Consideraciones en el manejo del adulto con Hiperplasia Suprarrenal congénita clásica por déficit de 21-Hidroxilasa / Management considerations for the adult with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due 21-hydroxylase deficiency

La Hiperplasia Suprarrenal Congénita (HSRC) corresponde a un grupo de defectos genéticos en la síntesis de cortisol. El 95% de ellas son debidas al déficit de 21-hidroxilasa por lo que nos referiremos solo a esta deficiencia. La hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita clásica (HSRC-C) debuta en recién nacidos o lactantes con insuficiencia suprarrenal primaria, diferentes grados de hiperandrogenismo clínico en mujeres y puede coexistir con hipotensión, hiperkalemia e hiponatremia si hay un déficit clínico de aldosterona. El objetivo de este artículo es actualizar el conocimiento y enfoques sugeridos para el manejo de la HSRC-C desde el inicio de sus controles en la etapa adulta. El diagnóstico diferencial en retrospectiva de la HSRC-C y la no clásica (HSRC-NC) a veces resulta difícil ya que esta enfermedad es un espectro fenotípico continuo. La insuficiencia suprarrenal y la dependencia a terapia corticoidal son los eventos principales para diferenciar estas dos patologías que tienen enfoques terapéuticos diferentes. El tratamiento de la HSRC-C en adultos abarca 2 objetivos primarios: la adecuada sustitución de la falla suprarrenal y el control de hiperandrogenismo mediante el uso de corticoides en sus dosis mínimas efectivas. En la mujer existen terapias complementarias para el control del hiperandrogenismo como anticonceptivos y otras que se encuentran en diferentes fases de investigación. Esto permite disminuir las dosis de corticoides en algunos casos. Es importante a la vez abordar tres objetivos secundarios: controlar el riesgo cardiometabólico propio de la enfermedad, evitar el sobre tratamiento corticoidal y manejar la infertilidad. La correcta monitorización del tratamiento en adultos tomando en cuenta los objetivos descritos permite una mejor calidad de vida en estos pacientes. Finalmente el consejo genético debe realizarse en todos los pacientes con HSRC que deseen fertilidad y en sus parejas. El estudio requiere de secuenciación del gen CYP21A2 y debe realizarse en un laboratorio de experiencia.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) are a group of genetic defects characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis. 95% of them are due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. We will discuss only this enzyme's deficiency. Classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH-C) debuts in newborns or infants with primary adrenal insufficiency, some degree of clinical hyperandrogenism in newborn females, and can coexist with hypotension, hyperkalemia, and hyponatremia if there is a clinical aldosterone deficiency. The objective of this article is to update the knowledge and suggested approaches for the management of CAH-C from the beginning of its controls in the adult stage. The retrospective differential diagnosis of CAH-C and non-classical (CAH-NC) is sometimes difficult because this disease is a continuous phenotypic spectrum. Adrenal insufficiency and dependence on corticosteroid therapy are the main events to differentiate these two pathologies that have different therapeutic approaches. In adults, the treatment of CAH-C must include 2 primary objectives: adequate the replacement of adrenal failure and control of hyperandrogenism, through the use of corticosteroids in their minimum effective doses. In women there are complementary therapies for the control of hyperandrogenism, such as contraceptives and others that are in different phases of research. This makes it possible to reduce the doses of corticosteroids in some cases. It is important at the same time to address three secondary objectives: control the cardiometabolic risk of the disease secondary to corticosteroid treatment, avoid corticosteroid overtreatment and manage infertility. The correct monitoring of treatment in adults and taking in to account the objectives described, allows a better quality of life in these patients. Finally, genetic counseling must be carried out in all patients planning for children, with any type of CAH and in their partners. The study requires sequencing of the CYP21A2 gene and must be performed in a certified laboratory.

