Objective: To determine whether mobility therapy is associated with central or peripheral catheter-related adverse events in critically ill patients in an ICU in Brazil. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the daily medical records of patients admitted to the Clinical Emergency ICU of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine Hospital das Clínicas Central Institute between December of 2009 and April of 2011. In addition to the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, we collected data related to central venous catheters (CVCs), hemodialysis (HD) catheters and indwelling arterial catheters (IACs): insertion site; number of catheter days; and types of adverse events. We also characterized the mobility therapy provided. Results: Among the 275 patients evaluated, CVCs were used in 49%, HD catheters were used in 26%, and IACs were used in 29%. A total of 1,268 mobility therapy sessions were provided to patients while they had a catheter in place. Catheter-related adverse events occurred in 20 patients (a total of 22 adverse events): 32%, infection; 32%, obstruction; and 32%, accidental dislodgement. We found that mobility therapy was not significantly associated with any catheter-related adverse event, regardless of the type of catheter employed: CVC-OR = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7-1.0; p = 0.14; HD catheter-OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.89-1.21; p = 0.56; or IAC-OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 0.94-3.23; p = 0.07. Conclusions: In critically ill patients, mobility therapy is not associated with the incidence of adverse events involving CVCs, HD catheters, or IACs.

Keywords: Physical therapy modalities; Intensive care units; Catheters; Early ambulation.

Objective: To translate the Perme Intensive Care Unit Mobility Score and the ICU Mobility Scale (IMS) into Portuguese, creating versions that are cross-culturally adapted for use in Brazil, and to determine the interobserver agreement and reliability for both versions. Methods: The processes of translation and cross-cultural validation consisted in the following: preparation, translation, reconciliation, synthesis, back-translation, review, approval, and pre-test. The Portuguese-language versions of both instruments were then used by two researchers to evaluate critically ill ICU patients. Weighted kappa statistics and Bland-Altman plots were used in order to verify interobserver agreement for the two instruments. In each of the domains of the instruments, interobserver reliability was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The correlation between the instruments was assessed by Spearman's correlation test. Results: The study sample comprised 103 patients-56 (54%) of whom were male-with a mean age of 52 ± 18 years. The main reason for ICU admission (in 44%) was respiratory failure. Both instruments showed excellent interobserver agreement (κ > 0.90) and reliability (α > 0.90) in all domains. Interobserver bias was low for the IMS and the Perme Score (−0.048 ± 0.350 and −0.06 ± 0.73, respectively). The 95% CIs for the same instruments ranged from −0.73 to 0.64 and −1.50 to 1.36, respectively. There was also a strong positive correlation between the two instruments (r = 0.941; p < 0.001). Conclusions: In their versions adapted for use in Brazil, both instruments showed high interobserver agreement and reliability.

Keywords: Physical therapy modalities; Intensive care units; Translations; Validation studies.

Objective: To study the occurrence of adverse events after administration of a capsular polysaccharide vaccine against 23 pneumococcal serotypes in individuals for whom such vaccination is indicated. Methods: This was a prospective study, conducted in a general hospital in the city of Sumaré, in which 152 individuals were evaluated after intramuscular vaccination with 0.5 mL of the Pneumo 23® vaccine. The study variable was subject complaint of at least one symptom forming a temporal nexus with the vaccine (appearing within 48 h after its administration). The subjects were evaluated at five to seven days after vaccination. The covariables age, gender and clinical profile were tested using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression, with the level of significance set at 5%. Results: The age of the population ranged from 5 to 86 years (mean, 61.8 years). For nearly all (99%) of the subjects, the vaccination evaluated was their first dose of the vaccine. Events occurring at the injection site were reported in 36 subjects (23.7%). Of those 36 events, 24 (68%) were mild and had no repercussions for the daily activities of the subjects. Pain at the site of the injection was the most common symptom, being reported by 97.2% of the subjects. Erythema and localized edema were found in 6.3% and 5.1% of the subjects, respectively. Of the subjects evaluated, 12.8% reported general symptoms (malaise, fever, sleepiness and generalized pain). In the bivariate analysis, none of the covariables were found to present a statistically significant correlation with adverse events (p > 0.20). The same held true in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Although, the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine provokes few reactions in the first dose, it is still rarely recommended in the region, even for patients at risk.

