A longitudinal study of free leptin index in pre-eclamptic pregnancies.

The ratio between circulating levels of leptin and soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), the free leptin index (FLI), is used as a marker of leptin resistance. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the FLI in mild pre-eclamptic pregnancies in a nested case-control study within a prospective observational study. Circulating levels of leptin and sOB-R levels rise significantly during pregnancy in healthy (p < 0.05) (n = 46) and pre-eclamptic pregnancies (p < 0.05) (n = 20). Serum levels of leptin were significantly higher in pre-eclamptic compared to healthy pregnancies at second and third trimesters of pregnancy (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum levels of sOB-R were significantly lower in pre-eclamptic pregnancies during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy compared to healthy pregnancies (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found that FLI did not vary significantly during pregnancy in healthy women (p > 0.05), while it increases in pre-eclamptic pregnancies (p < 0.05). Indeed, FLI was significantly higher at second and third trimesters of pregnancy in pre-eclamptic compared to healthy pregnancies (p < 0.05). In addition, FLI was significantly higher in the luteal phase compared with the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed the ability of leptin (AUC = 0.72) and FLI (AUC = 0.67) as a reliable predictor for mild pre-eclampsia during the second trimester of pregnancy. In conclusion, our findings show that FLI were significantly increased in mild pre-eclamptic pregnancies and allowed us to hypothesize that this rise might alter leptin bioavailability and bioactivity which might lead to the sympathetic hyperactivity and the hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

Study of the Ghrelin/LEAP-2 Ratio in Humans and Rats during Different Phases of Pregnancy.

The Liver-Expressed Antimicrobial Peptide 2 (LEAP-2) has emerged as an endogenous GHS-R antagonist and blunts the orexigenic action of ghrelin. This study aimed to determine the Ghrelin/LEAP-2 ratio in humans and rats during pregnancy. In humans, we conducted a nested case-control study within an observational prospective cohort. Healthy and mild preeclamptic pregnant women were studied at each trimester of gestation and three months postpartum. In addition, a group of non-pregnant women was studied into the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, Ghrelin/LEAP-2 ratio was investigated in non-pregnant rats and at different periods of rat pregnancy. Human and rat serum ghrelin and LEAP-2 levels were determined using the commercially available ELISA kits. The Ghrelin/LEAP-2 ratio peak around the second trimester of gestation in healthy pregnant women (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in Ghrelin/LEAP-2 ratio between healthy and preeclamptic pregnant women at each trimester of gestation (p > 0.05). The Ghrelin/LEAP-2 ratio in pregnant rat reached the peak around mid-gestation with a similar pattern to the human pregnancy. LEAP-2 was visualized by immunohistochemistry in human term placenta and rat placentas on days 12, 16 and 21 of pregnancy. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence of a Ghrelin/LEAP-2 ratio peak around the half-way point of pregnancy onwards during human and rat pregnancy, and it might be associated with increased rates of weight gain during pregnancy. Thus, this study suggests that LEAP-2 and Ghrelin/LEAP-2 ratio might play an important role in maternal physiology adaptation of weight gain during pregnancy.

Maternal Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels Decrease during Early Pregnancy in Normotensive Pregnant Women but Are Higher in Preeclamptic Women-A Longitudinal Study.

(1) Background: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is an endocrine factor involved in glucose and lipid metabolism that exerts pleiotropic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum FGF-21 profile in healthy and mild preeclamptic pregnant women at each trimester of pregnancy; (2) Methods: Serum FGF-21 levels were determined by ELISA in a nested case-control study within a longitudinal cohort study that included healthy (n = 54) and mild preeclamptic (n = 20) pregnant women, women at three months after delivery (n = 20) and eumenorrheic women during the menstrual cycle (n = 20); (3) Results: FGF-21 levels were significantly lower in the mid-luteal phase compared to the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women (p < 0.01). Maternal levels of FGF-21 were significantly lower in the first and second trimesters and peaked during the third trimester in healthy pregnant women (p < 0.01). Serum levels of FGF-21 in healthy pregnant were significantly lower in the first and second trimester of pregnancy compared with the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and postpartum (p < 0.01). Serum FGF-21 levels were significantly higher in preeclamptic compared to healthy pregnant women during pregnancy (p < 0.01); (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that a peak of FGF-21 towards the end of pregnancy in healthy pregnancy and higher levels in preeclamptic women might play a critical role that contributes to protecting against the negatives effects of high concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and hypertensive disorder. Furthermore, FGF-21 might play an important role in reproductive function in healthy eumenorrheic women during the menstrual cycle.

