[IGF-I, VEGF and bFGF as predictive factors for the onset of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)]. / IGF-I, VEGF y bFGF, como factores pronósticos de la aparición de la retinopatía de la prematuridad.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if IGF-I, VEGF and bFGF, present in the serum of premature infants, are independent risk factors of the development of ROP. It was also our objective to design a multivariate model that included these three cytokines as indicator parameters in the ROP screening, in addition to the other parameters already in existence. METHODS: 74 patients were recruited with a birth weight below 1500g or gestational age below 32 weeks. These were classified into those who developed ROP (N = 37) and those without ROP (N = 37). We obtained serum from each infant at the time of the first examination at 4-6 postnatal weeks. These samples were frozen until the time of analysis. The roles of gestational age and birth weight were also evaluated. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the amount of the cytokines IGF-I and VEGF between the groups with or without ROP, but there were no significant differences for bFGF. The differences enabled us to establish a multivariate model including IGF-I and VEGF for the prediction of risk of ROP. CONCLUSIONS: Cytokine serum levels in premature infants can be useful as an indicator in ROP screening, as well as being used to predict the probability of suffering the illness.

IGF-I, VEGF y b-FGF, como factores pronósticos de la aparición de la retinopatía de la prematuridad / IGF-I, VEGF and b-FGF as predictive factors for the onset of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

Objetivo: Identificar en suero de prematuros a IGF, VEGF y bFGF, como factores de riesgo independientes en el desarrollo de la ROP. Es también nuestro objetivo el diseño de un modelo multivariante que englobe a las tres citokinas y que este pueda ser usado como parámetro indicador del examen de la ROP, además de los ya existentes. Métodos: 74 pacientes prematuros fueron reclutados con un peso al nacer menor de 1500 grs o edad gestacional menor de 32 semanas, y fueron divididos en pacientes enfermos de ROP (N=37) y pacientes no enfermos de ROP (N=37). Se tomaron muestras de sangre de cada paciente, coincidiendo con el primer examen, entre la 4 a 6 primeras semanas de vida y estas fueron congeladas en espera de su determinación. La edad gestacional y el peso al nacer fueron evaluados. Resultados: Encontramos diferencias significativas entre grupos en función de los valores de IGF-I y VEGF, pero no encontramos diferencias en función de la bFGF. Establecimos un modelo multivariante incluyendo a la IGF-I y VEGF, para la predicción del riesgo de padecer ROP en función de estas dos citokinas. Conclusiones: Los niveles en sangre de prematuros de estas citokinas pueden ser usados como factores indicadores del examen de la ROP, así como para predecir la probabilidad de sufrir la enfermedad

Objective: To determine if IGF-I, VEGF and bFGF, present in the serum of premature infants, are independent risk factors of the development of ROP. It was also our objective to design a multivariate model that included these three cytokines as indicator parameters in the ROP screening, in addition to the other parameters already in existence. Methods: 74 patients were recruited with a birth weight below 1500g or gestational age below 32 weeks. These were classified into those who developed ROP (N = 37) and those without ROP (N = 37). We obtained serum from each infant at the time of the first examination at 4-6 postnatal weeks. These samples were frozen until the time of analysis. The roles of gestational age and birth weight were also evaluated. Results: There were significant differences in the amount of the cytokines IGF-I and VEGF between the groups with or without ROP, but there were no significant differences for bFGF. The differences enabled us to establish a multivariate model including IGF-I and VEGF for the prediction of risk of ROP. Conclusions: Cytokine serum levels in premature infants can be useful as an indicator in ROP screening, as well as being used to predict the probability of suffering the illness

[Comparison of chlorthalidone and sustained-action nifedipine in the treatment of mild to moderate arterial hypertension]. / Comparación de la clortalidona y nifedipina retardada en el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial leve-moderada.

The effectiveness and safety of sustained action nifedipine (NF) were compared to those of chlorthalidone (CL) in two groups of 35 and 37 patients with mild to moderate hypertension followed up for 4 months. There was a significant reduction in blood pressure (BP) after 15 days of therapy. The degree of control was acceptable with both drugs. A second drug was required in 20% patients of the NF group and in 30.8% of CL group. The therapeutic goal (BP less than 160/95) was achieved in 86.7% of patients in CL group and in 48.4% of those in NF group. We found 48.8% of dropouts in the NF group and none in CL group. There was a significant increase in blood glucose in CL group and a reduction of uric acid and an increase of HDL-cholesterol in NF group. Both drugs are useful to treat hypertension, although NF has the drawback of a high dropout rate and CL induces abnormalities in biochemical parameters.