Regular physical activity reduces the proinflammatory response in older women with diabetes and hypertension in the postmenopausal phase.

Aging in women is characterized by extreme hormonal changes leading them to develop a chronic low-grade inflammation that is linked to the development of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this scenario, physical activity emerges as an interesting methodology, since it seems to be connected to a decrease in serum levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, most studies evaluate these cytokines in an isolated manner not considering the influence of comorbidities on the responsiveness of participants to the benefits of physical activity. So, this study aimed to assess the influence of physical activity on body composition, anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers of diabetic and hypertensive older postmenopausal women. We evaluated 163 women aged from 60 to 80 years, diagnosed with T2DM and SAH that were assisted by the Family Health Units in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. The pratice of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire with the participants being classified as active or sedentary individuals. Active older women presented better body composition, lipid profile and inflammatory balance. This was connected to a better correlation profile between these factors in active older women, characteristics that were not noticed in sedentary older women. Moreover, IL-17A and the relationship between IL-10 and the other pro-inflammatory cytokines examined was greatly influenced by physical activity. Consequently, physical activity is linked to a global improvement in T2DM and SAH risk factors and with a positive inflammatory modulation in diabetic and hypertensive older women.

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome: neurodevelopment of infants treated with laser surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the neurodevelopmental functions of survivors of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated by fetoscopic laser coagulation (FLC), during the first year of life, comparing them to a control group; and to verify the influence of specific variables on neurodevelopment. METHOD: This was a prospective, longitudinal study. The sample comprised 33 monochorionic diamniotic twins who underwent FLC for treatment of TTTS and 22 full-term infants of single-fetus pregnancies. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Screening Test were used for evaluation. Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal information were obtained. RESULTS: There was an increased frequency of infants in the TTTS group with inadequate performance compared to the control group. The identified variables (fetal donor, low economic income and cardiorespiratory disease) negatively impacted expressive communication and fine motor skills. CONCLUSION: Although through follow-up is recommended in all TTTS survivors, particular attention is required for the high-risk group as defined in this study.

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome: neurodevelopment of infants treated with laser surgery / Síndrome de transfusão feto-fetal: neurodesenvolvimento de lactentes tratados com cirurgia a laser

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the neurodevelopmental functions of survivors of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated by fetoscopic laser coagulation (FLC), during the first year of life, comparing them to a control group; and to verify the influence of specific variables on neurodevelopment. Method This was a prospective, longitudinal study. The sample comprised 33 monochorionic diamniotic twins who underwent FLC for treatment of TTTS and 22 full-term infants of single-fetus pregnancies. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Screening Test were used for evaluation. Prenatal, perinatal and postnatal information were obtained. Results There was an increased frequency of infants in the TTTS group with inadequate performance compared to the control group. The identified variables (fetal donor, low economic income and cardiorespiratory disease) negatively impacted expressive communication and fine motor skills. Conclusion Although through follow-up is recommended in all TTTS survivors, particular attention is required for the high-risk group as defined in this study.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o desenvolvimento neurológico de sobreviventes da sindrome de transfusão feto-fetal (STFF) submetidos à coagulação a laser por fetoscopia (CLF), durante o primeiro ano de vida, comparando estes ao grupo controle; e verificar a influência de variáveis específicas no desenvolvimento. Método Tratou-se de estudo prospectivo, longitudinal. A amostra foi composta por 33 gêmeos diamnióticos monocoriônicos submetidos à CLF para tratamento da STFF e 22 lactentes a termo de gestação única. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Screening Test foram utilizadas para avaliação. Informações pré-natal, perinatal e pós-natal foram coletadas. Resultados Houve maior número de lactentes com desempenho inadequado no grupo STFF do que no controle. As variáveis identificadas (feto doador, baixa renda econômica e doença cárdio-respiratória) influenciaram negativamente a comunicação expressiva e as habilidades motoras finas. Conclusão Embora o acompanhamento seja recomendado para todos lactentes com STFF, especial atenção deve ser dada àqueles que apresentam fatores de risco.