The full text will be available at the end of the embargo period: 5th Nov 2021

Η ενδοθηλίνη-1 (ΕΤ-1) είναι ένα ισχυρό αγγειοσυσπαστικό και βρογχοσυσπαστικό μόριο το οποίο παρουσιάζει και προφλεγμονώδεις ιδιότητες. Η ικανότητά του να ελκύει φλεγμονώδη κύτταρα στην εστία παραγωγής της, να προκαλεί την παραγωγή μορίων προσκόλλησης στην επιφάνειά τους αλλά και κυτταροκινών αποτελεί απόδειξη της δράσης αυτής. Από την άλλη οι κυτταροκίνες είναι σε θέση να επάγουν την σύνθεση και την έκκριση αυτού του μορίου, δημιουργώντας έτσι ένα μοριακό φαύλο κύκλο ενίσχυσης της φλεγμονής των αεραγωγών που λαμβάνει χώρα στη Χρόνια Αποφρακτική Πνευμονοπάθεια (ΧΑΠ). Με το τρόπο αυτό η φλεγμονή συνεχίζει να υφίσταται ακόμα και μετά την διακοπή του ερεθιστικού παράγοντα που προκάλεσε την έκλυσή της όπως είναι π.χ. το κάπνισμα. Έτσι, οι λειτουργικοί πολυμορφισμοί που αυξάνουν την παραγωγή της ΕΤ-1 δυνατό να αυξάνουν και το κίνδυνο ανάπτυξης ΧΑΠ. Υλικά-μέθοδοι: Σε αυτή την προοπτική μελέτη ερευνήθηκε η επίδραση στην αναπνευστική λειτουργία δυο λειτουργικών πολυμορφισμών του γονιδίου της ΕΤ-1 σε ένα πληθυσμό 190 καπνιστών (95 υγιείς καπνιστές και 95 καπνιστές που νοσούσαν από ΧΑΠ). Οι δυο πολυμορφισμοί αφορούσαν μια ένθεση αδενίνης στο 5’-άκρο στη θέση +138 (εξώνιο 1, 138/ex1ins/delA) και την αντικατάσταση μιας γουανίνης με θυμίνη στη θέση +5665 (εξώνιο 5) που αλλάζει το αμινοξύ λυσίνη της θέσης 198 σε ασπαραγίνη (Lys198Asn). Στα άτομα αυτά διενεργήθηκε λειτουργικός έλεγχος της αναπνοής σε ετήσια βάση για συνολικό χρονικό διάστημα τριών ετών. Αποτελέσματα: Η μέση ετήσια μείωση στον δυναμικά εκπνεόμενο όγκο στο πρώτο δευτερόλεπτο (ΔFEV1) ήταν η παράμετρος που μελετήθηκε. Αυτή ήταν μεγαλύτερη για όσους έφεραν το μεταλλαγμένο γόνο 138/ex1ins/delA σε σχέση με τα άτομα που έφεραν το φυσιολογικό αλληλόμορφο. Οι ετεροζυγώτες για το μεταλλαγμένο αλληλόμορφο που ανήκαν στην ομάδα των καπνιστών δίχως ΧΑΠ παρουσίαζαν μια ΔFEV1 μεγαλύτερη κατά 19,4 ml σε σχέση με τα άτομα που ήταν ομόζυγα για το φυσιολογικό αλληλόμορφο (p=0.004). Η αντίστοιχη διαφορά για τους ετεροζυγώτες του μεταλλαγμένου αλληλόμορφου που ανήκαν στην ομάδα των καπνιστών που νοσούσαν από ΧΑΠ ήταν 11,15 ml (p=0.003). Αντιθέτως, όσοι έφεραν τον πολυμορφισμό Lys198Asn παρουσίαζαν μια μικρότερη ΔFEV1 σε σχέση με τα άτομα που έφεραν το φυσιολογικό αλληλόμορφο. Έτσι, οι ετεροζυγώτες για το μεταλλαγμένο αλληλόμορφο που ανήκαν στην ομάδα των καπνιστών δίχως ΧΑΠ παρουσίαζαν μια ΔFEV1 μεγαλύτερη κατά 11,24 ml (p<0.001) ενώ η αντίστοιχη διαφορά για τους ετεροζυγώτες του μεταλλαγμένου αλληλόμορφου της ομάδα των καπνιστών που νοσούσαν από ΧΑΠ ήταν 11,42 ml (p=0.002). Τα παραπάνω συνηγορούν υπέρ μιας