Midazolam reduction with pre-operative melatonin in abdominal hysterectomy: double-blind randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for sedation, however, can cause respiratory depression and increases morbidity in patients. Melatonin is an effective alternative to manage anxiety in the perioperative period and could help to reduce the use of benzodiazepines during surgery. The aim of this clinical trial was to determine the efficacy of pre-operative sedation with a single-dose melatonin to reduce intraoperative use of midazolam in women under total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted in women over 25 years, scheduled for TAH, with American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade I or II. Each patient was randomly assigned to receive 5 mg of melatonin prolonged-release oral capsules or placebo. Midazolam use for anesthetic management was the decision of the treating anesthesiologist and sedation status was determined using the observer's assessment of alertness/sedation scale. RESULTS: In patients receiving melatonin, the use of midazolam during surgery was less than in patients receiving placebo. In addition, melatonin produces sedation 30 min after administration, the sedative effect was maintained at 60- and 90-min. Furthermore, hospital stay was shorter in patients who received melatonin (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Melatonin is effective for reduces intraoperative midazolam consumption and hospital stay in women undergoing TAH.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El midazolam es una benzodiazepina utilizada para la sedación, sin embargo, puede causar depresión respiratoria y aumentar la morbilidad en los pacientes. La melatonina es una alternativa eficaz para controlar la ansiedad en el período perioperatorio y podría ayudar a reducir el uso de benzodiazepinas durante la cirugía. El objetivo de este ensayo clínico fue determinar la eficacia de la sedación preoperatoria con una dosis única de melatonina para reducir el uso intraoperatorio de midazolam en mujeres sometidas a histerectomía abdominal total (HTA). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se trata de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado doble ciego realizado en mujeres mayores de 25 años, programadas para TAH, con American Society of Anesthesiologists Grado I o II. Cada paciente fue asignado al azar para recibir 5 mg de cápsulas orales de liberación prolongada de melatonina o placebo. El uso de midazolam para el manejo anestésico fue decisión del anestesiólogo tratante y el estado de sedación se determinó mediante la escala OAA/S. RESULTADOS: En las pacientes que recibieron melatonina, el uso de midazolam durante la cirugía fue menor que en las pacientes que recibieron placebo. Además, la melatonina produce sedación 30 min después de la administración, el efecto sedante se mantuvo a los 60 y 90 min. Además, la estancia hospitalaria fue más corta en los pacientes que recibieron melatonina (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIÓN: La melatonina es eficaz para reducir el consumo de midazolam intraoperatorio y la estancia hospitalaria en mujeres sometidas a HTA.

Coronaphobia among healthcare professionals in Mexico: A psychometric analysis.

The present study examined the validity of the coronaphobia phenomenon with healthcare professionals using a psychometric approach. Using SurveyMonkey, an adapted version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale-Healthcare version (CAS-HC) was administered to 231 adult healthcare professionals in Mexico. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that dysfunctional coronavirus anxiety symptoms cohered into a reliable, single factor structure of coronaphobia. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the classification features of the CAS-HC were strong, but supported a less stringent cut-score for this population. Construct validity was supported by the positive correlations between the CAS-HC and measures of depression and generalized anxiety, while known groups validity was found with high CAS-HC scores exhibited by those working in emergency rooms, triage, and intensive care units. The findings collectively support the coronaphobia construct with healthcare professionals, and the finding that over one third of the participants in the study scored in the clinical range on this measure points to the critical importance of assessing and alleviating this form of distress in this vulnerable but indispensable workforce.

Tanatología y afrontamiento del personal de salud ante la muerte en la pandemia COVID-19 / Thanatology and health personnel coping with death in the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo: Determinar el grado de afrontamiento del personal de salud ante la muerte al haber recibido o no capacitación en tanatología. Método: Estudio transversal de encuesta. Aplicación de la Escala de Bugen validada para México, formato de escala Likert, realizada en México, muestra de 394 sujetos del personal de salud, se excluyó a un participante por no firmar carta de consentimiento. La encuesta fue dirigida al personal de salud del sector público y privado que se encontrara en ejercicio actual de la medicina y que aceptara responder la encuesta. Se realizó la prueba de U de Mann-Whitney para contrastar la respuesta a la escala. Resultado: Se encontró significación en la Escala de Bugen a favor de aquellos que tomaron curso de tanatología. La prueba de U-Mann Whitney entre quienes tomaron un curso de tanatología y quienes no favorecieron claramente a aquellos que hicieron curso de tanatología en todas las respuestas. El contraste mediante la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis mostró que hay diferencias en las respuestas comparadas por las categorías de: sexo (p = 0,002), religión (p = 0,023) y adultos (≥ 50 años vs. < 50 años) (p = 0,000) La comparación por estado civil y campo profesional no mostró diferencias al contrastarlas. Conclusiones: Por los resultados expuestos, consideramos que la capacitación del personal de salud en el campo tanatológico debe ser considerada curricular y extracurricularmente, pues constituye una herramienta de reflexión personal que influye positivamente en las actitudes propias y en el campo de la comunicación y relación médico paciente. (AU)

