[Oxygen uptake kinetics to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in obese patients]. / Uso de la cinética del consumo de oxígeno para la evaluación de la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria en pacientes con obesidad.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness (RCC) using maximal or peak oxygen consumption (VO2), requires a high level of effort in obese patients. We propose a method to evaluate RCC using constant and moderate loads, called VO2 kinetics (tau). AIM: To determine the relationship between tau and peak VO2 in patients with obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients (87% females) aged 37 ± 12 years and with a body mass index (BMI) of 34.6 ± 4.0 kg/m2, were divided into two groups according to the applied workload (0.5 and 0.8 Watts/kg body mass) using a cycle ergometer and Cortex Metalyzer 3b equipment. The protocol was started with 6 minutes at constant load and then increments of 20-25 Watts every two min were made until determination of the peak VO2. RESULTS: The tau value was 51.8 ± 17.6 s, the absolute peak VO2 was 2.0 ± 0.7 L/min and the relative peak VO2 was 26.6 ± 30.0 ml/kg/min. There was a significant difference of tau medians between the group that used 0.5 and 0.8 Watts/kg (p = 0.002) and a significant inverse correlation between the absolute peak VO2 and the tau value for a load of 0.5 Watts/kg (rho = -0.415, p = 0.0327). CONCLUSIONS: The higher tau value, the lower the peak VO2 of an obese patient. It is suggested to apply loads of 0.5 Watts/kg for a VO2 kinetics test in obese patients or in subjects who do not wish to carry out higher physiological demands with a non-invasive and low risk procedure.

Uso de la cinética del consumo de oxígeno para la evaluación de la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria en pacientes con obesidad / Oxygen uptake kinetics to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in obese patients

Background: The evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness (RCC) using maximal or peak oxygen consumption (VO2), requires a high level of effort in obese patients. We propose a method to evaluate RCC using constant and moderate loads, called VO2 kinetics (tau). Aim: To determine the relationship between tau and peak VO2 in patients with obesity. Material and Methods: Forty patients (87% females) aged 37 ± 12 years and with a body mass index (BMI) of 34.6 ± 4.0 kg/m2, were divided into two groups according to the applied workload (0.5 and 0.8 Watts/kg body mass) using a cycle ergometer and Cortex Metalyzer 3b equipment. The protocol was started with 6 minutes at constant load and then increments of 20-25 Watts every two min were made until determination of the peak VO2. Results: The tau value was 51.8 ± 17.6 s, the absolute peak VO2 was 2.0 ± 0.7 L/min and the relative peak VO2 was 26.6 ± 30.0 ml/kg/min. There was a significant difference of tau medians between the group that used 0.5 and 0.8 Watts/kg (p = 0.002) and a significant inverse correlation between the absolute peak VO2 and the tau value for a load of 0.5 Watts/kg (rho = -0.415, p = 0.0327). Conclusions: The higher tau value, the lower the peak VO2 of an obese patient. It is suggested to apply loads of 0.5 Watts/kg for a VO2 kinetics test in obese patients or in subjects who do not wish to carry out higher physiological demands with a non-invasive and low risk procedure.

Interações medicamentosas potenciais entre medicamentos psicotrópicos dispensados / Potential drug-drug interactions between psychotropic drugs

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a frequência e caracterizar as interações medicamentosas potenciais entre fármacos psicotrópicos sujeitos a controle especial pela portaria 344/98 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa), os quais foram prescritos e dispensados em uma farmácia pública do Município de Cascavel, Paraná. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo com desenho seccional foi realizado em uma Farmácia Pública Municipal. A amostra foi composta por prescrições de medicamentos sujeitos a controle especial, dispensados entre primeiro de julho a 31 de agosto de 2010. As prescrições retidas na farmácia foram analisadas retrospectivamente e as informações, coletadas. As interações medicamentosas potenciais foram identificadas em 824 prescrições. Resultados As prescrições eram na maioria para pacientes do sexo feminino e com idade entre 19 e 59 anos. Em relação à especialidade do prescritor, 30,6% foram prescritas por psiquiatra. Em 77,9% das prescrições identificou-se pelo menos uma interação medicamentosa potencial. Foram descritas 54 diferentes interações medicamentosas potenciais, sendo 34 graves e 20 moderadas. Encontrou-se uma correlação linear entre medicamentos prescritos e interações medicamentosas potenciais (p valor < 0,001). Conclusão O presente estudo identificou uma alta frequência de interações medicamentosas potenciais envolvendo fármacos de controle especial e uma associação positiva entre o número de fármacos prescritos com a maior frequência dessas interações.

