Psychogenic Hyperphagia: Excessive Eating as Stereotypy in a Patient with Catatonia.

Catatonia is a complex syndrome with unique cognitive, psychomotor, and mood features. Mannerisms and stereotypies are catatonic signs that have been extensively observed and described in the literature, mostly in the context of movements or motor acts. Stereotypies are commonly described as repetitive psychomotor or verbal acts with the abnormality not inherent in the act but in its frequency. Mannerisms, like stereotypies, are repetitive psychomotor or verbal acts, but they are fundamentally odd in nature. Recently, several reports have described these phenomena in the context of complex behaviors, such as eating and drinking. Identification and appreciation of personal and cultural norms, in addition to a careful analysis of behavioral processes and actions, are important tools for clinicians to identify these potentially elusive and often missed patterns of behavior in patients with catatonia. We present the case of a 30-year-old male with a psychiatric history of treatment-resistant, recurrent major depressive disorder with psychotic features who presented to the inpatient psychiatric unit with signs of catatonia, including repeated, purposeless eating. The patient's chart was reviewed, and a literature review was conducted using PubMed with the keywords catatonia, stereotypies, mannerisms, and hyperphagia. The patient, who was diagnosed with catatonia and expressed hyperphagia as a stereotypy, responded to lorazepam. This case shows that hyperphagia may present as a stereotypy in patients with catatonia.

Revisión de la utilización de la prueba con lorazepam como evaluación diagnóstica de catatonía / Review of the utilization of the lorazepam test as a diagnostic evaluation of catatonia

La catatonía es un síndrome neuropsiquiátrico que se presenta con una serie heterogénea de signos y síntomas psicomotores, afectivos, conductuales y autonómicos. Es una manifestación inespecífica de ciertos trastornos mentales, metabólicos, inmunológicos, endocrinológicos, infecciosos y neurológicos, y es fundamental establecer estrategias de diagnóstico precoz para implementar medidas terapéuticas eficaces y oportunas. El objetivo de esta revisión sistematizada es evaluar la utilidad de la prueba de lorazepam como estrategia diagnóstica en individuos con catatonía. Se utilizó los buscadores Cochrane, Lilacs, Scielo, Pubmed y Scopus. Los artículos seleccionados son ensayos clínicos y cohortes prospectivos, en los cuales se analizó la forma de diagnóstico de catatonía, la utilización y protocolo de la prueba de lorazepam y las medidas de respuesta. La búsqueda inicial determinó 87 artículos; aplicando los criterios de inclusión y exclusión se culminó en la elección de 8 artículos. La identificación de la catatonía presenta dificultades y su diagnóstico es variable, lo cual genera limitaciones en cuanto a intervenciones precoces. Existe una heterogeneidad de evaluaciones y de estrategias, pero la bibliografía es sugerente en cuanto a la utilización de lorazepam como evaluación confirmatoria y tratamiento inicial de la catatonía. La prueba de lorazepam forma parte de un protocolo de manejo, y puede ser un paso en la toma de decisiones para que individuos con catatonía reciban una intervención oportuna. Se concluye que la prueba de lorazepam es una técnica accesible y replicable, con resultados prometedores para su eventual implementación, pero se necesita nuevos estudios que involucren su aplicación estandarizada.

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by a heterogeneous range of psychomotor, affective, behavioral, and autonomic signs and symptoms. It is a nonspecific manifestation of certain mental, metabolic, immunological, endocrinological, infectious, and neurological disorders. Therefore, it is essential to establish early diagnostic strategies to implement effective and timely therapeutic measures. This review aims to evaluate the utility of the Lorazepam Challenge Test as a diagnostic strategy in individuals with catatonia. A review was conducted using search engines such as Cochrane, Lilacs, Scielo, Pubmed, and Scopus. The initial search yielded 87 articles, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 articles were selected. The selected articles are clinical trials and prospective cohorts, where catatonia diagnosis, the use and protocol of the Lorazepam Challenge Test, and response measures were analyzed. Identifying catatonia is challenging, and its diagnosis varies, leading to limitations in early interventions. There is a heterogeneity of evaluations and strategies, but the literature suggests the use of lorazepam as a confirmatory evaluation and initial treatment for catatonia. The Lorazepam Challenge Test is part of a management protocol and can be a decision-making step for individuals with catatonia to receive timely intervention. It is concluded that The Lorazepam Challenge Test is an accessible and replicable technique with promising results for potential implementation, requiring further studies involving its standardized application.

Occurrence of Z-drugs, benzodiazepines, and ketamine in wastewater in the United States and Mexico during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Z-drugs, benzodiazepines and ketamine are classes of psychotropic drugs prescribed for treating anxiety, sleep disorders and depression with known side effects including an elevated risk of addiction and substance misuse. These drugs have a strong potential for misuse, which has escalated over the years and was hypothesized here to have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) constitutes a fast, easy, and relatively inexpensive approach to epidemiological surveys for understanding the incidence and frequency of uses of these drugs. In this study, we analyzed wastewater (n = 376) from 50 cities across the United States and Mexico from July to October 2020 to estimate drug use rates during a pandemic event. Both time and flow proportional composite and grab samples of untreated municipal wastewater were analyzed using solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to determine loadings of alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, ketamine, lorazepam, nordiazepam, temazepam, zolpidem, and zaleplon in raw wastewater. Simultaneously, prescription data of the aforementioned drugs were extracted from the Medicaid database from 2019 to 2021. Results showed high detection frequencies of ketamine (90 %), lorazepam (87 %), clonazepam (76 %) and temazepam (73 %) across both Mexico and United States and comparatively lower detection frequencies for zaleplon (22 %), zolpidem (9 %), nordiazepam (<1 %), diazepam (<1 %), and alprazolam (<1 %) during the pandemic. Average mass consumption rates, estimated using WBE and reported in units of mg/day/1000 persons, ranged between 62 (temazepam) and 1100 (clonazepam) in the United States. Results obtained from the Medicaid database also showed a significant change (p < 0.05) in the prescription volume between the first quarter of 2019 (before the pandemic) and the first quarter of 2021 (pandemic event) for alprazolam, clonazepam and lorazepam. Study results include the first detections of zaleplon and zolpidem in wastewater from North America.