Preparation and physicochemical characterization of prazosin conjugated PLGA nanoparticles for drug delivery of flutamide

In the current work, a sustained drug delivery system of flutamide (FLT) was developed using Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) decorated bypoly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted prazosin (PLGA-PEG-Praz) as a targeting moiety. In a multi-step reaction, PLGA was linked to PEG and prazosin. The structure of the synthesized polymers was confirmed by FTIR and 1H-NMR. Flutamide-loaded nanoparticles were prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique. The nanoparticles were evaluated for size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, drug crystallinity, loading efficiency, and release properties. Also, the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and Powder X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD). The particle size of nanoparticles was ranged between 191 and 249 nm. Loading efficiency of nanoparticles was about 43%-69%. Results showed a steady release rate for nanoparticles compared to that of a pure drug powder. SEM characterization confirmed that particles were in nanosize range. DSC and XRPD results verified a decrease in drug crystallinity in the prepared formulations. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that PLGA-PEG-Praz nanoparticles could be a good choice to improve the physicochemical properties of the drug and these formulations can increase Flutamide efficacy.

Family care of people with severe mental disorders: an integrative review / Cuidado familiar de pessoas com doenças mentais graves: uma revisão integrativa / Cuidado familiar de la persona con trastorno mental grave: una revisión integradora

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the scientific literature on home-based family care of people with severe mental illness. METHOD: integrative review of 14 databases (CINALH, Cochrane Plus, Cuidatge, CUIDEN, Eric, IBECS, EMI, ISOC, JBI COnNECT, LILACS, PsycINFO, PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus) searched with the key words "family caregivers", "severe mental illness", and "home" between 2003 and 2013. RESULTS: of 787 articles retrieved, only 85 met the inclusion criteria. The articles appeared in 61 journals from different areas and disciplines, mainly from nursing (36%). The countries producing the most scientific literature on nursing were Brazil, the UK, and the US, and authorship predominantly belonged to university centers. A total of 54.12% of the studies presented quantitative designs, with descriptive ones standing out. Work overload, subjective perspectives, and resources were the main topics of these papers. CONCLUSIONS: the international scientific literature on home-based, informal family care of people with severe mental disorder is limited. Nursing research stands out in this field. The prevalent topics coincide with the evolution of the mental health system. The expansion of the scientific approach to family care is promoted to create evidence-based guidelines for family caregivers and for the clinical practice of professional caregivers. .

OBJETIVO: analisar a produção científica sobre o cuidado familiar de pessoas com transtorno mental grave em casa. MÉTODO: revisão integrativa de 14 bases de dados (CINALH, Cochrane Plus, Cuidatge, CUIDEN, Eric, IBECS, EMI, ISOC, JBI Connect, LILACS, PsycInfo e PubMed, SciELO, e Scopus), com as palavras-chave "cuidadores familiares", "TMG" (transtornos mentais graves ) e "casa", realizada entre 2003 e 2013. RESULTADOS: dos 787 artigos retornados, somente 85 atenderam os critérios de inclusão. Os artigos vieram de 61 periódicos de diferentes áreas e disciplinas, principalmente de enfermagem (36%). Os países com maior produção científica sobre enfermagem foram o Brasil, o Reino Unido e os Estados Unidos, e a autoria era predominantemente de centros universitários. Um total de 54,12% dos estudos apresentou delineamento quantitativo, e os descritivos se destacaram. Os principais temas desses trabalhos foram sobrecarga de trabalho, perspectivas subjetivas e recursos. CONCLUSÕES: a produção cientifica internacional sobre o cuidado familiar informal de pessoas com doenças mentais graves em casa é limitada. A pesquisa em enfermagem se destaca nesse campo. Os temas prevalentes coincidem com a evolução do sistema de saúde mental. Estimula-se a expansão da abordagem científica do cuidado familiar de modo a encontrar evidências para criar guias para cuidadores familiares e para a prática clínica de cuidadores profissionais. .

