO) puede medirse a nivel proximal (flujo máximo NO en vía aérea [J'awNO]) y distal (concentración alveolar de NO [CANO]). Se han descrito 4 patrones inflamatorios en asmáticos, aunque su relevancia no ha sido bien establecida. El objetivo ha sido determinar el J'awNO y la CANO para establecer 4 categorías inflamatorias en asmáticos. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal de una muestra de niños sanos y asmáticos. Determinación de NO exhalado a flujos múltiples. De acuerdo con el modelo bicompartimental se obtuvieron la CANOy el J'awNO. En asmáticos se realizó cuestionario de control de asma (CAN) y espirometría forzada. Categorización de pacientes en tipo i (J'awNO y CANO normal), tipo ii (J'awNO elevado y CANO normal), tipo iii (J'awNO y CANO elevados) y tipo iv (J'awNO normal y CANO elevado). Estudio de correlación entre FENO,50, J'awNO y CANO mediante R de Spearman. Análisis de la varianza y comparaciones pareadas, mediante corrección post hoc de Bonferroni. Resultados: Se estudiaron 162 niños: 49 (32,23%) controles sanos y 103 (67,76%) asmáticos. Se excluyeron 10 niños, 4 (2.4%) porque las eterminaciones fueron incorrectas y 6 (3,7%) porque las determinaciones no siguieron el modelo lineal (valores de CANO negativos). En controles la FENO,50 (ppb) (mediana y rango) fue 11,5 (1,6-27,3), J'awNO (pl/s) 516 (98,3-1.470) y CANO(ppb) 2,2 (0,1-4,5). De los asmáticos, 44 (42,7%) se categorizaron en tipo i, 41 (39,8%) en tipo ii, 14 (13,5%%) en tipo iii y 4 (3,88%) en tipo iv. Buena correlación entre J'awNO y FENO,50(r = 0,97). No hubo asociación entre J'awNO y CANO. Disminución significativa de FEV1/FVC en tipo iii (media 79,8 ± 7,5). La morbilidad fue significativamente superior en tipos iii y iv. Conclusiones: Los valores de normalidad obtenidos son similares a los previamente publicados. Los asmáticos con CANO elevado presentaron mayor morbilidad. No hay correlación entre inflamación proximal y distal

Introduction: Nitric oxide (NO) levels can be measured at proximal (maximum airway NO flux [J’awNO]) and distal (alveolar NO concentration [CANO]) levels. Four inflammatory patterns have been described in asthmatic individuals, although their relevance has not been well established. The objective was to determine J’awNO and CANO in order to establish four inflammatory categories in asthmatics. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study of a sample consisting of healthy and asthmatic children. Exhaled NO was determined at multiple flows. J’awNO and CANO were obtained according to the two-compartment model. The asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) and spirometry were administered to asthmatic children. Patients were categorized as type i (normal J’awNO and CANO), type ii (elevated J’awNO and normal CANO), type iii (elevated J’awNO and CANO) and type iv (normal J’awNO and elevated CANO). Correlation between FENO,50, J’awNO and CANO was analyzed using Spearman’s R Correlation Test. Analysis of variance and paired comparisons were performed using the Bonferroni correction. Results: One hundred sixty-two children were studied, of whom 49 (32.23%) were healthy controls and 103 (67.76%) asthmatics. In the control subjects, FENO,50 (ppb)(median and range) was 11.5 (1.6 to 27.3), J’awNO (pl/s) was 516 (98.3 to 1470) and CANO (ppb) was 2.2 (0.1 to 4.5). Forty-four (42.7%) of the asthmatic participants were categorized as type i, 41 (39.8%) as type ii, 14 (13.5%) as type iii and 4 (3.88%) as type iv. Good correlation was observed between J’awNO and FENO,50 (r = 0.97). There was no association between J’awNO and CANO. FEV1/FVC decreased significantly in type iii (mean 79.8 ± 7.5). Morbidity was significantly higher in types iii and iv. Conclusions: Normal values obtained are similar to those previously reported. Asthmatics with high CANO showed higher morbidity. No correlation was found between proximal and distal inflammation

Bronquiectasias y asma / No disponible

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Valoración de bronquiectasias en pacientes con asma / No disponible

