Uso de medicamentos e fatores associados à polifarmácia em indivíduos com diabetes mellitus em Minas Gerais, Brasil / Drug utilization and factors associated with polypharmacy in individuals with diabetes mellitus in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso de medicamentos, a prevalência e os fatores associados à polifarmácia em pacientes com diabetes mellitus (DM) em Minas Gerais. Realizou-se um estudo transversal com descrição dos medicamentos em uso e análise da associação entre características sociodemográficas e clínicas com polifarmácia, por meio de regressão logística. Dos 2619 entrevistados, 56,5% estavam em polifarmácia. Medicamentos para DM, agentes no sistema renina-angiotensina e diuréticos foram os mais usados. Fatores como envelhecimento, presença de comorbidades e maior acesso aos serviços de saúde foram associados à polifarmácia. Observou-se elevada prevalência de polifarmácia, o que requer um cuidado adequado e melhor qualidade do uso de medicamentos para essa população.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of drugs and the factors associated with polypharmacy in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Minas Gerais. Descriptive analysis of drugs in use and logistic regression to estimate the association between socio-demographic and clinical characteristics with polypharmacy were performed. Of the 2619 respondents, 56.5% were in polypharmacy. Drugs for DM, agent in renin-angiotensin system, and diuretics are the most frequently used. Factors such as age, comorbidities and increased access to health services were associated with polypharmacy. It was observed high prevalence of polypharmacy, which requires a suitable care and better quality of drug use in this population.

Crisis hipercalcémica causada por adenoma paratiroideo: reporte de un caso clínico / Hypercalcemic crisis due to parathyroid adenoma: report of a clinical case

La hipercalcemia es un trastorno común que representa aproximadamente el 0,6% de todas las admisiones médicas agudas. El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP) y las neoplasias malignas son las dos causas más comunes de elevación de los niveles séricos de calcio; constituyen, en conjunto, alrededor del 90% de todos los casos. La presentación sintomática clásica de la hipercalcemia se observa con relativa poca frecuencia en el mundo desarrollado; la presentación más común es la detección asintomática en las pruebas bioquímicas. Sin embargo, en casos raros, el HPTP puede desarrollar hipercalcemia aguda, grave y sintomática, llamada crisis hipercalcémica (CH). Esta condición se asocia a alteraciones profundas en el estado mental y las funciones cardíaca, renal y gastrointestinal en presencia de concentraciones marcadamente elevadas de calcio sérico y paratohormona (PTH). Mientras que algunas elevaciones en el calcio sérico pueden ser bien toleradas, los síntomas de la CH son severos. Si el tratamiento se retrasa, la CH puede provocar la muerte. Describimos el caso de un paciente masculino que ingresa en la unidad de cuidados críticos por una CH secundaria a un HPTP por adenoma paratiroideo. (AU)

Hypercalcaemia is a most common disorder, accounting for approximately 0,6% of all acute medical admissions. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and malignancy are the two most common causes of increased serum calcium levels, together accounting for about 90% of all cases. The classical symptomatic presentation of hypercalcaemia is seen relatively rarely in the developed world, the most common presentation being asymptomatic and detected following on biochemical testing. However, in rare cases HPTP can result in acute, severe and symptomatic hypercalcemia, called hypercalcemic crisis (HC). This condition is associated with profound disturbances in mental status, and cardiac, renal, and gastrointestinal function in the presence of markedly increased serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. While some elevations in serum calcium can be well tolerated, symptoms of HC are severe. If treatment is delayed, HC can result in death. We describe herein a case of a male patient who was admitted to the intensive care unit as a consequence of HC resulting from elevated PTH, secondary to a parathyroid adenoma. We describe the case of a male patient who was admitted to the critical care unit for a HC mediated by PTH secondary to a parathyroid adenoma. (AU)

Sobrecarga hídrica em crianças submetidas à ventilação mecânica / Fluid overload in children undergoing mechanical ventilation

RESUMO Os pacientes admitidos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva estão sujeitos à sobrecarga fluídica acumulada e recebem volume endovenoso pela ressuscitação agressiva, preconizada nas recomendações de tratamento do choque séptico, além de outras fontes de líquidos relacionadas às medicações e ao suporte nutricional. A estratégia liberal de oferta hídrica tem sido associada a maiores morbidade e mortalidade. Apesar de haver poucos estudos prospectivos pediátricos, novas estratégias estão sendo propostas. Esta revisão não sistemática discute a fisiopatologia da sobrecarga fluídica, suas consequências e as estratégias terapêuticas disponíveis. Durante a síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica, o glicocálice endotelial é danificado, favorecendo o extravasamento fluídico, traduzido em edema intersticial. O extravasamento para o terceiro espaço se traduz em maior tempo de ventilação mecânica, maior necessidade de terapia de substituição renal e mais tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva e no hospital, entre outros. A monitorização hemodinâmica adequada, bem como a infusão cautelosa de fluídos, pode minimizar estes danos. Uma vez instalada a sobrecarga fluídica acumulada, o tratamento com o uso crônico de diuréticos de alça pode levar a uma resistência ao uso destas medicações. A utilização precoce de vasopressores (norepinefrina) para melhora do débito cardíaco e perfusão renal, a associação de diuréticos e uso da aminofilina para indução de diurese, e a utilização de protocolos de sedação e mobilização precoce são algumas estratégias que podem reduzir morbimortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva.