προστατευτικής δράσης του πολυμορφισμού Lys198Asn στην αναπνευστική λειτουργία. Συμπεράσματα: Τα δεδομένα αυτής της μελέτης δείχνουν πως τόσο η ΕΤ-1 όσο και οι λειτουργικοί πολυμορφισμοί του γονιδίου της δύνανται να ενέχονται στο τελικό φαινότυπο της ΧΑΠ και στη σοβαρότητα αυτής. / Background: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor and bronchoconstrictor but it has been shown to have also proinflammatory properties. Its ability to attract inflammatory cells in its site of production, upregulates the synthesis of adhesion molecules and stimulates the release of cytokines. The fact that cytokines have the ability to induce its synthesis and release, creates a dynamic loop for self-preservation and augmentation of the airway inflammation in COPD, even after the ceasing of the noxious stimulus i.e. cigarette smoke. Therefore, functional polymorphisms that may lead to increased levels of ET-1 may also cause an increased susceptibility to COPD development. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the longitudinal effect on lung function of two ET-1 gene polymorphisms in a population of 190 smokers (95 non-COPD and 95 COPD smokers). The two polymorphisms involved an insertion polymorphism (+138 adenine insertion 3A/4A, 138bp downstream from the transcription start site, exon 1) and a single nucleotide transversion polymorphism on exon 5 (G/T, Lys198Asn). A total of 190 subjects were enrolled in the study for each polymorphism and were followed for 3 years by annual spirometry sessions. Results: The adjusted annual decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (dFEV1) was greater for those having at least one copy of the mutated gene ins/delA compared to those with the wild type allele both in the non-COPD smokers group (mean difference in dFEV1 of 19.4 ml/year, p=0.004) and COPD smokers (mean difference in dFEV1 of 11.15 ml/year, p=0.003). On the contrary, those heterozygous for the Lys198Asn polymorphism were found to have a slower decline in FEV1 compared to those homozygous for the wild type allele. The non-COPD smokers group had a gain-in-loss of 11,24 ml/year (p<0.001) while the COPD-smokers group had a slower decline of 11,42 ml/year (p=0.002). Those homozygous for the polymorphisms examined show an even greater deviation from those with the wild type allele but due to the small number comprising their group, the results don’t have enough statistical power. Though, they still show the trend of the effect the polymorphisms have on annual FEV1 decline. Conclusions: The present data shows that ET-1 and its functional polymorphisms may be implicated in COPD phenotype and severity.

