Asociación entre niveles séricos de vitamina D y factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos en pacientes pediátricos del noroeste de México

RESUMEN Introducción: Actualmente se ha observado que la hipovitaminosis D y la obesidad pueden influir en el desarrollo de enfermedad cardiovascular en el futuro. Objetivo: Identificar la asociación entre deficiencia de vitamina D y factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos en los pacientes pediátricos del noroeste de México. Materiales y métodos : se incluyeron niños de 6 a 15 años, se les midieron variables somatométricas, niveles séricos de colesterol total, C-HDL, C-LDL, triglicéridos, glucosa, insulina, vitamina D e índice HOMA-IR. Se identificó la asociación de factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos y la deficiencia de vitamina D, mediante la prueba de Chi cuadrado. Resultados: De los 114 pacientes evaluados, se detectó eutrofia en 42.1%, sobrepeso en 12.3%, obesidad en 41.2% y desnutrición en 4.4%. La prevalencia de deficiencia en vitamina D, insuficiencia y suficiencia fueron 18.4%, 27.2% y 54.4% respectivamente. La deficiencia de vitamina D mostró mayor predominio en pacientes con obesidad (27 %). La hipertrigliceridemia se asoció estadísticamente con deficiencia de vitamina D (p 0.041). Se observaron correlaciones inversas entre niveles de vitamina D con HOMA (r=-0.191; p=0.41), score Z IMC (r=-0.210; p=0.025) e insulina (r=-0.227; p=0.015). Conclusiones: La deficiencia de vitamina D se asocia en niños con un IMC elevado y resistencia a la insulina, lo cual puede acelerar el desarrollo de síndrome metabólico, diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y enfermedad cardiovascular.

ABSTRACT Introduction: It has currently been observed that hypovitaminosis D and obesity can influence the future development of cardiovascular disease. Objective: To identify the association between vitamin D deficiency and cardiometabolic risk factors in pediatric patients from northwestern Mexico. Materials and methods: Children aged 6 to 15 years were included, somatometric variables, serum levels of total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, vitamin D and HOMA-IR index were measured. The association of cardiometabolic risk factors and vitamin D deficiency was identified using the Chi square test. Results: Of the 114 patients evaluated, normal body-mass index was detected in 42.1%, 12.3% were overweight, 41.2% were obese and 4.4% were malnourished. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency were 18.4%, 27.2% and 54.4% respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in obese patients (27%). Hypertriglyceridemia was statistically associated with vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.041). Inverse correlations were observed between vitamin D levels with HOMA (r = -0.191; p = 0.41), BMI Z score (r = -0.210; p = 0.025) and insulin (r = -0.227; p = 0.015). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher BMI and insulin resistance in children, which can accelerate the development of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.

Effect of multi-component school-based program on body mass index, cardiovascular and diabetes risks in a multi-ethnic study.

BACKGROUND: Mexico occupies one of the first places worldwide in childhood obesity. Its Mestizo and Indigenous communities present different levels of westernization which have triggered different epidemiological diseases. We assessed the effects of a multi-component school-based intervention program on obesity, cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors. METHODS: A physical activity, health education and parent involvement (PAHEPI) program was developed and applied in six urban (Mestizo ethnic group) and indigenous (Seri and Yaqui ethnic groups) primary schools for 12 weeks. A total of 320 children aged 4-12 years participated in intervention program; 203 under Treatment 1 (PAHEPI program) and 117, only from Mestizo groups, under Treatment 2 (PAHEPI+ school meals). For Body Mass Index (BMI), cardiovascular and diabetes factors, pairwise comparisons of values at baseline and after treatments were done using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Generalized linear models were applied to assess the intervention effect by age, sex and nutritional status in relation to ethnicity and treatment. RESULTS: We observed improvements on BMI in children with overweight-obesity and in triglycerides in the three ethnic groups. The Mestizo ethnic group showed the largest improvements under Treatment 2. While Seris showed improvements only in cardiovascular risk factors, Yaquis also showed improvements in diabetes risk factors, though not in BMI. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the same intervention may have positive but different effects in different ethnic groups depending on their lifestyle and their emerging epidemiological disease. Including this type of intervention as part of the school curriculum would allow to adapt to ethnic group in order to contribute more efficiently to child welfare. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered under the identifier NCT03768245 .