ABSTRACT Patients admitted to an intensive care unit are prone to cumulated fluid overload and receive intravenous volumes through the aggressive resuscitation recommended for septic shock treatment, as well as other fluid sources related to medications and nutritional support. The liberal liquid supply strategy has been associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Although there are few prospective pediatric studies, new strategies are being proposed. This non-systematic review discusses the pathophysiology of fluid overload, its consequences, and the available therapeutic strategies. During systemic inflammatory response syndrome, the endothelial glycocalyx is damaged, favoring fluid extravasation and resulting in interstitial edema. Extravasation to the third space results in longer mechanical ventilation, a greater need for renal replacement therapy, and longer intensive care unit and hospital stays, among other changes. Proper hemodynamic monitoring, as well as cautious infusion of fluids, can minimize these damages. Once cumulative fluid overload is established, treatment with long-term use of loop diuretics may lead to resistance to these medications. Strategies that can reduce intensive care unit morbidity and mortality include the early use of vasopressors (norepinephrine) to improve cardiac output and renal perfusion, the use of a combination of diuretics and aminophylline to induce diuresis, and the use of sedation and early mobilization protocols.

Comparison of Two Central Venous Pressure Control Strategies to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting / Comparação de Duas Estratégias de Controle de Pressão Venosa Central na Prevenção de Fibrilação Atrial em Pós-Operatório de Revascularização do Miocárdio

Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) takes place in 10-40% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and increases cardiovascular mortality. Enlargement of atrial chambers is associated with increased AF incidence, so patients with higher central venous pressure (CVP) are expected to have larger atrial distension, which increases AF incidence. Objective: To compare post-CABG AF incidence, following two CVP control strategies. Methods: Interventional, randomized, controlled clinical study. The sample comprised 140 patients undergoing CABG between 2011 and 2015. They were randomized into two groups, G15 and G20, with CVP maintained ≤ 15 cmH2O and ≤ 20 cmH2O, respectively. Results: 70 patients were included in each group. The AF incidence in G15 was 8.57%, and in G20, 22.86%, with absolute risk reduction of 14.28%, and number needed to treat (NNT) of 7 (p = 0.03). Mortality (G15 = 5.71%; G20 = 11.42%; p = 0.07), hospital length of stay (G15 = 7.14 days; G20 = 8.21 days; p = 0.36), number of grafts (median: G15 = 3, G2 = 2; p = 0.22) and cardiopulmonary bypass use (G15 = 67.10%; G20 = 55.70%; p = 0.22) were statistically similar. Age (p = 0.04) and hospital length of stay (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients who developed AF in both groups. Conclusion: Keeping CVP low in the first 72 post-CABG hours reduces the relative risk of AF, and may be useful to prevent AF after CABG.

Resumo Fundamento: A fibrilação atrial (FA) ocorre em 10-40% dos pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (RM), e eleva a mortalidade cardiovascular. Como o aumento dos átrios está associado ao aumento da incidência de FA, espera-se que pacientes com pressão venosa central (PVC) mais alta tenham maior distensão atrial, o que eleva a incidência dessa arritmia. Objetivo: Comparar a incidência de FA em pós-operatório de RM, seguindo duas estratégias de controle de PVC. Métodos: Estudo clínico randomizado controlado intervencionista. A amostra foi composta por 140 pacientes submetidos a RM entre 2011 e 2015. Os pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos, G15 e G20, mantidos com PVC máxima de 15 cmH2O e 20 cmH2O, respectivamente. Resultados: Foram incluídos 70 pacientes em cada grupo. A incidência da arritmia em G15 foi de 8,57% e, no G20, de 22,86%, com redução de risco absoluto de 14,28% e número necessário para tratar (NNT) de 7 (p = 0,03). Mortalidade (G15 = 5,71%; G20 = 11,42%; p = 0,07), tempo de internamento (G15 = 7,14 dias; G20 = 8,21 dias; p = 0,36), número de enxertos (medianas: G15 = 3, G2 = 2; p = 0,22) e uso de circulação extracorpórea (G15 = 67,10%; G20 = 55,70%; p = 0,22) mostraram-se estatisticamente semelhantes. A idade (p = 0,04) e o tempo de internamento (p = 0,001) foram significativamente maiores nos pacientes que desenvolveram FA nos dois grupos. Conclusão: Manter a PVC com valores mais baixos nas primeiras 72h após a cirurgia de RM reduz o risco relativo de FA e pode ser uma ferramenta útil na prevenção da FA após RM.

