Resumen Introducción: La infestación y mortalidad ocasionada por el coronavirus Sarv-Cov-2 (COVID-19) generó que los sistemas de salud desarrollaran acciones para promover nuevas investigaciones clínicas encaminadas a contar con esquemas de tratamientos efectivos, para un mejor manejo de esta enfermedad. En Cuba, con la existencia antes de la pandemia, de un plan de ensayos clínicos y la necesidad de promover nuevos, para hacer frente a la COVID-19; se propuso la elaboración de un sistema de acciones encaminadas a preservar la calidad de los mismos. Objetivo: Describir las principales acciones desarrolladas, por el Sistema Nacional de Salud cubano, para el desarrollo de las investigaciones clínicas durante la pandemia. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en los principales sitios web regulatorios y vinculados con el tema de investigaciones clínicas en etapa de pandemia por la COVID-19. Los resultados alcanzados se tuvieron en cuenta para proponer un sistema de acciones propio, encaminado a respaldar los ensayos clínicos. Resultados: Se establecieron acciones en tres líneas de trabajo: el respaldo ético, los requerimientos regulatorios para las modificaciones a los estudios en curso y nuevos y para el control de los ensayos clínicos. El sistema de trabajo quedó conformado por 29 acciones encaminadas a que los ensayos clínicos tuvieran un respaldado ético, cumplieran con los requerimientos regulatorios en cuanto a los aspectos metodológicos, de diseño y de control para garantizar el cumplimiento de las Buenas Prácticas Clínicas.

Summary Introduction: The infestation and mortality caused by the Sarv-Cov-2 (COVID-19) coronavirus led health systems to develop actions to promote new clinical research aimed at having effective treatment schemes for better management of this disease. In Cuba, with the existence before the pandemic, of a clinical trial plan and the need to promote new ones, to deal with COVID-19; it was proposed to develop a system of actions aimed at preserving their quality. Objective: Describe the main actions developed by the Cuban National Health System for the development of clinical research during the pandemic. Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out on the main regulatory websites and those related to the topic of clinical research in the pandemic stage of COVID-19. The results achieved were taken into account to propose an own action system, aimed at supporting clinical trials. Results: Actions were established in three lines of work: ethical support, regulatory requirements for modifications to ongoing and new studies, and the control of clinical trials. The work system was made up of 29 actions aimed at ensuring that clinical trials have ethical support, comply with regulatory requirements in terms of methodological, design aspects and their control to guarantee compliance with Good Clinical Practices.

Abstract: Introduction: The diagnosis of ACL injury is established with the physical examination that includes the Lachman maneuver and the pivot-shift test since it has the highest positive predictive value. Imaging tests such as MRI are still used for confirmation of the same; so the quantification of clinical maneuvers is sought. Material and methods: Prospective clinical study in which the maneuvers of pivot-shift and Lachman are quantified for later classification. Results: Of 36 patients, 64% found a range between 0 and 3 mm when subtracting the value of the affected knee from the value of the healthy knee. It was found that 28% of the patients recorded values of KT-1000 ranging between 4 and 6 mm of displacement. In 8% of the total patients, values of KT-1000 were found that exceeded 7 mm of displacement. The data obtained are normalized and classified into 3 degrees of injury: grade 1 with partial injury; grade 2 with complete anteromedial and partial injury in posterolateral bundle; grade 3 with complete injury of both bundles. Conclusion: A classification is proposed for the degrees of ACL injury with future application to a more personalized reconstruction.

Resumen: Introducción: El diagnóstico de lesión del ligamento cruzado anterior se establece con la exploración física que incluya la maniobra de Lachman y la prueba de pivot-shift, ya que cuenta con el mayor valor predictivo positivo. Aún se recurre a pruebas de gabinete como la RMN para la confirmación del mismo; por lo que se busca la cuantificación de maniobras clínicas. Material y métodos: Estudio clínico prospectivo en el que se cuantifican las maniobras de pivot-Shift y Lachman para su posterior clasificación. Resultados: De 36 pacientes, 64% se encontró un rango entre 0 y 3 mm al restar al valor de la rodilla sana el valor de la rodilla afectada. Se encontró que 28% de los pacientes, registraron valores de KT-1000, que oscilan entre los 4 y 6 mm de desplazamiento. En 8% del total de los pacientes se encontraron valores de KT-1000 que superaron los 7 mm de desplazamiento. Se normalizan los datos obtenidos y se clasifican en 3 grados de lesión: grado 1 con lesión parcial; grado 2 con lesión completa de haz anteromedial y parcial en haz posterolateral; grado 3 con lesión completa de ambos haces. Conclusiones: Se propone una clasificación para los grados de lesión del LCA con futura aplicación a una reconstrucción más personalizada.