Dolor postoperatorio: frecuencia y caracterización del manejo / Postoperative pain: frequency and management characterization

Abstract Introduction: Acute postoperative pain is a usual symptom and a surgical challenge. Objective: To determine the frequency of pain in the postoperative period of patients undergoing elective surgery and to characterize pain management at a second-level public hospital. Material and methods: A cross-section study of 175 postop patients was conducted, analyzing variables such as level of pain 24 hours after surgery according to the visual analog scale, type of surgery, use of analgesics, and anesthetic technique. Results: The findings indicate that the frequency of moderate, severe, and excruciating pain is 66.3%. In all cases, the analgesia treatment was prescribed by the treating service, and 2 to 3 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used in 86.4% of the cases, with a minimal use of opioids in 13% of the patients. The anesthetic techniques used included balanced general anesthesia, neuro-axial block, and a mixed technique; the latter improved pain control. Conclusion: The frequency of postoperative pain is similar to the level reported in other trials (30%-70%), pointing to the need to review our current management, with more extensive participation and training of the staff involved in pain control.

Resumen Introducción: El dolor agudo postoperatorio es un síntoma frecuente, el cual representa un reto en el ámbito quirúrgico. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de dolor en el paciente postoperado de cirugía electiva y caracterizar el manejo del mismo en un hospital público de segundo nivel de atención. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal en 175 pacientes postoperados, analizando las variables de grado de dolor a las 24 horas del postoperatorio con la escala visual análoga, tipo de cirugía, uso de analgésicos, técnica anestésica. Resultados: Se encontró que la frecuencia de dolor moderado, severo o insoportable es del 66.3%. El tratamiento analgésico en todos los casos fue prescrito por el servicio tratante y en el 86.4% de los casos se emplearon AINE'S, en número de uno a tres. Con un uso mínimo de opioides en el 13% de los pacientes. Las técnicas anestésicas usadas fueron AGB, BNA y técnica mixta; con mejoría en el grado de dolor con la técnica mixta. Conclusión: Existe una frecuencia de dolor postoperatorio similar a lo reportado en otros estudios (30-70%), reflejando la necesidad de revisión del manejo actual, mayor participación y capacitación del personal involucrado en su manejo.

Valor de la concentración de proteínas en el líquido cefalorraquídeo en pacientes pediátricos con síndrome de Guillain-Barré / Value of protein concentration in cerebrospinal fluid in paediatric patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome

Introducción y objetivo: La disociación albuminocitológica en el líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) apoya el diagnóstico de síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB) pero no ayuda en el pronóstico, por lo que el objetivo de este estudio es determinar la utilidad de las cifras de proteínas en el LCR para predecir la evolución en pacientes pediátricos. Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de prueba diagnóstica, en pacientes pediátricos con SGB, analizando variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y proteínas en LCR, así como electromiografía; también se documentó la presencia de disautonomías. Resultados: Se analizaron datos de 23 pacientes, predominando el sexo masculino (87%), la edad escolar (43,5%) y el antecedente de infección digestiva (73,9%). Mediante la curva COR se encontró, para la presencia de disautonomías, un área bajo la curva de 0,966 con mejor punto de corte de proteínas en LCR de 87-92 proteínas/mm, y para evaluar la pobre respuesta al tratamiento con inmunoglobulina intravenosa, de 0,969, con mejor punto de corte en 157 proteínas/mm. Conclusión: La cantidad de proteínas en el LCR puede utilizarse como un indicador pronóstico y de gravedad, de tal manera que unas proteínas mayores de 100 en el LCR se traducen en una evolución tórpida y con mayores complicaciones

Introduction and objective: The albumin-cytologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) supports the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) but does not support the prognosis, so the aim of this study is to determine the usefulness of protein numbers in the CSF to predict progression in paediatric patients. Patients and methods: A diagnostic test was performed in paediatric patients with GBS, analysing sociodemographic, clinical and protein variables in CSF as well as electromyography. The presence of dysautonomia was also documented. Results: Data were analysed from 23 patients, predominantly males (87%), school age (43.5%) and history of digestive infection (73.9%). Using the ROC curve, an area under the curve of 0.966 with best CSF protein cut-off point of 87-92 proteins/mm was found for the presence of dysautonomias and to evaluate the poor response to treatment with 0.969 intravenous immunoglobulin with better cut-off point in 157 proteins/mm. Conclusion: The amount of proteins in the CSF can be used as a prognostic indicator and severity, such that proteins greater than 100 in CSF translate into a torpid evolution and with greater complications