Seguridad y eficacia de torasemida en el tratamiento de pacientes con diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva / Safety and efficacy of torasemide in the treatment of patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: El Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación (IETSI) ha recibido la solicitud de evaluar el uso de la seguridad y eficacia de torasemida en el tratamiento de pacientes con diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva dentro del sistema de EsSalud, indicación actualmente no contemplada en el petitorio de medicamentos. Generalidades: A pesar de los continuos avances en el tratamiento de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca, también llamada insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva (ICC), en las últimas décadas, la casuística de ICC sigue siendo muy importante alrededor del mundo. Sólo en los Estados Unidos se estima que 5.1 millones de adultos padecen de ICC con 825,000 nuevos casos al año, estimándose que para el año 2030 se espera que la prevalencia aumente un 46%, resultando en más de 8 millones de adultos afectados. Tecnología Sanitaria de Interés: Torasemida: Torasemida (torasemide, torsemide) es un diurético de asa que actúa sobre la rama gruesa ascendente del asa de Henle promoviendo una rápida excreción de agua, sodio y cloruro. Como tal fue aprobado por la FDA en agosto de 1993 originalmente como un diurético para el manejo de edema secundario a insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva, insuficiencia renal o enfermedad hepática, así mismo, su uso está aprobado sólo o en combinación con otros agentes antihipertensivos para el manejo de hipertensión. METODOLOGÍA: El protocolo de esta revisión sistemática fue preparado y revisado con el equipo técnico de IETSI. Las siguientes fuentes han sido revisadas y consultadas con la intención de buscar la mejor evidencia disponible que directamente responda a la pregunta PICO de esta evaluación: Medline/Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, Translating Research into Practice (TRIP Database), Institute for Health Technology Assessment Ludwig Boltzmann Gelsellschaft (LBI-HTA) de Austria, American Heart Association (AHA) de los Estados Unidos, American Society of Cardiología (ASC) de los Estados Unidos, European Society of Cardiología (ESC) de Europa, National Guideline Clearinghouse (NCG) de los Estados Unidos, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) del Reino Unido National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) del Reino Unido Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC). RESULTADOS: Luego de revisar un total de 485 referencias resultados de nuestra búsqueda bibliográfica, logramos filtrar 98 referencias relevantes para nuestra pregunta PICO de interés (Tabla 1), de los cuales sólo nueve referencias fueron finalmente seleccionadas para nuestro análisis toda vez que constituían referencias que respondían a la pregunta PICO de interés de este dictamen, incluyendo tres guías de práctica clínica, dos meta-análisis, cuatro ensayos clínicos de fase III. CONCLUSIONES: A la fecha no se disponen de evidencias suficientes para recomendar torasemida en comparación con furosemida como una alternativa de tratamiento más eficaz, seguro y costo efectiva en el manejo de pacientes con ICC y clase funcional NYHA III o IV. La evidencia disponible sugiere que torasemida no ofrece mayores beneficios que furosemida en términos de sobrevida, disminución de la clase funcional NYHA, disminución de las tasas de re-hospitalizaciones, mejora de la calidad de vida o disminución de los eventos adversos. De manera aislada algunos estudios dan cuenta de que torasemida puede disminuir las tasas de re-hospitalización y mejorar algunos aspectos de calidad de vida, sin embargo esta evidencia no es consistente con la de otros estudios que no confirman estos hallazgos y lo que es más importante, en general este tipo de evidencias no es extrapolable a la población de interés de este dictamen toda vez que la gran mayoría de participantes por estos estudios fueron enrolados con una clase funcional NYHA II, los menos con una clase funcional NYHA III y sólo en raras ocasiones con una clase funcional NYHA IV. la fecha no se dispone de evidencias que soporten la hipótesis de que torasemida representa una alternativa de tratamiento más costo-efectiva que furosemida en el manejo de los pacientes con ICC. El Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación ­ IETSI no aprueba el uso de torasemida como una alternativa a furosemida en el manejo de pacientes con ICC y clases funcionales NYHA III o IV.

Abordagem clínica da congestão pulmonar aguda no cardiopata / Clinical approach to acute pulmonary congestion in heart disease

A congestão pulmonar aguda no paciente com doença cardíaca é uma manifestação clínica de extrema gravidade, ocorrendo em aproximadamente 25% dos casosde insuficiência cardíaca aguda. O diagnóstico é essencialmente clínico, baseado na anamnese e exame físico. Os exames complementares não devem retardar o início do tratamento na sala de emergência. Descontrole pressórico, progressão da doença valvar, infarto do miocárdio e arritmias são fatores desencadeantes frequentes paraedema agudo de pulmão. O tratamento inicial fundamenta-se na suplementação de oxigênio e suporte ventilatório, administração de opioides, diuréticos e vasodilatadores endovenosos. Inotrópicos estão indicados na presença de instabilidade hemodinâmicacom disfunção orgânica...

Acute pulmonary congestion in patients with cardiac disease is a clinical manifestation of extreme severity, occurring in approximately 25% of cases of acute heart failure. Diagnosis is essentially clinical, based on history and physical examination. Complementarytests should not delay the start of treatment in the emergency room. Uncontrolled blood pressure, progression of valvular disease, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias are common triggers for acute pulmonary edema. Initial treatment is based on supplemental oxygen and ventilatory support, administration of opioids, intravenous diuretics, andvasodilators. Inotropic agents are indicated in the presence of hemodynamic instability with organ dysfunction...

Relação do polimorfismo C825T do gene GNB3 e hipertensão arterial sistêmica de difícil controle / Relationship between C825T polymorphism of the GNB3 gene and dificult-to-treat hypertension

Fundamentos: O polimorfismo C825T do gene GNB3 está associado à hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) em algumas populações já analisadas, porém alguns estudos se mostram controversos no que se refere a esta relação. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação do polimorfismo C825T do gene GNB3 com a HAS de difícil controle medicamentoso em hipertensos de Campos Gerais, PR - Brasil. Métodos: Em relação ao polimorfismo C825T de GNB3, foram determinados os genótipos de 60 hipertensos, os quais foram estratificados em dois grupos (fácil e difícil controle medicamentoso), por meio da técnica de PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Lenght Polymorphism). Foram avaliadas as frequências alélicas e genotípicas, utilizando-se o teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson, com correção de Yates e odds ratio (OR). Resultados: Não houve diferenças entre os grupos, quando comparadas as frequências alélicas e genotípicas, indicando que a população está em equilíbrio. A probabilidade de o paciente possuir o polimorfismo e a HAS de difícil controle foi 53,5 % (OR=1,15; IC95 % = 0,41-3,26), analisando-se os genótipos. Já a análise dos alelos, separadamente, mostrou uma associação de 55,4 % (OR=1,24; IC95 % = 0,59-2,57). Conclusão: Nesta população não foi encontrada relação entre o polimorfismo C825T do gene GNB3 e a HAS de difícil controle, indicando que outros fatores estão influenciando a manifestação dessa doença nestes pacientes.

