Tuberculosis among children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases - case series

BACKGROUND

Rheumatic patients have a higher frequency of tuberculosis(TB) than the general population. This study aimed to describe children and adolescents with TB and rheumatic diseases(RD) who were being treated in a reference center.

METHODS

A series of TB cases were investigated in a reference center for childhood TB in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1995 to 2022.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients with underlying RD and TB were included with 8(53%) being female. The mean age at RD diagnosis was 7.10years (SD ± 0,57 years), and the mean age at TB diagnosis was 9.81 years(SD ± 0.88 years). A total of 9 cases of pulmonary TB(PTB) and 6 cases of extrapulmonary TB-pleural(2), joint/osteoarticular(1), cutaneous(1), ocular(1), and peritoneal(1)- were described. The RD observed in the 15 patients included juvenile idiopathic arthritis(9), juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus(3), juvenile dermatomyositis(1), polyarteritis nodosa(1), and pyoderma gangrenosum(1). Among the immunosuppressants/immunobiologics, methotrexate(8) was the most commonly used, followed by corticosteroids(6), etanercept(2), mycophenolate mofetil(1), cyclosporine A(1), adalimumab(1), and tocilizumab(1). The most common symptoms were fever and weight loss, and a predominance of PTB cases was noted. GeneXpert MTB/RIF® was performed in six patients and was detectable in two without rifampicin resistance; Xpert Ultra® was performed in five patients, and traces with indeterminate rifampicin resistance were detected in three. One female patient discontinued treatment, and another passed away.

CONCLUSIONS

The case series demonstrated the importance of suspecting and investigating TB in RD affected patients who are using immunosuppressants/ immunobiologics, particularly in countries with high rates of TB such as Brazil.

Clinical standards for drug-susceptible TB in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND: These clinical standards aim to provide guidance for diagnosis, treatment, and management of drug-susceptible TB in children and adolescents.METHODS: Fifty-two global experts in paediatric TB participated in a Delphi consensus process. After eight rounds of revisions, 51/52 (98%) participants endorsed the final document.RESULTS: Eight standards were identified: Standard 1, Age and developmental stage are critical considerations in the assessment and management of TB; Standard 2, Children and adolescents with symptoms and signs of TB disease should undergo prompt evaluation, and diagnosis and treatment initiation should not depend on microbiological confirmation; Standard 3, Treatment initiation is particularly urgent in children and adolescents with presumptive TB meningitis and disseminated (miliary) TB; Standard 4, Children and adolescents should be treated with an appropriate weight-based regimen; Standard 5, Treating TB infection (TBI) is important to prevent disease; Standard 6, Children and adolescents should receive home-based/community-based treatment support whenever possible; Standard 7, Children, adolescents, and their families should be provided age-appropriate support to optimise engagement in care and clinical outcomes; and Standard 8, Case reporting and contact tracing should be conducted for each child and adolescent.CONCLUSION: These consensus-based clinical standards, which should be adapted to local contexts, will improve the care of children and adolescents affected by TB.

Development of treatment-decision algorithms for children evaluated for pulmonary tuberculosis: an individual participant data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many children with pulmonary tuberculosis remain undiagnosed and untreated with related high morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in childhood tuberculosis algorithm development have incorporated prediction modelling, but studies so far have been small and localised, with limited generalisability. We aimed to evaluate the performance of currently used diagnostic algorithms and to use prediction modelling to develop evidence-based algorithms to assist in tuberculosis treatment decision making for children presenting to primary health-care centres.

METHODS

For this meta-analysis, we identified individual participant data from a WHO public call for data on the management of tuberculosis in children and adolescents and referral from childhood tuberculosis experts. We included studies that prospectively recruited consecutive participants younger than 10 years attending health-care centres in countries with a high tuberculosis incidence for clinical evaluation of pulmonary tuberculosis. We collated individual participant data including clinical, bacteriological, and radiological information and a standardised reference classification of pulmonary tuberculosis. Using this dataset, we first retrospectively evaluated the performance of several existing treatment-decision algorithms. We then used the data to develop two multivariable prediction models that included features used in clinical evaluation of pulmonary tuberculosis-one with chest x-ray features and one without-and we investigated each model's generalisability using internal-external cross-validation. The parameter coefficient estimates of the two models were scaled into two scoring systems to classify tuberculosis with a prespecified sensitivity target. The two scoring systems were used to develop two pragmatic, treatment-decision algorithms for use in primary health-care settings.

FINDINGS

Of 4718 children from 13 studies from 12 countries, 1811 (38·4%) were classified as having pulmonary tuberculosis: 541 (29·9%) bacteriologically confirmed and 1270 (70·1%) unconfirmed. Existing treatment-decision algorithms had highly variable diagnostic performance. The scoring system derived from the prediction model that included clinical features and features from chest x-ray had a combined sensitivity of 0·86 [95% CI 0·68-0·94] and specificity of 0·37 [0·15-0·66] against a composite reference standard. The scoring system derived from the model that included only clinical features had a combined sensitivity of 0·84 [95% CI 0·66-0·93] and specificity of 0·30 [0·13-0·56] against a composite reference standard. The scoring system from each model was placed after triage steps, including assessment of illness acuity and risk of poor tuberculosis-related outcomes, to develop treatment-decision algorithms.

INTERPRETATION

We adopted an evidence-based approach to develop pragmatic algorithms to guide tuberculosis treatment decisions in children, irrespective of the resources locally available. This approach will empower health workers in primary health-care settings with high tuberculosis incidence and limited resources to initiate tuberculosis treatment in children to improve access to care and reduce tuberculosis-related mortality. These algorithms have been included in the operational handbook accompanying the latest WHO guidelines on the management of tuberculosis in children and adolescents. Future prospective evaluation of algorithms, including those developed in this work, is necessary to investigate clinical performance.

FUNDING

WHO, US National Institutes of Health.

Caring for Adolescents and Young Adults With Tuberculosis or at Risk of Tuberculosis: Consensus Statement From an International Expert Panel

Background:

Despite being a preventable and treatable disease, tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death among young people globally. Each year, an estimated 1.8 million adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 10–24 years old) develop TB. In 2019, an estimated 161,000 AYAs died of the disease. AYAs have unique developmental, psychosocial, and healthcare needs, but these needs have been neglected in both TB care and research agendas. In order to improve outcomes in this age group, the specific needs of AYAs must be considered and addressed.

Methods:

Through a consensus process, an international panel of 34 clinicians, researchers, TB survivors, and advocates with expertise in child/adolescent TB and/or adolescent health proposed interventions for optimizing AYA engagement in TB care. The process consisted of reviewing the literature on TB in AYAs; identifying and discussing priority areas; and drafting and revising proposed interventions until consensus, defined a priori , was reached.