Baclofen and catatonia: a case report.

Baclofen was approved for medical use in the United States in 1977 by Food and Drug Administration. Serious adverse effects associated with this medication are uncommon at usually prescribed doses. Herein, we present a case of baclofen-induced catatonia in a young-adult female with back pain receiving oral baclofen. A 20-year-old female presented to the emergency department with possible seizure-like activity. It was reported that the patient was suffering from acute back pain and was prescribed baclofen three times a day by her general physician one day before her presentation. Upon further discussion, it was known that following an altercation with her family member, she had attempted suicide by consuming 200 mg of baclofen and then developed rapidly progressive symptoms of aphasia, mutism, and decreased oral intake. Laboratory tests, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and neuroimaging were unremarkable. Electroencephalogram was normal. Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale score was 27. She showed significant improvement following low-dose lorazepam administration. There are four reports in the literature of catatonia secondary to baclofen. The present report is the first to describe the occurrence of catatonia in a previously healthy individual. Analysis of these cases suggests a relationship between a history of psychotic symptoms and catatonia. All the reports were classified as probable by the Naranjo algorithm.

Uso de sedación endovenosa en pacientes con COVID-19 crítico en ventilación mecánica invasiva / Use of intravenous sedation in patients with critical COVID-19 in invasive mechanical ventilation

ANTECEDENTES: El objetivo del presente informe es: Describir el proceso para la elaboración de recomendaciones por el grupo de trabajo designado por el Ministerio de Salud, en adelante denominado grupo de trabajo. Trasladar las Recomendaciones efectuadas por dicho grupo de trabajo en atención al uso de sedación endovenosa en pacientes con COVID-19 crítico en ventilación mecánica invasiva, según la pregunta PICO (P: Población, I: Intervención, C: Comparador, O: Outcome o desenlaces) priorizada por el grupo de trabajo. La metodología considerada para arribar a la recomendación fue el Marco de Evidencia a la Decisión/Recomendación (EtD) desarrollado por el Grupo de Trabajo GRADE (1,2). ANALISIS: Formulación de la pregunta: En personas con COVID-19 crítico en ventilación mecánica invasiva, ¿cuál es el medicamento que debe administrarse para la sedación endovenosa? Y ¿Cuál pauta de dosificación? Identificación de la evidencia para la pregunta PICO: Se siguieron las orientaciones establecidas en el documento interno de UNAGESP: Orientaciones para el soporte metodológico otorgado al grupo de trabajo designado por el MINSA. Se describe a continuación los resultados del proceso: Se efectuó la búsqueda de guías de práctica clínica (GPC) que incluyeran recomendaciones respecto al uso de sedación endovenosa en la población de interés, con fecha de búsqueda 22 de octubre de 2021 en las siguientes plataformas: eCOVID-19 living map of recommendations (eCovid-19 RecMap), Base internacional de Guías GRADE (BIGG) , Guidelines International Network (GIN), COVID-19 Guidelines Dashboard, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence - UK (NICE) y Trip database, identificándose 7 guías de práctica clínica (Ver Anexo 1). En base a criterios como fecha de búsqueda de la evidencia, uso de metodología GRADE para evaluar la certeza de la evidencia, disponibilidad de la tabla Perfil de evidencia o Resumen de hallazgos, disponibilidad de los criterios o Tabla EtD y tipo de recomendación. Se identificaron tres guías de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud y una de la Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)(3­6), sin embargo, las guías de OPS no brindan recomendaciones especificas para responder directamente a todas las alternativas de intervenciones planteadas por SOPEMI. Por otro lado, las guías de SCCM contienen recomendaciones respecto al uso de todas las alternativas de intervenciones planteadas en pacientes no COVID. La búsqueda se realizó en MEDLINE/ vía PubMed, plataforma L·OVE de Epistemonikos (7) y en MedRxiv, con fecha 22 de octubre de 2021. Los criterios de selección de los estudios fueron: ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, cohortes o casos y control que evalúen la PICO planteada y reportaran al menos uno de los desenlaces de interés. La certeza de la evidencia fue realizada según el enfoque GRADE que toma en cuenta los siguientes criterios: diseño del estudio, riesgo de sesgo, inconsistencia en los resultados, ausencia de evidencia directa, imprecisión, sesgo de publicación, tamaño de efecto, gradiente dosis-respuesta, y efecto de los potenciales factores de confusión residual (los tres últimos aplicables en estudios observacionales) (8,9). Los resultados fueron presentados utilizando la Tablas de Resumen de Hallazgos (SOF, por sus siglas en inglés) construidas a partir del software en línea GRADEpro (https://gradepro.org/)(10) a partir de la