Desarrollo psicomotor y cortisol salival en niños que viven juntos a sus madres privadas de libertad / Psychomotor development and cortisol salivary levels in infants that live with their inmate mothers

INTRODUCCIÓN: En Chile el sistema penitenciario cuenta con un programa que permite que las madres privadas de libertad vivan con sus hijos menores de 2 años. Esta modalidad podría implicar que los niños estén más expuestos a condiciones de estrés y a mayor riesgo de retraso en su desarrollo psicomotor (DSM). OBJETIVO: Comparar el DSM y la concentración de cortisol en saliva de los niños que viven en la cárcel junto a sus madres y comparar los resultados con los observados en niños que no están bajo este régimen. SUJETOS Y MÉTODO: Estudio transversal en 42 lactantes, 12 de ellos hijos de madres reclusas en el centro penitenciario de Santiago (CPF), y 30 controles provenientes de un Centro de Salud Familiar de Atención Primaria (CESFAM). Se evaluó DSM de los lactantes mediante la encuesta ASQ-3 y se realizó medición de cortisol salival mediante radioinmunoensayo a los lactantes y madres. RESULTADOS: La mediana de cortisol salival de los hijos de madres del CPF y CESFAM fue de 2,3 ng/ml (IQR 1,1 a 2,7) y de 2,1 ng/ml (IQR 1,6 a 2,9) respectivamente. El cortisol materno fue 4,6 ng/ml (IQR 3,8 a 7,3) en el CPF y 3,7 ng/ml (IQR 2,4 a 4,7) en el CESFAM. El déficit del DSM fue 2,3% y 28,5% para los niños del CPF y del CESFAM, respectivamente, sin diferencia estadística (p = 0,06). CONCLUSIONES: No hubo diferencia en el DSM y tampoco en el cortisol salival entre los niños de ambos grupos.

INTRODUCTION: In Chile, the prison system has a program that allows inmate mothers to live with their children un der two years of age. This could imply that these children are more exposed to stress conditions and a higher psychomotor developmental delay (PDD) risk. OBJECTIVE: To compare the PDD and salivary cortisol concentrations (SCC) of children living in prison with their mothers and to compare the results with control children. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study in 42 infants, 12 of them are children of inmate mothers in the penitentiary center (CPF) of Santiago, and 30 controls from a Primary Care Family Health Center (CESFAM). PDD of infants was assessed through the ASQ-3 questionnaire and salivary cortisol was measured in infants and mothers using radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The median salivary cortisol level of the children of CPF and CESFAM mothers was 2.3 ng/ ml (IQR 1.1 to 2.7) and 2.1 ng/ml (IQR 1.6 to 2, 9) respectively. Maternal cortisol was 4.6 ng/ml (IQR 3.8 to 7.3) in the CPF and 3.7 ng/ml (IQR 2.4 to 4.7) in the CESFAM. The PDD deficit was 2.3% and 28.5% for children from the CPF and the CESFAM respectively, without statistical difference (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the PDD and salivary cortisol between children of both groups.

Efecto de Estradiol y Testosterona sobre la activación de la vía JAK2/STAT5 inducida por hormona de crecimiento / Estradiol and Testosterone effect on the activation of the JAK2/STAT5 pathway induced by growth hormone

Abstract: Sex hormones play a major role during pubertal growth. Estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels progressively increase during puberty and in the presence of growth hormone (GH), growth velocity increases. Understanding the interactions between sex hormones and GH, may optimize the treatment of pubertal children with growth disorders. The aim of our study was to investigate possible molecular mechanisms which might potentiate longitudinal growth during puberty due to E 2or T combined with GH. We evaluated the GH/JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathway in the human hepatoma cell line HEPG2. Our results suggest that sex hormones potentiate the GH signaling pathway in a dose dependent fashion. Relatively low concentrations of E 2associated with GH induce a substantial activation of the GH pathway, whereas relatively high concentrations of T associated with GH produce a similar effect. These findings are concordant with the physiology of the pubertal growth spurt, which is an early event in girls (when E 2 circulating levels are low), and a late event in boys (when T circulating levels are high).