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency and classify the potential drug-drug interactions that occur between psychotropic drugs subject to special control by Decree Order 344/98 of National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), which were prescribed and were dispensed in a public pharmacy of the Cascavel City, Paraná. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in a public community pharmacy in a city of Parana. The sample was the prescriptions of drugs subject to special control, dispensed between day 1 July 2010 to 31 August of the same year. The prescriptions retained in the public pharmacy were retrospectively analyzed and the information collected. The potential drug-drug interactions were identified in 824 prescriptions. Results The prescriptions were mostly for female patients, with aged between 19 and 59 years old. Regarding the prescriber specialty, psychiatrist prescribed 30.6% of prescriptions. In 77.9% of them at least one potential drug-interaction has been identified. Fifty-four different potential drug interactions have been reported, with 34 serious and 20 moderate. There was a linear correlation between prescribed medication and potential drug interactions (p < 0.001). Conclusion The present study showed a high frequency of potential drug interactions involving special control drugs and positive association between the number of drugs prescribed as often these interactions.

Impact of a school-based intervention on nutritional education and physical activity in primary public schools in Chile (KIND) programme study protocol: cluster randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chile has suffered a fast increase in childhood obesity in the last 10 years. As a result, several school programmes have been implemented, however the effectiveness of these needs to be evaluated to identify and prioritize strategies to curve this trend. METHODS: Cluster randomized controlled trial. Twelve primary public schools chosen at random over three regions of the country will take part in this study. The sample size consisted of a total of 1,655 children. For each region one school will be selected for each of the three nutritional intervention modes and one school will be selected as the control group. The intervention modes consist of the following: Healthy Kiosk and nutritional education (KSEAN); Optimized physical activity (AFSO); Healthy Kiosk and nutritional education (KSEAN) + optimized physical activity (AFSO); Control group. The effectiveness of each intervention will be evaluated by determining the nutritional condition of each child by measuring percentage of body fat, BMI and the z-score of the BMI. This study will also identify the eating behaviours, nutritional knowledge and fitness of each child, along with the effective time of moderate activity during physical education classes. DISCUSSION: A protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of a school based intervention to control and/or reduce the rates of childhood obesity for children between 6 and 10 years of age was developed. The protocol was developed in line with the Declaration of Helsinski, the Nüremberg Code and the University of Chile Guidelines for ethical committees, and was approved by the INTA, Universidad de Chile ethical committee on Wednesday 12 March 2014. There is consensus among researchers and health and education personnel that schools are a favourable environment for actions to prevent and/or control childhood obesity. However a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to date has led some to question the wisdom of allocating resources to programmes. This is the first study of this kind in Chile and could be an important first step to provide guidance to political authorities in relation to which food and nutrition strategies to prioritize to curve this alarming trend. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN32136790 , registered retrospectively on 05 September 2014.

Costo efectividad de un programa de rehabilitación cardiovascular para personas post infarto agudo al miocardio: un análisis teórico / Cardiovascular rehabilitation program in post myocardial infarction: a theoretical analysis of cost effectiveness

Pese a que la efectividad de los programas de prevención secundaria en pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) ha sido ampliamente demostrada, su implementación tanto Chile como a nivel internacional ha sido pobre. Objetivo: Determinar la tasa costo-efectividad de una propuesta teórica de Programa de Rehabilitación cardiovascular (PRC) basada en la evidencia y validada por expertos, en personas post Infarto Agudo al Miocardio (IAM) en el nivel secundario de atención en salud, pertenecientes al Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Norte, Región Metropolitana. Método: Se elaboró un protocolo teórico de un PRC integral basado en las guías clínicas internacionales (AHA, AACVPD, NICE, ESC, NHMRC, Victoria), ajustado a la realidad chilena, el cual fue costeado. Luego se estimó los años de vida por muerte prematura con y sin participación en un PRC, para obtener finalmente los Años de Vida Ganados (AVG). Con ello se calculó la tasa de costo-efectividad. Resultados: El costo anual del centro de rehabilitación cardíaca es de $64.407.065 CLP. La Razón Incremental de Costo Efectividad (ICER), considerando una reducción de la mortalidad tardía del 25%, es de CLP$475.209,72/AVG. Valor que al ser menor al Producto Interno Bruto per cápita, se considera como una intervención muy costo efectiva. Conclusión: Un programa de rehabilitación cardiaca integral post-IAM parece muy costo-efectivo.

