Objectives: Evaluate the results of the Brazilian Society of Tisiology and Pulmonary Medicine Board Examination and verify the factors related to acceptance. Planning: Retrospective analysis comparing scores obtained in practical and written examinations and acceptance to gender, years since graduation, years of pulmonary medicine practice, regional and national meetings attendance, place, and duration, as well as having or not attended residence or training programs. Population: Between 1992 and 1996, 199 candidates - 81 females and 108 males - took the board examination. Results: In this period, 54.3% of the candidates were approved. Mean written score was 6.27 ± 0.95 for the approved candidates and 4.30 ± 0.76 for those who were not approved (p = 0.0001, t test). Mean practical score was 7.18 ± 0.92 versus 5.17 ± 1.38 (p = 0.001). The overall mean of the written score was significantly lower than that of the practical score (53.78 ± 13.16 x 62.62 ± 15.32, p < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that the approved group had fewer years since graduation (p = 0.001), fewer years of pulmonary medicine practice (p = 0.01); lower training attendance for a shorter period (p = 0.01), and a higher frequency of residence attendance for a longer period (p < 0.001) in the approved group. Logistic regression showed that residence (p = 0.002) and place of residence (p = 0.006) were the only predictive factors for approval. Multiple linear regression showed that only residence (coefficient 2.26, p = 0.016), place of residence (4.43, p = 0.002), and training (-1.97, p = 0.047) predicted the overall board score. Conclusion: The efficacy of the board exmination is hereby proven, since it accepts candidates with better medical background (residence). Some medical education methods, such as years of practice, meeting and training attendance need to be revised, since they do not determine approval.

Keywords: Medical education. Residence. Board certificate.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a serious and debilitating disease caused by occlusion of the pulmonary arterial bed by hematic emboli and by the resulting fibrous material. Such occlusion increases vascular resistance and, consequently, the pressure in the region of the pulmonary artery, which is the definition of pulmonary hypertension. The increased load imposed on the right ventricle leads to its progressive dysfunction and, finally, to death. However, CTEPH has a highly significant feature that distinguishes it from other forms of pulmonary hypertension: the fact that it can be cured through treatment with pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Therefore, the primary objective of the management of CTEPH should be the assessment of patient fitness for surgery at a referral center, given that not all patients are good candidates. For the patients who are not good candidates for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, the viable therapeutic alternatives include pulmonary artery angioplasty and pharmacological treatment. In these recommendations, the pathophysiological bases for the onset of CTEPH, such as acute pulmonary embolism and the clinical condition of the patient, will be discussed, as will the diagnostic algorithm to be followed and the therapeutic alternatives currently available.

Keywords: Hypertension, pulmonary/diagnosis; Hypertension, pulmonary/surgery; Hypertension, pulmonary/therapy; Hypertension, pulmonary/drug therapy; Pulmonary artery/pathology; Pulmonary embolism/complications.

Objective: To establish clinical and functional baseline characteristics related to aerobic improvement (AI) after supervised training, in COPD patients submitted to a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program (PR). Material and methods: Before and after PR was performed in 36 male COPD patients (25 with mild to moderate disease): clinical and anthropometric evaluation, 6-minute walking test, spirometry, arterial blood gas analysis, maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurement, and a symptom-limited incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (MGC-CPX System). Supervised training intensity was targeted at the heart rate (HR) corresponding to anaerobic threshold (AT) or at 90% of the maximum HR attained. Results: Initial maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) was negatively correlated with age and positively with the body mass index (BMI), the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 ) - p < 0.05. After PR, an increment on submaximal exercise tolerance was found in 29 patients (80.5%); however, AI was only found in 15 individuals (41.6%). AI was associated to the following baseline variables: age < 65 years, AT < 40% of VO2max pred, BMI > 18.5, FEV1 > 60% pre and MIP > 60% pred (p < 0.05). Improvement in MIP and BMI and decrease in the maximum dyspnea score were found only in patients with AI (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Supervised pulmonary rehabilitation in a group of COPD patients was able to increase the submaximal exercise tolerance in most of them. Aerobic improvement was more prevalent in the younger, eutrophic, detrained and least obstructed patient; it was associated with an increment in BMI and MIP and decrease in the maximal dyspnea score after training.

