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1.
Farm. comunitarios (Internet) ; 14(3): 5-14, julio 2022. tab
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-209778

ABSTRACT

Introducción: según estudios recientes, los Servicios Profesionales Farmacéuticos Asistenciales (SPFA) demostraron sus beneficios en la calidad de vida de pacientes y sistemas de salud. Los SPFA son actividades sanitarias prestadas desde la farmacia comunitaria (FC) para la prevención de enfermedades y la mejora de la salud mediante la optimización del uso y del resultado de los tratamientos. Sin embargo, en España existe un bajo porcentaje de farmacias comunitarias que ofrecen SPFA, a excepción de la dispensación, indicación farmacéutica, medida de parámetros clínicos, la educación/información sanitaria y la formulación magistral, ya arraigados en la profesión desde hace tiempo. Objetivo: analizar los factores facilitadores y barreras en la demanda de determinados SPFA por parte de usuarios potenciales, desde el enfoque del producto según las 4Ps del Marketing Mix.Material y métodos: estudio cualitativo de tipo explicativo-interpretativo y exploratorio basado en la teoría fundamentada, mediante análisis inductivo aplicado a entrevistas semi-estructuradas, individuales y grupales.Resultados: las barreras y facilitadores son similares en todos los SPFA analizados, salvo algunas excepciones. Estas barreras y facilitadores son multifactoriales, porque están vinculados con la farmacia, el usuario, factores externos y el farmacéutico.Conclusiones: las barreras en la demanda de los SPFA son la baja adaptación a las necesidades del usuario, los nombres poco entendibles, la falta de integración de la FC en el sistema sanitario, el desconocimiento sobre los SPFA, las insuficientes evidencias de éxito y la satisfacción en servicios percibidos como similares realizados fuera de la FC. Por el contrario, los facilitadores que ayudan al aumento de la demanda de los SPFA son la actitud y aptitud del farmacéutico, el buen trato al paciente, la accesibilidad, cercanía y confortabilidad de la FC y la necesidad del paciente por mejorar su estado de salud. (AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Primary Health Care , Pharmacy , Marketing , Health Systems , Disease Prevention , Therapeutics , Patients , Spain
2.
Farm. comunitarios (Internet) ; 14(2): 5-8, abril 2022.
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-207126

ABSTRACT

Las nuevas tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TIC) están desarrollándose desde hace bastantes años, pero la pandemia de COVID-19 ha acelerado la transformación digital de la sociedad. En el campo de la salud han surgido nuevas actividades y de esta forma términos como telemedicina, teleasistencia o teleconsulta empiezan a ser habituales. Indudablemente suponen un avance, pero tienen el riesgo de deshumanizar el contacto de sanitarios y pacientes.En el campo de la farmacia ha surgido la telefarma cia con unas innegables connotaciones logísticas y comerciales. Desde la Sociedad Española de Farmacia Clínica, Familiar y Comunitaria se prefiere utilizar el término teleatención farmacéutica (TAF), definiéndolo como la práctica farmacéutica asistencial a distancia que utiliza las TIC para complementar la atención farmacéutica presencial que precise el paciente. La TAF incluye la prestación a distancia de algunos servicios profesionales farmacéuticos asistenciales (SPFA). La TAF debe ayudar al farmacéutico comunitario a prestar algunos SPFA, mejorando así la practica farmacéutica clínica sin caer en la deshumanización que la aplicación indiscriminada de las TIC puede producir. (AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Telemedicine , Pharmaceutical Services , Public Health , Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus , Pandemics
3.
Phys Rev E ; 105(1-2): 015208, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35193199

ABSTRACT

In a recent paper, Lucco Castello et al. [arXiv:2107.03537] performed systematic extractions of classical one-component plasma bridge functions from molecular dynamics simulations and provided an accurate parametrization that was incorporated in their isomorph-based empirically modified hypernetted chain approach for Yukawa one-component plasmas. Here the extraction technique and parametrization strategy are described in detail, while the deficiencies of earlier efforts are discussed. The structural and thermodynamic predictions of the updated version of the integral equation theory approach are compared with extensive available simulation results revealing a truly unprecedented level of accuracy in the entire dense liquid region of the Yukawa phase diagram.