RESUMO O granuloma central de células gigantes é um tumor ósseo raro que afeta pacientes jovens com comprometimento anatômico e funcional da maxila e mandíbula. A terapia com injeção de esteroides constitui uma modalidade de tratamento menos invasiva para o controle da doença em casos selecionados. A isquemia retiniana é uma complicação relatada em vários procedimentos médicos, incluindo intervenções odontológicas, e pode levar à perda da visão com mau prognóstico. Relatamos um caso de doença isquêmica arteriolar da retina após o tratamento com granuloma central de células gigantes com corticosteroides injetados locais.

ABSTRACT Central giant cell granuloma is a rare osseous tumor affecting young patients with anatomical and functional compromise of the maxilla and mandible. Steroid injection therapy constitutes a less invasive treatment modality for disease control in selected cases. Retinal ischemia is a reported complication of multiple medical procedures, including dental interventions, and may lead to loss of vision with poor prognosis. We report a case of retinal arteriolar ischemic disease following central giant cell granuloma management with local injected corticosteroids.

Abstract: Introduction: The management of severely traumatized extremity continues to be a matter of debate. Gustilo-Anderson tibial fractures III-B have a wide spectrum of variants, there are no guidelines using this classification for management. MESS has demonstrated functional and prognostic association. Objective: To identify the pattern of decision made by surgeons for the prescription of amputations in tibial fractures exposed grade III-B Gustilo-Anderson with MESS scale. Material and methods: This is a descriptive, observational, prospective, transversal, analytical study. One hundred thirty-one orthopedists from a traumatic pathology referral center were evaluated, using the MESS scale to evaluate 10 representative clinical cases of Gustilo-Anderson grade III-B tibial fractures presented in an electronic device. The concordance of the decisions between working surgeons and experts was evaluated. Inferential analysis was performed using the χ2 (p < 0.05) of the study variables: surgeon experience, academic postgraduate studies, frequent clinical practice of amputations, concordance of decisions with MESS scale with respect to the prescription pattern obtained by experts. Results: There was no association between the variables, with the application of MESS. (χ2 = 1.28, p = 0.2575). Surgeons of more than 10 years, increased once the possibility of matching the result of experts (OR = 2.088, 95% CI) (p = 0.0066). Conclusion: Academic degrees, surgical experience, and frequent clinical practice do not influence the correct application of the MESS scale. Surgeons with more than 10 years of experience have doubled the possibility of a precise decision.

Resumen: Introducción: El manejo de la extremidad severamente traumatizada continúa siendo materia de debate. Las fracturas de tibia III-B de Gustilo-Anderson tienen un amplio espectro de variantes, no hay guías mediante esta clasificación para un manejo. MESS ha demostrado asociación funcional y pronóstica. Objetivo: Identificar el patrón de decisión por parte de los cirujanos para la prescripción de amputaciones en fracturas de tibia expuesta grado IIIB Gustilo-Anderson con escala MESS. Material y métodos: Es un estudio descriptivo, observacional, prospectivo, transversal y analítico. Se evaluaron 131 ortopedistas de un centro de referencia de patología traumática, quienes con uso de la escala MESS evaluaron 10 casos clínicos representativos de fracturas de tibia expuesta grado III-B de Gustilo-Anderson presentados en dispositivo electrónico. Se evaluó la concordancia de las decisiones entre cirujanos que laboran y expertos. Se realizó análisis inferencial mediante χ2 (p < 0.05) de las variables del estudio: experiencia del cirujano, postgrados académicos, práctica clínica frecuente de amputaciones, concordancia de las decisiones con escala MESS con respecto al patrón de prescripción obtenido por expertos. Resultados: No se encontró asociación entre las variables con la aplicación de MESS (χ2 = 1.28, p = 0.2575). Los cirujanos de más de 10 años incrementaron una vez la posibilidad de coincidir con el resultado de expertos (OR = 2.088, IC 95%) (p = 0.0066). Conclusión: Las variables como postgrados académicos, experiencia quirúrgica y práctica clínica frecuente no influyen en la correcta aplicación de la escala MESS. Los cirujanos de más de 10 años de experiencia incrementaron al doble la posibilidad de una decisión precisa.