Keywords: COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation. Exercise training. COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation. Exercise training.

Objective: This study evaluated the factors related to the use of hookah among medical students, the level of knowledge about the involved harms, and their relationship with the use and intention to stop using it. Methods: Students of the 1st and 6th year of medical school were evaluated. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between the outcome (use of hookah in the last 30 days) and demographic, subjective psychosocial data and level of knowledge about the harms of hookah use. Results: The experimentation rate of hookah and current use was high (59.6% and 27.7%, respectively), with no difference between the 1st and 6th year groups (p=0.70). The 6th grade students were more knowledgeable about the harm of using hookah when compared to the 1st year students (p <0.0001), and there was no association between the use of hookah in the last 30 days and the knowledge about its harms. Cigarette smoking and the use of alcoholic beverages were associated with the use of hookah in the last 30 days, with unadjusted Odds Ratio (OR) of 11.3; 95% CI 4.62‑27.7; p <0.0001 and OR 8.74; 95% CI 3.78-20.2; p <0.0001; respectively. Conclusion: There is a high experimentation, current use of hookah and cigarettes among medical students. Sixth year students are more knowledgeable about the harms involved. There was no association between the use of hookah in the last 30 days and the knowledge about its harms. Smoking and the use of alcoholic beverages are independent predictors of use of hookah.

Keywords: Water pipe smoking; Tobacco for water-pipe; Smoking; Medical education.

Asbestos was largely used in Brazil. It is a mineral that induces pleural and pulmonary fibrosis, and it is a potent carcinogen. Our objective was to develop recommendations for the performance of adequate imaging tests for screening asbestos-related diseases. We searched peer-reviewed publications, national and international technical documents, and specialists' opinions on the theme. Based on that, the major recommendations are: Individuals exposed to asbestos at the workplace for = 1 year or those with a history of environmental exposure for at least 5 years, all of those with a latency period > 20 years from the date of initial exposure, should initially undego HRCT of the chest for investigation. Individuals with pleural disease and/or asbestosis should be considered for regular lung cancer monitoring. Risk calculators should be adopted for lung cancer screening, with a risk estimate of 1.5%.

Keywords: Asbestosis/diagnosis; Asbestosis/prevention & control; Environmental exposure; Occupational exposure.

Although lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common and lethal tumors, only 15% of patients are diagnosed at an early stage. Smoking is still responsible for more than 85% of cases. Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose CT (LDCT) reduces LC-related mortality by 20%, and that reduction reaches 38% when LCS by LDCT is combined with smoking cessation. In the last decade, a number of countries have adopted population-based LCS as a public health recommendation. Albeit still incipient, discussion on this topic in Brazil is becoming increasingly broad and necessary. With the aim of increasing knowledge and stimulating debate on LCS, the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery, the Brazilian Thoracic Association, and the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging convened a panel of experts to prepare recommendations for LCS in Brazil. The recommendations presented here were based on a narrative review of the literature, with an emphasis on large population-based studies, systematic reviews, and the recommendations of international guidelines, and were developed after extensive discussion by the panel of experts. The following topics were reviewed: reasons for screening; general considerations about smoking; epidemiology of LC; eligibility criteria; incidental findings; granulomatous lesions; probabilistic models; minimum requirements for LDCT; volumetric acquisition; risks of screening; minimum structure and role of the multidisciplinary team; practice according to the Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System; costs versus benefits of screening; and future perspectives for LCS.

Keywords: Lung neoplasms; Early detection of cancer; Tomography, X-ray computed; Tobacco use disorder.

