Consumo de psicoestimulantes por estudantes de medicina em um centro universitário privado / Consumption of psychostimulants by medical students in a private university center

O consumo de psicoestimulantes tem crescido exponencialmente, sobretudo entre estudantes de medicina, na busca por aumentar o rendimento acadêmico. Atualmente, a extensa carga horária de aulas e estudos, exigências de produtividade e altos níveis de estresse podem desencadear o uso. Objetivo: Analisar o uso de psicoestimulantes por estudantes do curso de Medicina de um Centro Universitário privado em Minas Gerais. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, quantitativo, com delineamento transversal entre os discentes do 1° ao 5° ano do curso de Medicina no 2° semestre de 2021. Os participantes responderam ao questionário semi-estruturado elaborado pelos autores. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados no software Statistical Product and Service Solutions. Resultados: Dos 244 entrevistados, cerca de 57.4% faziam uso de algum psicoestimulante. Houve maior uso entre os estudantes do 2° ano e as principais substâncias utilizadas foram: cafeína (85%), energético (65%) e metilfenidato (60%). A melhora na concentração (97%) foi o efeito mais percebido pelos usuários, seguido de redução do sono (83%) e melhora de raciocínio (80%). Muitos consideraram que os estimulantes cerebrais têm o potencial de melhorar o rendimento acadêmico, mas pode reduzir a qualidade do sono e consequentemente torná-los susceptíveis a outras enfermidades. Conclusão: É notável que existe uso abusivo de estimulantes cerebrais, sendo fundamental o trabalho em conjunto entre instituição de ensino e familiares, em prol da prevenção e do controle de danos causados por esse hábito

The consumption of psychostimulants has grown exponentially, especially among medical students, in the quest to increase academic performance. Currently, the extensive workload of classes and studies, productivity demands and high levels of stress can trigger use. Objective: To analyze the use of psychostimulants by medical students at a private University Center in Minas Gerais. Methods: A descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out among students from the 1st to the 5th year of the medicine course in the 2nd semester of 2021. The participants answered the semi-structured questionnaire prepared by the authors. The data obtained were tabulated in the Statistical Product and Service Solutions software. Results: Of the 244 respondents, about 57.4% used some psychostimulant. There was greater use among 2nd year students and the main substances used were: caffeine (85%), energy drink (65%) and methylphenidate (60%). Improved concentration (97%) was the effect most perceived by users, followed by reduced sleep (83%) and improved thinking (80%). Many considered that brain stimulants have the potential to improve academic performance, but can reduce sleep quality and consequently make them susceptible to other illnesses. Conclusion: It is notable that there is abusive use of brain stimulants, and it is essential to work together between educational institutions and family members in order to prevent and control the damage caused by this habit

Estimulantes de tipo anfetamínico en estudiantes de medicina latinoamericanos: una revisión / Amphetamine-type stimulants in Latin American medicine students: a review

Introducción: el consumo de estimulantes de tipo anfetamínico (ETA) y sus derivados está cada vez más presente en los estudiantes universitarios y, en particular, en los programas de medicina. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue revisar la literatura sobre el uso de ETA y sus derivados en estudiantes de medicina latinoamericanos. Materiales y método: se realizó una revisión de la literatura disponible, utilizando las bases de datos PubMed, SciELO y LILACS. Se encontraron un total de 1.054 artículos, de los cuales 17 fueron seleccionados para esta revisión. Resultados: la revisión muestra, en general, una mayor frecuencia de uso de ETA en estudiantes de medicina de América Latina en comparación con la población general y estudiantes de otras carreras universitarias. También existe una tendencia a un mayor uso en hombres, de mayor nivel socioeconómico y en cursos posteriores del programa. La razón más informada para usar ETA fue aumentar el rendimiento académico. Como factor protector se destacaron los deportes, el tiempo en familia y la profesión de alguna creencia religiosa. De los artículos seleccionados, no se encontraron estudios sobre las consecuencias a largo plazo del uso de ETA en estudiantes de medicina. Discusión: en resumen, los estudiantes de medicina latinoamericanos tienen un alto consumo de ETA, por lo que es evidente la necesidad de nuevos estudios para mejorar la precisión estadística, determinar factores de riesgo específicos, estudiar las consecuencias a largo plazo y establecer políticas de prevención y tratamiento.

Introduction: the consumption of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and their derivatives are increasingly present in university students and in particular in medical programs. The main objective of this study was to review the literature on the use of ATS and their derivatives in Latin American medical students. Materials and method: a review of the literature available was performed, using PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases. A total of 1054 articles were found, of which 17 were selected for this review. Results: the review generally shows a higher frequency of use of ATS in medical students of Latin America compared to the general population and students from other university degrees. There is also a tendency of a higher use in men, from higher socioeconomic status, and in later courses of the program. The most reported reason for using ATS was to increase the academic performance. As a protective factor, sports, family time and professing some religious belief stood out. Of the selected articles, no studies were found on the long-term consequences of the use of ATS in medical students. Discussion: in summary, Latin American medical students have a high consumption of ATS, and therefore there is an evident need for new studies to improve statistical precision, to determine specific risk factors, to study long-term consequences, and to stablish prevention policies and treatment.