Value of protein concentration in cerebrospinal fluid in paediatric patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome. / Valor de la concentración de proteínas en el líquido cefalorraquídeo en pacientes pediátricos con síndrome de Guillain-Barré.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The albumin-cytologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) supports the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) but does not support the prognosis, so the aim of this study is to determine the usefulness of protein numbers in the CSF to predict progression in paediatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A diagnostic test was performed in paediatric patients with GBS, analysing sociodemographic, clinical and protein variables in CSF as well as electromyography. The presence of dysautonomia was also documented. RESULTS: Data were analysed from 23 patients, predominantly males (87%), school age (43.5%) and history of digestive infection (73.9%). Using the ROC curve, an area under the curve of 0.966 with best CSF protein cut-off point of 87-92 proteins/mm was found for the presence of dysautonomias and to evaluate the poor response to treatment with 0.969 intravenous immunoglobulin with better cut-off point in 157 proteins/mm. CONCLUSION: The amount of proteins in the CSF can be used as a prognostic indicator and severity, such that proteins greater than 100 in CSF translate into a torpid evolution and with greater complications.

Forma activa de la vitamina D en pacientes pediátricos con sobrepeso y obesidad en el noroeste de México / Active form of vitamin D in overweight and obese pediatric patients in northwest Mexico

Resumen: Introducción: Los niveles bajos de vitamina D se han asociado con una gama de condiciones clínicas como obesidad, resistencia a la insulina y diabetes mellitus. Existen pocos estudios donde se hayan realizado mediciones de la forma activa de la vitamina D (1,25 (OH)2 vitamina D) en niños con obesidad. Sin embargo, los datos publicados no son concluyentes. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los niveles de la forma activa de la vitamina D en niños con obesidad y sobrepeso y determinar la asociación entre los niveles bajos de esta vitamina, la obesidad y las alteraciones del metabolismo de la glucosa. Métodos: Estudio transversal analítico en niños de 6 a 12 años de edad con exceso de adiposidad determinado por el índice cintura-estatura y el índice Z de masa corporal. Se midieron niveles de glucosa, insulina, perfil de lípidos completo, modelo homeostático para evaluar la resistencia a la insulina y la forma activa de la vitamina D. Se consideraron como niveles bajos de vitamina D aquellos menores a 30 pg/ml. Resultados: La prevalencia de niveles bajos de la forma activa de la vitamina D fue del 36%. La asociación entre niveles bajos de la forma activa de la vitamina D y niveles altos de insulina resultó estadísticamente significativa. No se encontró asociación significativa entre los niveles de la vitamina y las medidas de adiposidad. Conclusiones: Se encontraron niveles bajos de la forma activa de la vitamina D en el 36% de la población estudiada, y se demostró su asociación con la resistencia a insulina e hiperinsulinemia.

Abstract: Background: Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a range of clinical conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus, among others. There are few studies that measure the active form of vitamin D (1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D) in obese children. However, published data are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the active levels of vitamin D in obese and overweight children and to find an association between low levels of vitamin D, obesity and impaired glucose metabolism. Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in 6 to 12-year-old children with excess adiposity determined by waist-stature index and body mass index. Levels of glucose, insulin, complete lipid profile, homeostatic model assessment and the active form of vitamin D were measured in each patient. Levels < 30 pg/ml were considered as low levels of vitamin D. Results: The prevalence of low levels of active vitamin D was 36%. A significant association between low levels of active vitamin D and high levels of insulin was found. No significant association was found between vitamin levels and adiposity measures. Conclusions: Low levels of active vitamin D were found in 36% of the population studied. A significant association with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia was demonstrated.

[Active form of vitamin D in overweight and obese pediatric patients in northwest Mexico]. / Forma activa de la vitamina D en pacientes pediátricos con sobrepeso y obesidad en el noroeste de México.