Resumen: Las hormonas sexuales, modulan el crecimiento durante la pubertad. Los niveles de estradiol (E2) y testosterona (T) aumentan progresivamente durante la pubertad y en combinación con la hormona de crecimiento (GH), producen un incremento en la velocidad de crecimiento en este período conocido como el "estirón puberal". El estudio de la interacción entre las hormonas sexuales y la GH, es de gran importancia para optimizar el tratamiento de niños(as) con alteraciones del crecimiento durante la pubertad. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue investigar los posibles mecanismos que podrían potenciar el crecimiento longitudinal durante la pubertad, en especial las interacciones entre E 2o T en combinación con GH. Se evaluó la activación de la vía de señalización GH/JAK2/STAT5 frente al estímulo combinado con estas hormonas en cultivos celulares de hepatoma humana HEPG2. Nuestros resultados sugieren que existe un efecto potenciador de las hormonas sexuales sobre la vía de señalización de GH. Observamos que concentraciones relativamente bajas de E2 junto con GH producen una clara activación de la vía de señalización para GH, mientras que concentraciones relativamente altas de T junto con GH producen una activación similar. Estos hallazgos son concordantes con la fisiología del estirón puberal, que es más precoz en niñas (cuando los niveles circulantes de E2 son bajos), y más tardíos en varones (cuando los niveles circulantes de T son altos).

Síndrome de hipoglicemia autoinmune: Primeros casos en Chile / Insulin autoimmune syndrome: Report of two cases

Insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS) is characterized by spontaneous hypoglycemia with extremely high insulin levels and the presence of circulating autoantibodies against insulin, in patients who have never been exposed to exogenous insulin. We report two patients with the syndrome. A 36 years old male presenting with hypoglycemia in the emergency room had an oral glucose tolerance test showed basal and 120 min glucose levels of 88 and 185 mg/dl. The basal and 120 min insulin levels were 2,759 and 5,942 μUI/ml. The presence of an insulin secreting tumor was discarded. Anti-insulin antibodies were positive. He was successfully treated with a diet restricted in carbohydrates and frequent meals in small quantities. A 65 years old female presenting with hypoglycemia in the emergency room had the fasting insulin levels of 1,910 µUI/ml. No insulin secreting tumor was detected by images and anti-insulin antibodies were positive. The polyethylene glycol precipitation test showed a basal and after exposition insulin level 1,483 and 114 µUI/ml, respectively. She responded partially to diet and acarbose and required the use of prednisone with a good clinical response.

Deficiencia severa de vitamina D en niños de Punta Arenas, Chile: influencia de estado nutricional en la respuesta a suplementación / Severe vitamin D deficiency in children from Punta Arenas, Chile: Influence of nutritional status on the response to supplementation

En población austral existe un alto riesgo de deficiencia de vitamina D (VD) que puede tratarse mediante suplementación nutricional. El exceso de peso (EP) podría afectar la respuesta a su suplementación. Objetivos: Estudiar la prevalencia de deficiencia de VD y el efecto de la suplementación con colecalciferol (VD3) en niños sanos de Punta Arenas, Chile, y evaluar la posible asociación con el estado nutricional. Metodología: Se obtuvieron datos demográficos, antropométricos y medición sérica de 25-hidroxivitamina-D (25OHD) y parámetros de metabolismo óseo. Luego se suplementó a los niños con VD3 1.600 UI/día por un mes y se reevaluó 25OHD sérica. Resultados: Se estudiaron 108 niños, 50% hombres, edad promedio 9,6 ± 0,5 años. Un 39% eran eutróficos, 46% con sobrepeso y 15% obesos. La mediana de 25OHD fue 10,9 ng/ml: 96,3% tenían deficiencia (< 20 ng/ml) y 3,7% insuficiencia (20 a 29 ng/ml). Se pesquisó deficiencia severa (< 12 ng/ml) en 62%. La concentración basal de 25OHD no varió según estado nutricional. Luego de la suplementación, la mediana de 25OHD fue 17,5 ng/ml: 62% con deficiencia, 36% insuficiencia y 2% suficiencia (> 30 ng/ml). Los niños con EP tuvieron un alza de 25OHD significativamente menor que niños eutróficos (5 ± 5,5 vs. 7,7 ± 4,9, p = 0,03). Niños con EP requerirían dosis de VD 32% mayores que niños eutróficos para lograr la misma concentración de 25OHD. Conclusiones: Niños escolares de Punta Arenas presentan alta prevalencia de EP, deficiencia de VD y la mayoría en rango de deficiencia severa. El EP interfiere en la respuesta a suplementación farmacológica, logrando menor alza de 25OHD.

