Natural products for the management of xerostomia: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of lycopene-enriched virgin olive oil in spray form used to treat patients with drug-induced xerostomia, comparing this with a placebo spray. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial included elderly subjects with drug-induced xerostomia (n = 60). Resting salivary flow was measured using the draining technique. The Xerostomia Inventory (XI) was used to assess symptoms and the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14) to assess patient quality of life. Evaluations were made before and after 12 weeks of product/placebo application. RESULTS: Sixty patients took part in the study. Symptoms improved among the treatment group (n = 30) after 12 weeks in the following XI domains: 'Rate the difficulty you experience in speaking because of dryness' (P = 0.03); 'Rate how much saliva is in your mouth' (P = 0.03); and 'Rate the dryness of your lips' (P = 0.04). The placebo group (n = 30) underwent improvements in: 'Rate how much saliva is in your mouth' (P = 0.02) and 'Rate the dryness of your mouth' (P = 0.01). A significant improvement (P = 0.001) in oral-related quality of life (OHIP-14) was identified in the treatment group, while no significant differences were observed in the placebo group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The topical application of lycopene-enriched virgin olive oil and its placebo counterpart improved xerostomia-related symptoms significantly (but not salivary flow rate) in patients with drug-induced xerostomia.

Efficacy and safety of an intraoral electrostimulation device for xerostomia relief: a multicenter, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an intraoral electrostimulation device, consisting of stimulating electrodes, an electronic circuit, and a power source, in treating xerostomia. The device delivers electrostimulation through the oral mucosa to the lingual nerve in order to enhance the salivary reflex. METHODS: The device was tested on a sample of patients with xerostomia due to Sjögren's syndrome and other sicca conditions in a 2-stage prospective, randomized, multicenter trial. Stage I was a double-blind, crossover stage designed to compare the effects of the electrically active device with the sham device, each used for 1 month, and stage II was a 3-month open-label stage designed to assess the long-term effects of the active device. Improvement in xerostomia severity from baseline was the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were randomized. In stage I, the active device performed better than the sham device for patient-reported xerostomia severity (P<0.002), xerostomia frequency (P<0.05), quality of life impairment (P<0.01), and swallowing difficulty (P<0.02). At the end of stage II, statistically significant improvements were verified for patient-reported xerostomia severity (P<0.0001), xerostomia frequency (P<0.0001), oral discomfort (P<0.001), speech difficulty (P<0.02), sleeping difficulty (P<0.001), and resting salivary flow rate (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that daily use of the device alleviated oral dryness, discomfort, and some complications of xerostomia, such as speech and sleeping difficulties, and increased salivary output. The results show a cumulative positive effect of the device over the period of the study, from baseline to the end of the trial.

[Instruments for evaluating oral health knowledge, attitudes and practice for parents /caregivers of small children]. / Instrumentos para Evaluar Conocimientos, Actitudes y Prácticas en Salud Oral para Padres/Cuidadores de Niños Menores.

OBJECTIVES: Designing three instruments for evaluating oral health knowledge, attitudes and practice in parents/caregivers of low social-economic status 0-5 year-olds. Evaluating the instruments' reliability in terms of internal consistency and analysing items. METHODS: Three instruments were constructed for evaluating low social-economic status 0-5 year-olds' parents/caregivers' oral health knowledge, attitudes and practice in the municipality of Usaquén , Bogotá , Colombia . 47 parents/caregivers were given a test establishing the instrument's reliability in terms of internal consistency and the adults' level of knowledge, attitudes and practice. A sub-sample was qualitatively analysed (content verification and understanding). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Items were analysed for improving constructing and understanding the questions, taking four criteria into account: corrected homogeneity index (CHI), response trend, correlation between items and qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient for knowledge, attitudes and practice was 0,82, 0,80 and 0,62, respectively. Participants' level of knowledge, attitudes and practice was acceptable (60 %, 55 % and 91 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study found two out of the three evaluated instruments to be reliable (knowledge and attitudes); all three of them were then redesigned. The resulting instruments represent a valuable tool which can be used in future studies for describing and evaluating preventative programmes.

