Bullous Pemphigoid Associated With the Use of Sacubitril/Valsartan: A Case Report and Literature Review.

 Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a complex autoimmune blistering disease with an increased incidence in the comorbid population, particularly among older adults. The occurrence of drug-induced BP is associated with an underlying genetic predisposition, triggering an enhanced immune response, the formation of autoantibodies, and alterations in antigenic properties within the basement membrane zone. With over 90 identified drugs capable of precipitating BP, we present the case of an 87-year-old woman with comorbidities who experienced a medication change from losartan to sacubitril/valsartan. Three months later, erythematous lesions appeared on her lower limbs, progressing to a generalized rash accompanied by itching. Over the following month, these lesions evolved into tense blisters with serous content and intense pain. Suspecting the medication switch to sacubitril/valsartan as the cause, the drug was discontinued, and immunomodulatory treatment was initiated, resulting in a notable improvement in the lesions.

Historical evolution of cancer genomics research in Latin America: a comprehensive visual and bibliometric analysis until 2023.

Background: Cancer genomics, as an interdisciplinary research area within the Global Cancer Research agenda, genomics and precision medicine, its important in research and clinical practice in Latin America. To date, there has been no study investigating evolution of this area in this region. The aim of this study was to evaluate for first time, the historical evolution of cancer genomics research in Latin America. Methods: Bibliometric cross-sectional study of documents on cancer genomics published by Latin American authors until 2023 in Scopus was performed. Statistical and visual analysis was performed with R programming language. Results: A total of 1534 documents were obtained. The first document of cancer genomics research was published in 1997, marking the inception of a 26-year evaluation period that extended until 2023. Among the documents, 74.3% (n = 1140) constituted original articles, followed by 22.7% (n = 349) classified as reviews. International collaboration was observed in 6.5% (n = 100) of the articles. Within the compilation of the ten most prolific authors in this region, 90% of them are from Brazil. This observed pattern extends to affiliations as well, wherein the Universidade de São Paulo emerges as the most active institution (n = 255 documents). This arrangement firmly establishes Brazil's prominence as the preeminent country in the region concerning cancer genomics research, showcasing robust collaboration networks both regionally and intercontinentally. An important transition in the studied hot topics over the last 20 years was identified, from the exploration of the human genome and the characterization of genomic and proteomic cancer profiles (1997-2010) to an in-depth investigation of cancer stem cells and personalized medicine (2011-2023). Among the array of cancer types under study, predominant attention has been directed towards breast, lung, prostate, and leukemia. Conclusion: Over the course of the past 26 years, a favorable and notable evolution has characterized cancer genomics research within Latin America, with Brazil leading the way, which possess a robust network of regional and intercontinental collaboration. Furthermore, the lines of research and hot topics have change in harmony with the region's objectives, strategies, and requisites.

Implementation of an integrated care strategy for child contacts of tuberculosis patients: a quasi-experimental study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Childhood tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem. Although the visibility of the epidemic in this population group has increased, further research is needed. OBJECTIVE: To design, implement and evaluate an integrated care strategy for children under five years old who are household contacts of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Medellín and the Metropolitan Area. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study in which approximately 300 children who are household contacts of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Medellín and the Metropolitan Area will be evaluated and recruited over one year. A subgroup of these children, estimated at 85, who require treatment for latent tuberculosis, will receive an integrated care strategy that includes: some modifications of the current standardized scheme in Colombia, with rifampicin treatment daily for four months, follow-up under the project scheme with nursing personnel, general practitioners, specialists, professionals from other disciplines such as social work, psychology, and nutritionist. Additionally, transportation and food assistance will be provided to encourage treatment compliance. This strategy will be compared with isoniazid treatment received by a cohort of children between 2015 and 2018 following the standardized scheme in the country. The study was approved by the CIB Research Ethics Committee and UPB. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier NCT04331262. DISCUSSION: This study is expected to contribute to the development of integrated care strategies for the treatment of latent tuberculosis in children. The results will have a direct impact on the management of childhood tuberculosis contributing to achieving the goals proposed by the World Health Organization's End TB Strategy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04331262 . Implementation of an Integrated Care Strategy for Children Contacts of Patients with Tuberculosis. Registered 2 April 2020.