Análisis médico legal de la toxicomanía por MDMA: reporte de caso / Medical-legal relationship of MDMA drug addiction: case report

Resumen El análisis por toxicomanía representa un proceso común solicitado por la Autoridad Judicial para determinar si un usuario presenta hallazgos compatibles con el uso de una droga a nivel clínico, componentes histológicos, patológicos y toxicológicos que puedan generar su uso. Es necesario destacar las limitaciones del ambiente clínico donde se pueden generar múltiples hallazgos, y de la toxicología forense donde a pesar de la especificidad a la que se asocia; también se encuentra limitada por la capacidad de sus equipos tecnológicos. La resonancia magnética nuclear cuantitativa de hidrógeno representa grandes ventajas al demostrar la presencia de una droga ilegal, así como la posibilidad de disminuir costos y tiempo laboral. El uso del MDMA como tratamiento con una reciente aprobación para un estudio de fase III por la FDA, también requiere que se valore el motivo de su uso, por lo que para realizar un análisis médico legal se contemplaron diversos elementos de juicio a fin de satisfacer la evaluación sobre la toxicomanía por MDMA en un usuario que presentó un tejido granular blanco tipo polvo en la sección distal del tabique nasal y negó el consumo de metanfetaminas.

Abstract The analysis for drug addiction represents a common process requested by the Judicial Authority to determine if a user presents findings compatible with the use of a drug at a clinical level, histological, pathological and toxicological components that may generate its use. It is necessary to highlight the limitations of the clinical environment where multiple findings can be generated, and of forensic toxicology where despite the specificity to which it is associated; it is also limited by the capacity of its technological equipment. Quantitative hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance represents great advantages when demonstrating the presence of an illegal drug, as well as the possibility of reducing costs and labor time. The use of MDMA as a treatment with a recent approval for a phase III study by the FDA, also requires that the reason for its use be assessed, therefore, in order to carry out a legal medical analysis, various elements of judgment were considered in order to satisfy evaluation of MDMA drug addiction in a user who presented with white powder-like granular tissue in the distal section of the nasal septum and denied the use of methamphetamine.

Patologia do desempenho: TDAH, drogas estimulantes e formas de sofrimento no capitalismo / Performance pathology: ADHD, stimulant drugs, and forms of suffering in the capitalism / Patología de desempeño: TDAH, drogas estimulantes y formas de sufrimiento en el capitalismo

O consumo de medicamentos estimulantes cresceu nos últimos anos, no Brasil e no mundo. Pessoas de diferentes idades, especialmente crianças e adolescentes, passaram a consumir estimulantes como a principal terapêutica utilizada para tratar o transtorno do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH). Nesse contexto, estimulantes como as anfetaminas e o metilfenidato, mais conhecidos pelos nomes comerciais de Adderall e Ritalina, ganharam visibilidade social em razão da associação desses psicofármacos ao aperfeiçoamento de funções psíquicas como a atenção e o aumento na qualidade e no tempo de rendimento dos sujeitos nas mais variadas atividades. Com isso, aumentou também a procura desses estimulantes por pessoas que não estão em tratamento médico, mas que buscam aprimorar seu desempenho nas atividades que realizam. Diante desse cenário, o objetivo deste artigo foi demonstrar como o crescimento no consumo de estimulantes, seja por sujeitos em tratamento médico ou não, está relacionado aos processos de socialização hegemônicos nas sociedades capitalistas atualmente. Articulando o contexto apresentado com os conceitos da psicanálise lacaniana, foi possível concluir que o consumo massivo de estimulantes está relacionado aos processos de patologização e medicalização da existência, colocados em movimento por uma articulação entre o discurso médico-científico e o discurso do capitalista na contemporaneidade.(AU)

The consumption of stimulating drugs has grown in recent years in Brazil and worldwide. People of all ages, especially children and adolescents, started to use stimulants as the main therapy used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this context, stimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, better known by the trade names Adderall and Ritalin, have gained social visibility due to the association of these psychoactive drugs with the improvement of psychic functions such as attention and the increase in quality and performance time of subjects in the most varied activities. As a result, the demand for these stimulants has also increased by people who are not undergoing medical treatment, but who seek to improve their performance in the activities they perform. Given this scenario, this article aimed to demonstrate how the growth in the consumption of stimulants, whether by subjects undergoing medical treatment or not, is related to the hegemonic socialization processes in capitalist societies today. Articulating the context presented with the concepts of Lacanian psychoanalysis, it was possible to conclude that the massive consumption of stimulants is related to the processes of pathologization and medicalization of existence, set in motion by an articulation between the medical-scientific discourse and the capitalist discourse in contemporary times.(AU)

