An outpatient respiratory rehabilitation program:Findings from a community hospital

Objectives: To determine patient satisfaction with a community hospital's respiratory rehabilitation program and to assess changes in patient physical and emotional function and quality of life. Design: Pre- and post-program measures were made on a variety of physiological and psychosocial factors. A modified version of the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire was administered before and after the 8-week multidisciplinary and comprehensive respiratory rehabilitation program. The post-program questionnaire also included a number of service delivery and patient satisfaction and quality-of-life questions. Setting: Respiratory Rehabilitation Program at St. Joseph's Hospital, a community hospital in Brantford, Ont., in active partnership with the Brant County Lung Association. Brant County is located in Central West Ontario, and has both urban and rural areas and a population of approximately 125 000 people. Participants: Twenty-nine patients, with a diagnosis of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were referred to the Fall 1997 and Spring 1998 programs, were enrolled in the study. Outcome measures: Changes in physical and emotional function, health knowledge, skills mastery, quality of life and satisfaction with the program. Results: Twenty-one of 29 patients completed the program. Statistically significant and clinically important improvements were found between all pre- and post-program evaluation scores (distance walked, fatigue, dyspnea, emotional function, skills mastery and health knowledge). Participants were very satisfied with the program and felt it improved their quality of life. Conclusion: The positive outcomes reported rom randomized controlled trials of respiratory rehabilitation programs can be achieved in a community hospital setting.

Appropriateness of respiratory care: evidence-based guidelines.

PRINCIPLES: Respiratory care is universally recognised as useful, but its indications and practice vary markedly. In order to improve the appropriateness of respiratory care in our hospital, we developed evidence-based local guidelines in a collaborative effort involving physiotherapists, physicians and health service researchers. METHODS: Recommendations were developed using the standardised RAND appropriateness method. A literature search was conducted based on terms associated with guidelines and with respiratory care. A working group prepared proposals for recommendations which were then independently rated by a multidisciplinary expert panel. All recommendations were then discussed in common and indications for procedures were rated confidentially a second time by the experts. The recommendations were then formulated on the basis of the level of evidence in the literature and on the consensus among these experts. RESULTS: Recommendations were formulated for the following procedures: non-invasive ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure, intermittent positive pressure breathing, intrapulmonary percussive ventilation, mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, incentive spirometry, positive expiratory pressure, nasotracheal suctioning and non-instrumental airway clearance techniques. Each recommendation referred to a particular medical condition and was assigned to a hierarchical category based on the quality of the evidence from the literature supporting the recommendation and on the consensus among the experts. CONCLUSION: Despite a marked heterogeneity of scientific evidence, the method used allowed us to develop commonly agreed local guidelines for respiratory care. In addition, this work fostered a closer relationship between physiotherapists and physicians in our institution.

Chest associated to motor physiotherapy acutely improves oxygen saturation, heart rate and respiratory rate in premature newborns with periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of physiological parameters before and after respiratory physiotherapy in newborns with acute viral bronchiolitis

Background: Acute viral bronchiolitis is a respiratory disease with high morbidity that affects newborn in the first two years of life. Its treatment with physiotherapy has been highlighted as an important tool, however, there is no consensus regarding its effects on patients improvement. We aimed to evaluate the physiological parameters before and after the procedure respiratory therapy in newborn with acute viral bronchiolitis. Method: This was a cross sectional observational study in 30 newborns with acute viral bronchiolitis and indicated for physiotherapy care in a hospitalized Urgency and Emergency Unit. It was collected the clinical data of newborn through evaluation form, and we measured heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiratory rate (RR). We measured the variables before physiotherapy treatment, 3, 6 and 9 minutes after the physiotherapy treatment. Results: There has been no change in HR, however, we observed a decrease in RR at 6 and 9 min compared to 3 min and increase in SpO2 at 3, 6 and 9 min compared to before physiotherapy. Conclusion: Respiratory physiotherapy may be an effective therapy for the treatment of newborn with Acute Viral Bronchitis.

Evaluation of a multimedia online tool for teaching bronchial hygiene to physical therapy students

Background: Advances in information technology have been widely used in teaching health care professionals. The use of multimedia resources may be important for clinical learning and we are not aware of previous reports using such technology in respiratory physical therapy education. Objectives: Our approach was to evaluate a conventional bronchial hygiene techniques (BHTs) course with an interactive online environment, including multimedia resources. Methods: Previous developed audiovisual support material comprised: physiology, physiopathology and BHTs, accessible to students through the Internet in conjunction with BHTs classes. Two groups of students were compared and both attended regular classes: the on-line group (n=8) received access to online resources, while the control group (n=8) received conventional written material. Student's performance was evaluated before and after the course. Results: A preliminary test (score 0 to 10) was applied before the beginning of the course, showing that the initial knowledge of both groups was comparable [online, 6.75 (SD=0.88) vs. control, 6.125 (SD=1.35); p>0.05]. Two weeks after the end of the course, a second test showed that the online group performed significantly better than the control group [respectively, 7.75 (SD=1.28) vs. 5.93 (SD=0.72); p>0.05]. Conclusions: The use of a multimedia online resource had a positive impact on student's learning in respiratory therapy field in which instrumental and manual resources are often used and can be explored using this technology.

