ω-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid Desaturase Activity Ratios as Eventual Endophenotypes for ADHD.

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies suggest that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) may be suitable as endophenotypes for ADHD. To be appropriated vulnerability traits, endophenotypes should be altered in unaffected relatives of index cases. Serum profiles of LC-PUFAs in unaffected relatives of ADHD patients remain understudied. The main objective of this study was to compare serum LC-PUFAs in ADHD patients, unaffected relatives of index cases, and general-population unaffected participants. METHOD: LC-PUFA profiles of 72 participants (27 ADHD patients, 27 unaffected relatives, and 18 general-population participants) were obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Groups were compared by parametrical statistics. RESULTS: Unaffected females from the general population presented lower Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; p = .0012) and a-linolenic acid (ALA; p = .0091) levels compared with ADHD females and unaffected relatives. In addition, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/ALA and DHA/DPA ratios, addressing desaturase activity, were significantly lower in ADHD patients and unaffected relatives of ADHD patients in the female-subgroup (p = .022 and .04, respectively). CONCLUSION: DHA/ALA, DHA/DPA, serum DPA, and serum ALA may be suitable as endophenotypes for ADHD women.

[Use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to detect postpartum depression]. / Mejorando la pesquisa de depresión posparto a través de un instrumento de tamizaje, la escala de depresión posparto de Edimburgo.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression is a serious, common, treatable condition, with broad repercussions in mother and family life, but frequently under diagnosed. A screening tool, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) could improve the detection rate of depressive symptoms. AIM: To assess the efficacy of EPDS in the detection rates for depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. To evaluate the feasibility of routine use of this screening scale in a Family Medicine Center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of women attended during 2002, were reviewed to detect the registry of depressive symptoms or request for psychiatric consultations for depression. During 2003, the EPDS was applied to a sample of 110 women. To confirm the postpartum depression diagnosed using the instrument, a structured psychiatric interview was administered to these women. RESULTS: The medical records of 110 women aged 24+/-7 years were reviewed and the instrument was applied to 110 women aged 26+/-7 years. In the first group, the spontaneous detection rate for depressive symptoms was 4.6% (5/110). In 26.4% of women in whom the instrument was applied, depressive symptoms were found and 15% had a postpartum depression. The application rate of the scale was 88% and the rate of acceptance by mothers was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The EPDS improves significantly the detection rates of postpartum depressive symptoms, and it is well accepted by health professionals and mothers.

Mejorando la pesquisa de depresión posparto a través de un instrumento de tamizaje, la escala de depresión posparto de Edimburgo / Use fo the Edinburgh postnatal depression sea le to detect postpartum depression

Background: Postpartum depression is a serious, common, treatable condition, with broad repercussions in mother and family life, but frequently under diagnosed. A screening tool, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) could improve the detection rate of depressive symptoms. Aim: To assess the efficacy of EPDS in the detection rates for depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. To evaluate the feasibility of routine use of this screening scale in a Family Medicine Center. Material and methods: The medical records of women attended during 2002, were reviewed to detect the registry of depressive symptoms or request for psychiatric consultations for depression. During 2003, the EPDS was applied to a sample of 110 women. To confirm the postpartum depression diagnosed using the instrument, a structured psychiatric interview was administered to these women. Results: The medical records of 110 women aged 24±7years were reviewed and the instrument was applied to 110 women aged 26±7years. In the first group, the spontaneous detection rate for depressive symptoms was 4.6 percent (5/110). In 26.4 percent of women in whom the instrument was applied, depressive symptoms were found and 15 percent had a postpartum depression. The application rate of the scale was 88 percent and the rate of acceptance by mothers was 100 percent. Conclusions: The EPDS improves significantly the detection rates of postpartum depressive symptoms, and it is well accepted by health professionals and mothers.

Estadística al día / Updated statistics

Es importante para el pediatra y médico general conocer las variaciones experimentadas por los parámetros estadísticos, que reflejan en parte la evolución de la medicina y lo que le va ocurriendo a la población de su país. Este artículo analiza lo ocurrido en los últimos años con las tasas de natalidad y mortalidad en las diferentes edades, y así como las causas de morbilidad a partir de los egresos hospitalarios y lo observado en la evaluación del estado nutritivo. El conocimiento y análisis de las estadísticas son necesarios para la planificación de políticas de salud y para evaluar el impacto de los programas y del desarrollo de una región o país