Maternal Serum Angiopoietin-Like 3 Levels in Healthy and Mild Preeclamptic Pregnant Women.

Objective: Angiopoietin-like protein 3(ANGPTL3) is an important regulator of lipoprotein metabolism in the fed state by inhibiting the enzyme lipoprotein lipase in oxidative tissues. However, the possible role of ANGPTL3 throughout gestation and its relationship with hormonal and biochemical variables are still unknown. The aim of this study was to determinate serum ANGPTL3 level in healthy non-pregnant women, during healthy and preeclamptic pregnancy and postpartum. Methods: Serum ANGPTL3 was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in a prospective cohort of healthy pregnant women (n = 52) and women with mild preeclampsia (n = 21), and women at three months postpartum (n = 20) and healthy non-pregnant women (n = 20). The results obtained were correlated with biochemical, hormonal and anthropometric variables and insulin resistance indices. Results: Levels of ANGPTL3 were not different between the follicular and the luteal phases of the cycle in healthy non-pregnant women. There was a significant reduction in serum ANGPTL3 levels from the first to the third trimester in healthy pregnant women compared with healthy non-pregnant and postpartum women (p <0.01). ANGPTL3 levels do not differ significantly during the three trimesters of pregnancy neither in healthy women nor in preeclamptic women. The serum levels of ANGPTL3 in women who developed preeclampsia are not statistically different from those observed in healthy pregnant women in each trimester of pregnancy. A significant lineal positive correlation was observed between serum ANGPTL3 levels and triglyceride (P =0.0186, r =0.52), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P =0.0224, r =0.50), and total cholesterol levels (P =0.0220, r =0.50) in healthy non-pregnant women (P 0.05). Besides, there were no significant correlations between serum ANGPTL3 and body mass index (BMI), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, insulin, leptin, or HOMA-IR (P >0.05). Conclusions: We describe for the first time the profile of ANGPTL3 throughout pregnancy and postpartum as well as and discussed about explore their potential contribution interactions with lipoprotein metabolism throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Thus, low levels of ANGPTL3 during pregnancy might favor lipid uptake in oxidative tissues as the main maternal energy source, while may helping to preserve glucose for use by the fetus and placenta.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels throughout pregnancy: a longitudinal study in healthy and preeclamptic pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide there is a high prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) deficiency and has been associated with adverse outcomes during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: This is a nested, case-control study in a longitudinal cohort to compare the serum 25OHD levels and other biomarkers throughout pregnancy in a group of 20 preeclamptic women and 61 healthy pregnant women. An additional group of 29 healthy non-pregnant women were also studied during the two phases of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: Mean 25OHD levels in non-pregnant women were 31.9 ng/mL and 34.9 ng/mL during follicular and luteal phase, respectively (P < 0.01). Mean serum 25OHD levels in healthy pregnant women were 26.5, 30.1 and 31.9 ng/mL, at first, second and third trimester, respectively (P < 0.001). The first trimester levels of 25OHD were lower than those of healthy non-pregnant women (P < 0.001), showing a significant recovery at third trimester. In the group of healthy pregnant women, the 25OHD levels were 25.7 ng/mL and 27.2 ng/mL at 3 and 6 months postpartum, respectively; both values were lower than those observed in the non-pregnant women (P < 0.001). In preeclamptic women, 25OHD serum levels were similar to those of healthy pregnant women; nevertheless, they remained almost unchanged throughout pregnancy. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between healthy and preeclamptic pregnant women in terms of 25OHD levels throughout the pregnancy. Serum 25OHD levels in non-pregnant women were higher during luteal phase compared with follicular phase. The 25OHD levels of non-pregnant women tended to be higher than those of pregnant women.