The paradox of adult respiratory distress syndrome in neonates

Six full-term newborn infants are described who suffered from severe adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The triggering event was intrauterine/perinatal asphyxia in five, and group B streptococcal (GBS) septicemia in three. All had severe respiratory distress/failure and were ventilated mechanically with high concentrations of inspired oxygen and positive end-expiratory pressure. Radiography of the chest showed dense bilateral consolidation with air bronchograms and reduced lung volume. Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH) was documented in all cases. The coincidence of ARDS and PPH rendered respiratory management extremely difficult. For this reason high-frequency ventilation was instituted in all patients in order to improve CO2 elimination and induce respiratory alkalosis. Acute complications of respiratory therapy were encountered in five patients (pneumothorax, pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumopericardium). Three infants died (irreversible septic shock, progressive severe hypoxemia, and sudden cardiac arrest) after 17, 80, and 175 h of life. Histologic examination of the lungs was possible in all fatal cases and revealed typical changes of acute to subacute stages of ARDS. Three infants survived, the mean time of mechanical respiratory support being 703 h. Two patients were still dependent on oxygen after 1 month of life, and all survivors had increased interstitial markings and increased lung volumes on their chest roentgenograms at this time.

On the use of medicated inhalations in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory organs. With an appendix on diseases of the nose and throat,

Mode of access: Internet.

Maneig i compliment terapèutic de les persones afectades per MPOC de l'ABS Girona 2

L’ús de programes senzills, dirigits a malalts amb MPOC comporta una reducció significativa del nombre de les hospitalitzacions. Amb MPOC com amb qualsevol patologia crònica, és fonamental que tant el pacient com la família rebin una informació adequada sobre la malaltia, els factors de risc, els hàbits que faciliten la progressió i les mesures terapèutiques necessàries en cada moment de la malaltia. És fonamental revisar el compliment del tractament i la tècnica d’inhalació, i els malalts amb insuficiència respiratòria crònica amb tractament d’oxigenoteràpia domiciliària cal revisar els objectius d’aquest tractament, les diferents fonts existents i com utilitzar-les

Exercícios respiratórios para asma: revisão sistemática com metanálise

Introdução: A asma se tornou um problema de saúde pública devido aos seus grandes custos em cuidados de saúde. Os exercícios respiratórios constituem uma intervenção não farmacológica de baixo custo e baixo risco que vem sendo utilizada por fisioterapeutas em diferentes países no tratamento de pacientes asmáticos. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia dos exercícios respiratórios no tratamento de pacientes adultos com asma nos seguintes desfechos: qualidade de vida, sintomas da asma, número de exacerbações agudas, episódios de hospitalização, mensurações fisiológicas (função pulmonar e capacidade funcional), número de consultas médicas, número de faltas no trabalho devido a exacerbações da doença, avaliação subjetiva do paciente em relação à intervenção. Método: Revisão sistemática de estudos controlados randomizados com metanálise realizada em parceria com a Colaboração Cochrane. As seguintes bases de dados foram consultadas: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, e PsycINFO, além de busca manual em revistas da área e em resumos de congressos. Os seguintes termos foram utilizados: (breath*) and (exercise* or retrain* or train* or re-educat* or educat* or physiotherap* or "physical therap*" or "respiratory therapy" or buteyko ). As listas de referências dos estudos selecionados e registros de ensaios clínicos também foram consultados. A seleção dos estudos e a avaliação do risco de viés dos estudos incluídos foram realizadas de maneira independente por dois revisores. O software Review Manager foi utilizado para análise dos dados, no qual o modelo de efeito fixo foi utilizado. As variáveis contínuas foram expressas como diferença de média ponderada com um intervalo de confiança de 95%. A heterogeneidade dos resultados dos estudos incluídos foi realizada por meio da análise dos Forest plots. O teste qui-quadrado (Chi2) com um P valor de 0.10 foi utilizado para indicar significância estatística. O Índice de heterogeneidade (I2) foi implementado com um valor acima de 50% como um nível substancial de heterogeneidade. Resultados: 13 estudos envolvendo 906 pacientes estão atualmente incluídos na revisão. Os seguintes desfechos foram mensurados pelos estudos incluídos: qualidade de vida, sintomas da asma, número de exacerbações agudas e função pulmonar. Os estudos relataram uma melhora na qualidade de vida, sintomas da asma e número de exacerbações agudas. Seis dos onze estudos que avaliaram função pulmonar mostraram uma diferença significativa favorável aos exercícios respiratórios. Não houve relato de efeitos adversos. Devido à heterogeneidade substancial encontrada entre os estudos, metanálise foi possível apenas para sintomas da asma, a qual incluiu dois estudos e mostrou uma diferença significativa favorável aos exercícios respiratórios. A avaliação do risco de viés foi prejudicada devido ao relato incompleto de aspectos metodológicos pela maioria dos estudos incluídos. Conclusão: Embora os resultados encontrados pelos estudos incluídos demonstraram individualmente que os exercícios respiratórios podem ser importantes no tratamento da asma, não há evidência conclusiva nesta revisão para suportar ou refutar a eficácia desta intervenção no tratamento de pacientes asmáticos. Este fato foi devido às diferenças metodológicas entre os estudos incluídos e à ausência de relato de aspectos metodológicos por parte da maioria dos estudos incluídos. Não há dados disponíveis em relação aos efeitos dos exercícios respiratórios nos seguintes desfechos: episódios de hospitalização, número de consultas médicas, número de faltas no trabalho devido a exacerbações da doença, e avaliação subjetiva do paciente em relação à intervenção

