Resultados preclínicos de cannabinoides y dolor (algunos) / Some preclinical results of cannabinoids and pain

El papel del sistema endocannabinoide en la modulación de la nocicepción y en la interpretación de estas señales se conoce desde mediados del siglo pasado. Los trabajos desarrollados desde entonces han permitido profundizar en los mecanismos de acción implicados y así poder sintetizar diversos fármacos capaces de modular estas señales. Estos fármacos pueden ser agonistas, dirigidos a activar directamente receptores cannabinoides, pero pueden igualmente ser sustancias que modulen las enzimas encargadas de las síntesis y degradación de los endocannabinoides. Farmacológicamente se están estudiando, además, otras sustancias presentes en la planta Cannabis sativa, así como derivados sintéticos obtenidos a partir de estas, que pueden unirse, además de a los receptores antes mencionados, a otros tipos de receptores implicados en la fisiología de la nocicepción. Los resultados obtenidos hasta el momento demuestran eficacia en múltiples modelos animales de dolor, tanto agudo como crónico, tanto nociceptivo como neuropático, y abren vías de investigación para el tratamiento farmacológico del dolor crónico.(AU)

The role of the endocannabinoid system in the modulation of nociception and in the interpretation of those signals in known since the middle of the last century. The work carried out since then has made possible to better understand mechanisms of action involved and to synthesize different drugs able to modulate these signals. These drugs can be agonists, aimed at directly activating cannabinoid receptors, or substances that modulate the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids. Pharmacologically, other substances present in the Cannabis sativa plant are also being studied, as well as synthetic derivatives obtained from these, which can bind, in addition to the aforementioned receptors, to other types of receptors involved in the physiology of the nociception. Results obtained to date demonstrate efficacy in multiple animal models of pain, both acute and chronic, both nociceptive and neuropathic, and offer new of research lines for the pharmacological treatment of chronic pain.(AU)

Cervicovaginal and rectal colonization by group B Streptococci in Mexican women with full-term pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: A pregnant woman rectally or vaginally colonized by group B Streptococcus can infect her newborn. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, cross-sectional, analytical 24-month study in pregnant women. Women in labor with ≥ 36 weeks of gestation were included. Pregnancy was classified as normal or high-risk. Main risk factors of the pregnant women were analyzed. Rectal and vaginal samples were obtained, placed in Todd-Hewitt broth and subsequently inoculated in 5% sheep blood agar. Identification was carried out by biochemical tests and latex agglutination. RESULTS: 3,347 pregnant women were included. Mean age was 25.6 ± 5.3 years, 95.5% received antenatal care; 2,213 (66%) had normal-risk pregnancies, and in 1,370 (41%), delivery was by cesarean section. Overall colonization was 4.3% (145/3,347), and it was higher in the 30-34 years age group (6.8%). Serotype I (58%) was the most common. CONCLUSION: The percentage of colonization in this population was low. A routine cervicovaginal and rectal culture program in pregnant women and the intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis program are controversial in our region.

ANTECEDENTES: Una mujer embarazada colonizada por estreptococo del grupo B por vía rectal o vaginal puede infectar a su recién nacido. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, transversal y analítico, durante 24 meses, en embarazadas. Se incluyeron aquellas en trabajo de parto con ≥ 36 semanas de gestación. El embarazo se clasificó como normal o de alto riesgo. Se analizaron los principales factores de riesgo de las embarazadas. Se tomaron muestras rectales y vaginales, se colocaron en caldo Todd-Hewitt y posteriormente se inocularon en agar sangre de carnero al 5%. La identificación se realizó mediante pruebas bioquímicas y aglutinación con látex. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 3,347 embarazadas, edad media 25.6 ± 5.3 años, 95.5% con control prenatal; 2,213 (66%) embarazo de riesgo normal y 1,370 (41%) obtenidas por cesárea. La colonización global fue del 4.3% (145/3,347), siendo mayor en el grupo de edad de 30 a 34 años (6.8%). El serotipo I (58%) fue el más frecuente. CONCLUSIÓN: El porcentaje de colonización en esta población fue bajo. Un programa sistemático de cultivo cervicovaginal y rectal en mujeres embarazadas y el programa de profilaxis antimicrobiana intraparto son controvertidos en nuestra región.