Huge gastric trichobezoar caused by involuntary nocturnal trichophagia and trichotillomania in a female adolescent.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Gastric trichobezoar consist of the accumulation of chewed hair in the stomach and can extend to other structures of the digestive tract. The relevance of this entity is that it affects the process of nutrition and digestion, and depending on the size and distension of the digestive tract structures, it can cause perforation, infections, cholangitis and obstructive jaundice, intussusception and pancreatitis. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 15-year-old female patient came to the emergency department with a clinical picture of 8 h of evolution, abundant vomiting and lack of appetite for more than 15 days. Physical examination revealed a palpable mass in the epigastrium and left hypochondrium, without pain. Elective laparotomy was performed with findings of a mass of hard consistency and well organized with gastric shape, with hairs intertwined throughout its thickness, weighing 385 g. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Currently, there are gaps in the evidence on the best approach to this condition, although both laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques and open surgery have been used, with satisfactory results. However, for the definitive solution of the primary cause, the surgical team must investigate further to avoid recurrence and greater burden of disease in the future. CONCLUSION: Gastric trichobezoar may be caused by involuntary nocturnal trichotillomania. Trichobezoar can seriously compromise the nutritional and physical condition of the affected person. The surgical team can inquire about causes of psychological or psychiatric origin, which may explain the development of trichobezoar, giving an answer to the primary cause and avoiding recurrence.

Intraoperative finding of papyraceous twin fetus in pregnant woman without specialized follow-up: A summary of difficulties in accessing prenatal services in low- and middle-income countries.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The papyraceous fetus is the product of the intrauterine fetal death of a twin in early pregnancy, with retention of the fetus for a minimum of 10 weeks, resulting in mechanical compression of the small fetus. It is a finding that can be found early by ultrasound to avoid increased obstetric risk, but in low- to middle-income countries it is not always available. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 22-year-old multipara patient was remitted to the emergency department due to a one-hour history of premature rupture of the membranes. Only one control ultrasound was performed at 25 weeks of pregnancy. Cesarean section was performed and two products were found, one of them a papyraceous fetus. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Almost 50% of women in low- and middle-income countries don't receive adequate antenatal care. It has been estimated that up to half of twins and almost all triplets are born premature and have a higher risk of dying compared to those born at term; specifically, this risk is much higher if the pregnancy is accompanied by rare pathological conditions. CONCLUSION: The papyraceous fetus is a rare condition that represents a risk to the health of the mother and other babies, in case of multiple pregnancy; but it can be diagnosed early through imaging studies. Socio-cultural, socio-economic and direct difficulties of the health system may be the cause of the delay in the diagnosis of this pathological entity, making it an unexpected finding during delivery or intraoperatively.

Broken beer bottle as a cause of sigmoid perforation: A summary of causes and predictors in the management of traumatic and non-traumatic colorectal perforation.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The presence of foreign bodies at the colorectal level and associated complications is a problem that has become increasingly common in emergency departments. This condition carries high health costs, in addition to having high morbidity and mortality rates, due to the large number of complications such as perforation. CASE PRESENTATION: 46-year-old male patient, who came to the emergency department of a low-level hospital with a clinical picture of approximately one day of evolution consisting of the violent introduction of a foreign body (bottle) at the anorectal level secondary to aggression in a fight, with subsequent endoluminal rupture. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The most recent evidence indicates that the incidence of perforation as a complication of colorectal foreign body introduction is low. However, the presence of profuse bleeding, advanced age, presence of comorbidities and sepsis are predictors of poor prognosis in these cases. In general, perforation secondary to non-traumatic causes is more frequent, being predominantly due to colorectal cancer, ischemia, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, inadequate use of enema, iatrogenic endoscopy or anorectal manometry or fecal impaction. The presence of unfavorable factors prolongs hospital stay, the risk of reoperation, perianal infection, peritonitis, sepsis and wound infection, generating mortality rates of up to 38%. CONCLUSION: Colorectal perforation is more frequent in non-traumatic situations and carries health costs and risk of mortality. Its management depends on hospital aspects, clinical context of the patient and training of health personnel. However, most of the outcomes are favorable.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the liver: a case report of a rare case in pediatrics.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) belong to the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors. These lesions are highly aggressive and are usually found in paravertebral regions, lower limbs, and thorax. However, abdominal PNETs are extremely rare, and only 3 cases of pediatric PNET of the liver have been previously reported. Most patients exhibit symptoms associated with mass effect, due to rapid tumor growth and dissemination. Therefore, an appropriate differential diagnosis is of pivotal importance in order to initiate the corresponding treatment. Here we report the case of a 4-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with PNET of the liver, and we discuss the analysis of focal liver lesions and differential diagnosis in pediatric patients.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a child.