Keywords: Streptococcus pneumoniae; Pneumonia; Pneumococcal/prevention & control; Pneumococcal vaccines/adverse effects

Objective: To evaluate the effects that passive cycling exercise, in combination with conventional physical therapy, have on peripheral muscle strength, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of hospital stay in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary care university hospital. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial involving 38 patients (≥ 18 years of age) on mechanical ventilation who were randomly divided into two groups: control (n = 16), receiving conventional physical therapy; and intervention (n = 22), receiving conventional physical therapy and engaging in passive cycling exercise five days per week. The mean age of the patients was 46.42 ± 16.25 years, and 23 were male. The outcomes studied were peripheral muscle strength, as measured by the Medical Research Council scale, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of hospital stay. Results: There was a significant increase in peripheral muscle strength (baseline vs. final) in both groups (control: 40.81 ± 7.68 vs. 45.00 ± 6.89; and intervention: 38.73 ± 11.11 vs. 47.18 ± 8.75; p < 0.001 for both). However, the range of increase in strength was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (8.45 ± 5.20 vs. 4.18 ± 2.63; p = 0.005). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of duration of mechanical ventilation or length of hospital stay. Conclusions: The results suggest that the performance of continuous passive mobilization on a cyclical basis helps to recover peripheral muscle strength in ICU patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01769846 [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/])

Keywords: Physical therapy modalities; Intensive care units; Early ambulation; Muscle strength.

Objective: To evaluate the treatment compliance of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. Methods: We studied 188 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in the Central-West Region of Brazil from 2000 to 2010, to assess their compliance to treatment. In order to be considered compliant, patients needed to present two established criteria: (1) receive medicines from the pharmacy, and (2) achieve a self-reported utilization of at least 80% of the dispensed antifungal compounds prescribed since their previous appointment. Results: Most patients were male (95.7%), had the chronic form of the disease (94.2%), and were treated with cotrimoxazole (86.2%). Only 44.6% of patients were treatment compliant. The highest loss to follow-up was observed in the first 4 months of treatment (p < 0.02). Treatment compliance was higher for patients with than for those without pulmonary involvement (OR: 2.986; 95%CI 1.351-6.599), and higher for patients with than without tuberculosis as co-morbidity (OR: 2.763; 95%CI 1.004-7.604). Conclusions: Compliance to paracoccidioidomycosis treatment was low, and the period with the highest loss to follow-up corresponds to the first four months. Pulmonary paracoccidioidal involvement or tuberculosis comorbidity predicts a higher compliance to paracoccidioidomycosis therapy.

Keywords: Paracoccidioidomycosis; Treatment adherence and compliance; loss to follow-up; mycoses

Objective: To determine the occurrence of cardiorespiratory alterations and to identify adverse events during the intrahospital transport of patients on invasive ventilation. Methods: A prospective observational non-randomized study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals between April of 2005 and December of 2006. We included patients on invasive ventilation who required intrahospital transport during the study period. Exclusion criteria were as follows: being under suspicion of brain death; being submitted to alternate periods of mechanical ventilation/nebulization via a T-piece; and being transported to the operating room. Prior to and after transport, we evaluated blood gas analysis results, vital signs, use of medications by means of a continuous infusion pump, parameters regarding the mechanical ventilator, duration of transport, transport distance and number of professionals involved. Results: We included 48 patients in a total of 58 intrahospital transports. Relevant cardiorespiratory alterations were identified in 39 transports, totaling 86 episodes, as well as 16 adverse events related to equipment or personnel failure, such as problems related to batteries and to miscommunication. Conclusions: During the intrahospital transport of patients on invasive ventilation, cardiorespiratory alterations were common (67.2%), and adverse events occurred in 75.7% of the transports.