El consumo de drogas estimulantes ha crecido en los últimos años, en Brasil y en otros países. Diversas personas, especialmente niños y adolescentes, comenzaron a usar estimulantes como la terapia principal utilizada para tratar el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH). En este contexto, los estimulantes como las anfetaminas y el metilfenidato, mejor conocidos por los nombres comerciales Adderall y Ritalina, han ganado visibilidad social debido a la asociación de estas drogas psicoactivas a la mejora de las funciones psíquicas, como la atención y el aumento de la calidad y el tiempo de rendimiento de los pacientes en diversas actividades. Como resultado, la demanda de estos estimulantes también ha aumentado por las personas que no reciben tratamiento médico, pero que buscan mejorar su desempeño en las actividades que realizan. Dado este escenario, el objetivo de este artículo era demostrar cómo el crecimiento en el consumo de estimulantes, ya sea por sujetos que reciben tratamiento médico o no, está relacionado con los procesos de socialización hegemónica en la sociedad capitalista actual. De la articulación del contexto presentado con los conceptos del psicoanálisis lacaniano se concluye que el consumo masivo de estimulantes está relacionado con los procesos de patologización y medicalización de la existencia, puestos en marcha por una articulación entre el discurso médico-científico y el discurso capitalista en los tiempos contemporáneos.(AU)

Administración crónica de cafeína evita la alteración de la glucosa postprandial en ratas / Chronic caffeine administration prevents postprandial glucose disturbance in rats

La administración crónica de cafeína evita la alteración de la glucosa postprandial en ratas. El aumento en el consumo de la cafeína alrededor del mundo no es discutible, es así como su investigación se ha vuelto extensa en sus diferentes campos. Objetivo. Analizar los efectos de la administración crónica de cafeína en ratas alimentadas con dieta de cafetería, a través de evaluar índices de consumo, antropométricos y bioquímicos. Materiales y métodos. La dieta de cafetería es un modelo dietético equivalente a las características de la dieta occidental típica que origina síndrome metabólico en humanos. En esta investigación se realizó la administración crónica vía intraperitoneal de cafeína por ocho semanas a ratas adultas macho Wistar alimentadas con dieta de cafetería. Dada la poca evidencia acerca de los efectos biológicos y comportamentales de la administración crónica de dicha sustancia frente a un modelo de dieta de cafetería se evaluaron parámetros de consumo, antropométricos y bioquímicos. Resultados. La dieta de cafetería ocasionó anomalías asociadas al síndrome metabólico; no obstante, la administración de cafeína en las ratas alimentadas con esa dieta resultó ser un factor protector en la glucosa postprandial, más no en la alteración de la tolerancia a la glucosa o perfil lipídico. Conclusiones. La cafeína permitió proteger los niveles de glucosa postprandial al término del experimento y un descenso en el peso corporal y consumo de alimento solo en la primera semana. Sin embargo, no se observaron mejoras significativas en el perfil de lípidos, adiposidad, tolerancia a la glucosa y glucosa plasmática(AU)

Chronic caffeine administration prevents postprandial glucose disturbance in rats. The increase in caffeine consumption is not debatable, this is how his research has become extensive in his different fields. Objective. To analyze the effects of chronic administration of caffeine in rats fed a cafeteria diet, by evaluating consumption, anthropometric and biochemical indices. Previous studies refer to administering caffeine in diets high in carbohydrates and / or in fat that induce obesity or symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Material and methods. The cafeteria diet is a dietary model equivalent to the characteristics of the typical western diet that causes metabolic syndrome in humans. In this research, chronic intraperitoneal administration of caffeine was performed for 8 weeks to adult male Wistar rats fed a cafeteria diet. Given the little evidence about the biological and behavioral effects of the chronic administration of this substance against a cafeteria diet model, consumption, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results. After eight weeks it was found that the cafeteria diet given to the controls caused abnormalities associated with the metabolic syndrome; regarding the administration of caffeine in the rats fed this diet, the treatment turned out to be a protective factor in postprandial glucose, but not in the alteration of glucose tolerance or lipid profile. Conclusions. Caffeine allowed to protect postprandial glucose levels at the end of the experiment and a decrease in body weight and food consumption only in the first week. However, no significant improvements were seen in lipid profile, adiposity, glucose tolerance, and plasma glucose(AU)

Inhibitory Effect of CCK-8 on Methamphetamine-Induced Apoptosis / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the inhibitory effect of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) binding to cholecystokinin 2 receptor (CCK2R) on methamphetamine (METH)-induced neuronal apoptosis, and to explore the signal transduction mechanism of β-arrestin 2 in CCK-8 inhibiting METH-induced neuronal apoptosis.@*METHODS@#SH-SY5Y cell line was cultured, and HEK293-CCK1R and HEK293-CCK2R cell line were constructed by lentivirus transfection. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown the expression of β-arrestin 2. Annexin Ⅴ-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry were used to detect the apoptotic rate of cells, and Western blotting was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins.@*RESULTS@#The apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells was induced by 1 mmol/L and 2 mmol/L METH treatment, the number of nuclear fragmentation and pyknotic cells was significantly increased, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were increased. CCK-8 pre-treatment at the dose of 0.1 mmol/L and 1 mmol/L significantly reversed METH-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells, and inhibited cell nuclear fragmentation, pyknosis and the changes of apoptosis-related proteins induced by METH. In lentivirus transfected HEK293-CCK1R and HEK293-CCK2R cells, the results revealed that CCK-8 had no significant effect on METH-induced changes of apoptosis-related proteins in HEK293-CCK1R cells, but it could inhibit the expression level of apoptosis-related proteins in HEK293-CCK2R cells induced by METH. The inhibitory effect of CCK-8 on METH-induced apoptosis was blocked by the knockdown of β-arrestin 2 expression in SH-SY5Y cells.@*CONCLUSIONS@#CCK-8 can bind to CCK2R and exert an inhibitory effect on METH-induced apoptosis by activating the β-arrestin 2 signal.

