Addictive disorders, psychiatric symptoms, and potentially traumatic events in individuals with disabilities.

Background/Objectives: Individuals with disabilities (IWD) have a higher risk of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) either in childhood or adulthood, increasing the risk of suicide attempts, mental disorders, and substance use disorder. The aim of this study was to explore the association between substance use, psychiatric symptoms and suicidal behavior with PTEs. A Multisite cross-sectional study was conducted. Materials and methods: The sample includes 1,098 participants with any type of disability (motor, intellectual, visual, and mixed) located in Mexico City. Traumatic events, violence, discrimination, addictive disorders, and psychiatric disorders were examined. Multivariate logistic regression models were conducted. Data was collected between September-October 2014. Results: People with motor or visual disability have a higher prevalence in nicotine use disorder (NUD), generalize anxiety disorder (GAD), mayor depression disorder (MDD), want to be dead, and lifetime suicide attempts. Intellectual disability group only presents GAD and MDD. All disability groups have a high prevalence of PTEs. Verbal violence in childhood, sexual abuse, discrimination and serious accidents had a strong impact in the development of NUD, psychiatric symptoms and suicidal behavior. Conclusion: These findings show the relevance of develop specific tools for detection, referral and treatment, in order to improve the mental health of people with disabilities.

Developing an App to Screen for Dual Disorders: A Tool for Improving Treatment Services in Mexico.

Background: Previous studies in Mexico undertaken at residential facilities for treating substance use disorders (SUDs) reported that the prevalence of Dual Disorders (DDs) is over 65%. DDs pose a major challenge for the Mexican health system, particularly for community-based residential care facilities for SUDs, due to the shortage of certified professionals to diagnose and treat these patients. Moreover, the lack of standardized algorithms for screening for and evaluating DDs to refer patients to specialized services (whether private or public) hinders timely care, delaying the start of integrated treatment. The use of new technologies provides a strategic opportunity for the timely detection of DDs through the development of standardized digital applications for the timely detection of DDs. Objective: To develop an app to screen for DDs, which will contribute to referral to specialized services in keeping with the level of severity of psychiatric and addictive symptomatology, and be suitable for use by community-based residential care facilities for SUDs. Method: The research project was implemented in two stages. Stage 1 involved obtaining the psychometric properties of the Dual Diagnosis Screening Interview (DDSI). Stage 2 consisted of two steps to test the Beta version of the app and the quality of version 1.0. Results: The DDS obtained sensitivity and specificity scores above 85%. The app and its algorithm to screen for and refer DDs proved to be efficient and easy to apply with satisfactory community acceptance. Conclusion: The app promises to be a useful screening tool at residential addiction treatment centers.

Characterization of dual disorders in addiction treatment-seekers at mexican outpatient centers.

In Mexico, very few studies have been published on dual disorders (DD) at specialized treatment centers describing actual treatment needs and even fewer have been undertaken at addiction treatment centers in the public system. The objective of this study was therefore to analyze DD and other clinical characteristics in people seeking treatment at outpatient addiction centers in the public system.

Development of an evidence-based model of rapid testing, counseling and referral patients with HIV, HVC and other STDs in Mexican addiction treatment centers / Desarrollo de un modelo basado en evidencia de pruebas rápidas, orientación y derivación de pacientes con VIH, VHC y otras ITS en centros mexicanos de tratamiento de adicciones

Abstract Introduction Efforts to identify new cases of HIV, HVC and other STIs, through the application of quick tests, focus on people who inject drugs, without taking into account the fact that the use of alcohol and other drugs of abuse inhibits decision making, increasing the transmission of STIs through risky sexual practices. Accordingly, it is necessary to have detection algorithms that consider people who use multiple drugs to improve the identification of new cases and their subsequent linkage with health services. Objective This paper describes the development process of the OPB-APR model for the detection, counseling and referral of people with HIV and other STIs at addiction treatment centers. Method The procedure is divided into three phases: 1. A literature review to identify the basic concepts of HIV and other STIs, substance use, risky sexual behaviors, quick tests, and specialized psychological counseling; 2. A feasibility study in which a health professional is trained to implement the OPB-APR model; 3. Drafting of the final version. Results The final version of the OPB-APR model was obtained, which describes standardized procedures for detection, counseling and referral to health services. Discussion and conclusions The OPB-APR model aims to strengthen the public health system by increasing the coverage of services for the detection of HIV, HCV and other STIs. The above through the implementation of standardized procedures among specialized and non-specialized health professionals of addiction care centers.

