Factors related to the incorrect use of inhalers by asthma patients.

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.

Clinical use of ultrasensitive cardiac troponin I assay in intermediate- and high-risk surgery patients.

Background: Cardiac troponin levels have been reported to add value in the detection of cardiovascular complications in noncardiac surgery. A sensitive cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assay could provide more accurate prognostic information.

Methods: This study prospectively enrolled 142 patients with at least one Revised Cardiac Risk Index risk factor who underwent noncardiac surgery.

Prevalence of obesity in asthma and its relations with asthma severity and control.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of obesity in asthmatic patients attending at an outpatient clinic, and to investigate its relationships with asthma severity and level of asthma control.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study we recruited patients aged 11 years and older with confirmed asthma diagnosis from the outpatient asthma clinic of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. They underwent an evaluation by a general questionnaire, an asthma control questionnaire and by pulmonary function tests.

Prognostic value of perioperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in noncardiac surgery.

Background: Preoperative NT-proBNP has been shown to predict adverse cardiac outcomes, although recent studies suggested that postoperative NT-proBNP determination could provide additional information in patients submitted to noncardiac surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of perioperative NT-proBNP in intermediate and high risk cardiovascular patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Methods: This study prospectively enrolled 145 patients aged ≥ 45 years, with at least one Revised Cardiac Risk Index risk factor and submitted to intermediate or high risk noncardiac surgery.

Impact of a short-term educational intervention on adherence to asthma treatment and on asthma control.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a short-term individualized education program on adherence to asthma treatment, inhalation techniques, and asthma control.

Methods: A prospective study involving patients aged 14 years or older, with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma and recruited from the asthma outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. The study was conducted in two phases (before and after the educational intervention).