4.
J Chem Phys ; 155(13): 134115, 2021 Oct 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34625000

ABSTRACT

In a recent paper, Lucco Castello et al. (arXiv:2107.03537) provided an accurate parameterization of classical one-component plasma bridge functions that was embedded in a novel dielectric scheme for strongly coupled electron liquids. Here, this approach is rigorously formulated, its set of equations is formally derived, and its numerical algorithm is scrutinized. A systematic comparison with available and new path integral Monte Carlo simulations reveals a rather unprecedented agreement especially in terms of the interaction energy and the long wavelength limit of the static local field correction.

5.
Phys Rev E ; 103(6-1): 063205, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34271703

ABSTRACT

The thermodynamic and structural properties of two-dimensional dense Yukawa liquids are studied with molecular dynamics simulations. The "exact" thermodynamic properties are simultaneously employed in an advanced scheme for the determination of an equation of state that shows an unprecedented level of accuracy for the internal energy, pressure, and isothermal compressibility. The "exact" structural properties are utilized to formulate a novel empirical correction to the hypernetted-chain approach that leads to a very high accuracy level in terms of static correlations and thermodynamics.

6.
J Chem Phys ; 154(3): 034501, 2021 Jan 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33499616

ABSTRACT

It has been recently conjectured that bridge functions remain nearly invariant along phase diagram lines of constant excess entropy for the broad class of R-simple liquids. To test this hypothesis, the bridge functions of Yukawa systems are computed outside the correlation void with the Ornstein-Zernike inversion method employing structural input from ultra-accurate molecular dynamics simulations and inside the correlation void with the cavity distribution method employing structural input from ultra-long specially designed molecular dynamics simulations featuring a tagged particle pair. Yukawa bridge functions are revealed to be isomorph invariant to a very high degree. The observed invariance is not exact, however, since isomorphic deviations exceed the overall uncertainties.

7.
Rev. clín. esp. (Ed. impr.) ; 220(2): 100-108, mar. 2020. ilus, tab, graf
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-186419

ABSTRACT

Objetivo: La hipertrofia ventricular izquierda es el marcador de daño de órgano diana más frecuente en la hipertensión arterial. Habitualmente se realiza un ECG para su identificación. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la utilidad pronóstica de otras alteraciones electrocardiográficas en pacientes hipertensos, más allá de la hipertrofia ventricular. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron 1.003 pacientes hipertensos mayores de65años. Se recogieron factores de riesgo, historia cardiovascular previa y tratamiento médico. Se analizaron diferentes alteraciones electrocardiográficas, incluyendo índice de Sokolow-Lyon, índice de Cornell, presencia de sobrecarga ventricular y bloqueos de rama, entre otros. Se llevó a cabo un seguimiento de 2años con recogida de eventos cardiovasculares mayores (mortalidad, infarto de miocardio, accidentes cerebrovascular o ingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca). Resultados: La edad media de la población era de 72,9+/-5,8años, con un 47,5% de varones. Durante el seguimiento el 13,9% sufrieron un evento cardiovascular mayor. Estos pacientes eran de mayor edad, más fumadores y practicaban menos ejercicio físico, sin presentar diferencias en el tratamiento antihipertensivo empleado ni en el control tensional. El patrón de sobrecarga ventricular (HR: 1,93; IC95%: 1,160-3,196; p=0,011) y el bloqueo completo de rama izquierda (HR: 2,27; IC95%: 1,040-4,956; p=0,040) se comportaron como factores electrocardiográficos predictores independientes de eventos cardiovasculares mayores, no así la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda por Sokolow y/o Cornell. Conclusiones: En pacientes hipertensos, la existencia en el ECG basal de un bloqueo completo de rama izquierda o un patrón de sobrecarga ventricular identifica a una población de mayor riesgo cardiovascular


