A280V polymorphism in the histamine H3 receptor as a risk factor for migraine.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Activation of histamine H3 receptors blocks the release of peptides responsible for headache. Our objective was to investigate the association between the genotypes of A280V polymorphism in the H3 receptor and migraine risk. METHODS: We evaluated the frequency of the genotypes of A280V, polymorphism A280V and allelic variants of H3 receptor in 147 migraine patients and 186 healthy controls using a PCR-RLFP method. RESULTS: V allele frequency was 6.46% and 2.68% for the cases and controls, respectively (p = 0.02) (OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.20-5.93). The frequency of V/V + V/A genotypes was 12.92% in migraine patients, significantly higher when compared to the 3.22% frequency in the control group (p = 0.001) (OR 4.45; 95% CI 1.7-11.46). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that V-allele genotypes in the H3 receptor gene are related to migraine risk in the Mexican population. We propose the hypothesis that the V-allele genotypes in the H3 receptor gene increase the population of inactive receptors, enhancing the inhibition of the negative feedback mechanism on the H3 receptor and increasing histamine release, which correlates with migraine attacks in susceptible patients. The case-control study reinforces the role of histamine in migraine pathogenesis.

[Association between neuropathy and peripheral vascular insufficiency in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2]. / Asociación entre la presencia de enfermedad vascular periférica y neuropatía en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) can present complications of neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease with high risk for developing foot ulcers and consequent amputations. OBJECTIVE: To identify the association between peripheral vascular disease, and neuropathy in type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients from the Hospital General de Zona No. 1 IMSS in Colima, Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 80 patients with diabetes mellitus evaluated by means of the Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, ankle-arm index, Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity and H-reflex. RESULTS: 51 women and 29 men were studied. Mean age was 53.9 +/- 9.6 years, mean diabetes mellitus progression was 8 +/- 6.6 years and mean glucose level was 283 +/- 110 mg/mL. Neuropathy presented in 65 patients (81.2%). Ankle/arm index revealed 19% of patients presented with moderate peripheral vascular insufficiency. Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity was abnormal in 40% of patients and H-reflex was absent in 70%. DISCUSSION: Grade 2 motor-sensitive polyneuropathy was found in 70-80% of patients and moderate peripheral vascular insufficiency in 19%. It can thus be inferred that the complication of diabetic neuropathy appears before that of peripheral vessel damage.

[The frequency of risk factors associated with obesity and being overweight in university students from Colima, Mexico]. / Frecuencia y factores de riesgo asociados a sobrepeso y obesidad en universitarios de Colima, México.

OBJECTIVE: Determining risk factor frequency regarding obesity and being overweight in university students. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out on 821 students from the University of Colima. Some variables analysed were age, gender, alcoholism, smoking and weight-control drug use. RESULTS: 821 students were included (380 male, 441 female), 20.9±2.5 average age. 27.8 % of males were overweight and 14.7 % suffered from obesity; this was 17 % and 5.2 % in females, respectively. Smoking (2.1 OR; 1.4-3.8 95 % CI; p=0.01) and alcoholism (2.1 OR; 1.2-3.6 95 % CI; p=0.003) were associated with being overweight and being obese. Weight-control drug use was a protective factor in both genders (0.4 OR; 0.2-0.8 95 % CI; p=0.01); diet control was only a protective factor in women (2.2. OR; 1.1-3.4 95 % CI; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: 31.6 % of university students were overweight and suffered from obesity. Smoking and alcoholism in males were associated with being overweight and suffering from obesity. Weight-control and diet-control drug use were protective factors.

Frecuencia y factores de riesgo asociados a sobrepeso y obesidad en universitarios de Colima, México / The frequency of risk factors associated with obesity and being overweight in university students from Colima, Mexico