Results:

The panel acknowledged the dearth of evidence on best practices for identifying and managing AYAs with TB. The final consensus statement, based on expert opinion, proposes nine interventions to reform current practices that may harm AYA health and well-being, and nine interventions to establish high-quality AYA-centered TB services.

Conclusion:

AYA-specific interventions for TB care and research are critical for improving outcomes in this age group. In the absence of evidence on best practices, this consensus statement from an international group of experts can help address the needs of AYA with TB or at risk for TB.

SNPs, adipokynes and adiposity in children with asthma

OBJECTIVES

Asthma and obesity are complex disorders influenced by environmental and genetic factors. We performed an integrative review of genetic polymorphisms and adipokines effects in children and adolescents with asthma and obesity.

DATA SOURCES

Articles focused on these issues were collected from SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, Embase and ScienceDirect electronic databases, in 2009-2020 period.

STUDY SELECTIONS

22 articles were selected, including clinical trials, analyses approaches, case-control studies, meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization studies.

RESULTS

Leptin concentrations were higher in obesity and asthma. The high value of BMI and Leptin indicated severe asthma. Adiponectin may be reduced in obese children. The high value of BMI and low level of Adiponectin may indicate severe asthma. Some linkage of PRKCA gene, asthma and BMI was observed. FTO T allele rs62048379 was positively associated with overweight/obesity, related to protein and PUFA:SFA ratio intake and influences the choice of more energy-dense foods. FTO rs9939609 effects are more pronounced among children with insufficient vitamin D levels.

CONCLUSION

Leptin may be a potential predictor for asthma control in children. BMI and Adiponectin could have certain predictive value for asthma. FTO gene was related to a higher mean BMI Z-score and accelerated developmental age per allele. Strong genetic heterogeneity influencing on asthma and obesity susceptibilities is evident and related to distinct genetic features. GWAS with childhood obesity in asthma contributed to greater insights, mainly on later childhood. Standardized definitions for asthma and overweight/obesity in studies approaching adipokines and SNPs would provide stronger evidence in deciding the best management.

Correlation of digital flow peak with spirometry in children with and without asthma

INTRODUCTION

Spirometry and peak expiratory flow measurement (PEF) are combined during functional respiratory assessments. The new digital peak flow meter (DPM) evaluates the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁) and PEF.

OBJECTIVE

To compare lung function measurements using spirometry and DPM.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analytical study assessed FEV₁ and PEF in children with and without asthma. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the agreement between the measures using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman, and survival agreement plot.

RESULTS

125 (3-12 y) and 196 (6-18 y) children without and with asthma, respectively, were studied. In children without asthma, the ICC for FEV₁ and PEF were 0.89 and 0.86, respectively, while the corresponding values were 0.87 and 0.79, respectively, in patients with asthma. The Bland-Altman method showed a difference of -0.4 to 0.5 for FEV₁ in patients without asthma, with a tendency to increase as the FEV₁ increased to a certain extent. In patients with asthma, the pattern was similar for FEV₁, and the PEF had a greater dispersion than among those without asthma; however, a good agreement pattern was maintained. In the survival agreement plot, when accepting a tolerance of 0.150 mL for FEV₁, there was an agreement of close to 55% in both groups. Likewise, when accepting a tolerance of 0.5 L/s for PEF, an agreement of close to 60% and 50% was observed in patients without and with asthma, respectively.

CONCLUSION

DPM was effective as a measure of lung function in pediatric patients with and without asthma.

String test: a potentially useful tool in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in Brazilian children and adolescents

This study investigated the potential use of the String Test (ST) for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in children and adolescents. This is a case series of patients aged 4-15 years presenting with clinically presumed PTB and submitted to ST in three pediatric TB referral centers in Brazil, between November 2017 and July 2020. The ST was performed in the morning, after 4-12 h of fasting, followed by ingestion of the capsule by the patient, which was attached to the patient’s malar region. The material was collected for simultaneous smear microscopy (acid-fast bacilli - AFB), culture and the molecular investigation by the GeneXpert MTB/RIF^®. Thirty-three patients with presumed PTB were included and ST was performed in 26 (78.8%) of them and 7 (21.2%) patients could not swallow the cord. The diagnosis of PTB was established in 11 (42.3%) of the 26 patients who underwent the ST. The diagnosis of PTB was confirmed (by culture or GeneXpert MTB/RIF^®) in 5 patients, 4 of whom were also positive by the ST. Two of them showed positivity by the GeneXpert MTB/RIF^® only in the ST sample. Two other patients had a positive ST following the induced sputum test (AFB, GeneXpert MTB/RIF^®, and positive culture in both specimens). Thus, ST was positive in 36.4% of the patients in whom PTB was diagnosed. ST could be a useful test for diagnosing PTB in children and adolescents.

Diagnosis of tuberculosis: a consensus statement from the Brazilian Thoracic Association

Early, accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis is one of the major pillars of the control of the disease. The purpose of this consensus statement is to provide health professionals with the most current, useful evidence for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in Brazil. To that end, the Tuberculosis Committee of the Brazilian Thoracic Association brought together 14 members of the Association with recognized expertise in tuberculosis in Brazil to compose the statement. A nonsystematic review of the following topics was carried out: clinical diagnosis, bacteriological diagnosis, radiological diagnosis, histopathological diagnosis, diagnosis of tuberculosis in children, and diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection.

Tuberculosis among children and adolescents in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Focus on extrapulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

To compare the socio-demographic, clinical, and diagnostic characteristics and treatment outcomes between extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in children and adolescents in Rio de Janeiro, a high TB-burdened Brazilian city.

METHODS

This retrospective study used data from patients with EPTB and PTB aged 0 - 18 years, notified on two national databases from 2014 to 2016.

RESULTS

Among the 1008 patients, 144 (14.2%) had EPTB. Patients with EPTB showed higher odds of hospital-based diagnosis (odds ratio (OR): 6.76 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 4.62-9.90]; p < 0.001), no laboratory confirmation (OR: 4.9 2.14 [95% CI: 3.07 - 7.85]; p < 0.001), and being <14 years old (OR: 3.13 [95% CI: 2.18-4.49]) than those with PTB. A diagnosis without laboratory investigation was observed among 301/864 (34.8%) patients with PTB, 48/144 (33.3%) with EPTB, and among those aged under five years with EPTB (15/27 [55.6%]). TB deaths were more frequent in patients with EPTB (5/144 [3.5%]) than in those with PTB (4/864[0.5%]) (p = 0.001); 4/5 (80%) TB deaths were due to TB meningitis; 50% died within 14 days of diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

EPTB remains a clinical diagnostic challenge that needs to be addressed to fully benefit from the higher sensitivity laboratory investigations.

Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children and adolescents: comparison of two versions of the Brazilian Ministry of Health scoring system

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance between two versions of the scoring system (2011 and 2019), recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in children and adolescents. A retrospective descriptive study was performed to assess the medical records of children and adolescents with PTB, in TB units from Brazilian cities located in Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Parana States, from January 1 ^st , 2004, to December 1 ^st , 2018. Patients aged 0 to 18 years old with a diagnosis of PTB were included. The comparison between the two scoring systems showed a moderate concordance according to the κ coefficient value = 0.625. Fourteen patients showed a reduction in the TB score, going from 30 points in the 2011, to 25 points or less in the 2019 one. Seventy one percent of these 14 patients had radiological changes suggestive of PTB and 86% had tuberculin skin tests greater than 10 mm. The study concluded that a moderate agreement was observed between the 2011 and 2019 scoring systems, with an increase in the number of patients scoring 25 points or less in 2019, which can eventually hinder the diagnosis of PTB.

The use of Gene-Xpert MTB RIF in the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in childhood and adolescence

INTRODUCTION

Gene-Xpert MTB RIF (Xpert) is based on nucleic acid amplification by real-time polymerase chain reaction, which allows for the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampin resistance. We describe the use of Xpert for extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in children and adolescents.

METHODS

A case series of two reference centers in Rio de Janeiro from 2014-2019.

RESULTS

The final diagnosis of EPTB was established in 11/36 (31%) patients, with five cases detectable by Xpert. For lymph node evaluation (9/11), diagnosis by Xpert occurred in 5/9 patients, all with caseous aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

Xpert can facilitate the rapid diagnosis of lymph node tuberculosis.

The clinical and molecular diagnosis of childhood and adolescent pulmonary tuberculosis in referral centers

INTRODUCTION:

The diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in children is lower than in adults. In Brazil, the diagnosis of PTB is based on a diagnostic score system (DSS). This study aims to study the role of Xpert in children and adolescents with PTB symptoms.

METHODS: A

cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 referral centers to TB. Children and adolescents (0-19 years old) whose respiratory samples were submitted to Xpert were included. Statistical analysis (bivariate and logistic regression) to assess the simultaneous influence of TB-related variables on the occurrence of Xpert detectable in TB cases was done. To evaluate the agreement or disagreement between Xpert results with acid-fast bacillus (AFB) and cultures, κ method was used (significancy level of 5%).

RESULTS:

Eighty-eight patients were included in the study and PTB occurred in 43 patients (49%) and Xpert was detectable in 21 patients (24%). Adolescents and positive culture results were independent predictive variables of Xpert positivity. DSS sensitivity compared with the final diagnosis of TB was 100% (95% CI, 88.1-100%), specificity was 97.2% (95% CI, 85.5-99.9%). The accuracy of the method was 98.5% (95% CI, 91.7-99.9%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Xpert contributed to diagnosis in 9% of patients with AFB and in culture negative cases. DSS indicated relevance for this diagnostic approach of intrathoracic TB (ITB) in reference centers for presenting data both with high sensitivity and specificity.

Pediatric tuberculosis in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro

AIM

To evaluate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic approach, and treatment outcomes of tuberculosis (TB) in children living in a high-burden metropolitan area.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study, based on a medical chart review, involving children under 15 years old treated for TB between 2007 and 2016, in four primary health units (PHU) and three reference centers (RC) in five cities of Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area. Factors associated with TB treatment setting, microbiological diagnosis, and treatment outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 544 children were enrolled; 71% were treated in PHU, 36% were under 5 years old, and 72% had pulmonary TB (PTB). The HIV prevalence was 10% (31/322). Fifty-three percent had at least one microbiological test for TB, 68% of them (196/287) had TB confirmed. Among 222 children with previous TB contact, information on LTBI was available for 78 (35%), and only 17% (13/78) were treated. Extrapulmonary TB (56% vs 32%), microbiologically confirmed TB (77% vs 60%), and HIV positivity (18.5% vs 4.0%) were significantly more frequent in RC. Treatment in RC (odds ratio (OR) 3.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74-5.44) and PTB (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.34-4.56) were independently associated with a microbiological diagnosis of TB. The treatment success rate was 85%. In the logistic regression analysis, HIV-infected children had a 2.5-fold higher risk of an unfavorable outcome (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.0-6.38; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Opportunities for TB prevention and early TB treatment are missed due to suboptimal close contact screening. Microbiological diagnosis of TB and drug susceptibility testing in children should be made available through more sensitive and accessible tests.

Contribution of Xpert MTB/RIF to clinical diagnosis in adolescents with tuberculosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

SETTING: Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, a high tuberculosis (TB) burden city.OBJECTIVE: To compare the sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, care process indicators (CPIs) and treatment outcomes among adolescents with pulmonary TB (PTB) and those with PTB + extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), who underwent testing with Xpert^® and sputum culture.DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of data from three national databases from 2014 to 2016 of adolescents (aged 10-18 years) residing and notified in Rio de Janeiro City. Three groups were identified according to their Xpert and culture results: Group 1, Xpert- and culture-positive; Group 2, Xpert-positive and culture-negative; and Group 3, Xpert- and culture-negative. Study CPIs were as follows: the time between 'sample collection and Xpert result release', 'sample collection and treatment initiation' and 'notification and treatment outcome'.RESULTS: Of 258 adolescents included in the study, 223 (86.4%) were in Group 1, 20 (7.8%) in Group 2 and 15 (5.8%) in Group 3. Groups 1 and 2 had a similar profile. Compared to Group 1, Group 3 had a higher proportion of HIV-positive cases (21.4% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.016), adolescents with a hospital diagnosis (53.3% vs. 7.6%, P < 0.001), and PTB + EPTB cases (20% vs. 0.4%; P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in CPIs or treatment outcomes.CONCLUSION: The clinical diagnosis was decisive in more critical or complex patients, despite Xpert-negative results.

CLINICAL PROFILE OF CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT COMORBIDITIES HOSPITALIZED WITH COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA

Objective:

To describe the clinical profile of children and adolescents hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). They were divided into two groups: those with and those without comorbidities.

Methods:

An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study with prospective data collection, was carried out in a cohort of patients aged zero to 11, who were hospitalized with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia, from January 2010 to January 2012. As an exploratory study, the two groups were compared through logistic regression for possible risk factors associated with community-acquired pneumonia. Relative risk (RR) was used with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The process of selection for independent variables was stepwise forward, with a significance level of 5%.

Results:

There were 121 cases of community-acquired pneumonia evaluated, and 47.9% had comorbidities. In the bivariate analysis, patients with comorbidities demonstrated higher chances for: age >60 months (p=0.005), malnutrition (p=0.002), previous use of antibiotics (p=0.008) and previous hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia in the last 24 months (p=0.004). In the multivariate analysis, these variables were independent predictors of community-acquired pneumonia in patients with the comorbidities: age >60 months (p=0.002; RR=5.39; 95%CI 1.89-15.40); malnutrition (p=0.008; RR=1.75; 95%CI 1.75-44.60); previous use of antibiotics (p=0.0013; RR=3.03; 95%CI 1.27-7.20); and previous hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (p=0.035; RR=2.91; 95%CI 1.08-7.90).