Hemorragia de vías digestivas altas por presentación atípica de adenocarcinoma endometrial metastásico en el estómago. Tipificación diagnóstica con recursos endoscópicos / Upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to atypical presentation of metastatic endometrial adenocarcinoma in the stomach. Diagnostic typing with endoscopic resources

Resumen El cáncer de endometrio es la neoplasia ginecológica maligna más frecuente en el sexo femenino. Su presentación metastásica se limita principalmente a los órganos vecinos y ganglios cercanos, y es infrecuente la invasión al tubo digestivo superior. En el presente artículo se presenta una paciente que ingresó al servicio de urgencias con cuadro de hemorragia de vías digestivas altas, enfocado inicialmente como un tumor estromal gastrointestinal (GIST) de la pared gástrica, pero que luego de la realización de una adecuada historia clínica, complementada con imágenes diagnósticas y avances ecoendoscópicos, se logró el diagnóstico de metástasis de cáncer de endometrio.

Abstract Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in women. Its metastatic presentation is mainly limited to neighboring organs and nearby lymph nodes, and infiltration of the upper digestive tract is uncommon. This case report depicts a patient admitted to the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding symptoms. Initially, a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the gastric wall was suspected, but endometrial cancer metastasis was discovered after a thorough medical examination, diagnostic imaging, and echoendoscopes.

[Prevalence and risk factors of suspicion abuse in elder population]. / Prevalencia y factores de riesgo de sospecha de maltrato en población anciana.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We determined the prevalence and associated risk factors in the suspicion of elder abuse in the old population. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We included a total of 209 patients > or = 72 years of age without cognitive deterioration (score in test of Pfeiffer (3/4) 4 points). The questionnaire of suspicion of elder abuse used was one recommended by the Canadian Task Force and the American Medical Association; it consists of 9 questions and the presence of a positive answer is considered as indicative of suspicion of abuse. RESULTS: The prevalence of suspicion of elder abuse was 52.6% (at least one positive answer to the questionnaire). 8.6% affirmatively responded to 2 questions and 2% to 3. Female gender, widowhood, deficiency of studies, living alone or in institutions and having exerted a remunerated work were the associated variables in the bivariant analysis with regard to the suspicion of abuse. In the model of logistic regression, there was a significant association with the civil status and the coexistence of the familiar nucleus, with a greater risk of elder abuse in unmarried and/or widowers (p < 0.001) and in those living alone (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of suspicion of elder abuse in the old population.

Polyarthritis and humeral epiphysial separation in an infant with acute disseminated histoplasmosis.

The case of an immunocompetent infant with disseminated histoplasmosis is described. The case is unusual in its clinical presentation in that it is dominated, apart from respiratory infection, by the presence of polyarthritis and complicated by epiphysial separation of both humeri. There was only little involvement of reticuloendothelial tissues. Treatment consisted of surgical correction and itraconazole.

Cromomicosis: casuística del Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Nacional, periodo 1991- 2015

RESUMEN Introducción: la cromomicosis es una micosis profunda provocada por la inoculación traumática percutánea, de hongos dematiáceos que habitan el suelo y restos vegetales. Es una micosis de difícil manejo, con importante morbilidad, que afecta una población generalmente de precarias condiciones socioeconómicas, en una etapa productiva de la vida. Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia y características clínicas de la cromomicosis en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Nacional (Itauguá, Paraguay) en el periodo de 24 años (1991- 2015). Metodología: estudio observacional descriptivo de 25 casos de cromomicosis con confirmación micológica y/o anatomopatológica. Resultados: la micosis fue más frecuente en varones adultos, procedentes de áreas rurales, dedicados a labores agrícolas. Predominaron las lesiones ubicadas en miembros inferiores. El agente causal más frecuente fue el Fonsecae sp. El itraconazol fue el tratamiento más utilizado. Conclusiones: la cromomicosis afectó de preferencia a varones adultos del área rural, aislándose con mayor frecuencia Fonsecae sp.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chromomycosis is a deep mycosis caused by the percutaneous traumatic inoculation of dematiaceous fungi that inhabit soil and vegetal debris. It is a mycosis of difficult management, with important morbidity, that affects a population generally of precarious socio-economic conditions in a productive stage of life. Objectives: To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of chromomycosis in the Dermatology Service of the National Hospital (Itauguá, Paraguay) over a 24-year period (1991- 2015). Methodology: Observational descriptive study of 25 cases of chromomycosis with mycological and/or anatomopathological confirmation. Results: Mycosis was more frequent in adult men from rural areas, engaged in agricultural work. Lesions in lower limbs prevailed. The most frequent causative agent was Fonsecae sp. Itraconazole was the most commonly used treatment. Conclusions: Chromomycosis affected preferentially adult men from rural areas, and Fonsecae sp. was the most frequently isolated fungus.