Although the effectiveness of secondary prevention programs in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been widely demons-trated, its implementation both in Chile and other countries has been scarce. Aim: To determine the cost-effectiveness of an evidence-based theoretical comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CCR), validated by experts, for post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients at the secondary level from the Chilean Public Health System. Methods: A theoretical protocol of a CCR program based on recommendations from international guidelines (AHA, AACVPD, NICE, ESC, NHMRC, Victoria) was elaborated and adjusted to the Chilean conditions. A cost analysis was performed. Life years due to premature death were estimated with and without participation in the cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP). We obtained gained life-years, and calculated the ratio of cost-effectiveness. Results: The annual cost of the cardiac rehabilitation center is $ 64,407,065 CLP. The Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) considering a reduction in late mortality of 25%, is CLP$475.209,72/ AVG. Since it is less than one per capita gross domestic product, it is considered as a very cost-effective intervention. Conclusion: A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program post AMI is very cost-effective for use in a in public health service. It should be considered to review Optimal frequency and intensity of exercise in order to achieve optimal results should be determined.

Compliance of physical activity guidelines by chilean low-income children: difference between school and weekend days and nutritional status.

The main objectives of this study were to compare in 6-9 y Chilean low-income children, daily minutes of moderate/ vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and compliance of the guideline of 60 min of daily MVPA on weekdays versus weekends, by sex and nutritional status (NS). The sample included 250 children (139 boys). Weight and height were measured; MVPA was assessed with NL1000 pedometers during 7 days. The sample was categorized into normal-weight (N) and overweight (OW) according to BMI z score (WHO reference 2007). Comparisons between weekdays and weekends included: a) MVPA by sex, using t-test b) MVPA of N and OW by sex, using ANOVA c) Compliance of guideline by sex and NS, using test of proportions. 66% of the children were OW, accumulating significantly more MVPA on weekdays, 50.5 min versus 40.3; boys more than girls; this result was similar by NS, except for N girls who spent similarly on weekdays as on weekends. Only 33 % boys and 15% girls (p= 0.03) and 17 and 9% (p=0.058) met the guideline on weekdays and weekends respectively, similarly by NS. A very small proportion of children met the MVPA guideline; adopting an active lifestyle is key, considering their high overweight prevalence.

Los principales objetivos de este estudio fueron comparar en escolares chilenos de bajos ingresos (6-9 años), minutos diarios de actividad física moderada / vigorosa (AFMV) y el cumplimiento de la recomendación de 60 minutos diarios de AFMV durante la semana y fin de semana, por sexo y estado nutricional (EN). La muestra incluyó a 250 niños (139 varones). Se midieron peso, talla y AFMV que se evaluó con podómetros (NL1000) durante 7 días. La muestra se clasificó en peso normal (N) y sobrepeso (SP) según puntaje z de IMC (OMS 2007). Las comparaciones entre días de semana y fines de semana incluyeron : a) AFMV por sexo, utilizando la prueba t b) AFMV de N y SP según sexo, usando ANOVA y c) grado de cumplimiento de la recomendación por sexo y EN, utilizando la prueba de proporciones. 66% de los niños eran SP, acumulando significativamente más AFMV los días de semana, 50.5 min versus 40,3; los niños más que las niñas. Este resultado fue similar según EN, excepto para las niñas N. Sólo 33% de los niños y 15% de las niñas (p = 0,03) y el 17% y el 9% (p = 0,058) cumplieron con la recomendación durante la semana y fin de semana, respectivamente con resultados similares según EN. Un bajísimo % de niños chilenos cumple con la recomendación diaria de AFMV. La adopción de un estilo de vida activo desde temprana edad es clave, teniendo en cuenta además la alta prevalencia de sobrepeso.

