Características clínicas de pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico, al debut y en recaídas

Introducción. Las formas clínicas de presentación del lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) son variadas, así como las recaídas que ocurren en el curso de la enfermedad. Objetivo. Describir las formas de presentación del debut y las recaídas de pacientes con LES. Metodología. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, de pacientes con LES, que acudieron al Hospital Nacional, durante el periodo 2022 a 2023. Las variables analizadas fueron las variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y de laboratorio, al debut y durante las recaídas. Resultados. Se incluyeron 47 pacientes, entre 14 y 68 años de edad (media: 29,6 ±12 años), 91,5% del sexo femenino, 59,5% del interior del país, con educación secundaria (68,1%) y ocupación ama de casa (55,3%). El tiempo de enfermedad fue en promedio 48,7 ±37.1 meses. La forma más frecuente de debut fue la poli-artralgia (55,3%), seguido de nefritis (27,7%). En la recaída, la nefritis fue más frecuente (44,7%), seguida de dolor poliarticular (40,4%). La causa de recaída más frecuente fue el abandono del tratamiento (34,0%). Conclusión. La mayoría de las pacientes eran mujeres jóvenes que debutaron la enfermedad con artralgias, seguida de la afectación renal. Las recaídas se presentaron con nefritis. La causa principal de las recaídas fue el abandono del tratamiento.

Introduction: The clinical forms of presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are varied, as well are the relapses that occur in the course of the disease. Objective: To describe the onset and relapses in a cohort of patients with SLE. Methodology. Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study of patients with SLE who attended the National Hospital, during the period 2022 to 2023. The variables analyzed were sociodemographic, forms of onset and relapses. Results: 47 patients between 14 and 68 years of age (mean: 29.6 ±12 years) were included in the study, 91.5% female, 59.5% from the interior of the country, with secondary education (68.1%) and housewife occupation (55.3%). The duration of illness was on average 48.7 ±37.1 months. The most common form of onset was polyarthralgia (55.3%), followed by nephritis (27.7%). In relapse, nephritis was more frequent (44.7%), followed by polyarticular pain (40.4%). The most frequent cause of relapse was treatment abandonment (34.0%). Conclusion: The majority of patients were young women who presented the disease with arthralgia, followed by kidney involvement. Relapses presented with nephritis. The main cause of relapses were treatment abandonment.

¿Cuándo finaliza el tratamiento de un TCA desde el punto de vista dietético nutricional? / When does the treatment of an eating disorder end from the dietary-nutritional point of view?

Objetivos: Este trabajo pretende analizar los consensos actuales acerca de cuándo se establece la finalización del tratamientodietético-nutricional de los TCA, así como qué requisitos se han de cumplir, en el contexto de un tratamiento multidisciplinar. Métodos: Para la elaboración de este trabajo se han consultado fuentes secundarias de información tales como las bases de datoselectrónicas PubMed, SciELO, y Dialnet Plus, en las que hemos introducido diferentes descriptores relacionados con nuestros objetivosy hemos seleccionado nuestros criterios de inclusión, recopilando un total de 20 artículos para su análisis. Resultados: La realidad actual de la recuperación de los TCA se entiende como una restauración del peso y la composición corporalexistiendo escasa evidencia sobre cómo han de ser las intervenciones dietéticas necesarias para mejorar la salud y la alimentación delas personas con trastornos alimentarios. Conclusiones: Uno de los motivos principales parece ser la escasez de estudios sobre la relación entre el comportamiento alimentariode los pacientes que recuperaron el peso, y sus resultados a largo plazo; por lo que parece necesario definir un protocolo dietético derecuperación cualitativo, a largo plazo, y con una menor probabilidad de recaídas.(AU)

Objective: This piece of work pretends to analyze the current consensus about when the completion of the dietary-nutritional treatmentof eating disorders is established, as well as what requirements must be met, in the context of a multidisciplinary treatment. Methods: For the elaboration of this work, secondary sources of information have been consulted, such as the electronic databasesPubMed, SciELO, and Dialnet Plus, in which we have introduced different descriptors related to our objectives and we have selectedour inclusion criteria, compiling a total of 20 articles for analysis. Results: The current reality of recovery from eating disorders is understood as a restoration of weight and body composition, with littleevidence on what the necessary dietary interventions should be like to improve the health and nutrition of people with eating disorders. Conclusions: One of the main reasons seems to be the scarcity of studies on the relationship between the eating behavior of patientswho regained weight, and their long-term results; Therefore, it seems necessary to define a long-term, qualitative recovery dietaryprotocol with a lower probability of relapse.(AU)

Potenciales indicadores pronósticos de recaída en fumadores que buscan tratamiento de deshabituación tabáquica / Potential prognostic indicators of relapse in smokers seeking smoking cessation treatment

Los problemas del comportamiento impulsivo representan poderosos predictores de los resultados del tratamiento en adicciones. Sin embargo, no se dispone una evaluación exhaustiva de estas características en los resultados del tratamiento de deshabituación tabáquica. Este estudio pretende evaluar la capacidad de las dimensiones de la conducta impulsiva para predecir el riesgo y el número de recaídas. La muestra comprendió 141 fumadores (Medad= 47,3; DT= 8,31; 59% mujeres) en tratamiento psicofarmacológico de deshabituación tabáquica. Los participantes proporcionaron muestras de monóxido de carbono para determinar la abstinencia. Las diferentes dimensiones de impulsividad se evaluaron con una tarea Go/NoGo, la tarea de búsqueda y atención visual y una tarea de descuento por demora, mientras que la impulsividad autoinformada se evaluó con la Escala de impulsividad de Barratt. La impulsividad no planeada, los fallos de atención y el rendimiento en la tarea Go/NoGo se postulan entre los factores relacionados con el número de recaídas. Nuestros resultados contribuyen a la comprensión de componentes de reanudación del consumo y posibilitan la inferencia de la asiduidad al cuantificar las recaídas. (AU)