Intraoral electrostimulator for xerostomia relief: a long-term, multicenter, open-label, uncontrolled, clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: A previous sham-controlled multinational study demonstrated the short-term efficacy and safety for xerostomia treatment of an intraoral device that delivers electrostimulation to the lingual nerve. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that those beneficial effects would be sustained over an 11-month period. STUDY DESIGN: The device was tested on a mixed sample of 94 patients with xerostomia in an open-label, uncontrolled, prospective multicenter trial. Statutory outcome assessments were done at 5th, 8th, and 11th months and analyzed by multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Improvements achieved at month 5 from baseline were sustained throughout the follow-up period for the primary outcome, xerostomia severity, and the secondary outcomes resting whole salivary flow rate, xerostomia frequency, oral discomfort, and difficulties in speech, swallowing, and sleeping. No significant side effects were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effects of a removable intraoral electrostimulating device were sustained for an 11-month period.

Factores socioeconómicos asociados a retraso en talla en preescolares asistentes a una institución educativa de Floridablanca, Colombia / Socioeconomic factors associated with stunting in preschool attending an educational institution of Floridablanca, Colombia

El retraso en talla es un indicador de pobreza y desarrollo social que ocasiona elevada carga económica a los países. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la asociación entre factores socioeconómicos y puntaje z talla para la edad (PZ-TE) en preescolares de la Fundación Colombo-Alemana de Floridablanca, Colombia. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal. Una muestra aleatoria de 112 (2-5 años) preescolares de una institución que tiende población de bajos recursos fue medida y pesada; sus pa-dres/cuidadores respondieron una encuesta. El promedio del PZ-TE en preescolares de hogares con más de un niño(a) menor de 7 años fue menor comparado con los hogares con un niño(a) menor de 7 años. Quienes vivían en viviendas con tenencia denominada "posesión sin título" obtuvieron en promedio menor PZ-TE comparado con la vivienda propia. Los niños(as) de hogares donde la madre es quien aporta para el hogar tuvieron mayor PZ-TE comparado con los hogares en donde el que aporta es el padre; está asociación se mantuvo en niños varones. En las niñas ninguna de las variables del modelo final se encontró asociada a PZ-TE. Es importante fortalecer los programas que buscan el mejoramiento de las condiciones socioeconómicas de las madres cabeza de hogar.

Stunting is an indicator of human poverty and social develo-pment that causes high economic burden on countries. The objective of this study was to determine the association between socioeconomic factors and z score height for age (HAZ) in preschool of the Colombo-German Foundation of Floridablanca, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A random sample of 112 (2 to 5 years old) preschool of a institution for low income population was measured and weighed; their parents / caregivers answered a survey. The mean HAZ in preschool who live in households with more than one child (a) under 7 was lower compared with households with a child (a) under 7 years. Children living in housing with tenure called "possession untit-led" scored lower mean HAZ compared with homeownership. Children living in households where the mother was the one who brings home were more HAZ compared with homes where the contributor was the father; this association remained in boys. In girls none of the variables of the final model was found associated with HAZ. It is important to strengthen programs aimed at improving the socioeconomic conditions of the mothers who are household heads.

Dermatitis herpetiforme en joven con enfermedad celiaca silente

La dermatitis herpetiforme, también denominada enfermedad de Duhring-Brocq, es una enfermedad caracterizada por una erupción papulovesiculosa crónica, simétrica, localizada principalmente en superficies de extensión, recidivante, con prurito intenso. Se asocia a enteropatía sensible al gluten. Su diagnóstico se basa en la clínica, la anatomía patológica e inmunofluorescencia directa, además de pruebas serológicas. Se presenta el caso de un joven con lesiones cutáneas pruriginosas cuyos estudios confirmaron el diagnóstico de dermatitis herpetiforme y en la investigación gastrointestinal por endoscopía e histología se confirma una enfermedad celiaca que no presentaba síntomas.

Dermatitis herpetiformis, also called Duhring-Brocq disease, is a recurrent disease characterized by symmetric chronic papulo-vesicular eruption, mainly located in extension surfaces, and intense pruritus. It is associated with a gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Its diagnosis is based on clinics, pathological anatomy and direct immunofluorescence apart from serological tests. We report the case of a youth with pruritic cutaneous lesions, whose studies confirmed the diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis. In the gastrointestinal investigation, using endoscopy and histology, a celiac disease, which did not present symptoms, was confirmed.