Orientador: Ercy Mara Cipulo Ramos / Banca: Dionei Ramos / Banca: José Roberto Jardim / Resumo: A inflamação sistêmica é um fator relevante na disfunção dos músculos esqueléticos de indivíduos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). Esta disfunção pode ser revertida parcialmente por meio de treinamento físico que, contudo, provoca respostas imunes dependentes de vários fatores, entre eles, o tipo, a intensidade e a duração do exercício. Objetivo: avaliar respostas inflamatórias, bem como níveis de força muscular e valores de massa magra em pacientes com DPOC sem tratamento prévio, comparando dois protocolos de treinamento resistido. Casuística e métodos: 24 indivíduos com diagnóstico de DPOC confirmado por espirometria foram alocados em dois grupos: 12 indivíduos realizaram um treino resistido tradicional (RT) e 12 indivíduos, treino resistido com cordas elásticas (RE). A frequencia do treinamento foi de três vezes por semana, com duração de oito semanas consecutivas. Para a quantificação dos níveis plasmáticos do Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa (TNF-α), Interleucina 1β (IL-1β) e Interleucina 10 (IL-10) ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Systemic inflammation is an important factor in skeletal muscle dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This dysfunction can be reversed partially by means of physical training, however, that causes immune responses depend on various factors including the type, intensity and duration of exercise. Objective: Objective: To evaluate the inflammatory responses, as well as levels of muscle strength and fat-free mass values in COPD patients without prior treatment, comparing two protocols of resistance training. Casuistic and methods: 24 subjects with a diagnosis of COPD confirmed by spirometry were divided into two groups: 12 patients underwent conventional resistance training (RT) and 12 subjects, resistance training with elastic bands (RE); the training was executed three times a week during eight consecutive weeks. For the quantification of plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

La broncho-pneumopathie chronique obstructive (BPCO) est une maladie inflammatoire chronique des voies aériennes dont le facteur de risque principal est l’exposition chronique à la fumée de cigarette. L’histoire de la maladie est fréquemment associée à une colonisation bactérienne des voies aériennes et ponctuée d’épisodes aigus d’exacerbation de la maladie associés à une morbi-mortalité importante. Ces exacerbations sont principalement d’origine infectieuses et plus particulièrement, associées à une bactérie dans 50 % des cas, majoritairement Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae et Moraxella catarrhalis. Le contrôle de ces infections bactériennes implique en particulier une réponse immunitaire de type Th17 efficace. Cette immunité Th17 médiée principalement par les cytokines IL-17A et IL-22 est impliquée dans la physiopathologie de la BPCO mais n’a été que peu étudiée dans le contexte des exacerbations. Notre hypothèse est que la réponse Th17 aux pathogènes est altérée dans la BPCO, mécanisme qui serait impliqué dans la susceptibilité aux infections respiratoires observée chez les patients.Différentes approches ont été utilisées pour tester cette hypothèse. Tout d’abord, une approche ex vivo, à partir de cellules mononucléées circulantes (PBMC) de patients atteints de BPCO comparées à celles issues de sujets sains non fumeurs et de sujets fumeurs sans obstruction bronchique, montrant un défaut de production par les PBMC des cytokines IL-17A et IL-22 mais également des cytokines IL-6 et IL-23 produites par les cellules présentatrices d’antigènes (CPA) et impliquées dans l’activation de cette immunité Th17, en réponse à une activation par S. pneumoniae. Ensuite, une approche in vitro, avec un modèle de cellules dendritiques dérivées de monocytes (MDDC) exposées à la fumée de cigarette. Ces MDDC présentaient un défaut de maturation, de production de cytokines pro-Th17 et de leur capacité à activer une réponse Th17 lymphocytaire en réponse à S. pneumoniae. Enfin, une approche in vivo, utilisant un modèle murin de souris exposées de façon chronique à la fumée de cigarette confirmant ces résultats avec un défaut de réponse IL-17A et IL-22 mais également de production des cytokines pro-Th17 IL-1β et IL-23 par les CPA en réponse à S. pneumoniae. Dans ce modèle, l’apport d’IL-22 permettait d’améliorer la clairance bactérienne et de réduire les lésions pulmonaires, suggérant des possibilités thérapeutiques pour améliorer la prise en charge de ces exacerbations infectieuses.Ces trois approches permettent d’apporter des arguments forts en faveur d’un défaut de réponse Th17 au cours des exacerbations bactériennes de la BPCO, hypothèse confortée par d’autres travaux de notre équipe montrant dans le modèle murin d’exposition chronique à la fumée de cigarette la présence d’un défaut de production d’IL-22 dans la réponse à Haemophilus influenzae. Ces travaux qui doivent maintenant être d’une part, confirmés par une étude clinique incluant des patients atteints de BPCO en exacerbation, et d’autre part, complétés pour préciser l’impact sur les cellules lymphoïdes innées productrices de ces cytokines et sur la réponse de l’épithélium bronchique à l’infection, ouvrent la voies à des perspectives thérapeutiques dans la prise en charge de ces exacerbations bactériennes. / Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways mainly due to chronic exposure to cigarette smoke. Evolution of the disease is often associated with bacterial colonization of the airways and punctuated by acute exacerbation of the disease with a frequent related morbi-mortality. These exacerbations are mainly due to infection and almost 50 % are associated with bacteria, often Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Th17 immune response