Prevalencia y características clínicas de la apnea del sueño en una población de mujeres diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama / Prevalence and clinical characteristics of sleep apnea in a population of women diagnosed with breast cancer

Objetivo: a pesar del interés creciente en la asociación entre apnea de sueño (AS) y cáncer, apenas existen estudios que investiguen tumores concretos. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la prevalencia y características clínicas de la AS en mujeres con cáncer de mama (CM). Métodos: estudio piloto transversal. Se incluyen consecutivamente 83 mujeres entre 18 - 65, años diagnosticadas por primera vez de CM. En todos los casos se realizó un cuestionario clínico y una poligrafía respiratoria domiciliaria. La AS se definió como un índice de apneas-hipopneas (IAH) ≥5, y el síndrome de apneas-hipopneas del sueño (SAHS) como la asociación de un IAH ≥5 y excesiva somnolencia diurna (ESD, Epworth >10). Resultados: la media (DE) de edad fue de 48,8 (8,8) años, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) de 27,4 (5,4) y el 50,6% eran postmenopáusicas. La prevalencia de AS fue del 51,8% (43 casos), y la mediana de IAH de 5,1 (RIQ 2 - 9,4). De las 43 pacientes con AS, 32 presentaron un IAH 5 - 14,9 y 11 IAH ≥15. La prevalencia de SAHS fue del 10,8% (9 casos). Comparadas con las mujeres sin AS, aquellas con AS presentaron más ronquido, pero no hubo diferencias en otros síntomas relacionados con el sueño. En el análisis multivariado, la edad y las variables antropométricas, pero no la ESD, se asociaron independientemente a la AS. Conclusión: la prevalencia de AS es elevada en mujeres de mediana edad diagnosticadas de CM, aunque la mayoría no presentan ESD ni otras características diferenciales. La edad y la obesidad fueron predictores de AS en esta población

Objective: Despite growing interest in the association between sleep apnea and cancer, there are hardly any studies that research specific tumors. Our objective was to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of sleep apnea in women with breast cancer. Methods: A transversal pilot study. 83 women between the ages of 18 and 65 diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time were included consecutively. All participants completed a clinical questionnaire and underwent home respiratory polygraphy. Sleep apnea was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5 and sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) was defined as the association between an AHI ≥5 and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS, Epworth >10). Results: The average (SD) age was 48.8 (8.8) years old, the body mass index (BMI) was 27.4 (5.4) and 50.6% were postmenopausal. The prevalence of sleep apnea was 51.8% (43 cases) and the average AHI was 5.1 (IQR: 2 - 9.4). Of the 43 patients with sleep apnea, 32 had an AHI between 5 and 14 and 11 had an AHI ≥15. The prevalence of SAHS was 10.8% (9 cases). Compared to women without sleep apnea, those with the disease snored more, but there were no differences in other sleep-related symptoms. In the multivariate analysis, age and anthropometric variables, but not EDS, were independently associated with sleep apnea. Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep apnea is higher in middle-aged women diagnosed with breast cancer, although the majority do not present with EDS or other distinguishing characteristics. Age and obesity were predictors for sleep apnea in this population

Oral squamous cell carcinoma of tongue: Histological risk assessment. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: More than 90% of malignant tumors diagnosed in the oral cavity are Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OSCC) whose preferred location is the tongue. Classically, this disease has affected men preferentially, although recent studies suggest that trends are changing and the proportion of women with OSCC is increasing. In addition, the prevalence of oral cancer is also determined by some risk factors as alcohol consumption and tobacco. Currently, the Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) classification is employed to defined tumor stage and based on this guide specific treatments are established. However, 5-year-survival does not exceed 50% of cases. The objective of this study is to determine whether a histological risk pattern indicative of higher recurrence might be present in T1-T2 tumors located in the anterior two thirds of the tongue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples from 26 patients with OSCC were analyzed and histological risk pattern of recurrent and non-recurrent tumors were compared. We have analyzed histological variables described in Anneroth and Brandwein-Gensler classifications. Additionally, we have also examined both clinical variables such as age, sex or comorbidities, as well as habits such as tobacco or alcohol consumption. RESULTS: We found that sex (male) and keratinization degree (high or moderate) are directly related with OSCC recurrence. In fact, free illness time is lower in men and higher in those cases with minimal or no keratinization. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the variables analyzed, it has not been possible to establish a histological risk pattern that, complementary to the TNM classification, could have a predictive role in these early-stage tongue carcinomas.

