Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: Postpartum depression estimated prevalence in women is between 5 and 26% and it has adverse effects both on the mother, infant and her partner. Psychological treatments have proved to be effective for women with mild-to-moderate symptoms. Whereas several systematic reviews have assessed the effects of different psychological interventions for postpartum depression, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy or interpersonal therapy, no review assessing psychodynamic therapy has been carried out. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy for postpartum depression. METHODS: Studies were identified using the following databases: PsycINFO, Psycarticles and Pubmed over January 2023. The requirements for the studies were the following: they had to be quantitative, available in English, including a psychodynamic intervention targeting treatment or prevention of postpartum depression which starts during pregnancy or within the first 12 months after giving birth. Case studies, qualitative studies or studies focused on improving parent-infant relationship or infant outcome were excluded from this research. RESULTS: Seven trials including 521 women met the inclusion criteria. In summary, three randomized controlled trials and four longitudinal studies were found. The most frequently used assessment tool was EPDS, five were individual interventions and the other two were group interventions. DISCUSSION: All studies reported the efficacy of psychodynamic interventions for postpartum depression, both in home and clinical settings and both in group and individual format. The limited number of trials, small sample sizes and lack of appropriate control groups were the main limitations. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Psychodynamic therapy is probably efficient intervention for postpartum depression. Future research with strong methodological designs is needed to confirm these findings. SIGNIFICANCE: What is already known on this subject? Several systematic reviews have assessed the effects of different psychological interventions for postpartum depression, but no review assessing psychodynamic therapy has been carried out. What this study adds? A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy for postpartumdepression. This makes the systematic review a unique contribution to the literature.

Strength of association of classical vascular risk factors in young patients with ischaemic stroke: a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have reported an increasing incidence of ischaemic stroke among young adults. However, the strength of the association between traditional vascular risk factors has not been fully established. METHODS: We compared 120 patients with a first ischaemic stroke before the age of 55 years admitted to the stroke unit of our centre with 600 healthy non-stroke controls from a population-based cohort study (HERMEX), matched for sex. Risk factors assessed included: hypertension, obesity, auricular fibrillation, current smoking, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and diabetes mellitus. We used logistic regression analysis and calculated population attributable risk. We performed an overall analysis, by sex and aetiological subgroup. RESULTS: Using logistic regression analysis, we found that overall, the significant risk factors were: hypertension (OR: 1.58; 95%CI: 1.01-2.50), atrial fibrillation (OR: 4.77; 95%CI: 1.20-19.00), low eGFR (OR: 4.74; 95%CI: 1.3-21.94) and low HDL-C (OR: 5.20; 95%CI: 3.29-8.21), as well as smoking for males (OR: 1.86; 95%CI: 1.14-3.03). LDL-C showed an inverse association with stroke. The population attributable risk for HDL-C was 37.8% and for hypertension 21.1%. In terms of aetiological subgroups, only low HDL-C was associated with stroke of undetermined aetiology. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension, auricular fibrillation, low eGFR, and low HDL-C, plus tobacco use in men, are the main risk factors among patients under 55 years of age with a first ischaemic stroke. We believe that it would be of particular interest to further explore the management of low HDL-C levels as part of preventive strategies in young stroke patients.

The S1P mimetic fingolimod phosphate regulates mitochondrial oxidative stress in neuronal cells.

Fingolimod is one of the few oral drugs available for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease. The mechanism of action proposed for this drug is based in the phosphorylation of the molecule to produce its active metabolite fingolimod phosphate (FP) which, in turns, through its interaction with S1P receptors, triggers the functional sequestration of T lymphocytes in lymphoid nodes. On the other hand, part if not most of the damage produced in MS and other neurological disorders seem to be mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondria is one of the main sources of ROS. In the present work, we have evaluated the anti-oxidant profile of FP in a model of mitochondrial oxidative damage induced by menadione (Vitk3) on neuronal cultures. We provide evidence that incubation of neuronal cells with FP alleviates the Vitk3-induced toxicity, due to a decrease in mitochondrial ROS production. It also decreases regulated cell death triggered by imbalance in oxidative stress (restore values of advanced oxidation protein products and total thiol levels). Also restores mitochondrial function (cytochrome c oxidase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential and oxygen consumption rate) and morphology. Furthermore, increases the expression and activity of protective factors (increases Nrf2, HO1 and Trx2 expression and GST and NQO1 activity), being some of these effects modulated by its interaction with the S1P receptor. FP seems to increase mitochondrial stability and restore mitochondrial dynamics under conditions of oxidative stress, making this drug a potential candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases other than MS.