is particularly involved in control of bacterial infection and is principally mediated by IL-17A and IL-22 cytokines. This Th17 inflammation is involved in COPD physiopathology but there is paucity of data focusing on this immune response during COPD exacerbations. Our hypothesis is that Th17 immune response to pathogens is defective in COPD leading to airways infection susceptibility.We have tested our hypothesis by different approaches. First, the ex vivo responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from COPD patients, healthy non smokers and healthy smokers were compared showing decreased production of IL-17A and IL-22 but also of pro-Th17 cytokines IL-6 and IL-23 which are produced by antigen presenting cells (APC). Second, we used an in vitro model of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC) exposed to cigarette smoke showing a defective MDDC maturation, pro-Th17 cytokines production and ability to promote T-cells Th17 response, in response to S. pneumoniae. Finally, an in vivo murine model of mice chronically exposed to cigarette smoke showing defective production of IL-17A and IL-22 but also of pro-Th17 cytokines IL-1β and IL-23 produced by APC, in response to S. pneumoniae. In this model, supplementation with IL-22 restored bacterial clearance and limited lung alterations suggesting therapeutic opportunities to improve infectious COPD exacerbation management.Altogether, these results strengthen our hypothesis of a defective Th17 immune response during bacterial COPD exacerbations. They are comforted by other studies in our team showing a defective IL-22 production in response to Haemophilus influenzae in our in vivo model of mice chronically exposed to cigarette smoke. Now we have to confirm these results in a clinical trial including COPD patients in exacerbation and to further explore the impact on innate lymphoid cells, which produced these cytokines, and on the innate immune response of epithelial cells to infection, in order to develop new infectious COPD exacerbation therapeutics.

Nowadays chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered to be a global and all society problems. COPD interferes in all aspects of patient´s life. It implicates limitations to physical aspect which is the cause of psychological and social effects. The disease changes the present way of patient´s life, the patients have to change their lifestyle, adapt themselves and learn new habits which can also mean changes of their needs during the COPD. The thesis deals with the problems of COPD patient´s needs. The thesis is divided into two main parts. The theoretical part focuses on characteristic of the disease, classification and hierarchy of human needs, the effects of COPD on biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs and next on the nursing care for patients with COPD. The practical part of the thesis includes the processing and next the evaluation of the dates obtained during the research. The aim of the thesis was to findout how the patient's needs differ in particular stadium of the disease. To get the aim there were determined six research questions:1) What is the knowledge level of COPD patients? 2) How different are their needs in particular stadium of the disease? 3) Which needs predominate in individual stadium of the disease? 4) Which activities can COPD patients do? 5) Which limitations and problems do COPD patients have? 6) Which needs does a COPD patient have in the field of home oxygen therapy? The method of qualitative research was used for the research. The technique of non-standardized interview was used for the data gathering. The research complex was formed by 15 COPD patients from the first to the third stadium of the disease. There were five patients in each chosen stadium. The evidence of the individual patients were divided according to their specific stadium into particular categories: knowledge of the disease, respiration, sleep, lifestyle, profession, check-ups. The research shows that the need changes did not directly depend on the level of the disease stadium, but mainly on the patient´s facing up to the disease, their total state of health and based on their individual needs. The firstand second stadium patients gave as the most common need to have their medicines permanently at their disposal, next the bigger need of sleep and rest and last but not least the need of being more independent. The progress of needs in the third stadium was different according to using of home oxygen the therapy or not. The patients who use home oxygen therapy coincided that the therapy helped them to improve their life. Now the main need is to increase their independence in household activities and to besurrounded by their family. Some COPD patients have demonstrable common symptom of depression which consequently influences physiological needs such as sleep, rest, independence and also their total self-realization. The need changes significantly affected the field of life habits, regime,lifestyle and leisure time activities. First of all there has been the absence of cigarettes and alcohol among their life habits and regime. There have been some limitations such as fishing, riding a bike, mushroomingin leisure time activities. The lifestyle was affected the changes in family and work life. The patients often suffer from dyspnoea, which subsequently limits walking, household activities, self-service,for example: shopping, meal preparing, dressing or doing personal hygiene. Despite various limitations the patients do various activities like walking dogs, strolling, reading books, watching TV, visiting clubs and other interesting culture events. The research results pointed to insufficient level of knowledge of the COPD patients. Due to the low level of the patients´ knowledge of the disease an information material with basic information about the disease was prepared.