Keywords: Patient transfer; Intensive care; Respiration, artificial; Ventilators, mechanical.

Objective: To determine treatment noncompliance rates among patients participating in a municipal tuberculosis control program and to identify the variables related to noncompliance depending on the type of treatment strategy used. Methods: A longitudinal non-concurrent cohort study was carried out involving two cohorts of patients participating in the Tuberculosis Control Program of the city of Carapicuíba, Brazil. The first cohort comprised 173 patients with tuberculosis treated from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003 using self administration of treatment, and the second comprised 187 patients with tuberculosis treated from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005 using the directly observed therapy, short-course strategy. Results: Noncompliance rates decreased from 13.3% (self administration of treatment) to 5.9% (directly observed therapy, short-course), a significant difference (p < 0.05). For the self administration of treatment strategy, the variables significantly associated with treatment noncompliance were as follows: being an unregistered worker (relative risk [RR] = 3.06); retreatment (RR = 2.73); alcoholism (RR = 3.10); and no investigation of contacts (RR = 8.94). For the directly observed therapy, short-course strategy, no variables were significantly associated with noncompliance. Conclusion: The directly observed therapy, short-course strategy decreased noncompliance rates and produced better treatment outcomes, even when the risk factors for noncompliance were the same.

Keywords: Tuberculosis; Self administration; Directly observed therapy; Treatment refusal.

Objective: To determine the prevalence, outcomes, and predictors of multidrug-resistant nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in patients in an ICU. Methods: This was an observational cohort study involving patients with nosocomial LRTI (health care-associated pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia, or ventilator-associated pneumonia). Data were prospectively collected between 2015 and 2019. The multidrug-resistant pathogens (MDRPs) identified in the isolates studied included resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at microbiological diagnosis. Results: During the study period, 267 patients in the ICU were diagnosed with LRTI, microbiological confirmation of LRTI having been obtained in 237. Of these, 146 (62%) had at least one MDRP isolate. Patients infected with MDRP were found to have poorer outcomes than patients infected with susceptible strains, such as prolonged mechanical ventilation (18.0 days vs. 12.0 days; p < 0.001), prolonged ICU length of stay (23.0 days vs.16.0 days; p < 0.001), and higher mortality (73% vs. 53%; p < 0.001) when compared with patients infected with susceptible strains. Hospital length of stay = 5 days (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.39-7.39; p = 0.005) and prolonged use vasoactive drugs (OR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.42-7.01; p = 0.004) were independent predictors of LRTI caused by MDRPs (LRTI-MDRP). The presence of LRTI-MDRP was found to be an independent predictor of death (OR = 2.311; 95% CI: 1.091-4.894; p = 0.028). Conclusions: Prolonged use of vasoactive drugs and prolonged hospital length of stay were independent predictors of LRTI-MDRP in this population of critically ill patients with very poor outcomes.

Keywords: Drug resistance, multiple; Healthcare-associated pneumonia; Pneumonia, ventilator-associated; Cross infection; Intensive care units.

To describe and characterize local adverse effects (in the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx) associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in patients with moderate or severe asthma. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving a convenience sample of 200 asthma patients followed in the Department of Pharmaceutical Care of the Bahia State Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis Control Program Referral Center, located in the city of Salvador, Brazil. The patients were ≥ 18 years of age and had been using ICSs regularly for at least 6 months. Local adverse effects (irritation, pain, dry throat, throat clearing, hoarseness, reduced vocal intensity, loss of voice, sensation of thirst, cough during ICS use, altered sense of taste, and presence of oral candidiasis) were assessed using a 30-day recall questionnaire. Results: Of the 200 patients studied, 159 (79.5%) were women. The mean age was 50.7 ± 14.4 years. In this sample, 55 patients (27.5%) were using high doses of ICS, with a median treatment duration of 38 months. Regarding the symptoms, 163 patients (81.5%) reported at least one adverse effect, and 131 (65.5%) had a daily perception of at least one symptom. Vocal and pharyngeal symptoms were identified in 57 (28.5%) and 154 (77.0%) of the patients, respectively. The most commonly reported adverse effects were dry throat, throat clearing, sensation of thirst, and hoarseness. Conclusions: Self-reported adverse effects related to ICS use were common among the asthma patients evaluated here.

