Clinical benefits of a new multipurpose disinfecting solution in silicone hydrogel and soft contact lens users.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new multipurpose disinfecting solution (MPDS) containing a diblock copolymer, poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene), designed to improve the wetting properties of silicone-hydrogel lenses. METHODS: This 90-day, randomized, concurrently controlled, double-masked, multisite study involved 573 subjects at 30 investigational sites in the United states. Existing lens wearers were randomly assigned to either regimen 1 (OPTI-FREE PureMoist, a newly developed formulation, Alcon Laboratories Inc., Fort Worth, TX) or regimen 2 (renu fresh, Bausch and Lomb Inc., Rochester, NY). At baseline, days 7, 30, 60, and 90, the subjects recorded subjective evaluations relating to lens acceptability and comfort, wearing time, and rewetting drop frequency, whereas investigators assessed slitlamp findings (including corneal fluorescein staining), lens deposits (modified Rudko), visual acuity, and adverse events. Group IV lenses were collected for ex vivo measurement of lysozyme deposits. RESULTS: Differences favoring regimen 1 were noted on day 90 for subjective evaluations of lens comfort (insertion, removal, overall); lens moisture and freshness; gentle on eye; clear vision; and lens handling (all P<0.004). Corneal fluorescein staining severity and area and lysozyme deposits (group IV lenses) were lower with regimen 1 (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This 90-day study shows that the new MPDS designed for silicone-hydrogel lenses is safe and effective when used by both silicone-hydrogel and traditional soft lens wearers. By improving comfort and decreasing lysozyme deposits and corneal fluorescein staining, the new MPDS enhances patients' wearing experience and helps maintain optimal lens performance.

Bleaching: preventing common problems.

So there you have it--a system to guarantee compliance and to eliminate the sensitivity that often accompanies bleaching treatment. Give the patients control so they can see and celebrate their improvement (Figures 8 and 9). Most importantly use a protocol and methods that get the job done faster and better with an absolute minimum of discomfort.

Plastic surgery: understanding abdominoplasty and liposuction.

Requests for plastic surgery procedures that alter one's body image are on the rise. To ensure the best possible outcome, patients who request a combined procedure (eg, abdominoplasty and liposuction) must meet certain criteria to be eligible for surgery. It is critically important for patients to understand that these surgeries are not weight-reduction procedures, and they must be prepared to make lifestyle changes to ensure long-lasting results. These procedures are performed in a variety of facilities (eg, surgeons' offices, surgery centers, hospitals). Perioperative nurses must have a basic knowledge and understanding of abdominoplasty and liposuction and the special requirements and potential complications involved with these procedures.

The effect of pH and osmolarity on the ability of tolerate artificial tears.

Many patients with keratitis sicca complain that the commercially available artificial tears burn when they are instilled and fail to relieve their distressing symptoms. We examined the effects of altering both the pH and osmolarity of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose tear substitute on the tolerance of 15 patients with varying degrees of keratitis sicca. Approximately equal numbers of patients selected the neutral hypotonic tear preparations and the isotonic or near-isotonic alkaline tear substitutes. The isotonic alkaline tear preparation was preferred by the majority of our patients with moderate or severe dry eyes. A commercially available alkaline tear substitute is needed.

Bacterial strike-through of re-usable surgical drapes: the effect of different wetting agents.

Wound contamination and the resultant postoperative infection is a major problem in all forms of surgery. Air contamination, gloves, surgical instruments and drapes have all been investigated as sources of wound contamination. We investigated the effect of different wetting agents on strike-through rate of bacteria through re-usable polyester/cotton surgical drapes using a newly described method. Within 30 min bacterial strike-through of dry surgical drapes occurs. Wetting drapes with blood or normal saline enhances the strike-through rate of bacteria. Wetting drapes with iodine or chlorhexidine diminishes, but does not stop, bacterial strike-through. The use of re-usable polyester/cotton drapes is a potential source of wound contamination especially when wetted with blood or normal saline.