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) leva à obstrução crônica do fluxo aéreo e retenção de ar, fatores que afetam a ação diafragmática, colocando-o em desvantagem mecânica e exigindo-o recrutamento da musculatura acessória da respiração. Alguns estudos indicam que a aplicação de Pressão Positiva Expiratória nas Vias Aéreas (EPAP) reduziria a hiperinsuflação e a atividade da musculatura inspiratória acessória. OBJETIVO: Analisar o efeito da aplicação da EPAP de 10 e 15 cmH2O sobre a atividade dos músculos esternocleidomastóideo (ECM) e paraesternal em pacientes com DPOC estável. MÉTODOS: Em um ensaio clínico randomizado, composto por vinte e um pacientes com DPOC, que foram alocados em Grupo 10 cmH2O (n=10) e Grupo 15 cmH2O (n=11), avaliamos o comportamento da atividade eletromiográfica (EMG) dos músculos ECM e paraesternal em respiração espontânea (Pré-EPAP), durante a aplicação de 20 minutos da EPAP, através de máscara facial, e 10 minutos após sua retirada. RESULTADOS: Observamos que a aplicação da EPAP de 10 cmH2O promoveu uma redução da atividade EMG do músculo ECM (p<0,0001) e aumento no músculo paraesternal (p<0,0001). Já o grupo que utilizou 15 cmH2O de EPAP apresentou uma tendência ao aumento da atividade EMG do músculo ECM e uma redução significativa no músculo paraesternal (p= 0,005). CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados apontaram para um benefício da aplicação da EPAP de 10 cmH2O em reduzir a atividade da musculatura inspiratória acessória e potencializar a ação dos músculos paraesternais em pacientes com DPOC estável. No entanto, este benefício não foi alcançado quando a EPAP de 15 cmH2O foi aplicada, onde os pacientes apresentaram um aumento da atividade da musculatura inspiratória acessória, já acentuada na DPOC. / Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leads to chronic airway obstruction and air trapping, affecting diaphragmatic action and placing it at a mechanical disadvantage, requiring the recruitment of accessory muscles. Some studies indicate that expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) decreased hyperinflation and inspiratory accessory muscle activity. Objective: To investigate the effect of 10 and 15 cmH2O EPAP on the activity of sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and parasternal muscles in patients with stable COPD. Methods: A randomized clinical trial with twenty-one COPD patients. Subjects were randomly allocated to two groups: 10 cmH2O Group (n=10) and a 15 cmH2O Group (n=11). We evaluated the electromyographic (EMG) activity of SCM and parasternal muscles in spontaneous breathing (Pre-EPAP), during application of EPAP by face mask for 20 minutes, and for 10 minutes after mask removal (Post-EPAP). Results: The application of 10 cmH2O EPAP promoted reduction EMG activity in the SCM muscle (p<0.0001) and increased parasternal muscle activity (p<0.0001). The group submitted to 15 cmH2O EPAP showed a tendency towards greater EMG activity in the SCM muscle and a significant decrease in activity of the parasternal muscle (p= 0.005). Conclusions: In patients with stable COPD, 10 cmH2O EPAP induced a significant decreased in activity of the inspiratory accessory muscle and increased parasternal muscle activity after the application. This may be of practical benefit to reverse the extensive use of the chest wall muscles and reduce their mechanical disadvantage in patients with COPD.