Guía de práctica clínica para la evaluación y el manejo de la hemorragia digestiva alta en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud) / Clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding for the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud)

Objetivo: Proveer recomendaciones clínicas basadas en evidencia para la evaluación y el manejo de pacientes con hemorragia digestiva alta (HDA) en el seguro social del Perú (EsSalud). Materiales y métodos: Se conformó un grupo elaborador local (GEG-Local) conformado por especialistas en gastroenterología y metodólogos. El GEG-Local formuló 11 preguntas clínicas a ser respondidas por la presente guía de práctica clínica (GPC). Se buscaron y seleccionaron GPC de HDA publicadas a partir del 2012, que respondieran a las preguntas planteadas y obtuvieran un puntaje mayor a 60% en los dominios 1 y 3 del instrumento Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE-II). Durante septiembre del 2017 se realizaron búsquedas bibliográficas en Pubmed, para actualizar 9 preguntas clínicas de las GPC preseleccionadas, y para responder 2 preguntas de novo. La calidad de la evidencia fue evaluada usando la metodología Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). En reuniones de trabajo periódicas, el GEG-Local revisó la evidencia y formuló las recomendaciones, los puntos de buenas prácticas clínicas y el flujograma de evaluación y manejo, usando la metodología GRADE Finalmente, la GPC fue aprobada con Resolución N° 80-IETSI-ESSALUD-2017. Resultados: La presente GPC abordó 11 preguntas clínicas, divididas en cuatro temas: valoración de riesgo, manejo inicial, manejo de HDA no variceal, y manejo de HDA variceal. En base a dichas preguntas se formularon 10 recomendaciones (7 recomendaciones fuertes y 3 recomendaciones débiles), 24 puntos de buena práctica clínica, y 2 flujogramas. Conclusión: Este artículo es el resumen de la GPC de EsSalud, en la cual se valoró la evidencia científica disponible sobre evaluación y manejo de HDA.

Objective: To provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for the evaluation and management of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB) in the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud). Materials and methods: A local guideline development group (local GDG) was established, including specialists in gastroenterology and methodologists. The local GDG formulated 11 clinical questions to be answered by this clinical practice guide (CPG). We searched and selected CPG of UGB published from 2012, which answered the posed questions and obtained a score higher than 60% in domains 1 and 3 of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE-II) tool. During September 2017, bibliographic searches were conducted in Pubmed, to update 9 clinical questions of the preselected CPGs, and to answer 2 de novo questions. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. In periodic work meetings, the local GDG reviewed the evidence and formulated the recommendations, points of good clinical practice and the flowchart of evaluation and management, using the GRADE methodology Lastly, the CPG was approved with Resolución N° 80-IETSI-ESSALUD-2017. Results: This CPG addressed 11 clinical questions, divided into four themes: risk assessment, initial management, management of non-variceal UGB, and management of variceal UGB. Based on these questions, 10 recommendations (7 strong recommendations and 3 weak recommendations), 24 points of good clinical practice, and 2 flow charts were formulated. Conclusion: This article is the summary of the EsSalud' CPG, where the available scientific evidence on evaluation and management of UGB was evaluated.