We analyse the impact of failing to control invasive alien plants (IAPs) on the water supply to the Berg River and De Hoop Dams, in other words, the opportunity cost of not clearing IAPs in these two catchments. To do this we used models to assess and compare the impact of current and future invasions on inflows into the dams. Although the clearing of current invasions would only provide a modest increase in the amount of water compared to, for example, the construction of another dam, failure to clear the invasion will have a negative impact on water security in the long term. We estimated that the Berg River Dam could lose up to 51% of its mean annual inflows to IAPs over a 45-year period, and the De Hoop Dam catchment could lose up to 44%. These impacts would continue to increase over time, and the costs of control could become very high as the plants invade rugged terrain. Major infrastructural development requires Ministerial approval, supported by advice from senior officials. We suggest that such advice should substantively take sufficient account of the benefits of clearing existing invasions, or at least of preventing further invasions. Our results suggest that serious consequences arise from insufficient investment in catchment management. An integrated approach to the management of the supply of and demand for water, that ensures long-term sustainability, is essential in informed decision-making and the early control of IAPs is a key component of that approach.

Abstract: Pathology related to the rotator cuff remains among the most prevalent musculoskeletal diseases. There is an increasing need for imaging studies (MRI, US, arthroscopy) to test the diagnostic performance of the medical history and physical examination. Objective: To prove the diagnostic value of a clinical-radiographic predictive model to find complete ruptures of the rotator cuff. Material and methods: Descriptive, observational, prospective, transversal and analytical study. Fifty-five patients with preoperative shoulder pain were evaluated with 13 predictive variables: age > 50 years, nocturnal pain, muscle weakness, clinical signs of Neer, Hawkins, Jobe, external rotation lag (ERLS), belly-press, bear hug, and lift-off, radiographic measurement of subacromial space, acromial index and critical shoulder angle. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were measured in each variable, comparing the results of each one against the postoperative findings. Results: Of the 55 patients evaluated, 42 had a complete rupture of the rotator cuff in the postoperative period. The eight variables with a higher diagnostic value were selected and a ROC curve was performed, providing an area under the curve of 0.88. Conclusions: This predictive model uses eight variables (age > 50 years, nocturnal pain, muscle weakness, Jobe, Hawkins, ERLS, subacromial space ≤ 6 mm, and critical shoulder angle ˃ 35o), which together add the predictive value of 0.88 (AUC) to diagnose complete ruptures of the supraspinatus tendon.

Resumen: La patología relacionada al manguito de los rotadores permanece entre las enfermedades musculoesqueléticas más prevalentes. Hay una creciente necesidad de estudios de imagen (RMN, US, artroscopía) para probar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la historia clínica y el examen físico. Objetivo: Demostrar el valor diagnóstico de un modelo predictor clínico-radiográfico para rupturas completas del manguito de los rotadores. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, prospectivo, transversal, analítico. Se evaluaron 55 pacientes con dolor de hombro en forma preoperatoria con 13 variables de predicción: edad > 50 años, dolor nocturno, debilidad muscular, signos clínicos de Neer, Hawkins, Jobe, caída de la rotación externa, Napoleón, abrazo del oso, Gerber; medición radiológica del espacio subacromial, índice acromial y ángulo crítico del hombro. En cada variable se midió sensibilidad-especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y negativo. Se compararon los resultados de cada variable para diagnosticar rupturas del manguito de los rotadores contra los hallazgos postoperatorios. Resultados: De los 55 pacientes evaluados, 42 presentaron ruptura completa del mango rotador en el postoperatorio. Se seleccionaron las ocho variables con mayor valor diagnóstico y se realizó una curva ROC, proporcionando un área bajo la curva de 0.88. Conclusiones: Este modelo de predicción emplea ocho variables (edad > 50 años, dolor nocturno, debilidad muscular, caída de la rotación externa, Jobe, Hawkins, espacio subacromial ≤ 6 mm y ángulo crítico del hombro > 35o) que en conjunto suman el valor predictivo de 0.88 (AUC) para diagnosticar rupturas completas del tendón supraespinoso.