Characterisation of maternal mortality in Colombian indigenous communities, 2011 to 2013. Study of cases based on sentinel surveillance / Caracterización de la mortalidad materna en comunidades indígenas Colombianas, 2011 a 2013. Estudio de los registros de vigilancia epidemiológica de casos centinela

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterise the behaviour of maternal mortality (MM) in Colombian indigenous populations during the triennium 2011-2013. Materials and methods: Study based on epidemiological surveillance of maternal mortality cases. The study population included all maternal deaths, direct and indirect, and live births reported in the indigenous population in the country. Cases of mortality coinciding with pregnancy, such as deaths due to injuries from external causes, accidental and incidental causes, were excluded. The search of MM sentinel cases was made in the databases of the National Public Health Surveillance System (SIVIGILA) from the National Health Institute (INS), and registries of births and deaths of the National Administrative Statistics Department (DANE) for the time period between 2011 and 2013. Sociodemographic variables, maternal and childbirth care variables, geographical area and place of death, and grouped and specific causes of maternal death were measured. A descriptive analysis of the information was carried out using absolute and relative frequency measurements for the data. Results: In Colombia, 1546 cases of deaths in pregnant women were reported during the triennium 2011-2013, of which 143 cases of MM were analysed in indigenous communities: 130 met the inclusion criteria and 13 were excluded due to incidental or accidental causes. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) for this population was 327.5 per 100,000 live births during the triennium, while in the non-indigenous population it was 60.9. Of maternal deaths in indigenous population, 22.3% were in girls under 19 years of age and 29.2% in women over 35 years of age. The main causes of MM were postpartum haemorrhage, eclampsia and puerperal sepsis. Conclusion: Indigenous communities, maternal mortality is five times greater than in the non-indigenous population of the country. Multisectorial interventions that take into consideration the cultures of these peoples are needed in order to reduce inequities that affect them.

RESUMEN Objetivo: caracterizar la población que presentó mortalidad materna (MM) en las poblaciones indígenas colombianas durante el trienio 2011-2013. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio con los registros de vigilancia epidemiológica de casos de mortalidad materna. La población de estudio incluyó todas las muertes maternas, directas e indirectas, y los nacidos vivos, reportadas en la población de la etnia indígena en el país; se excluyeron los casos de mortalidad coincidente con el embarazo, como las muertes por lesiones de causa externa, causas accidentales e incidentales. Se realizó la búsqueda de los casos de MM en las bases de datos del Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (SIVIGILA) del Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), y los registros de nacimientos y defunciones del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) de los años 2011 a 2013. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas, maternas y de la atención del parto, área y lugar de defunción, y causas agrupadas y específicas de la muerte materna. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de la información utilizando medidas de frecuencia absoluta y relativa para los datos. Resultados: en Colombia se presentaron 1.546 casos de muertes en mujeres embarazadas durante el trienio 2011-2013, de estos se analizaron 143 casos de MM en comunidades indígenas: 130 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y 13 se excluyeron por causas incidentales o accidentales. La razón de mortalidad materna (RMM) para esta población fue 327,5 por 100.000 nacidos vivos durante el trienio, mientras que en la población no indígena fue de 60,9. El 22,3 % de las muertes maternas en indígenas fue en menores de 19 años, y el 29,2 % en mayores de 35 años. Las principales causas de MM fueron hemorragia posparto, eclampsia y sepsis puerperal. Conclusión: en las comunidades indígenas existe una mortalidad materna cinco veces mayor a la de la población no indígena del país. Se requieren intervenciones multisectoriales que tengan en cuenta la cultura de estos pueblos para reducir la inequidad que los afecta.