Objective: Left ventricular hypertrophy is the most common marker of target organ damage in arterial hypertension. Electrocardiograms are typically performed to identify left ventricular hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to analyse the prognostic utility of other electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with arterial hypertension, beyond ventricular hypertrophy. Materials and methods: The study included 1003 patients older than 65years with arterial hypertension. We recorded risk factors, previous cardiovascular history and medical treatment and analysed various electrocardiographic abnormalities including the Sokolow-Lyon index, the Cornell index, ventricular overload and branch blocks. The study conducted a 2-year follow-up, recording the major cardiovascular events (mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and hospitalisation for heart failure). Results: The study population's mean age was 72.9+/-5.8years, 47.5% of whom were men. During the follow-up, 13.9% of the patients experienced a major cardiovascular event. These patients were older, more often smokers and engaged in less physical exercise, without presenting differences in the antihypertensive therapy or blood pressure control. The ventricular overload pattern (HR: 1.93; 95%CI: 1.160-3.196; P=.011) and the complete left bundle branch block (HR: 2.27; 95%CI: 1.040-4.956; P=.040) behaved as independent electrocardiographic predictors of major cardiovascular events; however, left ventricular hypertrophy using the Sokolow and/or Cornell index did not behave as such. Conclusions: For patients with hypertension, the presence in the baseline electrocardiogram of complete left bundle branch block or a pattern of ventricular overload identifies a population at increased cardiovascular risk


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Hypertension/physiopathology , Electrocardiography/statistics & numerical data , Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis , Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/etiology , Predictive Value of Tests , Risk Factors , Follow-Up Studies , Sedentary Behavior , Tobacco Use Disorder/epidemiology , Age Factors , Bundle-Branch Block/epidemiology
8.
Rev Clin Esp (Barc) ; 220(2): 100-108, 2020 Mar.
Article in English, Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31272678

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Left ventricular hypertrophy is the most common marker of target organ damage in arterial hypertension. Electrocardiograms are typically performed to identify left ventricular hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to analyse the prognostic utility of other electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with arterial hypertension, beyond ventricular hypertrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 1003 patients older than 65years with arterial hypertension. We recorded risk factors, previous cardiovascular history and medical treatment and analysed various electrocardiographic abnormalities including the Sokolow-Lyon index, the Cornell index, ventricular overload and branch blocks. The study conducted a 2-year follow-up, recording the major cardiovascular events (mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and hospitalisation for heart failure). RESULTS: The study population's mean age was 72.9±5.8years, 47.5% of whom were men. During the follow-up, 13.9% of the patients experienced a major cardiovascular event. These patients were older, more often smokers and engaged in less physical exercise, without presenting differences in the antihypertensive therapy or blood pressure control. The ventricular overload pattern (HR: 1.93; 95%CI: 1.160-3.196; P=.011) and the complete left bundle branch block (HR: 2.27; 95%CI: 1.040-4.956; P=.040) behaved as independent electrocardiographic predictors of major cardiovascular events; however, left ventricular hypertrophy using the Sokolow and/or Cornell index did not behave as such. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with hypertension, the presence in the baseline electrocardiogram of complete left bundle branch block or a pattern of ventricular overload identifies a population at increased cardiovascular risk.

9.
Clin Nutr ; 38(6): 2727-2734, 2019 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30573355

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dietary polyphenols have beneficial effects on glucose/lipid metabolism in subjects at high risk to develop type 2 diabetes; however, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. We aimed to evaluate: 1) the acute effects of the consumption of a drink rich in polyphenols from red grape pomace (RGPD) on glucose/insulin and triglyceride responses to a standard meal in healthy individuals, and, 2) the relationship between plasma levels of phenolic metabolites and metabolic parameters. METHODS: Twelve healthy men, aged 20-40 years participated in a randomized, controlled study according to a cross-over design. After a 3-day low-polyphenol diet, all participants consumed, on two different days and separated by a one week interval, after an overnight fast, a drink rich in polyphenols (1.562 g gallic acid equivalents (GAE)) or a control drink (CD, no polyphenols), followed after 3 h by a standard meal (960 kcal, 18% protein, 30% fat, 52% CHO). Blood samples were taken at fasting, 3 h after the drink, over 5 h after the standard meal and at fasting on the next day to measure plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, triglyceride and phenolic metabolites. RESULTS: Glycemic and triglyceride post-meal responses were similar after both the RGPD and the control drink. In contrast, postprandial insulin incremental area (iAUC0-5h) was 31% lower (p < 0.05), insulin secretion index was 18% lower (p < 0.016) and insulin sensitivity (SI) index was 36% higher (p = 0.037) after the RGPD compared to CD. Among phenolic metabolites, gallic acid correlated inversely with the insulin response (r = -0.604; p = 0.032) and positively with the SI index (r = 0.588, p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: RGPD consumption acutely reduced postprandial insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity. This effect could be likely related to the increase in gallic acid levels. This drink, added to usual diet, could contribute to increase the daily intake of polyphenols, with potential health benefits. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02865278.


