Hemoptise em hospital de referência em pneumologia* Hemoptysis in a referral hospital for pulmonology

Abstract Objective: To determine the main causes of hemoptysis and to classify this symptom, in terms of the amount of blood expectorated, in patients hospitalized at a referral hospital for pulmonology. Methods: The study included 50 patients with hemoptysis admitted to the pulmonology ward of a general hospital in the city of Recife, Brazil, between July of 2005 and February of 2006. The data of interest were analyzed and compared with those in the literature. Results: The most common cause of hemoptysis was infection—in 39 patients (78%)—mostly related to tuberculosis sequelae or active tuberculosis. Regarding the severity of hemoptysis, moderate hemoptysis, diagnosed in 28 patients (56%), was the most common. Conclusions: Our results suggest that all patients who present with hemoptysis should be investigated for infection. Keywords: Hemoptysis/classification; Hemoptysis/etiology; Comorbidity. * Trabalho realizado no Hospital Geral Otavio de Freitas – HGOF – Recife (PE) Brasil.Endereco para correspondencia: Fernando Luiz Cavalcanti Lundgren. Avenida Visconde de Jequitinhonha, 2544, apto. 2601, CEP 51130-020, Boa Viagem, Recife, PE, Brasil.Tel 55 81 3326-7098. E-mail: lundgrenf@gmail.com ou fernando@lundgren.med.brApoio financeiro: Nenhum.Recebido para publicacao em 19/8/2009. Aprovado, apos revisao, em 18/2/2010.