Resumen Introducción Los esfuerzos para la identificación de nuevos casos de VIH, VHC y otras ITS, mediante la aplicación de pruebas rápidas, se centra en personas que se inyectan drogas, sin considerar que el consumo de alcohol y otras drogas de abuso inhiben la toma de decisiones incrementando el riesgo de contagio de ITS durante prácticas sexuales de riesgo. Por este motivo, es necesario contar con algoritmos de detección que consideren a personas con múltiples consumos para incrementar la identificación de nuevos casos y su posterior vinculación a servicios de salud. Objetivo Describir el proceso de desarrollo del modelo OPB-APR para la detección, orientación y referencia de personas con VIH y otras ITS en centros de tratamiento de adicciones. Método El procedimiento se dividió en tres fases: 1. Revisión de literatura para identificar conceptos básicos sobre el VIH y otras ITS, consumo de sustancias, conductas sexuales de riesgo, pruebas rápidas, y orientación psicológica especializada; 2. Estudio de factibilidad en el que se entrenó a profesionales de la saludpara implementar el modelo OPB-APR; 3. Integración de la versión final. Resultados Se obtuvo la versión final del modelo OPB-APR el cual describe procedimientos estandarizados para la detección, orientación y referencia a servicios de salud. Discusión y conclusión El modelo OPB-APR pretende fortalecer al sistema público de salud al incrementar la cobertura de servicios para la detección del VIH, VHC y otras ITS. Lo anterior mediante la implementación de procedimientos estandarizados entre los profesionales de la salud especializados y no especializados de centros para la atención de adicciones.

Neuropsychiatric characterization of individuals with inhalant use disorder and polysubstance use according to latent profiles of executive functioning.

BACKGROUND: Inhalant use disorder (IUD) is associated with deficits in executive functions (EFs). We described latent profiles of EFs and distribution of neuropsychiatric disorders and patterns of severity of use across these profiles. METHODS: Individuals with IUD were recruited at community-based residential facilities for substance use treatment in Mexico City. Latent profile analysis was conducted with the following tasks: self-ordered pointing, Stroop, Iowa gambling, Wisconsin Card Sorting and Tower of Hanoi. RESULTS: Three latent profiles were extracted from n = 165: lowest performances of inhibition of response and processing speed; lowest performance of self-monitoring, intermediate performance of inhibition of response and relatively spared processing speed; and intermediate performance of processing speed and self-monitoring, and relatively spared inhibition of response. CONCLUSION: Between-group differences were observed mainly for antisocial personality disorder and lifetime suicidal. Findings remark the need for identifying distinct profiles of EFs within these populations to better understand the transdiagnostic heterogeneity of EFs.

Development and evaluation of addiction treatment programs in Latin America.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article is to present a state-of-the-art review of the scientific studies that have evaluated healthcare systems, services and programs for addiction treatment in Latin America. As a secondary aim, this article presents a brief description and analysis of the addiction prevention and treatment resources and programs available in Latin America, based on information from the ATLAS on Substance Use (ATLAS-SU) project led by the WHO. RECENT FINDINGS: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are among the main causes associated with global burden of disease. Around the world, many initiatives have been proposed to promote policies to reduce substance use and reduce the impact of SUD, including integrating treatments into healthcare systems, increasing access to treatment programs and impacting outcome measures. In Latin America, multiple efforts have been implemented to improve addiction services and programs, although little is known about the impact they have generated. SUMMARY: International studies report the availability of strategies and public inicitatives on prevention and treatment of addiction in Latin America. These studies also report established networks of public and private services that include prevention and detoxification programs, outpatient and residential treatment, and also social reintegration initiatives. However, despite these advances, information on the evaluation of the progress, results and impact of these programs is limited.