OBJETIVO: analizar la producción científica sobre el cuidado familiar de la persona con trastorno mental grave en el hogar familiar. MÉTODO: revisión integradora en 14 bases de datos (CINALH, Cochrane Plus, Cuidatge, CUIDEN, Eric, IBECS, IME, ISOC, JBI ConNECT, LILACS, PsycInfo, PubMed, SciELO y Scopus), con las palabras clave "cuidadores familiares", "TMG" y "hogar"; realizada entre 2003 y 2013. RESULTADOS: de 787 artículos recuperados, sólo 85 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Los artículos procedieron de 61 revistas de diferentes áreas y disciplinas destacando la disciplina de enfermería (36%). Los países con mayor producción científica sobre enfermería fueron Brasil, Reino Unido y EEUU. En la autoría predominaron los centros universitarios. El 54,12% de los estudios presentó diseño cuantitativo, sobresaliendo los descriptivos. Las temáticas destacadas fueron sobrecarga, perspectivas subjetivas y recursos. CONCLUSIONES: la producción científica internacional sobre el cuidado informal familiar de la persona con trastorno mental grave, en el contexto del hogar familiar, es limitada. En este campo, destaca la investigación de enfermería. Las temáticas prevalentes coinciden con la evolución del sistema de salud mental. Se estimula la ampliación del abordaje científico del cuidado familiar con el fin de encontrar evidencias para la elaboración de guías de cuidadores familiares y para la práctica clínica de cuidadores profesionales. .

Tratamento hormonal da acne baseado em evidências / Hormonal treatment of acne based on evidence

Este trabalho de revisão apresenta o tratamento hormonal da acne baseado em evidências. O trabalho resume a clínica, a classificação, a fisiopatologia e a etiologia da acne. A avaliação de estudos selecionados mostrou que o tratamento hormonal da acne deve ser complementado por tratamento cosmiátrico, e não está indicado para gestantes ou mulheres com planos de engravidar. A primeira escolha para esse tratamento são os contraceptivos hormonais orais, pois são efetivos e seguros para tratamento da acne e também para anticoncepção. Após tempo estabelecido, se o resultado for insatisfatório, outro medicamento, como acetato de ciproterona ou espironolactona, deve ser adicionado. A finasterida é o medicamento indicado para acne de origem idiopática, e a flutamida apresenta efeitos colaterais significativos, não constituindo indicação segura até o momento.

This review shows the hormonal treatment of acne. The review summarizes the clinical aspects, classification, physiopathology and etiology of the acne. The evaluation of selected papers showed that hormonal treatment of acne with hormones has to be complemented by esthetics treatment and is not prescribed for pregnant women or those who want to get pregnant. The first choice of treatment is the hormonal oral contraceptive one, because it is effective and safe for treatment of acne and also for contraception. After an established period with unsatisfactory results, other medicines, such as ciproterone acetate or spironolactone, can be added. The finasteride is prescribed for idiopathic acne and flutamide has many relevant side effects and is also not safe.

Tratamento hormonal do hirsutismo baseado em evidências / Evidence-based hormonal treatment of hirsutism

A revisão de estudos baseados em evidências mostra o melhor tratamento hormonal para o hirsutismo. Inicialmente, resumiu-se a fisiologia do pelo, caracterizou-se o hirsutismo, suas variantes e suas causas. Revelou-se que o tratamento hormonal do hirsutismo deve ser complementado pelo tratamento cosmético e não deve ser indicado para mulheres grávidas ou que desejam engravidar. A primeira opção é o contraceptivo hormonal oral, seguro para contracepção e eficaz para tratamento do hirsutismo. Após tempo estipulado, não ocorrendo resposta satisfatória, associar acetato de ciproterona ou espironolactona. A finasterida é indicada para hirsutismo idiopático e a flutamida, devido aos efeitos colaterais, ainda não é opção segura

An evidence-based review shows the best hormonal treatment of hirsutism. This paper summarized the physiology of the hair, characterized the hirsutism, its variants and etiologies. The study revealed that hormonal treatment of hirsutism has to be complemented by esthetic treatment, and it is not recommended for pregnant women or for those who want to get pregnant. The first option is hormonal oral contraceptive, which is safe for contraception and effective for treatment of hirsutism. After a established period of treatment, if good results do not occur, the association of cyproterone or spironolactone is recomended. Finasteride is the treatment of idiopathic hirsutism, and flutamide is not a safe option due to its side effects

