The role of melatonin in regulating sleep wake disorders in children attending the developmental pediatrics outpatient service of a tertiary care hospital in South India

Background: We have observed that 75% of children with neurodevelopmental challenges visiting the Developmental Pediatrics department of this institution have sleep wake disorders. Disturbed sleep has a negative effect on learning and behavior. In this study we assessed the effectiveness of melatonin in improving sleep wake disorders in children with developmental compromise from this south Indian state.Methods: Children with developmental challenges having sleep wake disorders confirmed by the pediatric insomnia severity index PISI, who were prescribed a daily dose of 3mg of melatonin participated in this prospective, observational, longitudinal study if the parents gave written informed consent. Parents were educated in the practice of sleep hygiene. The sleep disturbance scale for children (SDSC) was used to assess the overall pattern of sleep and six common disorders before and three weeks after starting melatonin.Results: Based on the PISI scores, 13, 58 and 20 children had mild, moderate and severe insomnia respectively. Melatonin improved sleep latency, increased duration of sleep, decreased night awakenings, crying spells, dreams and daytime drowsiness. There was a significant improvement in the sleep pattern as indicated by better scores in the total SDSC score as well the scores for the six sleep disorders (p<0.001).Conclusions: Melatonin has a significant role to play in regulating duration and quality of sleep and improving sleep pattern in developmentally challenged children with sleep-wake disorders.

Screenning of Arrhythmias in Patients Treated for Heart Failure in Parakou in 2017

Introduction: Rhythm disorders (RDs) or arrhythmias are poor prognostic factors during heart failure (HF). Our objective was to study the frequency of rhythm disorders presented by patients treated for HF in Parakou, Benin in 2017. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. It consisted of a systematic recruitment of all patients admitted for heart failure in the cardiology units of the city of Parakou from March to August 2017. The diagnosis of RDs was made by cardiac auscultation completed by electrocardiographic recording (standard and Holter over 24 hours). The Lown classification was used to describe the severity of ventricular TRs. The threshold for significance was p < 5%. Results: A total of 83 heart failure patients aged 61.47 ± 15.97 years with a sex ratio of 1.08 were selected. Arrhythmia was detected by auscultation in 20.48%; by standard electrocardiogram (ECG) in 25.83% and by Holter ECG in 97.59% of patients. Among the arrhythmias detected by Holter ECG, 81.48% were atrial, including 28.79% of atrial fibrillation. RDs was ventricular in 90.12% of which 47.95% were severe. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was significantly associated with ventricular arrhythmias. On the other hand, the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias was not associated with the severity of the HF according to the NYHA classification. Conclusion: In Parakou, RDs are frequent in patients with HF. Holter ECG should be included in the follow-up of heart failure patients in order to improve their management.

Clinical Characteristics of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Pediatric Age Group

Background: The Symptomatic manifestation of pediatric arrhythmias varies according to the age. Patients with disturbances in cardiac rhythm have several complaints, but also could be totally asymptomatic. This study aimed to assess clinical characteristics of Tachy and Brady arrhythmia in neonates, infant, children and adolescents of various age groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 253 patients of pediatric age below 18 years old presented with different types of tachyarrhythmia or bradyarrhythmia. All patients were subjected to clinical general examination of patient, vital data collection, local cardiac examination, 12 leads electrocardiography, ambulatory ECG Holter monitoring, exercise ECG stress testing if indicated and transthoracic echocardiography. Results: There was a significant relation between age of presentation of the study patients and classification of arrhythmia (P < 0.001). Palpitations was the most common presentations of arrhythmia in our study patients (32%) followed by dyspnea in 17.8 % of the patients. 20.6 % of the study patients with arrhythmias were asymptomatic. Congenital heart anomalies were in 43 % of the patients. Conclusion: Pediatric arrhythmia can be totally asymptomatic and discovered accidentally. Congenital cardiac anomalies and cardiac arrhythmias are closely correlated. Holter monitoring and exercise ECG testing can help in diagnosing pediatric arrhythmia. Untreated or persistent arrhythmia causes LV myopathy and dilatation. Antiarrhythmic drugs can have their harmful effect on the growing child.