Among the diverse causes of posterior mediastinal masses, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors is a very rare neurogenic tumor. Imaging features tend to be variable. A 20-month-old toddler presented with a 3-month history of persistent diffuse thoracic and abdominal pain. A chest magnetic resonance imaging was taken and shown a posterior mediastinal lesion. Histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with myxoid areas. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are an uncommon entity in the children with a poor prognosis. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred technique in children to limit the use of ionizing radiation and because has a higher contrast resolution; however, all suspicious tumors should be biopsied to make an appropriate diagnosis. Treatment is radical surgery with excision of the entire mass; however, there is a high incidence of local recurrence.

Niveles de referencia de dosis de radiación para la toma de imágenes en pediatría / Reference Levels of Radiation Dose for Imaging in Pediatrics

Introducción: El uso de dosis adecuadas de radiación en pacientes pediátricos es un deber de los centros de diagnóstico médico debido a las características y retos que implica esta población. Por lo anterior, se han establecido unos niveles internacionales de referencia de dosis (DRL, del inglés dose reference level) para optimizar y comparar los protocolos de cada institución. En Colombia no se cuenta con estudios al respecto. Objetivo: Mostrar los DRL utilizados en un hospital universitario de alta complejidad en las modalidades de tomografía computarizada (TC), radiografía y fluoroscopia y compararlos con los estándares internacionales. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo realizado entre 2018 y 2019. Se analizaron datos de producto dosis longitud (DLP) para TC de cráneo, tórax, abdomen y TC de tórax de alta resolución (TACAR); y producto dosis área (DAP) para radiografía de tórax, abdomen, huesos y fluoroscopia por grupos etarios. Resultados: Se obtuvieron los datos de 780 pacientes: 360 radiografías, 100 de fluoroscopia y 320 tomografías. Se encontró que los niveles de referencia de dosis de radiación usados en el hospital son bajos, comparados con guías europeas de 2018 de niveles de referencia. Se describen DRL para cada estudio y grupo etario. Conclusión: Se demostró que en el hospital donde hizo el estudio los niveles de referencia de radiación en la población pediátrica son bajos. El presente trabajo puede servir como referente nacional.

Introduction: Due to the characteristics and challenges of the pediatric population regarding radiation, the use of adequate doses of radiation is a duty of medical diagnostic centers. For this reason, the Dose Reference Levels (DRL) have been established in many countries to optimize and monitor the protocols of each institution. In Colombia there are no studies in this subject. Objective: To show the DRLs used in a university hospital of high complexity in the modalities of computed tomography (CT), radiography and fluoroscopy and to compare them with international standards. Methodology: Retrospective descriptive trial between 2018 and 2019. We analyzed dose length product (DLP) data for skull, chest, abdomen, and high-resolution chest CT (HRCT); and dose area product (DAP) for chest, abdomen, bone, and fluoroscopy radiography by age groups. Results: Data were collected for a total of 780 patients. 360 x-rays, 100 fluoroscopy and 320 tomography scans. Reference levels of radiation dose used in the hospital were found to be low compared to European guidelines of 2018 reference levels. DRLs are described for each study and age group. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that at the hospital where the study was conducted, reference levels of radiation in the pediatric population are low. This work can serve as a national reference.

Quimioterapia neoadyuvante como tratamiento para la preservación de la fertilidad en pacientes con cáncer de cérvix en estadio IB: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy as treatment for fertility preservation in patients with stage IB cervical cancer: Case presentation and review of the literature