Pustulosis exantemática aguda generalizada: presentación de dos casos pediátricos / Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: a report of two cases

La pustulosis exantemática aguda generalizada es una erupción cutánea de inicio agudo caracterizada por la aparición de pústulas amicrobianas no foliculares sobre una base eritemato-edematosa. Puede acompañarse de fiebre y síntomas sistémicos y suele resolverse en forma espontánea en aproximadamente 15 a 20 días. Afecta generalmente a adultos, pocos casos pediátricos han sido reportados. Con mayor frecuencia se asocia a fármacos como los betalactámicos, macrólidos, paracetamol, entre otros. Causas menos frecuentes incluyen infecciones virales producidas por enterovirus, citomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, micoplasma, la exposición a mercurio y la ingestión de alérgenos alimentarios. Se presenta el caso de dos pacientes pediátricos con pustulosis exantemática aguda generalizada.

Síndrome de activación macrofágica idiopática en una mujer jóven / Idiopathic macrophage activation syndrome in a young woman

RESUMEN Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 27 años, con datos clínicos de síndrome de activación macrofágica (SAM), de etiología desconocida, con evolución tórpida y desfavorable que llega al fallecimiento. Se revisan los principales conceptos y características del SAM, haciendo énfasis en las actuales normas de consenso y en las variaciones en el tratamiento de acuerdo con las guías internacionales.

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 27 year old woman with clinical evidence of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) of unknown etiology and unfavorable torpid comes to death. We review the main concepts and features of the SAM, the current emphasis on consensus standards and changes in treatment according to international guidelines.

Xantogranuloma juvenil: a propósito de un caso / Juvenile xanthogranuloma: a propos of a case

El xantogranuloma juvenil es una histiocitosis de células no Langerhans, de curso benigno y autolimitado, que afecta principalmente a lactantes y niños. Se caracteriza por la presencia de pápulas o nódulos cutáneos, constituidos por histiocitos progresivamente lipidizados, en ausencia de anomalías metabólicas. Rara vez compromete órganos internos. Debido a la baja frecuencia de esta enfermedad, se presenta el caso de una lactante de 5 meses de edad, de sexo femenino, que consultó al Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Nacional por la aparición de lesiones papulosas asintomáticas, distribuidas redominantemente en el rostro y, en menor cantidad, en el tronco. Su estudio anatomopatológico confirmó xantogranuloma juvenil.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma is a non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, with benign and self-limiting course, that primarily affects infants and children. It is characterized by the presence of cutaneous papules or nodules, consisting of histiocytes that develop progressively lipidization, in the absence of metabolic abnormalities. Internal organs involvement is extremely rare. Because of the rarity of this disease, we report the case of a female infant of 5 months old, who attended the Department of Dermatology of the National Hospital for the appearance of several asymptomatic papules, mainly affecting the face and in a lesser amount the trunk. Its histopathology revealed a juvenile xanthogranuloma.

Lepra multibacilar en niños / Multibacillary leprosy in children

Se comunican 2 casos de lepra multibacilar en niños de 11 y 14 años, el último en reacción tipo 1 y 2 (Eritema nudoso), que obligó a varios diagnósticos diferenciales. Es importante pensar en ésta patología, que creemos que está subdiagnosticada en este grupo etario, en países endémicos como el nuestro. También la relevancia del control de contactos para el diagnóstico precoz y del examen clínico minucioso complementado con la bacteriología y la anatomía patológica para definir las formas clínicas, por las diferentes pautas de tratamiento.

Discromatosis hereditaria universal: relato de un caso / Dyschromatosis universal hereditary: case report

Comunicamos un caso de discromatosis hereditaria universal (DHU) en una paciente adolescente de 12 años de edad, que acude a la consulta por múltiples máculas hipo e hiperpigmentadas, asintomáticas y de distribución universal, con un patrón reticulado. Las lesiones aparecieron y fueron aumentando en número desde los 3 meses de edad, sin otro hallazgo patológico. Realizamos, además, una breve revisión de la literatura sobre el tema.

We report a case of dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH) in a 12 years old female with chief complain of asymptomatic, multiple hypopigmented and hyperpigmented macules, with reticulate pattern, involving almost the entire body, of many years of duration. The literature regarding this topic is also discussed.