Ibero-American initiative for dual disorders to improve public treatment programs / Iniciativa iberoamericana en patología dual para el mejoramiento de los programas públicos de tratamiento

Abstract Introduction: Dual disorders (DD) are defined as the co-occurrence of substance use disorders with other psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. DD represent a diagnostic dimension with clinical peculiarities and specific healthcare needs, which raises the need to implement integrative treatment algorithms. However, worldwide, most programs address this condition through serial or parallel approaches. In Latin America, as in the rest of the world, there is no health care network that adequately addresses this problem. Objective: To describe the development of the initiative for the integral treatment of DD in Latin America. Method: The Organización Panamericana de la Salud (Pan American Health Organization), together with other collaborating organizations, implemented a three-stage plan for developing a regional initiative: 1. meeting of DD experts, 2. review of the literature on DD, and 3. identification of services for DD care in Latin America. Results: The creation of the Iniciativa Iberoamericana para la Patología Dual (Ibero-American Initiative for Dual Disorders) seeks to implement four lines of action to improve of public services: a) build a theoretical-conceptual consensus on DD, b) propose a treatment model, c) develop skills-based training, and d) create collaborative networks for research on DD. Discussion and conclusion: The following actions include the formation of working groups to create a regional collaborative network, discuss the role of participating organizations and establish guidelines for the implementation of the initiative.

Resumen Introducción: La patología dual (PD) se define como la coocurrencia de trastornos por uso de sustancias con otros trastornos psiquiátricos a lo largo del ciclo vital. La PD representa una dimensión diagnóstica con peculiaridades clínicas y necesidades asistenciales específicas, lo que implica la necesidad de implementar algoritmos de tratamiento integrativos. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los programas en el mundo ofrecen sólo modelos que atienden de forma serial o paralela esta condición. En Latinoamérica, como en el resto del mundo, no se cuenta con una red de atención sanitaria que aborde correctamente esta problemática. Objetivo: Presentar el desarrollo de la iniciativa para el abordaje integral de la PD en Latinoamérica. Método: La Organización Panamericana de la Salud, junto con otras organizaciones colaboradoras, implementó un plan de trabajo de tres etapas para generar una iniciativa regional: 1. reunión de expertos en PD, 2. revisión de la literatura sobre PD, y 3. identificar los servicios para atender la PD en Latinoamérica. Resultados: Se generó una Iniciativa Iberoamericana para la Patología Dual. Ésta pretende implementar cuatro líneas de acción para mejorar los servicios públicos: a) generar un consenso teórico-conceptual sobre PD, b) proponer un modelo de tratamiento, c) desarrollar un entrenamiento basado en competencias, y d) crear redes de colaboración para la investigación en PD. Discusión y conclusión: Las siguientes acciones incluyen la conformación de grupos de trabajo para crear una red colaborativa regional, discutir el rol de las organizaciones participantes y establecer lineamientos para la implementación de la iniciativa.

Predictors of retention in a multicomponent treatment for smokers

Abstract Background: There is a lack of knowledge about factors that promote or hinder retention of smokers in treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was the identification of variables that predict retention of smokers who received a multicomponent treatment against smoking. Method: Participants (n = 79) simultaneously received pharmacological and psychological treatment, including an intervention phase prior to the date of smoking cessation. They were evaluated periodically in their abstinence, depressive and anxious symptoms, and were randomly assigned to three treatment conditions (nicotine patch, bupropion or nicotine patch + bupropion). Eighteen variables were grouped into four categories (demographic, consumption pattern, mood and treatment). Data were analyzed using student's t test and X2, for inclusion into a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Results indicate that age of onset of regular tobacco consumption, secondary education and bupropion pharmacological treatment are significant in relation to the retention of smokers to smoking treatment. Discussion: The reported “age of onset” correlates with treatment retention (OR = 1.545, 95 % CI = 1.175-2.032). This variable has not previously been reported in the literature, and taking it into account in the design of prevention and treatment for smoking could increase their success.