Background: C825T polymorphism of the GNB3 gene is associated with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) in some studied populations, although certain studies are controversial in terms of this relationship. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between C825T polymorphism of the GNB3 gene and difficult-to-treat SAH among hypertensive patients in Campos Gerais, Paraná State, Brazil. Methods: With regard to C825T polymorphism of the GNB3 gene, the genotypes were defined for sixty hypertensive patients divided in 2 groups (easy and difficult-to-treat with drugs), using the Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The allele and genotype frequencies were assessed through the Pearson chi-square test, with Yates correction and odds ratio (OR). Results: There were no differences between the groups when comparing the allele and genotype frequencies, indicating that the population is in equilibrium. The probability that a patient has polymorphism with difficult-to-treat SAH reached 53.5% (OR=1.15, 95%CI = 0.41-3.26), analyzing the genotypes. A separate allele analysis showed an association of 55.4% (OR=1.24, 95%CI = 0.59-2.57). Conclusion: No relationship was found in this population between C825T polymorphism of the GNB3 gene and difficult-to-treat SAH, indicating that other factors are influencing the appearance of this disease among these patients.

Diuretic effect of alkaloids fraction extracted from Selaginella lepidophylla (Hook. et Grev.) Spring / Efecto diurético de la fracción con contenido de alcaloides extraída deSelaginella lepidophylla (Hook. et Grev.) Spring

The aerial parts of Selaginella lepidophylla (Hook. et Grev.) Spring, are used in Mexican folk medicine to treat renal diseases. The aim of this study was to measure the diuretic response of an aqueous extract (200 mg/kg) and alkaloids fraction at different doses (10, 40 y 100 mg/kg) of this plant and compare it with that induced by furosemide (4 mg/kg). Extract, alkaloids fraction, furosemide and vehicle were administered orally to adult rats and the effects in sodium, potassium and water balance were measured. The extract, the alkaloids fraction and the furosemide produced important and significant increments in urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and water with respect to control group. This increment was dose dependent of the alkaloids fraction, the highest dose produced a major effect. Potassium excretion increased but it was less than the one induced by furosemide. These results suggest that the aqueous extract and rich fraction in alkaloids from S. lepidophylla induce diuretic response.

Las partes aéreas de Selaginella lepidophylla (Hook. et Grev.) Spring, son usadas en la medicina tradicional mexicana para tratar enfermedades renales. El objetivo del estudio fue medir la respuesta diurética de un extracto acuoso (200 mg/kg) y de diferentes dosis de la fracción de alcaloides (10, 40 y 100 mg/kg) de esta planta y compararla con la inducida por furosemida (4 mg/kg). El extracto, la fracción de alcaloides, la furosemida y el vehículo fueron administrados por vía oral a ratas adultas y se midieron los efectos en el balance de sodio, potasio e hídrico. El extracto, la fracción de alcaloides y la furosemida produjeron importantes y significativos incrementos en la excreción urinaria de sodio, potasio y agua con respecto al grupo testigo. Este incremento fue dependiente de la dosis de la fracción de alcaloides, la dosis más alta produjo el mayor efecto. El incremento en la excreción de potasio fue menor al de furosemida. Los resultados sugieren que el extracto acuoso y la fracción rica en alcaloides de S. lepidophylla inducen una respuesta diurética.

Acetazolamide for Cystoid Macular Oedema in Bietti Crystalline Retinal Dystrophy

Bietti crystalline retinal dystrophy is a rare, inherited disorder whose hallmark is the presence of retinal crystal deposits associated with later chorioretinal degeneration. This condition may rarely be complicated by the development of cystoid macular oedema leading to rapid visual decline. Currently, treatment options for this complication of Bietti dystrophy are limited and the visual prognosis is poor. Here, we present a case of cystoid macular oedema associated with Bietti dystrophy that was successfully diagnosed using multimodal imaging techniques including optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography. These modalities confirmed the diagnosis of macular oedema and excluded other possible causes of oedema such as choroidal neovascularisation. In this patient, cystoid macular oedema was resolved with oral acetazolamide therapy, a treatment that has not been previously reported in this context. Acetazolamide treatment resulted in oedema resolution and improvement in visual function, and can be considered a therapeutic option for other patients with Bietti dystrophy who develop cystoid macular oedema.

Manejo preoperatorio de medicamentos en pacientes hipertensos / Preoperative pharmacological management of hypertensive patients

The proportion of older hypertensive patients that require a surgical procedure has increased in the last years. These patients require a through preoperative assessment, considering the medications in use, laboratory and images. An adequate pharmacological management of patients with hypertension in the perioperative period will prevent cardiovascular complications. Therefore the health care team must assure that patients with hypertension will be operated in optimal conditions.

La hipertensión arterial es una enfermedad con alta prevalencia en la población chilena, llegando a casi el 75 por ciento en el grupo de mayores de 65 años. En el ámbito quirúrgico, el número de pacientes de edad mayor y que padecen hipertensión arterial ha aumentado significativamente, lo que nos obliga a realizar una adecuada y detallada evaluación preoperatoria del paciente hipertenso con el fin de conocer su condición al momento de la cirugía, los medicamentos antihipertensivos que utiliza y solicitar los exámenes de laboratorio y/o de imágenes necesarios. Una adecuada asesoría al paciente respecto al manejo de su medicación antihipertensiva preoperatoria pretende disminuir las complicaciones en todo el período perioperatorio, tanto por su suspensión como por su mantención. De esta forma se busca establecer las medidas que permitan al paciente enfrentar el procedimiento quirúrgico en las mejores condiciones posibles.