adaptación de tablas SoF de la guía de SCCM (6) para pacientes no críticos. Metodología considerada para la elaboración de las recomendaciones: Marco de Evidencia a la Decisión/Recomendación (EtD: Evidence to decisión framework): Los marcos EtD (1,2) son una herramienta del Enfoque GRADE, que tiene como finalidad fomentar el uso de la evidencia de una manera estructurada y transparente para informar decisiones relacionadas al manejo clínico de una enfermedad, salud pública, políticas del sistema de salud o en situaciones como el contexto actual de pandemia acerca de acciones con repercusión socio-económica entre otras. Se aplicaron los principios del enfoque "GRADE-ADOLOPMENT" para identificar guías de práctica clínica orientadas a las preguntas PICO propuestas por el grupo de trabajo de MINSA, además que tener disponibles los perfiles de evidencia GRADE o Tablas de resumen de hallazgos y los marcos EtD. Dependiendo de la evaluación, estas pueden ser consideradas para la adaptación con contextualización o para la adopción (11). Los siguientes criterios del marco EtD fueron seleccionados para la discusión y juicio por el grupo de trabajo: Efectos deseables, Efectos indeseables, Certeza de la evidencia, Valores y preferencias de los pacientes, Balance de efectos, Recursos necesarios, Equidad, Aceptabilidad y Factibilidad. En caso de no haber consenso en la valoración del juicio, se efectuó una votación, determinándose la valoración por mayoría simple. La perspectiva fue del sistema de salud. Elaboración de las Recomendaciones: La metodología EtD considera determinar la fuerza y dirección de una recomendación (12). Ambas, como resultado del juicio acerca del balance beneficio-riesgo, calidad global de la evidencia, confianza en los valores y preferencias de los pacientes, uso de recursos, equidad en salud, aceptabilidad, y factibilidad. En este sentido, existirán recomendaciones "a favor de la intervención" o "en contra de la intervención" (a favor de la alternativa u opción). Asimismo, las recomendaciones fueron determinadas como fuertes o condicionales. Una recomendación será fuerte si existe una clara diferencia entre los efectos deseables e indeseables de la intervención, la certeza global de la evidencia alta o moderada, todos o casi todos los pacientes informados toman la misma decisión, el costo de la intervención está plenamente justificado, existe un impacto favorable en la equidad en salud, la intervención es aceptable para los usuarios interesados (pacientes y personal de salud) y la implementación de dicha intervención es viable. Una recomendación será condicional si alguna de las consideraciones siguientes está presente: Exista poca diferencia entre los efectos deseables e indeseables de la intervención, la calidad de la evidencia es baja o muy baja, existe variabilidad o incertidumbre respecto de lo que decidirán los pacientes informados o el costo de la intervención pudiera no estar justificado en algunas circunstancias. Diálogo Deliberativo para la valoración de los criterios del Marco EtD y elaboración de las recomendaciones: El Diálogo deliberativo se llevó a cabo el día 27 de octubre de 2021, reunión virtual a través de la herramienta Zoom, con la participación de: 1. Profesionales del Grupo de trabajo designado por el Ministerio de Salud: integrantes de la Sociedad Peruana de Medicina Intensiva y Representantes del Ministerio de Salud, en su calidad de panel de expertos, habilitados para emitir los juicios para cada criterio, votar en caso de ser necesario y elaborar la recomendación. 2. Representantes de la Unidad de Análisis y Generación de Evidencias en Salud Pública (UNAGESP) del INS, quienes efectuaron la identificación de la evidencia presentada ante los expertos, en calidad de facilitadores y conductores de los aspectos metodológicos de la reunión. RECOMENDACIÓN: Se sugiere el uso de Propofol sobre benzodiazepinas para la sedación en pacientes con COVID 19 críticos en ventilación mecánica invasiva. Recomendación condicional, basada en evidencia de muy baja calidad: Consideraciones adicionales: La sedación en pacientes COVID 19 críticos en ventilación mecánica invasiva debe ser precedida por una adecuada analgesia. En los pacientes COVID 19 críticos en ventilación mecánica invasiva que no se alcance el objetivo de sedación con las dosis adecuadas de Propofol, o se tenga efectos colaterales, se podría considerar el uso de otro sedante. No se ha establecido la seguridad de Propofol en el embarazo, porque atraviesa la barrera placentaria y puede causar depresión neonatal. Se sugiere usar dexmedetomidina sobre benzodiazepinas para la sedación en pacientes COVID 19 críticos en ventilación mecánica durante la fase de destete. Recomendación condicional, calidad de la evidencia muy baja: Consideraciones adicionales: Tener precaución sobre los efectos adversos como bradicardia e hipotensión. Evitar su uso en pacientes inestables hemodinámicamente. No se recomienda dar dosis de carga de dexmedetomidina. Se sugiere el uso de dexmedetomidina sobre Propofol para la sedación en pacientes COVID 19 críticos en ventilación mecánica durante la fase de destete.