BACKGROUND: Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a range of clinical conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus, among others. There are few studies that measure the active form of vitamin D (1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D) in obese children. However, published data are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the active levels of vitamin D in obese and overweight children and to find an association between low levels of vitamin D, obesity and impaired glucose metabolism. METHODS: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in 6 to 12-year-old children with excess adiposity determined by waist-stature index and body mass index. Levels of glucose, insulin, complete lipid profile, homeostatic model assessment and the active form of vitamin D were measured in each patient. Levels < 30 pg/ml were considered as low levels of vitamin D. RESULTS: The prevalence of low levels of active vitamin D was 36%. A significant association between low levels of active vitamin D and high levels of insulin was found. No significant association was found between vitamin levels and adiposity measures. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of active vitamin D were found in 36% of the population studied. A significant association with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia was demonstrated.

Aterosclerosis placentaria y marcadores de disfunción endotelial en neonatos hijos de madres con diabetes gestacional / Placental atherosclerosis and markers of endothelial dysfunction in infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes

Antecedentes y objetivo: La fisiopatología de la diabetes gestacional provoca por sí misma una hiperestimulación del tejido adiposo y de las células placentarias que aumenta la producción de citocinas inflamatorias, las cuales provocan cambios en los tejidos expuestos como la placenta y el feto, por lo que en este estudio el objetivo fue comparar los marcadores metabólicos y de disfunción endotelial en sangre de cordón umbilical, así como determinar la presencia de aterosclerosis en las placentas de hijos neonatos de pacientes con diabetes gestacional y en pacientes con embarazo normoevolutivo. Pacientes y método: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en 84 pacientes, de las cuales se obtuvieron datos como edad, tabaquismo y ganancia de peso en el embarazo; del recién nacido se determinó la edad gestacional por Capurro, el peso y el destino posterior al nacimiento. Además se utilizaron las placentas para la búsqueda de aterosclerosis mediante estudio anatomopatológico y en las muestras sanguíneas obtenidas de cordón umbilical se determinaron glucosa, insulina, colesterol, c-VLDL, c-HDL, triglicéridos, fibrinógeno, PCR y los marcadores de disfunción endotelial (adiponectina, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 e IL-6). Resultados: La aterosclerosis placentaria se presentó en un 28,94% del grupo que cursó con diabetes gestacional frente a un 10,52% del grupo con embarazo normoevolutivo (p=0,044); se encontraron diferencias en glucosa, colesterol, triglicéridos, fibrinógeno, HOMA-IR, PCR-us y c-HDL, no encontrándose en c-VLDL. El 21,05% de los recién nacidos de las pacientes con diabetes gestacional requirieron hospitalización frente al 5,2% del grupo control. Conclusiones: Los embarazos que cursan con diabetes presentan una mayor proporción de aterosclerosis, de hospitalización en el recién nacido, de resistencia a la insulina, así como de elevación de marcadores relacionados con inflamación y disfunción endotelial en sangre de cordón umbilical (AU)

Background and objective: The pathophysiology of gestational diabetes itself causes hyperstimulation of adipose tissue and of the placenta cells increasing the production of inflammatory cytokines, which cause changes in the tissues exposed such as the placenta and foetus. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare metabolic markers and endothelial dysfunction in umbilical cord blood, as well as to determine the presence of atherosclerosis in the placentas of newborn infants of patients with gestational diabetes and in patients with normally progressing pregnancies. Patients and method: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in 84 patients, obtaining data such as age, smoking and weight gain in pregnancy; the gestational age of the newborns was determined by Capurro, and their weight and destination subsequent to birth, the placentas were also collected in order to look for atherosclerosis through histological studies and glucose, insulin, VLDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, cholesterol, fibrinogen, PCR and markers of endothelial dysfunction (adiponectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and IL-6) were determined in blood samples obtained from the umbilical cord. Results: Placental atherosclerosis presented in 28.94% of the group with gestational diabetes compared to 10.52% of the group with normally progressing pregnancies (P=.044); differences were found in glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, HOMA-IR, PCR-us, HDL-C, not in VLDL-C. Twenty-one point five percent of the newborns of the gestational diabetes patients required hospitalization, against 5.2% in the control group, Conclusions: Pregnancies that involve diabetes have higher proportion of atherosclerosis, hospitalization of the newborn, insulin resistance, as well as elevation of markers associated with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in umbilical cord blood (AU)