Antenatal corticosteroid use and clinical evolution of preterm newborn infants

Objectives: To describe the use of antenatal corticosteroid and clinical evolution of preterm babies. Methods: An observational prospective cohort study was carried out. All 463 pregnant women and their 514 newborn babies with gestational age ranging from 23 to 34 weeks, born at the Brazilian Neonatal Research Network units, were evaluated from August 1 to December 31, 2001. The data were obtained through maternal interview, analysis of medical records, and follow-up of the newborn infants. Data analysis was performed with the use of chi-square, t Student, Mann-Whitney, and ANOVA tests and multiple logistic regression, with level of significance set at 5%. Results: Treatment was directly associated with the number of prenatal visits, with maternal hypertension and with the antenatal use of tocolytic agents. Babies from treated pregnant women presented better Apgar scores at the 1st and 5th minute, reduced need for intervention in the delivery room and lower SNAPPE II. They were born with higher birth weight, longer gestational age and needed less surfactant use, ventilation, and oxygenation time. After multiple logistic regression, the use of antenatal corticosteroid independently improved birth conditions, decreased ventilation time, being related to increased occurrence of neonatal sepsis. Conclusions: The use of corticosteroid was associated with better prenatal care and birth conditions, better preterm evolution but higher risk of infection. Copyright © 2004 by Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria.

Atuação fisioterapêutica na lesão medular em unidade de terapia intensiva: Atualização de literatura

Objective. Collate and update knowledge in relation to physical therapy in spinal cord injury (SCI) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Method. We performed a literature update in the databases Lilacs, PubMed and Scielo, crossing the descriptors spinal cord injury, cinesiotherapy, physiotherapy, mobilization, rehabilitation, intensive care unit, respiratory therapy and electrotherapy in the period of 2005 to 2010. Results. We found 21 studies, however, only five articles met the inclusion criteria. Kinesiotherapy is essential since the phase of spinal shock, since it favors the maintenance of joint range of motion and flexibility, and to prevent circulatory complications caused/ resulted from prolonged immobilization in bed. Respiratory therapy promotes bronchial hygiene, correction of abnormal respiratory patterns and respiratory diseases. The electrotherapy is a feature still little used by physiotherapists in the intensive care units. Conclusions. The physical therapy in SCI in ICU is focused on motor rehabilitation through kinesiotherapy and intervention through the respiratory bronchial hygiene and training of respiratory muscles. New treatment modalities such as electrotherapy, there have been in intensive environment, there is a need for more studies to confirm benefits and risks of this feature in the spinal cord.

Efeito da fisioterapia no pós-operatório da cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio

Pós-graduação em Bases Gerais da Cirurgia - FMB

Fisioterapia respiratoria na pressao intracraniana de pacientes graves internados em unidade de terapia intensiva: revisao sistematica

Objetivo: Analisar os desfechos aumento/diminuição da pressão intracraniana e/ou queda da pressão de perfusão cerebral, proporcionados pela fisioterapia respiratória em pacientes graves assistidos em unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, foram selecionados ensaios clínicos publicados entre 2002 e 2012. A busca envolveu as bases de dados LILACS, SciELO, MedLine e PEDro, usando os descritores physical therapy, physiotherapy, respiratory therapy e randomized controlled trials em cruzamento com o descritor intracranial pressure. Resultados: Foram incluídos 5 estudos, que somaram 164 pacientes, com média de idade entre 25 e 65 anos, e que indicaram que as manobras de fisioterapia respiratória aumentaram significativamente a pressão intracraniana, sem alterar a pressão de perfusão cerebral. Os artigos abordaram as técnicas de vibração, vibrocompressão, tapotagem, drenagem postural, além da manobra de aspiração intratraqueal. Todos os pacientes estavam sob ventilação mecânica invasiva. Conclusão: A fisioterapia respiratória promove aumento da pressão intracraniana. Os estudos sugerem que não há repercussões hemodinâmicas e respiratórias a curto prazo ou alteração da pressão de perfusão cerebral. Entretanto, não há estudos que avaliem desfechos clínicos e que assegurem a segurança das manobras.