Keywords: Asthma; Glucocorticoids; Administration, inhalation; Pharmaceutical services.

Objective: The PACIFIC trial established standard therapy for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC who did not progress after platinum-based concurrent chemoradiation therapy. However, real-world data, particularly from Latin America, remain limited. The LACOG 0120 study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of consolidation therapy with durvalumab in a real-world setting in Brazil. Methods: Patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC who received chemoradiotherapy followed by durvalumab consolidation therapy through an expanded access program were evaluated. The primary objective was to assess progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), treatment compliance, and safety, with a focus on the incidence and severity of immune-mediated adverse events (NCT04948411). Results: Thirty-one patients from seven centers were evaluated. Median follow-up was 50.3 months (95% CI: 48.6–54.4). Median PFS was 9.9 months (95% CI: 7.3–52.4), with a 36 month-PFS of 34.5% (95% CI: 17.7–52.1). Median OS was 34.9 months (95% CI: 26.0–NR), and the 36 month-OS was 46.3% (95% CI: 25.7–64.6). Durvalumab was administered for a median of 17 cycles (10 to 24), with 45.2% of patients completing the planned therapy. The main reason for discontinuation was disease progression. Treatment-related adverse events of any grade occurred in 12 patients (38.7%), with grade 3 events reported in two (6.5%). Pneumonitis was observed in 4 patients (12.9%) – grade 3 in 1 patient. Conclusions: PFS was lower in this analysis compared to the PACIFIC trial; however, OS was similar, indicating comparable efficacy in a real-world setting among Brazilian patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC. No new safety concerns were identified.

It has been well established that, in addition to the pulmonary involvement, COPD has systemic consequences that can lead to peripheral muscle dysfunction, with greater muscle fatigue, lower exercise tolerance and lower survival in these patients. In view of the negative repercussions of early muscle fatigue in COPD, the objective of this review was to discuss the principal findings in the literature on the metabolic and bioenergy determinants of muscle fatigue, its functional repercussions, as well as the methods for its identification and quantification. The anatomical and functional substrate of higher muscle fatigue in COPD appears to include lower levels of high-energy phosphates, lower mitochondrial density, early lactacidemia, higher serum ammonia and reduced muscle perfusion. These alterations can be revealed by contraction failure, decreased firing rates of motor units and increased recruitment of motor units in a given activity, which can be functionally detected by a reduction in muscle strength, power and endurance. This review article also shows that various types of muscle contraction regimens and protocols have been used in order to detect muscle fatigue in this population. With this understanding, rehabilitation strategies can be developed in order to improve the resistance to muscle fatigue in this population.

Keywords: Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Neuromuscular manifestations; Muscle fatigue; Exercise tolerance; Energy metabolism; Evaluation.

Objective: To determine cell profiles, as well as to identify CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subgroups, in induced sputum (IS) and peripheral venous blood (PVB) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Total cell counts and counts of individual cell types, including CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, were determined in the IS and PVB of 85 subjects (38 with COPD without exacerbation, 29 smokers without obstruction and 18 nonsmokers). Mann-Whitney and Spearman non-parametric tests were used in the statistical analysis, and values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Comparing the IS of subjects with COPD to that of nonsmokers, neutrophil, eosinophil and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts were higher (respectively p = 0.005, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05), whereas the percentage of macrophages was lower (p = 0.003). There were weak linear correlations (r2 < 0.1) between each cell type in IS and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio. Eosinophil and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts were also higher in PVB (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02). Conclusions: In patients with stable COPD, CD8+ T lymphocyte counts were higher in PVB, whereas total leukocyte counts were similar to those of the other two groups analyzed, suggesting systemic inflammatory involvement. The CD8+ T lymphocyte count in blood can be a useful marker of systemic inflammation and can help identify smokers who already present a COPD inflammatory pattern.