Conclusions:

Most patients with community-acquired pneumonia and comorbidities were aged >60 months, were malnourished, had used antibiotics and had been hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia. Comorbidities were associated with a higher chance of malnutrition and hospitalizations for community-acquired pneumonia in an older age group, compared to children without comorbidities. Knowledge of this clinical profile may contribute to better assist pediatric patients with community-acquired pneumonia hospitalized in referral centers.

Temporal assessment of neonatal pain after airway aspiration

OBJECTIVE

To temporally assess a painful stimulus in premature infants using 3 neonatal pain scales.

METHODS

A total of 83 premature infants were observed during airway aspiration by 3 evaluators (E1, E2 and E3) using 3 pain assessment scales (Neonatal Facial Coding System - NFCS; Neonatal Infant Pain Scale - NIPS; and Premature Infant Pain Profile - PIPP) at 5 time points: T1 (before airway aspiration), T2 (during airway aspiration), T3 (1 minute after airway aspiration), T4 (3 minutes after airway aspiration), and T5 (5 minutes after airway aspiration). Light's Kappa (agreement among examiners and among scales at each time point) and the McNemar test (comparison among time points) were used considering p < 0.05.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the 3 examiners for T1 and T2 using the 3 scales. In T3, pain was observed in 22.9%/E1, 28.9%/E2, and 24.1%/E3 according to the NFCS; 22.9%/E1, 21.7%/E2, and 16.9%/E3 according to the NIPS; and 49.4%/E1, 53.9%/E2, and 47%/E3 according to the PIPP. There was a difference between T1 and T3 using the 3 scales, except for 2 examiners for the PIPP (E2: p = 0.15/E3: p = 0.17). Comparing T4 and T5 to T1, there was no difference in the 3 scales.

CONCLUSION

Premature infants required at least 3 minutes to return to their initial state of rest (no pain).

NEONATAL PAIN: CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PHYSIOTHERAPIST'S PERCEPTION IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Objective:

To describe the perception of physiotherapists in neonatal units regarding pain, the use of measurement scales and strategies that minimize pain.

Methods:

Interviews were conducted with physiotherapists in hospitals with neonatal units between 2013 and 2015 in Rio de Janeiro. The questions concerned the knowledge of the feeling of pain, from its recognition to its care or treatment. The description of the results was done by comparing public and private hospitals (Fisher’’s Exact exact Testtest), considering p<0.05 as significant.

Results:

27 hospitals were visited. All the professionals interviewed (n=27) stated that the newborns feel pain, with facial expression being the most cited and known sign for pain. 26% of physiotherapists believe that newborns experience pain at the same magnitude as adults. Among the scales, the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) was the most well known, but only 37% of the units had routine pain assessment protocols. IV cannulation and blood collection were the most mentioned procedures as a cause of pain and there was no difference between public and private hospitals.

Conclusions:

There is a gap in the knowledge about neonatal pain and how to evaluate it among the participating physiotherapists, with no systematization of care routines involving this assessment.

Low Prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Contacts of Smear-Positive Adults in Brazil

This follow-up cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the prevalence rate and risk factors related to latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis (TB) in children aged < 15 years in contact with adults with smear-positive pulmonary TB (PTB) in a Brazilian municipality. Data were collected from interviews, clinical evaluations, chest X-rays, tuberculin skin tests, and interferon gamma release assays. The median time elapsed between diagnosis of the index case (IC) and inclusion in the study was 2.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 1.5-4.4) and 7.4 years (IQR = 3.8-9.7) when we reassessed the development (or not) of active TB. The median age at the time of exposure to the IC was 6.6 years (IQR = 3.3-9.4) and 14.1 years (IQR = 8.9-17.7) at the last follow-up. Of the 99 children and adolescents in contact with smear-positive PTB, 21.2% (95% CI = 14.0-29.9) were diagnosed with LTBI, and none developed active TB. There was no statistically significant difference between the LTBI and non-LTBI groups regarding demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological characteristics. Unlike national and international scenarios, we found a lower frequency of LTBI and no active TB among our studied patients. For better understanding of these findings, further studies might add, among other factors, host and Mycobacterium tuberculosis genetic features.

Stress reduction intervention with mothers of children/adolescents with asthma: a randomized controlled study in Brazil

Brazil has a high prevalence of pediatric asthma, which can be a stressor to parents/caretakers. Researchers aimed to assesses the efficacy of a stress reduction intervention for mothers of children/adolescents with asthma through a randomized controlled study. Stress, anxiety, and depression were evaluated in three moments. The intervention group (n = 20), entailed 5-weekly sessions; the control group (n =34) had waiting list format. There was a significant decrease in stress, anxiety, and depression in the intervention group. This study indicates that the intervention directed to mothers of children/adolescents with asthma was efficient not only in reducing stress but also anxiety and depression reduction.

Epidemiological aspects, clinical manifestations, and prevention of pediatric tuberculosis from the perspective of the End TB Strategy

Tuberculosis continues to be a public health priority in many countries. In 2015, tuberculosis killed 1.4 million people, including 210,000 children. Despite the recent progress made in the control of tuberculosis in Brazil, it is still one of the countries with the highest tuberculosis burdens. In 2015, there were 69,000 reported cases of tuberculosis in Brazil and tuberculosis was the cause of 4,500 deaths in the country. In 2014, the World Health Organization approved the End TB Strategy, which set a target date of 2035 for meeting its goals of reducing the tuberculosis incidence by 90% and reducing the number of tuberculosis deaths by 95%. However, to achieve those goals in Brazil, there is a need for collaboration among the various sectors involved in tuberculosis control and for the prioritization of activities, including control measures targeting the most vulnerable populations. Children are highly vulnerable to tuberculosis, and there are particularities specific to pediatric patients regarding tuberculosis development (rapid progression from infection to active disease), prevention (low effectiveness of vaccination against the pulmonary forms and limited availability of preventive treatment of latent tuberculosis infection), diagnosis (a low rate of bacteriologically confirmed diagnosis), and treatment (poor availability of child-friendly anti-tuberculosis drugs). In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and prevention of tuberculosis in childhood and adolescence, highlighting the peculiarities of active and latent tuberculosis in those age groups, in order to prompt reflection on new approaches to the management of pediatric tuberculosis within the framework of the End TB Strategy.