Efecto diurético agudo de los extractos etanólico y acuoso de Ceratopteris pteridoides (Hook) en ratas normales / Acute diuretic effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ceratopteris pteridoides (Hook) in normal rats

Introducción. Ceratopteris pteridoides es un helecho semiacuático de la familia Parkeriacea, ampliamente utilizado en la medicina popular colombiana como diurético y colelitiásico, sobre el cual no existen reportes científicos que avalen su uso popular como diurético. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto diurético agudo en dosis única y dosis repetidas a corto plazo, de los extractos etanólico y acuoso de C. pteridoides en un modelo in vivo . Materiales y métodos. El extracto etanólico total fue obtenido por maceración de la planta entera de C. pteridoides con etanol y el extracto acuoso fue obtenido por decocción a 60 °C por 15 minutos. Ambos extractos se sometieron a análisis fitoquímico preliminar y estudio histológico posterior a la administración de los extractos durante ocho días consecutivos (1.000 mg/kg). El efecto diurético se evaluó en ratas Wistar, tratadas con los extractos (500 mg/kg), en forma aguda y en dosis repetidas a corto plazo, cuantificando la eliminación de agua y la excreción renal de sodio y potasio por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y, de cloruros, por titulación mercurimétrica. Resultados. En el modelo agudo, ambos extractos mostraron un significativo efecto diurético y de excreción renal de sodio y potasio en comparación con el control, mientras que con la administración en dosis repetidas a corto plazo mostraron efecto diurético sin eliminación de electrolitos. El estudio histopatológico no sugirió efectos tóxicos hepáticos o renales. Conclusión. Los resultados demuestran la actividad diurética de C. pteridoides y sustentan el uso popular dado a esta planta como diurético en la costa norte colombiana. Se requieren estudios posteriores que permitan aislar e identificar los compuestos responsables de la actividad y los mecanismos de acción involucrados.

Introduction. Ceratopteris pteridoides is a semiaquatic fern of the Parkeriacea family, widely used in the Colombian folk medicine as a diuretic and cholelithiasic, of which there are no scientific reports that validate its popular use. Objective. To evaluate the acute and short-term repeated-dose diuretic effect of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of C. pteridoides in an in vivo model. Materials and methods. The total ethanolic extract was obtained by maceration of the whole plant of C. pteridoides with ethanol and the aqueous extract by decoction at 60°C for 15 minutes. Both extracts were evaluated in preliminary phytochemical analysis and histological studies after the administration of the extracts for 8 consecutive days (1000 mg/Kg). The diuretic effect was evaluated using Wistar rats treated with the extracts (500 mg/Kg), using an acute and a short-term repeated-dose model, and quantifying water elimination, sodium and potassium excretion by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and chloride excretion by mercurimetric titration. Results. In the acute model both extracts showed significant diuretic, natriuretic, and kaliuretic effect compared to the control group. Whereas, a short-term repeated-dose administration showed a diuretic effect without elimination of electrolytes. The histopathologic study did not suggest a toxic effect in liver or kidney. Conclusion. The results represent evidence of the diuretic activity of C. pteridoides and give support the popular use given to this plant in the north coast of Colombia. Further studies are required to isolate and identify the compounds responsible for the activity and the mechanism of action involved.

Hipertensão arterial em afrodescendentes / Hypertension in afrodescendants

Devido à mistura de raças no Brasil, fica difícil se estabelecer, com precisão, a prevalência de hipertensão arterial na população afrobrasileira. Nos Estados Unidos, a prevalência de hipertensão arterial na população afrodescendentes é mais alta do que na população branca. A mortalidade por complicações da hipertensão é cinco a sete vezes maior na população americana afrodescendente em comparação à população branca. Da mesma forma, a morbidade representada por hipertrofia ventricular esquerda, doença arterial coronariana e acidente vascular encefálico é duas a quatro vezes maior nos afrodescendentes. Dessa forma, o controle da pressão arterial é fundamental na prevenção cardiovascular. Diferentes classes de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos podem ser utilizados no tratamento da hipertensão em afrodescendentes. Entretanto, existem diferenças nas respostas às classes de medicamentos nessa população. Monoterapia com bloqueadores do sistema renina angiotensina ( IECA ou BRAs ) é menos efetiva na redução da pressão do que diuréticos e/ou antagonistas dos canais de cálcio, mas existe uma grande variação de resposta anti-hipertensiva com diferentes classes de fármacos em todas as populações. Combinação de diurético ou antagonistas dos canais de cálcio com bloqueadores do sistema renina angiotensina é adequada em todos os perfis raciais. Inibidores da enzima de conversão e bloqueadores dos recptores AT1 da angiotensina II parecem ser menos efetivos nos afrodescedentes do que os diuréticos tiazídicos, tanto na redução da pressão arterial quanto na prevenção de complicações cardiovasculares decorrentes da hipertensão arterial.