Histoplasmosis diseminada aguda en paciente embarazada con sida / Acute diseminated histoplasmosis in a pregnant woman with AIDS diagnosis

Se presenta el caso de una mujer gestante, con llamativas lesiones cutáneas de rápida evolución, que correspondierona histoplasmosis diseminada aguda, situación que definió el diagnóstico de sida. La paciente presentaba una profunda inmunodepresión que determinó otras infecciones oportunistas y finalmente una evolución fulminante que produjo el óbito.

The case of a pregnant woman with striking rapidly evolving skin lesions, which corresponded to acute disseminated histoplasmosis, a situation that defined AIDS diagnosis. The patient had a profound immunosuppression found other opportunistic infections, and finally a fulminant course thatproduced the death.

Pénfigo vulgar. Casuística del Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Nacional / Pemphigus vulgaris. Casuistry of the Dermatology Service of the National Hospital

Introducción: El pénfigo vulgar es una enfermedad autoinmune caracterizada por ampollas suprabasales y autoanticuerpos IgG dirigidos contra la desmogleina 3 del desmosoma. El objetivo del trabajo es comunicar la casuística del Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Nacional en un periodo de 20 años y determinar las características demográficas, clínicas y evolutivas. Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, descriptivo. Se incluyen pacientes de ambos sexos, de todas las edades, que son atendidos en el ambulatorio de Dermatología o en las salas de internación del Hospital y que tienen confirmación histológica. Resultados: En el periodo 1991-2011 se diagnosticaron 22 casos de pénfigo vulgar representando el 12,7% de los casos de pénfigo observados en el servicio. Predominó en el sexo femenino (13 casos), en el grupo etario de 30 a 49 años (15 casos), siendo la media de 42,1 años. La afectación de la mucosa oral se presentó en 18 casos y en 12 fue la inicial. El compromiso cutáneo observado en todos los casos, fue diseminado o generalizado (20 casos). Dos fueron de la variedad vegetante. El tratamiento más utilizado fue la prednisona sola (8 casos) o asociada con azatioprina (8 casos). La evolución fue favorable en 19 casos con curación o remisión. Dos fueron al óbito y uno no recibió tratamiento. Conclusión: El pénfigo vulgar en nuestro servicio es una patología poco frecuente, pero con importante morbimortalidad. Es el segundo tipo en frecuencia, siendo el foliáceo el más observado.

Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease characterized by suprabasal blisters and IgG auto antibodies directed against desmoglein 3 of the desmosome. The aim of this work is to communicate the casuistics of the Dermatology Service of the National Hospital over a period of 20 years and determine the demographic, clinical and developmental characteristics. Material and Methods: Retrospective, observational, descriptive study. It includes patients of both sexes, all ages, in treatment at the dermatology outpatient or inpatient wards of the Hospital that have histological confirmation. Results: In the period 1991-2011, 22 cases of pemphigus vulgaris were diagnosed, representing 12.7% of cases of pemphigus observed in our service. Predominance in female sex (13 cases) and in the age group 30 to 49 years (15 cases) was observed, with a mean age of 42.1 years. Oral mucosal involvement was present in 18 cases, in 12 of which it was the initial symptom. Cutaneous involvement observed in all cases was disseminated or generalized (20 cases). Two cases were of the vegetative variety. The most commonly used treatment was prednisone alone (8 cases) or associated with azathioprine (8 cases). The outcome was favorable in 19 cases, with cure or remission. Two cases ended in death and one received no treatment. Conclusions: Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare condition in our service, but with significant morbidity and mortality. It is second in frequency after the foliaceous type.

Lesiones pustulosas en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa / Pustular lesions in patient with ulcerative colitis

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 38 años de edad diagnóstico de Colitis Ulcerosa desde hace un año en tratamiento irregular, que bruscamente presenta lesiones pustulosas rápidamente evolutivas en tronco y extremidades, acompañada de exacerbación de los síntomas intestinales. Las lesiones cutáneas fueron clínica e histológicamente compatibles con Pioderma Gangrenoso. Se instauro tratamiento con prednisona y mezalazina con buena evolución. El Pioderma Gangranoso es una enfermedad cutánea inflamatoria necrotizante infrecuente caracterizada inicialmente por un nódulo o una pústula dolorosa que generalmente se ulcera y se agranda progresivamente. Frecuentemente se relaciona con otras enfermedades como la Colitis Ulcerosa.