COVID-19 et les soins palliatifs en contexte de pénuries pendant la pandémie / COVID-19 and palliative care in the context of shortages during the pandemic

CONTEXTE: Le présent document ainsi que les constats qu'il énonce ont été rédigés en réponse à une interpellation du ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux dans le contexte de l'urgence sanitaire liée à la maladie à coronavirus (COVID-19) au Québec. L'objectif est de réaliser une recension sommaire des données publiées et de mobiliser les savoirs clés afin d'informer les décideurs publics et les professionnels de la santé et des services sociaux. Vu la nature rapide de cette réponse, les constats ou les positions qui en découlent ne reposent pas sur un repérage exhaustif des données publiées, une évaluation de la qualité méthodologique des études avec une méthode systématique ou sur un processus de consultation élaboré. Dans les circonstances d'une telle urgence de santé publique, l'INESSS reste à l'affût de toutes nouvelles données susceptibles de lui faire modifier cette réponse rapide. PRÉSENTATION DE LA DEMANDE: Le midazolam (VersedMC), lorazépam (AtivanMC) ainsi que le phénobarbital font partie des médicaments administrés en soins palliatifs. Le contexte actuel d'urgence sanitaire lié à la COVID-19 exerce une forte pression sur l'usage de ces médicaments. Afin d'être en mesure d'offrir des soins palliatifs de qualité aux personnes qui le nécessitent, et ce, même en cas de pénurie, le MSSS a demandé à l'INESSS de rechercher les médicaments pouvant constituer des alternatives au lorazépam, midazolam et au phénobarbital en soins palliatifs, tout en tenant compte des ruptures de stock actuelles et anticipées de ces médicaments. Une attention particulière a été portée aux moyens permettant de limiter les pertes de produits, ainsi que l'usage du matériel pouvant être appelé à manquer, tels les pompes volumétriques. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Revue de littérature Questions d'évaluation: 1. Quelles sont les alternatives au midazolam (VersedMC), au lorazépam (AtivanMC) et au phénobarbital en soins palliatifs? 2. Quels seraient les moyens permettant de limiter les pertes de ces médicaments? Repérage des publications : Date de la recherche: 9 avril. Une recherche rapide a été effectuée en utilisant les bases de données Pubmed, Medline, Embase, EBM Reviews et le moteur de recherche Google avec les mots-clés suivants: midazolam, lorazepam, phenobarbital, palliative care, palliative sedation, drug shortage. Une recherche manuelle de la littérature a également été effectuée en consultant les sites Web des agences règlementaires, d'agences d'évaluation des technologies de la santé ainsi que ceux d'organismes gouvernementaux, d'associations ou ordres professionnels en lien avec le thème des travaux. CONSTATS DE L'INESSS: Basé sur la documentation scientifique disponible au moment de sa rédaction, et sur les consultations menées, malgré l'incertitude existante dans cette documentation et dans la démarche utilisée, l'INESSS met en lumière que: La pénurie de médicaments, réelle ou potentielle, doit être communiquée localement dès maintenant aux différents intervenants et des actions mises en place immédiatement, si ce n'est pas déjà fait, dans tous les centres hospitaliers du Québec, qu'ils reçoivent ou non des patients atteints de la COVID-19. L'utilisation des options alternatives devrait donc être favorisée dès maintenant afin d'éviter une pression à la baisse sur les stocks des molécules déjà à risque de pénurie. Dans un contexte d'approvisionnement limité et incertain, il faut éviter le gaspillage et minimiser les pertes; de plus, l'usage de certains produits critiques devrait être priorisé et réservé aux situations pour lesquelles les options alternatives sont peu ou pas envisageables. Il est important de bien adapter le choix des médicaments en fonction des symptômes que l'on souhaite soulager, de l'état du patient et du degré de sédation désiré. Pour soutenir les plus petits centres hospitaliers dans l'usage des options alternatives en soins palliatifs, il serait important de faciliter le partage des connaissances développées dans les grands centres hospitaliers au moyen, par exemple, d'un programme de mentorat. Les patients atteints de COVID-19 chez qui l'approche préconisée est palliative devront faire l'objet d'une prise en charge adaptée qui tient compte de la mitigation des risques de transmission ou contamination. Considérant l'évolution de la pandémie et les milieux d'exercice des soins de fin de vie, les pratiques devront néanmoins s'adapter en tenant compte des éléments d'expertise locale et de capacité du milieu à offrir certains soins.

Síndrome De Cotard Y Catatonía: Reporte De Un Caso / Cotard's Syndrome And Catatonia: A Case Report

Resumen El Síndrome de Cotard es una condición neuropsiquiátrica poco frecuente, descrito inicialmente por Jules Cotard como un delirio hipocondríaco y luego como Delirio de negación, en que el paciente niega la existencia de partes de su cuerpo, la propia existencia y/o del mundo entero. La aparición de un Síndrome Catatónico junto al Síndrome de Cotard es aún más infrecuente. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 72 años con una Depresión psicótica, que desarrolla un Síndrome de Cotard y posteriormente Catatonía. Logra buena respuesta tras la adición de Lorazepam y Venlafaxina al esquema farmacológico en curso, por lo que se desestima el uso de Terapia Electroconvulsiva. Se constata remisión total de síntomas y posterior recuperación funcional ad integrum, siendo evaluada a través de entrevista clínica, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale e Índice de Barthel. Además, se revisan otros reportes de caso sobre esta comorbilidad, y a diferencia de la mayoría de éstos, se destaca la favorable evolución de la paciente sin necesidad de Terapia Electroconvulsiva. Aún no se ha dilucidado la relación entre ambos síndromes, aunque algunos autores han planteado la hipótesis de vías neurobiológicas compartidas y otros han postulado la aparición de síntomas catatónicos como la progresión del Síndrome de Cotard. Para aclarar estas interrogantes, son necesarios más estudios al respecto que permitan conocer la etiopatogenia de esta inusual combinación.

Cotard's Syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric condition, initially described by Jules Cotard as a hypochondriacal delusion and then as Delusion of negation, in which the patient denies the existence of parts of his body, his own existence and / or the entire world. The appearance of a Catatonic Syndrome together with Cotard Syndrome is even more infrequent. We present the case of a 72-year-old patient with a psychotic depression, who developed Cotard's Syndrome and later Catatonia. She achieves good response after the addition of Lorazepam and Venlafaxine to the current pharmacological treatment, so the use of Electroconvulsive Therapy is dismissed. Total remission of symptoms and subsequent functional recovery ad integrum was observed, being evaluated through clinical interview, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale and Barthel Index. In addition, other case reports on this comorbidity are reviewed, and unlike most of these, the favorable evolution of the patient stands out without the need for Electroconvulsive Therapy. The relationship between the two syndromes has not been elucidated, although some authors have proposed the hypothesis of shared neurobiological pathways and others have postulated the appearance of catatonic symptoms such as the progression of Cotard's Syndrome. To clarify these questions, more studies are needed in order to know the etiopathogenesis of this unusual combination.

Prescripción de lorazepam dentro de la caja Costarricense del seguro social / Prescription of lorazepam within the Costa Rican social insurance Prescrição de lorazepam no fundo de seguro social da Costa Rica / Prescrição de lorazepam no fundo de seguro social da Costa Rica

Objetivo: describir la prescripción de lorazepam dentro de la caja Costarricense del seguro social. Método: el estudio es descriptivo y retrospectivo, de enero de 2011 a diciembre de 2015. La investigación consistió en 339,484 prescripciones de lorazepam. El tratamiento estadístico de los datos se centró en las estadísticas descriptivas de las cinco unidades generadas a partir de las variables, que fueron analizadas por el programa R. Resultados: se observó un aumento exponencial en la prescripción de lorazepam durante el período investigado. El lorazepam ha sido indicado principalmente para adultos mayores de 60 años. Para todos los grupos de población se encontraron recetas por encima de la dosis diaria definida. Las prescripciones fueron realizadas principalmente por médicos generales y en áreas rurales. Conclusión: en vista de este escenario, es necesario revisar las estrategias de prescripción, dispensación y seguimiento para los usuarios de este medicamento, a fin de evitar efectos adversos y daños a la salud de la clientela.