Impulsive behavior problems are powerful predictors of addiction treatment outcomes. However, a comprehensive assessment of these features has not been examined in relation to smoking cessation outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the capacity of impulsive behavior to predict the risk of relapse and the number of relapses for smokers. The sample comprised 141 participants (Mage= 47.3, SD= 8.31; 59% females) in psychopharmacology treatment for dependence to nicotine. Participants provided breath carbon monoxide samples for determining smoking throughout the study. The different impulsiveness dimensions were evaluated with a Go/NoGo task, the visual search and attention test and a delayed discount task, while self-informed impulsivity was assessed with Barratt’s Impulsiveness Scale. Unplanned impulsivity, attention failures and performance in the Go/NoGo task are postulated among the individual factors related to the number of relapses. Our results contribute to the understanding of relapse components and enable the inference of assiduity by quantifying relapse. (AU)

Recidiva paraesofágica de hernia hiatal: diagnóstico radiológico y resolución quirúrgica laparoscópica / Paraesophageal recurrence of hiatal hernia: radiological diagnosis and laparoscopic surgical resolution / Recorrência paraesofágica de hérnia hiatal: diagnóstico radiológico e resolução cirúrgica laparoscópica

La tasa de recidiva radiológica luego de la cirugía de las hernias hiatales grandes tipo IV es cercana al 50%. La mayoría de las veces la recidiva supone un ascenso parcial de la funduplicatura al tórax (telescopaje), y si no tiene expresión clínica puede optarse por un manejo conservador (solo 3-6% requieren cirugía de revisión). Sin embargo, en ocasiones hay otro tipo de recidivas (paraesofágicas) que deben valorarse mediante estudios funcionales, endoscópicos y radiológicos, que dan disfagia con mayor frecuencia. Un tránsito contrastado digestivo superior permite en este caso identificar el tipo de recidiva herniaria, con migración parcial del fundus gástrico hacia el tórax paraesofágico izquierdo, y una funduplicatura continente pero realizada técnicamente en por debajo de lo deseable (cuerpo alto) (figura). La resolución del cuadro implica la reducción de la hernia a la cavidad abdominal, con cierre del defecto diafragmático, desmontar la funduplicatura anterior anatomizando la zona y la reconfección de una nueva funduplicatura.

Rituximab treatment in pediatric patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: A tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids have had a central role in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. The management of these patients who become dependent to steroids is complex, involving different immunosuppressive drugs patterns. The monoclonal antibody anti CD20, Rituximab, is likely to have beneficial effects in cases of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome patients with no easy resolution, even when we cannot make a statement about the specific role in the impact. We bring our personal experience in pediatric patients treated with this medication during the last years, to provide a thorough overview and useful information about the role of Rituximab in this pathology. METHODS: Retrospective study in patients with steroid-dependent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome controlled in the division of Pediatric Nephrology of a Spanish tertiary hospital in those patients who had received at least one treatment cycle of Rituximab, at any moment along the evolution of the disease. RESULTS: The study involved 8 patients. All of them previously received immunosuppressive therapy. The Rituximab were administered as an intravenous infusion, in a dose of 375 mg/m2, and all doses were administered in a period during which the disease was in remission. The depletion of lymphocytes B (CD19, 0%) were confirmed after the first dose of Rituximab except for one, with a lymphocyte count of 1%. The period of depletion lasts 10,3 months (median; range 6,5-16 months), and only one of the patients registered a relapse of the disease in this period. A reduction of relapses suffered by patients has been shown after the treatment began (3,6 relapses/year in the previous year to the start of the treatment versus 0,1 relapses/year during the first year post-rituximab). The relapse-free survival in the first year reached 83,3% in patients who suffered more than one relapse (75% of patients), and without a relapse after the treatment began in 2 cases. One or more drugs could be removed in 87,5% of patients after the first cycle of rituximab. After the rituximab treatment, we reached a 96,5% decrease in the corticosteroids doses administered (28,5 mg/m2/day during the 3 months pre-treatment versus 1 mg/m2/day in the last 3 months of patient monitoring). Not a significant observed adverse effect attributed to the drug after the post-rituximab monitoring period (median 46,5 months, range 5-97 months). CONCLUSION: The favorable results reported after rituximab treatment in our patients seems to confirm the effectiveness of this drug in the steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome, making that therapeutic option into consideration and legitimating the use of the drug in complex cases involving pediatric patients. Even so, it seems recommendable to design pertinent studies to clarify, among others, the optimum regimen of the treatment (dose, interval and cycles), clinical repercussion and potential adverse effects in long terms.