Abuse of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Its Prevention / 法医学杂志

Abuse of pharmaceutical drugs is a major public health and social problem worldwide. Mostly abused drugs mainly include opioids such as morphine, tramadol, methadone and fentanyl, sedative-hypnotics such as benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines, and central stimulants such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and modafinil. Abuse of pharmaceutical drugs not only causes direct damage to multiple systems of the body, but also significantly increases risks of mental and physical diseases, imposing a heavy burden on individuals, families and society. Therefore, the prevention and control of pharmaceutical drug abuse are of vital importance. The Chinese government has taken strict administration measures for pharmaceutical drugs with abuse risk. However, confronting endless new drugs and changing abuse trends, it is necessary to further strengthen management and prevention of pharmaceutical drugs, monitor the trend of abuse, establish rapid response mechanisms, popularize relevant knowledge, and develop specific therapeutic drugs and intervention means, in order to promote prevention and treatment of pharmaceutical drug abuse.

Influence of sleep quality on medical students' academic performance / Influência da qualidade do sono no desempenho acadêmico de estudantes de medicina

Objective: To identify the main factors affecting medical stu- dents' sleep quality and the probable relationship between sleep and academic performance throughout the course. Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative study was carried out at a private higher education institution in the city of Araguari (MG), Brazil. The sample consisted of 110 regularly enrolled medical students. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire were applied. Statistical analy- sis was performed using the one way analysis of variance test with the post-hoc Tukey test, two way analysis of variance Test, and Student's t-test. Results: Out of the 105 students analyzed, 19.04% (n=20) were classified as "good" sleepers and 80.95% (n=85) as "poor" sleepers. No statistically significant difference was observed between the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire scores and the students' grades averages or the students' academic terms. Conclusion: The majority of the students was classified as "poor" sleepers. The use of ener- getic substances and the female sex were the two significant factors that may affect sleep quality. There was no relationship between sleep quality and academic performance.

Objetivo: Identificar os principais fatores que afetam a qualidade do sono de acadêmicos de medicina e a provável relação entre o sono e o desempenho escolar ao longo do curso. Métodos: Estudo transversal de cunho qualiquantitativo realizado em uma institui- ção privada de ensino superior da cidade de Araguari (MG). A amostra foi constituída de 110 acadêmicos do curso de medi- cina regularmente matriculados. Aplicaram-se um questioná- rio sociodemográfico e o Questionário Índice de Qualidade de Sono de Pittsburgh. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste de análise de variância one way com post-hoc de Tukey, teste de análise de variância two way e teste t Student. Resultados: Dos 105 estudantes analisados, 19,05% (n=20) foram classificados como bons dormidores e 80,95% (n=85) como maus dormidores. Não houve diferença significativa entre o escore do Questioná- rio Índice de Qualidade de Sono de Pittsburgh e as médias de notas semestrais, tampouco entre o escore do questionário e os períodos letivos. Conclusão: A maioria dos acadêmicos foi clas- sificada como maus dormidores. Uso de substâncias energéticas e sexo feminino foram os fatores significativos que podem afetar a qualidade do sono. Não houve relação entre a qualidade do sono e o desempenho acadêmico.

Consumo de psicoestimulantes por estudantes de medicina de uma universidade do extremo sul do Brasil: resultados de um estudo de painel / Consumption of psychostimulants by medical students at a university in southern Brazil: results of a panel study

Objetivo: analisar a evolução do consumo de psicoestimulantes pelos acadêmicos de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) durante quatro anos. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo de painel com amostra de estudantes do primeiro ao quarto ano do curso de medicina, matriculados na instituição no período de 2015 a 2018. O estudo teve como desfecho o consumo de psicoestimulantes. Foram coletadas informações sobre o uso de cafeína, metilfenidato, piracetam, modafinil, bebidas energéticas, metilenodioximetanfetamina (ecstasy) e anfetaminas. O questionário foi composto de duas etapas. Na primeira, foram recolhidas informações demográficas, sobre hábitos e qualidade de vida. Na segunda, questionou-se sobre o consumo de substâncias estimulantes, abordando a frequência de uso, efeitos percebidos e a motivação para o consumo, assim como o início do consumo durante o curso. Resultados: a prevalência de uso dessas substâncias aumentou de 58% para 68% de 2015 a 2018. A proporção de acadêmicos que começaram a usar psicoestimulantes durante a faculdade, aumentou de 15% para 30%. Essa proporção aumentou conforme o ano do curso, passando de 25% no primeiro ano para 38% no quarto ano. Esse resultado foi atribuído, principalmente, ao uso de metilfenidato, cuja prevalência aumentou de 21% para 56% durante o período do estudo. Conclusões: o consumo de psicoestimulantes entre estudantes de medicina foi alto e o início de seu consumo durante a faculdade aumentou ao longo dos anos. Seu uso tem sido percebido como eficaz pela maioria dos usuários, o que pode dificultar o gerenciamento do uso indevido dessas substâncias.