Due to the mixtures of races in Brazil it is difficult to assess the prevalence of hypertension in the Afro-Brazilian population. In the United States the prevalence of hypertension in Afro-American is higher than in whites and Mexican American. Hypertension mortality is five to seven times higher in Afro-American than in whites, as well as, morbidity represented by left ventricular hypertrophy, coronary heart disease, and stroke; two to four times higher than in whites. Therefore, control of blood pressure is a keystone in the prevention od cardiovascular disease. Differente classes of antihypertensive drugs can be used in the treatment of hypertension in Afro-American individuals. Monotherapy in Afro-American with rennin-angiotensin system blockers are somewhat less effective in lowering blood pressure than monotherapy with diuretic or calcium channel blockers, but there is a broad variation in response to all antihyprtensive classes in all populations. The combination of a diuretic or a calcium channel blocker with a rennin-angiotensin system blocker is equally effective in all racial groups. ACE inhibitors and ARBs appear to be less effective than thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers in preventing cardiovascular complications in hypertensive African descedents.

pH salival, capacidad buffer, proteínas totales y flujo salival en pacientes hipertensos controlados usuarios de diuréticos / Salivary pH, buffer capacity, total proteins and salivary flow in controlled hypertensive patients diuretic users

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es una enfermedad cardiovascular que padece gran parte de la población mundial y nacional, alcanzando en Chile un 26,9 por ciento en el año 2010. El objetivo fue determinar pH salival, capacidad buffer, proteínas totales y flujo salival, en pacientes hipertensos controlados usuarios de diuréticos. Se analizaron 14 muestras de saliva no estimulada de pacientes hipertensos controlados con diuréticos y 10 muestras de saliva no estimulada de personas que no padecían enfermedades sistémicas y no tomaban medicamentos, los valores obtenidos de pH salival, capacidad buffer, flujo salival y proteínas totales fueron determinados en ambos grupos. La mediana obtenida en las muestras de hipertensos controlados con diuréticos, para el pH salival fue de 6,83; para la capacidad buffer fue 4,86; para el flujo salival fue 0,55 ml/min y para las proteínas totales salivales fue de 1,09 g/dL. Para el grupo de pacientes sanos la mediana fue de 6,88 para el pH; 4,25 para la capacidad buffer; 1,8 ml/min para el flujo salival y 0,29 g/dL para las proteínas totales salivales. Además, no se encontró asociación entre el flujo salival (rs = 0,425), capacidad buffer (rs = 0,283) y concentración de proteínas (rs = 0,245) con la dosis del diurético (p > 0,05) . Se encontró que existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el flujo salival y la concentración de proteínas salivales entre el grupo de pacientes hipertensos y de pacientes sanos (U Mann-Wthitney P < 0,005). No existían diferencias estadísticamente significativas de pH salival y capacidad buffer entre pacientes hipertensos controlados y pacientes sanos (U Mann-Wthitney P >0,005). Los pacientes que sufren HTA y están siendo controlados con diuréticos tienen una disminución del flujo salival y un aumento de la concentración de proteínas, no viéndose afectadas las variables de pH y capacidad buffer.

Introduction: Hypertension (HT) is a cardiovascular disease with a high prevalence around the world. In Chile at year 2010 it reached 26.9 percent of the population. Objective: To determine salivary pH, buffering capacity, total proteins and salivary flow in controlled hypertensive diuretic users and a group without systemic diseases. Methods: 14 samples of unstimulated saliva of patients with hypertension treated with diuretics and 10 samples of unstimulated saliva of people without systemic diseases and not taking medication were analyzed. pH, salivary buffering, salivary flow and total protein were determined in both groups. Results: The figures for the treated HT patients were as follows: pH: 6.83, buffer capacity: 4.86, salivary flow: 0.55 ml / min and total salivary proteins: 1.09 g / dL. For those without systemic diseases the results were: pH: 6,88, buffer capacity: 4,25, saliva flow: 1.8 ml / min and total salivary protein: 0.29 g / dL. No association was found between salivary flow (rs = 0.425), buffering capacity (rs = 0.283) and protein concentration (rs = 0.245) with the diuretic dose (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found in salivary flow and total salivary protein concentration between the group with hypertension and without. (U Mann-Wthitney P > 0.005). No statistically significant differences in salivary pH and buffering capacity were found among the study groups (U Mann-Wthitney > 0.005). Conclusion: Patients with hypertension and treated with diuretics have a decreased salivary flow and an increased total protein concentration while ph and buffer capacity remained normal.

Resolution of Macular Edema after Systemic Treatment with Furosemide

We report two cases of macular edema treated with the oral administration of furosemide. The first case presented here was a 78-year-old male patient with visual disturbance of the left eye. He had been taking an oral agent for diabetes and had chronic renal failure for 7 years. From 10 days prior to the visit, he had visual disturbance of the left eye accompanied by systemic edema. There were no specific findings in the anterior segment, but sub-retinal fluid was observed in the left fundus. Macular edema was observed on fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography; therefore, the oral administration of furosemide was initiated. After seven days, the sub-retinal fluid disappeared. The second case was a 43-year-old female patient with visual disturbance of the left eye who had been taking hypoglycemic agents for diabetes for 13 years. There were no specific findings in the anterior segment, but flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages were scattered over both posterior poles, neovascularization was observed in the left eye, and, of particular note, sub-retinal fluid was detected in the macula of the left eye. Macular edema was also observed on fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, and oral administration of furosemide was initiated. After 3 weeks, the macular edema had significantly decreased.

