Relação entre níveis de chumbo e cádmio no sangue e a prisão de ventre crônica refratária entre crianças iranianas / Relationship between lead and cadmium levels in blood and refractory chronic constipation among iranian children

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There is limited research examining reasons causing refractory chronic constipation (RCC) in children. The effects of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposures on this condition have been even less clear. However, some related factors may contribute to evaluation of blood lead levels (BLLs) and blood cadmium levels (BCLs). OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between Pb and Cd exposures and RCC in children living in the city of Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, in Southwestern Iran. METHODS: This study was performed on a total number of 48 children aged 2-13 years, including 36 medically-diagnosed RCC cases and 12 controls referring to a pediatric clinic in the city of Ahvaz. Their BLLs and BCLs were then determined using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The data from the researcher-designed questionnaire were also recoded and the related risk factors were analyzed through Spearman's correlation and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The findings revealed that the geometric means of Pb and Cd in blood samples in the control group were 58.95 µg/dL and 0.45 µg/dL; respectively. These values in the case group were equally 45.26 µg/dL and 0.26 µg/dL; respectively. A significant difference was additionally observed between BCLs in the case and control groups (P<0.01). All children in both groups also had BLLs greater than the permissible limit endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) (≤10 µg/dL). On the other hand, 8.3% of the individuals in the case group and 33.3% of those in the control group had BCLs higher than the acceptable range mentioned by WHO (≤0.5 µg/dL). CONCLUSION: Pb and Cd exposures due to environmental pollution and susceptibility to heavy metals may not be associated with RCC in children living in the city of Ahvaz. Although this research was the first one providing data on BLLs and BCLs in children with RCC, the findings could be useful for designing future epidemiologic studies.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Há limitadas pesquisas que procuram razões que causem constipação crônica refratária (CCR) em crianças. Os efeitos das exposições de chumbo (Pb) e cádmio (Cd) nesta condição têm sido ainda menos claros. No entanto, alguns fatores relacionados podem contribuir para a avaliação dos níveis de Pb no sangue (NPbSs) e dos níveis de Cd no sangue (NCdSs). OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo examinar a relação entre as exposições de Pb e Cd e a CCR em crianças residentes na cidade de Ahvaz, província de Khuzestan, no Sudoeste do Irã. MÉTODOS: Este estudo foi realizado em um número total de 48 crianças de 2 a 13 anos, incluindo 36 casos de CCR diagnosticados clinicamente, e 12 controles encaminhados a uma clínica pediátrica na cidade de Ahvaz. Seus NPbSs e NCdSs foram então determinados usando um espectrógrafo de absorção atômica do forno de grafite. Os dados do questionário projetado pelo pesquisador também foram recodificados, e os fatores de risco relacionados foram analisados por meio da análise de correlação e regressão logística de Spearman. RESULTADOS: Os achados revelaram que as médias geométricas de Pb e Cd em amostras de sangue no grupo controle foram de 58,95 μg/dL e 0,45 μg/dL; respectivamente. Esses valores no grupo constipação foram igualmente 45,26 μg/dL e 0,26 μg/dL; respectivamente. Observou-se diferença significativa entre os NCdSs nos grupos de caso e controle (P<0,01). Todas as crianças de ambos os grupos também apresentaram NPbSs maiores do que o limite permitido endossado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) (≤10 μg/dL). Por outro lado, 8,3% dos indivíduos no grupo de casos e 33,3% dos do grupo controle apresentaram NCdSs superiores à faixa aceitável mencionada pela OMS (≤0,5 μg/dL). CONCLUSÃO: As exposições de Pb e Cd por poluição ambiental e suscetibilidade a metais pesados podem não estar associadas à CCR em crianças residentes na cidade de Ahvaz. Embora esta pesquisa tenha sido a primeira a fornecer dados sobre NPbSs e NCdSs em crianças com CCR, os achados poderiam ser úteis para a concepção de futuros estudos epidemiológicos.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: lubiprostone efficacy on the treatment of patients with constipation / Revisão sistemática com metanálise: eficácia da lubiprostona no tratamento de pacientes com constipação