Objective: to describe the prescription of lorazepam in the social insurance fund of Costa Rica. Method: the study is descriptive and retrospective, from January 2011 to December 2015. The investigation consisted of 339,484 lorazepam prescriptions. The statistical treatment of the data was focused on the descriptive statistics of the five units generated from the variables, which were analyzed by the R program. Results: exponential increase in lorazepam prescription was observed during the investigated period. Lorazepam has been mainly indicated for adults over 60 years old. For all population groups prescriptions above the defined daily dose were found. The prescriptions were performed mainly by general practitioners and in rural areas. Conclusion: In view of this scenario, there is a need to review the prescription, dispensing and follow-up strategies for users of this medication, in order to avoid adverse effects and harm to clientele's health.

Objetivo: descrever a prescrição de lorazepam no fundo de seguro social da Costa Rica. Método: o estudo é descritivo e retrospectivo. A investigação foi constituída por 339.484 prescrições de lorazepam. O tratamento estatístico dos dados foi focado na estatística descritiva das cinco unidades geradas, a partir das variáveis, que foram analisadas pelo programa R. Resultados: foi verificado aumento exponencial na prescrição de lorazepam durante o periodo investigado. O lorazepam foi indicado principalmente para idosos de 60 anos. Para todos os grupos populacionais foram encontradas prescrições acima da dose diária definida. As prescrições foram realizadas principalmente por médicos generalistas e em áreas rurais. Conclusão: frente a este cenário, há necessidade de rever as estratégias de prescrição, dispensação e acompanhamento aos usuários dessa medicação, a fim de evitar efeitos adversos e prejuízos para a saúde da clientela.

An Easy and Reliable Way to Prevent Electrocardiographic Deteriorations of Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Preoperative Anxiolytic Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of preoperative anxiety relieving on electrophysiological changes in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: A total of 61 patients at ASA III risk group in the age range of 18-65 years were enrolled in the present study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group S (Sedation group) was administered 0.04 mg/kg lorazepam per os (PO) twice before the operation. Group C (control group) was not administered with any anxiolytic premedication. State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the level of anxiety. Electrocardiography (ECG), pulse oximeter and standard monitoring were performed for each patient. QT and P dispersions in each derivation of all ECGs were calculated. RESULTS: Preoperative STAI-I scores were significantly lower in sedation group compared to the controls. Mean values of QT dispersion measured before induction, at the 1st minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.024; P=0.027; P=0.001; P=0.033, respectively). The mean values of P dispersion measured before induction, at the 3rd minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.001; P=0.020; P=0.023; P=0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Elevated anxiety levels in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery have a negative effect through prolonged QT and P-wave dispersion times. Anxiolytic treatment before surgery may be useful to prevent ventricular and atrial arrhythmias and associated complications through decreasing the QT and P-wave dispersion duration.

An easy and reliable way to prevent electrocardiographic deteriorations of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: preoperative anxiolytic treatment

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of preoperative anxiety relieving on electrophysiological changes in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: A total of 61 patients at ASA III risk group in the age range of 18-65 years were enrolled in the present study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group S (Sedation group) was administered 0.04 mg/kg lorazepam per os (PO) twice before the operation. Group C (control group) was not administered with any anxiolytic premedication. State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the level of anxiety. Electrocardiography (ECG), pulse oximeter and standard monitoring were performed for each patient. QT and P dispersions in each derivation of all ECGs were calculated. Results: Preoperative STAI-I scores were significantly lower in sedation group compared to the controls. Mean values of QT dispersion measured before induction, at the 1st minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.024; P=0.027; P=0.001; P=0.033, respectively). The mean values of P dispersion measured before induction, at the 3rd minute of induction, 30th second of intubation and 4th minute of intubation in sedation group were significantly reduced compared to controls (P=0.001; P=0.020; P=0.023; P=0.005, respectively). Conclusion: Elevated anxiety levels in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery have a negative effect through prolonged QT and P-wave dispersion times. Anxiolytic treatment before surgery may be useful to prevent ventricular and atrial arrhythmias and associated complications through decreasing the QT and P-wave dispersion duration.

Evaluation of IV to Enteral Benzodiazepine Conversion Calculations in a Pediatric Intensive Care Setting.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if institutionally established calculations for transitioning continuous IV midazolam to enteral benzodiazepines maintain Withdrawal Assessment Tool-Version 1 scores equal to or less than preconversion values. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study evaluating the effectiveness and safety of benzodiazepine conversion calculations embedded within an institution-specific clinical pathway for sedation and weaning of mechanically ventilated pediatric patients. SETTING: A 55-bed, mixed-medical, noncardiac surgical PICU in a tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: All patients age 6 months to 18 years who received continuous midazolam for 5 days or longer while mechanically ventilated for 5-21 days and were then converted to either enteral diazepam or lorazepam following extubation (or return to baseline ventilator settings in tracheostomy-dependent patients) between January 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016. INTERVENTIONS: Benzodiazepine conversion calculations were applied according to institutional clinical pathway guidance. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Withdrawal Assessment Tool-Version 1 scores were compared pre and post benzodiazepine conversion. Patient demographics, benzodiazepine dose escalations, as needed benzodiazepine requirements, and severe adverse events within 48 hours of conversion were assessed. Seventy-one patient encounters were analyzed (median age, 2.5 yr; interquartile range, 1.2-5.3). The median Withdrawal Assessment Tool-Version 1 scores pre conversion and post conversion were not significantly different (1 [interquartile range, 0.75-2] and 1 [interquartile range, 0.25-2], respectively, p = 0.1). As needed benzodiazepine doses were administered in 38% of encounters post conversion, but escalation of a scheduled enteral benzodiazepine regimen was only required in 2.8% of encounters. Post conversion, one patient (1.4%) had increased seizure activity, and four patients (5.6%) required fluid boluses secondary to tachycardia or dehydration, but not hypotension. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that standardized benzodiazepine conversions successfully achieved consistent Withdrawal Assessment Tool-Version 1 scores compared with preconversion values. Severe adverse events associated with oversedation and/or withdrawal were minimal and confounded by underlying disease states.