Objective: To determine the coping level of health personnel with death after having received or not training in palliative care. Method: A cross-sectional survey study. Application of the Bugen Scale as validated for Mexico, in a Likert-scale format, in a sample of 394 health staffers; one participant was excluded for not signing a letter of consent. The survey was addressed to health personnel in the public and private sectors, who were currently practicing medicine and who agreed to answer the survey. A Mann-Whitney U-test was performed to compare responses to the scale. Result: Significance was found in the Bugen scale in favor of those who took a thanatology course. The Mann Whitney U-test between those who took a thanatology course and those who did not clearly favored those who took a thanatology course in all responses. Comparison using the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there were differences in the responses as compared according to the following categories: sex (p = 0.002), religion (p = 0.023), and adulthood (≥ 50 years vs < 50 years) (p = 0.000) The comparisons by marital status and professional field showed no differences when contrasted. Conclusions: Based on the results presented, we consider that the training of health personnel in the thanatological field should be considered both curricularly and extracurricularly, since it constitutes a tool for personal reflection that positively influences own attitudes, communication and the physician-patient relationship. (AU)

Changes in Electrical Activity of the Masseter Muscle and Masticatory Force after the Use of the Masseter Nerve as Donor in Facial Reanimation Surgery.

Introduction The masseter nerve has been used as a donor nerve for facial reanimation procedures due to the multiple advantages it offers; it has been generally considered that sacrifice of the masseter nerve does not alter the masticatory apparatus; however, there are no objective studies to support this claim. Objective To evaluate the impact that the use of the masseter nerve in dynamic facial reconstruction has on the electrical activity of the masseter muscle and on bite force. Materials and Methods An observational and prospective longitudinal study was performed measuring bite force and electrical activity of the masseter muscles before and 3 months after dynamic facial reconstructive surgery using the masseter nerve. An occlusal analyzer and surface electromyography were employed for measurements. Results The study included 15 patients with unilateral facial paralysis, with a mean age of 24.06 ± 23.43. Seven patients were subjected to a masseter-buccal branch nerve transfer, whereas in eight patients, the masseter nerve was used as a donor nerve for gracilis free functional muscle transfer. Electrical activity of the masseter muscle was significantly reduced after surgery in both occlusal positions: from 140.86 ± 65.94 to 109.68 ± 68.04 ( p = 0.01) in maximum intercuspation and from 123.68 ± 75.64 to 82.64 ± 66.56 ( p = 0.01) in the rest position. However, bite force did not show any reduction, changing from 22.07 ± 15.66 to 15.56 ± 7.91 ( p = 0.1) after the procedure. Conclusion Masseter nerve transfer causes a reduction in electromyographic signals of the masseter muscle; however, bite force is preserved and comparable to preoperative status.

Clasificación del tubérculo suprameatal y análisis morfométrico con enfoque quirúrgico del hueso temporal / Classification of the suprameatal tubercle and morphometric analysis with a surgical approach to the temporal bone