Case report: active progressive based on clinical practice learning (apb-c) / Reporte de caso: hacia un aprendizaje activo progresivo basado en la clínica (apb-c)

Clinical case reports date back to 1600 B. C., when Egyptian papyri first described injuries or disorders of the head and the back (1). Likewise, cases reported by Hippocrates, 460 B.C (2), or the first uterus (3) and face transplants (4) can be found in the literature, as well as cases on the recent Zika epidemic and its relation to microcephaly (5). All of them have greatly contributed to the evolution of medical science during different periods, both in research and learning processes.

Los reportes de casos clínicos se encuentran en la literatura desde los papiros egipcios, 1600 a. C., en los que se describen lesiones o trastornos de la cabeza y la espalda (1). Igualmente, se tiene conocimiento de casos reportados por Hipócrates, 460 a. C., en Aforismos y Sentencias (2), o el primer trasplante de útero (3) y el primer trasplante de cara (4), así como la reciente epidemia de Zika y su relación con la microcefalia (5), y todos, en su momento, han hecho un aporte importante a la evolución de la ciencia médica, tanto en los procesos de investigación como en su aprendizaje.

Síndrome de Evans y embarazo en la adolescencia: reporte caso y revisión de la literatura / Evans Syndrome and teenage pregnancy: case report and review of the literature

Objetivo: presentar el caso de una gestante adolescente con síndrome de Evans, y hacer una revisión de la literatura respecto a su tratamiento y pronóstico durante el embarazo. Materiales y métodos: se presenta el caso de una paciente adolescente embarazada con síndrome de Evans, manejada en nuestra unidad, ubicada en un hospital de segundo nivel de referencia en Bogotá (Colombia); se describe la historia clínica, su diagnóstico, manejo y desenlace, y se realiza una revisión de la literatura con énfasis en su tratamiento y pronóstico. Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura utilizando las bases de datos Medline vía PubMed, Embase y la Biblioteca Cochrane a mayo de 2016. Las palabras clave utilizadas fueron "anemia hemolítica autoinmune", "trombocitopenia", "síndrome de Evans" y "embarazo", en español o inglés, sin límite por año de publicación. Resultados: se encontraron 79 publicaciones en la búsqueda en Medline y 61 en Embase. De estas, 13 estudios estaban directamente relacionados con el tema. Uno de los artículos corresponde a una revisión sistemática de la literatura y los demás a reportes de caso. Todos los reportes de caso encontrados están incluidos en la revisión sistemática. El síndrome de Evans se debe sospechar cuando se presenta trombocitopenia y hemólisis en la mujer gestante. La patología tiene un curso variable durante el embarazo y amerita un control estricto materno-fetal. Se dispone de alternativas que incluyen el uso de corticoides, gamaglobulina intravenosa y, en algunos casos, el manejo quirúrgico con esplenectomía. Conclusiones: el síndrome de Evans es una patología rara durante la gestación, se requieren más estudios respecto al tratamiento y pronóstico de la enfermedad que permitan guiar su manejo.

Objective: To present the case of a pregnant teenage girl with Evans Syndrome, and to conduct a review of the literature regarding treatment and prognosis during pregnancy. Materials and methods: Case presentation of a pregnant teenage girl with Evans Syndrome managed at our unit in a Level II referral hospital in Bogota, Colombia; description of the clinical history, diagnosis, management and outcome; and review of the literature focusing on treatment and prognosis. A search of the literature was conducted using the Medline database through PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library up to May 2016. The key terms used were "autoimmune haemolytic anaemia", "thrombocytopenia", "Evans Syndrome" and "pregnancy", both in Spanish and English, with no restriction by year of publication. Results: Overall, 79 publications were found in Medline and 61 in EMBASE. Of these, 13 studies related directly to the topic, one was a systematic review of the literature, and the rest were case reports. All the case reports found are included in the systematic review. Evans Syndrome must be suspected when there is thrombocytopenia and haemolysis in the pregnant woman. The course of the disease varies during pregnancy and warrants close maternal and foetal follow-up. Treatment options are available, including steroids, intravenous gamma globulin and, in certain cases, surgical management with splenectomy. Conclusions: Evans Syndrome is a rare disease during pregnancy. Further studies are needed regarding the treatment and prognosis of the disease in order to guide treatment.

