Bone involvement in non-congenital syphilis / Compromiso óseo por sífilis no congénita

We documented two stages of bone involvement due to syphilis in two adult patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Bony lesions of secondary versus tertiary syphilis cannot be differentiated on clinical or radiologic grounds alone. Given the rarity of this clinical presentation, there is no consensus on treatment duration and related outcomes.

Se describen dos etapas de compromiso óseo por sífilis en dos pacientes adultos infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. Las lesiones óseas de la sífilis secundaria y de la sífilis terciaria no se pueden diferenciar únicamente por características clínicas o radiológicas. Dada la rareza de esta presentación clínica, no hay consenso sobre la duración del tratamiento y los resultados relacionados.

Bone involvement in non-congenital syphilis / Compromiso óseo por sífilis no congénita

We documented two stages of bone involvement due to syphilis in two adult patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Bony lesions of secondary versus tertiary syphilis cannot be differentiated on clinical or radiologic grounds alone. Given the rarity of this clinical presentation, there is no consensus on treatment duration and related outcomes.

Se describen dos etapas de compromiso óseo por sífilis en dos pacientes adultos infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. Las lesiones óseas de la sífilis secundaria y de la sífilis terciaria no se pueden diferenciar únicamente por características clínicas o radiológicas. Dada la rareza de esta presentación clínica, no hay consenso sobre la duración del tratamiento y los resultados relacionados.

HIV/AIDS infection in critical care: epidemiological profile and risk factors for mortality in a Colombian cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Outcomes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) have improved with antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, whether the outcomes have improved in low- and middle-income countries, paralleling those of high-income countries is unknown. The objective of this study was to describe a cohort of HIV-infected patients admitted to ICU in a middle-income country and identify the risk factors associated with mortality. METHODOLOGY: A cohort study of HIV-infected patients admitted to five ICUs in Medellín, Colombia, between 2009 and 2014 was done. The association of demographic, clinical and laboratory variables with mortality was analyzed using a Poisson regression model with random effects. RESULTS: During this time period, 472 admissions of 453 HIV-infected patients were included. Indications for ICU admission were: respiratory failure (57%), sepsis/septic shock (30%) and central nervous system (CNS) compromise (27%). Opportunistic infections (OI) explained 80% of ICU admissions. Mortality rate was 49%. Factors associated with mortality included hematological malignancies, CNS compromise, respiratory failure, and APACHE II score ≥ 20. CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in HIV care in the ART era, half of HIV-infected patients admitted to the ICU died. This elevated mortality was associated to underlying disease severity (respiratory failure and APACHE II score ≥ 20), and host conditions (hematological malignancies, admission for CNS compromise). Despite the high prevalence of OIs in this cohort, mortality was not directly associated to OIs.

Executive Functioning in Children and Adolescents with ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders.

Objective: The goal was to compare the impairment on executive functions in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alone and with comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), or both (ADHD+ODD+CD). Design: A total of 162 patients were diagnosed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID), and the results of their performances in Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Tower of London (ToLo) were compared. Results: Patients with only ADHD showed less impairment in the BRIEF domains and were younger than those with ADHD+CD; the latter group showed a better performance in the time-related domains of ToLo. Patients with ADHD+ODD+CD did not present a consistently worse cognitive performance. Conclusion: The cognitive performance of patients with ADHD and externalizing disorders seems to vary according to the types of specific comorbid diagnoses, rather than the number of externalizing comorbidities.