Aims: To analyze the evolution of psychostimulants consumption by medical students of the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) during the period of four years. Methods: This was a panel study conducted with a sample of students from first to fourth year of medical training, enrolled on the institution on the period between 2015 and 2018. The main outcome of this investigation was the use of psychostimulants. We collected information about the consumption of caffeine, methylphenidate, modafinil, piracetam, energetic drinks, amphetamines and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy). The questionnaire was composed by two sections. First, information about socioeconomic and demographic variables, daily habits and quality of life were collected. In the second part, participants were asked about use of stimulant substances, frequency of its use, perceived effects, their motivation for consumption, as well as the beginning of consumption during the course. Results: Prevalence of use of these substances have increased from 58% to 68% between 2015 and 2018. Proportion of students that had started to use psychostimulants during college increased from 15% to 30% in this period. That proportion increased according to the year of graduation, passing from 25% on the first year to 38% on the fourth year. This result may be attributed mostly to the use of methylphenidate, whose prevalence increased from 21% to 56% during the period of the study. Conclusions: The consumption of psychostimulants among medical students was high, and the beginning of its consumption during college has increased over the years. Its use has been perceived as effective by most users, which may hamper the management of the misuse of these substances.

Hémosidérose du système nerveux central: apport diagnostique de l'Imagerie par Résonnace Magnétique / Hemosiderosis of the central nervous system: diagnostic contribution of Magnetic Resonnace Imagery

Introduction. L'hémosidérose du système nerveux central est une pathologie rare liée au dépôt d'hémosidérine à la surface du cerveau, des nerfs crâniens et de la moelle épinière secondaire à un saignement chronique. Nous rapportons un cas d'hémosidérose du système nerveux central chez une patiente jeune dans un tableau de méningite. A travers notre observation nous voulons décrire l'apport diagnostique de l'Imagerie par Resonnace Magnétique dans cette pathologie. Observation. Patiente de 39ans, sans antécédents particuliers, avait consulté au service des urgences pour des céphalées d'apparition brutale associées à des nausées. Le scanner cérébral objectivait un discret effacement des sillons corticaux et une sinusite sphénoïdale. L'Imagerie par Resonnace Magnétique cérébrale et médullaire objectivait un dépôt d'hémosidérine en hyposignal T2 Echo de gradient au niveau du cortex cérébral et de la moelle épinière. Le bilan étiologie du saignement chronique était négatif à l'angio-Imagerie par Resonnace Magnétique du polygone de Willis. La glycorachie était à 1,5g/l pour une glycémie à 5,6g/l (hypoglycorachie), la protéinorachie était à 2,43g/l sans bactériémie mais présence de 590 éléments dont 72% de lymphocytes et 27% de polynucléaires neutrophiles. Conclusion. L'Imagerie par Resonnace Magnétique est une technique indispensable au diagnostic de l'hémosidérose cérébro-méningée.

Lisdexamfetamine to improve excessive daytime sleepiness and weight management in narcolepsy: a case series

Objective: To report the successful use of lisdexamfetamine in the management of narcolepsy. Methods: Five narcoleptic patients received lisdexamfetamine, at different dosages and for different periods, for management of excessive daytime sleepiness and weight control. Results: All patients experienced improvement of excessive daytime sleepiness and lost weight without side effects. Conclusion: Lisdexamfetamine appears promising for the treatment of two of the most common symptoms of narcolepsy: excessive daytime sleepiness and weight gain.

Efectos adversos a nivel cardiovascular y neurológico asociados al consumo de modafinilo / Adverse effects at the cardiovascular and neurological level associated with the consumption of modafinil

Resumen Introducción: el modafinilo es un fármaco neuroestimulante utilizado principalmente para promover estados de vigilia atención y disminuir la fatiga ante ciertos comportamientos que propician la somnolencia diurna excesiva. Objetivo: identificar en la literatura científica los efectos adversos neurológicos y cardiovasculares causados por el consumo del modafinilo. Materiales y Métodos: revisión bibliográfica de los artículos encontrados entre los meses de abril y julio de 2019 en las bases de datos PUBMED, SCOPUS, DIALNET. 51 artículos superaron la evaluación de calidad metodológica y se incluyeron en la revisión. Resultados: se identificaron que los principales efectos adversos a nivel cardiovascular son la cardiomiopatía Tako-Tsubo y la taquicardia ventricular polimórfica, mientras que a nivel neurológico puede generar insomnio y distonías. Conclusiones: El consumo del modafinilo genera repercusiones en las funciones cognitivas y cardiovasculares por lo cual no es aconsejable su uso a largo plazo en personas sanas. MÉD. UIS.2020;33(1):31-8.

Abstract Introduction: modafinil is a neurostimulant drug used mainly to promote wakefulness, attention and decrease fatigue in certain behaviors that cause excessive daytime sleepiness. Objective: identify in the scientific literature the neurological and cardiovascular adverse effects caused by the consumption of modafinil. Materials and Methods: bibliographic review of the articles found between the months of April and July of 2019 in the PUBMED, SCOPUS, DIALNET databases. 51 articles passed the methodological quality assessment and were included in the review. Results: the main adverse effects at the cardiovascular level were identified as Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, while at the neurological level it can generate insomnia and dystonia. Conclusions: the consumption of modafinil generates repercussions on cognitive and cardiovascular functions, so its long-term use in healthy people is not advisable. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1):31-8.