Validación de un método in vivo para evaluar la actividad diurética / Validation of an in vivo method to assess the diuretic activity

Con el objetivo de proporcionar un modelo farmacológico in vivo para determinar la actividad diurética de plantas medicinales, se prepararon extractos acuosos a partir de la droga seca de 8 plantas con actividad diurética atribuida por la medicina tradicional cubana, pero que carecían de validación experimental. Se distribuyeron al azar 88 ratas machos Sprague-Dawley a razón de 8 animales por grupo: controles positivos (furosemida 20 mg/kg e hidroclorotiazida 10 mg/kg); control negativo (NaCl 0,9 por ciento) y 8 grupos tratados con extractos acuosos de plantas que se administraron por vía oral a dosis de 400 mg/kg, sobre la base de la determinación de los sólidos totales. La dosis fue completada con solución salina fisiológica para lograr una sobrecarga hidrosalina con un volumen total de administración constante de 40 mL/kg de peso vivo. Las ratas se colocaron en jaulas metabólicas y se midieron los volúmenes de orina excretados a las ¢, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 y 6 h posadministración y las concentraciones de electrolitos (Na+ y K+) en la orina total colectada a las 24 h. Se observó que todos los grupos tratados incrementaron el volumen de orina en relación con el grupo control negativo. La excreción urinaria, acción y actividad diurética fueron mayores en los grupos experimentales: Persea americana Miller (similar a la furosemida) y Cassia alata L, Zanthoxylum fagara L. (similar a las tiazidas)

To supply a in vivo pharmacological model to determine the diuretic activity of medicinal plants, aqueous extracts were prepared from dry drug of 8 medicinal plants with diuretic activity attributed by the Cuban traditional medicine, but there was an experimental validation. Eighty Sprague-Dawley eight male rats were random distributed at a rate of eight rats by group: positive controls ( 20 mg/kg furosemide and 10 mg/kg hydrochlorothiazide); negative control (NaCI 0.9 percent) and 8 groups treated with aqueous extracts from plants supplied by oral route at doses of 400 mg/kg, on the base of determination of total solids. Dose was completed with physiological saline solution to achieve a hydrosaline overload with a total volume of constant administration of 40 mL/kg of weight lives. Rats were placed in metabolic cages measuring the volumes of urine extracted at ¢, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h post-administration and the electrolytes concentrations (Na+ and K+) in total urine collected at 24 h. It was noted that all the treated groups increased the urine volume in relation to negative control group. Urinary excretion, diuretic action and activity were higher in experimental groups: Persea Americana Miller (similar to Furosemide) and Cassia alata L, Zanthoxylum fagara L. (similar to thiazides)

Hidroclorotiazida y espironolactona reducen la hipertrofia de la pared aórtica en la hipertensión arterial experimental / Diuretics are important and effective antihypertensive agents: however, there are a few studies assessing its role on the arterial wall remodelling in hypertension

Introducción: Los diuréticos forman parte del tratamiento antihipertensivo actual con efectividad e impacto clínico demostrados. Sin embargo, los efectos de estos fármacos sobre el remodelado de la pared arterial en la hipertensión arterial (HTA) han sido poco evaluados. Objetivos: Determinar y comparar el efecto de Hidroclorotiazida (HCTZ) y de Espironolactona (ESP) en la hipertrofia de la pared aórtica en la HTA experimental. Metodología: Estudio comparativo en 4 grupos experimentales. Se utilizaron ratas Sprague Dawley macho de 150 +/- 10 grs. unifrectomizadas tratadas con desoxicorticosterona Acetato (DOCA, 100 mg/Kg/sem sbc) por 6 semanas. Como controles (Sham) se usaron ratas unifrectomizadas. A partir de la tercera semana con DOCA se administró diuréticos en dos grupos adicionales durante 3 semanas. Uno recibió HCTZ (6 mg/ kg/día) y otro ESP (100 mg/Kg/dia), vía gavage. Al finalizar los tratamientos se determinó la presión arterial sistólica (PAS), masa corporal (MC), peso del corazón (PC) y masa cardiaca relativa (MCR). El grado de hipertrofia de la pared aórtica se determinó midiendo el grosor de la túnica media (GTM), área de la túnica media (ATM), área luminal (AL) y la relación ATM/AL en cortes teñidos con hematoxilina-eosina. Resultados: En las ratas DOCA no tratadas hubo un aumento significativo de PAS (51 por ciento), MCR (79 por ciento), ATM (44 por ciento), GTM (57 por ciento), y de la razón ATM/AL (43 por ciento) respecto al grupo Sham. Ambos tratamientos (Hctz y Esp) redujeron en forma muy importante y significativamente la PAS, MCR, ATM, GTM y la razón ATM/AL en magnitudes similares y también por cada mm de Hg de descenso de la PAS logrado. Conclusión: Además del efecto antihipertensivo, tanto hidroclorotiazida como espironolactona previenen y/o revierten en magnitud similar el desarrollo de hipertrofia de la pared aórtica en este modelo de HTA experimental.