Reconstructive dosimetry for cutaneous radiation syndrome.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a relatively significant number of radiological accidents have occurred in recent years mainly because of the practices referred to as potentially high-risk activities, such as radiotherapy, large irradiators and industrial radiography, especially in gammagraphy assays. In some instances, severe injuries have occurred in exposed persons due to high radiation doses. In industrial radiography, 80 cases involving a total of 120 radiation workers, 110 members of the public including 12 deaths have been recorded up to 2014. Radiological accidents in industrial practices in Brazil have mainly resulted in development of cutaneous radiation syndrome (CRS) in hands and fingers. Brazilian data include 5 serious cases related to industrial gammagraphy, affecting 7 radiation workers and 19 members of the public; however, none of them were fatal. Some methods of reconstructive dosimetry have been used to estimate the radiation dose to assist in prescribing medical treatment. The type and development of cutaneous manifestations in the exposed areas of a person is the first achievable gross dose estimation. This review article presents the state-of-the-art reconstructive dosimetry methods enabling estimation of local radiation doses and provides guidelines for medical handling of the exposed individuals. The review also presents the Chilean and Brazilian radiological accident cases to highlight the importance of reconstructive dosimetry.

Reconstructive dosimetry for cutaneous radiation syndrome

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a relatively significant number of radiological accidents have occurred in recent years mainly because of the practices referred to as potentially high-risk activities, such as radiotherapy, large irradiators and industrial radiography, especially in gammagraphy assays. In some instances, severe injuries have occurred in exposed persons due to high radiation doses. In industrial radiography, 80 cases involving a total of 120 radiation workers, 110 members of the public including 12 deaths have been recorded up to 2014. Radiological accidents in industrial practices in Brazil have mainly resulted in development of cutaneous radiation syndrome (CRS) in hands and fingers. Brazilian data include 5 serious cases related to industrial gammagraphy, affecting 7 radiation workers and 19 members of the public; however, none of them were fatal. Some methods of reconstructive dosimetry have been used to estimate the radiation dose to assist in prescribing medical treatment. The type and development of cutaneous manifestations in the exposed areas of a person is the first achievable gross dose estimation. This review article presents the state-of-the-art reconstructive dosimetry methods enabling estimation of local radiation doses and provides guidelines for medical handling of the exposed individuals. The review also presents the Chilean and Brazilian radiological accident cases to highlight the importance of reconstructive dosimetry.

Aislamiento de Helicobacter pylori en sarro dental de pacientes con gastritis del policlinico Angamos / Isolation of Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque of patients with gastritis of the polyclinical

Objetivo: Detectar la presencia de Helicobacter pylori en sarro dentario de pacientes con gastritis del Hospital Angamos ESSALUD diagnosticados por biopsia. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Tipo de estudio: Observacional analítico. Población; 115 pacientes programados para endoscopia del servicio de gastroenterología de dicho hospital. La metodología empleada para la biopsia del antro y fondo del estomágo fue a través de gastroscopio. Recolectada la muestra se procesó para el diagnóstico histológico de gastritis y la búsqueda de Helicobacter pylori. La muestra de sarro dentario se obtuvo por raspado de la zona supragingival y transportada en medio de conservación para el cultivo de la bacteria en medio selectivo e incubado en microaerofilia por 5 a 10 días, se hizo coloración de las colonias sospechosas y compararon con una cepa patrón, la prueba de ureasa y oxidasa confirmaron el diagnóstico. RESULTADOS: Se hallaron 66 casos de gastritis asociados a H. p. por biopsia. En 24 casos también se logró aislar H.p. en sarro dentario. El otro grupo de 49 casos de gastritis sin H.p. en 4 hubo aislamiento de la bacteria en sarro dentario pero si en 4 casos. CONCLUSION: Los resultados indican una relación directa con los casos de gastritis y la positividad en el sarro dentario de Helicobacter pylori lo cual indicaría una relación de los pacientes de estos casos como reservorio de dicha bacteria, en comparación con los casos en la cual no hay la presencia de H.p. en los casos de gastritis sin Helicobacter, excepto en cuatro casos.