Hepatitis colestásica inducida por flutamida. Presentación de un caso / Cholestatic hepatitis induced by flutamida. Presentation of a case

La flutamida es un antiandrógeno no esteroideo, utilizado como terapia a largo plazo para el cáncer de próstata. Entre los efectos secundarios se incluye toxicidad hepática, la cual es muy rara vez reportada. Se presenta el caso de un adulto de 71 años con cáncer de próstata que desarrolla episodio de hepatitis colestásica durante tratamiento con flutamida. Luego de suspender la flutamida el paciente recupera progresivamente su función hepática, pero presenta recurrencia más severa al reiniciar la droga.No se justifica el reinicio del tratamiento luego de un primer episodio de hepatitis tóxica y es necesario tener en cuenta la toxicidad hepática del fármaco, cuando se decide indicarlo como tratamiento.

Flutamide is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, used like therapy a long term for the prostate cancer. Between the indirects effects the hepatic toxicity is included, which is very rarely reported. The case of an adult of 71 years old with prostate cancer appears that develops episode of cholestatic hepatitis during treatment with flutamide. After to suspend flutamide the patient it recovers progressively his hepatic function, but he presented a recurrence more severely upon reintroduction of the drug.The resumption of the treatment after a first episode of toxic hepatitis is not justified and is necessary to consider the hepatic toxicity of the drug, when it is decided to indicate it like treatment.

Actividad inducida por androsterona y hemisuccinato de androsterona sobre la presión de perfusión y la resistencia vascular / Activity induced by androsterone and hemisuccinate of androsterone on perfusion pressure and vascular resistance

Introducción. Existen pocos datos sobre los efectos de la androsterona y sus derivados a nivel cardiovascular. Además, el mecanismo molecular de estos andrógenos y su sitio de acción celular son poco claros. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto inducido por la androsterona y el hemisuccinato de androsterona sobre la presión de perfusión y la resistencia vascular. Materiales y métodos. Los efectos de la androsterona y del derivado de androsterona sobre la presión de perfusión y la resistencia vascular fueron evaluados en un modelo de corazón aislado de rata (Langendorff). Resultados. Los resultados mostraron que: 1) el hemisuccinato de androsterona [10-9 M] incrementa la presión de perfusión y la resistencia vascular en comparación con la androsterona [10-9 M]; 2) los efectos del derivado de androsterona [10-9 M-10-5 M] sobre la presión de perfusión no fueron inhibidos por indometacina [10-6 M]; 3) la nifedipina [10-6M] bloquea los efectos ejercidos por el hemisuccinato de androsterona [10-9 M-10-5 M] sobre la presión de perfusión, y 4) el efecto del derivado de androsterona [10-9 M-10-5 M] sobre la presión de perfusión en presencia de flutamida [10-6 M] fue inhibido. Conclusiones. Los efectos inducidos por androsterona y hemisuccinato de androsterona sobre la presión de perfusión y la resistencia vascular pueden depender de su estructura química. En el caso de la actividad ejercida por el análogo de androsterona, podría involucrar la interacción del esteroide-receptor androgénico e, indirectamente, la activación del canal de calcio y, consecuentemente, inducir variaciones en la presión de perfusión.

Introduction. Few data exist with respect to the effects of androsterone and their derivatives at cardiovascular level. In addition, the molecular mechanisms and cellular site of action of these androgens are still unclear. Objective. An evaluation was conducted on the effects induced by androsterone and hemisuccinate of androsterone on perfusion pressure and vascular resistance. Materials and methods. The effects of both androsterone and hemisuccinate of androsterone on the perfusion pressure and vascular resistance in isolated rat hearts (Langendorff model) were evaluated. Results. The results showed that: (1) the hemisuccinate of androsterone [10-9 M] increases the perfusion pressure and vascular resistance in comparison with the androsterone [10-9 M]; (2) the effect of androsterone-derivative [10-9 M-10-5 M] on perfusion pressure not was inhibited by indometacin [10-6 M]; (3) nifedipine [10-6 M] blocks the effects exerted by hemisuccinate of androsterone [10-9 M-10-5 M] on perfusion pressure; and (4) the effect of androsterone-derivative [10-9 M-10-5 M] on perfusion pressure in presence of flutamide [10-6 M] was inhibited. Conclusions. The effects induced by androsterone and hemisuccinate of androsterone on the perfusion pressure and resistance vascular probably involve the interaction of steroid-receptor androgenic and, indirectly, activation of the calcium channel to induce variations in the perfusion pressure.