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia y factores de riesgo para sobrepeso y obesidad en jóvenes universitarios. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en 821 alumnos inscritos de la Universidad de Colima. Entre las variables analizadas se encuentran: edad, género, alcoholismo, tabaquismo y utilización de medicamentos o sustancias para control de peso. Resultados Se estudiaron 821 alumnos (380 hombres y 441 mujeres) con una edad promedio de 20,9±2,5 años. Las frecuencias de sobrepeso y obesidad en hombres fueron de 27,8 por ciento y 14,7 por ciento y en mujeres de 17 por ciento y 5,2 por ciento. En hombres el tabaquismo (OR 2,1, IC 95 por ciento 1,4-3,8;p=0,01) y etilismo (OR 2,1, IC 95 por ciento 1,2-3,6;p=0,003), estuvieron asociados a sobrepeso y obesidad. Fueron factores protectores en ambos géneros el uso de sustancias para control de peso (OR 0,4, IC 95 por ciento 0,2-0,8;p=0,01); mientras que el control dietético fue un factor protector sólo en las mujeres (OR 2,2, IC 95 por ciento 1,1- 3,4;p=0,01). Conclusiones En estudiantes universitarios, el 31,6 por ciento presentó sobrepeso y obesidad. En hombres, el tabaquismo y etilismo se asociaron a sobrepeso y obesidad. El uso de sustancias para bajar de peso y control dietético fueron factores protectores.

Objective Determining risk factor frequency regarding obesity and being overweight in university students. Methods A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out on 821 students from the University of Colima. Some variables analysed were age, gender, alcoholism, smoking and weight-control drug use. Results 821 students were included (380 male, 441 female), 20.9±2.5 average age. 27.8 percent of males were overweight and 14.7 percent suffered from obesity; this was 17 percent and 5.2 percent in females, respectively. Smoking (2.1 OR; 1.4-3.8 95 percent CI; p=0.01) and alcoholism (2.1 OR; 1.2-3.6 95 percent CI; p=0.003) were associated with being overweight and being obese. Weight-control drug use was a protective factor in both genders (0.4 OR; 0.2-0.8 95 percent CI; p=0.01); diet control was only a protective factor in women (2.2. OR; 1.1-3.4 95 percent CI; p=0.01). Conclusions 31.6 percent of university students were overweight and suffered from obesity. Smoking and alcoholism in males were associated with being overweight and suffering from obesity. Weight-control and diet-control drug use were protective factors.

[Antibiotic therapy frequency in hospitalised patients and associated risk factors]. / Frecuencia de antibioticoterapia en pacientes hospitalizados y factores de riesgo asociados.

OBJECTIVE: Determining antimicrobial indication and frequency of use in hospitalised patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Date and place of work: May 1st to June 30th 2006, Colima, Mexico. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out; it involved 400 patients from both sexes hospitalised in different second level hospital departments. The variables analysed were: age, gender and the department from which each patient was referred. Antibiotics were evaluated according to type, frequency of use, whether use was prophylactic or therapeutic, whether treatment design was monotherapeutic or mixed, the amount of time taken from being admitted to hospital to beginning treatment, the number of days of treatment, the motive for changing or suspending therapeutic design, the number of patients receiving complete design and the number of patients for whom cultures were or were not done. RESULTS: 63% of the patients received antibiotic therapy, antibiotic use being prophylactic in 46 % of them. The General Surgery Department presented statistically significant antibiotic use association (3.9 OR; 1.7-8.9 CI; p<0.01) and the Internal Medicine Department presented a protector factor (0.5 OR, 0.3-0.8 CI, p<0.01). Betalactamic antibiotics were most frequently used (47%). Mean antibacterial treatment lasted 3.8+/-3.3 days and the amount of time taken from hospital admittance to beginning antibiotic treatment was 13.6+/-47.4 hours. Cultures were done for 2.8% of the patients. CONCLUSION: 63% of hospitalised patients received antibiotic therapy. The prophylactic impact of antibiotics on intrahospital infection frequency and characteristics should be evaluated and their cost-benefit calculated.

Frecuencia de antibioticoterapia en pacientes hospitalizados y factores de riesgo asociados / Antibiotic therapy frequency in hospitalised patients and associated risk factors

