Variability in the Timing of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Epidemics in Guatemala, 2008-2018.

BACKGROUND: The description of local seasonality patterns in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) incidence is important to guide the timing of administration of RSV immunization products. METHODS: We characterized RSV seasonality in Guatemala using the moving epidemic method (MEM) with absolute counts of RSV-associated acute respiratory infections (ARI) from hospital surveillance in Santa Rosa and Quetzaltenango departments of Guatemala. RESULTS: From Week 17 of 2008 through Week 16 of 2018, 8487 ARI cases tested positive for RSV by rRT-PCR. Season onsets varied up to 5 months; early seasons starting in late May to early August and finishing in September to November were most common, but late seasons starting in October to November and finishing in March to April were also observed. Both epidemic patterns had similar durations ranging from 4 to 6 months. Epidemic thresholds (the levels of virus activity that signal the onset and end of a seasonal epidemic) calculated prospectively using previous seasons' data captured between 70% and 99% of annual RSV detections. Onset weeks differed by 2-10 weeks, and offset weeks differed by 2-16 weeks between the two surveillance sites. CONCLUSIONS: Variability in the timing of seasonal RSV epidemics in Guatemala demonstrates the difficulty in precisely predicting the timing of seasonal RSV epidemics based on onset weeks from past seasons and suggests that maximal reduction in RSV disease burden would be achieved through year-round vaccination and immunoprophylaxis administration to at-risk infants.

Encuesta a neumonólogos sobre la elección de guías de enfermedades respiratorias / Survey to Pulmonologists about the Choice of Guidelines for Respiratory Diseases

RESUMEN Introducción: Dada la existencia de variadas guías para enfermedades respiratorias, se buscó conocer cuáles eligen los médicos para utilizar en su práctica clínica. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, mediante una encuesta a neumonólogos de la Asociación Argentina de Medicina Respiratoria. Resultados: La guía más utilizada para EPOC fue la Iniciativa Global para la Enferme dad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (GOLD) (82 %), seguida por GesEPOC (51 %). Para asma las más usadas fueron la Iniciativa Global para el Asma (GINA) 2022 (89 %) y GEMA 5.2 (68 %). En asma de difícil control, se prefirieron GINA 2022 (82 %) y GEMA 2022 (53 %). En espirometría, un 54 % de los respondedores se inclinó por NHANES III y un 22 % utilizó valores teóricos de referencia de Knudson. En neumonía, el 62 % eligió SADI, el 37 %, IDSA y el 20 %, BTS. Para nódulos pulmonares, el 62 % prefirió las guías Fleischner, 35 % se inclinó por Lung-RADS 1.1. Para neumonitis por hip ersensibilidad, un 83 % seleccionó las guías de las sociedades conjuntas ATS/JRS/ ALAT. Para imágenes de fibrosis pulmonar, el 89 % utilizó ALAT/ERS/JRS/ALAT y el 18 % White Paper. Discusión: si bien hay estudios sobre adherencia a guías, no los hay acerca de pref erencias de utilización entre varias referidas a un mismo tema. En EPOC y asma (in cluyendo la de difícil control) se eligieron GOLD y GINA y las de la Sociedad Española de Patología Respiratoria (GesEPOC y GEMA). El uso preferencial de la guía nacional para neumonía es coherente con la necesidad de contemplar la epidemiología local.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Since there are various guidelines for respiratory diseases, we aimed to know which are chosen by physicians in their daily clinical practice. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted through a questionnaire sent to pulmonologists of the Argentinian Association of Respiratory Medicine. Results: The most commonly used guideline for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) was the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) (82 %), followed by GesEPOC (51 %). For asthma, the most commonly used guideline was the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2022 (89 %) and the Spanish Guideline on the Management of Asthma (known for its acronym in Spanish, GEMA), GEMA 5.2 (68 %). In difficult-to-control asthma, GINA 2022 (82 %) and GEMA 2022 (53 %) were used. With regard to spirometries, 54 % of respondents favored NHANES III (Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) and 22 % used theoretical Knudson reference values. For pneumonia, 62 % chose the guidelines of the SADI (Argentinian Society of Infectious Diseases), 37 % preferred those of the IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America) and 20 %, chose the guidelines of the BTS (British Thoracic Society). For pulmonary nodules, 62 % used Fleischner guidelines, and 35 % favored Lung-RADS 1.1. For hypersensitivity pneumonitis, 83 % selected the ATS/JRS/ALAT Guidelines (American Thoracic Society/Japanese Respiratory Society/Latin American Thoracic Society). And with respect to pulmonary fibrosis imaging, 89 % used ALAT/ERS (Eu ropean Respiratory Society)/JRS recommendations, and 18 % preferred White Paper. Discussion: Although there are studies about adherence to guidelines, none of them shows which are the chosen recommendations within a group of guidelines of the same topic. In COPD and asthma (including difficult-to-control asthma) GOLD, GINA and the guidelines of the Spanish Society of Respiratory Disease (GesEPOC and GEMA) were chosen. The preference for the national guideline for pneumonia is consistent with the need to consider local epidemiology.

Clinical outcomes before and after videofluoroscopic swallow study in children 24 months of age or younger / Desfechos clínicos antes e depois da videofluoroscopia da deglutição em crianças com 24 meses de idade ou menos