Introducción: Las bronquiectasias (BQ) son la consecuencia final de muchas enfermedades, entre las que se encuentra el asma, sin embargo han sido poco estudiadas. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar la presencia de BQ mediante una tomografía computarizada de alta resolución (TCAR) en un subgrupo de pacientes con asma mediante el sistema de clasificación de Bhalla. Asimismo, se comparó si existían diferencias clínicas entre los asmáticos que presentaban o no BQ y si estas se relacionaban con las puntuaciones obtenidas en la escala de Bhalla modificada. Material y métodos: Una TCAR pulmonar se realizó a pacientes con asma, durante un periodo de reclutamiento de 2 años, que cumplían las siguientes condiciones: tres o más exacerbaciones respiratorias al año, historia de expectoración habitual o hemoptoica en alguna ocasión, o asma de larga evolución. Los escáneres fueron evaluados por 2 radiólogos siguiendo la puntuación de Bhalla modificada. Resultados: Se observaron BQ en 48 pacientes de los 65 estudios realizados; el 88% de las BQ fueron cilíndricas y el 62% bilaterales, siendo los lóbulos más afectos los lóbulos inferiores y el lóbulo medio. En todos los enfermos que padecían reflujo gastroesofágico (RGE) se evidenciaron BQ. Los enfermos con BQ mostraron peor FVC (p=0,04) y FEV1 (p=0,05) y mayor frecuencia de rinitis. La puntuación total obtenida por la puntuación de Bhalla modificada se relacionó con la media del porcentaje del valor FEV1/FVC (p=0,01), con el número de exacerbaciones (p=0,01), y con la presencia de colonización bacteriana (p=0,001). Conclusiones: Una alta proporción de pacientes asmáticos de control difícil muestran BQ, que suelen ser cilíndricas y bilaterales. Los enfermos con BQ presentan peor función pulmonar. La puntuación total mediante el sistema de Bhalla se relaciona con la presencia de colonización bacteriana y con el número de exacerbaciones

Introduction: Bronchiectasis (BQ) are the final consequence of many diseases, including asthma is, however this has been inconsiderate. The main objective was to evaluate the presence of BQ by high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) in a subgroup of patients with asthma using a modified Bhalla score. We compared also whether there were clinical differences between asthmatics who presented or not BQ and clinical variables were associated with modified Bhalla scores. Material and methods: Pulmonary HRCT was performed in patients with asthma during a recruitment period of 2 years, who had the following conditions: three or more respiratory exacerbations per year history of coughing or hemoptysis usual on occasion, asthma longstanding and images suggestive of BQ in the chest radiograph. The HRCT were evaluated by 2 radiologists according to the modified Bhalla score. Results: We observed 48 patients with BQ in 65 studies, 88% were cylindrical and bilateral in 62%. The more affected were the lower and middle lobes. All patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux had evident BQ. Patients with BQ showed worse FEV1 (p = 0.04), FVC (p=0.05) and rhinitis more often. The total modified Bhalla score was related to the average percentage of FEV1/FVC value (p=0.01), the number of exacerbations (p = 0.01), and the presence of bacterial colonization (p = 0.01). Conclusions: A high proportion of patients with difficult asthma clinic have BQ. Usually these BQ are bilateral and cylindrical and the patients with BQ present worse respiratory functional state. Bhalla total score correlated with the presence of bacterial colonization and the number of exacerbations

Prevalence of asthma and related symptoms in adolescents: findings from 3 surveys

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Fetal and early postnatal life roots of asthma.

The origins of asthma might be traced back to events occurring during fetal life. Reduced lung development has been shown to be a risk factor both for viral induced wheeze and allergic asthma. The evidence for a causal relationship between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, chemical domestic products for cleaning, outdoor pollutants, and reduction in lung function is quite strong. Reduced maternal intake of vitamin E, vitamin D, and zinc, or increased use of paracetamol during pregnancy is associated with increased wheezing outcomes in children. The odds ratio for asthma onset is also increased in infants born from mothers with oligohydramnios, chorioamnionitis, hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes and exposed to stressful events. The risk of developing allergic asthma is increased if the child is exposed in the first months of life to synthetic bedding and is enhanced by allergen exposure and an inadequate barrier function of the skin. In conclusion, several lines of evidence support the concept of fetal programming and very early life events in the development of the different phenotypes of asthma. Since some environmental triggers can be easily avoided and some protective factors can be easily implemented all efforts should be made to prevent intrauterine insults and early sensitization.