Introducción: El hueso temporal es una estructura valiosa en el abordaje de patologías intracraneales a la fosa media y posterior, requiriendo en ocasiones la realización de petrosectomías anteriores, posteriores o abordajes combinados para la resección de tumores en dichas regiones. El propósito del presente estudio es realizar análisis morfométrico con enfoque quirúrgico del hueso temporal, en cráneos adultos, con énfasis en el tubérculo suprameatal (TSM) teniendo en consideración sus relaciones anatómicas. Material y métodos: El presente estudio se realizó en las instalaciones de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Se analizaron 200 huesos temporales de 100 cráneos humanos adultos. Se dio énfasis al TSM de acuerdo a su ubicación y tamaño, clasificándolo en: anterior medio o posterior y en tipo I (0-1 mm), tipo II (2-3 mm) y tipo III (>3 mm). Además, se realizaron mediciones con enfoque quirúrgico de la porción petrosa del hueso temporal y de la cresta supramastoidea. Resultados: El TSM se observó en 171 especímenes estudiados (85.5%). Entre ellos, la posición posterior fue la más frecuente 85 de 171 (49.70%), seguida de la posición media 43 (25.14%) y por último la posición anterior 43 (25.14%). En cuanto al tamaño, se encontró con mayor frecuencia el tipo II en 99 de los especímenes (49.5%), el tipo I en 82 especímenes (41%) y tipo III en 19 (9.5%). El asterion se reflejó dentro de la impresión de los senos en la mayoría 48.5%, la unión de la cresta supramastoidea con sutura escamosa se reflejaba en 98.5% de los casos a la fosa media. Discusión: En nuestra búsqueda de información no se cuenta con datos para realizar comparación con la obtenida en este estudio del tubérculo suprameatal, el hallazgo encontrado parece indicar que se encuentra una relación directa con la presencia de la impresión del surco del seno petroso superior. La distribución de acuerdo a su posición reviste importancia cuando se encuentra en grado III puesto que plantea una dificultad técnica, en abordajes como en petrosectomías, o bien, al cavum de Meckel desde un abordaje retrosigmoideo. Conclusión: La observación anatómica y clasificación que realizamos del tubérculo suprameatal, una estructura muy poco evaluada, nos da una consideración preoperatoria y transoperatoria cuando realizamos abordaje que involucra la cara posterior de la porción petrosa del hueso temporal

Introduction: The temporal bone is a valuable structure in the approach of intracranial pathologies to the middle and posterior fossa. Sometimes requiring the performance of petrosectomies or combined approaches for the resection of tumors in these regions. The purpose of this study is to perform morphometric analysis in adult skulls with a surgical approach to the temporal bone, with emphasis on the suprameatal tubercle (SMT) taking into account their anatomical relationships. Material and methods: The present study was carried out in the facilities of the Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). 200 temporal bones from 100 adult human skulls were analyzed. The SMT was emphasized according to its location and size, classifying it as: anterior, middle, or posterior and type I (0-1 mm), type II (2-3 mm) and type III (> 3mm). In addition, measurements were made with a surgical approach of the petrosal portion of the temporal bone and the supramastoid crest. Results: The SMT was observed in 171 specimens studied (85.5%). Among them, the posterior position was the most frequent 85 of 171 (49.70%), followed by the middle position in 43 (25.14%) and finally the anterior position in 43 (25.14%). In terms of size, type II was more frequently found in 99 of the specimens (49.5%), type I in 82 specimens (41%) and type III were found in 19 (9.5%). The asterion was reflected within the impression of the sinuses in the majority 48.5%, the union of the supramastoid crest with squamous suture was reflected in 98.5% of the cases to the middle fossa.Discussion: In our search for information, there is no data to make a comparison with that obtained in this study of the suprameatal tubercle. The findings seems to indicate that there is a direct relationship with the presence of the impression of the groove of the upper petrosal sinus. The distribution according to its position is important when it is in grade III since it poses a technical difficulty, in approaches such as petrosectomies, or approach to Meckel's cave from a retrosigmoid approach. Conclusion: The anatomical observation and classification that we perform of the suprameatal tubercle, a very poorly evaluated structure, gives us a preoperative and transoperative consideration when we perform an approach that involves the posterior aspect of the petrosal portion of the temporal bone

¿La sedación paliativa acorta la vida de los pacientes? / Does Palliative Sedation Shorten the Lives of Patients? / A sedação paliativa encurta a vida dos pacientes?

Resumen El respeto por la vida humana es central en el acto médico. En pacientes terminales, los síntomas refractarios son nicho de sedación paliativa. Este artículo identifica, a partir de evidencia científica, la sobrevida en pacientes con sedación paliativa en comparación con aquellos que no la recibieron. Se realizó búsqueda de revisiones sistemáticas de 2000 a 2016, se analizaron metodológicamente y se compararon los resultados. Por razones metodológicas no se pudo realizar meta-análisis. Se concluye que la sedación paliativa terminal no acorta la vida de los pacientes. Se reformula la aplicación del principio de doble efecto relacionado con el posible acortamiento de la vida; el mal no deseado es la pérdida de la conciencia.

Abstract Respect for human life is central to medicine. In terminal patients, refractory symptoms are a niche of palliative sedation. This paper identifies, based on scientific evidence, the survival in patients who received palliative sedation as compared to those who didn't. We conducted a search for systematic reviews from 2000 to 2016, which were methodologically analyzed, and the results were then compared. For methodological reasons, meta-analysis could not be performed. It is concluded that terminal palliative sedation does not shorten patients' lives. The implementation of the principle of double effect related to the possible shortening of life was reformulated; the unwanted evil is the loss of consciousness.