BjSP, a novel serine protease from Bothrops jararaca snake venom that degrades fibrinogen without forming fibrin clots.

Snake venom serine proteases (SVSPs) are commonly described as capable of affecting hemostasis by interacting with several coagulation system components. In this study, we describe the isolation and characterization of BjSP from Bothrops jararaca snake venom, a serine protease with distinctive properties. This enzyme was isolated by three consecutive chromatographic steps and showed acidic character (pI 4.4), molecular mass of 28 kDa and N-carbohydrate content around 10%. Its partial amino acid sequence presented 100% identity to a serine protease cDNA clone previously identified from B. jararaca venom gland, but not yet isolated or characterized. BjSP was significantly inhibited by specific serine protease inhibitors and showed high stability at different pH values and temperatures. The enzyme displayed no effects on washed platelets, but was able to degrade fibrin clots in vitro and also the Aα and Bß chains of fibrinogen differently from thrombin, forming additional fibrinopeptides derived from the Bß chain, which should be related to its inability to coagulate fibrinogen solutions or platelet-poor plasma. In the mapping of catalytic subsites, the protease showed high hydrolytic specificity for tyrosine, especially in subsite S1. Additionally, its amidolytic activity on different chromogenic substrates suggests possible effects on other factors of the coagulation cascade. In conclusion, BjSP is a serine protease that acts nonspecifically on fibrinogen, generating different Bß fibrinopeptides and thus not forming fibrin clots. Its distinguished properties in comparison to most SVSPs stimulate further studies in an attempt to validate its potential as a defibrinogenating agent.

TeleCondutas: avaliação e manejo da insônia / TeleGuides: evaluation and management of insomnia

A insônia é o mais prevalente dos transtornos do sono. É definida como a insatisfação com a qualidade ou a quantidade de sono, que ocorre a despeito de adequada oportunidade para dormir e que impõe ao indivíduo algum tipo de prejuízo durante o dia. A prevalência da insônia crônica em sociedades industrializadas é de 5 a 10%. Entre pessoas portadoras de doença crônica (psiquiátricas ou não) e idosos, a prevalência é significativamente maior. Trata-se de queixa frequente na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Este material contempla as situações mais comumente associadas a insônia na APS, assim como o manejo inicial desta queixa. Está baseado em extensa revisão das evidências disponíveis na literatura, em boas práticas clínicas e adaptado à realidade brasileira, considerando as intervenções terapêuticas disponíveis. Esta guia apresenta informação que orienta a conduta para casos de avaliação e manejo da insônia no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde, incluindo: Avaliação Geral, Avaliação Objetiva, Avaliação e Manejo em situações específicas, Intervenções Não-Farmacológicas, Manejo Farmacológico na APS, Retirada de benzodiazepínico, Preocupações com uso de amitriptilina, Fármacos não recomendados na APS, Avaliação longitudinal da insônia, Fluxograma para avaliação e manejo da insônia.

Síndrome catatónico: ¿síndrome neuropsiquiátrico o enfermedades sistémicas? / Catatonic syndrome: neuropsychiatric syndrome or systemic diseases?

Descubierto por el psiquiatra Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum en 1868. Durante muchos años la observación de síntomas y signos del síndrome catatónico se asoció a enfermedad psiquiátrica y particularmente con la esquizofrenia. Kraepelin (1896): incluye a la catatonia dentro de la "demencia precoz", junto a la hebefrenia y paranoia. Bleuler (1924): Subtipo de Esquizofrenia. Schneider los define como trastornos de las tendencias y la voluntad. Jaspers separa los trastornos de la voluntad de los de la motricidad. "Durante más de 125 años después de que Karl Kahlbaum clasificó la catatonía como una entidad psicopatológica distinta, se ha informado abrumadoramente en relación con muchas condiciones" (Fink M., (2010) 1. Definición actual: Los trastornos catatónicos son un grupo de síntomas caracterizados por alteraciones en el comportamiento motor (movimiento muscular) que pueden tener una base psicológica o fisiológica. (Enciclopedia de los trastornos mentales) 2. "Con los grandes avances en las neurociencias básicas y clínicas que han transcurrido durante la última década, finalmente estamos dilucidando los mecanismos que subyacen a la complejidad y la diversidad desconcertante de la fenomenología catatónica" (Stowe R. (2002) 3. La fisiopatología de la catatonía es compleja e incluye alteraciones en la dopamina y otros sistemas neurotransmisores, posibles anomalías de los canales iónicos y disfunción de los circuitos frontal-neocortical, límbico e incluso del tronco cerebral.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in the post-anesthesia recovery unit / Convulsões não epilépticas psicogênicas em sala de recuperação pós-anestésica