[Placental atherosclerosis and markers of endothelial dysfunction in infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes]. / Aterosclerosis placentaria y marcadores de disfunción endotelial en neonatos hijos de madres con diabetes gestacional.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology of gestational diabetes itself causes hyperstimulation of adipose tissue and of the placenta cells increasing the production of inflammatory cytokines, which cause changes in the tissues exposed such as the placenta and foetus. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare metabolic markers and endothelial dysfunction in umbilical cord blood, as well as to determine the presence of atherosclerosis in the placentas of newborn infants of patients with gestational diabetes and in patients with normally progressing pregnancies. PATIENTS AND METHOD: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in 84 patients, obtaining data such as age, smoking and weight gain in pregnancy; the gestational age of the newborns was determined by Capurro, and their weight and destination subsequent to birth, the placentas were also collected in order to look for atherosclerosis through histological studies and glucose, insulin, VLDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, cholesterol, fibrinogen, PCR and markers of endothelial dysfunction (adiponectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and IL-6) were determined in blood samples obtained from the umbilical cord. RESULTS: Placental atherosclerosis presented in 28.94% of the group with gestational diabetes compared to 10.52% of the group with normally progressing pregnancies (P=.044); differences were found in glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, HOMA-IR, PCR-us, HDL-C, not in VLDL-C. Twenty-one point five percent of the newborns of the gestational diabetes patients required hospitalization, against 5.2% in the control group, CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancies that involve diabetes have higher proportion of atherosclerosis, hospitalization of the newborn, insulin resistance, as well as elevation of markers associated with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in umbilical cord blood.

[Family structure of obese/overweight and normal weight adolescents in México]. / Estructura familiar y estado de nutrición en adolescentes de Sonora, México.

BACKGROUND: Feeding modes and appetence toward certain foods are usually conditioned by the family. Obesity during adolescence usually persists during adulthood. AIM: To determine differences in family structure of adolescents according to their nutritional status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 60 overweight-obese and 60 normal weight adolescents. Family type was determined based on their conformation (kinship and cohabitation), development (if the mother had a remunerated job), demography (geographical area), integration (functions of the couple); life cycle stage and functionality. RESULTS: Fifty eight percent of normal weight adolescents had simple nuclear families and 47% of overweight-obese adolescents had an extended family. Thirty one and 21% of overweight/obese and normal weight adolescents lived with an overweight/obese individual, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in the family structure of overweight/obese and normal weight adolescents.

Estructura familiar y estado de nutrición en adolescentes de Sonora, México / Family structure of obese/overweight and normal weight adolescents in México

Background: Feeding modes and appetence toward certain foods are usually conditioned by the family. Obesity during adolescence usually persists during adulthood. Aim: To determine differences in family structure of adolescents according to their nutritional status. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 60 overweight-obese and 60 normal weight adolescents. Family type was determined based on their conformation (kinship and cohabitation), development (if the mother had a remunerated job), demography (geographical area), integration (functions of the couple); life cycle stage and functionality. Results: Fifty eight percent of normal weight adolescents had simple nuclear families and 47% of overweight-obese adolescents had an extended family. Thirty one and 21% of overweight/obese and normal weight adolescents lived with an overweight/obese individual, respectively. Conclusions: There are differences in the family structure of overweight/obese and normal weight adolescents.