Resumo O respeito pela vida humana é primordial na atuação médica. Em pacientes terminais, os sintomas refratários são lugar de sedação paliativa. Este artigo identifica, a partir de evidência científica, a sobrevida em pacientes com sedação paliativa em comparação com aqueles que não a receberam. Foi realizada uma busca de revisões sistemáticas de 2000 a 2016, os resultados foram analisados metodologicamente e comparados. Por razões metodológicas, não foi possível realizar metanálise. Conclui-se que a sedação paliativa terminal não encurta a vida dos pacientes. A aplicação do princípio de duplo efeito relacionado com o possível encurtamento da vida é reformulada; o mal indesejado é a perda de consciência.

Utilidad diagnóstica del reflejo acústico para predecir audición en población pediátrica / Diagnostic utility of the acoustic reflex in predicting hearing in paediatric populations

Introducción y objetivos: La sensibilidad de predicción del reflejo acústico determina el nivel de pérdida auditiva, útil sobre todo en población pediátrica. Se basa en la diferencia entre el umbral del reflejo estapedial con tono puro y con ruido blanco contralateral. El umbral con ruido blanco es de 60 dB y con tono puro de 80 dB. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la utilidad diagnóstica de la sensibilidad de predicción del reflejo acústico. Métodos: Previo consentimiento informado, se estudió a niños menores de 10 años, de octubre del 2011 a mayo del 2012, midiendo el reflejo estapedial con ruido blanco y tono puro. Se realizaron pruebas de contraste con χ2 y t de Student. La concordancia se midió con kappa. Se consideró significativo un valor de p ≤ 0,05. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética. En todos los casos se obtuvo el consentimiento informado de los padres. Resultados: Predicción de audición normal: 0,84 para el oído derecho y 0,78 en el oído izquierdo y para hipoacusia sin especificar el grado: 0,98 para el oído derecho y 0,96 en el oído izquierdo. Valor de kappa de 0,7 para el oído derecho y 0,6 para el oído izquierdo. Conclusiones: La utilidad diagnóstica del reflejo acústico tiene muy poco valor para predecir el grado de pérdida auditiva, pero predice en más del 80% la audición normal. Por lo que se sugiere utilizar como una prueba objetiva obligada como parte del Cribado auditivo (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The sensitivity of prediction of acoustic reflex, in determining the level of hearing loss, is especially useful in paediatric populations. It is based on the difference between the pure tone stapedius reflex threshold and contralateral white noise. The white noise threshold was 60 dB and that of pure tone was 80 dB. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic sensitivity of the prediction of the acoustic reflex. Methods: We studied children aged <10 years, from October 2011 to May 2012, by measuring the acoustic reflex with white noise and pure tone. We used contrast tests, with X2 and student t-test. Concordance was measured with Kappa. Results were considered significant at P≤.05. Our protocol was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee. Informed consent was obtained from the parents in all cases. Results: Prediction of normal hearing was 0.84 for the right ear and 0.78 in left ear, while for hearing loss of an unspecified grade, it was 0.98 for the right ear and 0.96 in the left ear. Kappa value was 0.7 to 0.6 for the right ear and left ear. Conclusions: The acoustic reflex is of little diagnostic utility in predicting the degree of hearing loss, but it predicts more than 80% of normal hearing. The clinical utility of the reflex is indisputable, as it is an objective method, simple and rapid to use, that can be performed from birth and whose results are independent of the cooperation and willingness of the subject. It is proposed as an obligatory part of hearing screening (AU)

Diagnostic utility of the acoustic reflex in predicting hearing in paediatric populations.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The sensitivity of prediction of acoustic reflex, in determining the level of hearing loss, is especially useful in paediatric populations. It is based on the difference between the pure tone stapedius reflex threshold and contralateral white noise. The white noise threshold was 60 dB and that of pure tone was 80 dB. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic sensitivity of the prediction of the acoustic reflex. METHODS: We studied children aged <10 years, from October 2011 to May 2012, by measuring the acoustic reflex with white noise and pure tone. We used contrast tests, with X2 and student t-test. Concordance was measured with Kappa. Results were considered significant at P≤.05. Our protocol was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee. Informed consent was obtained from the parents in all cases. RESULTS: Prediction of normal hearing was 0.84 for the right ear and 0.78 in left ear, while for hearing loss of an unspecified grade, it was 0.98 for the right ear and 0.96 in the left ear. Kappa value was 0.7 to 0.6 for the right ear and left ear. CONCLUSIONS: The acoustic reflex is of little diagnostic utility in predicting the degree of hearing loss, but it predicts more than 80% of normal hearing. The clinical utility of the reflex is indisputable, as it is an objective method, simple and rapid to use, that can be performed from birth and whose results are independent of the cooperation and willingness of the subject. It is proposed as an obligatory part of hearing screening.