Subject(s)
Blood Glucose/metabolism , Insulin Resistance/physiology , Insulin/metabolism , Polyphenols/pharmacology , Vitis/chemistry , Adult , Blood Glucose/analysis , Blood Glucose/drug effects , Cross-Over Studies , Fruit and Vegetable Juices , Gallic Acid/blood , Humans , Insulin/blood , Male , Pilot Projects , Polyphenols/administration & dosage , Triglycerides/blood , Triglycerides/metabolism , Young Adult
11.
J Phys Chem B ; 118(23): 6098-106, 2014 Jun 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24837360

ABSTRACT

Homodimeric cyanine dyes are DNA intercalators that display a large enhancement of fluorescence emission when bound to double-stranded DNA. However, other different interaction modes are possible, such as H-type molecular aggregates of the dye, templated by the nucleic acid. In this paper, we study in depth the formation of nonfluorescent H-aggregates of the cyanine homodimer YOYO-3 with two different DNA templates using absorption and both steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. First, a nonfluorescent YOYO-3 H-aggregate complex was found to form in single-stranded polycytidine chains, resulting in the appearance of a new absorption band at approximately 500 nm. The specific interaction of cytosine bases suggests the involvement of the C-rich i-motif in facilitating the formation of the H-aggregate complex. Second, the interaction of YOYO-3 with double-stranded poly(A·T) tracts also led to the appearance of a new absorption band at approximately 500 nm, and hence of a different type of H-aggregate. We found that the aggregate is formed mainly in double-stranded regions with consecutive adenine bases in the same strand (and thymine bases in the complementary strand). These poly(A·T) tracts provide narrow minor grooves and enhanced electrostatic negative potential to promote the aggregation of the negatively charged cyanine. As the YOYO-3 H-aggregates are nonfluorescent, our results provide an important basis to quantitatively understand the fluorescence emission of this cyanine dye in the presence of DNA strands.


Subject(s)
DNA/chemistry , Oxazoles/chemistry , Carbocyanines/chemistry , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Kinetics , Spectrometry, Fluorescence , Static Electricity
12.
Aten Primaria ; 34(10): 568-9, 2004 Dec.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15607064
13.
Aten. prim. (Barc., Ed. impr.) ; 34(10): 568-569, dic. 2004.
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-135978

ABSTRACT

No disponible


No disponible


Subject(s)
Computers, Handheld , Clinical Medicine
14.
Minerva Med ; 95(6): 521-7, 2004 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15785436

ABSTRACT

Several beneficial effects produced by statins over and above the reduction in plasma cholesterol levels, the so-called ''pleiotropic effects'' of statins, have been described. Recent clinical and experimental data have suggested a potential new effect of these drugs, namely a reduction in the risk of osteoporotic fractures. In 1999 the role of statins in bone formation was shown and, after that, observations of large groups of patients have pointed to a reduction in the risk of osteoporotic fractures with the use of statins compared to those using other lipid-lowering drugs or to the control group. The first prospective studies have produced contrasting results as to the effects of therapy with several statins (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin) at different doses on biochemical markers of bone remodelling. To date only one randomised trial has been published. This compares the effects of treatment with simvastatin and atorvastatin on the levels of biochemical markers of bone remodelling, but still with non-univocal results: only therapy with simvastatin (but not atorvastatin) reduced the levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase. To conclude, observational studies have shown a reduction in the risk of osteoporotic fractures with the use of statins, but it is not yet known whether using these drugs may have a beneficial effect on bone turnover. We must therefore await larger prospective randomised clinical trials before prescribing these drugs in osteoporotic patients.