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the combined impact of videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and therapeutic feeding and swallowing interventions on clinical outcomes in children with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD). Methods: This was an uncontrolled longitudinal analytical study in which OPD patients were evaluated before and after VFSS. Children ≤ 24 months of age diagnosed with OPD in a clinical setting and undergoing VFSS for investigation and management of OPD were included in the study. The study participants received therapeutic feeding and swallowing interventions after having undergone VFSS, being followed at an outpatient clinic for pediatric dysphagia in order to monitor feeding and swallowing difficulties. Respiratory and feeding outcomes were compared before and after VFSS. Results: Penetration/aspiration events were observed in 61% of the VFSSs (n = 72), and therapeutic feeding and swallowing interventions were recommended for 97% of the study participants. After the VFSS, there was a reduction in the odds of receiving antibiotic therapy (OR = 0.007) and in the duration of antibiotic therapy (p = 0.014), as well as in the odds of being admitted to hospital (p = 0.024) and in the length of hospital stay (p = 0.025). A combination of oral and enteral feeding became more common than oral or enteral feeding alone (p = 0.002). Conclusions: A high proportion of participants exhibited penetration/aspiration on VFSS. Therapeutic feeding and swallowing interventions following a VFSS appear to be associated with reduced respiratory morbidity in this population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto conjunto da videofluoroscopia da deglutição (VFD) e intervenções terapêuticas de alimentação e deglutição nos desfechos clínicos em crianças com disfagia orofaríngea (DOF). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo analítico longitudinal não controlado em que pacientes com DOF foram avaliados antes e depois da VFD. Foram incluídas no estudo crianças com idade ≤ 24 meses e diagnóstico clínico de DOF, submetidas à VFD para a investigação e manejo da DOF. Os participantes do estudo receberam intervenções terapêuticas de alimentação e deglutição após terem sido submetidos à VFD, sendo então acompanhados em um ambulatório de disfagia pediátrica para o monitoramento das dificuldades de alimentação e deglutição. Os desfechos respiratórios e alimentares foram comparados antes e depois da VFD. Resultados: Eventos de penetração/aspiração foram observados em 61% das VFD (n = 72), e intervenções terapêuticas de alimentação e deglutição foram recomendadas a 97% dos participantes do estudo. Após a VFD, houve uma redução das chances de receber antibioticoterapia (OR = 0,007) e da duração da antibioticoterapia (p = 0,014), bem como das chances de internação hospitalar (p = 0,024) e do tempo de internação (p = 0,025). A alimentação por via oral e enteral em conjunto tornou-se mais comum do que a alimentação exclusivamente por via oral ou enteral (p = 0,002). Conclusões: Houve alta proporção de crianças que apresentaram penetração/aspiração na VFD. As intervenções terapêuticas de alimentação e deglutição após a VFD parecem estar associadas à redução da morbidade respiratória nessa população.

Impacto directo e indirecto del COVID-19 en la esperanza de vida al nacer de Chile en el año 2020 / Direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy at birth in Chile in 2020 / Impacto direto e indireto da COVID-19 na expectativa de vida ao nascer no Chile em 2020

Resumen: El artículo muestra el impacto directo e indirecto del COVID-19 en la esperanza de vida de Chile durante el año 2020, utilizando las estadísticas de defunciones definitivas publicadas en marzo del año 2023. Para ello, se estimó una mortalidad contrafactual para año 2020 sin el COVID-19, siguiendo el patrón de mortalidad según causas de muerte desde 1997 a 2019, se elaboraron tablas de mortalidad para calcular la esperanza de vida para los años 2015 a 2020 y para el año 2020 estimado, y luego se descompuso la diferencia entre la esperanza de vida esperada y observada del año 2020 según grupos de edad y causas de muerte. La esperanza de vida del año 2020 quiebra la tendencia a su aumento entre 2015 y 2019, mostrando un retroceso, en hombres y en mujeres, con respecto al año 2019, de 1,32 y 0,75 años respectivamente. Con respecto al año 2020 estimado, la esperanza de vida del 2020 observado es 1,51 años menor en hombres y 0,92 en mujeres, pero el impacto directo del COVID-19 en pérdida de esperanza de vida fue mayor, 1,89 para los hombres y 1,5 para las mujeres, concentrándose en las edades entre los 60 y 84 años en hombres y entre 60 y 89 años en mujeres. El impacto directo negativo del COVID-19 a la esperanza de vida en parte fue contrarrestado por impactos indirectos positivos significativos en dos grupos de causas de muerte, las enfermedades del sistema respiratorio y las enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias. El estudio muestra la necesidad de distinguir los impactos directos e indirectos del COVID-19, por la incidencia que pueden tener en la salud pública cuando el COVID-19 baje su intensidad y se eliminen las restricciones de movilidad.

Abstract: This article shows the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on life expectancy in Chile in 2020, based on mortality statistics published in March 2023. To this end, a counterfactual mortality was estimated for 2020 without COVID-19; based on the pattern of mortality by cause of death from 1997 to 2019, mortality charts were created to calculate life expectancy from 2015 to 2020 and an estimation for 2020, and the difference between expected and observed life expectancy in 2020 was then separated by age group and cause of death. Life expectancy in 2020 interrupted the upward trend from 2015 to 2019, showing a decline of 1.32 years in men and 0.75 years in women compared to 2019. Compared to the estimated 2020, life expectancy was 1.51 years lower in men and 0.92 years lower in women, but the direct impact of COVID-19 on the decrease in life expectancy was greater (1.89 for men and 1.5 for women) in the 60-84 age group in men and the 60-89 age group in women. The direct negative impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy was partially mitigated by significant positive indirect impacts on two groups of causes of death: diseases of the respiratory system and infectious and parasitic diseases. This study shows the need to differentiate direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19, due to the implications for public health when the intensity of COVID-19 decreases and mobility restrictions are suspended.

Resumo: Este artigo apresenta os impactos direto e indireto da COVID-19 na expectativa de vida no Chile em 2020 a partir de estatísticas de mortalidade publicadas em março de 2023. Para tanto, foi estimada uma mortalidade contrafactual para 2020 sem a COVID-19; a partir do padrão de mortalidade por causa de morte de 1997 a 2019, foram criadas tabelas de mortalidade para calcular a expectativa de vida para o período de 2015 a 2020 e para o ano estimado de 2020 e, em seguida, a diferença entre a expectativa de vida esperada e observada em 2020 foi separada por faixa etária e causa de morte. A expectativa de vida em 2020 interrompe a tendência de aumento entre 2015 e 2019, mostrando um declínio com relação a 2019 de 1,32 ano nos homens e 0,75 ano nas mulheres. Com relação ao ano estimado de 2020, a expectativa de vida observada é 1,51 ano menor nos homens e 0,92 nas mulheres, mas o impacto direto da COVID-19 na diminuição da expectativa de vida foi maior (1,89 para homens e 1,5 para mulheres), concentrando-se nas idades entre 60 e 84 anos nos homens e entre 60 e 89 anos nas mulheres. O impacto direto negativo da COVID-19 na expectativa de vida foi parcialmente atenuado por impactos indiretos positivos significativos em dois grupos de causas de morte: doenças do sistema respiratório e doenças infecciosas e parasitárias. Este estudo mostra a necessidade de diferenciar impactos diretos e indiretos da COVID-19, devido às implicações para a saúde pública quando a intensidade da COVID-19 diminuir e as restrições de mobilidade forem suspensas.