Afectaciones Psicológicas, Estrategias de Afrontamiento y Niveles de Resiliencia de Adultos Expuestos al Conflicto Armado en Colombia / Psychological Symptoms, Coping Strategies and Resilience in Adults Exposed to the Colombian Armed Conflict / Afetações Psicológicas, Estratégicas de Enfrentamento e Níveis de Resiliência de Adultos Expostos ao Conflito Armado na Colômbia

Se determinaron las afectaciones psicológicas, estrategias de afrontamiento y niveles de resiliencia de 677 adultos expuestos al conflicto armado en un municipio colombiano. Los participantes del estudio fueron seleccionados mediante muestreo aleatorio por afijación proporcional. Se aplicaron el cuestionario de síntomas, prueba de estrés postraumático y escalas de estrategias de afrontamiento y resiliencia. Las principales afectaciones psicológicas encontradas son el sentimiento de que alguien trata de hacerle daño, consumo de alcohol, alteraciones del estado de ánimo y síntomas de estrés postraumático. Las estrategias de afrontamiento más empleadas son la religión y esperar que las cosas se arreglen solas. El nivel de resiliencia es moderado. La percepción de salud es baja y la necesidad de atención es alta.

The psychological symptoms, the coping strategies and the resilience levels of 677 adults exposed to armed conflict in a Colombian town were evaluated. The participants of the study were selected via random sampling by proportional allocation. A questionnaire of symptoms, a test of posttraumatic stress disorder, and several scales of coping strategies and resilience were applied. The main psychological symptoms found were the feeling that someone wanted to harm the participant, alcohol consumption, mood disorders, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress. The coping strategies most employed were religion and waiting until things straightened out by themselves. The level of resilience is moderate. The perception of health is low and the need for health care is high.

Neste estudo, foram determinados as afetações psicológicas, as estratégias de enfrentamento e os níveis de resiliência em 677 adultos expostos ao conflito armado num município colombiano. Os integrantes do estudo foram selecionados mediante amostragem aleatória por alocação proporcional ao tamanho do estrato amostragem. Aplicaram-se o questionário de sintomas, o teste de estresse pós-traumático e as escalas de estratégias de enfrentamento e resiliência. As principais afetações psicológicas achadas são o sentimento de que alguém tenta fazer-lhe mal, consumo de álcool, alterações do estado de ânimo e sintomas de estresse pós-traumático. As estratégias de enfrentamento mais empregadas são a religião e esperar que as coisas sejam ajustadas sozinhas. O nível de resiliência é moderado. A percepção de saúde é baixa, e a necessidade de atenção, alta.

Afectaciones psicológicas de niños y adolescentes expuestos al conflicto armado en una zona rural de Colombia / Psychological effects on children and adolescents exposed to armed conflict in a rural area of Colombia / Afetações psicológicas de crianças e adolescentes expostos ao conflito armado em uma zona rural da Colômbia