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia del uso e indicaciones de antimicrobianos en pacientes hospitalizados. Métodos Fecha y lugar de ejecución: Del 1º de mayo al 30 de junio de 2006. Colima, México. Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico. Se incluyeron 400 pacientes de ambos sexos hospitalizados en cualquier servicio de un hospital de segundo nivel. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, género, servicio de procedencia; de los antibióticos se evalúo su frecuencia, tipo de antibiótico, si se utilizó en forma profiláctica o terapéutica, como monoterapia o terapia mixta, tiempo de inicio posterior al ingreso, días de tratamiento, motivo de cambio o suspensión del esquema terapéutico, cuantos tuvieron esquema completo, si hubo o no cultivo. Resultados El 63 por ciento de los pacientes estudiados recibieron antibioticoterapia y en 46 por ciento su uso fue profiláctico. Cirugía general fue el servicio que presentó una asociación estadística significativa para uso de antibióticos (OR 3,9, IC 1,7-8,9; p < 0,01); mientras que el servicio de medicina interna presentó un factor protector (OR 0,5, IC 0,3-0,8, p < 0,01) Los betalactámicos fueron el grupo más frecuentemente utilizado (47 por ciento). El promedio de días de tratamiento antibacteriano fue 3,8 ± 3,3 días y el tiempo desde su ingreso a la aplicación de antibiótico fue de 13,6± 47,4 horas. El 2,8 por ciento de pacientes tenían cultivo. Conclusiones El 63 por ciento de los pacientes hospitalizados recibieron antibioticoterapia. Es necesario evaluar el impacto profiláctico de los antibióticos sobre la frecuencia y características de las infecciones intrahospitalarias y determinar su costo beneficio.

Objective Determining antimicrobial indication and frequency of use in hospitalised patients. Materials and methods Date and place of work: May 1st to June 30th 2006, Colima, Mexico. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out; it involved 400 patients from both sexes hospitalised in different second level hospital departments. The variables analysed were: age, gender and the department from which each patient was referred. Antibiotics were evaluated according to type, frequency of use, whether use was prophylactic or therapeutic, whether treatment design was monotherapeutic or mixed, the amount of time taken from being admitted to hospital to beginning treatment, the number of days of treatment, the motive for changing or suspending therapeutic design, the number of patients receiving complete design and the number of patients for whom cultures were or were not done. Results 63 percent of the patients received antibiotic therapy, antibiotic use being prophylactic in 46 percent of them. The General Surgery Department presented statistically significant antibiotic use association (3.9 OR; 1.7-8.9 CI; p<0.01) and the Internal Medicine Department presented a protector factor (0.5 OR, 0.3-0.8 CI, p<0.01). Betalactamic antibiotics were most frequently used (47 percent). Mean antibacterial treatment lasted 3.8±3.3 days and the amount of time taken from hospital admittance to beginning antibiotic treatment was 13.6±47.4 hours. Cultures were done for 2.8 percent of the patients. Conclusion 63 percent of hospitalised patients received antibiotic therapy. The prophylactic impact of antibiotics on intrahospital infection frequency and characteristics should be evaluated and their cost-benefit calculated.

[New therapeutic alternatives in migraine prophylaxis using histamine H3 receptor agonists]. / Nueva alternativa terapéutica en profilaxis de migraña con histamina como agonista de receptores H3.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous histamine at low concentrations interacts with H3-receptors and may constitute a new therapeutic drug in migraine prophylaxis. It acts by limiting the excessive inflammatory response involved in migraine pathophysiology. OBJECTIVE: Describe the results of a 15-year trial administering histamine at low concentrations. METHODS: Different study designs were used with subcutaneous histamine (10 microg/ml in Evan's solution) twice weekly, with an initial administration of microg (0.1 ml) and gradually increasing the dose to 10 microg (1.0 ml) over a 12-week period together with placebo, sodium valproate and topiramate. A Friedman-type rank ANOVA test was used to assess the difference between basal values and different design outcomes. RESULTS: Data recorded during the 12-week period showed a significant reduction in variables from both treatment groups (histamine) compared with basaline stage results (p < 0.001). The histamine group reported a reduction of headache frequency (50%), decrease in pain intensity (51%), length of migraine attacks (45%) and painkiller use (52%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence on the safety and efficiency of subcutaneous histamine administered at a dose of 1-10 microg twice weekly. This treatment constitutes a new therapeutic alternative, and provides a clinical and pharmacological basis for the use of H3 histaminergic agonists in migraine prophylaxis.