Escala de carga del cuidador de Zarit: evidencia de validez en México / Zarit caregiver burden scale: evidence of validity in mexico

El propósito fue obtener evidencia de validez de la escala de carga del cuidador de Zarit en cuidadores primarios informales de niños con alguna enfermedad crónico degenerativa, en un hospital de la ciudad de México. La muestra constó de 252 participantes. Se utilizó la escala de carga del cuidador de Zarit (CBI), el cuestionario general de salud (GHQ-28) y el cuestionario de estrés percibido (PSS). El análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio de la escala mostró que está conformada por tres factores que explican el 50% de la varianza. Tuvo un alfa de Cronbach de 0,84. y el modelo tuvo un buen ajuste con valores iguales o superiores a 0,90. La validez de criterio entre el GHQ-28 y el CBI arrojó un valor r=0,46. La validez de constructo se confirmó correlacionando el PSS y la CBI obteniendo un valor r=0,36

The purpose was to obtain evidence of the validity of the Zarit Burden Scale in informal primary caregivers of children with chronic illness, in a hospital in Mexico City. The sample consisted of 252 participants. The instruments used were Zarit Burden Interview (CBI), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the scale resulted in three factors which explain 50% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha was .84 and the model fit well with values equal to or above 0.90. The criterion validity obtained between the GHQ-28 and the CBI, showed a value r=0.46. The construct validity was estimated correlating the PSS and the CBI, obtaining a value r=0.36

Promoting networks between evidence-based medicine and values-based medicine in continuing medical education.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, medical practice has followed two different paradigms: evidence-based medicine (EBM) and values-based medicine (VBM). There is an urgent need to promote medical education that strengthens the relationship between these two paradigms. This work is designed to establish the foundations for a continuing medical education (CME) program aimed at encouraging the dialogue between EBM and VBM by determining the values relevant to everyday medical activities. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, observational, comparative, prospective and qualitative study was conducted by analyzing through a concurrent triangulation strategy the correlation between healthcare personnel-patient relationship, healthcare personnel's life history, and ethical judgments regarding dilemmas that arise in daily clinical practice.In 2009, healthcare personnel working in Mexico were invited to participate in a free, online clinical ethics course. Each participant responded to a set of online survey instruments before and after the CME program. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare personnel, focusing on their views and representations of clinical practice. RESULTS: The healthcare personnel's core values were honesty and respect. There were significant differences in the clinical practice axiology before and after the course (P <0.001); notably, autonomy climbed from the 10th (order mean (OM) = 8.00) to the 3rd position (OM = 5.86). In ethical discernment, the CME program had an impact on autonomy (P ≤0.0001). Utilitarian autonomy was reinforced in the participants (P ≤0.0001). Regarding work values, significant differences due to the CME intervention were found in openness to change (OC) (P <0.000), self-transcendence (ST) (P <0.001), and self-enhancement (SE) (P <0.019). Predominant values in life history, ethical discernment and healthcare personnel-patient relation were beneficence, respect and compassion, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The healthcare personnel participating in a CME intervention in clinical ethics improved high-order values: Openness to change (OC) and Self Transcendence (ST), which are essential to fulfilling the healing ends of medicine. The CME intervention strengthened the role of educators and advisors with respect to healthcare personnel. The ethical values developed by healthcare professionals arise from their life history and their professional formation.