Combining neuropsychological tests to improve the assessment of arithmetic difficulties in children with ADHD / Combinando testes neuropsicológicos para melhorar a avaliação de dificuldades aritméticas em crianças com TDAH

Abstract Objective: To compare the ways of evaluating arithmetic skills in Brazilian children with ADHD by combining three validated neuropsychological tests and determining whether they are sensitive to the methylphenidate treatment. Methods: Forty-two children (9‒12 years old) participated in the present study: 20 were children with ADHD (DSM-IV) and 22 were age-matched controls. A classification criterion was used for each test separately and one, for their combination to detect the presence of arithmetic difficulties at two time points: baseline (time 1); and when children with ADHD were taking 0.3‒0.5 mg/kg of methylphenidate (time 2). The study also assessed children's subtraction performance, combining parts of these tests. Results: Separately, the tests were only sensitive to differences between groups without medication. However, by combining the three neuropsychological tests, we observed a difference and detected a reduction in arithmetic difficulties associated with the methylphenidate treatment. The same effects were found in subtraction exercises, which require a borrowing procedure. Conclusions: The present study detected arithmetic difficulties in Brazilian children with ADHD and the effects of methylphenidate. Given this improvement in sensitivity, combining tests could be a promising alternative when working with limited samples.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar as formas de avaliar as habilidades aritméticas em crianças brasileiras com TDAH, combinando três testes neuropsicológicos validados, e verificar se são sensíveis ao tratamento com metilfenidato. Métodos: Quarenta e duas crianças (9‒12 anos) participaram deste estudo: 20 eram crianças com TDAH (DSM-IV) e 22 eram controles pareados por idade. Usamos um critério de classificação para cada teste separadamente e outro para a combinação entre eles, visando detectar a presença de dificuldades aritméticas em dois momentos: início (tempo 1) e quando as crianças com TDAH estavam tomando 0,3‒0,5 mg/kg de metilfenidato (tempo 2). O estudo também avaliou o desempenho dessas crianças em operações de subtração, combinando partes desses testes. Resultados: Separadamente, os testes foram sensíveis apenas às diferenças entre os grupos sem medicação. Entretanto, ao combinar os três testes neuropsicológicos, foi possível observar uma diferença e detectar uma redução das dificuldades aritméticas associadas ao tratamento com metilfenidato. Os mesmos efeitos foram encontrados em exercícios de subtração que exigem o procedimento de empréstimo. Conclusões: O estudo foi capaz de detectar dificuldades aritméticas em crianças brasileiras com TDAH e os efeitos do metilfenidato. Dada essa melhora na sensibilidade, combinar testes poderia ser uma alternativa promissora ao trabalhar com amostras limitadas.

Valoración del cociente Theta/Beta en el electroencefalograma cuantificado de los trastornos por déficit de atención e hiperactividad / Measurement of the theta / beta ratio with the quantified electroencephalogram in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders

El cociente Theta-Beta (T/B) del electroencefalograma cuantificado (EEGQ) de los pacientes con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) constituye una variable del EEG característica del trastorno primario con una precisión global del 89%. El objetivo de este estudio es medir el cociente T/B de una población de con TDAH y los efectos del tratamiento farmacológico con psicoestimulantes y no psicoestimulantes sobre el cociente T/B. La muestra estaba formada por 85 sujetos de entre 6 y los 18 años (68 niños y 17 niñas) con el diagnóstico de TDAH de subtipo inatento y combinado, según los criterios del DSM-V. Se les realizó un EEGQ con medición del cociente T/B antes y después de 6 meses de tratamiento con fármacos psicoestimulantes y no psicoestimulantes. Se compararon ambos grupos mediante la prueba de rangos con signo de Wilcoxon para muestras relacionadas. En el 86% de los casos el cociente T/B fue elevado respecto de los valores normales para la edad. La reducción en el cociente T/B fue significativa en el grupo tratado con psicoestimulantes aunque la reducción con los no psicoestimulantes no fue significativa. En conclusión, se confirma la elevación del cociente T/B en los pacientes con TDAH. Los fármacos psicoestimulantes disminuyen de forma significativa el cociente T/B elevado en los pacientes con TDAH tras 6 meses de tratamiento.

Theta-Beta (T / B) ratio of the quantified electroencephalogram (EEGQ) in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) constitutes a characteristic EEG variable of the primary disorder with an overall accuracy of 89%. The objective of this study was to measure the T/B ratio in a sample of patients with ADHD and the effects of the treatment with psychostimulants and non-psychostimulants on the T/B ratio. The sample consisted of 85 children between 6 and 18 years (68 males and 17 females) with the diagnosis of the inattentive and combined subtype of ADHD, according to the criteria of the DSM-V. An EEGQ was performed with measurement of the T/B ratio before and after 6 months of treatment with psychostimulant and non-psychostimulant drugs. Both groups were compared using the Wilcoxon signed range test for related samples. The results showed that 86% of the cases had a T/B ratio above the normal values for the age of them. The reduction in the T/B ratio was statistically significant in the group of patients treated with psychostimulants. The reduction of non-psychostimulants was not significant. In conclusion, we confirmed the high T/B ratio in patients with ADHD. Psychostimulant drugs decrease the elevated T/B ratio in patients with ADHD after 6 months of treatment.