Nueva alternativa terapéutica en profilaxis de migraña con histamina como agonista de receptores H3 / New therapeutic alternatives in migraine prophylaxis using histamine H3 receptor agonists

Antecedentes: La histamina subcutánea a bajas concentraciones puede ser una alternativa terapéutica en la profilaxis de la migraña al interactuar con receptores H3 y limitar la excesiva respuesta inflamatoria. Objetivo: Presentar los resultados de la administración de histamina bajas dosis en la profilaxis de la migraña, colectados durante 15 años. Métodos: Se aplicaron diferentes diseños de administración de histamina subcutánea (10 μg/ml en solución de Evans) dos veces a la semana, con una administración inicial de 1μg (0.1 ml) e incremento gradual hasta 10 μg (1.0 ml) durante 12 semanas. Se realizaron estudios comparativos con placebo, valproato sódico y topiramato. Se utilizó la prueba de Anova de rangos de Friedman para evaluar las diferencias entre los resultados. Resultados: Los datos registrados durante las 12 semanas de tratamiento revelaron que en el grupo con histamina las variables estudiadas tuvieron una disminución significativa comparada con el control (p<0.001), con una reducción de la frecuencia de cefalea (50%), intensidad del dolor (51%), duración de ataques de migraña (45%), así como en el consumo de analgésicos (52%). Conclusiones: El estudio aporta evidencia sobre la seguridad y eficacia de la histamina aplicada por vía subcutánea a dosis de 1 a 10 μg dos veces a la semana. Representa una nueva alternativa terapéutica y proporciona las bases clínicas y farmacológicas para el uso de agonista H3 histaminérgicos en la profilaxis de la migraña.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous histamine at low concentrations interacts with H3-receptors and may constitute a new therapeutic drug in migraine prophylaxis. It acts by limiting the excessive inflammatory response involved in migraine pathophysiology. OBJECTIVE: Describe the results of a 15-year trial administering histamine at low concentrations. METHODS: Different study designs were used with subcutaneous histamine (10 microg/ml in Evan's solution) twice weekly, with an initial administration of microg (0.1 ml) and gradually increasing the dose to 10 microg (1.0 ml) over a 12-week period together with placebo, sodium valproate and topiramate. A Friedman-type rank ANOVA test was used to assess the difference between basal values and different design outcomes. RESULTS: Data recorded during the 12-week period showed a significant reduction in variables from both treatment groups (histamine) compared with basaline stage results (p < 0.001). The histamine group reported a reduction of headache frequency (50%), decrease in pain intensity (51%), length of migraine attacks (45%) and painkiller use (52%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence on the safety and efficiency of subcutaneous histamine administered at a dose of 1-10 microg twice weekly. This treatment constitutes a new therapeutic alternative, and provides a clinical and pharmacological basis for the use of H3 histaminergic agonists in migraine prophylaxis.

[Frequency of intestinal helminthiasis and its association with iron deficiency and malnutrition in children from western Mexico]. / Frecuencia de helmintiasis intestinal y su asociación con deficiencia de hierro y desnutrición en niños de la región occidente de México.

OBJECTIVE: To determine intestinal helminthiasis frequency and its association with malnutrition and iron deficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analytical cross-over study was carried out on children in the municipality of Comala, Colima, Mexico. Coproparasitoscopic exams in series of three using the Kato-Katz technique were performed in all children. To evaluate the degree ofmalnutrition, the following anthropometric indices were determined: means and z-scores for weight/height, height/age, weight/age. Severe, moderate and minimal iron deficiency was considered when ferritin was: < or = 12 ng/ml, 12 to 18 ng/mL and 19 to 24 ng/mL, respectively. RESULTS: 243 children were studied with an average age of 65.3+/-8.7 months. 60.9% (n = 148) of the children showed a decrease in ferritin levels and 2.5% (n = 6) had anemia. 16% (n = 39) had trichuriasis, 6.9% (n = 17) ascariasis and 5.3% (n = 13) had both parasites. Trichiura infection was associated with declining health (OR 11.0, CI 3.9-30.8; p<0.001) and with iron deficiency, with cut-off points of <24 ng (OR 2.0, CI 1.0-3.9, p = 0.02) and <18 ng/ dL (OR 2.2, CI 1.2-4.2, p= 0.009). Ascaris infection was not associated with malnutrition or iron deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Trichiura infection was associated with declining health and slight and moderate degrees of iron deficiency.

