Skin picking disorder in 97 Italian and Spanish Cri du chat patients.

Skin picking (SP) disorder is characterized by recurrent SP resulting in skin lesions. Several studies estimated its prevalence as approximately 2-4 % of the general population. It is also present in a high percentage of patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Cri du chat (CdC) syndrome, a rare genetic disorder caused by variable size deletions of the short arm of chromosome 5. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in 97 patients with CdC syndrome, the following data: frequency of SP, patient's age at onset, type, and topographic-anatomic distribution of the lesions presented. The results show that 85% of patients confirm a SP disorder, usually concentrated on the hands, fingers, and the face, with onset between 6 and 10 years of age, regardless of patient's sex. Evidence for early appearance of SP behavior, high prevalence in stressful circumstances, and efficacy of distracting actions immediately suggest the possibility that proper parental information about SP behavior and parental education concerning the methods to deal with this problem may result in its efficient reduction already in childhood.

Evaluación clínica abierta multicéntrica no aleatorizada y prospectiva de la efectividad de una emulsión a base de ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados, Aloe barbadensis y Mimosa tenuiflora (Mepentol® Leche) en diferentes tipos de pacientes con riesgo de ulceración / Multicentric prospective non randomized open clinical evaluation of the efficacy of an emulsion based on hyperoxigenated fatty acids Aloe barbadensis and Mimosa tenuiflora (Mepentol® Leche) in different types of patients with risk of ulceration

Las úlceras de la extremidad inferior suponen un grave problema sanitario que afecta a un gran número de pacientes, constituyendo por ello un gran reto de trabajo para los profesionales de la salud. Los ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados (AGHO) han demostrado tener eficacia en la prevención de este tipo de úlceras. Gracias a los buenos resultados obtenidos en un estudio previo, nos planteamos seguir evaluando la efectividad del producto Mepentol® Leche, una emulsión a base de ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados, Aloe barbadensis y Mimosa tenuiflora, en el cuidado de la piel y alivio de los síntomas en pacientes con este problema, pero ampliando el tamaño de la muestra y centrándonos en pacientes diabéticos junto con otras enfermedades concomitantes. Además, en este estudio se ha implicado a profesionales de enfermería de seis provincias: Almería, Alicante, Granada, Sevilla, Málaga y Ceuta. De nuevo con este estudio, realizado en un total de 2.145 pacientes, hemos demostrado que ningún paciente ha ulcerado durante el tiempo de seguimiento y tratamiento con Mepentol® Leche y que su aplicación sistemática mejora claramente los síntomas previos a la aparición de úlceras, evitando la sequedad cutánea, reduciendo el prurito, escozor, dolor y eccema, y devolviendo la piel de estos pacientes a su coloración normal (AU)

The lower extremity wounds are a serious health problem that affects a large number of patients, thereby assuming a great challenge to work for health professionals. Hyperoxygenated fatty acids (AGHO), have demonstrated efficacy in the prevention of this type of ulcers. Thanks to the good results obtained in a previous study, we plan to continue evaluating the effectiveness of Mepentol® Leche, an emulsion-based hyper-oxygenated fatty acids, Aloe barbadensis and Mimosa tenuiflora in skin care and relief of symptoms, in patients with this problem, but expanding the sample size and focusing on diabetic patients with concomitant diseases. Also in this study have been involving nurses in six provinces: Almería, Alicante, Granada, Seville, Malaga and Ceuta. Again with this study, a total of 2,145 patients, we demonstrated that no patient has ulcerated during the follow-up and treatment with Mepentol® Leche and its systematic application significantly improves the symptoms before the onset of ulcers, preventing dryness skin, reducing itching, burning, pain and eczema, and returning the skin of these patients to their normal color (AU)

Propiedades métricas del cuestionario WOMAC y de una versión reducida para medir la sintomatología y la discapacidad física / Metric properties of WOMAC questionnaires -original and reduced versions- to measure symptoms and Physical Functional Disability

ObjetivosDeterminar las propiedades métricas del cuestionario WOMAC administrado telefónicamente y obtener una versión reducida de éste.DiseñoDescriptivo transversal.EmplazamientoHospital La Merced (Osuna, Sevilla) y hospital Torrecárdenas (Almería).ParticipantesPersonas en espera de artroplastia de cadera o de rodilla por osteoartrosis desde octubre de 2004 a noviembre de 2006.Mediciones principalesMediante encuesta telefónica se recogieron las variables sociodemográficas y la sintomatología y discapacidad física (cuestionario WOMAC).ResultadosEl estudio incluyó 311 personas con osteoartrosis de cadera o de rodilla, predominantemente mujeres (82,63%) y una media de 70 años. Las propiedades métricas del cuestionario WOMAC original y de la versión reducida obtuvieron un máximo de 67,4 de frecuencia de endose. El análisis factorial por componentes principales obtuvo comunalidades superiores a 0,5 en cada ítem, por lo que logró una variancia total explicada del 71,73% con 5 factores —sin significado conceptual—. Mientras que, elevando el punto de corte de la comunalidad de cada ítem a 0,8, se desecharon 13 ítems y se elevó la variancia total explicada al 87,74% con 4 factores —con significado conceptual—. La rotación fue Varimax por baja correlación de factores. La correlación de Pearson entre ambos cuestionarios fue de 0,92. El análisis de fiabilidad obtuvo un valor alfa de Cronbach para los cuestionarios WOMAC con 24 y 11 ítems de 0,92 y 0,82, respectivamente.ConclusionesEl cuestionario WOMAC presenta unas propiedades métricas adecuadas para su uso por vía telefónica en la población con osteoartrosis de cadera y de rodilla. Además, la versión reducida del cuestionario WOMAC con 11 ítems presenta unas propiedades métricas mejores que el original(AU)