Tricotilomanía de nueva aparición durante el tratamiento con fármacos estimulantes. A propósito de dos casos clínicos pediátricos / New-onset trichotillomania during treatment with stimulant drugs. About two pediatric clinical cases

Los fármacos estimulantes se usan, habitualmente, en la población pediátrica para tratar el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad, y sus efectos secundarios están bien descritos. Sin embargo, la tricotilomanía no aparece como uno de ellos. En la literatura, hay algunos casos publicados de tricotilomanía en relación con la administración de metilfenidato y dextroanfetamina. Se presentan dos casos de tricotilomanía de nueva aparición en niños en seguimiento en nuestro Centro por déficit de atención e hiperactividad y en tratamiento con fármacos psicoestimulantes (metilfenidato y lisdexanfetamina), como probable efecto adverso de estos.

Stimulant drugs are commonly used in pediatric population in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and their side effects are well described, however trichotillomania does not appear as one of them. In the literature we found some published cases of trichotillomania in relation to methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. We present two cases of new-onset trichotillomania in children followed up in our center by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and treated with psychostimulant drugs (methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine), as a probable adverse effect of this treatment

Uso de metilfenidato en el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad / Use of methylphenidate in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Resumen El Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez se encuentra afiliado a la Colaboración Cochrane. Como parte de las actividades del Centro Cochrane del Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, se promueve el uso de las revisiones sistemáticas para la toma de decisiones en salud. Con ese objetivo, se realizará la publicación periódica de resúmenes de revisiones sistemáticas Cochrane sobre temas relevantes que apoyen la práctica clínica.

Abstract Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez is affiliated with the Cochrane Collaboration. As part of the activities of the Cochrane Center of the Hospital Infantil de México, the use of systematic reviews in health decision making is promoted. With this objective, summaries of Cochrane systematic reviews on relevant topics will be periodically published to support the clinical practice.

Prevalence of and factors associated with the use of methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement among university students / Prevalência e fatores associados ao uso de metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento farmacológico entre estudantes universitários

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with the use of methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement among undergraduate students. Methods Simple random sample of students of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (n=438), invited to answer an online questionnaire about the use of methylphenidate. Data collection occurred from September 2014 to January 2015. The sample was described by means of proportions, means and standard deviations. A multivariate analysis was performed using the Classification and Regression Tree algorithm to classify the cases of use of methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement in groups, based on the exposure variables. Results Out of 378 students included, 5.8% (n=22) reported using methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement; in that, 41% (9/22) in the 4 weeks prior to the survey. The housing situation was the variable most often associated with the use of methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement. Eleven students reported using methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement and other purposes 4 weeks prior to the survey, 27% of whom had no medical prescription to purchase it. Conclusion The use of methylphenidate for cognitive enhancement is frequent among Brazilian undergraduate students and should be considered a serious public health problem, especially due to risks of harm and adverse effects associated with its use.

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao uso de metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento entre estudantes universitários. Métodos Amostra aleatória simples de discentes da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (n=438), convidados a responder um questionário online sobre o consumo de metilfenidato. A coleta ocorreu de setembro de 2014 a janeiro de 2015. A amostra foi descrita em termos de proporções, médias e desvio padrão. A análise multivariada foi realizada utilizando o algoritmo Classification and Regression Tree para classificação dos casos de uso do metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento em grupos, com base nas variáveis de exposição. Resultados Dos 378 alunos incluídos, 5,8% (n=22) declararam ter feito uso de metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento, sendo 41% (9/22) nas 4 semanas anteriores à pesquisa. A situação da moradia foi a variável mais associada ao uso de metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento. Relataram o uso do metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento e outros fins nas 4 semanas anteriores à pesquisa 11 estudantes, sendo que 27% não apresentaram prescrição médica para adquiri-lo. Conclusão O uso de metilfenidato para neuroaprimoramento ocorre no meio acadêmico brasileiro e deve ser considerado sério problema de saúde pública, principalmente diante dos riscos de danos e efeitos adversos associados ao seu uso.

Circulación de información sobre medicamentos y otras sustancias para aumentar el rendimiento cognitivo: un estudio de un blog brasileño (2015-2017) / Circulation of information on drugs and other substances to increase cognitive performance: a study of a Brazilian blog (2015-2017)

RESUMEN Al observar los procesos de (bio)medicalización y farmacologización de la sociedad, este artículo aborda los medicamentos que han sido utilizados por individuos sanos para aumentar sus dimensiones cognitivas, como el estado de alerta, la memoria y la concentración. Las llamadas "drogas inteligentes" o "drogas nootrópicas" se han extendido entre los jóvenes a través de Internet. La circulación de información sobre tales drogas se analiza desde un blog brasileño llamado Cérebro Turbinado, sobre el que se realizó una investigación documental basada en el material publicado en el blog entre 2015 y 2017, de acceso público. La investigación adopta marcos teóricos y metodológicos de las ciencias sociales, junto a una perspectiva antropológica. Los resultados muestran que el blog actúa como un medio para la difusión del conocimiento biomédico entre el público lego y muestra la producción de nuevas formas de subjetividad al revelar los significados que se atribuyen a tales sustancias en los procesos de socialización.