Objective: Detect the presence of (Helicobacter pylori) in dental plaque among patients with gastritis diagnosed by biopsy at Angamos Surquillo Hospital.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Type of study: Analytical Observation. Population: 115 patients scheduled for endoscopy at the Gastroenterological Department of said hospital. The methodology employed for the biopsy of the antrum and fundus of the stomach was by means of a gastroscope. Once the sample was collected it was processed and stained with hematoxilin-eosin for the histological diagnosis of gastritis by observation of Helicobacter pylori. Dental plaque samples were obtained by scraping the supragingival area and were transported in a conservation medium for culture of the bacteria in a selective medium and incubated in microaerophilia for 5 to 10 days; suspected colonies were stained and compared to a patron strain. Urease and oxidase tests confirmed the diagnosis.RESULTS: In total, 66 cases of gastritis associated with H.p. were found by biopsy. In 24 of these cases, H.p from dental plaque were also isolated. In another group of 49 cases of gastritis not associated with H.p., no H.p. was found in the dental plaque of 45 of these cases while H.p. was isolated from dental plaque in 4 cases. CONCLUSION: The results show a direct relation between the cases of gastritis andthe finding of Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque, which would indicate a relation between the patients and the bacteria in these cases, as they act as a reservoir for said bacteria; as compared with the cases in which there is no H.p presence in gastritis without Helicobacter, except in four cases. The cases of gastritis with Helicobacter pylori and negative dental plaque are notsignificant, in these cases the bacteria entered with the food.

[Isolation of helicobacter pylori in dental plaque in patients with gastritis at "Angamos" clinic]. / Aislamiento de helicobacter pylori en sarro dental de pacientes con gastritis del policlinico "Angamos".

OBJECTIVE: Detect the presence of (Helicobacter pylori) in dental plaque among patients with gastritis diagnosed by biopsy at Angamos Surquillo Hospital. TYPE OF STUDY: Analytical Observation. POPULATION: 115 patients scheduled for endoscopy at the Gastroenterological Department of said hospital. The methodology employed for the biopsy of the antrum and fundus of the stomach was by means of a gastroscope. Once the sample was collected it was processed and stained with hematoxilin-eosin for the histological diagnosis of gastritis by observation of Helicobacter pylori. Dental plaque samples were obtained by scraping the supragingival area and were transported in a conservation medium for culture of the bacteria in a selective medium and incubated in microaerophilia for 5 to 10 days;suspected colonies were stained and compared to a patron strain. Urease and oxidase tests confirmed the diagnosis. RESULTS: In total, 66 cases of gastritis associated with H.p. were found by biopsy. In 4 of these cases, H.p from dental plaque were also isolated. In another group of 49 fases of gastritis not associated with H.p., no H.p. was found in the dental plaque of 45 of these cases while H.p. was isolated from dental plaque in 4 clases. CONCLUSION: The results show a direct relation between the cases of gastritis and the finding of Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque, which would indicate a relation between the patients and the bacteria in these cases, as they act as a reservoir for said bacteria; as compared with the cases in which there is no H.p presence in gastritis without Helicobacter, except in four cases. The cases of gastritis with Helicobacter pylori and negative dental plaque are not significant, in these cases the bacteria entered with the food.

[Accidental exposure to X-ray from a diffractometer]. / Uma exposição acidental aos raios X de um difratômetro.

The patients's clinical pictures, characterized by an erythema preceding the skin manifestations, their aspect and the occupational histories, made the diagnosis of a radiation accident possible before its dosimetric identification. Doses evaluations using thermoluminescence dosimeters and ionizing chambers correlated well with the clinical estimations. The immediate cause of the accident was poor maintenance of the device that caused its back window to be permanently open, but lack of adequate information on the biological effects of ionizing radiation and on the correct operational procedures were contributory facts. The description of this accident is relevant in virtue of the misconception that such equipment have "virtually no occupational risk". The patients's medical evolutions have had a favorable course, specially because the low energy of the X-ray and its low penetrating capacity. This accident highlights the need for the adequate training of workers on the handling of radiation devices.