ObjectivesTo determine the metric properties of the WOMAC questionnaire filled in over the telephone; and to obtain a reduced version of this questionnaire.DesignDescriptive study.Setting“La Merced” (Osuna. Seville) and “Torrecárdenas” (Almeria) Hospitals.ParticipantsPeople suffering from hip and knee osteoarthritis and awaiting surgical intervention from October 2004 to November 2006.Main measurementsTelephone interview, sociodemographic variables and Symptoms and Physical Functional Disability (WOMAC questionnaire) were collected.ResultsA total of 311 people suffering from hip or knee osteoarthritis were included. Subjects were mostly women (82.63%) with a mean age of 70 years. Metric properties of the original and reduced WOMAC were as follows: All WOMAC items obtained a maximum value of 67.4% on endorsement frequency. Main components factorial analysis resulted in a communality of over 0.5 and 71.73% of total explained variance, with 5 factors –no conceptual meaning-. With a communality cut-off point of 0.8; 13 items were rejected and the total explained variance increased to 87.74% with 4 factors -conceptually sensible-. Varimax rotations were performed due to low correlation factors. Pearson correlation between the original and reduced WOMAC versions were 0.92. Reliability analysis obtained a Cronbach α value of 0.92 for original WOMAC and 0.82 for the reduced version.ConclusionThe original WOMAC questionnaire showed adequate metric properties to be used over the telephone on people suffering from hip and knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, a reduced version of WOMAC with 11 items had better metric properties than the full version(AU)

[Metric properties of WOMAC questionnaires-original and reduced versions-to measure symptoms and Physical Functional Disability]. / Propiedades métricas del cuestionario WOMAC y de una versión reducida para medir la sintomatología y la discapacidad física.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the metric properties of the WOMAC questionnaire filled in over the telephone; and to obtain a reduced version of this questionnaire. DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: "La Merced" (Osuna. Seville) and "Torrecárdenas" (Almeria) Hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: People suffering from hip and knee osteoarthritis and awaiting surgical intervention from October 2004 to November 2006. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Telephone interview, sociodemographic variables and Symptoms and Physical Functional Disability (WOMAC questionnaire) were collected. RESULTS: A total of 311 people suffering from hip or knee osteoarthritis were included. Subjects were mostly women (82.63%) with a mean age of 70 years. Metric properties of the original and reduced WOMAC were as follows: All WOMAC items obtained a maximum value of 67.4% on endorsement frequency. Main components factorial analysis resulted in a communality of over 0.5 and 71.73% of total explained variance, with 5 factors -no conceptual meaning-. With a communality cut-off point of 0.8; 13 items were rejected and the total explained variance increased to 87.74% with 4 factors -conceptually sensible-. Varimax rotations were performed due to low correlation factors. Pearson correlation between the original and reduced WOMAC versions were 0.92. Reliability analysis obtained a Cronbach alpha value of 0.92 for original WOMAC and 0.82 for the reduced version. CONCLUSION: The original WOMAC questionnaire showed adequate metric properties to be used over the telephone on people suffering from hip and knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, a reduced version of WOMAC with 11 items had better metric properties than the full version.

[Prevention of vascular ulcers and diabetic foot. Non-randomized open clinical evaluation on the effectiveness of "Mepentol Leche"]. / Prevención de ulceras vasculares y pie diabético. Evaluación clínica abierta no aleatorizada sobre la efectividad de Mepentol Leche.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers present a health serious problem which affects a large number of patients, creating a major challenge for health professionals. Hyper-oxygenated fatty acid dressings have proven to be effective thanks to their favorable action on the skin in three ways: increasing the microcirculation of the blood, promoting the renovation of the epidermic cells, and notably increasing cutaneous hydration. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effectiveness of Mepentol Leche, an emulsion based on Hyper-oxygenated fatty acids, Aloe barbadensis and Mimosa tenuiflora, used to treat the skin and alleviate symptoms in patients who suffer from vascular ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: Clinical evaluation carried out between June 2004 and December 2005. 195 patients were studied. The parameters for inclusion in this study were 32.82% for venous pathology 35.90% for skin care, 26.67% due to arterial pathology, and 4.62% for a lymphatic pathology. These patients were evaluated over a one month period and each had a follow-up by means of a data collection file. The guideline to apply this product was twice a day and always over integral skin. The effectiveness of this product has been established based on these epigraphs: symptoms of itching, smarting and pain, and skin conditions: color, dryness, edema, maceration, rashes, and desquamation. RESULTS: Not one patient developed new lesions in healthy skin protected by Mepentol Leche. Symptoms linked to this pathology saw improvements in these percents: itching 96%, smarting 93%, and pain 96%, and skin conditions: color 100%, edema 90%, maceration 96%, rashes 92%, and desquamation 100%. Health professionals' evaluation of this product has been highly favorable in regards to ease of use, tolerance, absorption, and ease of application. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the benefits in applying this product systematically to alleviate the symptoms prior to the appearance of ulcers, thus avoiding skin dryness and reducing itching, smarting, pain and eczema while returning normal color to the skin.