Tratamiento con rituximab en pacientes pediátricos con síndrome nefrótico córtico-dependiente. Experiencia en un hospital terciario / Rituximab treatment in pediatric patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a tertiary hospital

Introducción: La corticoterapia continúa siendo la piedra angular en el tratamiento del síndrome nefrótico. El manejo de los pacientes que desarrollan dependencia a esteroides es complejo, implicando distintas pautas de fármacos inmunosupresores. El rituximab, anticuerpo monoclonal anti-CD20, parece tener efectos beneficiosos en pacientes con síndrome nefrótico córtico-dependiente de difícil manejo clínico, si bien aún no está bien definido su papel en esta entidad. Con el fin de aportar información útil sobre el papel del rituximab en esta patología, presentamos nuestra experiencia personal en pacientes pediátricos tratados con este fármaco en los últimos años. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en pacientes con síndrome nefrótico idiopático córtico-dependiente controlados en la Sección de Nefrología Pediátrica de un hospital terciario español, y que habían recibido, al menos, un ciclo de tratamiento con rituximab durante cualquier momento de la evolución de la enfermedad. (AU)

Background: Corticosteroids have had a central role in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. The management of these patients who become dependent to steroids is complex, involving different immunosuppressive drugs patterns. The monoclonal antibody anti CD20, Rituximab, is likely to have beneficial effects in cases of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome patients with no easy resolution, even when we cannot make a statement about the specific role in the impact. We bring our personal experience in pediatric patients treated with this medication during the last years, to provide a thorough overview and useful information about the role of Rituximab in this pathology. Methods: Retrospective study in patients with steroid-dependent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome controlled in the division of Pediatric Nephrology of a spanish tertiary hospital in those patients who had received at least one treatment cycle of Rituximab, at any moment along the evolution of the disease. (AU)

[Rituximab treatment in pediatric patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a tertiary hospital]. / Tratamiento con rituximab en pacientes pediátricos con síndrome nefrótico córtico-dependiente. Experiencia en un hospital terciario.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids have had a central role in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. The management of these patients who become dependent to steroids is complex, involving different immunosuppressive drugs patterns. The monoclonal antibody anti CD20, Rituximab, is likely to have beneficial effects in cases of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome patients with no easy resolution, even when we cannot make a statement about the specific role in the impact. We bring our personal experience in pediatric patients treated with this medication during the last years, to provide a thorough overview and useful information about the role of Rituximab in this pathology. METHODS: Retrospective study in patients with steroid-dependent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome controlled in the division of Pediatric Nephrology of a spanish tertiary hospital in those patients who had received at least one treatment cycle of Rituximab, at any moment along the evolution of the disease. RESULTS: The study involved 8 patients. All of them previously received immunosuppressive therapy. The Rituximab were administered as an intravenous infusion, in a dose of 375 mg/m2, and all doses were administered in a period during which the disease was in remission. The depletion of lymphocytes B (CD 19%) were confirmed after the first dose of Rituximab except for one, with a lymphocyte count of 1%. The period of depletion lasts 10.3 months (median; range 6.5-16 months), and only one of the patients registered a relapse of the disease in this period. A reduction of relapses suffered by patients has been shown after the treatment began (3.6 relapses/year in the previous year to the start of the treatment vs. 0.1 relapses/year during the first year post-rituximab). The relapse-free survival in the first year reached 83.3% in patients who suffered more than one relapse (75% of patients), and without a relapse after the treatment began in 2 cases. One or more drugs could be removed in 87.5% of patients after the first cycle of rituximab. After the rituximab treatment, we reached a 96.5% decrease in the corticosteroids doses administered (28.5 mg/m2/day during the 3 months pre-treatment vs. 1 mg/m2/day in the last 3 months of patient monitoring). Not a significant observed adverse effect attributed to the drug after the post-rituximab monitoring period (median 46.5 months, range 5-97 months). CONCLUSION: The favorable results reported after rituximab treatment in our patients seems to confirm the effectiveness of this drug in the steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome, making that therapeutic option into consideration and legitimating the use of the drug in complex cases involving pediatric patients. Even so, it seems recommendable to design pertinent studies to clarify, among others, the optimum regimen of the treatment (dose, interval and cycles), clinical repercussion and potential adverse effects in long terms.

Mindfulness e inteligencia emocional en la prevención de recaídas en personas en tratamiento: una revisión / Mindfulness and emotional intelligence in the prevention of relapses in people in treatment: a review / Mindfulness e inteligência emocional na prevenção de recaídas em pessoas em tratamento: uma revisão

OBJETIVO: analizar la evidencia empírica disponible sobre los programas de intervención de Mindfulness e Inteligencia Emocional para la prevención de recaídas en personas en tratamiento. METODOLOGÍA: en la estrategia de búsqueda se incluyeron descriptores en los idiomas inglés (Mindfulness, emotional intelligence, relapse prevention) y español (atención plena, inteligencia emocional, prevención de la recaída). RESULTADOS: se identifió efecto significativo de la práctica de Mindfulness, sobre la inteligencia eemocional al apoyar en la regulación de las emociones y su vez prevenir posibles recaídas. CONCLUSION: continuar investigando sobre el Mindfulness y sus efectos sobre la inteligencia emocional en diferentes contextos.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the empirical evidence available on Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence intervention programs for relapse prevention in people in treatment. METHODOLOGY: descriptors in English (Mindfulness, emotional intelligence, relapse prevention) and Spanish (mindfulness, emotional intelligence, relapse prevention) languages were included in the search strategy. RESULTS: a significant effect of Mindfulness practice was identified on emotional intelligence by supporting the regulation of emotions and preventing possible relapses. CONCLUSION: continue researching Mindfulness and its effects on emotional intelligence in different contexts.

OBJETIVO: analisar as evidências empíricas disponíveis nos programas de intervenção Mindfulness e Emotional Intelligence para prevenção de recaídas em pessoas em tratamento. METODOLOGIA: os descritores nos idiomas inglês (atenção plena, inteligência emocional, prevenção de recaídas) e espanhol (atenção plena, inteligência emocional, prevenção de recaídas) foram incluídos na estratégia de busca. RESULTADOS: um efeito significativo da prática da atenção plena foi identificado na inteligência emocional, apoiando a regulação das emoções e prevenindo possíveis recaídas. CONCLUSÃO: continuar pesquisando Mindfulness e seus efeitos na inteligência emocional em diferentes contextos.