Corneal-wetting property of lignocaine 2% jelly.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the corneal-wetting property of lignocaine 2% jelly. SETTING: A district general hospital. METHODS: Fifty patients having cataract surgery were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 comprised 20 patients who had topical eyedrop anesthesia and corneal irrigation with balanced salt solution (BSS(R)) during surgery as necessary. Group 2 comprised 15 patients who received lignocaine jelly on arrival and just before the corneal incision was made as well as corneal moisturizing by BSS during surgery. Group 3 comprised 15 patients who received lignocaine jelly on arrival and additional lignocaine jelly if necessary just before the corneal incision was made to maintain corneal clarity. The duration of efficacy and the frequency of the applications of the 2 agents were recorded. Corneal clarity and reflections were noted intraoperatively. Corneal status was assessed postoperatively in the ward. RESULTS: Preoperative lignocaine 2% jelly maintained corneal clarity longer than BSS (P <.001). A second application of lignocaine was needed when surgery was prolonged. CONCLUSIONS: The corneal-wetting property of lignocaine 2% jelly can be useful during cataract surgery by avoiding repeated corneal irrigation with BSS.

Lidocaine in ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty.

The doses of lidocaine used for lipoplasty often exceed what is commonly recommended for other surgical procedures. When using these high volumes of lidocaine and wetting solutions, a variety of safety issues must be considered. The author knows of no other plastic surgery operation in which the safety of the procedure is so influenced by the medications administered. Each component of the wetting solution--the alkalized fluid, the epinephrine, and the lidocaine--has an individual and interrelated role. The absorption of lidocaine with epinephrine after subcutaneous installation for lipoplasty probably represents a unique situation, and the concepts presented should not necessarily be extrapolated to other types of procedures.

Treatment for radiation-induced xerostomia. An innovative remedy.

Xerostomia continues to be a major complaint of patients who have had radiation therapy of the salivary glands and neck. This article describes the advantages and disadvantages of conventional treatment methods and introduces an innovative, yet inexpensive remedy that has produced favorable results for those afflicted with this chronic complication of therapy.

Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a progressive autoimmune rheumatic disorder. Its precise etiology is unknown, although several contributing factors have been identified. One theory is that the condition results from complications related to infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. Primary exposure to or reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus elicits expression of the human leukocyte antigen complex. This is recognized by T lymphocytes (CD 4+) resulting in the release of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-2, interferon-gamma, and others). A genetic marker specific for Sjögren's syndrome, HLA-DR4, has been identified. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of Sjögren's syndrome is unknown. A recent epidemiologic study in Sweden estimated the prevalence in the adult population to be 2.7%. In the United States, 10 years ago, the number of patients with Sjögren's syndrome was thought to be fewer than 100,000. This number today is estimated to be more than 1 million. Sjögren's syndrome has been reported in nearly every major country of the world, and the geographic distribution of cases appears to be relatively uniform. Sjögren's syndrome typically affects women (90%) during the fourth or fifth decade of life. Isolated cases of Sjögren's syndrome in children have been reported.

The quality of skin care products and their ingredients.

Several ingredients used in skin products have been criticized as being excessively harsh, allergenic, or otherwise unsuitable for use, especially in the elderly population. Preservatives, in particular, have been condemned, leading to a proliferation of "preservative-free" products. Other descriptive/promotional phrases with negative connotations are "fragrance-free" and "emulsifier-free." Inferences regarding these designations might suggest that preservatives, fragrances, emulsifiers, and a number of other ingredients serve no important function, are superfluous in terms of product quality, and, therefore, should be left out of all skin products. While this is obviously not the case, neither is the obverse. Ingredients used in skin care products should be carefully chosen to support or maintain the overall effectiveness and utility of the product, and the concentration of such ingredients should be given careful consideration. After briefly reviewing skin structure and changes that occur during aging, this article examines the concept of product quality. Major nondrug ingredient categories will be addressed, including the reasons for using such ingredients in skin care products, the products in which they are required, the limitations and choices available within each category, and guidelines for product selection.