Prevención de úlceras vasculares y pie diabético. Evaluación clínica abierta no aleatorizada sobre la efectividad de Mepentol Leche / Prevention of vascular ulcers and diabetic foot. Non-randomized open clinical evaluation on the effectiveness of "Mepentol Leche"

Introducción: las úlceras vasculares y úlceras de pie diabético constituyen un grave problema sanitario que afecta a un gran número de pacientes, suponiendo por ello un gran reto de trabajo para los profesionales de la salud. Los ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados (AGHO) han demostrado tener eficacia gracias a su acción favorable sobre la piel en tres puntos: aumentando la microcirculación sanguínea, impulsando la renovación celular epidérmica y mejorando notablemente la hidratación cutánea. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia del producto Mepentol Leche, una emulsión a base de ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados, Aloe barbadensis y Mimosa tenuiflora, en el cuidado de la piel y el alivio de los síntomas, en pacientes con úlceras vasculares y úlceras de pie diabético. Métodos: evaluación clínica realizada entre junio de 2004 a diciembre de 2005. Se estudia un total de 195 pacientes. Los parámetros de inclusión han sido: por patología venosa (32,82%), cuidado de la piel (35,90%), patología arterial (26,67%) y patología linfática (4,62%). Los pacientes han sido evaluados durante un mes y se ha realizado un seguimiento de cada uno de ellos mediante una ficha de recogida de datos. La pauta de aplicación del producto ha sido de dos veces al día y siempre en piel íntegra. La efectividad del producto se ha establecido en base a los siguientes epígrafes: sintomatología (prurito, escozor y dolor) y condiciones de la piel (coloración, sequedad, edema, maceración, eritema y descamación). Resultados: ningún paciente ha desarrollado nuevas lesiones en la piel sana protegida con Mepentol Leche. Los síntomas asociados mejoran en: prurito (96%), escozor (93%), dolor (96%), coloración de la piel (100%), edema (90%), maceración (96%), eritema (92%) y descamación (100%). La valoración del producto por parte de los profesionales ha sido muy buena respecto a la comodidad, tolerabilidad, absorción y facilidad de aplicación. Conclusiones: se demuestran los beneficios de su aplicación sistemática en el alivio de los síntomas previos a la aparición de úlceras, evitando la sequedad cutánea, reduciendo el prurito, escozor, dolor y eczema, y devolviendo la piel a su coloración normal

INTRODUCTION: Vascular ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers present a health serious problem which affects a large number of patients, creating a major challenge for health professionals. Hyper-oxygenated fatty acid dressings have proven to be effective thanks to their favorable action on the skin in three ways: increasing the microcirculation of the blood, promoting the renovation of the epidermic cells, and notably increasing cutaneous hydration. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effectiveness of Mepentol Leche, an emulsion based on Hyper-oxygenated fatty acids, Aloe barbadensis and Mimosa tenuiflora, used to treat the skin and alleviate symptoms in patients who suffer from vascular ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: Clinical evaluation carried out between June 2004 and December 2005. 195 patients were studied. The parameters for inclusion in this study were 32.82% for venous pathology 35.90% for skin care, 26.67% due to arterial pathology, and 4.62% for a lymphatic pathology. These patients were evaluated over a one month period and each had a follow-up by means of a data collection file. The guideline to apply this product was twice a day and always over integral skin. The effectiveness of this product has been established based on these epigraphs: symptoms of itching, smarting and pain, and skin conditions: color, dryness, edema, maceration, rashes, and desquamation. RESULTS: Not one patient developed new lesions in healthy skin protected by Mepentol Leche. Symptoms linked to this pathology saw improvements in these percents: itching 96%, smarting 93%, and pain 96%, and skin conditions: color 100%, edema 90%, maceration 96%, rashes 92%, and desquamation 100%. Health professionals' evaluation of this product has been highly favorable in regards to ease of use, tolerance, absorption, and ease of application. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the benefits in applying this product systematically to alleviate the symptoms prior to the appearance of ulcers, thus avoiding skin dryness and reducing itching, smarting, pain and eczema while returning normal color to the skin