[Longitudinal study of three families with familial Parkinson's disease]. / Estudio longitudinal de tres familias con parkinsonismo familiar.

BACKGROUND: Familial Parkinson's is a variant of Parkinson's disease (PD) transmitted generationally with an early onset. OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical disease characteristics and its 18 year evolution among families in Colima presenting familial PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined disease diagnosis, evolution and hereditary pattern. The UPDRS system was used to follow the longitudinal course of the disease. Descriptive statistics were carried out using means and percentages. RESULTS: Three families were studied, with a total of 51 subjects aged 29 +/- 22 years spanning 4 generations. Thirty-seven percent of studied subjects displayed familial PD, with disease onset at 24 +/- 9 years of age. The highest UPDRS value was 175. Disease transmission with a dominant autosomic heredity pattern was shown. One hundred percent of first and second generation members from family number 1 displayed the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The three families displayed early onset PD and rapid progression, coinciding with described characteristics of type 1 familial Parkinsonism (PARK1). This disease is caused by the Ala53Thr mutation of the alpha-synuclein gene.

Estudio longitudinal de tres familias con parkinsonismo familiar / Longitudinal study of three families with familial Parkinson's disease

Antecedentes. El parkinsonismo autosómico dominante es una variante de la enfermedad de Parkinson que se transmite por generaciones, manifestándose en edades tempranas. Objetivo. Describir las características clínicas de la enfermedad en familias de Colima con parkinsonismo autosómico dominante y su evolución a través de 18 años. Material y métodos. Se determinó el diagnóstico, evolución y patrón de herencia de la enfermedad. Para seguir su curso longitudinal se utilizó el sistema Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Se realizó estadística descriptiva con media y porcentajes. Resultados. Se estudiaron tres familias, un total de 51 individuos en 4 generaciones, de 29 ± 22 años, con Parkinsonismo familiar en 37% e inicio de la enfermedad a los 24 ± 9 años. La mayor calificación de UPDRS fue de 175. Se demostró transmisión de la enfermedad con patrón de herencia autosómica dominante. En la familia No. 1 se presentó en 100% de los integrantes de la primera y segunda generación. Conclusiones. Las tres familias tienen inicio temprano y rápida progresión de la enfermedad coincidiendo con las características descritas del parkinsonismo familiar tipo 1 (PARK1), originada por la mutación Ala53Thr en el gen de la alfa-sinucleína.

BACKGROUND: Familial Parkinson's is a variant of Parkinson's disease (PD) transmitted generationally with an early onset. OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical disease characteristics and its 18 year evolution among families in Colima presenting familial PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined disease diagnosis, evolution and hereditary pattern. The UPDRS system was used to follow the longitudinal course of the disease. Descriptive statistics were carried out using means and percentages. RESULTS: Three families were studied, with a total of 51 subjects aged 29 +/- 22 years spanning 4 generations. Thirty-seven percent of studied subjects displayed familial PD, with disease onset at 24 +/- 9 years of age. The highest UPDRS value was 175. Disease transmission with a dominant autosomic heredity pattern was shown. One hundred percent of first and second generation members from family number 1 displayed the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The three families displayed early onset PD and rapid progression, coinciding with described characteristics of type 1 familial Parkinsonism (PARK1). This disease is caused by the Ala53Thr mutation of the alpha-synuclein gene.

Blink reflex, H-reflex and nerve-conduction alterations in leprosy patients.

Peripheral nerve lesions are the most important cause of disability in leprosy patients. Electrophysiological studies are used in the diagnosis and prognosis of neuropathy. Nerve conduction is the most frequently used electrophysiological test method to detect neuropathy, although it evaluates only a part of the peripheral nervous system. Blink reflex and H-reflex are electrophysiological tests which evaluate facial and trigeminal nerve function. This study determined the frequencies of blink reflex, H-reflex and motor and sensory nerve conduction alterations in twenty five heterogeneous, clinic patients with lepromatous leprosy and a control group of 20 healthy subjects. Study results showed a decrease in motor and sensory nerve conduction in 40% and 30%, respectively. In blink reflex (BR), right R1 was altered in latency in 20% of patients, left R1 in 20%, right ipsilateral R2 in 16%, left ipsilateral R2 in 20%, and right and left contralateral R2 were altered in 32% of patients. There was an absence of H-reflex in 16% (n = 4) and prolonged latency in 4% (n = 1).