Aims: To determine and compare the effects of hydrochlorotiazide (Hctz) and spironolactone (Esp) on hypertrophy of the aortic wall in experimental hypertension. Methods: This was a comparative study with 4 experimental groups. We used male. uninephrectomized Sprague Dawley rats (150 +/- 10 grs) treated with des-oxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA, 100 mg/Kg/week sbc) during 6 weeks. As controls uninephrectomized rats (Sham) were used. Starting from the third week with DOCA, two groups recived diuretics by gavage during 3 weeks. One group received Hctz (6 mg/kg/ day) and other group received Sp (100 mg/kg/day). At the end of the study, systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight, heart weight and relative cardiac weight were measured. Hypertrohy in the aortic wall was assessed by measuring the media thickness (MT), media area (MA), lumen area (LA) and by the AM/LA ratio on hematoxyline-eosine stained cross sections. Results: Compared to the Sham group, in the untreated hypertensive DOCA group, SBP and relative cardiac weight increased significantly (by 51 percent and 79 percent, respectively), MA increased by 44 percent, as well as MT (57 percent) and the AM/LA ratio (43 percent). Both treatments (Hctz and Sp) reduced importantly and significantly SBP, relative cardiac mass as well as MT, MA and the AM/LA ratio at a similar extent and by mm Hg. Conclusion: Besides the antihypertensive effect, both hydrochlorotiazide and spironolactone prevent and/or regress aortic wall hypertrophy in this experimental model of hypertension.

A comparison between sphygmomanometer-based and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in acute salt loading and depletion protocol

INTRODUCTION: Ambulatory blood pressure monitors have been used in salt loading and depletion protocols. However, the agreement between measurements made using ambulatory blood pressure monitors and those made with the sphygmomanometer has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the concordance of the two methods of blood pressure measurements in protocols of acute salt loading and depletion. METHOD: Systolic blood pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometer at the completion of salt infusion (2 L NaCl 0.9 percent, 4 h) and salt depletion (furosemide, 120mg/day, p.o.) in 18 volunteers. Using the Pearson correlation coefficient (ρ), these readings were compared with the mean systolic blood pressure measured using the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device during the following periods: 4 h of saline infusion and 12 h of salt depletion; 4 h of saline infusion and the last 6 h of salt depletion; 12 h of salt loading and the last 6 h of depletion; 12 h of salt loading and 12 h of depletion. Salt sensitivity was defined by a difference in the systolic blood pressure between salt loading and salt depletion greater than 10 mmHg when measured with the sphygmomanometer, and the Kappa analysis of concordance (K) was used with a significance level of P<0.05. RESULTS: Only the blood pressure readings obtained using the ambulatory blood pressure device during 4 h of intravenous NaCl and during 12 h of salt depletion showed a high correlation with the variation in the systolic blood pressure measured by the sphygmomanometer, with a full agreement with the salt sensitivity classification (p = 0.71; P = 0.001 and K=1). CONCLUSION: In acute salt loading and depletion protocols, an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device should be used to record the blood pressure during the 4-h interval of salt infusion and 12-h interval of salt depletion.

A Case of Pediatric Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Presenting with Divergence Insufficiency

An 11-year-old female presenting diplopia only at distance was found to have comitant esotropia of 20 prism diopters (PD) at distance and normal alignment at nearer proximity. Other ocular movement, including abduction, was normal and a thorough neurologic examination was also normal. The deviation angle of esotropia was increased to 35 PD in 6 months, and a brain magnetic resonance imaging with venogram at that time demonstrated no intracranial lesion. A lumbar puncture showed increased opening pressure but the cerebrospinal fluid composition was normal. The patient was diagnosed as having idiopathic intracranial hypertension and treated with oral acetazolamide. Three months after treatment, the deviation angle decreased to 10 PD. This is a case report of divergence insufficiency in pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension, with an increasing deviation angle of esotropia. Although sixth cranial nerve palsy is a common neurologic manifestation in intracranial hypertension, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of divergence insufficiency. Also, ophthalmoparesis may not be apparent and typical at first presentation, as seen in this case, and therefore ophthalmologists should be aware of this fact, while conducting careful and proper evaluation, follow-up, and intervention.

Paracentesis evacuante en pacientes cirróticos con ascitis a tensión: revisión del tema / Therapeutic paracentesis in cirrhotic patients: a review

El desarrollo de ascitis es la complicación más frecuente del paciente con cirrosis hepática y generalmente marca el paso hacia la descompensación, con lo cual empeora el pronóstico y se deteriora la calidad de vida. Los estudios clínicos demuestran que aproximadamente el 50%de los pacientes cirróticos con ascitis no complicada mueren a los 2 años y que el 50% de los que desarrollan ascitis refractaria mueren a los 6 meses si no reciben tratamiento. Las medidas terapéuticas actuales en el paciente cirrótico con ascitis se encaminan a mantener un balance negativo de sodio, mediante la restricción del consumo de sal y el uso de diuréticos. Tales medidas pueden ser insuficientes en el caso de la ascitis a tensión, por lo que se requiere un tratamiento que mejore rápidamente la sintomatología y restaure la funcionalidad del paciente, además de medidas de soporte para prevenir la acumulación de líquido en la cavidad peritoneal y por ende reducir las enfermedades asociadas. Por lo anterior, la paracentesis evacuante seguida de fármacos diuréticos es el tratamiento de elección en los pacientes con ascitis a tensión.

The development of ascites is the most frequent complication of patients with hepatic cirrhosis; usually it leads to decompensation which is associated with worsening prognosis and deterioration of life quality. Clinical studies reveal that approximately 50%of cirrhotic patients with uncomplicated ascites die within two years while 50%of those with refractory ascites, if left untreated, die within six months. Currently, therapeutic measures in cirrhotic patients with ascites are designed to maintain a negative balance of sodium, which is achieved by a restricted salt intake and the use of diuretics. In the case of tense ascites those measures may be insufficient and, therefore, a treatment is required that quickly controls symptoms and improves function. Such treatment must be accompanied by support measures to prevent fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, thus reducing the risk of associated diseases. Paracentesis of great volumes followed by diuretics is considered as the therapy of choice for managing patients with tense ascites.