Revisión sistemática de la seguridad y eficacia de la combinación de doxilamina + piridoxina para el tratamiento de la náusea y el vómito durante el embarazo / Systematic review of the safety and efficacy of the combination of doxylamine + pyridoxine for the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Justificación: Más del 80% de las mujeres embarazadas experimentan en algún momento del embarazo náusea y vómito de magnitud variable que puede producir complicaciones importantes, tales como la deshidratación, el incremento de la frecuencia de hospitalizaciones y la alteración de la calidad de vida. Existe controversia sobre la seguridad de la combinación doxilamina + piridoxina para el tratamiento de la náusea y vómito durante el embarazo. Objetivos: A través de una revisión sistemática de la evidencia con metaanálisis, evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de la combinación de doxilamina + piridoxina para el tratamiento de la náusea y el vómito durante el embarazo. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron estudios de casos y controles, estudios de cohorte, ensayos clínicos o ensayos clínicos controlados, de adecuada calidad metodológica, realizados en mujeres embarazadas con náusea y vómito en quienes, dada la frecuencia y gravedad de la sintomatología, se hubiera decidido el tratamiento con doxilamina + piridoxina, al menos en una de las ramas de inclusión al estudio. Se consideraron como variables de desenlace el número de malformaciones congénitas totales observadas, así como el número de malformaciones congénitas ajustadas por tipo. Se efectuó revisión de las bases de datos PubMed (1966 a mayo de 2009), Embase (1988 a mayo 2009), LILACS (1990 a mayo 2009), ARTEMISA (Revisión de la 11ª edición hasta diciembre de 2004), Cochrane controlled trials register, Bandolier y DARE. Estadísticamente, se efectuó el cálculo de riesgo relativo a través de un modelo de efectos fijos de Mantel-Hanezel, en el caso de desenlaces binarios, y diferencia estandarizada de los promedios (SMD), en el caso de desenlaces continuos. Para todos los estimados se efectuó cálculo del intervalo de confianza al 95% (IC95%); se realizó en todos los casos prueba de heterogeneidad, utilizando prueba de Chi cuadrada de Pearson, con un valor de p < 0.05 como sinónimo de significancia. Resultados: No identificamos incremento del riesgo con el uso combinado de doxilamina + piridoxina en mujeres embarazadas con NVP para malformaciones globales con un RR ponderado de 0.97 (IC95% de 0.92 a 1.02), p 0.168, ni para malformaciones cardiovasculares [RR 0.92 (IC95% 0.80 a 1.05), p no significativa (NS)], del sistema nervioso central [RR 1.0 (IC95% 0.87 a 1.15), p NS)], defectos del tubo neural [RR 0.99 (IC95% 0.78 a 1.26), p NS)], alteraciones de extremidades [RR 1.10 (IC95% 0.88 a 1.37), p NS)], labio y paladar hendido [RR 0.85 (IC95% 0.70 a 1.03), p NS)] o malformaciones de la vía urogenital [RR 0.99 (IC95% 0.82 a 1.20), p NS)]. Desde el punto de vista de eficacia, la administración de doxilamina + piridoxina redujo significativamente el riesgo de persistir con náusea y vómito durante el embarazo [RR 0.55 (IC95% 0.41 a 0.74), p 0.0001)]. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos en la actual revisión sistemática señalan un efecto significativamente benéfico de la doxilamina + piridoxina para la reducción de la náusea y el vómito del embarazo (NAVP). Al correlacionar el beneficio del medicamento con su elevado perfil de seguridad (como lo demuestran los cinco metaanálisis en donde el desarrollo de defectos cardiovasculares, del sistema nervioso central, del tubo neural, de las extremidades y genitourinario es similar al del grupo control), permite establecerlo como una alternativa farmacológica eficaz para el tratamiento de la náusea y el vómito presentes durante el embarazo y con riesgo no significativo de teratogenicidad.

More than 80% of the pregnant women, in one moment of the gestation have nausea and vomiting, than can produce important complications like deshydratation, hospital internment, and affectation of the quality of life. There are controversies about the safety of the combination of doxylamine + pyridoxine for the treatment of the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of doxylamine + pyridoxine for the treatment of NVP using the methodological tool of a systematic review. Materials and methods: For the systematic review we include case-control studies, cohort's studies, and controlled trials, performed in pregnant women with NVP and that were treatment with doxylamine + pyridoxine. We considered the number of congenital defects as the principal outcome variable. We made the systematic review using the following data bases: PubMed (1966 to may 2009), Embase (1988 to may 2009), LILACS (1990 to may 2009), ARTEMISA (review of the 11ª edition to December 2004), Cochrane controlled trials register, Bandolier y DARE. The statistical analysis was made with the calculation of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI 95%) with the Mantel-Hanezel model. Results: There was no risk increase of congenital defects in children born of women with NVP treated with the combination of doxylamine + pyridoxine. The RR identified for all congenital defects was 0.97(IC95% de 0.92 a 1.02), p = 0.168; for cardiovascular defects the RR was 0.92 (CI95% 0.80-1.05), for neural tube defects the RR was 0.99 (CI95% 0.78-1.26), and for urinary defects the RR was 0.99 (CI95% 0.8-1.20). The administration of doxylamine + pyridoxine reduced the risk of NVP persistence with a RR of 0.55 (CI95% 0.41-0.74), p < 0.01). Conclusions: The systematic review showed that the administration of doxylamine + pyridoxine has a beneficial effect on the reduction of NVP manifestations, with a high safety to be used during pregnancy.