Increase in apoptosis and of the stress protein HSP70 in the mouse epididymis produced by the antiandrogen flutamide / El antiandrógeno flutamida produce un aumento de la apoptosis y de la proteína de stress HSP70 en el epidídimo del ratón

The general aim of this paper was to characterize some changes induced by androgen receptors blockage in the epithelial cells of the mouse epididymis. The antiandrogen flutamide was injected (10 mg/Kg b.w.) to adult male mice which were sacrificed 24h. and 72h. after. Controls injected with the vehicle (corn oil) were sacrificed at the same intervals. Cryosections were made of the epididymides and examined by the TUNEL method for quantification of apoptosis and also using immunocytochemistry to visualize the expression of the stress protein HSP70. The highest indexes of apoptosis were observed in the caput epididymis after 72 h. and were of 7.40 cells/1000 in contrast to controls (0.21 cells/1000). HSP70 appeared particularly increased in the caput and cauda epididymis after 72 h. treatment. Results indicated that the blockage of androgen receptors induces apoptosis and a HSP70 expression in the principal epithelial cells of the mouse epididymis, and that these changes occur in a region-specific fashion.

Este trabajo estudia los cambios inducidos por el bloqueador de receptores de andrógeno flutamida en el epitelio del epidídimo del ratón. Varios machos adultos fueron inyectados con flutamida (1Omg/Kg.b.w.) y se sacrificaron a las 24 y 72horas. Otros machos, que sirvieron de controles fueron inyectados sólo con el vehículo empleado para las inyecciones (aceite de maíz) y se sacrificaron a intervalos similares. Los epidídimos tratados y controles fueron examinados mediante el método TÚNEL para cuantificar la apoptosis y mediante procedimientos inmunocitoquímicos para localizar la proteína de stress HSP70. El índice apoptótico más alto fue observado en la cabeza del epidídimo después de 72 horas de tratamiento. HSP70 se observó también a las 72 horas en la cabeza y en la cauda epididimaria. Los resultados indican que el bloqueo de los receptores de andrógenos induce apoptosis y expresión de HSP70 en las células principales del epitelio epididimario, y que estos cambios ocurren afectando a regiones específicas del epidídimo.

Effect of Flutamide in Mouse Spermatogenesis and on the Function of Seminal Vesicle and Prostate

RESUMEN: La espermatogénesis está regulada por el eje hipotálamo-hipófisis-gónada, y los andrógenos juegan un rol fundamental en sus últimas etapas. La administración del antiandrógeno flutamida interfiere con ella y con la función de órganos andrógeno dependientes (próstata (P) y vesícula seminal (VS)). En este estudio se inyectó flutamida (10 mg/Kg peso corporal) a 10 ratones y vehículo al control(n=6). Los ratones se sacrificaron a las 24(n=5) y 72(n=5) horas. En cortes de testículo se midió el diámetro del túbulo (TD) y la altura del epitelio (EH). P y VS se maceraron, y se determinaron las concentraciones de fructosa (VS) y zinc (P). No existe diferencia significativa en el TD entre los grupos. Sin embargo, el grupo de 72 h presenta menor EH respecto al control (p<0.01). La fructosa es menor sólo a las 72 h (p<0.01), intervalo en el cual se presenta la mayor concentración de zinc (p<0.01). La disminución de la EH se explicaría por el desprendimiento de las espermátidas elongadas, debido al bloqueo del efecto de la testosterona, sin reflejarse en el TD a intervalo corto. La disminución de fructosa refleja claramente la deprivación de andrógenos, en tanto que la concentración prostática aumentada a 72 hrs sugiere deficiencia en la secreción de zinc.