Objetivo: Avaliar as propriedades neuromecânicas musculares dos extensores do joelho antes e após o teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6’) em indivíduos com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC) e indivíduos controle. Métodos: Foram incluídos pacientes com DPOC que estavam em acompanhamento médico no Serviço de Pneumologia do Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), os quais foram selecionados a partir da análise de prontuários. Os indivíduos do grupo controle foram selecionados através de pareamento de idade e sexo com o grupo DPOC. Foi realizada uma avaliação da composição corporal, além do teste de força de membros inferiores através de contração isométrica voluntária máxima (CIVM) dos extensores de joelho antes e após o TC6’. Além disso, foi avaliado o tempo de reação total (TRT), tempo pré-motor (TPM) e tempo motor (TM) a partir da eletromiografia de superfície dos músculos extensores de joelho: vasto lateral e reto femoral. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 18 indivíduos com DPOC (10 homens, VEF1 36±12% do previsto) e 8 indivíduos no grupo controle (5 homens, VEF1 82±7% do previsto). Os pacientes com DPOC desenvolveram uma menor força muscular, tanto pré (21,77±7,86 kg) quanto pós (11,16±4,70 kg) TC6’ quando comparado com o grupo controle (pré 33,50 ±14,01; pós 29,25±16,66 kg). Houve redução significativa na CIVM após o TC6’ e aumento significativo no TRT e TPM dos músculos avaliados no grupo DPOC, não ocorrendo no grupo controle. Os parâmetros de tempo de reação foram maiores no grupo DPOC após o TC6’ quando comparados ao controle. Houve correlação inversa significativa entre o TRT (r= -0,535, p<0,005) e o TPM (r= -0,549, p<0,005) com a CIVM após o TC6’. Conclusão: Pacientes com DPOC apresentam alterações neuromusculares relacionadas com a ativação do neurônio motor superior que pode contribuir na redução da capacidade de contração muscular máxima após a realização do teste funcional. / Objective: To evaluate the neuromechanicals properties of the knee extensors muscles before and after the six minutes walk test (6MWT') in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and control subjects (COPD). Methods: COPD patients who were under care at the Department of Pulmonology of the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), which were selected from the analysis of medical records were included. The control subjects were selected by matching age and sex with COPD. An assessment of body composition was performed in addition to lower limb strength by maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensors before and after the 6MWT. Furthermore, we evaluated the total reaction time (TRT), premotor time (PMT) and motor time (MT) from surface electromyography of knee extensor muscles: rectus femoris and vastus lateralis. Results: 18 patients with COPD (10 men, FEV1 36 ± 12% predicted) and 8 subjects in the control group (5 men, FEV1 82 ± 7% of predicted) were included in the study. Patients with COPD developed lower muscle strength, both before (21.77 ± 7.86 kg) and after (11.16 ± 4.70 kg) 6MWT compared with the control group (33.50 ± 14.01 before; post 29.25 ± 16.66 kg). There was a significant reduction in MVIC after the 6MWT and significant increase in TRT and PMT muscles evaluated in COPD does not occur in the control group. The parameters of reaction time were higher in the COPD group after the 6MWT compared to control. There was a significant inverse correlation between the TRT (r = -0.535, p <0.005) and PMT (r = -0.549, p <0.005) with the MVIC after the 6MWT. Conclusion: Patients with COPD present neuromuscular changes associated with activation of the upper motor neuron that may contribute to the impairment of maximal muscle contraction after performing the functional test.