There is a high risk of vitamin D (VD) deficiency in the population of southern Chile that can be treated with VD supplements. Weight excess (WE) can influence the response to supplements. Objectives: To study the prevalence of VD deficiency and the effect of cholecalciferol (VD3) supplements in healthy children from Punta Arenas, Chile, and evaluate a possible association with nutritional status. Methodology: Demographic and anthropometric data, as well as laboratory assessment of serum 25-hidroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and other bone metabolism parameters were evaluated. After baseline evaluation, children were supplemented with VD3 1600 IU/day for one month, after which 25OHD was retested. Results: Of the 108 children studied, 50% were boys, and had a mean age of 9.6 ± 0.5 years. Nutritional assessment showed that 39% had normal weight, 46% were overweight, and 15% were obese. Median 25OHD was 10.9 ng/ml: 96.3% had deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) and 3.7% insufficiency (20-29 ng/ml). Severe deficiency was found in 62% (< 12 ng/ml). Baseline 25OHD was not affected by nutritional status. After supplementation, median 25OHD was 17.5 ng/ml: 62% had deficiency, 36% insufficiency, and 2% sufficiency (>30 ng/ml). Children with WE had a significantly lower increase in 25OHD than children with normal weight (5 ± 5.5 vs. 7.7 ± 4.9, p = 03). Children with WE may require 32% higher VD dose than normal weight children to attain the same 25OHD concentration. Conclusions: Chilean schoolchildren from Punta Arenas have high prevalence of WE and VD deficiency, with a majority in the range of severe VD deficiency. WE interferes in the response to VD supplementation, leading to a lower increase in 25OHD.

El hábito de fumar se asocia a baja concentración plasmática de hormona antimülleriana en mujeres infértiles / Effects of smoking on plasma antimüllerian hormone concentrations among infertile women

Background: Smoking may hamperfemale fertility, probably modifying ovarian reserve. Antimüllerian hormone (AMH) is an accurate marker for ovarian reserve. Aim: To look for an association between smoking status and plasma AMH concentration. Patients and Methods: A cohort of 141 infertile women in a university setting in Santiago, Chile was studied. Demographic and smoking data, including the number of cigarettes smoked during the last week, were collected. A blood sample was obtained and kept frozen until determination of AMH by ELISA and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol at day three of the menstrual cycle, by radioimmunoanalysis. Results: Thirty two participants smoked (23%). There were no significant differences in age, parity, body mass index, causes of infertility and day three FSH and estradiol between smokers and nonsmokers. According to a regression analysis, there was a significant decrease in AMH concentration with age and active cigarette smoking. A drop in AMH of -0.189 ng/mL with a unitary change in age and a decrease of -2.29 ng/mL when everything else remains constant, except the smoking status, were established (p < 0.001 and r2 = 0.134). However, no dose response was observed when the number of cigarettes smoked during the last week were introduced in the model. Furthermore, no significant association ofplasma AMH with day three plasma FSH and estradiol concentrations was observed. Conclusions: Cigarette smoking is associated with decreased AMHplasma concentrations among infertile women. However there was no dose response relationship. The mechanisms underlying this association are unknown and further investigation is required.

Hipovitaminosis D en pacientes pediátricos en terapia de sustitución renal / Hypovitaminosis D in pediatric patients on renal replacement therapy

Background: Hypovitaminosis D has a high prevalence among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Aim: To determine the prevalence of 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH) D) insufficiency and deficiency in pediatric patients on dialysis and kidney transplantation. Material and Methods: Serum calcium and phosphorus, parathormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatases and 25 (OH)D were measured in 13 children on hemodialysis (HD), 18 on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 53 that received an allograft (Tx), aged 9.8 ± 4.6 years (51 percent females). Results: Fifty four percent of patients had height Z score less than -1.88. Patients on HD had the lowest values. The average time of replacement therapy was 2.9 ± 2.8 years. Mean 25(OH)D levels in all was 18.7 ± 10.7ng/ml (HD: 21 ± 16.8, PD: 18.9 ± 8.5, Tx: 18.1 ± 9.72 ng/ml). Eighty eight percent of patients had levels below 30 ng/ml. Mean of serum calcium was 9.5 ± 0.64 mg/dl, serum phosphorus 5.03 ± 1.02 mg/dl, calcium-phosphorus product 48 ± 11.8 mg/dl and alkaline phosphatases 300.5 ± 171.3 IU/L. Average PTH values in dialyzed and Tx patients were 724.6 ± 640.5 and 107.7 ± 56.2 pg/ml, respectively (p < 0.001). A positive correlation between 25 (OH) D and calcium levels among PD patients was observed (r = 0.490, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent among children on renal substitution therapy, regardless of the type of therapy used and the stage of renal failure.

VIPoma pancreático: Caso clínico / Pancreatic VIPoma: Report of one case

Neuroendocrine tumors are uncommon, including VIPoma that produces vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. We report a 45-year-old female presenting with a history of diarrhea lasting three months. An abdominal CAT scan showed a solid tumor in the body of the pancreas. A fine needle aspiration biopsy of the tumor was compatible with a neuroendocrine tumor. The patient was subjected to a partial pancreatectomy, excising a 4 cm diameter tumor. The pathological study was compatible with a neuroendocrine carcinoma. There was no regional lymph node involvement. During the postoperative period the results of serum vasoactive intestinal polypeptide were received. These were 815.9 pg/ml before surgery and normalized after the operation.