Prevalencia de problemas de sueño en mujeres climatéricas colombianas durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Prevalence of sleep disorders in menopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo: Elaborar una aproximación a la prevalencia de los problemas de sueño (PDS) en mujeres climatéricas colombianas durante la pandemia COVID-19. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio transversal que pertenece al proyecto de investigación Calidad de Vida en la Menopausia y Etnias Colombianas bajo condiciones de pandemia [CAVIMEC+COVID STUDY]. Se incluyeron mujeres naturales y residentes en Colombia entre 40 y 59 años, quienes en los primeros cinco días de junio del 2020 participaron de forma anónima y voluntaria, previo consentimiento informado en el diligenciamiento de un formulario alojado en una plataforma virtual. Los PDS fueron identificados con el tercer ítem de Menopause Rating Scale. Se exploraron características sociodemográficas, la presencia y severidad de los PDS y el estado menopáusico. Se hace estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Participaron 984 mujeres, la mediana de edad fue 47,0 [RIC: 42,0-53,5] años. El 84,5% de las participantes eran mestizas, el 13,7% afrodescendientes y 1,7% indígenas. El 39,3% posmenopáusicas. El 70% residían en la región caribe colombiana. Informaron PDS 637 (64,7%) de las participantes y 112 (11,3%) tenían PDS severos. Las posmenopáusicas informaron un 65,1% de PDS, en forma severa el 10,1%, y las premenopáusicas informaron 64,5%, en forma severa el 12,2%. Conclusiones: Los PDS podrían ser un problema frecuente en las mujeres en estado premenopáusico y postmenopáusico. Se debe explorar este problema en la consulta ginecológica para ofrecer soluciones. Se requieren estudios poblacionales que confirmen estas observaciones.

ABSTRACT Objective: To make an approximation to the prevalence of sleep disorders in Colombian menopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study as part of the Quality of Life in Menopause and Colombian Ethnic Groups research project [CAVIMEC+COVID STUDY]. The population consisted of women born and residing in Colombia, 40 to 59 years of age, who signed an informed consent and agreed to participate by completing an online form, freely and anonymously, in the first five days of June 2020. Sleep disorders were identified using the third item on the Menopause Rating Scale. Sociodemographic characteristics, presence and severity of sleep disorders and menopause status were explored. Descriptive statistics are provided. Results: Overall, 984 women aged 47.0 [IQR: 42.0-53.5] years were included: 84.5% mestizo, 13.7% Afro-Colombian, 1.7% indigenous; 39.3% were postmenopausal; 70% lived in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Sleep disorders were reported by 637 women (64.7%), and 112 (11.3%) had severe sleep disorders. Among postmenopausal women, 65.1% reported sleep disorders with 10.1% reporting severe disorders, while 64.5% of premenopausal reported sleep disorders, and 12.2% severe disorders. Conclusions: Sleep disorders could be a frequent problem among premenopausal as well as postmenopausal women in the pandemic time. This issue should be explored during gynecological visits in order to offer solutions. Population studies that confirm these observations are required.

Chronotype change in university students in the health area with excessive daytime sleepiness / Alteração do cronotipo em universitários da área da saúde com sonolência diurna excessiva

Abstract: Introduction: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is characterized by an increased likelihood of initiating sleep at inappropriate times through involuntary naps and it negatively impacts performance in studies, work, family, and social relationships and increases the risk of accidents. Objective: This study evaluated the schedule and prevalence of EDS and its associated factors in medical students (using the PBL method), comparing it with students from other health courses (using the Traditional method). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1152 university students who were attending courses in the health area. The presence of EDS was defined when scores >10 in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the chronotype was assessed by means of the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Using Stata 13.0 software, descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed, including interactions to fit the model. Results: The prevalence of EDS was 56.5% (95% CI, 53.6-59.4), and the mean ESS score was 11.1 (95% CI, 10.8-11.3). This value was lower among those who had morning chronotypes and was higher among medical students. 10.3% (n=119) of the students had a chronotype that was incompatible with the period of the course. The associated and independent factors for EDS were: female gender (PR, 1.14, 95% CI, 1.01-1.29), age between 16 and 19 years (PR, 1.20, 95% CI, 1.04-1.39), studying late at night and using cell phones before falling asleep (PR, 1.56, 95% CI, 1.02-2.38), not doing weekly physical activity (PR, 1.13, 95% CI, 1.02-1.25), and morning chronotype (PR, 0.87, 95% CI, 0.76-0.99). Not using cell phones before bedtime reduced the prevalence of EDS by 14%. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the morning chronotype behaved as an independent protective factor for disorders of the circadian cycle. Performing weekly physical activity reduces EDS among students with intermediate and evening chronotypes.