Benzbromarone as adjuvant therapy for cystic fibrosis lung disease: a pilot clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective: Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects multiple organs, the most severe consequences being observed in the lungs. Despite significant progress in developing CF transmembrane conductance regulator-specific treatments for CF lung disease, exploring alternative CF-targeted medications seems reasonable. We sought to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of oral benzbromarone as an adjuvant therapy in CF patients with reduced lung function. Methods: This was a prospective open-label pilot study of oral benzbromarone (100 mg/day) administered once daily for 90 days. Patients were followed at a tertiary referral center in southern Brazil. Safety was assessed by the number of reported adverse events. Secondary objectives included percent predicted FEV1 (FEV1%) and pulmonary exacerbations. Results: Ten patients were enrolled. Benzbromarone was found to be safe, with no serious drug-related adverse events. Eight patients completed the study; the median relative change in FEV1% tended to increase during the treatment, showing an 8% increase from baseline at the final visit. However, a nonparametric test showed that the change was not significant (p = 0.06). Of a total of ten patients, only one experienced at least one pulmonary exacerbation during the study. Conclusions: Oral benzbromarone appears to be safe, and improved FEV1% has been observed in patients with CF. Further assessment in larger trials is warranted to elucidate whether oral benzbromarone can be a potential adjuvant therapy for CF.

Alterações respiratórias em crianças expostas à poeira de resíduos de mineração em Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil: Projeto Bruminha / Respiratory changes in children exposed to dust from mining waste in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais State, Brazil: Bruminha Project / Alteraciones respiratorias en niños expuestos al polvo de residuos de la minería en Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil: Proyecto Bruminha

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de afecções respiratórias em crianças expostas à poeira de resíduos de mineração após o desastre do rompimento da barragem em Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A população de estudo incluiu crianças com idades entre 0 e 6 anos, residentes em três comunidades expostas à resíduos de poeira de mineração (Córrego do Feijão, Parque da Cachoeira e Tejuco) e uma comunidade não exposta (Aranha). A coleta de dados ocorreu entre 19 e 30 de julho de 2021, por meio de questionários que abordavam informações sociodemográficas e um inquérito recordatório sobre sinais, sintomas e doenças respiratórias. Foram avaliadas 217 crianças, sendo 119 das comunidades expostas e 98 da comunidade não exposta. Os residentes nas comunidades expostas relataram aumento na frequência de faxina em suas residências (p = 0,04) e no tráfego de veículos (p = 0,03). Entre as crianças de 4 anos, foi observada uma maior frequência de afecções das vias aéreas superiores (p = 0,01) e inferiores (p = 0,01), bem como de alergia respiratória (p = 0,05). O grupo exposto apresentou 1,5 vez mais relatos de alergia respiratória (75%; p = 0,02) em comparação com o não exposto (50,5%). Crianças que viviam nas comunidades expostas à poeira de resíduos apresentaram três vezes mais chance (OR ajustada = 3.63; IC95%: 1,37; 9,57) de ocorrência de alergia respiratória em comparação com as não expostas. Dois anos e seis meses após a ocorrência do desastre ambiental, as crianças das comunidades afetadas pelos resíduos das atividades de mineração e remediação permaneciam expostas à poeira com efeitos tóxicos sobre a saúde respiratória.

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of respiratory diseases in children exposed to dust from mining waste after the Brumadinho dam disaster, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The study population included children aged 0-6 years, living in three communities exposed to mining waste dust (Córrego do Feijão, Parque da Cachoeira, and Tejuco) and one unexposed community (Aranha). Data were collected from July 19 to 30, 2021, using questionnaires that addressed sociodemographic information and a recall survey on signs, symptoms, and respiratory diseases. A total of 217 children were evaluated, 119 living in the exposed communities and 98 in the non-exposed community. The residents in the exposed communities reported an increase in the frequency of home cleaning (p = 0.04) and in vehicular traffic (p = 0.03). Among children aged four, a higher frequency of upper (p = 0.01) and lower (p = 0.01) airway disorders, as well as respiratory allergy (p = 0.05) was observed. The exposed group had 1.5 times more reports of respiratory allergy (75%; p = 0.02) compared to the non-exposed group (50.5%). Children living in communities exposed to waste dust were three times more likely (adjusted OR = 3.63; 95%CI: 1.37; 9.57) to have respiratory allergies than those not exposed. Two years and six months after the environmental disaster occurred, children living in the communities affected by waste from mining and remediation activities remained exposed to dust with harmful effects on respiratory health.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la ocurrencia de enfermedades respiratorias en niños expuestos al polvo de residuos de la minería tras el desastre del colapso de la represa en Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil. La población de estudio incluyó niños que tenían entre 0 y 6 años, que viven en tres comunidades expuestas a residuos de polvo de la minería (Córrego do Feijão, Parque da Cachoeira y Tejuco) y una comunidad no expuesta (Aranha). Se recolectaron los datos entre el 19 y el 30 de julio de 2021, a través de cuestionarios que abordaban informaciones sociodemográficas y una encuesta recordatoria acerca de los señales, síntomas y enfermedades respiratorias. Se evaluaron 217 niños, de los cuales 119 viven en las comunidades expuestas y 98 viven en la comunidad no expuesta. Los residentes de las comunidades expuestas relataron un aumento en la frecuencia de limpieza de sus casas (p = 0,04) y en el tráfico de vehículos (p = 0,03). Entre los niños de 4 años, se observó una frecuencia más alta de enfermedades de las vías aéreas superiores (p = 0,01) e inferiores (p = 0,01), así como de alergia respiratoria (p = 0,05). El grupo expuesto presentó 1,5 veces más relatos de alergia respiratoria (el 75%; p = 0,02) en comparación con el grupo no expuesto (el 50,5%). Niños que vivían en las comunidades expuestas al polvo de residuos presentaron tres veces más probabilidad (OR ajustada = 3,63; IC95%: 1,37; 9,57) de ocurrencia de alergia respiratoria en comparación con los niños que no se expusieron. Dos años y seis meses tras el desastre ambiental, los niños que viven en las comunidades afectadas por los residuos de las actividades de minería y descontaminación permanecían expuestos al polvo con efectos tóxicos para la salud respiratoria.

Exposición a ceniza volcánica producida por el volcán Turrialba y enfermedades respiratorias, Costa Rica, 2016 / Exposure to volcanic ash produced by the Turrialba volcano and respiratory diseases, Costa Rica, 2016

Resumen Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento espacial de la contaminación por cenizas volcánicas y el efecto sobre la incidencia de enfermedades respiratorias agudas y crónicas, en las comunidades expuestas a la ceniza producida por la actividad del Volcán Turrialba, durante el año 2016. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico, observacional retrospectivo, transversal y correlacional, en donde se categorizaron 36 cantones a 50 km a la redonda del volcán Turrialba, según su nivel de contaminación. Resultados: Se constata un comportamiento diferenciado en el espacio geográfico de afectación de la pluma de ceniza volcánica, todos los territorios incluidos en el estudio resultaron con algún nivel de contaminación, sin embargo, se distinguen tres zonas, alta, media y baja contaminación. Un 46.6% de los eventos epidemiológicos estudiados poseen un mayor riesgo de presentarse en cantones con alta contaminación, sobre los cantones con media y baja contaminación. Conclusiones: Es posible que la afectación por contaminación debido a la ceniza volcánica haya incrementado el riesgo de exacerbación de enfermedades respiratorias crónicas, en la zona bajo la influencia directa de la pluma de cenizas volcánicas.