Keywords: Sputum; T-lymphocytes; Neutrophils; Macrophages; Eosinophils; Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive.

Objective: To assess mortality and identify mortality risk factors in patients admitted to a thoracic surgery ICU. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 141 patients admitted to the thoracic surgery ICU of the Denizli State Hospital, located in the city of Denizli, Turkey, between January of 2006 and August of 2008. We collected data regarding gender, age, reason for admission, invasive interventions and operations, invasive mechanical ventilation, infections, and length of ICU stay. Results: Of the 141 patients, 103 (73.0%) were male, and 38 (23.0%) were female. The mean age was 52.1 years (range, 12-92 years), and the mortality rate was 16.3%. The most common reason for admission was trauma. Mortality was found to correlate with advanced age (p < 0.05), requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 42.375; p < 0.05), prolonged ICU stay (p < 0.05), and specific reasons for admission-trauma, gunshot wound, stab wound, and malignancy (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Among patients in a thoracic surgery ICU, the rates of morbidity and mortality are high. Increased awareness of mortality risk factors can improve the effectiveness of treatment, which should reduce the rates of morbidity and mortality, thereby providing time savings and minimizing costs.

Keywords: Intensive care units; Thoracic surgery/mortality; Hospital mortality; Risk factors.

To evaluate the characteristics of users of inhalers and the frequency of inhaler use among adolescents and adults with self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. Methods: A population-based study conducted in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, involving 3,670 subjects ≥ 10 years of age, evaluated with a questionnaire. Results: Approximately 10% of the sample reported at least one of the respiratory diseases studied. Among those individuals, 59% reported respiratory symptoms in the last year, and, of those, only half reported using inhalers. The use of inhalers differed significantly by socioeconomic status (39% and 61% for the lowest and the highest, respectively, p = 0.01). The frequency of inhaler use did not differ by gender or age. Among the individuals reporting emphysema and inhaler use, the use of the bronchodilator-corticosteroid combination was more common than was that of a bronchodilator alone. Only among the individuals reporting physician-diagnosed asthma and current symptoms was the proportion of inhaler users higher than 50%. Conclusions: In our sample, inhalers were underutilized, and the type of medication used by the individuals who reported emphysema does not seem to be in accordance with the consensus recommendations.

Keywords: Metered dose inhalers; Asthma; Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Bronchitis; Emphysema; Dry powder inhalers.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of lipoabdominoplasty on diaphragmatic mobility (DM) and lung function in healthy women. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study using high-resolution ultrasound and forced spirometry to assess DM and lung function, respectively, prior to lipoabdominoplasty, as well as on postoperative day (POD) 10 and POD 30. DM was measured under two conditions: during tidal volume breathing and during a VC maneuver. Results: The sample consisted of 20 women, with a mean age of 39.85 ± 7.52 years and a mean body mass index of 26.21 ± 2.0 kg/m2. Comparing the preoperative and postoperative periods, we found that DM and lung function values were significantly lower after lipoabdominoplasty, the mean DM on POD 10 being 17% and 15% lower during tidal volume breathing and during the VC maneuver, respectively, in comparison with the preoperative mean (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, FEV1, FVC, and PEF were significantly lower on POD 10 than in the preoperative period (p = 0.046, p = 0.002, and p < 0.001, respectively), returning to preoperative values by POD 30. Conclusions: Lipoabdominoplasty appears to have negative short-term repercussions for DM and lung function in healthy women. However, lung function and DM are both apparently restored to preoperative conditions by POD 30. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02762526 [http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/])

Keywords: Abdominoplasty; Lipectomy; Ultrasonography; Diaphragm/physiology; Diaphragm/physiopathology; Lung/physiology; Lung/physiopathology; Respiratory mechanics; Spirometry; Respiratory function tests.