ACUTE LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTION IN GUARANI INDIGENOUS CHILDREN, BRAZIL

Objective:

To describe the clinical profile and treatment of Brazilian Guarani indigenous children aged less than five years hospitalized for acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI), living in villages in the states from Rio de Janeiro to Rio Grande do Sul.

Methods:

Of the 234 children, 23 were excluded (incomplete data). The analysis was conducted in 211 children. Data were extracted from charts by a form. Based on record of wheezing and x-ray findings, ALRI was classified as bacterial, viral and viral-bacterial. A bivariate analysis was conducted using multinomial regression.

Results:

Median age was 11 months. From the total sample, the ALRI cases were classified as viral (40.8%), bacterial (35.1%) and viral-bacterial (24.1%). It was verified that 53.1% of hospitalizations did not have clinical-radiological-laboratorial evidence to justify them. In the multinomial regression analysis, the comparison of bacterial and viral-bacterial showed the likelihood of having a cough was 3.1 times higher in the former (95%CI 1.11-8.70), whereas having chest retractions was 61.0% lower (OR 0.39, 95%CI 0.16-0.92). Comparing viral with viral-bacterial, the likelihood of being male was 2.2 times higher in the viral (95%CI 1.05-4.69), and of having tachypnea 58.0% lower (OR 0.42, 95%CI 0.19-0.92).

Conclusions:

Higher proportion of viral processes was identified, as well as viral-bacterial co-infections. Coughing was a symptom indicative of bacterial infection, whereas chest retractions and tachypnea showed viral-bacterial ALRI. Part of the resolution of non-severe ALRI still occurs at hospital level; therefore, we concluded that health services need to implement their programs in order to improve indigenous primary care.

Childhood tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus status in Brazil: a hierarchical analysis

SETTING

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may impact tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, clinical presentation and treatment outcomes in children as the signs and symptoms of both diseases overlap.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of childhood TB according to HIV status in Brazil.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of data on subjects aged <15 years retrieved from the Brazilian National Electronic Disease Registry (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação) database on TB to compare TB-HIV coinfected patients and patients with TB only registered between 2007 and 2011. A hierarchical logistic regression model was applied.

RESULTS

Of 6091 cases analysed, 780 (12%) were TB-HIV patients, while 5311 (87%) presented with TB only. TB-HIV patients were more likely to be institutionalised (OR 2.22, 95%CI 1.43-3.46), to present with relapsed TB (OR 5.03, 95%CI 2.02-12.5) and be readmitted after treatment default (OR 16.7, 95%CI 4.34-64.46). They were also more likely to have unfavourable outcomes, including default (OR 2.85, 95%CI 1.81-4.49), death due to TB (OR 2.76, 95%CI 1.27-6.03) and death from other causes (OR 5.59, 95%CI 2.63-11.8).

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the challenges of using national registers for research into childhood TB.

[Children with tuberculosis: situations and interactions in family health care]

This qualitative study analyzed meanings associated with tuberculosis (TB) in children. Interviews were conducted with lay caregivers and health professionals in six health situations in a vulnerable territory. Data collection was followed by thematic content analysis and interpretation in consultation with the literature concerning the concepts of stigma, childhood illness, and preservation of the façade. The results showed that the discussion on the meanings of TB in children involves relativity of the core family concept and valuation of their network of relationships. The complexity of TB in children requires an expanded understanding of their health situation and interactions among the surrounding relationships. The health professional's role in identifying and managing possibilities for care and diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties is an important tool for health promotion in children.

Tuberculosis contact tracing among children and adolescent referred to children's hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objective

To describe the investigation of latent tuberculosis infection and indication for isoniazid preventive therapy in children and adolescents evaluated at the children's hospital.

Methods

This retrospective study examines all latent tuberculosis infection subjects with indication for isoniazid preventive therapy attended during 2002–2009 at the pulmonology outpatient clinic from children's hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The subjects were classified into three groups by origin: (G1) primary and secondary health units; (G2) children's hospital-pulmonology outpatient clinic; and (G3) children's hospital-specialty outpatient clinics. The association between the variables examined and G1 was analyzed using univariate analysis.

Results

Of the 286 latent tuberculosis infection cases included 169 (59.1%) were from G1, 56 (19.6%) from G2, and 61 (21.3%) from G3. Latent tuberculosis infection diagnosis without isoniazid preventive therapy prescription was present in 142 (49.6%) cases before arrival at the pulmonology outpatient clinic: 135 (95.1%) from G1, three (2.1%) from G2, and four (2.8%) from G3. Variables associated with G1 were presence of isoniazid preventive therapy criteria before attending the pulmonology outpatient clinic (OR: 62.3; 26.6–146.2), negative HIV infection status (OR: 9.44; 1.16–76.3); contact with pulmonary tuberculosis (OR: 5.57; 1.99–15.5), and residing in Rio de Janeiro city (OR: 1.89; 1.04–3.44).

Conclusion

Strategies that increase latent tuberculosis infection identification and isoniazid preventive therapy prescription in primary and secondary health units are urgently needed.

Estresse em mães e cuidadoras de crianças e adolescentes com asma: um estudo sobre a frequência do estresse e fatores estressores

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a frequência do estresse e identificar fatores estressores em mães e cuidadoras de crianças e adolescentes com asma, atendidas em um ambulatório público de pneumologia pediátrica do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Realizou-se estudo observacional, descritivo, quantitativo e qualitativo com 53 mães e cuidadoras de crianças/adolescentes com idades entre 2 e 12 anos que apresentavam diagnóstico de asma. Os resultados demonstraram a presença de níveis de estresse em 86,8% das entrevistadas. Houve associação entre o estresse e o tempo da primeira crise de asma da criança/adolescente, tempo de uso do medicamento, quantidade de estressores em relação à asma infantil e a escolaridade das mães/cuidadoras. Foram identificados como estressores fatores familiares, sociais, econômicos e emocionais, incluindo o cuidado da criança com asma. Identificar os fatores estressores relacionados à asma torna-se importante passo para a compreensão da doença, para a condução do tratamento nas crianças e, consequentemente, para o gerenciamento do estresse.

Empyema and bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia in children under five years of age

We compared bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia (BPP) and pneumococcal empyema (PE), in terms of clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings, in under-fives. A cross-sectional nested cohort study, involving under-fives (102 with PE and 128 with BPP), was conducted at 12 centers in Argentina, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. Among those with PE, mean age was higher; disease duration was longer; and tachypnea, dyspnea, and high leukocyte counts were more common. Among those with BPP, fever and lethargy were more common. It seems that children with PE can be distinguished from those with BPP on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. Because both conditions are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, prompt diagnosis is crucial.