Abstract Objective: Describe the spatial behavior of contamination by volcanic ash and the effect on the incidence of acute and chronic respiratory diseases in communities exposed to the ash produced by the activity of the Turrialba Volcano during the year 2016. Materials and methods: An ecological, observational, retrospective, cross-sectional and correlational study was carried out, where 36 cantons within 50 km of the Turrialba volcano were categorized, according to their level of contamination. Results: A differentiated behavior is verified in the geographical space affected by the volcanic ash plume, all the territories included in the study resulted in some level of contamination, however three zones are distinguished, high, medium and low contamination. 46.6% of the epidemiological events studied have a higher risk of occurring in cantons with high contamination, over cantons with medium and low contamination. Conclusions: It is possible that the contamination due to volcanic ash has increased the risk of exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases in the area under the direct influence of the volcanic ash plume.

Sintomatología de pacientes hospitalizados por SARS-CoV-2 en un hospital de segundo nivel / Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 patients in a second level hospital

Introduction: T he COVID-19 p andemic caused by t he SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus h as shaken the world since the beginning of 2020, causing a huge number of patient deaths. Objective: To evaluate the main symptoms of patients hospitalized for SARS CoV-2 in th e H.G.Z No.1 of the IMSS in Nayarit. Methodology: It is a retrospective, observational and cross-sectional study, with information collected from the clinical records of patients admitted through the respiratory triage area with a diagnosis of SARS Cov-2, confirmed with PCR. Results: 433 patients were included, of these 267 male patients (62%) and 166 female patients (38%), with an average age of 62 years. Within the main symptomatology is dyspnea (96%), fever (78%), attack to the general state (78%), cough (76%) and headache (67%). In addition, 102 (23.6%) patients required advanced airway management, of whom 89 died (87%). Of the total number of patients, 208 (48%) died and 225 (54%) showed improvement. Conclusions: The main symptoms of patients hospitalized for SARS CoV-2 are dyspnea, fever, general condition attack, cough and headache.

Introducción: la pandemia de COVID-19 provocada por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 ha sacudido al mundo desde el comienzo del año 2020, provocando un número ingente de fallecimientos de pacientes. Objetivo: evaluar la principal sintomatología de los pacientes hospitalizados por SARS-CoV-2 en el Hospital General de Zona No.1 del IMSS. Metodología: estudio retrospectivo, observacional y transversal, con información recabada de los expedientes clínicos de pacientes que ingresaron por área de triage respiratorio con diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2 confirmado mediante prueba PCR. Resultados: se incluyeron 433 pacientes, de estos 267 pacientes de sexo masculinos (62%) y 166 pacientes del femenino (38%), con una edad promedio de 62 años. Dentro de la principal sintomatología se encuentra la disnea (96%), fiebre (78%), ataque al estado general (78%), tos (76%) y cefalea (67%). Además, 102 (23.6%) pacientes necesitaron manejo avanzado de la vía aérea, de los cuales 89 fallecieron (87%). Del total de pacientes, 208 (48%) fallecieron y 225 (54%) mostraron mejoría. Conclusiones: los principales síntomas de pacientes hospitalizados por SARS CoV-2 son disnea, fiebre, ataque del estado general, tos y cefalea.

[Use of antibiotics, in a pediatric hospital, for respiratory infection and diarrheal disease]. / Uso de antibióticos, en hospital pediátrico, para infección respiratoria y enfermedad diarreica.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports an increasing unjustified use of antibiotics in the treatment of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and Acute Diarrheal Diseases (ADD) in children under five years of age. This has generated problems such as polypharmacy and the inappropriate use of antibiotics; characterized by incorrect dosage, use in viral infections, prescription inconsistent with clinical guidelines. Objective: To analyze the prescription of antibiotics, their diagnostic-therapeutic congruence, as well as the correct filling of the medical prescription, in a tertiary level hospital in Mexico. Material and methods: Observational, descriptive cross-sectional study. The electronic medical prescriptions made during the period January-December 2017 with a clinical diagnosis of ARI and EDA were analyzed. Results: Of a total of 21,446 boys and girls under five years of age, 10,233 prescriptions were issued for the treatment of ARI and ADD diagnoses. 80% of the prescriptions complied with the items indicated in the electronic file. Conclusions: The prescription of antibiotics showed a prudent use of antibiotics both in the management of acute diarrheal diseases and in the management of acute respiratory diseases. Diagnostic-therapeutic congruence was found in most of the cases in the prescriptions analyzed.

Introducción: la Organización Mundial de Salud (OMS) reporta un creciente uso injustificado de antibióticos en el tratamiento de las infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA) y las enfermedades diarreicas agudas (EDA) en menores de cinco años de edad. Lo anterior ha generado problemas como la polifarmacia y el uso inapropiado de antibióticos, caracterizado por dosis incorrectas, uso en infecciones virales y prescripción incongruente con las directrices clínicas. Objetivo: analizar la prescripción de antibióticos, su congruencia diagnóstico-terapéutica, así como el correcto llenado de la receta médica, en un hospital de tercer nivel de México. Material y métodos: estudio transversal observacional, descriptivo. Se analizó las recetas médicas electrónicas realizadas durante el periodo enero-diciembre de 2017 con diagnóstico clínico de IRA y EDA. Resultados: de un total de 21,446 niños y niñas menores de cinco años se otorgaron 10, 233 recetas para el tratamiento de los diagnósticos de IRA y EDA. El 80% de las recetas cumplieron con de los rubros indicados en el expediente electrónico. Conclusiones: la prescripción de antibióticos mostró un uso prudente de antibióticos tanto en el manejo de las enferdades diarreicas agudas como en el manejo de las enfermedades respiratorias agudas. Se encontró, en la mayoría de los casos, congruencia diagnóstico-terapéutica en las prescripciones analizadas.