Densidad mineral ósea y adecuación de la dieta en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis / Bone mineral density and adequacy of dietary pattern of patients with chronic kidney disease in hemodialysis

Introducción: La desnutrición es común en la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), junto a una menor masa muscular y densidad mineral ósea (DMO), aumentando el riesgo de morbilidad. Objetivo: Comparar la composición corporal (CC), DMO y el contenido mineral óseo (CMO) entre pacientes con ERC y sujetos sanos, relacionándolos con ingesta energética, de macro y micronutrientes. Métodos: Se evaluó CC en 30 pacientes en hemodiálisis y 28 voluntarios sanos con DEXA. Los pacientes llenaron tres registros de 24 horas de ingesta alimentaria. Resultados: Los pacientes con ERC presentaron una menor DMO (p < 0,01) y CMO (p < 0,0l) y una tendencia a tener menos masa libre de grasa (MLG) que los controles (p = 0,06). En los hombres, las diferencias en la DMO y CMO pierden significación al ajustar por masa grasa (%) y MLG (kg). En los pacientes con ERC, un 34,5% y 27,6% tuvo una ingesta adecuada de energía y proteínas, respectivamente. Sin embargo, se observó un déficit de la ingesta de energía y proteínas en 31,0% y 44,8% de los pacientes, respectivamente. No se encontró correlación en los pacientes con ERC entre la ingesta de macronutrientes y de calcio y DMO o CMO. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con ERC tienen menor DMO y CMO que los voluntarios sanos. Estas diferencias pierden su importancia en los hombres, después de ajustar por parámetros de composición corporal. Se observó una pobre adecuación de la dieta en la mayoría de los pacientes con ERC, no observándose asociación entre estas variables y la composición corporal o densidad mineral ósea (AU)

Background: In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, malnutrition is common with loss of muscle mass and decreased bone mineral density (BMD), increasing the risk of morbidity. Objective: To compare body composition, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) between CKD patients and healthy subjects, and relate these parameters with energy, macronutrients and micronutrients intake. Methods: Body composition was assessed 30 haemodialysis patients and compared with 28 healthy volunteers with DEXA. In patients, three 24 hours records of dietary intake were filled. Results: A significantly lower BMD (p < 0.01) and BMC (p < 0.0) were found in CKD patients. There was a trend for patients to have lower fat free mass (FFM) than controls (p = 0.06). In men, differences in BMD and BMC lost significance when adjusting for fat mass FM (%) and FFM (kg). In CKD, 34.5% and 27.6% of patients had an adequate intake of energy and protein, respectively. However, it was observed a deficit of energy and protein intake in 31.0% and 44.8% of patients, respectively. No significant correlation was found in CKD patients between macronutrient and calcium intake and BMD or BMC. Conclusions: CKD have lower BMD and BMC than healthy volunteers. These differences lost significance in men, after adjusting for body composition parameters. A poor dietary adequacy was found in most patients with CKD, but no association was observed between these variables and body composition or bone mineral density (AU)

[Bone mineral density and adequacy of dietary pattern of patients with chronic kidney disease in hemodialysis]. / Densidad mineral ósea y adecuación de la dieta en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis.

BACKGROUND: In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, malnutrition is common with loss of muscle mass and decreased bone mineral density (BMD), increasing the risk of morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To compare body composition, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) between CKD patients and healthy subjects, and relate these parameters with energy, macronutrients and micronutrients intake. METHODS: Body composition was assessed 30 haemodialysis patients and compared with 28 healthy volunteers with DEXA. In patients, three 24 hours records of dietary intake were filled. RESULTS: A significantly lower BMD (p < 0.01) and BMC (p < 0.0) were found in CKD patients. There was a trend for patients to have lower fat free mass (FFM) than controls (p = 0.06). In men, differences in BMD and BMC lost significance when adjusting for fat mass FM (%) and FFM (kg). In CKD, 34.5% and 27.6% of patients had an adequate intake of energy and protein, respectively. However, it was observed a deficit of energy and protein intake in 31.0% and 44.8% of patients, respectively. No significant correlation was found in CKD patients between macronutrient and calcium intake and BMD or BMC. CONCLUSIONS: CKD have lower BMD and BMC than healthy volunteers. These differences lost significance in men, after adjusting for body composition parameters. A poor dietary adequacy was found in most patients with CKD, but no association was observed between these variables and body composition or bone mineral density.