ABSTRACT By observing the processes of (bio)medicalization and pharmaceuticalization of society, this article addresses drugs that have been used by healthy individuals to increase cognitive dimensions such as alertness, memory, and concentration. The use of so-called "smart drugs" or "nootropics" has spread among young people, aided by the internet. The circulation of information about such drugs are analyzed using a Brazilian blog called "Cérebro Turbinado," through publications available for public access between 2015 and 2017. The study adopts theoretical and methodological frameworks of the social sciences, including an anthropological perspective. Documental research was conducted on the internet, specifically with scientific dissemination materials and the material available from the aforementioned blog. The results show that the blog acts as a medium for spreading biomedical knowledge among the lay public and indicates the production of new forms of subjectivity by revealing the meanings attributed to these substances in socialization processes.

Evaluación del uso de fármacos y conducta en pacientes con síndrome X frágil / Asessment of pharmacological freatment and behavioral changes in patients with fragile X syndrome

El Síndrome X Frágil (SXF) es la principal causa heredada de Discapacidad intelectual (DI) y Trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Se caracteriza por presentar un fenotipo conductual asociado a hiperactividad, déficit atencional, impulsividad, ansiedad, trastornos conductuales, espectro autista y retraso global del desarrollo. No existe actualmente un tratamiento farmacológico para el trastorno genético de base. El tratamiento farmacológico se focaliza en los síntomas que interfieren con la calidad de vida y aprendizaje, entre ellos la irritabilidad e hiperactividad. OBJETIVO: Evaluar cambios conductuales a través de la escala conductual ABC, de pacientes masculinos con diagnóstico de SXF tratados con psicoestimulantes y/o antipsicóticos en comparación a controles. MÉTODO: Se evalúa a 40 pacientes hombres con diagnóstico de SXF entre los años 2014 y 2017. Se utiliza la evaluación de la conducta mediante el puntaje en la subescala de irritabilidad e hiperactividad de la encuesta ABC-C y el registro de fármacos indicados. Se compara la sintomatología conductual en pacientes que no utilizan fármacos, aquellos que utilizan antipsicóticos, los que usan psicoestimulantes y pacientes tratados con ambos fármacos. RESULTADOS: La mediana de edad fue de 15,1 (±9,3) años. Del total de pacientes, el 42,5% reportó uso de fármacos, de éstos el 35% utilizó psicoestimulantes, 35% antipsicóticos y 30% la combinación de ambos. Se observa que solo el grupo que recibe tratamiento con psicoestimulantes y antipsicóticos en forma simultánea presenta diferencias con el subgrupo sin tratamiento farmacológico. CONCLUSIONES: En más de la mitad de nuestros pacientes se decide no utilizar tratamiento farmacológico. Sin embargo, dichos pacientes igualmente presentan sintomatología de irritabilidad e hiperactividad. Los pacientes que recibieron terapia asociada de psicoestimulantes y antipsicóticos presentan puntajes significativamente más altos en la escala de irritabilidad que aquellos que no recibieron tratamiento farmacológico. Este grupo, que constituye el 12,5% del total de la muestra, presenta un fenotipo conductual que genera mayores dificultades en la calidad de vida del paciente y su entorno.

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the main inherited cause of Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. It characteristically presents as a behavioral phenotype asso- ciated with hyperactivity, attention deficit, impulsivity, anxiety, behavioral disorders, autistic spectrum and global developmental delay. There is currently no pharmacological treatment for the underlying genetic disorder. Pharmacological treatment targets symptoms that interfere with quality of life and learning, including irritability and hyperactivity.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate behavioral changes through the ABC behavioral scale of male patients diagnosed with FXS treated with psychostimulants and / or antipsychotics compared to controls. METHOD: 40 male patients with a diagnosis of FXS between 2014 and 2017 were evaluated. The behavioral assessment was done by scoring the irritability and hyperactivity subscale of the ABC-C survey and by registering the prescribed drug. Behavioral symptomatology was compared in patients who do not use drugs, those who use antipsychotics, those who use psychostimulants and patients treated with both drugs. RESULTS: The median age was 15.1 (± 9.3) years. Of the total of patients, 42.5% were prescribed drugs, of these 35% used psychostimulants, 35% antipsychotics and 30% the combination of both. It was observed that the group that received treatment with both psychostimulants and antipsychotics simultaneously presented differences with the subgroup without pharmacological treatment.CONCLUSIONS: In more than half of our patients no pharmacological treatment is prescribed. However, these patients also show symptoms of irritability and hyperactivity. Patients who received associated therapy of psychostimulants and antipsychotics have significantly higher scores on the irritability scale than those who did not receive pharmacological treatment. This group, which constitutes 12.5% of the total sample, has a behavioral phenotype that generates greater difficulties in the patient's quality of life and their environment.