[Use of polydimethylsiloxane in the endoscopic treatment of urinary incontinence of neurologic origin in children]. / Utilisation du polydiméthylsiloxane dans le traitement endoscopique de l'incontinence urinaire d'origine neurologique chez l'enfant.

AIM: We report the use of polydimethylsiloxane (PDS-Macroplastique) in endoscopic treatment of urinary incontinence in children with neurogenic bladder and try to determine optimal criteria for patient selection. METHODS: Forty four children (19 males, 25 females) have been treated since 1995. Aetiology was mainly spina bifida (n = 36). Previous surgery had been performed in 26 patients, including bladder neck reconstruction in 21 cases and bladder augmentation in 15 cases. Mean age at injection was 13 years (7 to 17). Only one injection was performed in 27 patients, two injections in 4 cases, and three and more injections in 3 cases. Mean volume at each injection was 3.6 cc. Mean interval between two injections was 6 months (3-15 m). All injections were performed transurethrally. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 6 to 41 months (median: 23). Fifteen patients (34%) are dry (continence > 4 hours, no urinary pad during the day) and 11 (25%) are improved (continence from 2 to 3 hours, minimal pad). Eighteen patients obtained poor results. In the entire series previous bladder neck surgery or preoperative detrusor hyperactivity did not interfere with the results. The only difference concerns the sex-ratio: the good results were mainly seen in females: 44% of girls are cured versus 21% of boys. CONCLUSION: Injection of PDS in the bladder neck achieve the goal of continence in 34% of the cases in neurogenic bladder. Better results are seen in girls. Injection does not compromise other surgical procedures. The use of PDS seems more suitable than bovine collagen in view of the potential problems of prions.

Clinical evaluation of the effect of a hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse, sodium bicarbonate dentifrice, and mouth moisturizer on oral health.

The objective of this 60-day single-blind, parallel trial, using 150 subjects, was to evaluate the effect of a 20% sodium bicarbonate dentifrice, a 1.5% hydrogen peroxide solution and a mouth moisturizer on oral tissues and microflora. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of five groups. The treatments were: 1) Sage dentifrice (sodium bicarbonate). Toothette Plus containing baking soda saturated with the hydrogen peroxide solution and use of a mouth moisturizer, 2) Crest dentifrice, Toothette Plus containing baking soda saturated with the hydrogen peroxide solution and use of a mouth moisturizer, 3) Crest dentifrice, Toothette Plus containing baking soda with a control solution and no mouth moisturizer, 4) Crest dentifrice, Toothette (without baking soda), saturated with a control solution and no mouth moisturizer, and 5) Crest dentifrice, Toothette saturated with 1.5% flavored H2O2 and no mouth moisturizer. From a subgroup of 35 patients (seven from each group) buccal smears for exfoliative cytology were taken as were supragingival microbiological samples from the mesial aspect of first molars (pooled). Buccal smears were evaluated for signs of histopathological changes. Microbiological samples from supra- and subgingival plaque for P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, A. actinomycetemcomitans. A viscosus, F. nucleatum, F. sanguis and C. albicans were evaluated. Clinical parameters measured were a stain index (SI), the modified gingival index (MGI), and a plaque index (PI). There were no adverse changes in the oral microflora and no anaplastic or other pathological changes in any subjects. Clinical parameters showed a statistically significant reduction in the MGI ranging from 26.7-29.9% with no significant differences among the groups (p > 0.05). The PI showed small reductions in all groups except group 2, but the differences were not statistically significant from each other or baseline (p > 0.05). The SI revealed slight increases in all groups and no differences among the groups. It can be concluded that use of Sage dentifrice, Toothette Plus saturated with Perox-A-Mint and Sage Mouth Moisturizer are safe to oral tissues. Using these components did not result in clinically noticeable stain formation, promote plaque formation, or produce any significant adverse changes in the oral microflora.

A vital barrier against infection. Maintaining skin integrity in patients with liver disease.

Patients with acute or chronic liver disease often suffer from dry, itchy and flaky skin. This study compares the effects of soap and aqueous cream in helping maintain the skin's integrity.