Adherence to allergy prevention recommendations in children with a family history of asthma.

Allergen avoidance has been a major component of most programs for primary prevention of asthma and allergic diseases in childhood. As a part of the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study, families were provided with written and oral information on measures considered to be helpful in the primary prevention of allergic disease in high-risk infants. Dietary measures included advice to breastfeed for 6 months or longer, to delay the introduction of solid foods until after the infant turned 6 months of age, and to delay giving allergenic foods (egg and peanut butter) until after 12 months of age. In the active group of the randomized controlled trial aimed at reducing house dust mite (HDM) allergen levels, parents were advised to use an HDM-impermeable study mattress cover and an acaricide, to avoid sheep skins, and not to use a pillow before 12 months of age. Families received regular visits from the research nurses at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months and phone calls every 6 wk. Only 43.4% of mothers were breastfeeding by 6 months and less than 20% by 12 months. The introduction of solid foods before 6 months was common, 26% by 3 months and 96% by 6 months. Adherence to infant-feeding recommendations was significantly greater in women over 30 yr of age, women who did not smoke during pregnancy, and women who had a tertiary education. Adherence to HDM reduction measures was greater than to those for infant feeding. The presence of symptoms in the form of an itchy rash by 4 wk did not significantly increase adherence. Complete adherence to infant-feeding recommendations in this intervention study of high-risk infants was low despite the provision of written information and reinforcement at home visits. In considering allergy prevention advice offered during clinical care, the likelihood of adherence is a factor which needs to be evaluated in assessing any potential benefits of allergy prevention regimens.

El asma en los primeros años de la vida y su relación con las infecciones virales / No disponible

El mayor riesgo para la aparición de episodios de broncoespasmo en lactantes y niños pequeños proviene de las infecciones por virus respiratorios. Los virus más frecuentemente responsables de broncoespasmo en este grupo de edad son el virus sincitial respiratorio (RSV) y el metapneumovirus humano. En niños en edad escolar y adolescentes el papel predominante es de los rinovirus. La bronquiolitis (BQL) por VRS es causa de hospitalización del 1-2% de los menores de 2 años en cada temporada de otoño-invierno. Su expresión clínica es muy diferente y probablemente depende de factores genéticos y de la respuesta neuroinmune del niño afectado. La BQL clínicamente relevante se asocia con bronquitis sibilante y asma durante los años siguientes. En la BQL y el broncoespasmo recurrente posterior se ha demostrado aumento de producción de leucotrienos. Moléculas que impidan su liberación o neutralicen sus efectos serán beneficiosas en el asma posterior a la BQL, desencadenada mayoritariamente por virus. En el manejo del asma inducida por virus en lactantes y preescolares, los corticosteroides inhalados han demostrado eficacia limitada al período del tratamiento activo, no exenta totalmente de repercusión en el crecimiento del niño. La idea de poder modificar el curso natural de la enfermedad con la instauración precoz de los esteroides inhalados no ha sido confirmada en los estudios actualmente disponibles. El montelukast, fármaco antagonista de receptores de leucotrienos, ha demostrado un control parcial de los síntomas que frecuentemente persisten después de la BQL por VRS. El empleo de este fármaco en el broncoespasmo recurrente de lactantes y preescolares ha demostrado beneficios clínicamente relevantes sin efectos adversos destacables. La vacunación antigripal en niños de riesgo y un buen control de la enfermedad asmática son estrategias recomendables con el objetivo de afrontar en mejores condiciones las temporadas de invierno en las que las infecciones respiratorias originan numerosas exacerbaciones asmáticas agudas. Nuestro entendimiento de éstas es incompleto y difícil de aprehender, dadas las dificultades de comprensión de las interacciones entre los diferentes agentes desencadenantes (virus, alérgenos, contaminantes, clima) pero ahondar en él proporcionará oportunidades para la intervención terapéutica (AU)

