Serological biomarkers for monitoring response to treatment of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in children and adolescents.

Key measures to halt the spread of tuberculosis (TB) include early diagnosis, effective treatment, and monitoring disease management. We sought to evaluate the use of serum immunoglobulin levels against antigens present in cell envelope of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to monitor TB treatment response in children and adolescents with pulmonary (PTB) or extrapulmonary TB (EPTB). Blood samples were collected prior to and one, two, and six months following treatment initiation.

Adenovirus species C detection in children under four years of age with acute bronchiolitis or recurrent wheezing.

Background: Lower respiratory tract viral infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Among viral etiological agents the human Adenovirus (AdV) has been associated to mild or severe respiratory tract infection.

Objective: To detect the presence of human Adenovirus (AdV) in children with acute bronchiolitis or recurrent wheezing, describing their clinical features and determining Adenovirus species and AdV association to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Human Metapneumovirus (MPV) and Parainfluenza virus (PIV).

Perception of dyspnea in childhood asthma crisis by the patients and those in charge of them.

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between perception of dyspnea during a mild to moderate asthma attack using the Modified Borg Scale (MBS) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with children and adolescents who sought a pediatric emergency service due to an asthma attack. Data were collected from July 2005 to June 2006.