Readiness and barriers to adopt evidence-based practices for substance abuse treatment in Mexico / Disponibilidad y barreras a la adopción de prácticas basadas en la evidencia para el tratamiento del uso de sustancias en México

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Evidence shows a lag in adoption of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for substance abuse treatment and supports the need for studying the factors involved in this worldwide problem. Objective: This study aimed to assess the readiness and barriers to adopt EBPs for substance abuse in a sample of outpatient treatment centers of a newly created Mexican Clinical Trials Network. Method: An online survey was administered to directors (n = 8) and clinicians (n = 40) from seven outpatient treatment centers in Mexico. Questions were obtained from two surveys that had been implemented in the US to assess the same objectives. Results: Respondents reported being more ready to adopt Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT, 83.3%) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET, 79.1%), compared to 12 step facilitation (58.3%), couples therapy (56.2%), Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT, 66.6%), and motivational incentives (60.4%). Directors had lower mean resistance to EBPs (11.8 vs. 17.4; p = 0.01) than clinicians. The biggest barriers identified by directors to EBP adoption were not having enough clinical staff, being unable to afford well-trained staff, not enough psychiatric and medical support. Discussion and conclusion: CBT and MET emerged as the most frequently used evidence based practices in the sites that are part of the Mexican Clinical Trials Network. Staff positive attitudes towards EBPs are critical for adoption.

RESUMEN: Introducción: La literatura demuestra una demora en la adopción de las practicas basadas en la evidencia (PBEs) para el tratamiento del abuso de sustancias y apoya la necesidad de estudiar los factores involucrados en este problema mundial. Objetivo: Este estudio evaluó la disponiblildad y las barreras de la adopción de PBE para el abuso de sustancias en una muestra de centros pertenencientes a la nueva Red Mexicana de Ensayos Clinicos. Método: Se administró una encuesta online a directores (n = 8) y a clinicos (n = 40) de siete centros de tratamiento ambulatorio para el tratamiento de las adicciones en México. Las preguntas se obtuvieron de dos encuestas que se administraron en los Estados Unidos con los mismos objetivos. Resultados: Los encuestados reportaron estar más dispuestos a la adopción de la Terapia Cognitivo Conductual (CBT,83.3%) y Terapia de Incremento Motivacional (MET, 79.1%),comparado con la facilitación de los 12 pasos (58.3%),terapia de pareja (56.2%), Terapia Familiar Breve y Estratégica (BSFT, 66.6%),e incentivos para la motivación (60.4%). Los directores tuvieron menor promedio de Resistencia a las PBEs (11.8 vs. 17.4; p = 0.01) que los clinicos. Las principales barreras identificadas por los directores fueron no tener suficiente personal clínico, no poder costear personal altamente entrenado, apoyo psiquiátrico y médico insuficiente. Discusión y conclusión: La CBT y la MET emergieron como las PBEs usadas con mayor frecuencia en centros que son parte de la Red Mexicana de Ensayos Clínicos. Las actitudes positivas del personal hacia las PBEs son críticas para la adopción.

Three versions of the Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD) in Mexican population: a comparative analysis of psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy / Tres versiones de la Breve Escala de Dependencia al Alcohol (SAAD) en población mexicana: un análisis comparativo de sus propiedades psicométricas y precisión diagnóstica

BACKGROUND: The Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD) has shown good reliability and validity in previous studies. In Mexico, although it is widely used in addiction treatment centers, little is known about its psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy.OBJECTIVE: Hence, this study performed a Confirmatory Factorial Analysis (CFA) on three SADD versions (15, 14 and 12 items) and examined their operating characteristics.METHOD: The sample included 570 individuals from the 30 Addiction Residential Centers localized in the central zone of Mexico.RESULTS: The three versions showed an internal consistency of >.90, fair goodness-of-fit, and significant correlations with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) 5.0 Alcohol dependence (AD) diagnostic criteria. The analysis of the operating characteristics revealed that each version accounted for 84-85% of the area under the curve (AUC).DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The three SADD versions possess reliability and validity properties for the assessment of the alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) and adequate diagnostic accuracy for the improvement of patients with AD in residential settings.