[Depression and state of nutrition in schoolchildren from Sonora]. / Depresión y estado de nutrición en escolares de Sonora.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric obesity has become a problem of epidemic proportions, due to the inadequate and excessive consumption of food, sedentary lifestyle, and the restricted socio-economic development. This causes a major risk in health complications that have an effect on the psychological and social spheres of the child, which makes him endure such diseases as depression and anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine the association between depression and the nutritional status of schoolchildren from a family medicine unit in Sonora. METHODS: Cross-sectional study performed during 2011 in 101 schoolchildren from Sonora. Kovacs test was applied to detect depressive symptoms; nutritional status was determined by weight and height; body mass index was calculated according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) percentiles. The results were analyzed in SPSS version 18 using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square. RESULTS: Of all the patients with depression, 19 were obese; the other 10 showed a normal nutrition status. Patients with low weight did not show depression. The odds ratio (OR) for depression in students with obesity was 3.16, 95 % CI = 1.13, 7.12. CONCLUSIONS: The detection and management of depression should be considered in the treatment of obesity.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la obesidad infantil se ha convertido en un problema cuyas proporciones son epidémicas, debido al consumo excesivo e inadecuado de alimentos, al sedentarismo y al limitado desarrollo socioeconómico. Esto ocasiona un mayor riesgo en complicaciones en la salud que repercuten en el ámbito psicológico y social del infante, lo cual lo lleva a padecer enfermedades como la depresión y la ansiedad. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre la depresión y el estado de nutrición en escolares adscritos a una unidad de medicina familiar en Sonora. MÉTODOS: estudio transversal analítico que se llevó a cabo durante el 2011 en 101 escolares de Sonora. Se aplicó el test de Kovacs para detectar síntomas depresivos; se determinó el estado nutricional mediante peso y talla, y el cálculo del índice de masa corporal se hizo de acuerdo con los percentiles de las tablas del Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) de Atlanta. El análisis de los resultados se realizó con U de Mann-Whitney y chi cuadrada en el programa SPSS, versión 18. RESULTADOS: del total de pacientes con depresión, 19 presentaron obesidad y el resto presentó estado de nutrición normal (10); los pacientes con bajo peso no presentaron depresión. La razón de momios para depresión en escolares con obesidad fue de 3.16 con un IC al 95 % de 1.13; 7.12. CONCLUSIÓN: la detección y manejo de depresión debe ser considerada dentro del tratamiento de la obesidad.

[Family intervention for the management of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren]. / Intervención familiar para el manejo de sobrepeso y obesidad en escolares.

BACKGROUND: The management of obesity is complex and it must be multidisciplinary. Behavioral treatments for control of childhood obesity are based on family; these have a high degree of efficiency. It has been argued that when children and their parents are the main goal of the changes of behavior as a group, results of weight loss generally are better. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of an intervention based on family to reduce weight in students with overweight or obesity. METHODS: Quasi-experimental study in schoolchildren from 6 to 12 years of age, from a family medicine unit in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, México. The intervention group corresponded to 30 schoolchildren with overweight or obesity, and one or both of their parents with overweight or obesity; the control group included 30 schoolchildren with overweight or obesity, and normal-weight parents. Weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were measured at baseline, monthly, and at the end of the study. Student t test was used to contrast quantitative variables using the SPSS v.15 program. RESULTS: There were differences in weight, but not in BMI, probably due to the effect of size. Compared with the control group, a higher proportion of schoolchildren showed an improvement with regard to nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS: The family intervention is basic for the treatment of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren.

INTRODUCTIÓN: el manejo de la obesidad es complejo y debe ser multidisciplinario; los tratamientos conductuales basados en la familia para el control de la obesidad infantil tienen un alto grado de eficacia. Se ha argumentado que cuando los niños y los padres son blanco de los cambios de comportamiento en conjunto, los resultados de pérdida de peso generalmente mejoran. El objetivo es determinar el efecto de una intervención basada en la familia para la reducción de peso en escolares con sobrepeso u obesidad. MÉTODOS: estudio cuasi experimental en escolares de 6 a 12 años de la Unidad Médica Familiar 1 en Ciudad Obregón, Sonora. El grupo de intervención correspondió a 30 escolares con sobrepeso u obesidad, además de que uno o ambos padres presentaron sobrepeso u obesidad; en el grupo control se incluyeron 30 escolares con sobrepeso u obesidad, y padres con peso normal. Se midió peso, talla e índice de masa corporal (IMC) basal, final y mensual. Se utilizó t de Student para contrastar las variables cuantitativas, por medio del programa SPSS, versión 15. RESULTADOS: hubo diferencias en peso, pero no en IMC, probablemente por el efecto de la talla. Mayor proporción de escolares presentó mejoría en estado de nutrición comparado con el grupo control. CONCLUSIONES: es básica la intervención familiar para el tratamiento del sobrepeso y la obesidad en escolares.