Abstract Introduction: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES or “pseudoseizures”) remain an obscure topic in the peri-operative setting. They are sudden and time-limited motor and cognitive disturbances, which mimic epileptic seizures, but are psychogenically mediated. Pseudoseizures occur more frequently than epilepsy in the peri-operative setting. Early diagnosis and management may prevent iatrogenic injury. Case: 48 year-old female with a history of depression and “seizures” presented for gynecologic surgery. She described her seizure history as “controlled” without anticonvulsant therapy. The patient underwent uneventful general anesthesia and recovered neurologically intact. During the first two postoperative hours, the patient experienced 3 episodes of seizure-like activity with generalized shaking of extremities and pelvic thrusting; her eyes were firmly closed. No tongue biting or incontinence was noted. The episodes lasted approximately 3 min each, one of which resolved spontaneously and the other two following intravenous lorazepam. During these episodes, the patient had stable hemodynamics and adequate ventilation such that endotracheal intubation was deemed unwarranted. Post-ictally, the patient was neurologically intact. Computed axial tomography of the head, metabolic assay, and electroencephalogram showed no abnormalities. A presumptive diagnosis of PNES was made. Discussion: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures mimic shivering, and should be considered early in the differential diagnosis of postoperative shaking, as they may be more likely than epilepsy in this setting. Pseudoseizure patterns include asynchronous convulsive episodes lasting more than 90 s, forced eye closure with resistance to opening, and retained pupillary responses. Autonomic manifestations such as tachycardia, cyanosis and incontinence are usually absent. A psychiatric background is common. Knowledge and correct diagnosis of pseudoseizures is of great importance for anesthesiologists to prevent morbidity and iatrogenic injury such as respiratory arrest caused by anticonvulsant therapy, in addition to the risks associated with endotracheal intubation and prolonged hospital stays. The diagnosis of pseudoseizures must be thoroughly documented and relayed in transfer of care to avoid misdiagnosis and iatrogenic complications. Treatment recommendations are anecdotal; psychiatric interventions are the hallmark of treatment. Anesthetic recommendations include techniques involving the minimum required short-acting agents, along with high levels of peri-operative psychological support and reassurance.

Resumo Introdução: As convulsões não epilépticas psicogênicas (CNEP ou “pseudoconvulsões”) permanecem como tema obscuro no cenário perioperatório. Trata-se de distúrbios motores e cognitivos súbitos, mas por tempo limitado, que imitam as convulsões epilépticas, mas que são psicogenicamente mediados. Pseudoconvulsões ocorrem com mais frequência do que epilepsia em cenário perioperatório. O diagnóstico e o tratamento precoces podem evitar lesões iatrogênicas. Caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 48 anos, com história de depressão e “convulsões”, apresentou-se para cirurgia ginecológica. A paciente descreveu sua história de convulsões “controladas” sem o uso de terapia anticonvulsivante. Foi submetida à anestesia geral sem intercorrências e recuperou-se neurologicamente intacta. Durante as duas primeiras horas de pós-operatório, apresentou três episódios semelhantes à convulsão, com tremores generalizados das extremidades e impulso pélvico; seus olhos estavam bem fechados. Não observamos mordedura da língua ou incontinência. Os episódios duraram cerca de três minutos cada; um dos episódios resolveu espontaneamente e os outros dois após a administração de lorazepam por via intravenosa. Durante os episódios, a condição hemodinâmica da paciente era estável e a ventilação adequada, de modo que a intubação traqueal foi considerada injustificável. Após a convulsão, a paciente estava neurologicamente intacta. Tomografia axial da cabeça, teste metabólico e eletroencefalograma não mostraram alterações. O diagnóstico de provável CNEP foi feito. Discussão: As convulsão não epilépticas psicogênicas imitam o tremor e devem ser inicialmente consideradas no diagnóstico diferencial de tremor pós-operatório, pois podem ser mais prováveis do que a epilepsia nesse cenário. Os padrões da pseudoconvulsão incluem episódios convulsivos assíncronos que duram mais de 90 segundos, olhos forçadamente fechados com resistência à abertura e respostas pupilares mantidas. Manifestações autonômicas, como taquicardia, cianose e incontinência, normalmente estão ausentes. Uma história psiquiátrica é comum. O conhecimento e o diagnóstico correto de pseudoconvulsões são muito importantes para os anestesiologistas para a prevenção de morbidade e lesões iatrogênicas, como a parada respiratória causada por terapia anticonvulsivante, além dos riscos associados à intubação orotraqueal e internação prolongada. O diagnóstico de pseudoconvulsões deve ser cuidadosamente documentado e retransmitido nas trocas de equipes médicas para evitar erros de diagnóstico e complicações iatrogênicas. As recomendações de tratamento são anedóticas; intervenções psiquiátricas são o pilar do tratamento. As recomendações anestésicas incluem técnicas que envolvem o uso de agentes de ação curta, juntamente com altos níveis de apoio e amparo psicológico no período perioperatório.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in the post-anesthesia recovery unit.

INTRODUCTION: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES or "pseudoseizures") remain an obscure topic in the peri-operative setting. They are sudden and time-limited motor and cognitive disturbances, which mimic epileptic seizures, but are psychogenically mediated. Pseudoseizures occur more frequently than epilepsy in the peri-operative setting. Early diagnosis and management may prevent iatrogenic injury. CASE: 48 year-old female with a history of depression and "seizures" presented for gynecologic surgery. She described her seizure history as "controlled" without anticonvulsant therapy. The patient underwent uneventful general anesthesia and recovered neurologically intact. During the first two postoperative hours, the patient experienced 3 episodes of seizure-like activity with generalized shaking of extremities and pelvic thrusting; her eyes were firmly closed. No tongue biting or incontinence was noted. The episodes lasted approximately 3min each, one of which resolved spontaneously and the other two following intravenous lorazepam. During these episodes, the patient had stable hemodynamics and adequate ventilation such that endotracheal intubation was deemed unwarranted. Post-ictally, the patient was neurologically intact. Computed axial tomography of the head, metabolic assay, and electroencephalogram showed no abnormalities. A presumptive diagnosis of PNES was made. DISCUSSION: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures mimic shivering, and should be considered early in the differential diagnosis of postoperative shaking, as they may be more likely than epilepsy in this setting. Pseudoseizure patterns include asynchronous convulsive episodes lasting more than 90s, forced eye closure with resistance to opening, and retained pupillary responses. Autonomic manifestations such as tachycardia, cyanosis and incontinence are usually absent. A psychiatric background is common. Knowledge and correct diagnosis of pseudoseizures is of great importance for anesthesiologists to prevent morbidity and iatrogenic injury such as respiratory arrest caused by anticonvulsant therapy, in addition to the risks associated with endotracheal intubation and prolonged hospital stays. The diagnosis of pseudoseizures must be thoroughly documented and relayed in transfer of care to avoid misdiagnosis and iatrogenic complications. Treatment recommendations are anecdotal; psychiatric interventions are the hallmark of treatment. Anesthetic recommendations include techniques involving the minimum required short-acting agents, along with high levels of peri-operative psychological support and reassurance.