Objective: To evaluate inhaler technique in outpatients with asthma and to determine associations between the correctness of that technique and the level of asthma control. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving patients ≥ 14 years of age with physician-diagnosed asthma. The patients were recruited from the Asthma Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. The patients completed two questionnaires (a general questionnaire and an asthma control questionnaire based on the 2011 Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines), demonstrated their inhaler technique, and performed pulmonary function tests. Incorrect inhaler technique was defined as the incorrect execution of at least two of the predefined steps. Results: We included 268 patients. Of those, 81 (30.2%) showed incorrect inhaler technique, which was associated with poor asthma control (p = 0.002). Logistic regression analysis identified the following factors associated with incorrect inhaler technique: being widowed (OR = 5.01; 95% CI, 1.74-14.41; p = 0.003); using metered dose inhalers (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.35-1.85; p < 0.001); having a monthly family income < 3 times the minimum wage (OR = 2.67; 95% CI, 1.35-1.85; p = 0.008), and having ≥ 2 comorbidities (OR = 3.80; 95% CI, 1.03-14.02; p = 0.045). Conclusions: In the sample studied, incorrect inhaler technique was associated with poor asthma control. Widowhood, use of metered dose inhalers, low socioeconomic level, and the presence of ≥ 2 comorbidities were associated with incorrect inhaler technique.

Keywords: Inaladores dosimetrados; Inaladores de pó seco; Asma/terapia.

Objective: To describe and analyze clinical symptoms and spirometric alterations of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and history of exposure to wood and tobacco smoke. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated data related to 170 patients distributed into 3 groups: 34 exposed only to wood smoke, 59 patients exposed only to tobacco smoke and 77 patients exposed to both. Results: The groups did not differ significantly in terms of age (p = 0.225) or degree of exposure, considering each type of exposure in isolation or in combination (p = 0.164 and p = 0.220, respectively). Females predominated in the group exposed to wood smoke. There were no differences among the groups regarding respiratory symptoms (p > 0.05), and moderate dyspnea predominated in the three groups (p = 0.141). The group exposed to wood smoke presented higher percentages of forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio and of forced expiratory volume in one second (p < 0.05). Positive results on bronchodilator testing occurred more frequently in the group exposed to tobacco smoke. The percentage of severe and extremely severe obstruction was significantly higher in the group exposed to tobacco smoke (44.1%) than in that exposed to wood smoke (11.8%; p = 0.006). Conclusions: Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function alterations consistent with COPD were observed in the groups of patients exposed to wood smoke. However, those alterations were not as significant as the alterations observed in the groups exposed to tobacco smoke. This study emphasizes the importance of prospective studies in evaluating the risk of wood-smoke-related COPD in Brazil, as well as the need for preventive measures in this area.

Keywords: Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Smoking; Air pollution, indoor; Smoke.

Objective: In view of the relevance of co-infection with tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus, this study was designed to determine tuberculosis prevalence and identify factors related to tuberculosis in patients residing in a region in which both infections are highly prevalent. Methods: All patients treated during 1999 at the HIV/AIDS Clinic of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (Rio Grande Federal University) University Hospital were evaluated retrospectively, from the time of human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis, in terms of the incidence of tuberculosis and its relationship to sociodemographic, behavioral and immunological factors. Results: The sample included 204 patients, and tuberculosis prevalence was found to be 27%. The multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between the development of tuberculosis and being of African descent (odds ratio: 4.76; 95% confidence interval: 1.93-11.72) and an inverse correlation between the development of tuberculosis and the TCD4+ lymphocyte count at the time of human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis (odds ratio: 0.995; 95% confidence interval: 0.993-0.997). When analyzed separately, other variables were found to be potential risk factors: being of the male gender (odds ratio: 2.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.15-5.39); and using illicit drugs (odds ratio: 2.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-4.31). Conclusion: The factors responsible for the development of tuberculosis among patients who are human immunodeficiency virus seropositive include immunological, socioeconomic and demographic factors. The high rate of tuberculosis prevalence among the seropositive patients underscores the urgent need to implement strategies that combine rapid identification and prompt treatment of individuals with active or latent infection, as well as of those with whom they have been in contact.