Neumonia crónica organizada en un adolescente: presentación de un caso / Chronic organized pneumonia in an adolescent: presentation of a case

We present a case of organized chronic pneumonia (OCP), a rare interstitial disease, which usually affects people over 50 years of age and is very unusual in pediatrics, so we thought it was of interest to communicate it. Is a 14-year-old male in whom in the study of a febrile condition, a pneumonia of LII was detected. The images persist after 2 months of being treated and being asymptomatic. Infectious causes and rheumatic diseases were ruled out due to the history of discoid lupus. Chest CT, bronchoalveolar lavage and lung biopsy showing Masson's bodies were performed and OCP was diagnosed. He received prednisone 1 mg / kg day and Clarithromycin for 2 months with rapid improvement. Relapses with new radiological images typical of OCP twice, when treating on alternate days. It is indicated prednisone 30 mgr / day for 3 months and gradual reduction. At 18 months, being with prednisone 5 mgr day, has a relapse of rapid progression that was treated with pulses of methylprednisolone. The collagen study shows positive lupus anticoagulant and ANA and Systemic Lupus is diagnosed. The bad evolution would be explained because it was a secondary OCP. Mycophenolate associated with prednisone was indicates, which has been used in the OCP and in Lupus. This clinical case shows the importance of radiological follow-up of patients with OCP and the search for secondary OCP causes due to the poor response to corticosteroids.

Se presenta un caso de neumonía crónica organizada (NCO), enfermedad intersticial rara, que afecta habitualmente a mayores de 50 años y muy inusual en pediatría, por lo que creímos de interés comunicarlo. Se trata de un varón de 14 años en el que en el estudio de un cuadro febril se detecta una neumonía de LII cuyas imágenes persisten luego de 2 meses de haber sido tratado y estando asintomático. Se descartaron causas infecciosas y enfermedades reumatológicas por el antecedente de lupus discoide. Se realizó TC de tórax, lavado broncoalveolar y biopsia pulmonar que mostró cuerpos de Masson, con lo que se diagnosticó NCO. Recibió prednisona 1 mgr/ kg día y Claritromicina por 2 meses con una rápida mejoría. Recae con nuevas imágenes radiológicas típicas de NCO dos veces, al pasar de tratamiento diario a días alternos. Se indica 30 mgr/día por 3 meses de prednisona y reducción gradual posterior. A los 18 meses de tratamiento, estando con prednisona 5 mgr día, tiene una recaída de rápida progresión que se trató con pulsos de metilprednisolona. El estudio de colagenosis muestra anticoagulante lúpico y ANA positivos y se diagnóstica Lupus Sistémico. La mala evolución se explicaría porque se trató de una NCO secundaria, ante lo cual indicó micofenolato asociado a prednisona, que se ha usado en la NCO y en el Lupus. Este caso clínico muestra la importancia del seguimiento radiológico de los pacientes con NCO y de la búsqueda de causas secundarias de NCO ante la mala respuesta a corticoides

Predictors of poor outcome in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Nearly 50% of the children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) have a frequently relapsing (FR) or steroid dependent (SD) course, experiencing steroid toxicities and complications of immunosuppression. The study aimed to compare parameters between children with infrequent relapsing (IFR) and FR/SD nephrotic syndrome and to identify the factors associated with a FR/SD course. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical records from 2009 to 2014, of children with SSNS attending the pediatric nephrology clinic in a tertiary care medical college and hospital. RESULTS: Out of 325 children (226 males) with SSNS, 213 were IFR and 112 were FRNS/SDNS. The median age of onset was 34 (IQR 24-48) months. The median time to the first relapse was 4 (IQR 3-7) months and 6 (IQR 4-12) months in FR/SD and IFR group respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed "adequate treatment (≥12 weeks) of the first episode" (odds ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.34-0.91; p value=0.02) and "shorter median time to the first relapse" (odds ratio 1.04, 95% CI=1.01-1.08; p value=0.04) to be independent predictors of FR/SD course. An ROC curve was constructed which showed that time to first relapse <5.5 months was associated with a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 60% in predicting a FR/SD course. CONCLUSION: Adequate treatment of the first episode is associated with less chance of an FR/SD course. After treatment of first episode, the first relapse occurring within 5.5 months may predict a frequently relapsing or steroid dependent course.

Prospective memory in patients with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis

La Memoria Prospectiva (MP) es un conjunto de habilidades cognitivas que permite recordar y realizar acciones planeadas o intenciones demoradas. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la MP en pacientes con Esclerosis Múltiple Recaídas y Remisiones (EMRR) con dos pruebas experimentales que evalúan distintos aspectos de la MP. Se evaluaron 36 pacientes con EMRR y un grupo control de 35 voluntarios sanos (GC), apareados por edad y escolaridad. Se administró una batería de tests neuropsicológicos que incluye dos técnicas que evalúan la MP: El Cóndor y el Test de Memoria Prospectiva de Tareas Múltiples (MTPM). Los pacientes obtuvieron un puntaje más bajo que el GC (en puntaje total de El Cóndor, p = .007, d = 0.7). En el MTPM, el GC obtuvo significativamente más puntos en la Fase de Formación de la intención (p = .027, d = .5). El 63% de los pacientes versus el 88.5% del GC, autoiniciaron la intención (p = .014). Los pacientes que obtuvieron mejor puntaje en Formación, autoiniciaron más la acción proyectada (p = .012). La educación, la duración de la enfermedad y la depresión correlacionaron leve y significativamente con el Cóndor y el MTPM. La discapacidad física se relacionó sólo con la capacidad de autoiniciar del MTPM. Se concluye que la MP parece estar afectada negativamente en pacientes con EMRR. Se encontró un deterioro de la planificación y la autoiniciación de la intención. La autoniciación fue influenciada por la calidad de la planificación. Los resultados destacan la necesidad de evaluar objetivamente la MP en pacientes con EMRR para poder detectar cualquier alteración en las etapas iniciales de la enfermedad y comenzar una rehabilitación apropiada.