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Lubiprostone is a type 2 chloride channel activator that has been shown to be efficacious and safe in the treatment for chronic constipation. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing efficacy of lubiprostone for patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C) and opioid-induced constipation (OIC). METHODS: Searches were conducted in PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Collaboration Database, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Lubiprostone RCTs reporting outcomes of spontaneous bowel movements (SBM) and abdominal pain or discomfort were deemed eligible. Meta-analysis was performed calculating risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals, using the Mantel-Haenszel method and random effects model. RESULTS: Searches yielded 109 records representing 93 non-duplicate publications, and 11 RCTs (978 CIC, 1,366 IBS-C, 1,300 OIC, total = 3,644) met inclusion criteria. Qualitative synthesis showed that for CIC patients, lubiprostone is superior to placebo in terms of SBM outcomes. Meta-analysis for CIC was feasible for full responder and SBM within 24h rates, indicating superiority of lubiprostone over placebo. For IBS-C, lubiprostone was significantly superior for all SBM outcomes in follow-ups ranging from 1 week-3 months. In terms of abdominal pain, lubiprostone provided significantly better symptoms relief, particularly after 1 month of treatment. For OIC, lubiprostone was more effective than placebo for both SBM and discomfort measures. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that lubiprostone is superior to placebo in terms of SBM frequency for CIC, IBS-C and OIC. In terms of abdominal symptoms, the most pronounced effect was seen for abdominal pain in IBS-C patients.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Lubiprostona é um ativador de canal de cloreto tipo 2 que tem se demonstrado eficaz e seguro no tratamento da constipação crônica. OBJETIVO: Revisar sistematicamente ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECRs) avaliando a eficácia da lubiprostona para pacientes com constipação idiopática crônica (CIC), síndrome do intestino irritável com constipação predominante (IBS-C) e constipação induzida por opioide (OIC). MÉTODOS: Buscas foram conduzidas no PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Collaboration Database e Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. ECRs de lubiprostona relatando desfechos de movimentos intestinais espontâneos (SBM) e dor ou desconforto abdominal foram considerados elegíveis. Metanálise foi realizada calculando razão de riscos e intervalos de confiança de 95%, utilizando o método de Mantel-Haenszel e modelo de efeitos aleatórios. RESULTADOS: As buscas identificaram 109 registros representando 93 publicações não-duplicadas e 11 ECRs (978 pacientes de CIC, 1366 de IBS-C e 1300 OIC, total = 3644) preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Síntese qualitativa mostrou que, para pacientes com CIC, a lubiprostona foi superior ao placebo em termos de desfechos SBM. Metanálise para CIC foi possível para os desfechos de responder completo e taxa de SBM em 24 horas, indicando superioridade da lubiprostona sobre o placebo. Para IBS-C, lubiprostona foi significativamente superior para todos os desfechos de SBM em tempos de seguimento variando de 1 semana a 3 meses. Em termos de dor abdominal, lubiprostona proporciono alívio dos sintomas significativamente melhor, particularmente após 1 mês de tratamento. Para OIC, lubiprostona foi mais efetiva do que placebo tanto para medidas de SBM quando de desconforto abdominal. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos achados demonstraram que lubiprostona é superior ao placebo em termos de frequência de SBM para CIC, IBS-C e OIC. Em termos de sintomas abdominais, o efeito mais pronunciado foi visto para dor abdominal em pacientes com IBS-C.

Easy resolution of severe obstructive kidney injury

SUMMARY Chronic constipation is a common diagnosis with a high prevalence in the elderly. Constipation affects the quality of life of sick individuals, bringing several clinical complications.

RESUMO A obstipação crônica é um diagnóstico com alta prevalência comum em idosos. A constipação afeta a qualidade de vida das pessoas doentes, carregando muitas complicações clínicas.

Uso de opiáceos en niños con cáncer avanzado en cuidados paliativos / Use of opioids in palliative care of children with advanced cancer