Asociación entre el estado nutricional y función pulmonar en niños sin enfermedad respiratoria / Association between nutritional status and pulmonary function in children without respiratory disease / Associação entre o estado nutricional e a função pulmonar em crianças sem doença respiratória

La desnutrición es una condición caracterizada por la carencia, sobreabundancia o desequilibrio en la ingesta de energía y nutrientes, con efectos significativos en el crecimiento, desarrollo y estatus socioeconómico de las personas, especialmente en madres, bebés y niños. Objetivo. Comparar la asociación entre el estado nutricional y la función pulmonar en niños sin enfermedad respiratoria. Metodología. Se realizó una revisión narrativa de estudios observacionales utilizando bases de datos como Medline (Pubmed), SciELO y Web of Science, empleando un algoritmo de búsqueda que involucró los términos "estado nutricional", "niños" y "enfermedades respiratorias" para posteriomente realizar un análisis crítico entre las dos variables mencionadas en el objetivo a desarrollar en este estudio. Conclusión. Los hallazgos revelaron que la nutrición desempeña un papel fundamental en la salud respiratoria, ya que la desnutrición aumenta el riesgo de infecciones respiratorias, y a su vez, las infecciones pueden llevar a una malnutrición. Además, la desnutrición afecta la función y estructura pulmonar, así como la capacidad del sistema inmunológico para combatir las infecciones. En consecuencia, es crucial asegurar una nutrición adecuada para prevenir y tratar las enfermedades respiratorias en la población infantil.

Malnutrition is a condition characterized by a lack, overabundance or imbalance in energy and nutrient intake, with significant effects on the growth, development and socioeconomic status of individuals, especially mothers, infants and children. Objective. To compare the association between nutritional status and lung function in children without respiratory disease. Methodology. A narrative review of observational studies was carried out using databases such as Medline (Pubmed), SciELO and Web of Science, using a search algorithm that involved the terms "nutritional status", "children" and "respiratory diseases" to subsequently perform a critical analysis between the two variables mentioned in the objective to be developed in this study. Conclusion. The findings revealed that nutrition plays a key role in respiratory health, as malnutrition increases the risk of respiratory infections, and in turn, infections can lead to malnutrition. In addition, malnutrition affects lung function and structure, as well as the immune system's ability to fight infections. Consequently, it is crucial to ensure adequate nutrition to prevent and treat respiratory diseases in the pediatric population.

A subnutrição é uma condição caracterizada pela falta, superabundância ou desequilíbrio na ingestão de energia e nutrientes, com efeitos significativos sobre o crescimento, o desenvolvimento e a situação socioeconômica dos indivíduos, especialmente mães, bebês e crianças. Objetivo. Comparar a associação entre o estado nutricional e a função pulmonar em crianças sem doença respiratória. Metodologia. Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa de estudos observacionais em bases de dados como Medline (Pubmed), SciELO e Web of Science, utilizando um algoritmo de busca envolvendo os termos "estado nutricional", "crianças" e "doenças respiratórias" para, posteriormente, realizar uma análise crítica entre as duas variáveis mencionadas no objetivo a ser desenvolvido neste estudo. Conclusão. Os resultados revelaram que a nutrição desempenha um papel fundamental na saúde respiratória, pois a desnutrição aumenta o risco de infecções respiratórias e, por sua vez, as infecções podem levar à desnutrição. Além disso, a desnutrição afeta a função e a estrutura pulmonar, bem como a capacidade do sistema imunológico de combater infecções. Consequentemente, é fundamental garantir uma nutrição adequada para prevenir e tratar doenças respiratórias na população pediátrica.

Respiratory Health Impacts of Outdoor Air Pollution and the Efficacy of Local Risk Communication in Quito, Ecuador.

Relatively few studies on the adverse health impacts of outdoor air pollution have been conducted in Latin American cities, whose pollutant mixtures and baseline health risks are distinct from North America, Europe, and Asia. This study evaluates respiratory morbidity risk associated with ambient air pollution in Quito, Ecuador, and specifically evaluates if the local air quality index accurately reflects population-level health risks. Poisson generalized linear models using air pollution, meteorological, and hospital admission data from 2014 to 2015 were run to quantify the associations of air pollutants and index values with respiratory outcomes in single- and multi-pollutant models. Significant associations were observed for increased respiratory hospital admissions and ambient concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), although some of these associations were attenuated in two-pollutant models. Significant associations were also observed for index values, but these values were driven almost entirely by daily O3 concentrations. Modifications to index formulation to more fully incorporate the health risks of multiple pollutants, particularly for NO2, have the potential to greatly improve risk communication in Quito. This work also increases the equity of the existing global epidemiological literature by adding new air pollution health risk values from a highly understudied region of the world.

La fibrosis quística en niños en el Ecuador / Cystic fibrosis in children in Ecuador

Objetivo: analizar la fibrosis quística en niños en el Ecuador. Metodología: Revisión sistemática de 21 publicaciones relacionadas al tema, específicamente 13 articulos de investigación en contexto ecuatoriano. Resultados y conclusión: En el Ecuador la incidencia de la enfermedad es de 1 por cada 11.110 habitantes y cada año nacen aproximadamente 23 niños con esta afección, teniéndose en cuenta las mutaciones en el CFTR, entorpecen el diagnóstico molecular, así como se ha estudiado un caso pediátrico de FQ con complicaciones en pancreatitis, siendo esto inusual en la población infantil, siendo considerable proseguir con investigaciones conducentes a tener una mejor referencia científica de la FQ en el Ecuador.

Objective: to analyze cystic fibrosis in children in Ecuador. Methodology: Systematic review of 21 publications related to the subject, specifically 13 research articles in the Ecuadorian context. Results and conclusion: In Ecuador the incidence of the disease is 1 for every 11,110 inhabitants and each year approximately 23 children are born with this condition, taking into account CFTR mutations, which hinder molecular diagnosis, as well as a study pediatric case of CF with complications in pancreatitis, this being unusual in the child population, it is important to continue with research leading to a better scientific reference of CF in Ecuador.

Disparities in prevalence and outcomes of respiratory disease in low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a comprehensive overview of disparities in prevalence and outcomes of respiratory diseases and notable challenges for providing optimal treatment to pediatric patients with respiratory diseases living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), as an input to help better understand the roots of respiratory health disparities. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review of relevant literature published in electronic databases from inception to February 2023 that present data on disparities in prevalence and outcomes of respiratory disease in LMICs. Additionally, we included studies that describe and discuss challenges for providing optimal treatment to pediatric patients with respiratory diseases living in LMICs. RESULTS: A number of early life exposures have been associated with adverse respiratory outcomes in later life. Several studies have shown marked geographical variations in the prevalence and burden of pediatric asthma, with consistently lower prevalence rates but significantly higher burdens and worse outcomes in LMICs. There is a wide range of challenges that adversely affect the efficient care of children with respiratory diseases that can be classified into three categories: patient-related factors, social/environmental factors, and factors related to healthcare providers or the healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory health disparities in children living in LMICs represent a global public health issue mainly explained by an unequal distribution of preventable and modifiable risk factors for respiratory diseases across different demographic groups.