[Tuberculosis in indigenous peoples in the Brazilian Amazon: an epidemiological study in the Upper Rio Negro region]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics of reported tuberculosis cases among indigenous individuals of São Gabriel de Cachoeira, State of Amazonas, Brazil, and to identify the factors associated with mortality during treatment; and to estimate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and associated factors and obtain information on the therapeutic course and the individual perceptions regarding acquistion of tuberculosis in the district of Iauaretê.

METHODS

Firstly, a retrospective epidemiological study (1997 to 2007) was conducted using data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (SINAN). Next, a cross-sectional study (2010) was conducted with respiratory symptomatic subjects and contacts of Iauaretê.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and twenty-three new cases were reported, with incidence of 273.4/100 000 and mortality of 13.2/100 000. There was a predominance of males (57%), aged > 45 years (37.6%), people with no schooling (42.7%), and cases from rural areas (76.9%). Patients aged 0 to 20 years were at lower risk of death when compared to those aged > 45 years (OR = 0.3; IC95%: 0.1 a 0.9). In Iauaretê, with 15.3% of the reported cases, 184 people were interviewed. A prevalence of LTB of 76.1% was reported. Tuberculin skin test > 5 mm was associated with the > 15-year old age group, history of active tuberculosis, and radiological alterations. A previous history of tuberculosis was cited by 54 people (29.3%). The main explanation for the disease was "puffing/poisoning" (24.1%). The therapeutic course included industrialized drugs (42.6%), medicinal plants/roots, shamanism, and prayer (42.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of tuberculosis infection and disease in this population was high. Despite the reduced incidence resulting from recent efforts, tuberculosis control requires closer surveillance of contacts and improvement in communication strategies between health teams and indigenous populations.

Tuberculosis in indigenous children in the Brazilian Amazon

OBJECTIVE: Assess the epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis in Brazilian indigenous children and actions to control it. METHODS: An epidemiological study was performed with 356 children from 0 to 14 years of age in Rondônia State, Amazon, Brazil, during the period 1997-2006. Cases of TB reported to the Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System were divided into indigenous and non-indigenous categories and analyzed according to sex, age group, place of residence, clinical form, diagnostic tests and treatment outcome. A descriptive analysis of cases and hypothesis test (χ²) was carried out to verify if there were differences in the proportions of illness between the groups investigated. RESULTS: A total of 356 TB cases were identified (125 indigenous, 231 non-indigenous) of which 51.4% of the cases were in males. In the indigenous group, 60.8% of the cases presented in children aged 0-4 years old. The incidence mean was much higher among indigenous; in 2001, 1,047.9 cases/100,000 inhabitants were reported in children aged < 5 years. Pulmonary TB was reported in more than 80% of the cases, and in both groups over 70% of the cases were cured. Cultures and histopathological exams were performed on only 10% of the patients. There were 3 cases of TB/HIV co-infection in the non-indigenous group and none in the indigenous group. The case detection rate was classified as insufficient or fair in more than 80% of the indigenous population notifications, revealing that most of the diagnoses were performed based on chest x-ray. CONCLUSIONS: The approach used in this study proved useful in demonstrating inequalities in health between indigenous and non-indigenous populations and was superior to the conventional analyses performed by the surveillance services, drawing attention to the need to improve childhood TB diagnosis among the indigenous population.

Quality of life in children and teenagers with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Atopic Dermatitis is a disease which has increased during the past years despite our improved understanding of it. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of Atopic Dermatitis in the quality of life of children and teenagers and their family. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional method with prospective data collection of 50 children and teenagers diagnosed with Atopic Dermatitis ranging in age from 5-16 years. Fifty parents and/or guardians answered the quality of life questionnaires The Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index and Family Dermatitis Impact Questionnaire. The socio-demographic and clinical variables were evaluated by a clinical record chart designed specifically for the research and socioeconomic standardized questionnaire by the Brazilian Association of Research Enterprises, which evaluates assets acquired and the educational level of the head of the household. RESULTS: Thirty-five out of the 50 patients were female (70%), and 28 (56%) of them were from social class C. The Questionnaire Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index showed that 19 (38%) patients ranged from 7 to 12 points (moderate impact of atopic dermatitis) and 17 patients (34%) ranged from 13 to 30 points (high impact of atopic dermatitis). The Family Dermatitis Impact Questionnaire revealed that 15 (30%) families had scores between 7 and 12 points and 22 families (44%) scored between 13 and 30 points. CONCLUSION: The results show that there is a very high impact on the QoL for atopic dermatitis patients and their families. This makes us suggest the importance of including the quality of life study in clinical evaluations.

Qualidade de vida na asma pediátrica: revisão da literatura

OBJETIVO: Analisar as produções científicas que abordam a temática da qualidade de vida em crianças e adolescentes com asma, objetivando discutir o instrumento de pesquisa Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ). FONTES DE DADOS: Revisão não sistemática da literatura incluindo artigos nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol, a partir das bases de dados Medline, SciELO e Lilacs, no período de 1997 a 2009. Foram utilizados os termos "quality of life", "asthma pediatrics", "asthma quality of life" e "PAQLQ". SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Os 26 artigos encontrados foram organizados em duas seções, a saber: estudos de validação do PAQLQ (n=12) e estudos de avaliação da qualidade de vida na asma pediátrica usando o questionário PAQLQ (n=14). CONCLUSÕES: A avaliação da qualidade de vida deve ser incorporada à avaliação clínica, uma vez que a doença crônica repercute nas diversas dimensões da vida dos pacientes. O PAQLQ é de fácil aplicação, reprodutível e constitui-se em instrumento para avaliar a qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes com asma.

Radiologic findings of pulmonary tuberculosis in adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To describe radiologic findings of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in adolescents.

METHODS

Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study of 850 patients with TB, aged 10 to 19 years, and notified to the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Data were collected from the TB notification and medical records in the cities of Manaus, Amazonas State, and Salvador, Bahia State, in the 19962003 period. Data are shown in tables and analyzed using the chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests, with a 5% significance level.

RESULTS

Mean age was 15.6 years; 443 (52.1%) patients were males. The most common radiologic lesion was the upper pulmonary lobe infiltrate (53.3%), and isolated cavitation was found in 32.4% of the patients. Both lungs were affected in 29.2% of the patients. The finding of bilateral radiologic lesions was significantly associated with longer disease duration (p = 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary TB in adolescents has similar characteristics to TB in adults, evidencing the important role played by adolescents in community disease transmission.

Efficacy of the scoring system, recommended by the Brazilian National Ministry of Health, for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children and adolescents, regardless of their HIV status

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of the scoring system, recommended by the Brazilian National Ministry of Health (NMH), for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in children and adolescents, regardless of their HIV status.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional analytical study carried out between January of 2002 and December of 2006, involving 239 individuals less than 15 years of age. The patients were divided into four groups: latent TB (LTB group; n = 81); no-TB (NTB group; n = 41); TB group (n = 104); and TB/HIV group (n = 13). We studied the clinical, radiological and laboratory findings according to the scoring system.

