Search

This study assessed the effects of treatment with fluticasone in children younger than 2 years old with recurrent wheezing and risk factors of developing asthma. This double-blind placebo-controlled study randomized children to receive fluticasone (125 microg; n = 14) or placebo (n = 12) twice daily for 6 months. Pulmonary function was assessed at the beginning and end, and parents filled out a daily diary recording respiratory symptoms, need for rescue medication, and emergency care. The SD score of maximum flow at functional residual capacity was-0.74 +/- 0.6 at the beginning and 0.44 +/- 1 at the end for the fluticasone group (p = 0.001), and-0.79 +/- 0.3 at the beginning and-0.78 +/- 1.4 at the end for the placebo group (p = 0.97). A statistically significant difference (p = 0.02) was observed between treatments. The percentage of symptom-free days was 91.3 +/- 7% for fluticasone and 83.9 +/- 10% for placebo (p = 0.05). The number of respiratory exacerbations was 2.1 +/- 1.7 and 4.1 +/- 3 (p = 0.04), and the percentage of days on albuterol was 8.6 +/- 6% and 16.3 +/- 9% (p = 0.028). Treatment with fluticasone twice daily for 6 months improves pulmonary function and clinical outcomes in children with asthma younger than 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the distribution of major blood lymphocyte subsets we evaluated blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry in adenovirus-infected infants aged 30-730 d. In addition, interleukin-1-receptor antagonist, interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta1 were measured in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. According to clinical parameters, mechanical ventilation and outcome, infections were classified as moderate (n = 15), severe (n = 11) and fatal (n = 12). Controls were 13 healthy children. In severe and fatal infection, T cells (CD5+/CD19-), NK effectors (CD16+), CD4+ T subset and B1 subset of B lymphocytes (CD5+/CD19+) were all significantly decreased. CD8+ cells were decreased in severe but not fatal cases. There was no difference in serum values of interleukin-10; however, fatal cases had high interleukin 1-receptor antagonist values. Interestingly, patients with moderate infection showed significantly increased values of transforming growth factor-beta1. These results demonstrate that life-threatening adenoviral infection is associated with marked abnormalities in blood lymphocyte and cytokine profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is clinical evidence suggesting that original salbutamol is more effective than a similar salbutamol product to revert symptoms in acute asthma exacerbation.., Objective: To evaluate the bronchodilator response of both salbutamol medicinal products in children with asthma and to establish, based on the forced expiratory volume, if there is a difference between the group treated with the original salbutamol and the group treated with similar salbutamol., Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study., Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty six children (63 boys, age 9.18 ± 2.83 years old) were included. They were administered a dose of 20 drops (5 mg) of the original salbutamol or similar salbutamol product in nebulizing solution diluted only once in 2 ml saline solution. Pre- and post-bronchodilator, intra- and inter-group forced expiratory volume was compared at baseline and at 30 minutes. The weight of salbutamol drops was determined by gravimetry, the concentration by chromatography and the number of drops by bottle., Results: The bronchodilator response between the pre- and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume was 225 ml (95% CI: 164-286) and 224 ml (95% CI: 163-284) for original salbutamol and similar salbutamol, respectively (p < 0.001). The Delta difference was 1.3 ml (95% CI: -86+83) (p = 0.97). The mean, standard deviation and variation coefficient percentage of the weight of the drop was 364.75 mg (± 6.01, 1.65) and 543.88 mg (± 56.09, 10.31) (p < 0.001) for original salbutamol and similar salbutamol, respectively., Conclusion: There were no differences in the bronchodilator response measured by FEV1 between the original salbutamol and a similar salbutamol product.

Unlabelled: OBJECTIVES AND WORKING HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the prevalence of respiratory viruses Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae and gain insight into their seasonal circulation pattern in children with acute asthma exacerbations in a temperate southern hemisphere region., Study Design: Patients hospitalized between 3 months and 16 years of age were included in a 1-year prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Respiratory secretions were collected and the presence of different viruses and atypical bacteria analyzed by immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction., Results: Two hundred nine patients (118 females) aged (mean +/- SD) 4.4 +/- 4 years were included. A potential causative agent was detected in 78% of the patients. The most frequently detected viruses were respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) (n = 85; 40%) and rhinovirus (HRV) (n = 52; 24.5%); M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae were detected in 4.5% and 2% of the cases, respectively. Patients with HRSV (vs. HRV) were hospitalized for a longer time (6.7 vs. 5.2 days, P = 0.012), required more days of oxygen supply (5.1 vs. 3.4, P = 0.005), had a longer duration of the exacerbation before hospitalization (3.6 vs. 1.9 days, P = 0.001) and were younger (3.7 vs. 5.1 years, P = 0.012). Three peaks of admissions were observed. A first peak (early autumn) caused by HRV, a second peak (winter) caused mainly by HRSV and a third one (spring), caused by HRSV, an increase in HMPV together with a second outbreak of HRV., Conclusions: Children with an acute asthma exacerbation presented a high prevalence of respiratory viruses. Most hospitalizations corresponded to seasonal increases in prevalence of HRV and HRSV.