Validación facial, confiabilidad y comprensibilidad del cuestionario principal usado en el estudio PLATINO, Colombia 2021

Introducción: es fundamental garantizar que los instrumentos de medición al ser usados en contextos distintos a los que fueron desarrollados se ajusten en su lenguaje y compresibilidad; el cuestionario principal usado en el estudio PLATINO, en el cual se estableció la prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en áreas metropolitanas de Latinoamérica por la Asociación Latinoamericana del Tórax, sin incluir población colombiana. Objetivo: realizar validación facial, confiabilidad y comprensibilidad del cuestionario principal usado en el estudio PLATINO para la identificación de personas sin enfermedad respiratoria en Colombia, 2021. Metodología: estudio psicométrico que incluyó validez facial por juicio de expertos, prueba de compresibilidad y confiabilidad; la validación facial valoró la coherencia, relevancia y pertinencia de cada ítem, la aplicación del instrumento se hizo en prueba preliminar de compresibilidad, tras la cual se calculó su confiabilidad. Resultados: la validación facial obtuvo concordancia alta, requiriendo mejoras en redacción del instrumento (Kappa de Fleiss: 0,8569; p=0,000). De los 88 participantes, la mayoría eran hombres (n: 75; 85 %), con edad promedio de 23 años (DS: 6,8), el 25 % con antecedentes de enfermedad pulmonar y el 21 % de tabaquismo. La versión ajustada del cuestionario obtuvo una comprensibilidad global del 94 % y un alfa de Cronbach de 0,82. Conclusiones: se obtiene una versión abreviada y adaptada del cuestionario principal usado en el estudio PLATINO para la identificación de personas sanas respiratorias en población colombiana, con adecuadas propiedades psicométricas en términos de su validación facial, su confiabilidad y su comprensibilidad.

Introduction: It is essential to guarantee that the measurement instruments, when used in contexts other than those in which they were developed, adjust in their language and comprehensibility. The main questionnaire used in the PLATINO study was developed to establish the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in metropolitan areas of Latin America by the Latin American Thorax Association, without including the Colombian population. Objective: To perform face validity, reliability and comprehensibility of the main questionnaire used in the PLATINO study for the identification of people without respiratory disease in Colombia, 2021. Materials and methods: Psychometric study that included face validity by expert judgment, compressibility and reliability test. The face validity valued the coherence, relevance and pertinence of each item. The application of the instrument was made in a preliminary compressibility test after which its reliability was calculated. Results: Face validity obtained high concordance requiring improvements in the writing of the document (Fleiss Kappa: 0,8569; p=0,000). Ofthe 88 participants, the majority were men (n: 75; 85%) with a mean age of 23 years (SD: 6.8), 25% with a history of lung disease and 21% with a history of smoking. The adjusted version of the questionnaire obtained a global comprehensibility of 94% and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.82. Conclusions: An abbreviated and adapted version of the main questionnaire used in the PLATINO study for the identification of respiratory healthy people in the Colombian population was obtained with adequate psychometric properties in terms of its face validity, reliability and comprehensibility.

Introdução: é fundamental garantir que os instrumentos de medição ao ser usados em contextos diferentes aos que foram desenvolvidos se adequam em sua linguagem e compressibilidade; o questionário principal usado no estudo PLATINO se desenvolveu para estabelecer a prevalência de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica em áreas metropolitanas de Latino américa pela Associação Latino-americana do Tórax, sem incluir população colombiana. Objetivo: realizar validação facial, confiabilidade e compreensibilidade do questionário principal usado no estudo PLATINO para a identificação de pessoas sem doença respiratória na Colômbia, 2021. Metodologia: estudo psicométrico que inclui validez facial por juízo de expertos, teste de compressibilidade e confiabilidade; a validação facial valorou a coerência, relevância e pertinência de cada item, a aplicação do instrumento se fez em teste preliminar de compressibilidade, pela qual se calculou sua confiabilidade. Resultados: a validação facial obteve concordância alta, requirindo melhoras em redação do instrumento (Kappa de Fleiss: 0,8569; p=0,000). Dos 88 participantes, a maioria eram homens (n:75; 85 %), com idade média de 23 anos (DS: 6,8), o 25 % com antecedentes de doença pulmonar e o 21 % de tabaquismo. A versão ajustada do questionário obteve uma compreensibilidade global do 94 % e um alfa de Cronbach de 0,82. Conclusões: Obteve-se uma versão abreviada e adaptada do questionário principal usado no estudo PLATINO para a identificação de pessoas sanas sem doenças respiratórias na população colombiana, com adequadas propriedades psicométricas em termos de sua validação facial, sua confiabilidade e sua compreensibilidade.

High and low-fidelity simulation for respiratory diseases pediatric training: a prospective and randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare high and low-fidelity simulations for the recognition of respiratory distress and failure in urgency and emergency pediatric scenarios. METHODS: 70 fourth-year medical students were randomly distributed in high and low-fidelity groups and simulated different types of respiratory problems. Theory tests, performance checklists, and satisfaction and self-confidence questionnaires were used in the assessment. Face-to-face simulation and memory retention was applied. The statistics were evaluated by averages and quartiles, Kappa, and generalized estimating equations. The p-value was considered 0.05. RESULTS: In the theory test there was an increase in scores in both methodologies (p < 0.001); in memory retention (p = 0.043) and at the end of the process the high-fidelity group had better results. The performance in the practical checklists was better after the second simulation (p > 0,05). The high-fidelity group felt more challenged in both phases (p = 0.042; p = 0.018) and showed greater self-confidence to recognize changes in clinical conditions and in memory retention (p = 0.050). The same group, in relation to the hypothetical real patient to be treated in the future, felt better confident to recognize respiratory distress and failure (p = 0.008; p = 0.004), and better prepared to make a systematic clinical evaluation of the patient in memory retention (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: The two levels of simulations enhance diagnostic skills. High fidelity improves knowledge, leads the student to feel more challenged and more self-confident in recognizing the severity of the clinical case, including memory retention, and showed benefits regarding self-confidence in recognizing respiratory distress and failure in pediatric cases.