ANTECEDENTES: La Breve Escala de Dependencia al Alcohol (BEDA) ha mostrado confiabilidad y validez en estudios previos. En México, a pesar de que se ha utilizado ampliamente en programas de tratamiento para las adicciones, se conoce muy poco sobre sus propiedades psicométricas y su eficiencia diagnóstica.OBJETIVO: Por lo tanto, el presente estudio realizó un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC) en tres diferentes versiones de la BEDA (15, 14 y 12 reactivos) y examinó sus características operativas.MÉTODO: La muestra incluyó 570 personas que recibían atención en centros de tratamiento residencial para las adicciones de la zona central de México.RESULTADOS: Las tres versiones mostraron una consistencia interna >.90, adecuada bondad de ajuste y correlaciones significativas con la Mini Entrevista Neuropsiquiátrica Internacional, v. 5.0, de criterio diagnóstico de Dependencia al Alcohol (DA). El análisis de las características operativas reveló que cada versión representó 84-85% del área bajo la curva.DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIÓN: Las tres versiones de la BEDA poseen propiedades de confiabilidad y validez para la evaluación del síndrome de dependencia al alcohol (SDA) y adecuada eficiencia diagnóstica para el mejoramiento de los pacientes con dependencia al alcohol en escenarios residenciales.

Psychometric and diagnostic properties of the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST): Comparing the DAST-20 vs. the DAST-10 / Propiedades psicométricas y diagnósticas del Cuestionario de Abuso de Drogas (CAD): Comparación del CAD-20 vs. el CAD-10

Background The use of reliable and valid self-report questionnaires to identify drug use disorders (DUD) is a strategy that has shown usefulness for screening. One of the instruments more used for detection is the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST). The psychometric properties in the 20- and 10-item versions have been evaluated in other countries but in Mexico the psychometric and diagnostic properties of both versions are yet to be evaluated. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric and diagnostic properties of DAST-20 and -10. Method The sample included 565 participants receiving care in addiction residential centers. The DAST-20 was used as a measure to screen for DUD, and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0 was used as "gold standard" for the DUD diagnosis. Cronbach's α and CFA were estimated in order to evaluate the psychometric properties. The Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to examine the diagnostic properties of each version. Results Both versions obtained a Cronbach's α ≥ .80, an optimal goodness of fit for the one factor model and Areas Under the Curve ≥ .90 (95% CI 87-93) for both versions. Discussion and conclusion DAST-20 and -10 versions are reliable and valid tools for DUD assessment and screening.

Antecedentes El uso de cuestionarios de autorreporte confiables y válidos para detectar trastornos por consumo de drogas (TCD) es una estrategia que ha mostrado utilidad para detección temprana. Uno de los instrumentos más utilizados para su detección es el Cuestionario de Abuso de Drogas (CAD). Las propiedades psicométricas en su versión de 20 y 10 reactivos han sido evaluadas en otros países, aunque en México no se ha reportado comparación entre las propiedades psicométricas y diagnósticas de ambas versiones. Objetivo El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas y diagnósticas del CAD-20 y CAD-10. Método La muestra incluyó 565 personas quienes recibían atención en centros residenciales para la atención de las adicciones. Se utilizó el CAD-20 como medida para la detección de TCD y como "estándar de oro" la Mini Entrevista Neuropsiquiátrica Internacional versión 5.0 para TDC. Se evaluó el α de Cronbach y el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio para obtener las propiedades psicométricas. También se realizó un análisis de curvas ROC para examinar las propiedades diagnósticas de cada versión. Resultados Ambas versiones mostraron un α de Cronbach ≥ .80, excelente ajuste para un modelo unifactorial y un Área Bajo la Curva ≥ .90 (95% CI 87-93) en ambas versiones. Discusión y conclusión El CAD-20 y CAD-10 son herramientas confiables y válidas, útiles para detección y evaluación de TCD.

Alterations of intercellular junctions in peritoneal mesothelial cells from patients undergoing dialysis: effect of retinoic Acid.