RESULTS

Reports of fever, cough, asthenia and weight loss for at least two weeks were significantly higher in the TB group (p < 0.0001). The proportion of cases with a history of any contact and household contact with a TB patient was, respectively, 95.0% and 86.1% in the TB group, versus 75.0% and 58.3% in the TB/HIV group. In the TB and TB/HIV groups, respectively, chest X-rays revealed parenchymal alterations in 75.0% and 53.9%, revealing combined parenchymal/lymph node alterations in 18.2% and 30.8%. There were no significant differences among the groups regarding the tuberculin skin test results. In the TB group, 16.3% of the patients were malnourished (p < 0.005 vs. the LTB group). The mean NMH system scores in the LTB, NTB, TB and TB/HIV groups were, respectively, 24.2, 18.5, 45.3 and 41.5.

CONCLUSIONS

The NMH system scores were significantly higher in the TB and TB/HIV groups than in the other two groups. Therefore, this scoring system was valid for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in this population, regardless of HIV status.

III Brazilian Thoracic Association Guidelines on tuberculosis

New scientific articles about tuberculosis (TB) are published daily worldwide. However, it is difficult for health care workers, overloaded with work, to stay abreast of the latest research findings and to discern which information can and should be used in their daily practice on assisting TB patients. The purpose of the III Brazilian Thoracic Association (BTA) Guidelines on TB is to critically review the most recent national and international scientific information on TB, presenting an updated text with the most current and useful tools against TB to health care workers in our country. The III BTA Guidelines on TB have been developed by the BTA Committee on TB and the TB Work Group, based on the text of the II BTA Guidelines on TB (2004). We reviewed the following databases: LILACS (SciELO) and PubMed (Medline). The level of evidence of the cited articles was determined, and 24 recommendations on TB have been evaluated, discussed by all of the members of the BTA Committee on TB and of the TB Work Group, and highlighted. The first version of the present Guidelines was posted on the BTA website and was available for public consultation for three weeks. Comments and critiques were evaluated. The level of scientific evidence of each reference was evaluated before its acceptance for use in the final text.

Preoperative pulmonary assessment of children for liver transplantation

Pulmonary assessment should be part of the preoperative investigation of pediatric patients with chronic liver disease undergoing liver transplantation, as it allows the identification of pulmonary alterations that influence candidacy for transplantation and survival. To describe pulmonary changes found in pediatric patients who were candidates for liver transplantation. Retrospective study of 17 pediatric liver transplant candidates undergoing preoperative pulmonary evaluation assessing pulmonary clinical data, arterial blood gas analysis, CXR, respiratory function test by spirometry, pulmonary scintigraphy, and CEE. Ten patients presented normal chest roentgenograms. The most common radiographic change was interstitial infiltrate in the lung bases. Of the five patients with PaO(2) <70 mmHg, four had cyanosis and dyspnea and two were diagnosed with HPS with intrapulmonary shunt evidenced by contrast echocardiogram. Two patients presented with intrapulmonary shunt but without hypoxemia. Spirometry was normal in six patients, restrictive disturbance was evidenced in one patient, obstructive in three, and combined in two. The most common scintigraphic change was heterogeneous pulmonary perfusion. Pulmonary assessment should be performed routinely in pediatric patients prior to liver transplantation, even in asymptomatic patients. Pulmonary assessment may indicate changes such as HPS that can increase postoperative morbidity/mortality.

[Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis treated with azathioprine in a child]

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH), the main cause of pulmonary hemosiderosis in children, is characterized by intermittent alveolar bleeding and hemosiderin-laden macrophages in sputum and in gastric lavage. The treatment is based on corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs, under special conditions. We describe the case of a 7-year-old girl with IPH who achieved partial clinical remission with high doses of corticosteroids. However, the treatment had to be discontinued because the patient developed Cushing's syndrome. Treatment was started with an azathioprine-corticosteroid combination and then changed to azathioprine alone, which was maintained for four years, with excellent results.

Immune function in young children with previous pulmonary or miliary/meningeal tuberculosis and impact of BCG vaccination

OBJECTIVE

Children <5 years old are at increased risk of miliary/meningeal tuberculosis, but the immunologic factors that place them at risk are unknown. BCG vaccine protects against miliary/meningeal tuberculosis, but the mechanism of protection is unknown. We assessed for abnormalities in immune response associated with miliary/meningeal or pulmonary tuberculosis in young children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a case-control study among HIV-seronegative Brazilian children who were <5 years old. Case subjects had previous culture-confirmed or clinical miliary/meningeal tuberculosis. There were 2 sets of control subjects: those with culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis and purified protein derivative-positive household contacts. All of the children had completed treatment. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated (phytohemagglutinin, phytohemagglutinin + interleukin 12, lipopolysaccharide, lipopolysaccharide + interferon-gamma, and purified protein derivative), and cytokine responses (interleukin 1beta, interleukin-4, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin 10, interleukin 12, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) were quantified by bead-based assay. Median cytokine responses were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Multivariate analysis of variance accounted for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

There were 18 case subjects with miliary/meningeal tuberculosis, 28 pulmonary control subjects, and 29 purified protein derivative-positive control subjects. The median age was 4.2 years. There was no difference in case and control subjects by age, gender, race, BMI, or median CD4 count. Twelve (67%) of 18 case subjects, 26 (93%) of 28 pulmonary control subjects, and 28 (97%) of 29 purified protein derivative-positive subjects had received BCG vaccine. No cytokine defects were identified in case subjects with miliary/meningeal tuberculosis compared with either set of control subjects. Pulmonary control subjects had uniformly higher monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 levels than case subjects with miliary/meningeal tuberculosis and purified protein derivative-positive control subjects, both at rest and with lipopolysaccharide, lipopolysaccharide + interferon-gamma, and purified protein derivative stimulation. Pulmonary control subjects did not have a higher frequency of allele G in the -2518 monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 promoter polymorphism. Case subjects with miliary/meningeal tuberculosis who had received BCG vaccine (n = 12) had lower stimulated interleukin 8 production than children who did not receive BCG vaccine (n = 6).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with previous miliary/meningeal tuberculosis did not have a major defect in the cytokine pathways studied. Increased monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 levels were associated with pulmonary disease, occurred despite BCG vaccination, and were not associated with a polymorphism in the monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 promoter.

Recente contribuição da Organização Mundial de Saúde para o controle da tuberculose na infância

O artigo comenta a pioneira e recente publicação da Organização Mundial da Saúde denominada Guidance for National Tuberculosis Programmes on the Management of Childhood Tuberculosis in Children, buscando divulgar aspectos que tem interesse na prática dos profissionais de saúde. Estabelece-se paralelo entre a América Latina e o continente africano no que diz respeito à co-infecção TB-HIV e a tuberculose infantil.