Malignant catatonia responsive to low doses of lorazepam: case report / Catatonia maligna responsiva a baixas doses de lorazepam: relato de caso

Abstract CONTEXT: Catatonia can be divided into non-malignant or malignant. The latter is characterized by autonomic instability, exhibiting high fever, tachycardia and hypertension, and is regarded as a fulminant and rapidly progressive subtype. CASE REPORT: This article reports a case of malignant catatonia in a 43-year-old patient who had been presenting psychiatric disorders for the last three years. The patient was stable, maintaining mutism, immobility and autonomic abnormalities. Oral lorazepam (1 mg every eight hours) was introduced and, in a few hours, the patient became afebrile. Two days later, the patient was already responding to verbal commands. CONCLUSIONS: Early intervention with lorazepam reduced the evolution of this patient to a fatal complication. Therefore, this case report sought to show that early diagnosis and intervention reduced the occurrence of serious and irreversible clinical outcomes.

Resumo CONTEXTO: A catatonia pode ser dividida em não maligna ou maligna. A maligna se caracteriza pela instabilidade autonômica, exibindo febre elevada, taquicardia e hipertensão, além de ser considerada um subtipo fulminante e rapidamente progressivo. RELATO DE CASO: Este artigo relata um caso de catatonia maligna em paciente de 43 anos, com transtornos psiquiátricos há três anos. A paciente estava estável, mantendo o mutismo, a imobilidade e as anormalidades autonômicas. Foi introduzido lorazepam, via oral, 1 mg de oito em oito horas, e em algumas horas, a paciente ficou afebril. Em dois dias, já estava respondendo a comandos verbais. CONCLUSÕES: Intervenção precoce com lorazepam preveniu a evolução desta paciente para um desfecho fatal. Portanto, este relato de caso mostrou que o diagnóstico e a intervenção precoces reduziram a ocorrência de desfechos graves e irreversíveis.

Malignant catatonia responsive to low doses of lorazepam: case report.

CONTEXT: Catatonia can be divided into non-malignant or malignant. The latter is characterized by autonomic instability, exhibiting high fever, tachycardia and hypertension, and is regarded as a fulminant and rapidly progressive subtype. CASE REPORT: This article reports a case of malignant catatonia in a 43-year-old patient who had been presenting psychiatric disorders for the last three years. The patient was stable, maintaining mutism, immobility and autonomic abnormalities. Oral lorazepam (1 mg every eight hours) was introduced and, in a few hours, the patient became afebrile. Two days later, the patient was already responding to verbal commands. CONCLUSIONS: Early intervention with lorazepam reduced the evolution of this patient to a fatal complication. Therefore, this case report sought to show that early diagnosis and intervention reduced the occurrence of serious and irreversible clinical outcomes.

Tendencias de consumo de medicamentos ansiolíticos e hipnóticos en una población colombiana, 2008-2013 / Trends in the consumption of anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs in a Colombian population

Introducción: En Latinoamérica, los psicofármacos son el tercer grupo de medicamentos más comercializados, especialmente antidepresivos (35%) y ansiolíticos (5%). El objetivo es determinar el comportamiento del consumo y los costos de los ansiolíticos e hipnóticos en una población de pacientes afiliados al Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud de Colombia. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional. Los datos para el análisis fueron las prescripciones de cualquier ansiolítico o hipnótico, realizadas a pacientes ambulatorios en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2013 en una población de 3,5 millones de personas. Se consideraron variables sociodemográficas, farmacológicas, costos globales y costos por mil habitantes y día (CHD). Resultados: El número de pacientes que recibieron los medicamentos estudiados varió de 11.097 a 19.231 entre 2008 y 2013. Los medicamentos más utilizados fueron clonazepam (el 44,1% de las formulaciones), alprazolam (31,2%) y lorazepam (13,2%). El valor facturado de ansiolíticos pasó de 207.673,63 dólares en 2008 a 488.977 dólares en 2013, con un crecimiento del 135,4%. El CHD fue de 0,31 dólares para las benzodiazepinas y 0,02 dólares para los medicamentos Z en 2008 y 0,36 y 0,02 dólares en 2013 respectivamente. Los CHD se redujeron después del año 2010, tras la introducción de medicamentos genéricos. Conclusiones: Los pacientes que reciben benzodiazepinas en Colombia son en su mayoría mujeres, con 55 años de edad promedio, con muy baja frecuencia expresada en CHD comparada con la de otros países.

Introduction: In Latin America, psychotropic medications are the third most marketed drug group, especially antidepressants (35%) and anxiolytics (5%). The objective of this study was to determine the trends in the consumption and the costs of anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs in a population of patients enrolled in the Health System of Colombia. Material and methods: A descriptive, observational study was performed using the data recorded inprescriptions for any anxiolytic or hypnotic drug prescribed to outpatients in the period between January 2008 and December 2013 in a population of 3.5 million people. Sociodemographic, pharmacological variables, overall costs, and cost per thousand inhabitants per day (CHD), were also recorded. Results: The number of patients who received the drugs studied varied from 11,097 to 19,231 between 2008 and 2013. The most used drugs were clonazepam (44.1% of formulations), alprazolam (31.2%), and lorazepam (13.2%). The invoiced value of anxiolytics increased from US$ 207,673.63 in 2008 to US$ 488,977 in 2013, an increase of 135.4%. The CHD was US$ 0.31 for benzodiazepines, and US$ 0.02 for zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone (Z drugs) for 2008, and US$ 0.36 and US$ 0.02 in 2013 respectively. The CHD declined after 2010 following the introduction of generic drugs. Conclusions: Patients receiving benzodiazepines in Colombia are mostly women, average age 55 years, with very low frequency in defined daily doses per thousand inhabitants when compared with other countries.