INTRODUCCIÓN A pesar del avance en el tratamiento del cáncer en pediatría, en Chile el 15% de niños fallece por progresión de la enfermedad, siendo el dolor el síntoma más importante en esta etapa. Las pautas de la OMS demuestran que los opiáceos son fundamentales para controlar el dolor, sin embargo aún existe resistencia a su utilización. OBJETIVO Describir la experiencia en el uso de opiáceos para el manejo del dolor en pacientes pediátricos con cáncer avanzado en cuidados paliativos (CP). PACIENTES Y MÉTODO Estudio retrospectivo de datos registrados en fichas clínicas de pacientes oncológicos ingresados en el Programa de CP, Hospital de Niños Dr. Roberto del Río entre los años 2002 y 2013. Se analizaron datos demográficos, diagnóstico oncológico, intensidad del dolor al ingreso y egreso según escalas validadas. Se registró el uso de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, opiáceos débiles, opiáceos fuertes, fármacos coadyuvantes, efectos secundarios por uso de morfina y necesidad de sedación paliativa. RESULTADOS Se analizaron 99 fichas médicas, 64,6% de hombres, mediana de 8 años, distribución similar en grupos de enfermedades oncológicas. Al ingreso un 43,4% manifestó de dolor intenso a severo y al egreso solo 4 pacientes, pero con EVA máxima de 7 solo en un caso. De 66 pacientes que utilizaron opiáceos fuertes el 89% requirió menos de 0,5 mg/kg/h de morfina. El estreñimiento fue el efecto secundario más frecuente. Un 77% recibió algún fármaco coadyuvante para el manejo del dolor: 40 utilizaron corticoides, 11 benzodiacepinas y en 25 casos combinación de estos fármacos, incluyendo el uso de gabapentina en 7 casos. CONCLUSIONES Dos tercios de los pacientes requirieron opiáceos fuertes, logrando un adecuado control del dolor, sin observar complicaciones severas. El uso de opiáceos en este grupo de pacientes, siguiendo un protocolo, es efectivo y seguro.

INTRODUCTION Despite advances in the treatment of cancer in paediatric patients, 15% of children die from the illness progression in Chile, and pain is the most significant symptom in advanced stages. Although the World Health Organization guidelines demonstrate that opioids are fundamental in pain management, there is still resistance to their use. The main objective of this article was to describe the experience in the use of opioids for pain management in paediatric patients with advanced cancer in palliative care (PC). PATIENTS AND METHOD Retrospective study of patients admitted into the PC Program at the Hospital Roberto del Río between 2002 and 2013. Analysis was carried out on demographic data; oncological diagnosis; pain intensity on admission and discharge, according to validated scales; use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; weak opioids; strong opioids; adjuvants drugs; the presence of secondary effects resulting from the use of morphine, and the need for palliative sedation. RESULTS Of the 99 medical records analysed, the median age was 8 years, 64.6% were male, and there was a similar distribution in three oncological diagnosis groups. Upon admission, 43.4% presented intense to severe pain, and upon discharge there were four patients, but with a maximum VAS score of 7 in only one case. Of the 66 patients taking strong opioids, 89% required less than 0.5 mg/kg/hr. Constipation was the most frequently observed secondary effect. CONCLUSIONS Two thirds of the patients studied required strong opioids, with which adequate pain management was achieved, with no serious complications observed. The use of opioids in this group of patients, following a protocol, is considered effective and safe.

Clinical applications of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders in children.

Probiotics are widely used in promoting human health and adjunctive therapy of human disease. Many clinical trials and research studies have shown benefits of probiotics. We review the literature associated with the clinical applications of probiotics in paediatric diseases, including necrotizing enterocolitis, infantile colic, infectious diarrhoea or gastrointestinal infection, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, constipation, lactose intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain. We also summarize the representative probiotics that are commonly used in paediatric diseases.

Adherence and side effects of three ferrous sulfate treatment regimens on anemic pregnant women in clinical trials / Adesão e efeitos colaterais em ensaio clínico comparando três esquemas de tratamento com sulfato ferroso em gestantes anêmicas