The biggest risk for the appearance of episodes of wheezing in infants and children comes from the infections by respiratory viruses. The viruses most frequently responsible of wheezing in this group are the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the human metapneumovirus. In school aged children and teenagers the rhinoviruses have the main role. The bronchiolitis (BQL) by RSV is cause of hospitalization in 1-2% of children younger than two in each autumn and winter season. Its clinical expression is very different and probably related with genetic factors and the neurological and immune response in mucosal airway of the affected kid. The BQL clinically important is associated with wheezing and asthma during the following years. In the BQL and later recurrent wheezing an incremented production of leukotrienes has been demonstrated. Molecules able to avoid its liberation or to neutralise its effects can have good effects in the asthma after the bronchiolitis, started most of the time by viruses. In the handling of the asthma leaded by viruses in infants and preschoolers, inhaled corticosteroids have demonstrated effectiveness limited to the active course period, but they can have some repercussions in the growth of the affected kid. The idea of being able to modify the natural course of the illness with the early establishment of breathed steroids has not been confirmed with the studies now available. Montelukast, a receptor antagonist of leukotrienes, has demonstrated a partial control of the symptoms that frequently remain after the bronchiolitis by RSV. The use of this medicine in the recurrent wheezing in infants and preschoolers has demonstrated clinical benefits without any significant adverse effects. Influenza immunization in children at risk and a good control of the asthmatic illness are good strategies, with the aim of facing better conditions in the winter season when respiratory infections origin numerous acute asthmatic exacerbations. Our knowledge of asthma relapses is incomplete, because of the difficulties to understand the interactions between the different starting agents (viruses, allergens, pollution, weather) but to deepen in it will give chances for the therapeutic intervention (AU)

Infectious and uterus related complications during pregnancy and development of atopic and nonatopic asthma in children.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that environmental factors early in life, particularly related to hygiene and infections, seem to be involved in the increase of asthma and allergic disease observed recently in developed countries. The possible effect of these factors also in utero have yet to be completely clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between infective and uterus related complications during pregnancy, as well as related drug factors, with atopic and nonatopic asthma in children. METHODS: This was a case-controlled study enrolling 338 children with asthma and 467 controls, who had never suffered from wheeze or asthma. Fever episodes, flu episodes, threatened abortions and related drug factors were retrospectively assessed by parental report via a standardized questionnaire. Atopy was determined by skin-prick tests to 10 prevalent allergens at the time of examination. RESULTS: Flu episodes during pregnancy were significantly associated with development of asthma in children [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.91; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1-3.2], mainly with nonatopic asthma. Fever episodes showed similar results (aOR 2.16; 95% CI 1.2-3.9), but were associated with both atopic and nonatopic asthma. The effect seems mainly due to flu and fever episodes contracted in the third trimester. Exposure to isoxsuprine was significantly associated with asthma (aOR 1.54; 95% CI 1.08-2.19) while threatened abortions were more frequent in the asthma group than in controls, although the difference was statistically significant only when such events occurred in the second trimester (aOR 2.06; 95% CI 1.07-3.94). Both threatened abortions and exposure to isoxsuprine were associated only with nonatopic asthma. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that prenatal infective complications may contribute to the development of asthma in children and show a possible role for a new risk factor for asthma, that is exposure to isoxsuprine. Therefore, larger prospective studies, capable of separating atopic and nonatopic asthma, would serve to confirm these results and to explain the possible mechanism through which these factors may act.

Left bronchial isomerism, normal atrial arrangement and bronchomalacia mimicking asthma: a new syndrome?

Three children who presented with steroid-resistant airflow obstruction are described. They all had bronchomalacia in the setting of a rare visceral arrangement, namely left bronchial isomerism with normal atrial arrangement. Imaging and, in two cases, a normal residual volume in the face of severe airflow obstruction were diagnostic pointers to a nonasthmatic cause of wheeze. Although the association of these abnormalities may be coincidental, together they may constitute a new clinical syndrome.

Estudio de 100 niños asmáticos y sus dermatoglifos: II parte (sexo masculino) / A study on 100 asthmatic children and their dermatogliphes: part II (males)

Se presentan 100 niños asmáticos y sus dermatoglifos en el sexo masculino. Se encontraron en este estudio diferencias significativas en el 3er, dedo de la mano izquierda; en el TRC se hallaron diferencias significativas de menor valor en los asmáticos que en los controles; en el valor del ángulo atd se observó un aumento de la mano izquierda y en el total de los asmáticos se encontraron alteraciones de la piel observadas también en el sexo femenino, pero más significativo (p < 0,001). Estas lesiones y el haber encontrado diferencias significativas estadisticas en el TRC, es un dato quizás a favor de que el asma se puede clasificar desde el punto de vista hereditario como una enfermedad poligénica y posiblemente multifactorial(AU)