Keywords: HIV Infections/complications; AIDS-related opportunistic infections/complications; Tuberculosis/etiology; Tuberculosis/epidemiology

Background: The risk for nosocomial transmission of tuberculosis exists in health care institutions. Objective: To evaluate indicators of transmission risk among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis treated at a university hospital. Method: A retrospective study covering the January 1997 to September of 1999 period and evaluating patients admitted to the Hospital de Clínicas of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas with pulmonary tuberculosis. Three intervals were determined: from admission to collection of sputum for acid-fast bacilli microscopy; from admission to implementation of airborne infection control measures; from sputum collection to the initiation of treatment. Results: The final sample included 63 cases. Concomitant human immunodeficiency virus-positivity was found in 31.7%. Forty patients (63.5%) were admitted through the emergency room. In 42 (66.7%) patients, TB was suspected at admission. The interval between admission and sputum collection exceeded 12 hours in 27.5% of cases admitted through the emergency room and in 30.4% of those admitted directly to wards (p = 0.803). Delayed respiratory isolation occurred in 31 cases (49.2%). The delay in isolation was correlated to no diagnosis of tuberculosis at admission (p < 0.000) and lower bacillary load in the sputum (p = 0.032). Co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (p = 0.530), hospitalization ward (p = 0.284) and underlying diseases (p = 0.541) were not correlated with delayed isolation. The interval between sputum collection and initiation of treatment was greater than 24 hours in 15.9% of the cases. Conclusion: Delayed isolation was observed in many cases. Policies of continuing education are called for, especially in high-risk areas.

Keywords: Tuberculosis. Infection Control. Brazil. Delay. Diagnosis.

A presente publicação que reúne manuscritos sobre tuberculose (TB) foi delineada para ser divulgada no mesmo momento da realização do I Encontro Nacional de Tuberculose, que ocorrerá em Brasília, 30 de junho a 3 de julho de 2004.

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and practices of smoking cessation among physicians in Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Lagos and three geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on tobacco use and its health effects, as well as on the knowledge and practices of smoking cessation, from 436 physicians. Results: Of the 436 physicians, 292 (67.0%) were aware of smoking cessation, but only 132 (30.3%) showed good knowledge on this topic. The prevalence of smoking among the physicians was 17.7%. In addition, 308 physicians (70.6%) reported that tobacco education in the medical school curriculum was inadequate. Of the 436 physicians, 372 (86.2%) asked their patients whether they smoked, and 172 (39.4%) asked their patients the reasons for using tobacco. As a means of smoking cessation intervention, 268 (61.5%) used brief advice/counseling (2-5 min), 12 (3.7%) prescribed antidepressants, 16 (2.8%) prescribed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and 76 (17.4%) arranged follow-up visits. When the physicians were questioned regarding the obstacles to smoking cessation interventions, 289 (66.3%) cited poor knowledge of the issue, 55 (12.6%) cited a lack of time, and 20 (4.6%) cited unavailability of NRT. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the lack of knowledge among physicians in Nigeria in terms of smoking cessation, as well as their failure to apply appropriate practices. The results of this study can further the evaluation and formulation of guidelines on smoking cessation and smoking education programs for physicians. Our findings also underscore the need to offer smoking cessation programs in all treatment facilities.

Keywords: Smoking cessation; Tobacco; Physicians; Nigeria; Health knowledge, attitudes, practice.

Background: A residency in Pulmonary Medicine represents the best source of training for those who wish to specialize in the area. In Brazil, the Comissão Nacional de Residência Médica (National Committee of Medical Residency) regulates such programs. Objective: To analyze the number of programs and their levels state of accreditation, the number of residents and the distribution of these programs and residents among the various institutions throughout Brazil. Methods: The list of programs furnished by the National Committee of Medical Residency in April 2003 was analyzed, and the basic criteria for accreditation in the area (according to the legislation currently in effect) were reviewed. Results: Of the 58 accredited programs, 35 are offered in hospitals in the southeastern region of Brazil, and 133 of the residents are also there. In contrast, there is only 1 accredited program, and there are only 3 residents enrolled in that program. Conclusion: Although all 58 programs are accredited, most are clustered in the southeastern region. It is therefore necessary that the Comissão Nacional de Residência Médica and the Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia (Brazilian Society of Pulmonology and Phthisiology) begin a joint project in order to manage the creation of new programs. Thus, the number of programs and residents required for each of the various regions could be determined.

Keywords: Residency/Medical, Pulmonary Disease (Specialty), Internship and Residency