Objetivos: Avaliar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica após a alta da UTI baseado na GOLD. Método: Coorte prospectiva multicêntrica, onde foram coletados dados referentes à internação na UTI, intervenções e desfechos após a alta hospitalar (pós-alta imediato, após 3 e 6 meses). A qualidade de vida foi avaliada através do questionário SF12v2, a independência funcional através do índice de Barthel; e a presença de ansiedade e depressão através da Escala Hospitalar de ansiedade e depressão (HADS). Resultados: Houve uma redução significativa nos escores de Limitação por Aspectos Emocionais (57,4±7,2; p<0,046), Saúde Mental (49,4±2,4; p<0,004) e Componente Mental (40,8±2,4; p<0,008) do SF-12 após 6 meses da alta hospitalar. Quanto ao componente mental, a interação com GOLD foi significativa (p=0,013). Quando avaliadas as diferenças ao longo do tempo conforme GOLD, observa-se que houve diferença significativa entre o índice de Barthel (p=0,012), sendo o grupo de GOLD C/D os que reduziram significativamente o índice de Barthel do basal para os 3m e 6m (que não diferiram entre si). A probabilidade de sobrevida ao longo do tempo na amostra total de 77 pacientes foi em 15 dias (93,5%), em um mês (90,9%), em três meses (77,9%) e em seis meses (72,7%). Conclusão: Os scores de limitação por aspectos emocionais, saúde mental e componente mental do questionário SF-12 apresentaram redução significativa após seis meses da alta hospitalar. O índice de barthel avaliado ao longo do tempo conforme a GOLD apresentou diferença significativa, sendo o GOLD C/D o que mais apresentou redução. / Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease after discharge from the ICU based on GOLD. Methods: A multicenter prospective study, which were collected data on ICU admission, interventions and outcomes after hospital discharge (Post-discharge immediately after 3 and 6 months). Quality of life was assessed using the SF12v2 questionnaire, the functional independence through Barthel index; and the presence of anxiety and depression by anxiety and depression scale HADS. Results: There was a significant reduction in the Limitations for Emotional Aspects (57.4 ± 7.2, p <0.046), Mental Health (49.4 ± 2.4, p <0.004) and Mental Component (40.8 ± 2, 4, p <0.008) of SF-12 after 6 months of hospital discharge. Regarding the mental component, there was a reduction significant Gold (p = 0.013). When assessing the differences over time according to Gold, it was observed that there was a significant interaction between the Barthel index (p = 0.012), and the Gold C / D group significantly reduced the Barthel index from baseline to 3m and 6m (which did not differ from each other). The probability of survival over time in the 77 patients was 15 days (93.5%), one month (90.9%), three months (77.9%) and six months (72,7%). Conclusion: The limitation scores for emotional aspects, mental health and mental component of the SF-12 questionnaire presented a significant reduction after six months of hospital discharge. The barthel index evaluated over time according to Gold presented significant interaction, with Gold C / D the one that presented the most reduction.

Introdução: A aplicação da pressão positiva expiratória (EPAP) em pacientes com DPOC durante o exercício pode reduzir a hiperinflação dinâmica (HD) e consequentemente a dispneia, enquanto, por outro lado, pode aumentar o trabalho resistivo da respiração. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de duas intensidades de EPAP sobre a capacidade inspiratória, dispneia e tolerância ao exercício em pacientes com DPOC moderada a muito grave. Métodos: Estudo transversal, experimental, de 4 visitas. Na visita 1, os participantes realizaram um teste de exercício cardiopulmonar incremental limitados por sintomas (TECP). Nas visitas 2-4, com pelo menos 48 horas de intervalo, em ordem aleatória, eles realizaram TECP com carga constante (TECPct; 75% da carga de pico) sem EPAP, EPAP com 5cmH2O (EPAP5), ou EPAP com 10cmH2O (EPAP10). Resultados: O estudo incluiu 15 participantes não hipoxêmicos com DPOC moderada a muito grave (média de VEF1= 35,3 ± 10,9% do previsto). As intensidades sucessivas de EPAP durante o TECPct tenderam a causar uma redução progressiva da tolerância ao exercício (p=0,11). Destaca-se que 10 dos 15 pacientes apresentaram