Prospective Memory (PM) is a set of cognitive abilities that allow us to remember to perform planned actions or delayed intentions. It requires the recall of the content of the planned task in the form of an intention to be able to execute it at the appropriate moment. Previous studies have yielded conflicting results as some show that MS patients have difficulty in remembering the content of intentions and others in the process of self-initiation of delayed intentions. Moreover, the relationship between PM and clinical variables also remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate PM in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) with two experimental tests that evaluate different aspects of the MP. Another aim of the current study was to analyse the relationship between PM and demographic variables and clinical variables. 36 outpatients with a diagnosis of RRMS attending to two centers specialized in multiple sclerosis clinics, were recruited. Thirty five healthy volunteers formed the contrast group (CG), matched for age, gender and education with the MS patients. A neuropsychological test battery that included two techniques for measuring PM was administered. The Condor Test consists of reading a text whilst simultaneously executing many actions. In the Multitask Prospective Memory (MTPM), the participant must remember to initiate a complex intention, which was previously planned. The test yields formation scores of the intention, initiation, plan retention capacity and finally two execution scores. A depression scale (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI-II) was administered and physical disability was revealed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. In the RRMS group, the majority of patients (80.6%) had none or minimal signs of depression according to BDI-II classification criteria. Seventy five % of patients were in full- or half-time employment, 13.9% were unemployed or in occasional employment and 11.1% were house wives or retired on grounds of age. With respect to cognitive performance 47.2% of MS patients presented cognitive impairment. RRMS patients and the CG did not differ significantly on age and years of formal education. Groups showed no significant differences in distribution of Gender. Patients scored significantly lower than the CG on the Condor's total score, p = .007, d = .7. On the MTPM, the CG obtained significantly more points for intention formation than patients, p = .027, d = .5. Sixty-three percent of patients versus 88.5% of the CG self-initiated the intention, p = .014. Patients who obtained a higher score on Formation, self-initiated more often, p = .012. Education, disease progression and depression measure with the Beck Depression Inventory, significantly and mildly correlated with the Condor and the MTPM. Physical disability was only associated with the intention planning phase of MTPM. PM appears to be impaired in patients with RRMS. A deficit was found in planning and self-initiation of planned actions. Self-initiation was influenced by planning quality. Education, disease progression and depression were shown to influence recall and execution of future intentions. Physical disability was only associated with the intention planning phase. Some previous studies have not found a significant relationship between physical disability and cognitive measures. This study suggests that PM can be affected in patients with a low level of physical impairment. Results highlight the need for objective assessment of PM in RRMS patients to be able to detect any disorder in the initial stages of the disease and start appropriate rehabilitation. Amongst the limitations of this study, the observational, non-blind design must be acknowledged, as well as the small sample size. Also, the instruments used to assess PM are relatively new and studies of their psychometric properties are lacking. Nevertheless, the use of an instrument like The Condor is notable, given that it was developed for local population.

La consejería de enfermería disminuye la sintomatología y recaídas en pacientes pediátricos con rinitis alérgica / The counseling of nursing decreases symptomatology and relapses in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis

Resumen: Introducción: La rinitis alérgica (RA) es considerada como un problema de salud pública, por lo tanto, es indispensable poner a prueba estrategias de educación para la salud como la consejería de enfermería (CE) dirigida a grupos poblacionales como niños con rinitis alérgica y sus tutores. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo medir durante un año los beneficios en la salud de población infantil con esta enfermedad. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal, aleatorio, comparativo, con una muestra de 100 pacientes pediátricos de ambos sexos, con edades de 6 a 12 años, con diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica, con consejería (grupo estudio) y sin consejería (grupo control). En ambos grupos se obtuvo carta de consentimiento informado firmada por ambos tutores, además de cédulas de conocimiento y de valoración; la segunda incluyó escala de sintomatología y de Morisky Green (adherencia al tratamiento). Los niños del grupo estudio recibieron intervención basada en educación personalizada, material didáctico, apoyo del grupo multidisciplinario en caso necesario (médico, dermatólogo y psicólogo). El grupo control recibió atención habitual. En ambos grupos se hizo seguimiento vía telefónica, lo que permitió identi"car el número de recaídas en un año. Resultados: Para la comparación de los resultados se aplicó la prueba de Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney); la presencia de recaídas en el grupo control comparado con el grupo estudio se encontró estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones: Se encontró que la población infantil que recibe CE, tiene como beneficio mejor control de la sintomatología y disminución de recaídas al año.