We present a patient of 38 years old diagnosed with ulcerative colitis for a year at irregular treatment, which has sharply rapidly evolving pustular lesions on the trunk and limbs, accompanied by exacerbation of bowel symptoms. The skin lesions were clinically and histologically consistent with pyoderma gangrenosum. They were treated with prednisone and mezalazina with good evolution. Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare necrotizing inflammatory skin disease characterized initially by a lump or pustule usually painful ulcer and enlarges progressively. Often associated with other diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

Haga su diagnostico / Case for diagnosis

Comunicamos un paciente joven, que presentaba una inmunodepresión atribuida al alcohol y la desnutrición, que consultó por numerosas lesiones. Luego de los estudios auxiliares se llegó al diagnóstico y mostró buena respuesta al tratamiento convencional para esta leishmaniasis. Las lesiones polimorfas obligaron a varios diagnósticos diferenciales, entre ellos histoplasmosis, paracoccidioidomicosis, ectima, linfoma.

We report the case of a patient with alcohol intake and malnutrition-related immunosuppression who sought medical attention for multiple ulcerated lesions. Laboratory tests revealed the diagnosis and the patient responded well to conventional anti-leishmaniasis therapy. Polymorphous lesions prompted differential diagnoses such as histoplasmosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, ecthyma and lymphoma.

Instrumentos para evaluar conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en Salud Oral para padres/cuidadores de niños menores / Instruments for evaluating oral health knowledge, attitudes and practice for parents /caregivers of small children

Objetivos Construir tres instrumentos para evaluar conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en salud oral de padres/cuidadores de niños/as de 0-5 años de estrato socioeconómico bajo; Evaluar la confiabilidad de los instrumentos por medio de su consistencia interna y análisis de ítems. Métodos Se construyeron tres instrumentos de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en salud oral de padres/cuidadores de niños/as de 0-5 años, estrato socioeconómico bajo, localidad Usaquén-Bogotá, Colombia. Se ejecutó una prueba con 47 padres/cuidadores, determinando la confiabilidad de los instrumentos en términos de consistencia interna, grado de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de los padres/cuidadores; en una sub-muestra se realizó análisis cualitativo (verificación y comprensión del contenido). La confiabilidad fue evaluada con coeficiente Alfa-de-Cronbach. Para mejorar construcción y comprensión de preguntas se efectuó análisis de ítems utilizando cuatro criterios: índice de homogeneidad corregido (IHc), tendencia de respuesta, correlación entre ítems y análisis cualitativo. Resultados El coeficiente Alfa-de-Cronbach para los instrumentos de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas fue de 0,82, 0,80 y 0,62 respectivamente. La evaluación del nivel de conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas en los examinados fue aceptable (60 por ciento, 55 por ciento, 91 por ciento, respectivamente). Conclusiones Este estudio encontró como confiables dos de los tres instrumentos que diseño y evaluó (conocimientos y actitudes) e hizo rediseño de los tres instrumentos. Estos son una herramienta valiosa y pueden ser utilizados en futuros estudios, tanto descriptivos como evaluativos de programas preventivos.

Objectives Designing three instruments for evaluating oral health knowledge, attitudes and practice in parents/caregivers of low social-economic status 0-5 year-olds. Evaluating the instruments' reliability in terms of internal consistency and analysing items. Methods Three instruments were constructed for evaluating low social-economic status 0-5 year-olds' parents/caregivers' oral health knowledge, attitudes and practice in the municipality of Usaquén , Bogotá , Colombia . 47 parents/caregivers were given a test establishing the instrument's reliability in terms of internal consistency and the adults' level of knowledge, attitudes and practice. A sub-sample was qualitatively analysed (content verification and understanding). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Items were analysed for improving constructing and understanding the questions, taking four criteria into account: corrected homogeneity index (CHI), response trend, correlation between items and qualitative analysis. Results Cronbach's alpha coefficient for knowledge, attitudes and practice was 0,82, 0,80 and 0,62, respectively. Participants' level of knowledge, attitudes and practice was acceptable (60 percent, 55 percent and 91 percent, respectively). Conclusions This study found two out of the three evaluated instruments to be reliable (knowledge and attitudes); all three of them were then redesigned. The resulting instruments represent a valuable tool which can be used in future studies for describing and evaluating preventative programmes.