Basic skin care and topical therapies for atopic dermatitis: essential approaches and beyond

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a recurrent and chronic skin disease characterized by dysfunction of the epithelial barrier, skin inflammation, and immune dysregulation, with changes in the skin microbiota and colonization by Staphylococcus aureus being common. For this reason, the therapeutic approach to AD is complex and should be directed at restoring skin barrier function, reducing dehydration, maintaining acidic pH, and avoiding superinfection and exposure to possible allergens. There is no curative treatment for AD. However, a series of measures are recommended to alleviate the disease and enable patients to improve their quality of life. These include adequate skin hydration and restoration of the skin barrier with the use of emollients, antibacterial measures, specific approaches to reduce pruritus and scratching, wet wrap applications, avoidance of typical AD triggers, and topical anti-inflammatory drugs. Anti-inflammatory treatment is generally recommended during acute flares or, more recently, for preventive management. Nevertheless, the selection of the pharmacologic agent, as well as its potency, duration, and frequency of application must be in accordance with the severity of the disease and the distribution and type of the lesion. The objectives of this review are to emphasize the importance of basic skin care and to describe current and novel topical therapies for AD

La dermatitis atópica (DA) es una enfermedad cutánea crónica y recurrente que se caracteriza por la existencia de una disfunción de la barrera epitelial, un proceso inflamatorio cutáneo, una alteración del sistema inmune y posibles cambios en la microbiota cutánea, siendo frecuente una posible colonización por Estafilococo aureus. Por ello, el abordaje terapéutico de la DA es complejo y debe de estar enfocado principalmente hacia la restauración de la barrera cutánea, la reducción de la deshidratación, el mantenimiento del PH ácido y la evitación de posibles sobreinfecciones y exposiciones a diferentes fuentes alergénicas. Actualmente no existe tratamientos curativos para la DA. Sin embargo, con el fin de aliviar la enfermedad y que mejore la calidad de vida de los pacientes, se recomiendan una serie de medidas que incluyen una adecuada hidratación y restauración de la barrera cutánea gracias a la aplicación de emolientes, medidas antibacterianas, reducción del picor y del rascado mediante determinados abordajes específicos, la aplicación de vendajes húmedos, la evitación de los desencadenantes de la DA y una terapia tópica antiinflamatoria adecuada. Los tratamientos anti-inflamatorios se recomiendan habitualmente durante las reagudizaciones y, más recientemente, como tratamiento preventivo. Sin embargo, dependiendo de la gravedad de la enfermedad, la distribución o el tipo de lesión, se seleccionará el agente farmacológico, su potencia, la duración y frecuencia necesaria de aplicación. El objetivo principal de esta revisión es resaltar la importancia del cuidado básico de la piel, además de describir los tratamientos tópicos, tanto actuales como emergentes, que existen para el abordaje de la dermatitis atópica

Dermatitis asociada a la incontinencia.: Estado actual del conocimiento / Incontinence-associated dermatitis. Current state of knowledge

La dermatitis asociada a la incontinencia (DAI) es un tipo de dermatitis de contacto irritante, que se observa frecuentemente en pacientes con incontinencia fecal o urinaria. Se manifiesta como una inflamación de la superficie de la piel caracterizada por eritema, y en ocasiones erosión cutánea. Es una condición prevalente y clínicamente relevante, con serias repercusiones sobre el estado de salud y la calidad de vida del paciente. Su etiología es compleja y multifactorial y sus complicaciones implican la infección cutánea y la aparición de otras lesiones añadidas. Es fundamental la correcta diferenciación entre las DAI y otras lesiones cutáneas similares como paso principal para su prevención y tratamiento, y el uso de instrumentos validados para su valoración, seguimiento y monitorización. La ausencia de estudios bien planteados hace que las recomendaciones para el abordaje de la DAI se apoyen en la opinión de expertos y las mejores prácticas disponibles. Las bases de la prevención y tratamiento de la DAI son el abordaje de la incontinencia y la aplicación de un programa o protocolo estructurado de cuidados de la piel que incluya la limpieza suave, la aplicación de productos barrera y el uso de agentes tópicos hidratantes. El presente artículo intenta recoger el estado actual del conocimiento sobre los aspectos fundamentales de la DAI y su implicación para la práctica enfermera