Abstract: Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is considered to be a public health problem, therefore it is essential to test health education strategies such as nursing counseling (NC) aimed at population groups such as children with allergic rhinitis and their tutors. This study aimed to measure the health benefits of children with this disease for a year. Methods: Longitudinal, randomized, comparative study with a sample of 100 pediatric patients of both sexes, aged 6 to 12 years, with diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, with counseling (study group) and without counseling (control group). In both groups, an informed consent letter signed by both tutors was obtained, in addition to knowledge and assessment papers; the latter included a scale of symptomatology and Morisky Green (adherence to treatment). The children in the study group received intervention based on personalized education, didactic material, support of the multidisciplinary group if necessary (doctor, dermatologist and psychologist). The control group received usual care. In both groups, telephone follow-up was performed, which allowed the number of relapses to be identified in one year. Results: The Wilcoxon rank-sum test (Mann-Whitney) was used to compare the results; the presence of relapses in the control group was statistically significant compared to the study group. Conclusions: It was found that the infant population that receives NC, has as a better benefit the control of the symptomatology and decrease of relapses per year.

Oral versus intravenous steroid therapy for relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis: an updated meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials / Terapia oral versus intravenosa para recaídas de pacientes com esclerose múltipla: uma metanálise atualizada de seis ensaios clínicos randomizados

PURPOSE: To systematically evaluate whether oral steroids can be used with the same efficacy and safety in comparison with the intravenous regimen for treatment of multiple sclerosis relapses. METHOD: We searched Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library and systematically reviewed articles comparing outcomes of oral versus intravenous steroids for acute relapses in patients with a clinically definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. RESULTS: Six articles with 414 participants in total were analyzed. Five of the included trials reported the proportion of patients experiencing improvement in Expanded Disability Status Scale after receiving either oral or intravenous methylprednisolone treatment at four weeks; the pooled results showed that there was no statistically significant difference (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.60, 1.54; p=0.86) between treatments. Three trials reported the detailed results of adverse events, indicating the two treatments appear to be equally safe. Two trials revealed that there was no significant difference in gadolinium enhancement activity on magnetic resonance imaging. One trial showed that the mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) at 24 and 48 hours did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found in terms of clinical (benefits and adverse events), radiological and pharmacological outcomes in multiple sclerosis relapses in patients after oral or intravenous steroids treatment. Our meta-analysis provides evidence that oral steroid therapy is not inferior to intravenous steroid therapy. Thus oral administration may be a favorable substitute for intravenous medication of multiple sclerosis relapses.

PROPÓSITO: Avaliar de forma sistemática se esteroides orais podem ser utilizados com a mesma eficácia e segurança em comparação com o regime intravenoso para o tratamento de recaídas da esclerose múltipla (MS). MÉTODO: Foram pesquisados Medline, Embase e Cochrane Library e sistematicamente revistos artigos comparando resultados de esteroides orais versus intravenosos para recaídas agudas em pacientes com diagnóstico de esclerose múltipla clinicamente definida. RESULTADOS: Seis artigos com 414 participantes no total foram analisados. Cinco dos estudos incluídos relataram a proporção de doentes com melhoria através de "Expanded Disability Status Scale" depois de receber um ou outro tratamento: metilprednisolona oral ou intravenosa por quatro semanas. Os resultados combinados mostraram que não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (OR 0,96; 95% 101 0,60, 1,54 ; p = 0,86). Três estudos mostraram os resultados detalhados de eventos adversos, indicando que os dois tratamentos parecem ser igualmente seguros. Dois ensaios revelaram que não havia nenhuma diferença significativa no aumento de atividade de gadolínio via imagens por ressonância magnética. Um estudo mostrou que a área média sob as curvas de concentração-tempo (AUC) às 24 horas e 48 horas não diferiram entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas em termos de clínicos (benefícios e eventos adversos) ou nos resultados radiológicos e farmacológicos em pacientes pós-esteroides por via oral ou intravenosa no tratamento de várias recaídas de esclerose. Nossa metanálise fornece evidências de que a terapia com esteroides por via oral não é inferior à terapia com esteroides por via intravenosa. Assim, a administração oral pode ser um substituto favorável para medicação intravenosa de recidivas da esclerose múltipla.

Reirradiación en tumores del sistema nervioso central en niños y adolescentes / Reirradiation of the central nervous system tumors in children and adolescents

Introducción: en el tratamiento de los tumores del sistema nervioso central en niños y adolescentes la irradiación desempeña un papel fundamental en la evolución posterior. Con frecuencia se presentan recurrencias y el tratamiento no ofrece muchas posibilidades de control. En estos pacientes han sido empleados diversos tratamientos: cirugía, poliquimioterapia y reirradiación.Objetivo: presentar los resultados obtenidos en niños y adolescentes reirradiados en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología, en La Habana.Métodos: se realiza un estudio retrospectivo, no aleatorizado. Doce niños y adolescentes entre 9 y 18 años de edad, con recurrencias de tumores del sistema nervioso central, se irradiaron con acelerador lineal, planificación en 3D, dosis variable entre 36 y 56 Gy.Resultados: en todos los pacientes se obtuvo respuesta, con tasas de supervivencia a 12 y 24 meses de 59,7 y 31,8 por ciento, respectivamente. La mediana del tiempo de supervivencia fue de 13,4, IC 95 por ciento (5,0-21,8) meses. De ellos, se encuentran vivos, 5 pacientes.Conclusión: la reirradiación en las recaídas de estos tumores puede ser una opción a considerar, aun como tratamiento paliativo para prolongar la supervivencia y la mejoría de la calidad de vida(AU)

[The counseling of nursing decreases symptomatology and relapses in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis]. / La consejería de enfermería disminuye la sintomatología y recaídas en pacientes pediátricos con rinitis alérgica.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is considered to be a public health problem, therefore it is essential to test health education strategies such as nursing counseling (NC) aimed at population groups such as children with allergic rhinitis and their tutors. This study aimed to measure the health benefits of children with this disease for a year. METHODS: Longitudinal, randomized, comparative study with a sample of 100 pediatric patients of both sexes, aged 6 to 12 years, with diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, with counseling (study group) and without counseling (control group). In both groups, an informed consent letter signed by both tutors was obtained, in addition to knowledge and assessment papers; the latter included a scale of symptomatology and Morisky Green (adherence to treatment). The children in the study group received intervention based on personalized education, didactic material, support of the multidisciplinary group if necessary (doctor, dermatologist and psychologist). The control group received usual care. In both groups, telephone follow-up was performed, which allowed the number of relapses to be identified in one year. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon rank-sum test (Mann-Whitney) was used to compare the results; the presence of relapses in the control group was statistically significant compared to the study group. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the infant population that receives NC, has as a better benefit the control of the symptomatology and decrease of relapses per year.