Prevalencia del síndrome de apnea-hipopnea del sueño en pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide cutáneo / No disponible

Introducción y objetivos: La hipoxia intermitente similar a la que encontramos en el síndrome de apnea e hipopnea del sueño (SAHS) está implicada en el desarrollo de tumores, algunos relacionados con la disregulación de la vía supresora del p53. En el carcinoma epidermoide cutáneo (CEC) es fundamental la mutación del gen p53 desencadenada por la radiación ultravioleta. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de SAHS en una muestra de pacientes con CEC y si nuestros pacientes con SAHS tenían más lesiones precursoras de este tumor cutáneo. Material y Métodos: Estudio de prevalencia de SAHS en pacientes diagnosticados de CEC con un seguimiento de 24 meses. Se recogieron datos clínicos, antropométricos, tumorales, y los resultados de la poligrafía respiratoria domiciliaria. De un total de 168 pacientes incluidos fueron considerados 112. Resultados: Edad media 77 años, predominando sexo masculino. La prevalencia de SAHS en nuestra población con CEC fue del 51,8%. Al comparar los datos de prevalencia en población anciana (71-100 años) obtuvimos un riesgo relativo de SAHS de 4,33 (IC 2,31-8,12). En el grupo SAHS encontramos mayor frecuencia de queratosis actínicas clínicas como lesión precursora del CEC (p=0,002), así como en el estudio anatomo-patológico (p=0,075). Conclusiones: El riesgo elevado de tener SAHS en nuestra población con CEC, junto con una mayor frecuencia de lesiones precursoras de este tumor, sugiere que la hipoxia intermitente pueda actuar como co-factor en su desarrollo

Introduction and objectives: The intermittent hypoxia similar to that found in the apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSA) is involved in tumor development, and in some of them are related with the dysregulation of p53 suppressor pathway. In the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) the mutation of p53 gene triggered by ultraviolet radiation is essential. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of OSAS in a sample of patients with cSCC and to observe if our patients with OSAS had more precursor lesions of the skin tumor. Material and Methods: We study the prevalence of OSA in patients who has been diagnosed of cSCC in a follow up of 24 months. Results of home respiratory polygraphy, clinical data, anthropometric measures, and tumor data were collected. 168 patients were enrolled and we finally considered 112. Results: Mean age was 77 years, mainly male. Prevalence of OSAS in our population with cSCC was 51.8%. When compared with prevalence data in elderly population (71-100 years) we obtained a relative proneness of 4.33 (CI 2.31-8.12). In the OSAS group we found an increased frequency of clinical actinic keratoses as a precursor lesion of cSCC (p= 0.002) as well as in the pathological study (p= 0.075). Conclusions: The high risk of OSAS in ur population with cSCC, and a higher frequency of this tumor precursor lesions, could suggest that intermittent hypoxia can act as a co-factor in its development

Increased incidence of nonfatal cardiovascular events in stroke patients with sleep apnoea: effect of CPAP treatment.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a risk factor for stroke, but little is known about the effect of OSA and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the incidence of long-term, nonfatal cardiovascular events (CVE) in stroke patients. A prospective observational study was made in 223 patients consecutively admitted for stroke. A sleep study was performed on 166 of them. 31 had an apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) <10 events · h(-1); 39 had an AHI between 10 and 19 events · h(-1) and 96 had an AHI ≥ 20 events · h(-1). CPAP treatment was offered when AHI was ≥ 20 events · h(-1). Patients were followed up for 7 yrs and incident CVE data were recorded. The mean ± SD age of the subjects was 73.3 ± 11 yrs; mean AHI was 26 ± 16.7 events · h(-1). Patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who could not tolerate CPAP (AHI ≥ 20 events · h(-1); n = 68) showed an increased adjusted incidence of nonfatal CVE, especially new ischaemic strokes (hazard ratio 2.87, 95% CI 1.11-7.71; p = 0.03), compared with patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who tolerated CPAP (n = 28), patients with mild disease (AHI 10-19 events · h(-1); n = 36) and patients without OSA (AHI <10 events · h(-1); n = 31). Our results suggest that the presence of moderate-to-severe OSA is associated with an increased long-term incidence of nonfatal CVE in stroke patients and that CPAP reduces the excess of incidence seen in these patients.