Exposure of children to smoke in clay figures craft in Caruaru, state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Introduction: Alto do Moura, a neighborhood located in the city of Caruaru, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, is known by the production of figurative art in clay, which uses wood as the main fuel in its finishing process. Chronic exposure to toxic gases released in combustion can trigger respiratory atopies. Objectives: To identify children with respiratory atopies accompanied by the Alto do Moura Family Health Unit and the spatial distribution of furnaces used in the burning of figurative art in clay. Methods: This was an exploratory, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study analyzing 596 medical records of children with respiratory atopies living in the aforementioned neighborhood from July 2018 to October 2020. Fifty-two children aged 2 to 10 years were identified. A sociodemographic questionnaire was applied, and the location of furnaces, source of smoke, was mapped. Data were collected using the HC Maps® application, which stores and generates an electronic spreadsheet for analysis. The prevalence of respiratory atopies and the average distance between children's homes and furnaces were calculated. Results: A prevalence of respiratory atopies of 8.6% was found in the population studied. Allergic rhinitis was the most common diagnosis, followed by asthma. School-age children were the most affected group, and the average distance between children's homes and furnaces was 76.8 meters. Conclusions: The presence of environmental pollution resulting from burning wood for making figurative art in clay may be contributing to the occurrence of respiratory atopies in children. Preventive measures, such as using exhaust fans, opening windows, and increasing ventilation, should be encouraged.

Introdução: O bairro Alto do Moura, situado na cidade de Caruaru, no estado de Pernambuco, é conhecido pela produção de arte figurativa em barro, que utiliza madeira como principal combustível em seu processo de finalização. A exposição crônica aos gases tóxicos liberados na combustão pode desencadear atopias respiratórias. Objetivos: Identificar as crianças com atopias respiratórias atendidas na Unidade de Saúde da Família do Alto do Moura e a distribuição espacial das fornalhas utilizadas na queima da arte figurativa em barro. Métodos: Tratou-se de estudo exploratório, observacional-descritivo, transversal, mediante análise de 596 prontuários de crianças com atopias respiratórias residentes no bairro no período de julho de 2018 a outubro de 2020. Foram identificadas 52 crianças, na faixa etária de 2 a 10 anos. Foi aplicado formulário sociodemográfico, e a localização das fornalhas, fonte da fumaça, foi mapeada. Realizou-se a coleta dos dados com o aplicativo HC Maps®, que os armazena e gera planilha eletrônica para análise. Calculou-se a prevalência das atopias respiratórias e a distância média entre as residências das crianças e as fornalhas. Resultados: Encontrou-se uma prevalência de atopias respiratórias de 8,6% na população estudada. A rinite alérgica foi o diagnóstico mais comum, seguida de asma. Os escolares foram os mais acometidos, e a distância média entre as residências das crianças e a localização das fornalhas foi de 76,8 metros. Conclusões: A presença de poluição ambiental decorrente da queima da madeira para confecção da arte figurativa em barro pode estar contribuindo para a ocorrência de atopias respiratórias em crianças. Medidas preventivas, como uso de exaustores, abertura de janelas e melhoria na ventilação, devem ser estimuladas.

Automedicación en niños con enfermedades de vías respiratorias altas en un centro materno infantil en Perú

Introducción: La automedicación es una práctica común para aliviar síntomas de diversas enfermedades, en la población infantil como la faringoamigdalitis y la rinofaringitis que son comunes en los centros de salud del Perú. Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados a la automedicación en niños con enfermedades de vías respiratorias altas. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional transversal analítico. El tamaño muestral fue de 206 padres de familia que acudieron con sus hijos al servicio de emergencia. Se utilizó un cuestionario aprobado por Valenzuela m. Y el programa SPSS para hallar la frecuencia, análisis bivariado y análisis multivariado regresión logística de Poisson. Resultados: la prevalencia de automedicación en niños fue de 91,3%. Los padres que solo estudiaron primaria y secundaria tuvieron mayor probabilidad de automedicar a sus hijos RPa=1,22 (IC 95%: 1,01-1,40). Los primogénitos estuvieron protegidos ante la automedicación RPa=0,86 (IC 95% :0,76-0,97). Los padres que tenían un rango de edad entre 20 a 29 años obtuvieron RPa=1,04 (IC 95%: 0,96-1,13), los niños menores de 7 años, RPa=0,99 (IC 95%: 0,91-1,07) y los padres de familia que tenían 1 hijo RPa=1,04 (IC 95%:0,90-1,20). Conclusiones: El nivel educativo y el número de orden del hijo como ser el primogénito tuvieron asociación significativa con la automedicación en niños.

Introduction: self-medication is a common practice to alleviate symptoms of various diseases, in the child population such as pharyngitis and rhinopharyngitis that are common in health centers in Peru. Objective: to determine the factors associated with self-medication in children with upper respiratory tract diseases. Material and methods: analytical cross-sectional observational study. The sample size was 206 parents who went with their children to the emergency service. A questionnaire approved by Valenzuela m was used. And the SPSS program to find the frequency, the bivariate analysis and the multivariate analysis of Poisson logistic regression. Results: the prevalence of self-medication in children was 91,3%. Parents who only studied primary and secondary school were more likely to self-medicate their children PRa=1,22 (95% CI: 1,01-1,40). The first-born were protected from self-medication PRa=0,86 (95% CI: 0,76-0,97). Parents who were between 20 and 29 years of age obtained PRa=1,04 (95% CI: 0,96-1,13), children under 7 years old, PRa=0,99 (95% ci: 0,91-1,07) and parents of family that had 1 child PRa=1,04 (95% CI:0,90-1,20). Conclusions: the educational level and the order number of the child, such as being the first-born, had a significant association with self-medication in children.

Intraurban Geographic and Socioeconomic Inequalities of Mortality in Four Cities in Colombia.

Mortality inequalities have been described across Latin American countries, but less is known about inequalities within cities, where most populations live. We aimed to identify geographic and socioeconomic inequalities in mortality within the urban areas of four main cities in Colombia. We analyzed mortality due to non-violent causes of diseases in adults between 2015 and 2019 using census sectors as unit of analysis in Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín. We calculated smoothed Bayesian mortality rates as main health outcomes and used concentration indexes (CInd) for assessing inequalities using the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) as the socioeconomic measure. Moran eigenvector spatial filters were calculated to capture the spatial patterns of mortality and then used in multivariable models of the association between mortality rates and quintiles of MPI. Social inequalities were evident but not consistent across cities. The most disadvantaged groups showed the highest mortality rates in Cali. Geographic inequalities in mortality rates, regardless of the adults and poverty distribution, were identified in each city, suggesting that other social, environmental, or individual conditions are impacting the spatial distribution of mortality rates within the four cities.