The objective of this study was to analyze adherence and side effects of three iron supplement regimens (ferrous sulfate) on anemic pregnant women. The clinical trial involved 150 women between the 16th and 20th gestational weeks, at low obstetric risk and with hemoglobin concentration of between 8.0 and 11.0g/dL. Treatment was provided by ferrous sulfate with 60mg of elemental iron during 16 (± 1) weeks, in three regimens: single tablet a week (n = 48); single tablet twice a week (n = 53) or single tablet a day (n = 49). The outcomes were adherence, assessed through interviews and by counting tablets, and side effects, according to patient information. The adherence showed a declining trend (92 percent, 83 percent and 71 percent; p = 0.010) and the side effects revealed a growing trend (40 percent, 45 percent and 71 percent; p = 0.002) as the dosage increased. Diarrhea and epigastric pain were significantly associated with the dose administered (p = 0.002). These results suggest that in anemic pregnant women, complaints are directly proportional and the compliance is inversely proportional to the amount of medicinal iron.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a adesão e os efeitos colaterais de três esquemas de suplementação com sulfato ferroso em gestantes anêmicas. O ensaio clínico incluiu 150 mulheres entre a 16ª e 20ª semanas de gestação, de baixo risco obstétrico e com concentração de hemoglobina entre 8,0 e 11,0g/dL. A intervenção foi realizada com 60mg de ferro elementar, durante 16 (±1) semanas, em três esquemas: uma drágea semanal (n = 48); uma drágea duas vezes por semana (n = 53) ou uma drágea diariamente (n = 49). Os desfechos foram adesão, verificada por entrevista e contagem das drágeas, e efeitos colaterais auto-relatados pelas pacientes. A adesão apresentou tendência declinante (92 por cento, 83 por cento e 71 por cento; p = 0,010) e os efeitos colaterais, ascendente (40 por cento, 45 por cento e 71 por cento; p = 0,002) com o aumento da dose prescrita. Diarréia e dor epigástrica estiveram significativamente associadas à dose administrada (p = 0,002). Os resultados sugerem que em gestantes anêmicas as queixas e a adesão ao tratamento com sulfato ferroso são, respectivamente, direta e inversamente proporcionais à quantidade do ferro medicamentoso.

Long term use of thalidomide: safe and effective.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of high dose thalidomide therapy for longer duration of time in relapsed or refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve relapsed/refractory MM patients (7 Males, 5 Females), who received thalidomide for more than 2 years were selected from the Out Patient Department of Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (IRCH), AIIMS, India. Patients received thalidomide beginning at a dose of 200 mg/day with fortnightly increment to a maximum dose of 800 mg/day. Patients were assessed for response on the basis of M proteins (MP), bone marrow biopsy with touch preparation and skeletal X-rays. RESULTS: Nine patients tolerated a maximum dose of 800 mg/day whereas three patients were given 600 mg/day. All patients showed > or = 25-50% decline in serum /urine M proteins. Complete response/ near complete response was seen in 50%, partial response in 17% and minimal response (SD) in 34% patients. Median duration of thalidomide therapy was 47 months (range 29-60 months). Currently 11 patients are alive. TOXICITY: Varying degree of constipation and sedation were seen universally. One patient had DVT, which responded to anti-coagulant therapy. Other toxic effects included infections, skin reactions. There was no toxic death. CONCLUSION: Long-term use of thalidomide is safe, effective and feasible. We feel that this is one of few reports describing safety and efficacy of long-term thalidomide in relapsed and refractory MM.

Protective effect of vilva juice on glycoconjugate levels in experimentally induced constipation in rats.

Efficacy of vilva, a polyherbal formulation was evaluated in morphine induced constipated rats. Vilva juice, at a dose of 1.5 ml/100 g body wt was given orally for a period of 7 days. Morphine sulfate was injected to induce constipation on 8th day, 45 min before the experiments. Protein bound glycoconjungates were estimated in intestinal tissue. Altered levels of glycoconjugates were maintained at near normalcy when pretreated with vilva juice in morphine induced rats. Histological changes were observed in the colon tissue. The damage to crypts of Liberkunn in constipated rats were found to be reduced in vilva pretreated rats. Vilva, thus, offered significant protection against morphine induced constipation by way of augmenting mucus secretion.

Diarrea crónica por ingesta de laxantes / Chronic diarrhea due to laxatives

La constipación crónica es una condición muy frecuente en el sexo femenino. La toma habitual y muchas veces, autoprescrita de laxantes es igualmente frecuente. Los mucílagos y los lubricantes no tienen riesgos no así los irritantes drásticos que pueden producir cuadros diarreicos crónicos graves

Evaluation of amlodipine in mild to moderate hypertension--a clinical report.

Twenty two patients having mild to moderate hypertension were treated with a single daily dose of amlodipine for 4 weeks. Satisfactory response defined as final diastolic blood pressure < 90 mm of Hg and a reduction from baseline values > 10 mm of Hg could be achieved in 81.8% of patients in supine position and 70% of patients in standing position. Thirteen patients responded to 5 mg dose and 9 patients required 10 mg. Postural hypotension and reflex tachycardia were absent. Three patients has mild leg cramps and constipation. No deleterious effects were observed on liver, kidney and hemopoetic function, or on E.C.G. Changes. Amlodipine given once daily is effective and safe, and is a useful addition to the existing armamentarium of antihypertensive drugs.