Impacto de las exacerbaciones en la evolución de la EPOC / Impact of exacerbations on the clinical course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

El curso clínico de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) se ve salpicado con frecuencia por la presencia de exacerbaciones. Aunque no todos los pacientes sufren exacerbaciones y no todas estas descompensaciones tienen las mismas consecuencias, lo cierto es que en los últimos años hemos pasado a considerar estos episodios de inestabilidad clínica, especialmente si son repetidos, como elementos destacados en la historia natural de la enfermedad por cuanto generan una gran carga asistencial y enormes costes, impactan de forma negativa sobre la calidad de vida de los pacientes, contribuyen de forma decidida a la progresión multidimensional de la enfermedad y, finalmente, condicionan su pronóstico. El artículo revisa la evidencia científica actual acerca del impacto de la exacerbación sobre la evolución de la EPOC, analizando esta repercusión desde una perspect iva multidimensional. Además, introduce la necesidad de orientar el manejo de la EPOC hacia los fenotipos clínicos, destacando especialmente la importancia del fenotipo agudizador, un fenotipo clínico que se caracteriza por presentar repetidos episodios de agudización, que se asocia con frecuencia a la presencia de tos y expectoración crónica, infección bronquial latente y bronquiectasias, y que se caracteriza por presentar mayor morbimortalidad (AU)

The clinical course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is marked by frequent exacerbations. Not all patients suffer exacerbations and not all decompensations have the same consequences; however, in the last few years, these episodes of clinical instability – especially if recurrent – have come to be viewed as a major element in the natural history of the disease insofar as they generate heavy workload and high costs síntonegatively affect pat ients’ quality of life, contribute to the multidimensional progression of the disease and, finally, affect its prognosis. The present article reviews the current scientific evidence on the impact of exacerbations on the clinical course of COPD and analyzes this impact from a multidimensional perspective. The need to base the management of COPD on clinical phenotypes is discussed, emphasizing the importance of the exacerbat ion phenotype, a clinical phenotype characterized by frequent exacerbations. This phenotype is often associated with the presence of cough and chronic expectorat ion, latent bronchial infect ion and bronchiectasis and leads to higher morbidity and mortality (AU)

Role of haptoglobin in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity and disorders of glucose tolerance in premenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Hp(2) alleles of the haptoglobin alpha-chain polymorphism reduce the anti-oxidant properties and increase the pro-inflammatory actions of this acute-phase protein in a gene-dosage fashion. We hypothesized that the haptoglobin polymorphism might contribute to the increased oxidative stress and low-grade chronic inflammation frequently associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, and abnormalities of glucose tolerance. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Serum haptoglobin and the haptoglobin alpha-chain polymorphism were determined in 141 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and 102 non-hyperandrogenic women. Of the whole group of 243 premenopausal women, 117 were obese and 51 showed abnormal glucose tolerance. Although serum haptoglobin concentrations were similar in PCOS patients and controls, the former presented with an increased frequency of Hp(2) alleles (62% vs. 52%, P = 0.023). Circulating haptoglobin levels increased with obesity (P<0.001), yet no association was found between obesity and haptoglobin genotypes. No differences were observed in haptoglobin levels or genotype frequencies depending on glucose tolerance. Fifty percent of the variation in serum haptoglobin concentrations was explained by the variability in serum C-reactive protein concentrations, BMI, insulin sensitivity and haptoglobin genotypes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Serum haptoglobin concentrations in premenopausal women are largely dependent on the haptoglobin polymorphism and on the presence of obesity, with insulin resistance and chronic inflammation possibly modulating this relationship. The association of polycystic ovary syndrome with Hp(2) alleles suggests that the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of haptoglobin may be reduced in these patients.