Hepatotoxicidade pela flutamida em paciente sob tratamento para acne: relato de caso / Flutamide-induced hepatotoxicity during treatment of acne: a case report

A flutamida é agente antiandrogênico não esteróide usado no tratamento do câncer de próstata, da acne e do hirsutismo. Alguns casos de hepatotoxicidade grave têm sido apresentados na literatura com seu uso. Relata-se o caso de uma paciente com 21 anos de idade, que apresentou significativa elevação das aminotransferases durante o tratamento para acne com flutamida, completamente resolvida após a descontinuação da droga. Discute-se o diagnóstico, a relação risco/benefício e conclui-se que a monitoração com exames que avaliem o fígado é imperativa e que a droga deve ser suspensa se houver elevação de aminotransferases, dada a possibilidade de disfunção hepática grave.

Eficacia de la flutamida en el tratamiento del hirsutismo: contribución del uso combinado con anticonceptivos orales en mujeres normoandrogénicas / Effectiveness of flutamide alone or combined with oral contraceptives in the treatment of hirsutism in women

Background: Flutamide is an antiandrogen devoid of other hormonal effects, except for a decrease in the secretion of adrenal androgens such as dehydroepidandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-s) and androstenedione. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of flutamide in the treatment of hirsutism, used as monotherapy or combined with oral contraceptives (OC). Patients and methods: Women with peripheral hirsutism (defined as the presence of normal serum androgen levels and normal ovulatory menstrual cycles) were assigned to receive flutamide alone (500 mg/day) or flutamide plus an OC (ethynylestradiol 0.03 mg and desogestrel 150 µg). Hirsute with hyperandrogenism (polycystic ovary syndrome) were assigned to receive flutamide plus an OC. The degree of hirsutism was assessed using a clinical score (Moncada) at three, six and twelve months of therapy. Results: Twenty five women with peripheral hirsutism received flutamide alone and 18 receive flutamide plus the contraceptive. Eighteen women with polycystic ovary syndrome were studied. At three months, the reduction in hirsutism was 11.2, 15.9 and 24.7 percent in women with peripheral hirsutism receiving flutamide alone or flutamide plus OC and in hyperandrogenic women receiving flutamide plus OC, respectively. At twelve months, the figures were 57.2, 57.3 and 52.5 percent respectively. In hyperandrogenic women, at baseline and three months, serum testosterone levels were 0.96 and 0.42 ng/ml and serum DHEA-s levels were 2,980 and 1,490 ng/ml respectively. No collateral effects of treatment or elevations in serum transaminase levels were observed. Conclusions: Flutamide is effective in the treatment of hirsutism in women with normal or elevated androgen levels. Adding OC did not improve the efficacy of the drug.

Tissue alterations in the Guinea pig lateral prostate following antiandrogen flutamide therapy

The flutamide antiandrogenic effects on the Guinea pig male prostate morphology in puberal, post-puberal and adult ages were evaluated in the present study. Daily-treated group animals received flutamide subcutaneous injection at a dose of 10 mg/Kg body weight for 10 days. The control group animals received a pharmacological vehicle under the same conditions. The lateral prostate was removed, fixed and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed an increase of the acinus diameter in the treated puberal animals and straitness in the stromal compartment around the acini. The epithelial cells exhibited cubic phenotype. In the post-puberal and adult animals, a decrease of the acinus diameter was observed, as well as an increase of the smooth muscle layer and presence of the folds at epithelium. The ultrastructural evaluation of the secretory cells in the treated group demonstrated endomembrane enlargement, mainly in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. In addition, a decrease of the microvilli and alterations in the distribution patterns and density of the stromal fibrillar components were observed. In conclusion, the flutamide treatment exerts tissue effects on the lateral prostate, promoting stroma/epithelium alterations.