BACKGROUND: Dialysis patients are classified according to their peritoneal permeability as low transporter (LT, low solute permeability) or high transporter (HT, high solute permeability). Tight junction (TJ) proteins are critical to maintain ions, molecules and water paracellular transport through peritoneum. Exposure to peritoneal dialysis solutions causes damage to TJ in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). We analyzed the quantity, distribution and function of TJ proteins: claudin-1, -2 and -8, ZO-1 and occludin, in HPMC cultures from LT and HT patients. Since all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) might modify the expression of TJ proteins, we studied its effect on HPMCs. METHODS: Control HPMCs were isolated from human omentum, while HT or LT cells were obtained from dialysis effluents. Cells were cultured in presence of ATRA 0, 50 or 100 nM. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) measurement, immunostaining and Western blot analyses were performed. RESULTS: HT exhibited lower TER than control and LT monolayers. Immunofluorescence for TJ was weak and discontinuous along the cell contour, in LT and HT. Furthermore, claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 expressions were decreased. In all groups, claudin-2 was localized at nuclei. We observed that ATRA improved TJ distribution and increased TJ expression in HT. This retinoid did not modify claudin-2 and -8 expressions. All-trans retinoic acid decreased TER in HT, but had no effect in LT. CONCLUSIONS: Tight junctions were altered in HPMCs from dialyzed patients. The HT monolayer has lower TER than LT, which might be associated with the peritoneal permeability in these patients. ATRA might be a therapeutic alternative to maintain mesothelial integrity, since it improved TJ localization and expression.

Characteristics of a treatment-seeking population in outpatient addiction treatment centers in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Baseline patients' characteristics are critical for treatment planning, as these can be moderators of treatment effects. In Mexico, information on treatment seekers with substance use disorders is scarce and limited to demographic characteristics. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents and analyses demographic characteristics, substance use related problems, clinical features, and addiction severity in a sample of treatment seekers from the first multi-site randomized clinical trial implemented in the Mexican Clinical Trials Network on Addiction and Mental Health. METHODS: A total of 120 participants were assessed prior randomization. Chi square or F-tests were used to compare sites across variables. Spearman correlation was used to associate negative consequences of substance use and motivation to change. RESULTS: The majority of participants were men, and the most prevalent substances reported were alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. Participants were predominantly on the contemplation or action stage of change, and this was correlated with the perception of the negative consequences associated with substance use. Participants reported a high prevalence of substance use related problems. CONCLUSIONS: Substance use related problems, clinical features, and addiction severity reported by treatment seekers are important characteristics to take into account when planning treatment as they facilitate tailoring treatment to meet patients' needs.

Retinoic acid improves morphology of cultured peritoneal mesothelial cells from patients undergoing dialysis.

Patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis are classified according to their peritoneal permeability as low transporter (low solute permeability) or High transporter (high solute permeability). Factors that determine the differences in permeability between them have not been fully disclosed. We investigated morphological features of cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells from low or high transporter patients and its response to All trans retinoic Acid (ATRA, vitamin A active metabolite), as compared to non-uremic human peritoneal mesothelial cells. Control cells were isolated from human omentum. High or low transporter cells were obtained from dialysis effluents. Cells were cultured in media containing ATRA (0, 50, 100 or 200 nM). We studied length and distribution of microvilli and cilia (scanning electron microscopy), epithelial (cytokeratin, claudin-1, ZO-1 and occludin) and mesenchymal (vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin) transition markers by immunofluorescence and Western blot, and transforming growth factor ß1 expression by Western blot. Low and high transporter exhibited hypertrophic cells, reduction in claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 expression, cytokeratin and vimentin disorganization and positive α-smooth muscle actin label. Vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-ß1 were overexpressed in low transporter. Ciliated cells were diminished in low and high transporters. Microvilli number and length were severely reduced in high transporter. ATRA reduced hypertrophic cells number in low transporter. It also improved cytokeratin and vimentin organization, decreased vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin expression, and increased claudin 1, occludin and ZO-1 expression, in low and high transporter. In low transporter, ATRA reduced transforming growth factor-ß1 expression. ATRA augmented percentage of ciliated cells in low and high transporter. It also augmented cilia length in high transporter. Alterations in structure, epithelial mesenchymal markers and transforming growth factor-ß1 expression were differential between low and high transporter. Beneficial effects of ATRA were improved human peritoneal mesothelial cells morphology tending to normalize structures.

Prueba de provocación alergénica nasal / Test of nasal allergenic provocation

La prueba de provocación alergénica nasal es un procedimiento para evaluar la sensibilidad específica de la mucosa nasal a alergenos, hipersensibilidad mediada por IgE, eficacia antiinflamatoria y antialérgica de medicamentos y con fines auxiliares o protocolarios de diagnóstico y tratamiento. La prueba es útil para verificar la precisión de las pruebas cutáneas y la hiperreactividad inespecífica de la nariz. De la experiencia acumulada se concluye que el reto nasal es un procedimiento de utilidad diagnóstica y de valoración terapéutica que debe aplicarse a un grupo seleccionado de pacientes, en instalaciones clínicas adecuadas, por personal experto, con dosis estandarizadas de reto, en un área nasal específica, con mediciones objetivas (rinomanometría, cantidad de secreciones y mediadores de la respuesta alérgica) y de los síntomas, que permitan obtener resultados confiables de la valoración de pacientes con rinitis alérgica en estudio.