Background: Proximal humerus fractures account for 4-5% of the fractures that occur among elderly people; they represent 45% of humerus fractures, and 13-16% of them are three- or four-fragment fractures. Methods: Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of secondary data sources. The records of patients over 60 years of age with a diagnosis of three- or four-fragment proximal humerus fractures were analyzed. A non-probabilistic sampling technique of consecutive cases was used. The following variables were analyzed: age, sex, fragment number, limb involved and dominant limb, and treatment protocol. Results: 118 patients were included, most of them females (83.9%), age range was 60-93 years, with a mean age of 73 years. Three-fragment fractures represented 63%, and four-fragment fractures 36%. The left limb was more frequently affected, accounting for 57%; 43% of cases were treated conservatively. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed in 39 cases with a tension band, in 22 patients with hemiarthroplasty, ORIF with a 4.5 T-plate in 5 patients, and ORIF with a LCP LISS plate in one patient. Conclusions: Female patients over 72 years of age underwent this kind of treatment more frequently. Surgical treatment accounted for 57%, unlike what the literature reports (20%).

Antecedentes: Las fracturas proximales de húmero corresponden 4 y 5% de las fracturas en adultos mayores, ocupando 45% de las fracturas humerales, siendo 13 al 16% fracturas en tres y cuatro fragmentos. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional y transversal de fuentes secundarias, se estudiaron registros de pacientes con diagnóstico de fractura proximal de húmero en tres o cuatro fragmentos en pacientes adultos mayores de 60 años. Técnica de muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos, considerándose de cada uno: el sexo, edad, número de fragmentos, extremidad afectada y extremidad dominante, el patrón de tratamiento. Resultados: Se incluyeron 118 pacientes, siendo el sexo predominante el femenino (83.9%), con rango de edad de 60 a 93 años y una mediana de 73 años. Las fracturas en tres fragmentos representó 63% y de cuatro fragmentos 36%. La extremidad izquierda fue la mayormente afectada siendo 57%, la extremidad dominante fue la derecha ocupando 82%. El patrón quirúrgico predominó, representado 57% y el tratamiento conservador representó 43%. Se realizó en 39 casos reducción abierta y fijación interna (RAFI) con banda a tensión, en 22 pacientes con hemiartroplastía, en cinco pacientes RAFI con placa en T 4.5 y en uno RAFI con placa LCP LISS. Conclusiones: Los pacientes femeninos mayores de 72 años, mostraron mayor frecuencia de manejo quirúrgico. El patrón de tratamiento quirúrgico fue de 57%, a diferencia de lo reportado en la literatura mundial (20%).

ResumoEste estudo teve a finalidade de desenvolver e avaliar um protocolo de crioconservação do sêmen do ariocó Lutjanus synagris. Para caracterizar o sêmen foram avaliados a taxa de motilidade, a duração da motilidade, a concentração espermática e o espermatócrito. Em seis experimentos foram analisados os efeitos de três diluentes, com distintas composições iônicas e valores de pH distintos, combinados com sete concentrações de dimetilsulfóxido (0; 2,5; 5,0; 7,5; 10,0; 12,5 e 15,0%), cinco velocidades de congelamento (–110, –90, –60, –45 e –30°C/min), nove tempos de equilíbrio (1; 2,5; 5; 10; 15; 20; 25; 30 e 60 minutos) e cinco proporções de sêmen:diluente (1:1; 1:3; 1:6; 1:10 e 1:20) sobre a taxa de motilidade e a duração da motilidade espermáticas. Posteriormente um teste de fertilização foi realizado para avaliar a viabilidade do sêmen crioconservado. O tratamento que propiciou maior taxa de motilidade e duração da motilidade espermáticas (P<0,05) foi aquele proporcionado pelo emprego do diluente com pH 8,2 com dimetilsulfóxido a 10%, em uma velocidade de congelamento de –60°C/min, com tempo de equilíbrio de 1 minuto e na proporção de 1:3 (v/v). O sêmen crioconservado apresentou taxa de fertilização superior a 69% validando o presente protocolo para o ariocó. A crioconservação do sêmen do ariocó é uma alternativa viável, sendo possível manter uma apropriada qualidade espermática.