Resumo: Introdução: A sonolência diurna excessiva (SDE) é caracterizada por uma maior probabilidade de o indivíduo iniciar o sono em horários inadequados por meio de cochilos involuntários, afeta negativamente o desempenho nos estudos, no trabalho e nas relações familiares e sociais, e aumenta o risco de acidentes. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o cronotipo e a prevalência de SDE e seus fatores associados em estudantes de Medicina (método PBL). Para tanto, compararam-se os discentes de Medicina com os de outros cursos da área da saúde (método tradicional). Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal com 1.152 estudantes universitários matriculados em cursos de graduação da área da saúde. Definiu-se a presença de SDE quando se observaram escores > 10 na Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESE), e o cronótipo foi avaliado por meio do instrumento Morningness-eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Por meio do software Stata 13.0, realizaram-se estatística descritiva e análises bivariadas e multivariadas, além de interações para que o estudo pudesse se ajustar ao modelo. Resultados: A prevalência de SDE foi de 56,5% (IC 95%, 53,6-59,4), e a pontuação média na ESE foi de 11,1 (IC 95%, 10,8-11,3). Esse valor foi menor entre os que apresentaram cronotipo matutino e maior entre os estudantes de Medicina. Dos alunos que participaram do estudo, 10,3% (n = 119) apresentaram um cronotipo incompatível com o período do curso. Os fatores associados e independentes para a SDE foram: sexo feminino (RP, 1,14, IC 95%, 1,01-1,29), idade entre 16 e 19 anos (RP, 1,20, IC 95%, 1,04-1,39), hábito de estudar de madrugada, uso de celular antes de dormir (RP, 1,56, IC 95%, 1,02-2,38), não praticar atividade física semanal (RP, 1,13, IC 95%, 1,02-1,25) e cronótipo matutino (RP, 0,87, IC 95%, 0,76-0,99). Não usar telefones celulares antes de dormir reduziu a prevalência de SDE em 14%. Conclusões: Este estudo demonstrou que o cronotipo matutino se comportou como um fator protetor independente para distúrbios do ciclo circadiano. A prática de atividade física semanal reduziu a prevalência SDE entre universitários com cronotipos intermediário e noturno.

Transtornos do sono: atualização (parte2/2) / Sleep disorders: up to date (2/2)

Este artigo (2/2) compõe uma revisão sobre fundamentos do sono e transtornos do sono (TS), sendo aqui considerados: 1-Incapacidade de dormir na hora desejada-atraso de fase, avanço de fase, ''jet lag'', ritmo sono-vigília irregular, sono/vigília de livre curso, transtornos dos trabalhadores em turnos; 2-Movimentos ou comportamentos anormais durante o sono. Este segundo grupo é aqui subdividido em: A1-Parassonias relacionadas ao sono NREM (Non-rapid eye movement) ­ despertar confusional, sonambulismo, terror noturno, síndrome da cabeça explosiva, alucinações relacionadas ao sono, enurese noturna e parassonias causadas por doenças e medicações; A2-Parassonias relacionadas ao sono REM (rapid eye movement) - transtorno comportamental do sono REM, pesadelos, paralisias recorrentes isoladas do sono, promulgação sono ''dream enactment behavior"; B-Transtornos do movimento relacionados ao sono-bruxismo, síndrome das pernas inquietas, movimentos periódicos das pernas, câimbras do sono, movimentos rítmicos relacionados ao sono, mioclonias proprioespinhais do início do sono, movimentos relacionados à medicação, mioclonias em doenças sistêmicas e mioclonias benignas do sono em bebês.(AU)

This is the second part (2/2) of an article that intends to review major topics regarding sleep fundamentals and sleep disorders (SD), now considering: 1-Circadian rhythm disorders-delayed onset sleep phase disorder, advanced onset sleep phase disorder, jet lag, irregular sleep-wake rhythm, free-running type, shift work type; 2-Abnormal movements or behaviours during sleep. This second category is divided in two groups: A1-NREM (Non-rapid eye movement) parasomnias ­ confusional awakening, sleepwalking, night terrors, explosive head syndrome, sleep-related hallucinations, nocturnal enuresis and parasomnias related to diseases or medications; A2-REM (Rapid eye movement) parasomnias-REM sleep behaviour disorder, nightmares, recurrent isolated sleep paralysis, dream enactment behaviour; B-Sleep related movement disorders-bruxism, restless legs syndrome, periodical limb movement disorders, nocturnal leg cramps, sleep related rhythmic movement disorder, propriospinal myoclonus, movements related to medication use, myoclonus related to systemic diseases and benign myoclonus of sleep.(AU)

Transtornos do sono: atualização (1/2) / Sleep disorders: up to date (1/2)