Presentar el caso de una paciente con cáncer de cérvix en estadio IB1 mayor de dos centímetros, a quien se le administró quimioterapia neoadyuvante seguida de traquelectomía radical con linfadenectomía pélvica por laparoscopia, con el fin de preservar su fertilidad; hacer una revisión de los casos reportados en la literatura con énfasis en los resultados obstétricos y oncológicos.Materiales y métodos: presentación del caso y bésqueda en Medline vía PubMed de los artículos publicados en inglés, francés y español desde enero de 2000 hasta agosto de 2014, sobre la administración de quimioterapia neoadyuvante y cirugía conservadora de la fertilidad en pacientes con cáncer de cérvix en estadio IB.Resultados: se seleccionaron 12 artículos pertinentes, para un total de 55 pacientes. Con un seguimiento entre 14 y 69 meses, se reportaron 4 recaídas y solo una muerte por enfermedad. Resultados obstétricos: 30 embarazos, 24 nacimientos, 3 abortos, 1 embarazo ectópico y 2 embarazos en curso.Conclusión: la quimioterapia neoadyuvante, seguida de cirugía conservadora de la fertilidad, puede considerarse como una alternativa de manejo en pacientes seleccionadas con cáncer de cérvix en estadio IB, con tumores voluminosos, que deseen preservar su fertilidad...

To present the case of a patient with stage IB1 cervical cancer larger than 2 centimetres who received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by laparoscopic radical cervicectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for fertility preservation; and to review the literature for case reports emphasizing obstetric and oncologic outcomes.Materials and methods: Case presentation and search of the literature in Medline through PubMed of articles published in English, French and Spanish between January 2000 and August 2014 on the topic of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and fertility preservation surgery in patients with stage IB cervical cancer.Results: Overall, 12 relevant articles were selected totalling 55 patients. Over follow-up period ranging between 14 and 69 months there were 4 relapses and only one death attributable to the disease. Obstetric outcomes included 30 pregnancies, 24 births, 3 miscarriages, 1 ectopic pregnancy, and 2 on going pregnancies.Conclusion: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by conservative, fertility preservation surgery may be an option for the management of selected patients with stage IB cervical cancer involving large tumours sizes, who wish to preserve their fertility...

Comparison of the effects of calcium carbonate and ossein-hydroxyapatite complex on back and knee pain and quality of life in osteopenic perimenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Back and knee pain (BP; KP), which often accompanies osteoporosis, is a prevalent health problem affecting quality of life (QoL) in middle-aged women. AIM: To compare the effects of calcium carbonate (CC) and ossein-hydroxyapatite complex (OHC) on BP and KP and QoL in perimenopausal osteopenic women. SUBJECTS: 74 perimenopausal women were randomized to receive 1,200 mg/day of CC (n=38) or 1,660 mg/day of OHC (n=36) for 6 months. METHODS: This was a randomized, open-label, parallel-group, controlled, prospective study. Back and knee basal pain was recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS) at each control and exercise-induced pain was recorded using a visual rating system (VRS). Changes in QoL were evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: In patients treated with OHC, mean VAS and VRS pain scores decreased significantly after 5 and 6 months of treatment, indicating a significant analgesic effect. In the CC group, however, changes were minor and non-significant. Two-way analysis of variance using treatment group and time as independent variables revealed a significantly greater effect of OHC over CC on VAS and VRS scores. SF-36 showed significant improvement for OHC on the physical component summary score and no changes for CC. Responses to items assessing emotional and social aspects of QoL showed only a significant improvement in vitality for OHC and no significant changes for CC in any of the four dominions constituting the SF-36 mental component. CONCLUSION: OHC has a significant analgesic effect and improves the physical component of QoL to a greater extent than CC.

Acrylamide levels in selected Colombian foods.

Acrylamide (AA) levels in conventional (n = 112) and traditional (n = 43) Colombian foods were analysed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) detection. Samples included: infant powdered formula, coffee and chocolate powders, corn snacks, bakery products and tuber-, meat- and vegetable-based foods. There was a wide variability in AA levels among different foods and within different brands of the same food, especially for coffee powder, breakfast cereals biscuits and French fries samples. Among the conventional foods tested, the highest mean AA value was found in bakery products, such as biscuit (1104 µg kg(-1)) and wafer (1449 µg kg(-1)), followed by potato chips (916 µg kg(-1)). On the other hand, among the traditional foods, higher AA amounts were detected in fried platano (2813 µg kg(-1)) and yuca (3755 µg kg(-1)) compared to other products. Interestingly, the arepa, a traditional Colombian bakery product made with corn flour, showed a lower AA content (< 75 µg kg(-1)) when compared with similar bakery products tested, such as soft bread (102-594 µg kg(-1)), which is a made with wheat flour.