AbstractThis study aims developing and evaluate a protocol of semen cryopreservation of the lane snapper Lutjanus synagris. Firstly, sperm motility rate, motility time, density and spermatocrit were appraised to characterize the sperm quality of the lane snapper. The effect of three extenders with distinct ionic compositions and pH values combined with seven concentrations of cryoprotector dimethylsulfoxide (0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5; 10.0; 12.5 e 15.0%), five cooling rates (110, 90, 60, 45 e 30°C –min), nine equilibration time (1; 2,5; 5; 10; 15; 20; 25; 30 e 60 minutes) e five dilutions ratio (1:1; 1:3; 1:6; 1:10 e 1:20) on the sperm motility rate and motility time were analyzed. Fertilization test was accomplished to evaluate the viability of the cryopreserved sperm. The higher sperm motility rate and motility time (P<0.05) was achieved by combining extender with pH 8.2 with 10% concentration of dimethylsulfoxide and cooling rate 60°C –min, 1 minute of equilibration time and 1:3 (v/v) dilution ratio. The use of cryopreserved sperm presented fertilization rates >60% validating the present protocol for lane snapper. The cryoconserved sperm of lane snapper is a viable alternative, being possible to maintain appropriate sperm viability.

Objective To evaluate the effect of vouchers for maternity care in public health-care facilities on the utilization of maternal health-care services in Cambodia. Methods The study involved data from the 2010 Cambodian Demographic and Health Survey, which covered births between 2005 and 2010. The effect of voucher schemes, first implemented in 2007, on the utilization of maternal health-care services was quantified using a difference-in-differences method that compared changes in utilization in districts with voucher schemes with changes in districts without them. Findings Overall, voucher schemes were associated with an increase of 10.1 percentage points (pp) in the probability of delivery in a public health-care facility; among women from the poorest 40% of households, the increase was 15.6 pp. Vouchers were responsible for about one fifth of the increase observed in institutional deliveries in districts with schemes. Universal voucher schemes had a larger effect on the probability of delivery in a public facility than schemes targeting the poorest women. Both types of schemes increased the probability of receiving postnatal care, but the increase was significant only for non-poor women. Universal, but not targeted, voucher schemes significantly increased the probability of receiving antenatal care. Conclusion Voucher schemes increased deliveries in health centres and, to a lesser extent, improved antenatal and postnatal care. However, schemes that targeted poorer women did not appear to be efficient since these women were more likely than less poor women to be encouraged to give birth in a public health-care facility, even with universal voucher schemes.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar el efecto de los bonos para atención sanitaria materna en centros de salud públicos sobre la utilización de los servicios de atención sanitaria materna en Camboya. Métodos El estudio incluyó datos de la Encuesta demográfica y sanitaria de Camboya del año 2010, que recolecta los nacimientos que tuvieron lugar entre 2005 y 2010. Se cuantificó el efecto de los sistemas de bonos, puestos en práctica por primera vez en el año 2007, sobre la utilización de los servicios de atención sanitaria materna por medio de un método de diferencia de diferencias que comparó los cambios en la utilización de dichos servicios en los distritos con sistemas de bonos respecto a los de los distritos sin sistemas de bonos. Resultados En general, los sistemas de bonos están asociados con a un aumento de 10,1 puntos porcentuales (pp) en la probabilidad de parto en un centro público de atención sanitaria; entre las mujeres del 40% de los hogares más pobres, el aumento fue de 15,6 pp. Los bonos fueron responsables de alrededor de una quinta parte del incremento observado en los partos institucionales en los distritos con programas. Los sistemas de bonos universales tuvieron un efecto mayor sobre la probabilidad de dar a luz en un centro público que los sistemas destinados a las mujeres más pobres. Ambos tipos de sistemas aumentaron la posibilidad de recibir atención postnatal, pero dicho incremento fue significativo solo para las mujeres que no eran pobres. Los sistemas de bonos universales no dirigidos a un grupo en concreto aumentaron notablemente la probabilidad de recibir atención prenatal. Conclusión Los sistemas de bonos aumentaron el número de partos en los centros de salud y, en menor medida, mejoraron la atención prenatal y postnatal. Sin embargo, los sistemas dirigidos a las mujeres más pobres no parecen ser eficientes, ya que estas mujeres ya tenían más probabilidades que las mujeres menos pobres de que se les animara a dar a luz en un centro público de atención sanitaria , incluso con los sistemas de bonos universales.