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a type of irritant contact dermatitis, which is frequently observed in patients with fecal and/or urinary incontinence. It manifests as an inflammation of the surface of the skin characterized by erythema, and occasionally skin erosion. It is a prevalent and clinically relevant condition, with serious repercussions on the patient's state of health and quality of life. Its etiology is complex and multifactorial and its complications involve cutaneous infection and the appearance of other lesions added. The correct differentiation between IAD and other similar skin lesions is fundamental as the main step for their prevention and treatment, and the use of validated instruments for their assessment, follow-up and monitoring. The absence of well-designed studies means that the recommendations for the approach to the IAD are based on expert opinion and best practices available. The bases of the prevention and treatment of the IAD are the approach to incontinence and the application of a structured program or protocol of skin care that includes gentle cleansing, the application of barrier products and the use of topical moisturizing agents. The present article tries to collect the current state of knowledge about the fundamental aspects of the IAD and its implication for nursing practice

First resuscitation of critical burn patients: progresses and problems / Reanimación inicial de pacientes quemados críticos: progresos y problemas

Currently, the aim of the resuscitation of burn patients is to maintain end-organ perfusion with fluid intake as minimal as possible. To avoid excess intake, we can improve the estimation using computer methods. Parkland and Brooke are the commonly used formulas, and recently, a new, an easy formula is been used, i.e. the ‘Rule of TEN’. Fluid resuscitation should be titrated to maintain the urine output of approximately 30-35 mL/h for an average-sized adult. The most commonly used fluids are crystalloid, but the phenomenon of creep flow has renewed interest in albumin. In severely burn patients, monitoring with transpulmonary thermodilution together with lactate, ScvO2 and intraabdominal pressures is a good option. Nurse-driven protocols or computer-based resuscitation algorithms reduce the dependence on clinical decision making and decrease fluid resuscitation intake. High-dose vitamin C, propranolol, the avoidance of excessive use of morphine and mechanical ventilation are other useful resources

El objetivo de la reanimación de los pacientes quemados es mantener la perfusión tisular con el menor aporte de fluidos posible. Para evitar un aporte excesivo podemos usar métodos de estimación computarizados. La fórmula de Parkland y la de Brooke son las más usadas y recientemente se ha propuesto una fórmula sencilla que es la «regla de los diez». Los fluidos de reanimación deben intentar mantener una diuresis de 30-35ml/h. Los fluidos más usados son los cristaloides, pero el fenómeno del «fluid creep» ha renovado el interés por el uso de la albúmina. En pacientes quemados críticos, la monitorización con termodilución transpulmonar junto con lactato, SvcO2 y presión intraabdominal es una buena opción. Protocolos de enfermería y algoritmos de reanimación informáticos reducen la dependencia de las decisiones de los clínicos y disminuyen el aporte requerido. Otras actuaciones útiles son: usar altas dosis de vitamina C, emplear propranolol y evitar el uso excesivo de morfina y de ventilación mecánica

Percepción y actitudes de los ginecólogos españoles frente al síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia. Estudio VUVAGINE / Perception and attitudes of Spanish gynecologits against the genitourinary syndrome during the menopause. VUVAGINE Study