Flutamida: revisão de suas propriedades farmacológicas e físico-químicas. Métodos de análise em formulações farmacêuticas / Flutamide: a review of its pharmacological and physico-chemical properties. Methods for analysis of pharmaceutical formulas

A flutamida, 2-metil-N-[4-nitro-3-(trifluorometil)fenil]propanamida, α,α,α-trifluoro-2-metil-4'-nitro-mpropionotoluididaou 4'-nitro-3'-trifluorometilisobutiranilida, é um fármaco antiandrógeno não-esteróide, destituídade atividade hormonal, utilizada no tratamento do câncer avançado de próstata. Atua inibindo a ligação datestosterona ou da diidrotestosterona aos receptores nucleares e citoplasmáticos nas células-alvo. A flutamida écompletamente absorvida pelo trato gastrintestinal, e rapidamente convertida em vários metabólitos. A ligação àsproteínas plasmáticas é de 94 por cento a 96 por cento. O fármaco e seus metabólitos são excretados principalmente na urina. Asprincipais reações adversas relacionadas ao uso da flutamida são a ginecomastia e a diarréia leve. Sob a forma dematéria-prima ou em formulações farmacêuticas, a flutamida pode ser determinada por métodos como polarografia,espectrofotometria, cromatografia gasosa e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. O presente trabalho discorresobre as propriedades farmacológicas e físico-químicas da flutamida, bem como os métodos de análise aplicadosà determinação do fármaco.

Tratamiento en cáncer de próstata avanzado con flutamida y finasteride con preservación de la potencia sexual: seguimiento a largo plazo / Flutamide and finasteride in men with advanced prostatic cancer, with preservation of sexual potency: long term follow-up

Introducción: los efectos adversos del tratamiento andrógeno ablativo en pacientes con cáncer de próstata avanzado han estimulado la búsqueda de nuevas combinaciones de tratamiento con actividad similar pero con menor toxicidad. La combinación de un antiandrogógeno periférico como flutamida o bicalutamida con el inhibidor de la 5-alfa reductasa, finasteride, constituye un desarrollo racional para el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata avanzado. Pacientes y métodos: flutamida 750 mg/día o bicalutamida 50 mg/día más finasteride 5 mg fue administrado a pacientes con cáncer de próstata avanzado que rechazaron bloqueo con análogos o, una vez iniciado el mismo, se negaron a continuar con dicho tratamiento. Entre 2/96 y 4/02 realizaron tratamiento 32 ptes., edad mediana de 67 (r 48-80) grupo A y 69,5 (r 49-88) grupo B; mediana de score de Gleason 6. Seis pacientes realizaron previamente tratamiento andrógeno ablativo por una mediana de 5 meses...

Cáncer de próstata: bloqueo androgénico intermitente / Prostatic cancer: intermittent androgen blockade

El cáncer de próstata (CP) constituye un grave problema de salud pública. Su incidencia ha aumentado en forma considerable durante las últimas décadas, favorecido por el aumento en la supervivencia y los métodos de detección más tempranos, tales como, el uso masivo del antígeno prostático específico (APE). En los EE.UU., 1 de cada 6 varones tendrá CP en algún momento de su vida, o lo que es lo mismo, el 15 por ciento. Esta patología es la más frecuente en varones (36 por ciento) y la segunda causa de muerte por cáncer (13 por ciento) luego del cáncer de pulmón. Sin embargo, pese al gran avance que se ha observado en el diagnóstico y tratamiento, la mortalidad por CP no ha disminuido, a lo que se añade que la terapia estándar para el CP estadio D2 no se ha modificado durante las últimas cinco décadas. Las opciones terapéuticas del CP localizado en el tejido prostático o localmente avanzado son: prostatectomía radical, radioterapia, braquiterapia, crioterapia o vigilancia. Eventualmente y para fines de investigación se pueden combinar éstos tratamientos. Lamentablemente la recurrencia de enfermedad (aun bioquímica) luego de la cirugía o radioterapia con intento curativo, varía entre un 27 y un 53 por ciento. Esto implica que sólo un limitado número de pacientes está curado...