[Sensitivity and specificity of the Tc-99m ciprofloxacin scan in pediatric osteomyelitis]. / Sensibilidad y especificidad del gammagrama ciprofloxacino-Tc99m en osteomielitis infantil.

INTRODUCTION: The Tc-99m-ciprofloxacin complex, introduced in 1993, has been extensively evaluated all over the world with good results for the diagnosis of active bacterial osteoarticular infections. There are only a few publications on the use of this procedure in pediatric ages. In our study we evaluated the efficacy of the Tc-99m ciprofloxacin scan for the diagnosis of osteoarticular infections in the pediatric population assessing its sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive, observational study was done in 94 patients with clinical suspicion of osteoarticular infection in whom a Tc-99m ciprofloxacin bone scan was performed; the diagnosis was confirmed with intraoperative cultures and blood cultures. The results obtained with the Tc-99m ciprofloxacin scan and the culture reports were analyzed, as well as the sensitivity, specificity and the positive and negative predictive values of the Tc-99m ciprofloxacin scan. RESULTS: Among the patients with intraoperative and blood cultures, 80 cases (85.1%) were positive and 14 cases (14.9%) were negative for bone infection. In the Tc-99m ciprofloxacin scan 78 cases (83%) were found to be positive for infection and 16 cases (17%) were negative. There were two false negatives. We found a 97.6% sensitivity and 100% specificity, with a 100% positive predictive value and an 87.5% negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: The Tc-99m-ciprofloxacin complex is useful to make the differential diagnosis between inflammation and infection in pediatric patients in whom an osteoarticular infectious process is suspected.

[Minimally invasive surgery efficacy in children's forefoot]. / Eficacia de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva en el antepié de los ninos.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in children's forefoot is a technique that permits minimum tissue trauma assisted by fluoroscopic control. We evaluated the results of this modality of surgery in problems such as: claw toes, hallux valgus, exostosis, hammer toe, and bunionectomy. We had a complication for using the procedure with more revolutions per minute (rpm), which remind us of the importance of using 2000-8000 rpm. We found that it is not commendable to make hypercorrections, due it increases they risk of recurrence. MIS is an excellent option in forefoot deformity correction in children leaving minimal scars and preserving the physis.

Immune response to nucleotide-supplemented infant formulae: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Human milk is recommended as the only alimentary source for the first six months of life. Additionally there is a medical and social need for safe and effective alternative forms of nutrition for infants who cannot be fed with breast milk. Recently the safety and efficacy of some ingredients in infant formulae, such as nucleotides have been discussed. This systematic review analyzed the available evidence to establish the efficacy, safety and dose-response effect of ribonucleotide-supplemented infant formulae (RSIFs). Randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing RSIFs to formulae without nucleotides or breast milk were considered in this review. Outcome measures were: antibody titres to common paediatric vaccinations, total lymphocytes, lymphocyte subclasses and NK-cells, episodes of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection. Publication quality was determined using Jadad and CONSORT guidelines. Results were combined using a random effects model and reported through standardised mean differences (WMD) or risk ratio (RR). Systematic review and meta-analysis showed that RSIFs were associated with a better antibody response to immunisation with Haemopillus influenzae vaccine [SMD 1.74 (99%CI 1.43-2.05), P=0.001], diphtheria toxoid [SMD 0.94 (0.75-1.12), P=0.001], oral polio vaccine [SMD 0.73 (0.51-0.95), P=0.001], and fewer episodes of diarrhoea [RR 0.67 (0.58-0.76), P=0.02]. We did not find a major risk of upper respiratory infections [RR 1.11 (0.90-1.36), P=0.50]. Available evidence suggests a positive benefit of RSFIs on infant health without any risk. These benefits begin with nucleotide addition of 1.9 mg/418.4 kJ and are maintained or increased with 10.78 mg/418.4 kJ.

[Evaluation of cisplatin ototoxicity by the audiometric curve in retinoblastoma]. / Evaluación de la ototoxicidad del cisplatino por el área bajo la curva audiométrica en retinoblastoma.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate hearing loss severity according to Brock's gradient and to compare it with the audiometric curve during cisplatin treatment in children with retinoblastoma. METHODS: This was an observational retrospective and retrolective study. Twenty children with the diagnosis of retinoblastoma under cisplatin treatment were included. Audiometric testing was performed before treatment, after the second and fourth doses, and after the final dose. RESULTS: Decreased audition was observed in 100% of the cases. Ototoxicity can be observed with cumulative doses of 240 mg/m(2) and higher. No improvement in audition was observed and the audition loss progressed from high to medium frequencies; 15% of the patients showed a grade II loss of high frequencies at the end of the second dose. This level was observed in 95% of the cases at the end of treatment. Two years after completion of therapy, no patient showed auditory recovery. Area below the curve showed higher sensitivity to identify initial auditory loss. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of audition with Brock's gradient can be performed. The area under the curve is a useful method to identify minor changes in serial conventional audiometry.