Lesiones autoinfligidas con fines no suicidas según el DSM-5 en una muestra clínica de adolescentes mexicanos con autolesiones / DSM-5 Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Criteria in a Clinical Sample of Self-Harming Mexican Adolescents

RESUMEN Introducción: El diagnóstico de lesiones autoinfligidas con fines no suicidas (NSSI) propuesto por el DSM-5 requiere estudios de validez en poblaciones diferentes de las europeas. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron determinar la frecuencia de este diagnóstico en una muestra de adolescentes mexicanos con autolesiones y examinar las variables asociadas. Métodos: Se revisaron 585 expedientes clínicos de adolescentes con historia de autolesiones que acudieron a un hospital público en la Ciudad de México entre los arios 2005 y 2012. Un grupo de expertos estableció el diagnóstico según el DSM-5. Se compararon las características clínicas y demográficas de los pacientes con y sin NSSI. Resultados: Se diagnosticó NSSI en 351 pacientes con autolesiones (60%). Las razones principales de que no se diagnosticaran fueron haber realizado un intento suicida -criterio A, 158 sujetos (26,87%)- o que otro diagnóstico explicara las autolesiones -criterio F, 60 sujetos (10,25%)-. El grupo con NSSI incluyó una mayor proporción de varones (el 26,5 frente al 16,2%) y de pacientes con trastornos de conducta (el 28,5 frente al 13,7%); también se observó que estos pacientes solicitaban atención psiquiátrica debido a las autolesiones con mayor frecuencia (el 31,9 frente al 14,1%). Las características clínicas asociadas incluyeron trastorno de conducta (OR = 2,51; IC95%, 1,62-3,90), trastorno de personalidad (OR = 0,56; IC95%, 0,33-0,97), hospitalización (OR = 0,23; IC95%, 0,16-0,33), síntomas depresivos (OR = 0,60; IC95%, 0,42-0,85), síntomas de ansiedad (OR = 2,08; IC95%, 1,31-3,31) y autolesionarse para influir en otros (OR = 2,19; IC95%, 1,54-3,11). Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de los adolescentes con autolesiones de la población clínica cumplen los criterios diagnósticos de NSSI del DSM-5. Existen características clínicas y demográficas que pueden asociarse con este diagnóstico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) needs to be validated in non-European populations. The aims of this study were to determine how common NSSI was in a sample of self-harming Mexican adolescents and examine the associated variables. Methods: We examined the medical records of 585 adolescents with a history of self-injurious behaviour who attended a public hospital in Mexico City from 2005 to 2012. A group of experts established the diagnosis according to the DSM-5. The clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with and without NSSI were compared. Results: NSSI was diagnosed in 351 patients (60%) with evidence of self-harm. The main reasons for not being diagnosed were a previous suicide attempt (criterion A, 158 subjects [26.87%]) and another diagnosis that better explained the self-injurious behaviour (criterion F, 60 subjects [10.25%]). The NSSI group had a higher proportion of males (26.5% vs 16.2%) and patients with behavioural disorders (28.5% vs 13.7%). These patients were also found to seek psychiatric support in relation to their self-harm more frequently (31.9% vs 14.1%). The associated clinical characteristics included behavioural disorder (OR=2.51; 95% CI, 1.62-3.90), personality disorders (OR=0.56; 95% CI, 0.33-0.97), hospital admission (OR=0.23; 95% CI, 0.16-0.33), depressive symptoms (OR=0.60; 95% CI, 0.42-0.85), anxiety symptoms (OR=2.08; 95% CI, 1.31-3.31) and self-harming to influence others (OR=2.19; 95% CI, 1.54-3.11). Conclusions: More than half of the adolescents in the clinical sample with self-injury met DSM-5 criteria for NSSI. There are clinical and demographic characteristics which may be associated with this diagnosis.

DSM-5 Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Criteria in a Clinical Sample of Self-Harming Mexican Adolescents. / Lesiones autoinfligidas con fines no suicidas según el DSM-5 en una muestra clínica de adolescentes mexicanos con autolesiones.