Introduction: Respiratory viruses are associated with respiratory exacerbations, more frequently Respiratory Syncytial Virus in infants and Rhinovirus in children., Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and epidemiological features of newer and traditional respiratory viruses in infants and young children with recurrent wheeze., Material and Methods: Cross sectional, prospective and descriptive study. Patients with recurrent wheeze and risk factors for asthma, age 2 months to 3 years, hospitalized with bronchial obstruction were included. On admission a respiratory sample was obtained through a nasopharyngeal aspirate. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza 1, 2, 3 and Influenza A and B. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to detect Rhinovirus, Enterovirus, Metapneumovirus, Bocavirus, Adenovirus and Coronavirus., Results: 119 patients (61 female), age (x E DS) 1.5 E 0.9 years were included. Days on admission and on oxygen requirement were, respectively (x E DS): 6.3 E 2.9 y 4.4 E 2.7. One hundred and two (86%) positive cases were diagnosed. Fifty five percent of the viruses were detected by Immunofluorescence and 45% by Polymerase Chain Reaction. A single virus was present in 75% of the samples, 22% had a double co-infection and 3% a triple virus co-infection. Overall, the prevalence of detected respiratory viruses was: Respiratory Syncytial Virus 55 (43%); Rhinovirus 30 (23%); Metapneumovirus 13 (10%); Influenza A 8 (6%); Enterovirus 6 (5%); Bocavirus 6 (5%); Adenovirus 4 (3%); Coronavirus 3 (2%); Parainfluenza 1: 2 (1%); Influenza B, 1 (1%) and Parainfluenza 3: 1 (1%)., Conclusions: Infants and young children with recurrent wheeze and risk factors for asthma hospitalized for bronchial obstruction present a high prevalence of respiratory viruses. Hospital admissions were more frequent during months of higher respiratory circulation.

Introduction: Flexible bronchoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool. The objective of the study is to describe the experience with flexible bronchoscopy in a Pulmonology Section of a Pediatric tertiary care hospital associated to the university., Population and Methods: Studies performed between 01/2002 and 12/2005 were reviewed. Olympus(R) bronchoscopes (external diameters 2.8 and 4.8 mm) were used. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed with 3 aliquots of 1 ml/kg of warmed sterile saline solution., Results: One hundred and two fiberoptic bronchoscopies (49 males, 42 outpatients) and 77 bronchoalveolar lavage were performed. Patient's age ranged from 2 months to 18 years. Fifty one studies were done in an endoscopy suite, 47 in the operating room and 4 in the intensive care unit. Patient's diagnosis were: chronic lung disease (recurrent/ persistent pneumonia, bronchiectasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia) 65% (n: 66); immune deficiencies 18% (n: 18); cystic fibrosis 7% (n: 7), difficult airway 5% (n: 6) and noisy breathing 5% (n: 5). Ten patients developed mild complications (7 hypoxemia, 2 upper airway obstruction, 1 cardiac arrhythmia), and 1 patient a severe one (severe bronchial obstruction). Eighty five (65/77) bronchoalveolar lavage samples, 100% (12/12) bronchial brushing and 100% (6/6) endobronchial biopsies were representative. Procedures helped the decision-making process in 75% (76/102) of the patients studied., Conclusions: In this carefully selected population, flexible bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage were useful for their diagnosis and treatment.