Nalpha-methyl histamine safety and efficacy in migraine prophylaxis: phase III study.

BACKGROUND: The histamine catabolite, Nalpha-methylhistamine, possesses a selective affinity for H3 receptors. For this reason, we considered evaluating the efficacy of this histaminergic H3 agonist in migraine prophylactic treatment. OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic potential of the subcutaneous administration of Nalpha-methylhistamine in migraine prophylaxis, in a Phase III clinical pharmacological study. METHODS: Using a controlled double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial for 12 weeks, 60 patients with migraine, who fit the criteria established by the International Headache Society, were selected. The efficacy of subcutaneous administration of Nalpha-methylhistamine 1 to 3 ng twice a week against placebo was studied, evaluating the outcome of headache intensity, frequency, duration, and analgesic intake. RESULTS: Comparison between the groups treated with placebo (n=30) and Nalpha-methylhistamine (n=30), on data collected for the 4th, 8th and 12th weeks of treatment, revealed that Nalpha-methylhistamine exerted a significant (p<0.0001) reduction (compared to placebo) in intensity, frequency, and duration of migraine attacks, as well as on the use of analgesic intake. No significant (p>0.05) adverse experiences or side effects developed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence of the efficacy of Nalpha-methylhistamine, given subcutaneously at doses of 1 to 3 ng twice a week, offering a new therapeutic alternative and laying the clinical and pharmacological groundwork for the use of histaminergic H3-agonists in migraine prophylaxis, which may specifically inhibit the neurogenic edema response involved in migraine pathophysiology.

[Assessment of a postural reference frame as a diagnostic test for lumbar lordotic posture]. / Evaluación de un marco de referencia postural como prueba diagnóstica de postura lordótica lumbar.

INTRODUCTION: Studying lumbar lordosis (LL) in large patient populations is not a practical approach due to the technical limitations of the gold standard. OBJECTIVE: Determine the specificity of a postural reference frame (PRF) in the diagnosis of LL. METHODS: A PRF (wooden frame using strings as a reference for measuring the distance between lumbar curvature and the glutei) was used as a diagnostic test to asses LL. The Ferguson angle, a radiologic evaluation, was used as gold standard. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the PRF were determined. RESULTS: One hundred and ten subjects were studied (58 women, 52 men). Mean age was 18.8 +/- 3 years, weight 63 +/- 12 kg, height 164 +/- 8 cm and body mass index (BMI) 23.2 +/- 4 kg/m2. With a cut-off point 37 cm, test specificity was 94%, sensitiivity was 17%, PPV was 50%, and NPV was 75%. CONCLUSION: The postural reference frame as an assessment tool is highly specific and can aid in the diagnosis of LL among young asymptomatic patients.

Evaluación de un marco de referencia postural como prueba diagnóstica de postura lordótica lumbar / Assessment of a postural reference frame as a diagnostic test for lumbar lordotic posture

Introducción: El escrutinio de la postura lordótica lumbar (PLL) no es práctico en grandes poblaciones por la dificultad técnica del estándar de oro. Objetivo. Comparar la utilidad de un marco de referencia postural (MRP) vs. el ángulo de Ferguson para el diagnóstico de PLL. Material y métodos: Evaluación de una prueba diagnóstica. Se evaluó la presencia de PLL con un marco de referencia postural (MRP) (marco de madera utilizando hilos como referencia para medir la distancia entre curvatura lumbar y los glúteos) en 110 jóvenes asintomáticos. El estándar de oro fue la evaluación radiológica del ángulo de Ferguson. Se determinó la especificidad, sensibilidad, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y valor predictivo negativo (VPN) del MRP. Resultados: Se estudiaron 110 sujetos (58 mujeres, 52 hombres). Sus edades fueron 18.8 ± 3 años, peso 63 ± 12 kg, talla 164 ± 8 cm e índice de masa corporal (IMC) 23.2 ± 4 kg/m2. Con un punto de corte ≥ 7 cm, la especificidad de la prueba fue de 94%, la sensibilidad de 17%, VPP de 50% y VPN de 75%. Conclusión: La prueba tuvo una alta especificidad y es útil en el estudio de PLL en jóvenes asintomáticos.