Un caso de tumor pardo / A case of brown tumor

Se estudió en el servicio de nefrología del hospital Central Norte de Pemex en México, D.F. a un paciente en la quinta década de la vida, con antecedentes de glomerulonefritis crónica que evolucionó a insuficiencia renal crónica terminal. Requirió tratamiento con diálisis peritoneal continua ambulatoria (DPCA) durante 5 años, y posteriormente con hemodiálisis crónica (DHC) por 6 años más. En agosto de 1997, a los 11 años de evolución, se le detectó un tumor en la articulación acromio clavicular izquierda, dolorosa e incapacitante en el hombro izquierdo. Los estudios mostraron calcio sérico de 7 mg/dl, fósforo de 10 mg/dl y hormona paratiroidea en suero de 256 pg/ml. Una tomografía axial computarizada mostró un tumor con aumento de densidad por calcio. Se le hizo resección parcial de la lesión cuyo estudio histopatológico permitió el diagnóstico de un tumor pardo con microcalcificaciones, histiocitosis y otras alteraciones tisulares. Se hizo diagnóstico clínico de hiperparatiroidismo secundario y se procedió a dar tratamiento con una dieta baja en fósforo y elevada en calcio. más calcitriol oral (1,25 dihidroxi D3) 1.5 m g/d y carbonato de calcio oral 3.5 g/d. Después de 3 meses, el calcio sérico aumentó a 11 mg/dl y el fósforo se redujo a 4 mg/dl, y la hormona paraitoidea en suero también se redujo a 24.9 pg/l. Observándose reducción del tamaño del tumor, con mejoría clínica y emocional.Sin embargo, en febrero de 1999 se detectó un nuevo crecimiento del tumor, por lo que se planteó hacer un paratiroidectomía subtotal. Bruscamente, la paciente llegó a la sala de urgencia del hospital, con arritmia cardiaca que evolucionó a fibrilación ventricular y paro cardiorrespiratorio irreversible a las maniobras de resucitación.

Estudio comparativo entre el lisinopril y la metildopa en el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial esencial / A comparative study between lisinopril vs methyl-dopa in essencial hypertension

Se estudiaron 60 pacientes con hipertensión arterial esencial sostenida, sin complicaciones cardiorrenales. siquiendo un diseño doble ciego, aleatorio y paralelo para valorar la respuesta antihipertensiva de dos fármacos: lisinopril y metildopa. Después de un periodo de dos semanas en el que al total de pacientes se les administró placebo, la muestra se dividió en forma aleatoria para recibir tratamiento activo durante 12 meses (grupo uno: lisinipril; grupo dos: metildopa). Se consideró significativo cualquier cambio en la prueba t de Student con una p<0.02. No se observaron diferencias entre grupos al inicio del tratamiento activo. Al final del estudio, la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica descendieron en ambos grupos; para el uno de 160 + - 10 a 135 + - 6 y de 112 + - 7 a 84 + - 4; para el dos de 168 + - 11 a 143 + - 10 y de 111 + - 5 a 89 + - 7 mm/Hg. El descenso entre grupos fue de mayor magnitud en el grupo uno, comprobándose la eficacia del lisinopril en dosis única cada 24 horas. En tres pacientes del grupo uno (10 por ciento) se presentaron como efectos colaterales tos y estreñimiento, mientras que con metildopa se observó cansancio fácil en cinco (17 por ciento), depresión en cuatro (13 por ciento), diarrea en tres(10 por ciento) e impotencia en tres de nueve varones (33 por ciento); la magnitud de los mismos no obligó de acuerdo con los pacientes a suspender el tratamiento en ninguna instancia. De los resultados se concluye que ambos fármacos son eficaces para abatir la presión arterial, pero la eficiencia del lisinopril es mayor.