Miopatías inflamatorias con evolución recidivante / Relapses in inflammatory myopathies

La mayoría de los estudios de tratamiento de las miopatías inflamatorias son de corte y no permiten establecer su eficacia en largo plazo. En este trabajo, describimos el seguimiento de siete pacientes con miopatías inflamatorias, 5 polimiositis y 2 dermatomiositis. Determinamos su presentación, su seguimiento clínico mediante el examen físico, las enzimas musculares y la respuesta al tratamiento. Esta última la definimos como cursos de tratamiento, donde cada curso termina al aumentar los corticoides o al colocar una nueva medicación inmunosupresora debido al empeoramiento clínico o aumento sostenido de las enzimas musculares. El tratamiento instaurado puede remitir, controlar parcialmente, o fracasar en controlar la enfermedad en cuanto se normalicen, estabilicen, o no modifiquen respectivamente tanto la clínica como las enzimas musculares. Se analizaron 20 ciclos, en 14 se logró la remisión, en cinco se controló parcialmente y en uno fracasó el tratamiento. La remisión se logró en un tiempo promedio de 139 ± 98 días y el control en un promedio de 160 ± 100 días. Excepto en una ocasión, todos los ciclos de tratamiento, independientemente del que fuera, remitieron o controlaron los síntomas, pero en el tiempo todos los pacientes recidivaron en su enfermedad.

Most studies about treatment of inflammatory myopathies consist of cross-sectional analyses that do not assess long-term efficacy. In the present study we describe the follow-up of seven patients with inflammatory myopathies, 5 polymyositis and 2 dermatomyositis. We describe their clinical features, follow-up, muscle enzyme levels, and treatment responses. We define the latter as treatment cycles, every one of which end when steroid doses need to be increased or a new immunosuppressive drug has to be added because of clinical worsening or sustained increases in muscle enzyme levels. Treatment can cause remission, partially control, or fail in achieving myositis improvement when it normalizes, stabilizes, or does not affect muscle enzymes or clinical features, respectively. We analyzed 20 cycles, in which remission was achieved in 14 cases, partial control in 5 instances, and treatment failure in one case. Remission occurred after an average of 139 ± 98 days, whereas partial control took place in 160 ± 100 days. Except in one case, all treatment cycles controlled or remitted the symptoms. However, in all patients the illness recurred with time.

Estudio comparativo entre el esquema convencional y el tratamiento prolongado con esteroides en el síndrome nefrótico cortico-sensible primario en Pediatría / Comparative study of the conventional scheme and prolonged treatment with steroids on primary steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children

Resumen: Introducción: En el síndrome nefrótico cortico-sensible (SNCS), la corticoterapia prolongada podría reducir la frecuencia de recaídas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue la comparación de un esquema corticoide prolongado frente al tratamiento habitual del SNCS primario, evaluando los siguientes parámetros: el número de pacientes con recaídas, el número total de recaídas, el tiempo medio transcurrido al iniciar el tratamiento, hasta la remisión y hasta la primera recaída, la dosis acumulada de corticosteroides y la toxicidad esteroide. Métodos: La población se dividió en dos grupos: el grupo A (27 pacientes) recibió 16-β-metilprednisona durante 12 semanas, reduciendo la dosis hasta la semana 24; y el grupo B (29 pacientes) recibió 16-β-metilprednisona durante 12 semanas, y placebo hasta la semana 24. Resultados: La tasa de incidencia acumulada de recaídas (persona/año) fue en el grupo A 36/100, y en el grupo B 66/100 (p = 0.04). El tiempo medio transcurrido (días) hasta la primera recaída fue de 114 en el grupo A y 75 en el grupo B (p = 0.01). Las diferencias de tiempo transcurrido al iniciar tratamiento y hasta la remisión entre ambos grupos no fueron significativas. El total acumulado de recaídas fue de 9 en el grupo A y 17 en el grupo B (p = 0.04), y el total de pacientes con recaídas fue de 3 (grupo A) y 7 (grupo B) (p = 0.17). La dosis media acumulada (mg/m2) por paciente fue de 5,243 en el grupo A y de 4,306 en el grupo B (p = 0.3), y el cortisol sérico (μg/dl) final fue de 14 en el grupo A y 16 en el grupo B (p = 0.4). La toxicidad esteroide fue similar entre ambos grupos. Conclusiones: La duración del tratamiento disminuyó el número de recaídas, sin incrementar la toxicidad esteroide.