Subject(s)
Anticholesteremic Agents/therapeutic use , Bone Development/drug effects , Fractures, Bone/prevention & control , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Atorvastatin , Female , Fractures, Bone/etiology , Heptanoic Acids/therapeutic use , Humans , Osteoporosis/complications , Pyrroles/therapeutic use , Simvastatin/therapeutic use
15.
Pediatr Nephrol ; 15(1-2): 14-6, 2000 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11095003

ABSTRACT

The treatment of hydrops fetalis, a critical state of extravascular fluid overload in the newborn, poses a great medical challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH) in the treatment of five critically ill newborns with hydrops fetalis of different etiology. All patients had anasarca, oliguria not responsive to diuretics, were on mechanical ventilation, and were treated with inotropic drugs and sedation. The duration of treatment ranged from 42 to 114 h and all patients, except one who died from congenital heart disease, achieved the clinical goals of weight loss and restoration of diuresis. Regular clinical and neurological follow-up to the age of 2 years was normal for the four surviving patients. In conclusion, CAVH appears to be a safe treatment of fluid overload in newborns with hydrops fetalis.


Subject(s)
Hemofiltration , Hydrops Fetalis/therapy , Body Weight , Female , Hemofiltration/adverse effects , Humans , Hydrops Fetalis/physiopathology , Hypotension/etiology , Infant, Newborn , Male , Monitoring, Physiologic , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Water-Electrolyte Balance
16.
Pediatr Cardiol ; 21(3): 267-8, 2000.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10818189

ABSTRACT

We describe a patient with tricuspid hypoplasia who developed a protein-losing enteropathy. Having failed to respond to medical and surgical treatments, a heparin regimen was started with immediate decrease in enteric protein loss.


Subject(s)
Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Heparin/therapeutic use , Postoperative Complications/drug therapy , Protein-Losing Enteropathies/drug therapy , Tricuspid Valve/abnormalities , Child , Female , Humans , Molecular Weight , Protein-Losing Enteropathies/etiology , Tricuspid Valve Stenosis/complications
17.
Am J Clin Nutr ; 71(1 Suppl): 376S-85S, 2000 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10618001

ABSTRACT

Generalized peroxisomal disorders are severe congenital diseases that involve the central nervous system, leading to severe psychomotor retardation, retinopathy, liver disease, and early death. In these disorders, peroxisomes are not normally formed and their enzymes are deficient. Characteristically, plasmalogen synthesis and beta-oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are affected. We found that patients with generalized peroxisomal disorders have a profound brain deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) and low DHA concentrations in all tissues and the blood. Given the fundamental role of DHA in neuronal and retinal membranes, a DHA deficiency of this magnitude might be pathogenic. Thus, we studied the possible therapeutic effect of normalizing DHA concentrations in patients with peroxisomal disorders. We chose the DHA ethyl ester (DHA-EE) because of its high degree of purity at daily oral doses of 100-500 mg. This article summarizes the results of treatment of 13 patients with DHA-EE, with some follow-up evidence of clinical improvement. Supplementation with DHA-EE normalized blood DHA values within a few weeks. Plasmalogen concentrations increased in erythrocytes in most patients and after DHA concentrations were normalized, amounts of VLCFAs decreased in plasma. Liver enzymes returned almost to normal in most cases. From a clinical viewpoint, most patients showed improvement in vision, liver function, muscle tone, and social contact. In 3 patients, normalization of brain myelin was detected by magnetic resonance imaging. In 3 others, myelination improved. In a seventh patient, myelination is progressing at a normal rate. These results suggest a fundamental role of DHA in the pathogenesis of Zellweger syndrome. DHA therapy is thus strongly recommended, not only to alleviate symptoms in patients with life-threatening diseases, but also to clarify remaining questions regarding the role of DHA in health and disease.


Subject(s)
Dietary Supplements , Docosahexaenoic Acids/therapeutic use , Zellweger Syndrome/diet therapy , Brain/drug effects , Brain/pathology , Brain/physiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Chromatography, Gas , Fatty Acids/blood , Female , Humans , Infant , Liver/drug effects , Liver/metabolism , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Myelin Sheath/pathology , Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/drug effects , Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/pathology , Plasmalogens/blood , Vision, Ocular
18.
Crit Care Med ; 27(5): 985-8, 1999 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10362424