Morbimortalidade por zoonoses de acometimento respiratório em Minas Gerais: um estudo epidemiológico descritivo / Morbimortality due to respiratory affecting zoonoses in Minas Gerais: a descriptive epidemiological study

Objetivo: descrever os registros de óbitos e hospitalizações por zoonoses respiratórias em residentes de Minas Gerais, de 2000 a 2020. Métodos: utilizou-se abordagem quantitativa descritiva com dados secundários não nominais da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde do estado. Os dados referem-se a 2000 a 2020 e foram retirados do SIM e SIH, sendo analisados sob a estatística descritiva. Resultados: registraram-se 46.178 hospitalizações e 13.317 óbitos, sendo os vírus os principais agentes nas taxas de internação e mortalidade, com pico em 2020. Entre 2000 e 2019, as internações foram predominantes em homens, faixa etária 0-17 anos (42,8%) e raça branca (13,6%), com maior mortalidade na faixa 45-59 anos (34,7%) e raça branca (54,0%). Em 2020, ambas predominaram em homens, acima de 60 anos e nas raças branca e parda. Conclusão: os achados contribuem para conhecer a ocorrência das zoonoses na população mineira e subsidiar futuras ações de vigilância e controle dessas doenças.

Objective: to describe the records of deaths and hospitalizations due to respiratory zoonoses in residents of Minas Gerais from 2000 to 2020. Methods: a descriptive quantitative approach was used with non-nominal secondary data from the State Department of Health. Data refers to the years between 2000-2020 and were taken from SIM and SIH, being analyzed under descriptive statistics. Results: there were 46,178 hospitalizations and 13,317 deaths, with viruses being the main agents in hospitalization and mortality rates, with a peak in 2020. Between 2000 and 2019, hospitalizations were predominant in men aged 0-17 years (42.8%) and white race (13.6%), with higher mortality in the 45-59 age group (34.7%) and white race (54.0%). In 2020, both predominated in men over 60 years old, both in white and Hispanic races. Conclusion: the findings explain the occurrence of zoonoses in the population of Minas Gerais and support future surveillance and control actions for these diseases.

Queima de biomassa da cana-de-açúcar e hospitalizações de crianças e idosos por agravos respiratórios em Pernambuco, Brasil / Burning of sugarcane biomass and hospitalizations of children and older adults for respiratory problems in Pernambuco State, Brazil / Quema de biomasa de caña de azúcar y hospitalizaciones de niños y ancianos por enfermedades respiratorias en Pernambuco, Brasil

Resumo: Este estudo buscou analisar a relação entre as hospitalizações por agravos respiratórios e a queima regular da cana-de-açúcar em Pernambuco, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico de série temporal correspondente ao período de 2008 a 2018. Foram comparadas as taxas de hospitalizações por agravos respiratórios em crianças menores de 5 anos e em idosos maiores de 60 anos em municípios produtores e não produtores de cana-de-açúcar, por meio da análise estatística não paramétrica de Mann-Whitney. Conjuntamente, foi observada a distribuição mensal das ocorrências de focos de calor nos municípios casos e controles e aplicada a correlação de Pearson para analisar a associação entre ambas as variáveis. Foi verificado que, para ambos os grupos etários, as taxas de hospitalizações são maiores nos municípios produtores de cana-de-açúcar, com diferença estatística significativa p < 0,005. A taxa de internação hospitalar em idosos é 28% mais elevada nos municípios casos, sendo ainda maior em crianças menores de 5 anos, cuja razão das medianas é 40%. No entanto, foi identificado que o comportamento sazonal das hospitalizações por agravos respiratórios diverge do observado na distribuição mensal dos focos de calor, não havendo correlação estatística significativa. Esses achados sugerem possível associação com a exposição crônica aos particulados emitidos pela queima de biomassa, comprometendo a saúde de grupos vulneráveis, e endossam a necessidade de substituição das queimadas no monocultivo da cana-de-açúcar, bem como a estruturação de políticas públicas de proteção à saúde humana e ambiental.

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between hospitalizations for respiratory problems and the regular burning of sugarcane in Pernambuco State, Brazil. This is an ecological time series study corresponding to the period from 2008 to 2018. The rates of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in children aged under 5 years and in adults older than 60 years in sugarcane-producing and non-producing municipalities were compared using nonparametric Mann-Whitney statistical analysis. Together, we observed the monthly distribution of the hot spots occurrences in the case and control municipalities and applied Pearson's correlation to analyze the association between both variables. For both age groups, hospitalization rates are higher in sugarcane-producing municipalities, with a statistically significant difference p < 0.005. The rate of hospitalization in older adults is 28% higher in the case municipalities, and is even higher in children aged under 5 years whose ratio of the medians is 40%. However, the seasonal behavior of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases differs from that observed in the monthly distribution of hot spots, without statistically significant correlation. These findings suggest a possible association with chronic exposure to particulates emitted by biomass burning, compromising the health of vulnerable groups, and endorse the need to replace fires in the monoculture of sugarcane and to structure public policies to protect human and environmental health.

Resumen: Este estudio buscó analizar la relación entre las hospitalizaciones por enfermedades respiratorias y la quema regular de caña de azúcar en Pernambuco, Brasil. Se trata de un estudio ecológico de serie temporal correspondiente al período entre 2008 y 2018. Las tasas de hospitalizaciones por enfermedades respiratorias en niños menores de 5 años y en ancianos mayores de 60 años en municipios productores de caña de azúcar y en los municipios no productores de azúcar se compararon mediante el análisis estadístico no paramétrico de Mann-Whitney. Se observó en conjunto la distribución mensual de las ocurrencias de puntos calientes en los casos y controles de los municipios, y se aplicó la correlación de Pearson para analizar la asociación entre ambas variables. Se encontró que, para ambos grupos de edad, las tasas de hospitalización fueron más altas en los municipios productores de caña de azúcar, con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa p < 0,005. La tasa de hospitalización de los ancianos fue un 28% mayor en los municipios casos, y aún mayor que la de los niños menores de 5 años cuya relación de las medianas fue del 40%. Sin embargo, se identificó que el comportamiento estacional de las hospitalizaciones por enfermedades respiratorias difiere de lo observado en la distribución mensual de puntos calientes, sin correlación estadística significativa. Estos hallazgos evidencian una posible asociación con la exposición crónica a partículas emitidas por la quema de biomasa, lo que afecta la salud de los grupos vulnerables, además apuntan a la necesidad de implementar medidas contra los incendios en el monocultivo de la caña de azúcar y políticas públicas para proteger la salud humana y el medioambiente.