Abstract: Background: In the steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) the prolonged treatment with steroids could decrease the frequency of relapses. We conducted a comparative study of prolonged steroid scheme and the usual treatment of primary SSNS to assess: the number of patients with relapses, mean time to treatment initiation, to remission and to first relapse, total number of relapses, total cumulative dose of steroids, and the steroid toxicity. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: group A (27 patients) received 16-β-methylprednisolone for 12 weeks, reducing the steroid until week 24. Group B (29 patients) received 16-β-methylprednisolone for 12 weeks and placebo until week 24. Results: Cumulative incidence rate of relapse (person/years) for group A was of 36/100 and 66/100 for group B (p = 0.04). Average elapsed time to first relapse was of 114 days for group A and of 75 days to for group B (p = 0.01). The difference in time for initial response to treatment and up to achieve remission between both groups was not significant. Total cumulative relapses were 9 for group A and 17 for group B (p = 0.04). Total patients with relapses were 3 for group A and 7 for group B (p = 0.17). Cumulative average dose per patient was 5,243 mg/m2 for group A and 4,306 mg/m2 for group B (p = 0.3), and serum cortisol was 14 μg/dl for group A and 16 μg/dl for group B (p = 0.4). There were no steroid toxicity differences between groups. Conclusions: The duration of the treatment had an impact on the number of relapses without increasing steroid toxicity.

Determinación de los niveles séricos de vitamina D en los pacientes diagnosticados con Esclerosis múltiple y su relación con la severidad y el comportamiento de la enfermedad en el "Hospital Metropolitano de Quito" y en el "Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín" / Determination of vitamin D serum levels in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and their relationship with the severity and illness behavior in the Metropolitan Hospital in Quito and Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital

Introducción: El estudio pretende relacionar los niveles séricos de vitamina D, en pacientes con Esclerosis Múltiple (EM), con la severidad y el comportamiento de la enfermedad. Materiales y Métodos: Reclutamos 81 pacientes con EM, de los cuales se obtuvo una muestra de 50 pacientes para compararlos con 50 sujetos sanos, pareados por edad, sexo y color de la piel. La severidad de la enfermedad se evaluó con la escala de Kurtzke, número de recaídas, exposición solar, etc. Resultados: La concentración sérica de vitamina D en pacientes con EM (M=31.9 SD=12.3 ng/ml) fue similar a la de los controles (M=30.3 SD= 8.0 ng/ml; p=0.53). La prevalencia de insuficiencia de vitamina D fue del 42% (n=21) entre los casos y 46% (n=23) entre los controles, p>0.05). Se calculó la relación entre los niveles óptimos de Vitamina D (> 40, ng/ml) con un bajo grado de discapacidad, definida como un valor en la escala de Kurtzke < 3.5 [χ2(1, N=100)= 3.13 p=0.3]. El promedio de vitamina D en los pacientes con más de una recaída fue de 31.0 ng /ml y con menos de una recaída, 32.5 ng/ml fue similar (p=0.66). Discusión: No hubo diferencia significativa en las concentraciones séricas de vitamina D en pacientes con EM y sujetos sanos, pareados por género, edad y color de la piel. No hubo correlación entre el nivel de vitamina D y el grado de discapacidad medido por la escala de Kurtzke ni con el número de recaídas.

Introduction: The study seeks to relate vitamin D serum levels in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients with disease severity and its progression. Methods: From eighty one MS patients enrolled, fifty were selected to compare to healthy subjects, paired according to age, gender and skin color. Disease severity was assessed using the Kurtzke severity scale, relapses number, solar exposure. Results: The mean vitamin D serum concentration in MS patients (M= 31.9 SD=12.3 ng/ml) was similar to controls' (M=30.31 SD=8.0 ng/ml; p=0.53). The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 42% (n=22) among cases and 46% (n=23) among controls (p=0.91). The relationship between an optimal vitamin D serum concentration (>40 ng/ml) and a low grade of disability, using a cutoff point in the Kurtzke scale < 3.5, was assessed and a non-significant correlation was found [χ2(1, N=100)= 3.13 p=0.3]. The mean vitamin D level among patients with more than one relapse (M=31.0 ng/ml) was similar to those with less than one relapse (M=32.49, p=0.66). Discusion: There was no difference of vitamin D serum levels between MS patients and the general population. A weak and not significant correlation was found with the degree of disability, measured by the Kurtzke severity scale, and also with the number of relapses.

[Comparative study of the conventional scheme and prolonged treatment with steroids on primary steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children]. / Estudio comparativo entre el esquema convencional y el tratamiento prolongado con esteroides en el síndrome nefrótico cortico-sensible primario en Pediatría.

BACKGROUND: In the steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) the prolonged treatment with steroids could decrease the frequency of relapses. We conducted a comparative study of prolonged steroid scheme and the usual treatment of primary SSNS to assess: the number of patients with relapses, mean time to treatment initiation, to remission and to first relapse, total number of relapses, total cumulative dose of steroids, and the steroid toxicity. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: group A (27 patients) received 16-ß-methylprednisolone for 12 weeks, reducing the steroid until week 24. Group B (29 patients) received 16-ß-methylprednisolone for 12 weeks and placebo until week 24. RESULTS: Cumulative incidence rate of relapse (person/years) for group A was of 36/100 and 66/100 for group B (p=0.04). Average elapsed time to first relapse was of 114 days for group A and of 75 days to for group B (p=0.01). The difference in time for initial response to treatment and up to achieve remission between both groups was not significant. Total cumulative relapses were 9 for group A and 17 for group B (p=0.04). Total patients with relapses were 3 for group A and 7 for group B (p=0.17). Cumulative average dose per patient was 5,243mg/m2 for group A and 4,306mg/m2 for group B (p=0.3), and serum cortisol was 14µg/dl for group A and 16µg/dl for group B (p=0.4). There were no steroid toxicity differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The duration of the treatment had an impact on the number of relapses without increasing steroid toxicity.