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Mortality prediction in trauma is assessed using the Injury Severity Score (ISS) and Revised Trauma Score using Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) methodology. The Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) score assesses mortality risk in critically ill children. We compared the ability of PRISM and ISS (using TRISS methodology) to predict resource utilization and outcome in pediatric trauma. DESIGN: Retrospective chart and database review. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). PATIENTS: Consecutive admissions to a PICU over a 2-yr period. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Demographic data including PICU resource utilization and outcome were recorded. Data were recorded on 1,052 admissions (31 deaths), including 125 pediatric trauma patients (11 deaths). Patients were stratified into low- and high-risk categories based on PRISM and ISS scores. Patients with PRISM scores <6 and ISS scores <10 were classified as low risk. While both low-risk PRISM and ISS scores readily identified survivors, PRISM was the more sensitive indicator of resource utilization. PRISM, however, performed less well in determining risk-adjusted mortality as compared with ISS. CONCLUSION: PRISM readily stratifies pediatric trauma patients for resource utilization. PRISM appears to underestimate mortality in pediatric trauma as compared with ISS using TRISS methodology.


Subject(s)
Health Resources/statistics & numerical data , Hospital Mortality , Injury Severity Score , Intensive Care Units, Pediatric/statistics & numerical data , Multiple Trauma/classification , Multiple Trauma/diagnosis , Trauma Severity Indices , Bias , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Infant , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data , Multiple Trauma/mortality , New Jersey/epidemiology , Prognosis , Reproducibility of Results , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Sensitivity and Specificity , Survival Analysis , Treatment Outcome
19.
Rev Neurol ; 28 Suppl 1: S59-64, 1999 Jan.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10778491

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We found that patients with the Zellweger syndrome and other generalized peroxisomal disorders have a dramatic decrease of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) in the blood, brain, retina and other tissues. DHA is believed to play an important role in the brain and retina. DEVELOPMENT: Patients with the Zellweger syndrome and its variants have severe cerebral and retinal defects that could be related to their DHA deficiency. With this rationale, we have been treating peroxisomal-disorder patients with a DHA derivative of a high degree of purity (DHA ethyl ester, > 90% pure) since 1991. So far, we have treated 13 DHA-deficient peroxisomal patients, one with the classic Zellweger syndrome and 12 with milder variants of the disease. This paper presents the follow-up of these DHA-treated patients. In summary, we have found important improvements in liver function, in the plasmalogen levels and in the two ratios 26:0/22:0 y 26:1/22:0, diagnostic of the disease. We have also found clear clinical improvements in most cases. Most significantly, magnetic resonance imaging has shown advances in brain myelination, so far in 6 of the treated patients. CONCLUSION: We strongly recommend treatment with DHA ethyl ester in all DHA-deficient patients with generalized peroxisomal disorders. Logically, treatment should be started as soon as possible, in the hope of preventing cerebral and visual damage.


Subject(s)
Docosahexaenoic Acids/therapeutic use , Peroxisomal Disorders/drug therapy , Brain/pathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Demyelinating Diseases/pathology , Docosahexaenoic Acids/blood , Ether/therapeutic use , Humans , Infant , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Peroxisomal Disorders/pathology , Treatment Outcome
20.
J Neurochem ; 71(5): 2088-93, 1998 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9798934

ABSTRACT

We have monitored EEG spontaneous spiking activity and analyzed serum from rats with cobalt-induced epilepsy for the presence of autoreactive antibodies to alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) glutamate receptor subunits. The presence and the level of autoantibodies were assessed using immunoblot and ELISA with synthetic peptide specific to the N-terminus domain of the GluR1 subunit of the AMPA receptor. Rats with cobalt-induced epilepsy exhibited strong GluR1 immunoreactivity at the end of the first week after surgery compared with vehicle-treated rats. We showed that GluR1 autoantibodies in blood serum of rats with cobalt-induced epilepsy preceded the spiking activity maximum in the EEG. Levels of autoantibodies to GluR1 detected in blood of these rats remained elevated when EEG spiking activity was significantly reduced and seizures disappeared. The EEG monitoring of spiking activity showed a correlation with accumulation of GluR1 autoantibodies in blood serum of rats with cobalt-induced epilepsy.


Subject(s)
Autoantibodies/analysis , Brain/physiopathology , Epilepsy/immunology , Epilepsy/physiopathology , Receptors, AMPA/immunology , Animals , Cobalt , Electroencephalography , Epilepsy/blood , Epilepsy/chemically induced , Male , Rats , Rats, Wistar
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