Arteritis de células gigantes: una causa infrecuente de tos crónica / Giant cell arteritis: and uncommon cause of chronic cough

No disponible

Serum osteoprotegerin concentrations are decreased in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoprotegerin (OPG), an inhibitor of osteoclastic bone resorption, has a variety of functions including anti-inflammatory effects and a possible cardiovascular protective role. Both low-grade chronic inflammation and cardiovascular risk are increased in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We aimed to study serum OPG concentrations in PCOS patients. DESIGN: Case-control study including 40 PCOS patients matched with 40 non-hyperandrogenic women for age and body mass index. METHODS: Basal serum sampling and standard oral glucose tolerance test, and measurement of serum OPG concentrations by commercial ELISA. RESULTS: Serum OPG concentrations were lower in women with PCOS compared with those of controls (304+/-120 vs 363+/-105 pg/ml respectively; F=7.641, P=0.007) independently of obesity. No differences were observed in serum receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) levels and in the RANKL/OPG molar ratio. A multivariate linear regression model (R(2)=0.208, F=6.579, P=0.001) showed that PCOS (beta=-0.281, P=0.008), obesity (beta=-0.245, P=0.022) and age (beta=0.296, P=0.006) were predictive of serum OPG concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Serum OPG concentrations are reduced in PCOS patients independently of obesity. Considering the anti-inflammatory effects of OPG, its reduced serum concentrations might contribute to the proinflammatory state and cardiovascular risk of PCOS patients.

[Usefulness of establishing diagnosis and severity of the most frequent signs and symptoms in preeclamptic patients]. / Utilidad para establecer diagnóstico y severidad de los síntomas y signos más frecuentes en la paciente preeclámptica.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine that signs and symptoms are tools in establishing diagnosis and severity of preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study design was prolective, comparative, cross-sectional for evaluation of diagnosis. Our sample included 408 patients. The study employed classification criteria of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. One blinded family physician interrogated and examined each patient. The sample included patients with recent diagnosis and without treatment. Patients with HELLP syndrome, eclampsia, and those in Intensive Care were excluded. Clinical signs evaluated included headache, Phosphenes, acuphenes, tinnitus, vomiting, epigastric pain, right hypochondrium pain, ecchymosis, hematomas,and hyperreactive reflexes. RESULTS: A total of 192 patients without preeclampsia, 63 with mild, and 153 with severe preeclampsia were included. Clinical manifestations were absent in 60, 21 and 8% respectively of patients in each group. Presence of three or more signs or symptoms had sensitivity of 60% (CI95% 53-67), specificity of 84% (CI95% 79-89), and positive likelihood ratio of 3.8 and negative, 0.48. Most usefulness data for diagnosis of preeclampsia are hyperreactive reflexes, phosphenes, acuphenes, right hypochondrium pain, and epigastric pain. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms and signs taken alone are tools for evaluation of severity but not for detection of preeclampsia. There is necessary to develop new way for it's diagnosis during prenatal care.

Utilidad para establecer diagnóstico y severidad de los síntomas y signos más frecuentes en la paciente preeclámptica / Usefulness of Establishing Diagnosis and Severity of the Most Frequent Signs and Synptoms in Preeclamptic Patients

Objetivo: determinar qué síntomas y signos son más útiles para establecer el diagnóstico y la gravedad de la preeclampsia. Material y métodos: estudio analítico, transversal comparativo prolectivo para evaluar una prueba diagnóstica. Muestreo no probabilístico. Tamaño de muestra 408 pacientes. Se usaron los criterios de clasificación del American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Un médico familiar en forma ciega e independiente interrogó y exploró a cada paciente. Se incluyeron pacientes de reciente diagnóstico y sin tratamiento. Se excluyeron pacientes con síndrome Hellp, eclampsia y de terapia intensiva. Se evaluó: cefalea, acúfenos, fosfenos, tinnitus, vómito, dolor epigástrico, dolor en hipocondrio derecho, disuria, polaquiuria y tenesmo vesical, equimosis, hematomas e hiperreflexia Resultados: 192 pacientes sin preeclampsia, 63 con preeclampsia leve y 153 con preeclampsia severa. Fueron asintomáticas 60, 21 y 8% respectivamente. La presencia de 3 ó más síntomas o signos tiene sensibilidad de 60% (IC95% 53-67) especificidad de 84% (IC95% 79-89) cociente de probabilidad positivo de 3.8 y negativo de 0.48. Para evaluar gravedad son útiles hiperreflexia, fosfenos, acúfenos, dolor en hipocondrio derecho o epigastrio Conclusiones: existe una proporción de pacientes preeclámpticas sin manifestaciones clínicas (29%); los síntomas y signos descritos son útiles para evaluar gravedad pero no para diagnóstico de preeclampsia.