menor duração de exercício quando o EPAP10 foi comparado ao teste sem EPAP (-151 ± 105s, p <0,01 ou -41 ± 26%). Além disso, observou-se com EPAP (p <0,05) uma redução significativa da ventilação minuto, as custas de uma restrição na expansão do volume corrente. Por fim, a sensação de dispneia e medidas seriadas da capacidade inspiratória durante o exercício não foram diferentes entre as três intervenções. Conclusão: Níveis progressivos de EPAP durante o exercício tendem a causar uma redução progressiva na tolerância ao exercício em pacientes com DPOC sem melhora na dispneia e HD. / Introduction: The application of expiratory positive aiway pressure (EPAP) in COPD patients during exercise may reduce dynamic hyperinflation (DH), and consequently dyspnea, while, on the other hand, can increase the resistive work of breathing. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of two intensities of EPAP on inspiratory capacity, dyspnea and exercise tolerance in patients with moderate to very-severe COPD. Methods: Cross-sectional, experimental, 4-visit study. In the Visit 1, participants performed symptom-limited cycling incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). In Visits 2-4, at least 48hrs apart, in a randomized order, they performed constant CPET (ctCPET) without EPAP, EPAP with 5cmH2O (EPAP5), or EPAP with 10cmH2O (EPAP10). Results: The study included 15 non-hypoxemic subjects ranging from moderate-to-very-severe COPD (mean FEV1=35.3 ± 10.9% of predicted). Successive intensities of EPAP during ctCPET tended to cause a progressive reduction in exercise tolerance (p=0.11). Of note, 10 of 15 presented shorter exercise duration when EPAP10 was compared to the test without EPAP (-151±105s, p<0.01 or -41±26%). Moreover, significant constraint to minute-ventilation, at expenses of limited tidal volume expansion, was observed with EPAP (p<0.05). Finally, dyspnea sensation and IC measurements were similar during exercise among the interventions. Conclusion: Progressive levels of EPAP during exercise tented to cause a progressive reduction in exercise tolerance in COPD patients without improvement in exercise dyspnea and DH.

INTRODUÇÃO. Estudos de qualidade variável mostram maior prevalência de doença cardiovascular e de marcadores de aterosclerose em tabagistas com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) em relação a tabagistas sem a doença. OBJETIVOS. Verificar se escore de cálcio coronariano (ECC) elevado e anormalidade do índice tornozelo-braquial (ITB) são mais prevalentes em tabagistas pesados com DPOC do que sem DPOC, e se proteína C reativa sérica (PCR) e volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo em relação ao previsto (VEF1%) se correlacionam com ECC e ITB em tabagistas com e sem DPOC. POPULAÇÃO E MÉTODOS. Foram incluídos indivíduos consecutivos com carga tabágica @ 20 maços-ano. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupo 1 (com DPOC) e grupo 2 (assintomáticos respiratorios com espirometria normal). Coletaram-se dados clínicos, laboratoriais e antropométricos e determinados ECC, ITB e PCR sérica. Comparouse a prevalência de ECC acima do percentil 75 e de ITB anormal entre os grupos, e verificou-se a correlação entre PCR, ECC e ITB e entre VEF1%, ECC e ITB. / BACKGROUND. Studies of various quality levels show higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis markers in smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to smokers without the disease. OBJECTIVES. The aims of this study were, firstly, to verify whether an elevated coronary calcium score (CCS) and abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) are more prevalent in heavy smokers with COPD than in those without COPD, and secondly, to investigate whether serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%) are correlated with CCS and ABI in smokers with and without COPD. METHODS. We included clinically stable consecutive individuals with smoking history of @ 20 pack-years and COPD (group 1) or normal spirometry (group 2). Clinical, laboratory and anthropometric data were collected and CCS, ABI and serum CRP were measured. We compared the prevalence of CCS above the 75th percentile and the rates of abnormal ABI in both groups. Additionally, the correlation between CRP, CCS and ABI and FEV1%, CCS, and ABI was determined.