INTRODUCTION: Studying lumbar lordosis (LL) in large patient populations is not a practical approach due to the technical limitations of the gold standard. OBJECTIVE: Determine the specificity of a postural reference frame (PRF) in the diagnosis of LL. METHODS: A PRF (wooden frame using strings as a reference for measuring the distance between lumbar curvature and the glutei) was used as a diagnostic test to asses LL. The Ferguson angle, a radiologic evaluation, was used as gold standard. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the PRF were determined. RESULTS: One hundred and ten subjects were studied (58 women, 52 men). Mean age was 18.8 +/- 3 years, weight 63 +/- 12 kg, height 164 +/- 8 cm and body mass index (BMI) 23.2 +/- 4 kg/m2. With a cut-off point 37 cm, test specificity was 94%, sensitiivity was 17%, PPV was 50%, and NPV was 75%. CONCLUSION: The postural reference frame as an assessment tool is highly specific and can aid in the diagnosis of LL among young asymptomatic patients.

F-wave and H-reflex alterations in recently diagnosed diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the frequency of F-wave and H-reflex alterations in recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and to determine if the alterations are dependent on the levels of glycemia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 asymptomatic patients, with a mean age of 45.4 +/- 9.8 years and a disease evolution of less than 10 years. Patients were classified as either normoglycemic (7 mmol/L; n = 20) or hyperglycemic (7 mmol/L; n = 30). H-reflex (HR), F-wave (FW), and nerve-conduction measurements (NCM) between the diabetic and non-diabetic (control) groups were compared. RESULTS: The H-reflex was absent in 22% of the patients, while the M-component of this reflex was altered in 58% of patients. The F-wave was altered in 12% of the patients. The motor nerve compound action potential showed a diminution in amplitude (26% of patients, n = 13), area (32%, n = 16), and conduction velocity (20%, n = 10). No positive correlation between glycemia levels and the above alterations was found. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that asymptomatic diabetic patients showed a high incidence of subclinical neurophysiological abnormalities.

[Causes of non-use of postpartum contraceptive method among adolescent mothers]. / Causas de no uso de método anticonceptivo posparto entre madres adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the causes of non postpartum contraceptive use among adolescent mothers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-section descriptive study. We included women who asked for attention of an obstetric event in 2002, we identified those were in immediate postpartum period, and we selected those that did not began a birth-control method. Data were collected directly with an interview and revision of the file, later on they were coded and processed manually; the causes of non contraceptive use were classified in: attributable causes to patient: personal, religious, moral, familiar, cultural, etc. Reasons, when they received information and advice or when they did not assist to educational actions; attributable causes to hospital: technique administrative factors, insufficient educational communication activities by service provider; and attributable causes to medical indication: presence of risk factors for health women. The statistical analysis was carried out using frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: We found 261 women, we identified 160 (61%) in immediate postpartum period, 52 (32%) they did not began contraceptive use. CONCLUSION: The causes of non postpartum contraceptive use among adolescent mothers were attributable to themselves in 75%, in 21% to the medical unit, and 4% to medical indication.

[Physical abuse of women]. / Maltrato físico en mujeres.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was determine prevalence of intrafamily violence of the type physical-abuse, toward female claimants aged 18 years and older at the HGZ MF No. 1 in Colima. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A transversal study was conducted in 288 females aged 18 years and older who were seen at the Family Medicine Unit for external consultation. RESULTS: Average age was 33.86 years (+/- 11.6), the highest level of schooling was primary for 33% of subjects and secondary for 26%, 75% of our female claimants were divorced, 53.5% of monthly family incomes in each household was between 1,000 and 3,000 thousand Mexican pesos, and 27.8% of physical abuse consisted of shoving. CONCLUSIONS: Our research revealed that there is indeed physical violence toward 63.45% of female claimants at our hospital, especially toward those with low level of schooling, low socioeconomic status, and monthly income below minimum wage. These conditions only contribute toward making women fall prey to physical violence. Our study is only a first step for better understanding of domestic violence. Risk factors associated with physical abuse need to be controlled to decrease rate of interfamily violence against our claimants.