Objective: Our aim was to determine that signs and symptoms are tools in establishing diagnosis and severity of preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: Our study design was prolective, comparative, cross-sectional for evaluation of diagnosis. Our sample included 408 patients. The study employed classification criteria of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. One blinded family physician interrogatedandexaminedeach patient. The sample included patients with recent diagnosis and without treatment. Patients with HELLP syndrome, eclampsia, and those in Intensive Care were excluded. Clinical signs evaluated included headache, Phosphenes, acuphenes, tinnitus, vomiting, epigastric pain, right hypochondrium pain, ecchymosis, hematomas, and hyperreactive reflexes. Results: A total of 192 patients without preeclampsia, 63 with mild, and 153 with severe preeclampsia were included. Clinical manifestations were absent in 60,21 and 8% respectively of patients in each group. Presence of three or more signs or symptoms had sensitivity of 60% (CL95% 53-67), specificity of 84% (CL95% 79-89), and positive likelihood ratio of 3.8 and negative, 0.48. Most usefulness data for diagnosis of preeclampsia are hyperreactive reflexes, phosphenes, acuphenes, right hypochondrium pain, and epigastric pain. Conclusions: The symptoms and signs taken alone are tools for evaluation of severity but not for detection of preeclampsia. There is necessary to develop new way for it's diagnosis during prenatal care.

Disabling spondyloarthrosis risk factors in valley of Mexico workers.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to describe the most prevalent physically disabling conditions for insured workers belonging to the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in the Valley of Mexico and to identify risk factors for disabling spondyloarthrosis. METHODS: Retrospective cases and prevalent controls from IMSS clinics in the Mexico City metropolitan area were studied. Eighty cases were IMSS workers reporting disability due to spondyloarthrosis; 80 controls were active workers at the same workplace and shared the economic activity of the cases. The 1995 IMSS Disability Report was reviewed. From this report congenital conditions of the musculoskeletal system, obesity, history of trauma, and sociodemographic patient characteristics were assessed. RESULTS: The most important risk factors were a history of spina bifida (odds ratio [OR] = 29.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 5.3-161; p = 0.0009), supernumerary vertebrae (OR = 21.3, 95% CI = 5.3-95; p = 0.0001), history of low back (lumbar) trauma (OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.9-8.3; p = 0.0004), flatfoot (OR = 11.7, 95% CI = 1.9-69, p = 0.02), and obesity (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.06-4.03; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: A history of congenital deformity of the musculoskeletal system, spinal column trauma, and obesity were risk factors most associated with work disability due to spondyloarthrosis.

Enfermedades transmisibles en refugiados guatemaltecos y población rural mexicana en Chiapas

Con el objeto de valorar la modificación potencial del perfil epidemiol+ogico de la frontera sur de México, debido a la migración de refugiados guatemaltecos, se realizó en el estado de Chiapas un estudio de prevalencia de enfermedades transmisibles en noviembre de 1983. Se efectuó interrogatorio intencionado y exploración física detallada a 957 individuos de ocho campamentos de refugiados y a 716 personas de tres comunidades rurales mexicanas. De 1072 enfermedades infecciosas diagnosticadas, 794 (0.8 infecciones por persona) correspondieron a las comunidades de refugiadow guatemaltecos, mientras que sólo 278 (0.4 infecciones por individuo) fueron detectadas en personas de las comunidades mexicanas (p menor 0.0001). Se encontró en ambos grupos una tasa elevada de infecciones respiratorias agudas y de padecimientos transmitidos por contacto directo: conjuntivitis, pediculosis, escabiasis y piodermitis. Aunque las enfermedades que presentaron ambos grupos fueron en general las mismas, destacaron entre los mexicanos la escabiasis y entre los guatemaltecos la pediculosis y la enteritis. Consideramos que el perfil epidemiológico de ambos grupos estudiados es similar y que deben de incrementarse las acciones tendientes a evitar el hacinamiento e intensificar las medidas educativas de higiene personal