Résumé Objectif Évaluer l'effet des bons pour les soins de maternité dans les établissements publics de santé sur l'utilisation des services de santé maternelle au Cambodge. Méthodes L'étude a utilisé des données tirées de l'Enquête démographique et sanitaire du Cambodge de 2010, qui couvre les naissances ayant eu lieu entre 2005 et 2010. L'effet des programmes de bons, mis en œuvre au départ en 2007, sur l'utilisation des services de santé maternelle a été quantifié en utilisant la méthode des doubles différences, qui a comparé les variations d'utilisation dans les districts bénéficiant de programmes de bons avec les variations d'utilisation dans les districts sans programme de bons. Résultats En général, les programmes de bons étaient associés à une augmentation de 10,1 points de pourcentage (pp) de la probabilité d'accouchement dans un établissement public de soins de santé. Chez les femmes issues des 40% des ménages les plus pauvres, l'augmentation était de 15,6 pp. Les bons étaient responsables d'environ un cinquième de l'augmentation observée pour les accouchements dans les établissements des districts bénéficiant de programmes de bons. Les programmes de bons universels ont eu un effet plus important sur la probabilité d'accouchement dans un établissement public que les programmes ciblant les femmes les plus pauvres. Les deux types de programmes ont augmenté la probabilité de bénéficier de soins postnatals, mais cette augmentation était uniquement significative chez les femmes non pauvres. Le programme de bons universels et non ciblés a considérablement augmenté la probabilité de bénéficier de soins anténatals. Conclusion Les programmes de bons ont augmenté le nombre d'accouchements dans les centres de santé et, dans une moindre mesure, amélioré les soins anténatals et postnatals. Cependant, les programmes ciblant les femmes les plus pauvres n'ont pas paru efficaces, car ces femmes étaient plus susceptibles que les femmes moins pauvres d'être incitées à accoucher dans un établissement public de soins de santé, même avec des programmes de bons universels.

OBJETIVO: Identificar e caracterizar alterações na TCAR de tórax em mulheres com DPOC causada por exposição à fumaça da combustão de lenha. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas 42 pacientes com DPOC relacionada à exposição à fumaça de lenha, não fumantes, e 31 mulheres não fumantes e sem história de exposição à fumaça de lenha ou de doença pulmonar. Empregou-se um questionário para a obtenção de dados demográficos e informações sobre sintomas e exposições ambientais. Todas as participantes realizaram espirometria e TCAR de tórax. Os grupos DPOC e controle foram ajustados por idade, com 23 pacientes cada. RESULTADOS: A maioria das pacientes do grupo de estudo apresentava DPOC de leve a moderado (83,3%). Os achados de TCAR mais frequentes no grupo DPOC foram espessamento das paredes brônquicas, bronquiectasias, perfusão em mosaico, bandas parenquimatosas, padrão de árvore em brotamento e atelectasias laminares (p < 0,001 para todos na comparação com o grupo controle). As alterações, em geral, foram leves e de pequena extensão. Houve uma associação positiva entre espessamento das paredes brônquicas e duração da exposição à fumaça de lenha em horas-ano. O achado de enfisema centrolobular foi infrequente e não diferiu entre os grupos (p = 0,232). CONCLUSÕES: A exposição à fumaça de lenha provoca alterações predominantemente brônquicas, que podem ser detectadas por TCAR, mesmo nos casos de DPOC leve.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize alterations seen on HRCT scans in nonsmoking females with COPD due to wood smoke exposure. METHODS: We evaluated 42 nonsmoking females diagnosed with wood smoke-related COPD and 31 nonsmoking controls with no history of wood smoke exposure or pulmonary disease. The participants completed a questionnaire regarding demographic data, symptoms, and environmental exposure. All of the participants underwent spirometry and HRCT of the chest. The COPD and control groups were adjusted for age (23 patients each). RESULTS: Most of the patients in the study group were diagnosed with mild to moderate COPD (83.3%). The most common findings on HRCT scans in the COPD group were bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis, mosaic perfusion pattern, parenchymal bands, tree-in-bud pattern, and laminar atelectasis (p < 0.001 vs. the control group for all). The alterations were generally mild and not extensive. There was a positive association between bronchial wall thickening and hour-years of wood smoke exposure. Centrilobular emphysema was uncommon, and its occurrence did not differ between the groups (p = 0.232). CONCLUSIONS: Wood smoke exposure causes predominantly bronchial changes, which can be detected by HRCT, even in patients with mild COPD.