Objectives: During the winter months there is a remarkable increase in paediatric hospitalisations due to viral acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI). We aimed to perform a five-year retrospective analysis (1998-2002) of ALRI viral aetiology in children under 5 years of age admitted to public hospitals in Buenos Aires city to evaluate its seasonality., Materials and Methods: Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) were analysed by indirect immunofluorescence to determine viral aetiology. A Spearman's rank correlation test between meteorological parameters and viral frequencies was performed., Results: Viruses were identified in 6083 (32.8%) of 18,561 NPA tested. Among the former 4796 (78.8%) were RSV, 508 (8.3%) IA, 473 (7.8%) AV, 293 (4.8%) PIV and 13 (0.2%) IB. RSV and IA peaked during the coldest and dampest months, whereas PIV did so in early spring and AV lasted throughout the year. For RSV and IA an inverse correlation with mean monthly temperature (r = -0.9 and r = -0.87, respectively, p<0.0001) and solar UVB radiation (r = -0.92 and r = -0.80, respectively, p<0.0001) was detected, while it was positive when relative humidity was considered (r = 0.6, p<0.0001 and r = 0.47, p=0.0068, respectively)., Conclusions: This study highlights the seasonal variation of ALRI and allows the implementation of adequate healthcare strategies and practice guidelines.

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two doses of fluticasone propionate (FP) in young children with recurrent wheezing and risk factors for asthma. Our study design was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison of inhaled FP 50 mcg twice daily (FP 100) and 125 mcg twice daily (FP 250), for 6 months. Outcome measures included number of wheezing episodes, days on albuterol, height standard deviation score (height SDS), osteocalcin (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase fraction (AKP), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and serum levels of cortisol (SC). Our subjects were 30 patients, aged 7-24 months. Mean wheezing episodes were 6.0 +/- 1.9, 1.9 +/- 1.9, and 2.8 +/- 1.2; mean days of albuterol use were 24.3 +/- 1.3, 6.5 +/- 0.8, and 9.1 +/- 0.8, per patient for placebo, FP100, and FP250 groups, respectively. There was a significant reduction in clinical outcome in the two FP groups compared to placebo (P < 0.01). No significant correlations were found between FP dosage and height SDS, OC, AKP, IGFBP-3, and SC. In conclusion, in young children with asthmatic symptoms, FP at 50 and 125 mcg b.i.d. for 6 months significantly improved respiratory symptoms without causing significant side effects on growth and bone metabolism., (Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Objective: To evaluate pulmonary function and bronchodilator responses in young children with chronic pulmonary disease (CPD) after a severe adenoviral lower respiratory tract infection., Methods: Pulmonary function tests were performed in 13 patients (mean age, 1.32 +/- 0.8 years) with CPD and were compared with a control group of 13 healthy infants (mean age, 1.16 +/- 0.4 years)., Results: Respiratory rate, peak tidal expiratory flow (PTEF), PTEF/tidal volume, absolute time up to PTEF, time percentage to PTEF, volume percentage for PTEF, and compliance and resistance of the respiratory system were significantly affected in the CPD group. Similarly, maximal flow at functional residual capacity (V'maxFRC) was 56.0 +/- 42 mL/s and 373 +/- 107 mL/s in the CPD and control groups, respectively (P =.001). No within-group differences with baseline values or between-group differences were noted in response to treatment with ipratropium bromide or albuterol., Conclusion: Young children with CPD caused by adenovirus have pulmonary function changes characterized by severe obstruction and diminished lung distensibility not responsive to the administration of inhaled ipratropium bromide or albuterol.

To explore the pathogenic mechanisms involved in adenovirus infection, we evaluated total levels of immunoglobulins, antiadenovirus antibodies, adenovirus-specific circulating immune complexes, and cytokines in serum samples obtained from 38 hospitalized children with adenovirus infection. According to their clinical findings and outcome, the infections were classified as follows: (1) moderate (group I, n = 10), (2) severe (group II, n = 12), and (3) fatal (group III, n = 16). About 60% of the children had elevated IgM levels. IgG-containing adenovirus-specific circulating immune complexes were initially detected in 7 of 16 group III patients, 4 of whom had low serum levels of the third component of complement. A decrease in initial antiadenovirus IgG antibodies was observed in 3 of 10 patients in group III. Serum interleukin-6 was not detected in group I (none of 10), but was present in group II (7 of 12, p = 0.016) and group III (13 of 16, p < 0.001). Interleukin-8 was detected in all groups; values in fatal cases were significantly higher than in surviving children. Tumor necrosis factor alpha was not observed in group I (none of 10) and was uncommon in group II (2 of 12) but was frequently detected in group III (9 of 15, p = 0.01). Interleukin-1 and interleukin-4 were rarely detected in serum samples. Increased concentrations of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were associated with hypoperfusion, febrile peaks, tonic-clonic seizures, and septic shock. In 5 of 10 patients in groups II and III, autoantibodies specific for smooth muscle were found. Our findings indicate that high serum values for interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha are associated with severity of adenovirus infection.