Dermatitis artefacta in pediatric patients: experience at the national institute of pediatrics.

Dermatitis artefacta is a factitious disorder in which there is deliberate conscious production of skin lesions. There are only a few reports that evaluate instances of dermatitis artefacta in the pediatric population. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the characteristics of patients with this disorder who were seen at the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City. The records of all patients diagnosed with dermatitis artefacta from January 1980 to December 1999 were analyzed. There were 29 patients (25 females, 4 males). The upper limbs and the face were the most commonly involved areas. Superficial erosions were the most frequent initial event, and residual lesions consisted of scars and crusts. Time taken to diagnosis was on average 10 months. Half of the patients were lost to follow-up. No correlation was found between the length of time from the disease onset to diagnosis, the type of lesions, and the clinical outcome. Twelve patients had an associated systemic disorder. The possible association with chronic disease has not been sufficiently stressed and demonstrates the importance of providing psychological support for these patients. Psychiatric diagnoses were anxiety, depression, and personality disorder. No correlation was found between the psychiatric diagnosis and the outcome of dermatitis artefacta. A young age at presentation, which has been considered important as a favorable prognostic sign, could not be demonstrated in our patients.

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions test is useful in children undergoing cisplatin treatment.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapy agent that has several adverse effects, such as ototoxicity. Evaluation of hearing loss due to cisplatin therapy in children is difficult. The purpose of this study was to compare the validity of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) with pure tone audiometry (PTA) in assessing hearing loss in children under cisplatin therapy. METHODS: We reviewed the files of 26 children aged between 2 and 15 years; 14 were girls. All were under treatment with cisplatin for malignancy. PTA and DPOAEs were obtained at the same session. Three subjects were studied twice; thus, there were 29 sets of studies. RESULTS: Determining a cut-off point at 45 dB HL for PTA and 4 dB SPL difference for DPOAEs, diagnostic specificity for the latter was 0.97 while sensitivity was 0.57. CONCLUSIONS: DPOAEs represent a highly valuable test for evaluating hearing loss due to cisplatin treatment. DPOAEs is a quick and objective hearing assessment method not requiring much cooperation from children.

Cefalotina amikacina vs. cefalotina isepamicina en el tratamiento inicial del paciente neutropénico febril / Cephalotine-amikacin vs. cephalotine isepamicine in the initial treatment of neutropenic patient febrile

Para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de isepamicina y cefalotina vs. amikacina cefalotina en el tratamiento del paciente neutropénico febril, se realizó un estudio prospectivo longitudinal, aleatorizado, en donde se incluyeron 60 episodios de neutropenia y fiebre, en 58 pacientes menores de 18 años con diagnóstico de base hemato-oncológico, hospitalizados en el Instituto Nacional de Pediatría durante el periodo de abril de 1996 a febrero de 1997. Treinta y seis fueron asignados al grupo 1 (cefalotina + amikacina) y 24 en el grupo 2 (cefalotina isepamicina). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en relación con la edad, género, padecimiento hematooncológico de base y cuenta de neutrófilos absolutos al ingreso. Treinta y nueve pacientes (65 por ciento) tenían diagnóstico de leucemia aguda o linfoma, mientras que 21 niños (35 por ciento) tenían diagnóstico de tumor sólido. Se documentó clínicamente foco infeccioso aparente en 37 episodios (61 por ciento) y hubo documentación bacterilógica sólo en 2/60 (3.3 por ciento), el resto presentó fiebre de origen oscuro. La curación clínica fue similar en ambos grupos: 29/36 pacientes en el grupo 1 (80 por ciento) y 19/24 en el grupo 2 (79 por ciento) (Z=0.1311 y P 0.8966). Se modificó el tratamiento antimicrobiano en 7 pacientes del grupo 1 y cinco del grupo 2 por persistencia de la fiebre; dos pacientes fallecieron, uno en cada grupo, sin evidencia microbiológica de infección. En un solo paciente del grupo 1 se documentó en audiometría hipoacusia leve. Con esto podemos concluir que el tratamiento con isepamicina y cefalotina es una alternativa eficaz y segura en el tratamiento empírico inicial del paciente neutropénico febril