Complicaciones asociadas a histerectomía radical con linfadenectomía pélvica en mujeres con cáncer de cérvix en el Instituto de Cancerología - Clínica Las Américas, Medellín, Colombia: estudio de cohorte / Complications associated to radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with cervical cancer at instituto de Cancerología Clínica Las Américas. Medellín, Colombia: a cohort study

Objetivo: describir las complicaciones intraquirúrgicas y posquirúrgicas inmediatas de la histerectomía radical total abdominal más linfadenectomía pélvica y los resultados anatomo-patológicos en pacientes con cáncer de cérvix en estadio temprano del Instituto de Cancerología – Clínica Las Américas en un periodo de ocho años.Materiales y métodos: cohorte histórica descriptiva de mujeres con diagnóstico de cáncer de cérvix confirmado histológicamente, y que al momento de la cirugía se encontraban en estadios entre IA2 a IIA1 según la clasificación FIGO, y sometidas a histerectomía radical tipo II o III entre agosto de 2003 y julio de 2011 en el Instituto de Cancerología – Clínica Las Américas, institución de salud de carácter privado, centro de referencia de alta complejidad en Medellín (Colombia), donde se atienden pacientes del régimen contributivo y subsidiado. Se hizo muestreo consecutivo. Las variables evaluadas fueron edad, índice de masa corporal, tiempo quirúrgico, estancia hospitalaria, sangrado intraoperatorio, estadio clínico, histología, infiltración estromal, compromiso linfovascular, compromiso parametrial, márgenes, conteo y compromiso ganglionar, transfusión sanguínea, complicaciones intraoperatorias, complicaciones posoperatorias, terapia adyuvante. La información se resumió por medio de medidas de tendencia central y dispersión para variables continuas y proporciones para variables categóricas u ordinales.Resultados: se incluyeron 199 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 46 años (28-75), 183 pacientes (92%) fueron diagnosticadas en estadio IB1. El diagnóstico histológico más frecuente fue el escamocelular en 125 casos (62,8%), el adenocarcinoma se presentó en 66 casos (33,1%). El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 188 min (90-315); el sangrado estimado en promedio fue 316 cc (30-2000), 19 pacientes (9,5%) requirieron transfusión sanguínea; el promedio de ganglios extraídos fue 22 (9-61); la estancia hospitalaria fue de 2,44 días (1-31) en promedio. La tasa de complicaciones intraoperatorias fue de 9,5%, todas relacionadas con sangrado intraoperatorio y lesiones vasculares. Se presentaron 73 complicaciones posoperatorias (36,7%). La complicación posoperatoria más frecuente fue la fístula urinaria (6,5 %). Un total de 97 (48,7%) pacientes requirieron terapia adyuvante.Conclusiones: la histerectomía radical abdominal realizada en la población de estudio es un procedimiento seguro, reproducible, con una frecuencia de complicaciones intra y posoperatorias dentro de lo esperado para dicha cirugía.

Objective: To describe intra-operative and immediate post-operative complications of total radical abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection, and the pathology results in patients with early-stage cervical cancer at the Instituto de Cancerología - Clínica de Las Américas, over a 8-year period.Materials and methods: Descriptive historical cohort of women with a diagnosis of histologically confirmed cervical cancer, who were diagnosed as stages IA2 to IIA1 according to the FIGO classification at the time of surgery, undergoing type II or III radical hysterectomy between August 2003 and July 2011 at the Instituto de Cancerología - Clínica Las Américas, a private high-complexity referral center in Medellin, Colombia, that provides care to patients of the contributive and subsidized health insurance regimes. A consecutive sample was used. Assessment variables included body mass index, duration of surgery, hospital stay, intraoperative bleeding, clinical stage, histology, stromal infiltration, lymphovascular involvement, parametrial involvement, margins, node count and lymph node involvement, blood transfusion, intra-operative complications, post-operative complications, adjuvant therapy. Information was summarized on the basis of central trend and scatter measurements for continuous variables, and proportions for categorical or ordinal variables.Results: Overall, 199 patients were included with a median age of 46 years (28-75). Of them, 183 (92%) were diagnosed as stage IB1. The most frequent histological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in 125 cases (62.8%), while adenocarcinoma occurred in 66 cases (33.1%). The mean duration of the surgical procedure was 188 min (90-315); average estimated blood loss was 316 cc (30-2000), and 19 patients (9.5%) required a blood transfusion; in average, 22 lymph nodes (9-61) were removed; median hospital stay was 2.44 days (1-31). The rate of intra-operative complications was 9%, all of them associated with vascular lesions and intraoperative bleeding. There were 73 post-operative complications (36.7%), the most frequent of which was urinary fistula (6.5%). Overall, 97 patients (48.7%) required adjuvant therapy.Conclusions: Abdominal radical hysterectomy performed in the study population is a safe, feasible and reproducible, with a frequency of operative and posoperative complications as is expected for that surgery.