Introducción: La desnutrición es común en la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), junto a una menor masa muscular y densidad mineral ósea (DMO), aumentando el riesgo de morbilidad. Objetivo: Comparar la composición corporal (CC), DMO y el contenido mineral óseo (CMO) entre pacientes con ERC y sujetos sanos, relacionándolos con ingesta energética, de macro y micronutrientes. Métodos: Se evaluó CC en 30 pacientes en hemodiálisis y 28 voluntarios sanos con DEXA. Los pacientes llenaron tres registros de 24 horas de ingesta alimentaria. Resultados: Los pacientes con ERC presentaron una menor DMO (p < 0,01) y CMO (p < 0,01) y una tendencia a tener menos masa libre de grasa (MLG) que los controles (p = 0,06). En los hombres, las diferencias en la DMO y CMO pierden significación al ajustar por masa grasa (%) y MLG (kg). En los pacientes con ERC, un 34,5% y 27,6% tuvo una ingesta adecuada de energía y proteínas, respectivamente. Sin embargo, se observó un déficit de la ingesta de energía y proteínas en 31,0% y 44,8% de los pacientes, respectivamente. No se encontró correlación en los pacientes con ERC entre la ingesta de macronutrientes y de calcio y DMO o CMO. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con ERC tienen menor DMO y CMO que los voluntarios sanos. Estas diferencias pierden su importancia en los hombres, después de ajustar por parámetros de composición corporal. Se observó una pobre adecuación de la dieta en la mayoría de los pacientes con ERC, no observándose asociación entre estas variables y la composición corporal o densidad mineral ósea.

Estudio explorativo acerca de la utilidad del cociente respiratorio en la determinación del umbral anaeróbico en pacientes con unsuficiencia renal crónica / Exploratory study about the utility of the respiratory quotient on the determination of anaerobic threshold on chronic kidney disease patients

Fundamento y Objetivo: Debido a las alteraciones observadas en la condición física de pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica se ha demostrado la utilidad de someter a estos pacientes a un entrenamiento físico. El cociente respiratorio es utilizado normalmente como un medio no invasivo para estimar el umbral anaeróbico en sujetos sometidos a entrenamiento físico. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la utilidad del cociente respiratorio como método indirecto para estimar el umbral anaeróbico y como indicador de detención en una ergometría en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica. Pacientes y método: Se realizó una cicloergometría con análisis de gases espirados en un grupo de pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica (n=17) y en un grupo de sujetos sanos (n=18). Los cocientes respiratorios en reposo y con 30, 60 y 100 W fueron comparados entre ambos grupos. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias entre individuos sanos y pacientes en el cociente respiratorio en reposo; sin embargo, durante la prueba con diferentes intensidades de trabajo se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos. Conclusiones: En el caso de los nefrópatas, las diferencias observadas en el cociente respiratorio pueden atribuirse a exceso de producción de CO2. Per esta razón, la utilización del cociente respiratorio como un medio no invasivo para estimar el umbral anaeróbico parece ser no recomendable en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica.

Background and Objective: Due to changes observed in the physical condition of patients with chronic renal failure it has been demonstrated the usefulness of the physical training on these patients. The respiratory quotient is normally used as a non-invasive method for estimating the anaerobic threshold in subjects undergoing physical training. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the respiratory quotient as an indirect method to estimate the anaerobic threshold and as an indicator to stop the ergometry in patients with chronic renal failure. Patients and Methods: We conducted a cycle-erge metry with expired gas analysis in patients with chronic renal failure (n = 17) and in a group of healthy subjects (n= 18). The respiratory quotients at rest and with 30, 60 and 100 W were compared between groups. Results: No differences in the respiratory quotient were observed between healthy subjects and patients at rest, however, statistically significant differences were found between groups with different intensities of work. Conclusions: Because the observed differences in respiratory quotients could be attributed to an excess on production of CO2 in chronic renal failure patients, the use of respiratory quotient as a non-invasive method for estimating the anaerobic threshold seems to be not recommended in these patients.

