Increase in prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis but not asthma and atopic eczema in teenagers.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess changes in the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in schoolchildren of Curitiba between 1995 and 2001. METHODS: Schoolchildren (aged 13-14) were evaluated by a self-reported written questionnaire of ISAAC protocol for symptoms of asthma and allergic diseases. The diagnoses of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic eczema were considered according to the ISAAC protocol. Probable asthma was considered: more than 4 attacks of wheezing in the last 12 months; 1 to 3 attacks of wheezing in the last 12 months with dry cough at night, and/or with sleep disturbance due to wheezing, and/or with wheezing after exercise. The data obtained in 2001 were compared with the data obtained in 1995 for the same age group. RESULTS: We evaluated 2,946 schoolchildren in 1995 and 3.628 in 2001. The prevalence of symptoms of asthma, probable asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in 1995 and 2001 was 18.4% and 18.7%, 11.6% and 12.4%, 14.2% and 17.2%, 3.8% and 3.7%, respectively. There was a 23.7% increase in the prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of symptoms of asthma, probable asthma and eczema did not change over the past 6 years but a significant increase of the rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms was detected.

[Comparison of conductivity with sodium determination in the same sweat sample] / Comparação da condutividade com a determinação de sódio na mesma amostra de suor.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate sweat conductivity by Wescor with quantitative sodium determination in the same sample. METHODS: We analyzed 206 sweat samples, being 31 obtained from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Sweat was collected by quantitative pilocarpine iontophoresis in the Macroduct system for 30 minutes. Samples were immediately determined by Sweat-Chek analyzer (Wescor) and sodium quantification with a flame photometer. RESULTS: In non-CF subjects sweat (n=175), mean conductivity and quantitative sodium were 41mmol/L (16-75mmol/l) and 36mEq/ l (12-75mEq/l) respectively. In CF subjects (n=31), mean values of conductivity and sodium were 119mmol/L (84-155mmol/l) and 113mEq/l (80 - 146mEq/l) respectively. None of CF patients showed values lower than 80mmol/L. There was a correlation between sweat conductivity and sodium determination (r= + 0.99; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Sweat conductivity by Wescor simplifies the analysis with lower volumes and is well correlated to sodium concentration.

[Anomalous subclavian artery: a group of 15 cases] / Artéria subclávia anômala: série de 15 casos.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures and treatment of patients with anomalous subclavian artery. SUBJECTS: Fifteen patients with anomalous subclavian artery followed up at the Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná. RESULTS: Age at diagnosis varied from birth to eight years, and 10/15 were female. Nine presented with respiratory symptoms (cough, pneumonia, stridor, wheezing). Eleven had gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and choking). Six patients have both respiratory and digestive symptoms. Diagnosis was suggested by barium swallow in 14/15; confirmed in 10 by arteriography or helicoidal tomography with vascular reconstruction. In fourteen cases, the anomalous subclavian was at the right side and in one at the left side. Frequent associations were gastroesophageal reflux (6/15), cardiac septum defect and Down syndrome (3/15). Surgical repair was undertaken in eight, two of whom had chylothorax in the immediate post operative period. CONCLUSION: Although anomalous subclavian artery is mostly asymptomatic, it should be looked for in children with respiratory symptoms, mainly cough and choking. The chief investigation tool is barium swallow, and surgical repair is needed when symptoms are present.