Psychosocial interventions in bipolar disorder: a review.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder have been proposed in recent years. Therefore, we consider that a critical review of empirically validated models would be useful. METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted in Medline/PubMed for articles published during 2000-2010 that respond to the combination of "bipolar disorder" with the following key words: "psychosocial intervention", "psychoeducational intervention" and "psychotherapy". RESULTS: Cognitive-behavioral, psychoeducational, systematic care models, interpersonal and family therapy interventions were found to be empirically validated. All of them reported significant improvements in therapeutic adherence and in the patients' functionality. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are currently several validated psychosocial interventions for treating bipolar disorder, their efficacy needs to be specified in relation to more precise variables such as clinical type, comorbid disorders, stages or duration of the disease. Taking into account these clinical features would enable a proper selection of the most adequate intervention according to the patient's specific characteristics.

Intervenciones psicosociales en el Trastorno Bipolar: una revisión / Psychosocial interventions in Bipolar Disorder: A review

Introducción. En los últimos años han sido propuestas múltiples intervenciones psicosociales para el tratamiento del trastorno bipolar. Una revisión crítica de los modelos validados empíricamente resultaría de utilidad. Método. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de artículos publicados en Medline/Pub Med durante los años 2000-2010 que respondieran al cruce de trastorno bipolar con las siguientes palabras claves: "psychosocial intervention","psychoeducational intervention" y "psychotherapy". Resultados. Cuentan con validez empírica intervenciones provenientes de los modelos cognitivo-conductual, psicoeducativo, cuidado sistemático, interpersonal y familiar. Todas ellas dan cuenta de mejoras significativas en la adhesión a las indicaciones terapéuticas y un incremento en la funcionalidad Conclusiones. Si bien se utilizan diversas intervenciones psicosociales validadas para el abordaje del trastorno bipolar, su nivel de eficacia debería precisarse en base a variables más específicas como ser las formas clínicas, tipo de comorbilidad ,fases o duración de la enfermedad. Estas delimitaciones permitirían seleccionar la intervención más adecuada según las características del paciente (AU)

Introduction. Multiple psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder have been proposed in recent years. Therefore, we consider that a critical review of empirically validated models would be useful. Methods. A review of the literature was conducted in Medline/Pub Med for articles published during 2000-2010that respond to the combination of "bipolar disorder" with the following key words: "psychosocial intervention", "psychoeducational intervention" and "psychotherapy". Results. Cognitive-behavioral, psychoeducational, systematic care models, interpersonal and family therapy interventions were found to be empirically validated. All of them reported significant improvements in therapeutic adherence and in the patients’ functionality. Conclusions. Although there are currently several validated psychosocial interventions for treating bipolar disorder, their efficacy needs to be specified in relation to more precise variables such as clinical type, comorbid disorders, stages or duration of the disease. Taking into account these clinical features would enable a proper selection of the most adequate intervention according to the patient’s specific characteristics (AU)

Extracto alcoholico de la placenta humana: composicion quimica y posibles aplicaciones / Alcoholic extract of human placenta: chemical composition and possible applications

En algunos países se adelantan trabajos de investigación en el desarrollo y utilización de materiales biológicos que pueden contribuir al mejoramiento de ciertas enfermedades y a brindar un valor agregado a estos compuestos que se consideran un desecho. Es el caso de la Placenta Humana, que en Colombia no ha tenido una aplicabilidad y desarrollo, por el contrario es desechada y enterrada. Países como Cuba han involucrado el tratamiento y terapia de algunas enfermedades con extractos de placenta humana, aprovechando su inmenso potencial como un medicamento natural y altamente efectivo. Se propone un método experimental para la obtención de un extracto alcohólico como fuente de grasas y/u hormonas, que eventualmente pueden servir como materia prima para productos cosméticos y de terapias para algunas enfermedades humanas. Con los ensayos ejecutados se logró obtener una serie de extractos que, dependiendo de su uso, pueden presentar un posible desarrollo de compuestos bioactivos para las industrias cosméticas y farmacéuticas.