[Study of aerobic capacity in chronic hemodialized patients: effect of L-carnitine supplementation]. / Estudio exploratorio de la capacidad aerobia en pacientes en hemodiálisis: efecto de la suplementación con L-carnitina.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic hemodialyzed patients have a low level of aerobic capacity, caused by the pathologies concomitant to renal insufficiency, according with a low level of physical activity. One of the factors that would contribute to this level of aerobic capacity is the L-carnitine deficit on skeletal muscle. However, the value of the supplementation of L-carnitine to improve the physical fitness has been controversial. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the administration of L-carnitine on VO2 max in hemodialyzed patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 21 patients (20-50 years old) on a program of chronic hemodialysis was studied. During 12 weeks, 13 of them received L-carnitine, 7 men and 6 women, 38.8 (9.5) years old; BMI 24.2 (2.1) Kg/m2; 8 of them received placebo, 4 men and 4 women, 35.8 (11.4) years old; BMI 24.5 (5.8) Kg/m2. RESULTS: There was an increase in VO2 peak on L-carnitine group from 16.3 (2.8) mL x Kg(-1) x min(-1) to 19.5 (3.3) mL x Kg(-1) x min(-1), and the same was seen in the placebo group (increase in VO2 peak from 14.8 (3.8) mL x Kg(-1) x min(-1) to 18.9 (4.8) mL x Kg(-1) x min(-1)). The L-carnitine and placebo groups did not show statistical differences at the end of this study (all values above p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this group of patients, the intravenous supplementation of L-carnitine during 12 weeks did not have an impact on the improvement of the VO2 peak.

Estudio exploratorio de la capacidad aerobia en pacientes en hemodiálisis: efecto de la suplementación con L-carnitina / Study of aerobic capacity in chronic hemodialized patients: effect of L-carnitine supplementation

Fundamento y objetivo: Los pacientes en hemodiálisis crónica presentan una baja capacidad aerobia, que es atribuible tanto a las morbilidades propias de su enfermedad como a la escasa actividad física que realizan. Uno de los factores que pueden contribuir a esa baja capacidad aerobia es el déficit muscular de L-carnitina que presentan. La suplementación con L-carnitina ha producido resultados dispares. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido evaluar el efecto de la administración de L-carnitina sobre el consumo máximo de oxígeno que presentan los pacientes en hemodiálisis. Pacientes y método: Se ha estudiado a un total de 21 pacientes con edades comprendidas entre 20 y 50 años, que se encontraban en un programa de hemodiálisis crónica. Durante 12 semanas, 13 pacientes recibieron L-carnitina ­7 varones y 6 mujeres, con una edad media (desviación estándar) de 38,8 (9,5) años y un índice de masa corporal medio de 24,2 (2,1) kg/m2­ y 8 recibieron placebo ­4 varones y 4 mujeres, con una edad media de 35,8 (11,4) años e índice de masa corporal medio de 24,5 (5,8) kg/m2­. Resultados: En el grupo que recibió L-carnitina se observó un aumento de la media del consumo máximo de oxígeno, de 16,3 (2,8) a 19,5 (3,3) ml * kg­1 * min­1, al igual que en el grupo que recibió placebo, donde aumentó de 14,8 (3,8) a 18,9 (4,8) ml * kg­1 * min­1. Los grupos L-carnitina y placebo no presentaron diferencias significativas al término del estudio (todas las variables con valores de p > 0,05). Conclusiones: En este grupo de pacientes en hemodiálisis la administración de L-carnitina durante 12 semanas no tuvo impacto en la mejoría del consumo máximo de oxígeno

Background and objective: Chronic hemodialyzed patients have a low level of aerobic capacity, caused by the pathologies concomitant to renal insufficiency, according with a low level of physical activity. One of the factors that would contribute to this level of aerobic capacity is the L-carnitine deficit on skeletal muscle. However, the value of the supplementation of L-carnitine to improve the physical fitness has been controversial. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the administration of L-carnitine on VO2 max in hemodialyzed patients. Patients and methods: A group of 21 patients (20-50 years old) on a program of chronic hemodialysis was studied. During 12 weeks, 13 of them received L-carnitine, 7 men and 6 women, 38.8 (9.5) years old; BMI 24.2 (2.1) Kg/m2; 8 of them received placebo, 4 men and 4 women, 35.8 (11.4) years old; BMI 24.5 (5.8) Kg/m2. Results: There was an increase in VO2 peak on L-carnitine group from 16.3 (2.8) mL3 Kg­1 3 min­1 to 19.5 (3.3) mL 3 Kg­1 3 min­1, and the same was seen in the placebo group (increase in VO2peak from 14.8 (3.8) mL 3 Kg­1 3 min­1 to 18.9 (4.8) mL 3 Kg­1 3 min­1). The L-carnitine and placebo groups did not show statistical differences at the end of this study (all values above p > 0.05). Conclusion. In this group of patients, the intravenous supplementation of L-carnitine during 12 weeks did not have an impact on the improvement of the VO2peak