Esta é uma primeira parte (1/2) da abordagem de fundamentos do sono e transtornos do sono (TS) sobre aspectos: neurobiológicos (neuroanatômicos, neuroquímicos e fisiológicos); clínicos (anamnese e exame físico; exames subjetivos - questionários e escalas; exames objetivos - polissonografia, teste de latências múltiplas e actigrafia). É valorizada a terceira Classificação Internacional dos Transtornos do Sono (ICSD-3) para abordar aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos, segundo as quatro queixas principais referentes dos TS: Insônia, Sonolência excessiva diurna, Movimentos e comportamentos anormais durante o sono e Incapacidade de dormir na hora desejada. Neste artigo abordamos apenas: 1-Insônia - dificuldade em adormecer ou manter-ser dormindo, acordar cedo, ou um distúrbio na qualidade do sono que faz com que o sono pareça inadequado ou não restaurador; duração: aguda ou crônica; 2- Sonolência excessiva diurna; consequente a distúrbios do sono, privação do sono; distúrbios centrais da hipersonia; distúrbios médicos ou psiquiátricos. (AU)

This is the first part (1/2) on this paper about sleep fundamentals and sleep disorders (TS) questions: neurobiological (neuroanatomical, neurochemical and physiological); clinical (anamnesis and physical examination; subjective exams - questionnaires and scales; objective examinations - polysomnography, multiple latency tests and actigraphy). The third International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-3) is valued to address clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, according to the four main complaints regarding TS: Insomnia, Excessive daytime drowsiness, Abnormal movements and behaviors during sleep, and Inability to sleep at the desired time. In this paper, it is discussed the only first two: 1-Insomnia: difficulty falling as-leep, staying asleep, early morning waking, non- restorative sleep, quality of sleep, and amount of sleep; duration: acute or chronic. (AU)

Quimioterápicos y cardiotoxicidad: un enfoque actual y práctico para el clínico de una disciplina en pleno desarrollo / Chemotherapy agents and cardiotoxicity: a current and user-friendly approach for the clinician, a developing discipline

La cardiotoxicidad por fármacos quimioterápicos es un efecto adverso frecuente y esperado. En este sentido se ha creado una especialización, la cardiooncología, que tiene como principal objetivo la prevención de estos efectos. La forma de expresión de este fenómeno es muy variada, pudiendo manifestarse como: insuficiencia cardíaca, hipertensión arterial, eventos coronarios agudos y/o trastornos del ritmo. La clave en la prevención está en la idividualización del riesgo cardiotóxico de cada paciente (en base a factores reconocidos como edad, sexo, irradiación mediastinal previa, tipo de fármaco, dosis acumulada, cardiopatía asociada previamente) y el riesgo potencial cardiotóxico de cada quimioterápico. En este sentido se han creado algoritmos de actuación fundamentados en la monitorización y el inicio de tratamiento precoz y oportuno de cada efecto, previniendo el mal mayor en cada paciente.

Effects of sleep intervention on sleep quality of elderly patients with sleep-wake rhythm disorders / 现代临床护理

Objective To study the effects of sleep intervention on sleep quality of hospitalized elderly patients with sleep-wake rhythm disorders.Methods We applied sleep intervention among 39 hospitalized elderly patients with sleep-wake rhythm disorders.The degree of sleep-wake rhythm disorders was compared by using Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS)and Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS)between pro- and post-sleep intervention.Result The degree of sleep-wake rhythm disorders was significantly improved after 3 months of sleep intervention(Z=13.56,P<0.05).Conclusion Sleep intervention at daytime and nighttime may help the hospitalized elderly patients with sleep-wake rhythm disorders resume to normal sleep-wake rhythm gradually so that the hospitalized elderly patients with sleep-wake rhythm disorders can improve sleep quality and recover from diseases.

Hallazgos neuroendocrinos en el síndrome de ingesta nocturna / Neuroendocrine levels, circadian profiles, and sleep in night eating syndrome: integration of findings

El síndrome de ingesta nocturna (SIN) se caracteriza porhiperfagia vespertina y despertares acompañados deingesta nocturna de alimentos. Dilucidar el trastorno enla fisiología del sueño y la fisiología neuroendocrina subyacenteal síndrome clínico es fundamental y ayudará acentrar los tratamientos. Llevamos a cabo un estudio con15 mujeres internadas con sobrepeso y SIN y 14 participantescontroles similares para comparar las concentracionesen 25 horas y los patrones circadianos de los perfilesneuroendocrinos y de ingesta calórica y las característicaspolisomnográficas...

Night eating syndrome (NES) is characterized by eveninghyperphagia and awakenings with nocturnal foodingestions. Elucidation of the disturbance in sleep and neuroendocrine physiology that underlies the clinical syndrome is crucial and helps to target treatments. We conducted an inpatient study of 15 overweight women with NES and 14 similar control participants to compare the 25 h levels and circadian patterns of neuroendocrine and caloric intake profiles and polysomnographic features...