Uma exposição acidental aos raios X de um difratômetro / Accidental exposure to the X-ray of a diffractometer

As mãos de três trabalhadores foram irradiadas acidentalmente numa indústria em Camaçari, Estado da Bahia, Brasil. O diagnóstico clínico de radiodermite aguda foi possível, antes mesmo da confirmação dosimétrica da ocorrência, em virtude das manifestações cutâneas exibidas, precedidas por um eritema, e também pelas histórias ocupacionais. As avaliações das doses recebidas pelos acidentados, usando-se restituições com dosímetros termoluminescentes, tiveram boa correlação com as doses estimadas em função das manifestações clínicas. A causa imediata do acidente foi a má manutenção do equipamento que levou a sua janela posterior a ficar permanentemente aberta, porém foram fatores contributórios importantes a falta de informação dos empregados sobre os possíveis efeitos biológicos das radiações ionizantes e o não seguimento dos procedimentos operacionais corretos. A descrição deste acidente é importante, face ao grande número de difratômetros existentes em laboratórios, universidades, centros de pesquisa e indústrias. Tais aparelhos são considerados "virtualmente isentos de risco ocupacional", o que não é verdadeiro, como comprova a ocorrência que descrevemos. A evolução médica dos pacientes tem sido satisfatória, especialmente em virtude da baixa energia do feixe de raios X do difratômetro e, em conseqüência, da sua pequena penetração tissular.

Medical and related aspects of the Goiânia accident: an overview.

On 13 September 1987, a radiation accident occurred in the city of Goiânia in Central Brazil. Approximately 250 people were exposed to a 137Cs source from an abandoned radiotherapy unit. At least 14 patients showed some degree of bone marrow depression, and eight developed the classical signs and symptoms of acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Twenty-eight people presented local radiation injuries ranging from first to third degree, and 104 individuals showed evidence of internal contamination. This paper describes the circumstances of the event, the first-aid measures taken, the criteria adopted for triage of the exposed population, and the radiation protection procedures used during the clinical management of the irradiated individuals.

Localized lesions induced by 137Cs during the Goiânia accident.

A description is given of initial symptoms and clinical observations regarding acute localized radiation lesions in 28 persons exposed to 137Cs during the Goiânia radiological accident. Specialized procedures to estimate the extent and gravity of the lesions and establish a therapeutic strategy, as well as to anticipate the prognosis in each case, are briefly discussed. Measures taken for reduction of pain and inflammation are noted, and an explanation is given for difficulties encountered due to adverse working conditions and the serious clinical manifestations presented by various patients concomitantly with their lesions. Also noted is the difficulty in obtaining credible information regarding exposure, such as source-to-object distance, duration of exposure, and source activity, which precluded dosimetry studies in most cases.

Clinical and hematological aspects of 137Cs: the Goiânia radiation accident.

Fifty persons involved in the 137Cs accident in Goiânia showed symptoms of whole-body and local acute irradiation and also external or internal contamination mainly due to ingestion or absorption of 137Cs. Fourteen of the 50 developed severe bone marrow depression characterized by neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Eight of these 14 received GM-CSF intravenously. None were submitted to bone marrow transplantation. Four of the 14 died due to hemorrhage and infection. For those with significant internal contamination evaluated by in-vitro and in-vivo assays, Prussian Blue was administered with doses ranging from 1.5 to 10 g d-1. Besides Prussian Blue, other measures were taken to increase decorporation of 137Cs, including administration of diuretics, water overload, and ergometric exercises. From 50 to 100 persons are being followed in a medical protocol.

[Diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and serum levels of renin]. / Diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial y niveles séricos de renina

Plasmatic renin levels were measured in 17 adults patients with diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and systemic arterial hypertension. None of them was under antihypertensive therapy. The results obtained showed lessening of renin levels in 13 cases, normal levels in two cases, no valuable results in one and Significative increase in other. Renal biopsy was performed in 8 patients and in all cases nephropathies were demonstrated; only one of them had normal renin levels. We have concluded that more than 75% of our cases were hyporeninemic hypertensive patients. Our findings are according with other medical papers that have been published before. Finally, we try to explain the mechanisms upon which theorethical causes are based.