Detecção de risco de interações entre fármacos antidepressivos e associados prescritos a pacientes adultos / Interaction risk detection between antidepressant and associated drugs prescribed for adult patients

CONTEXTO: O uso de fármacos combinados para o tratamento de patologias diversas em psiquiatria tem aumentado progressivamente. Os antidepressivos estão envolvidos em diversas interações farmacológicas clinicamente importantes. OBJETIVO: Detectar risco de interações entre fármacos antidepressivos e associados prescritos a pacientes adultos. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa retrospectiva e descritiva foi desenvolvida em uma farmácia magistral da cidade de Cascavel, Paraná. Os dados foram coletados de 151 receituários médicos de pacientes adultos (19 anos ou mais), envolvendo fármacos antidepressivos e associados entre outubro e novembro de 2005. O estudo limitou-se às variáveis registradas no receituário médico (sexo, idade, fármaco antidepressivo e associado prescrito). RESULTADOS: A categoria de 31 a 40 anos de idade foi a mais freqüente (32,46 por cento) e o sexo foi o feminino (64,90 por cento). Os fármacos antidepressivos tricíclicos (ADT) e associados apresentaram um total de oito episódios de interações relativos ao grau de severidade, sendo quatro de grau moderado e quatro menor. Em relação aos fármacos antidepressivos inibidores seletivos da recaptura de serotonina (ISRS) e associados, o risco de ocorrência foi de 16 casos; quatro de severidade menor, dez moderada e dois maior. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados mostram que os pacientes com prescrição de fármacos ISRS e associados possuíam mais risco de interações de maior severidade, totalizando o dobro de interações em relação aos ADTs.

BACKGROUND: The combination of drugs for the treatment of psychiatric disorders has become a relatively frequent practice. The antidepressants are involved in several clinically important pharmacological interactions. OBJECTIVES: To detect the risk of interactions between antidepressants and associated drugs prescribed for adults patients. METHODS: Data on 151 medical prescriptions of antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs were retrospectively assessed at a teaching pharmacy in the city of Cascavel (state of Parana, Brazil), between October and November 2005. Only prescriptions provided for adults patients (19 years and older) were analyzed. RESULTS: Prescriptions were most frequently provided for female patients (64.9 percent), and for patients in the 31 to 40 year-old age group (32.5 percent). Considering prescription information only, we identified a clinically relevant risk of drug-drug interactions in eight prescriptions of tricyclic antidepressants (TADs) and associated drugs; the putative consequence of such pharmacological interaction was considered moderately relevant in four of these. The co-prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with other related drugs bearing a putative risk of interaction was observed in 16 cases, two of which involved a significant risk, ten a moderate risk, and four a minor risk of clinically relevant consequences. DISCUSSION: We provide evidence that the risk of pharmacological interactions may be often overlooked in the prescription of antidepressants (TAD and SSRIs) and related drugs in this clinical setting.

Prevalência da sintomatologia depressiva em idosos em uma área de saúde da família no município de Maringá, Estado do Paraná / Depressive symptoms in seniors’ population in Maringá, PR

Verificar a prevalência da sintomatologia depressiva na população de idosos com idade superior a 60 anos, numa área adstrita do PSF, no município de Maringá, Estado do Paraná. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, utilizando o Inventário para Depressão de Beck. A população estudada foi de 451 indivíduos, da qual foi utilizada uma amostra de 123 pessoas correspondendo a 27,3 por cento do total. Obtiveram-se os seguintes resultados: 1) idade média 69 ± 8 anos; 2) disforia: 15,1 por cento dos homens e 17,2 por cento das mulheres (p=0,7590); depressão: 34 por cento dos homens e 37,7 por cento das mulheres (p=0,6942); 3) a prevalência de “depressão” foi 4,8 vezes maior que a população brasileira e 2,1 vezes a dos idosos americanos. Assim, a sintomatologia depressiva foi altamente prevalente na amostra de idosos estudada, de uma área de PSF