Objetivo: describir y analizar los resultados de un cuestionario diseñado para evaluar diferencias de percepción y actitudes entre los ginecólogos españoles (varones y mujeres) en relación con el abordaje del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia (SGUM). Material y métodos: estudio transversal mediante una encuesta, cumplimentada por ginecólogos españoles. Se analizan las características basales del ginecólogo, anamnesis proactiva en el SGUM, orientación terapéutica y preventiva y autoprescripción/a la pareja de los ginecólogos varones. Resultados: se analizaron 213 cuestionarios. Son destacables las diferencias entre lo que el ginecólogo preferiría teóricamente prescribir (terapia hormonal asociada a lubricantes), lo que prescribe y lo que estima mejor aceptado por las pacientes (solo hidratantes). Eliminando la influencia de las variables de confusión, no existen diferencias significativas entre los resultados en ginecólogos varones y mujeres, de forma que la variable que condiciona las diferencias es el tipo de actividad del profesional. En la praxis privada se pregunta significativamente más sobre sintomatología vulvovaginal, urinaria y disfunciones sexuales; se dispone de más tiempo para incidir en ella, y mayor uso de probióticos. La terapia autoprescrita mayoritaria es la hormonal, asociada o no a hidratantes (73,1 vs. 63,6% en la pública y privada, respectivamente). Conclusión: la mayoría de los ginecólogos encuestados abordan en su práctica clínica el diagnóstico y tratamiento del SGUM, si bien se identifican diferencias entre los ginecólogos que desarrollan su actividad en el ámbito público frente al privado. Del mismo modo, existe diferencia entre prescripción y autoprescripción, si bien la terapia hormonal asociada o no a hidratantes resulta ser la mayoritaria en todos los subgrupos (AU)

Objective: To describe and analyse the results of a questionnaire designed to evaluate the existence of differences between perceptions and attitudes of Spanish gynaecologists (male and female) regarding the approach of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was made by means of a survey form completed by Spanish gynaecologists. The gynaecologist’s baseline characteristics, data on proactive history taking about GSM symptom, prevention and therapeutic approach and self-prescription/recommendations to the gynecologist’s couple were analysed. Results: Two hundred-thirteen valid questionnaires were analysed. In that analysis, the significant differences between what the gynaecologists theoretically would prescribe (hormonal therapy associated to moisturizers), what they in the daily practice prescribe and what they think the patients would accept (only lubricants and/or moisturizers). There are no significant differences between male and female gynaecologists in each category or in each age group, excluding the influence of confusion variables. This means that the differences are due to the professional activity area. Thus in private practice is significantly often to be asked about vulvovaginal and urinary symptoms and sexual disfunction, there is more time to inquire about it, the price is less considered when prescribing and there is a better knowledge and greater use of probiotics. The majority self-prescripted therapy was the hormonal therapy associated or not to moisturizers/lubricants (73.1 vs. 63.6% of self-medication in public and private practice respectively). Conclusion: The majority of the asked gynaecologists deal with diagnosis and treatment of GSM in their daily practice, although there are significant differences between the gynaecologists that work mainly at the public practice and the ones that work at the private practice. In the same way, there is a slight difference in prescription and self-prescription, even though hormonal therapy associated or not to moisturizers are the most prevalent products used in all groups (AU)

Papel de ospemifeno en el tratamiento de la atrofia vulvovaginal en la mujer posmenopáusica / Role of ospemifene in the treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal woman

A pesar de que los síntomas de atrofia vulvovaginal (AVV) tienen un impacto significativo en la vida de una mujer, el grado de insatisfacción con las terapias disponibles es elevado. Si además consideramos que muchas mujeres son reacias a aceptar los tratamientos vaginales o no pueden utilizarlos, se hace patente la necesidad médica no cubierta en el manejo de la AVV. Ospemifeno es el primer tratamiento oral que no contiene hormonas indicado para mujeres posmenopáusicas con AVV no candidatas a estrógenos locales, y el único modulador selectivo de los receptores estrogénicos (SERM) con actividad antagonista en la mama, neutral en el útero y agonista en los huesos y vagina. Ospemifeno restaura el epitelio vaginal mejorando significativamente los síntomas de sequedad vaginal y dispareunia, y la salud sexual. Además de un óptimo tratamiento, los profesionales deberían abordar proactivamente la salud vaginal como parte del cuidado de la mujer posmenopáusica, especialmente a la luz del escaso conocimiento que muestran las mujeres acerca de esta condición (AU)