Evaluation of a proposed diagnostic scoring system for pulmonary tuberculosis in Brazilian children

In a case-control study to evaluate a systematic scoring system for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in children, cases had gastric lavage cultures positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and recovered after anti-tuberculosis treatment, while controls had negative cultures and recovered with non-anti-tuberculosis treatment. Radiological aspect (OR = 25.39), contact with a tuberculous adult (OR = 10.67) and tuberculin skin test > or = 10 mm (OR = 8.23) were associated with PTB diagnosis. The sensitivity of the score ranged from 58% to 89% and the specificity from 98% to 86%, with cut-offs of respectively > or = 40 or > or = 30. The scoring system may be a useful diagnostic method in areas with a high prevalence of TB.

Signs and symptoms indicative of community-acquired pneumonia in infants under six months

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the clinical signs and symptoms predicting bacterial and viral pneumonia, in accordance with the Brazilian National Control Program for Acute Respiratory (ARI).

METHODS

Observational prospective study. Seventy-six children from birth to six months of age who had pneumonia were studied in the emergency room. The patients were subdivided into two groups, based on radiological findings (gold-standard): 47 had bacterial pneumonia, and 29 had viral pneumonia. The frequencies, sensitivities, and specificities of the signs and symptoms were evaluated.

RESULTS

The sensibilities and sensitivities of general findings in bacterial pneumonia were, respectively: fever 53.2%/40.0%; hypoactivity 68.4%/55.6% and prostration detected by the doctor 72.7%/55.0%. The same findings in viral pneumonias showed, respectively: 37.9%/40.0%, 66.7%/55.6% and 66.7%/55.6%. The sensibilities and sensitivities of respiratory findings in bacterial pneumonia were, respectively: coughing 66.0/38.1%, Respiratory rate = 50 ripm 76.6%/38.1%, altered respiratory auscultation 91.3%/10.5%, and chest indrawing 46.7%/80.0%. The same findings in viral pneumonias were, respectively: 69.0%/38.1%, 86.2%/38.1%, 85.7%/10.5% and 44.8%/80.0%.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of signs and symptoms in each group did not distinguish bacterial from viral pneumonia. Our findings reinforce the adequacy of the ARI program in Brazil, which gives an early diagnosis of pneumonia, independent of its etiology.

Prevalência e gravidade de sintomas relacionados à asma em escolares e adolescentes no município de Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro

INTRODUÇÃO: A asma é considerada a doença crônica mais comum na infância. Entretanto, há poucos estudos sobre sua prevalência em nosso meio. OBJETIVO: Avaliar prevalência e gravidade de sintomas de asma em escolares e adolescentes de Duque de Caxias (RJ). MÉTODO: Estudo transversal utilizando o questionário do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. A amostra foi composta por alunos de 6, 7, 13 e 14 anos. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 4.040 alunos de 13 e 14 anos e 2.334 de 6 e 7 anos. A freqüência de sibilos nos últimos doze meses foi de 27,7% entre os mais jovens e de 19% entre os adolescentes (p < 0,0001). No primeiro grupo houve predomínio do sexo masculino (29,9% vs 25,6%, p = 0,01) e no segundo do feminino (21,9% vs 15,8%, p < 0,0001). Não existiram diferenças entre as faixas etárias relacionadas ao diagnóstico prévio de asma (cerca de 10%). Sibilância aos exercícios físicos foi mais prevalente entre os adolescentes (21,4% vs 7,8%, p < 0,0001). A gravidade dos sintomas foi maior entre as adolescentes (asma grave: 6,6% vs 4,4%, p = 0,001), não havendo diferenças entre gêneros aos 6 e 7 anos. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de asma em Duque de Caxias é alta, comparável à de outros municípios brasileiros e latino-americanos. Os valores são superiores aos 6 e 7 anos, quando os sintomas predominam no sexo masculino. Entre os adolescentes, a prevalência e a gravidade dos sintomas são maiores no gênero feminino, fato de observação recente e que parece representar novo comportamento epidemiológico da asma.

Infecções do trato respiratório inferior pelo vírus sincicial respiratório em crianças hospitalizadas menores de um ano de idade

Analisou-se características clínicas e evolutivas em crianças menores de um ano internadas com infecção do trato respiratório inferior por vírus sincicial respiratório (VSR). Feito estudo transversal com 89 lactentes hospitalizados durante as épocas de maior incidência do VSR, em 1997 e 1998, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Foram pesquisados antígenos virais, nas secreções de nasofaringe, com anticorpos monoclonais anti-VSR, antiinfluenza A e B e antiparainfluenza tipo 3, por ensaio de imunofluorescência indireta. Formaram-se três grupos: bronquiolite ou bronquite sibilante (n=44), pneumonia (n=26) e bronquiolite e pneumonia (n=19). Houve positividade para o VSR em 42 (47,1%) pacientes. Em 1997 a média de dias de oxigenoterapia foi de 5,2 e em 1998, de 2,5 dias (p> 0,05). Não houve diferença de apresentação clínica entre os lactentes que apresentaram positividade para o VSR e aqueles cujo resultado foi negativo. A sensibilidade e especificidade da sibilância em relação ao isolamento de VSR foram 85% e 65%, respectivamente. O VSR foi o principal causador de infeções do trato respiratório inferior em lactentes que necessitaram de hospitalização.

Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis by score system in children and adolescents: a trial in a reference center in Bahia, Brazil

Since 2002, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has recommended a score system for tuberculosis diagnosis of children and adolescents that does not need bacteriological positivity, because most cases in this age group have few bacteria. An observational, transversal study was carried out at the outpatient health care service of the reference medical service in Salvador, Bahia, including 164 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, with ages ranging between 1 and 15 years of age, who were treated from 1990 to 2001. The gold standard used to establish the diagnosis was clinical, radiological, epidemiological and based on follow-up data. The score system for diagnosis purposes was tested retrospectively. The median age and the average age of the 164 patients were 6 and 6.62 years (SD +/- 4.33), respectively. About 65% of the sample reported a history of close contact with a tuberculous adult. The BCG vaccine coverage was 70.7% (116/164). It was found that 26% (43/164) of the patients had severe malnutrition. Out of this group, 26/43 (60.47%) were < 5 mm reactive to the tuberculin test. On the other hand, out of the 91 patients with tuberculin test < 5 mm, 29% (26/ 91) had severe malnutrition. The use of the score gave the following distribution: a) TB very likely in 81.7% (134/164) of the patients; b) possible TB in 15.9% (26/164) and TB unlikely in 2.4% (4/164). Among patients who had been vaccinated more than 2 years before, there was a 9 times higher risk of finding a tuberculin test above 10 mm in individuals with probable TB in comparison with the patients with possible or unlikely TB.