Se determinaron las afectaciones psicológicas de 284 niños y adolescentes expuestos al conflicto armado en una zona rural colombiana, seleccionados mediante un muestreo aleatorio por afijación proporcional. Los instrumentos aplicados fueron: la Lista de chequeo de comportamiento infantil, el Auto-reporte de comportamientos de jóvenes, la Lista de síntomas postraumáticos, la Escala de estrategias de afrontamiento para adolescentes y la Escala de resiliencia para escolares. El 72% de la población presentó afectaciones psicológicas: el 64.4%, conductas internalizadas, el 47%, conductas externalizadas en rango clínico. El 32%, problemas somáticos; el 56%, se encontraba en riesgo de estrés postraumático, y el 93% consumía alcohol en grado moderado. La estrategia de afrontamiento más utilizada era dejar que las cosas se arreglaran solas. Se encontró una alta necesidad de atención en salud. Ser hombre constituyó un factor de riesgo de depresión, agresión y problemas sociales en los niños. A su vez, tener hasta doce años y estar cursando un grado escolar bajo, lo fue para los síntomas somáticos en adolescentes. Los resultados evidenciaron la afectación en la salud mental de los participantes.

Psychological effects were determined in 284 children and adolescents exposed to armed conflict in a rural area of Colombia, selected through random sampling proportional allocation. The instruments applied were: The Child Behavior Checklist, the Youth Behavior Self-report, the Trauma Symptoms Checklist for Children, the Coping Scale for Adolescents and the Resilience Scale for School Children. Findings showed that 72% of the population suffers from psychological problems, 64.4 from internalizing behavior and 47% from externalizing behavior within clinical range. It was also found that 32% had somatic problems, 56% were at risk for PTSD and 93% had moderate alcohol consumption. The most frequently used coping strategy was to leave things get fixed by themselves. There was a high need for health care. Being male constituted a risk factor for depression, aggression and social problems in children. In turn, being up to12 years old and a student of a lower grade were risk factors for somatic symptoms in adolescents. Results clearly revealed the impact on mental health of the population under study.

Determinaram-se as afetações psicológicas de 284 crianças e adolescentes expostos ao conflito armado em uma zona rural colombiana, selecionados mediante uma amostragem aleatória. Os instrumentos aplicados foram: a Lista de checagem de comportamento infantil, a autoavaliação de comportamentos de jovens, a Lista de sintomas pós-traumáticos, a Escala de estratégias de enfrentamento para adolescentes e a Escala de resiliência para escolares. 72% da população apresentou afetações psicológicas: 64.4%, condutas internalizadas, 47%, condutas externalizadas. 32%, problemas somáticos; 56%, se encontrava em risco de estresse pós-traumático, e 93% consumia álcool de forma moderada. A estratégia de enfretamento mais utilizada era deixar que as coisas se resolvessem sozinhas. Foi encontrada uma alta necessidade de atenção em saúde. Ser homem constituiu um fator de risco de depressão, agressão e problemas sociais. Ao mesmo tempo que ter até doze anos e estar cursando uma série escolar baixa, foi para os sintomas somáticos em adolescentes. Os resultados evidenciaram a afetação da saúde mental dos participantes.

Salud mental y transformaciones del mundo de la vida en un escenario de violencia política y social / Mental health and changing world of life in a scene of violence and social policy

Esta investigación se presenta con el objetivo de comprender la forma como la violencia política ha transformado en el mundo de la vida de la comunidad viotuna, las condiciones de salud mental, para lo cual desde la perspectiva cualitativa fenomenológica, se realizaron entrevistas a profundidad a miembros de la comunidad viotuna, que fueron elegidos como relatores claves y grupos focales de los sectores socialmente representativos. Los hallazgos indican que la violencia política genera una transformación importante no solo en el plano de la salud mental individual sino que igualmente desde lo comunitario ocasiona una ruptura en las redes de apoyo que impacta la idea subjetiva de bienestar, con lo cual el mundo de la vida idealizado, queda marcado intergeneracionalmente con signos de temor, soledad, rabia y necesidad de venganza.

This research is presented in order to understand how political violence has changed the viotuna community's world life, the mental health conditions. From the qualitative phenomenological perspective, depth interviews were conducted to community members and focus groups from the socially representative sectors. The findings indicate that political violence add a significant effect not only in terms of individual mental health but also from the community that causes a break in the support networks that impact the subjective idea of welfare, thus the idealized world of life, is marked with signs of intergenerational fear, loneliness, anger and need for revenge.