Despite symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA) can have a significant impact on a woman’s life, the level of dissatisfaction with available VVA treatments is high. If we also consider that many women are reluctant to accept vaginal treatments or are unable to use it, the unmet medical need in the management of VVA becomes evident. Ospemifene is the first oral treatment that does not contain hormones, for post-menopausal women with VVA who are not candidates for local estrogens, and the only SERM with antagonistic effect in breast, neutral in uterus, and agonistic in bone and vagina. Ospemifene restores the vaginal epithelium and show significant improvements in symptoms of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia and therefore in the woman’s sexual function. Besides an optimal treatment, professionals should proactively address the vaginal health as part of postmenopausal women care, particularly in view of survey results highlighting the poor understanding of this condition that women have (AU)

Hydration practices of runners during training vs competition / Prácticas de hidratación en corredores durante el entrenamiento vs la competición

Background: Appropriate hydration ensures that the athlete is in ideal condition during exercise. Inadequate hydration practices are still present among athletes participating in different types of sports. This could be the result of a low level of knowledge concerning the importance of hydration for athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and the hydration practices of the runners in training and competition. Method: This study used an exploratory method involving a questionnaire containing 19 objective questions related to hydration habits and level of knowledge about hydration, as reported in prior studies, which included questions categorized into three parts: demographic characteristics, hydration habits during competition and training, and hydration knowledge. A total of 412 athletes (36.1 ± 12.9 years old) with a high experience in the sport (11.2 ± 10.9 years) were evaluated. Results: A significant difference (p = 0.0012) was observed for reported hydration practices between training and competitions. Moreover, the data revealed that a large number of runners (41 % in competitions and 54.4% in training) had inadequate hydration habits because they did not always consume fluids. Increased consumption of fluids in the competitions was also observed. Only 35.4% of athletes consumed sports drinks, while 3.88 % had never consumed fluids during training, and 1.5% never consumed fluids in competition. Few athletes (23.2%) weighed themselves before and after exercising. Participants answered 66.6% of hydration knowledge questions correctly. Conclusion: Runners were not able to transfer their knowledge about proper hydration during both training and competition practices

Introducción: Una hidratación adecuada asegura que el atleta está en condición ideal durante el ejercicio. Se suelen presentar prácticas de hidratación inadecuadas entre los deportistas de diferentes disciplinas que podrían deberse a un bajo nivel de conocimiento sobre la importancia de una correcta hidratación para el rendimiento deportivo. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimiento y las prácticas de hidratación en corredores durante el entrenamiento frente a la competición. Métodos: Este estudio utilizó un método exploratorio que incluía un cuestionario con 19 preguntas objetivas relacionadas con los hábitos de hidratación y el nivel de conocimiento sobre hidratación, según lo informado en estudios previos, cuyas preguntas estaban divididas en tres partes: características demográficas; hábitos de hidratación durante el entrenamiento y competición, y conocimientos sobre hidratación. Se evaluaron 412 corredores (36,1 ± 12,9 años) con una elevada experiencia en la práctica del atletismo (11,2 ± 10,9 años). Resultados: Hubo diferencia significativa (p = 0,0012) de las prácticas de hidratación durante los entrenamientos y la competición, con mayor consumo de líquidos durante las competiciones. Por otra parte, los datos revelaron que un gran número de corredores (41,0% en competición y 54,4 % en entrenamiento) tenían hábitos de hidratación inadecuados al no consumir siempre líquidos. Sólo el 35,4 % de los atletas declararon consumir bebidas deportivas. La ingesta de líquidos era inexistente en el 3,8% de los atletas durante el entrenamiento y el 1,5% en competiciones. Sólo el 23,2% de los encuestados controlaban el peso corporal antes y después del ejercicio. Los participantes respondieron correctamente al 66,6% de las preguntas sobre conocimiento de hidratación. Conclusiones: Los corredores participantes no fueron capaces de trasladar sus conocimientos sobre el tema de hidratación en prácticas adecuadas tanto en entrenamiento como en competición