INTRODUCTION: The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) needs to be validated in non-European populations. The aims of this study were to determine how common NSSI was in a sample of self-harming Mexican adolescents and examine the associated variables. METHODS: We examined the medical records of 585 adolescents with a history of self-injurious behaviour who attended a public hospital in Mexico City from 2005 to 2012. A group of experts established the diagnosis according to the DSM-5. The clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with and without NSSI were compared. RESULTS: NSSI was diagnosed in 351 patients (60%) with evidence of self-harm. The main reasons for not being diagnosed were a previous suicide attempt (criterion A, 158 subjects [26.87%]) and another diagnosis that better explained the self-injurious behaviour (criterion F, 60 subjects [10.25%]). The NSSI group had a higher proportion of males (26.5% vs 16.2%) and patients with behavioural disorders (28.5% vs 13.7%). These patients were also found to seek psychiatric support in relation to their self-harm more frequently (31.9% vs 14.1%). The associated clinical characteristics included behavioural disorder (OR=2.51; 95% CI, 1.62-3.90), personality disorders (OR=0.56; 95% CI, 0.33-0.97), hospital admission (OR=0.23; 95% CI, 0.16-0.33), depressive symptoms (OR=0.60; 95% CI, 0.42-0.85), anxiety symptoms (OR=2.08; 95% CI, 1.31-3.31) and self-harming to influence others (OR=2.19; 95% CI, 1.54-3.11). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the adolescents in the clinical sample with self-injury met DSM-5 criteria for NSSI. There are clinical and demographic characteristics which may be associated with this diagnosis.

[Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients infected with Leptospira spp. treated at four hospitals in Medellín, Colombia, 2008-2013].

INTRODUCTION: Leptospirosis remains a significant health problem in tropical regions including Latin America, where its presentation is 100 times higher than that observed in other regions of the world. Mortality reaches 10% in severe cases. Its diagnosis is challenging because clinical manifestations during the initial phase are non-specific and because of limited availability of diagnostic tests. OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics and the outcomes in hospitalized patients with leptospirosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients treated at four institutions in Medellín between January, 2009, and December, 2013, with a compatible clinical picture and a positive IgM for Leptospira spp. RESULTS: We included 119 patients, 80% male, and 58% of rural origin. The mean duration of symptoms was 9.6 days (SD=9.6). Eighty nine per cent of patients had fever; 62%, jaundice; 74%, myalgia; 46%, diarrhea; 41%, hepatomegaly; 13%, splenomegaly, and 13%, conjunctival injection. Fifty four per cent of patients had impaired renal function; 32%, pulmonary compromise, and 13%, liver failure. Sixteen per cent required admission to the ICU; 12%, mechanical ventilation, and 11%, vasopressor therapy.Weil's syndrome occurred in 38.6% and 5% died. The average hospital stay was 11 days (SD=9.6). CONCLUSIONS: In this population, the clinical manifestations and complications of leptospirosis were similar to those reported in the literature. We observed a relatively low overall mortality in relation to global statistics.

Características sociodemográficas y clínicas de pacientes con infección por Leptospira spp. atendidos en cuatro centros hospitalarios de Medellín, Colombia, 2008-2013 / Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients infected with Leptospira spp. treated at four hospitals in Medellín, Colombia, 2008-2013

Resumen Introducción: La leptospirosis continúa siendo un problema significativo de salud en regiones tropicales, incluidos los países de Latinoamérica, donde es 100 veces más frecuente que en otras regiones del mundo. En los cuadros graves de la enfermedad, su mortalidad alcanza el 10 %. Su diagnóstico es un reto debido a que las manifestaciones clínicas en la fase inicial son inespecíficas y a la poca disponibilidad de pruebas diagnósticas. Objetivo: Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas, y el desenlace de la enfermedad en pacientes hospitalizados con leptospirosis. Materiales y métodos: Es un estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes atendidos en cuatro instituciones de Medellín, entre enero de 2009 y diciembre de 2013, con un cuadro clínico sugestivo e IgM positiva para Leptospira spp. Resultados: Se incluyeron 119 pacientes, 80 % hombres y 58 % de procedencia rural. La duración promedio de los síntomas fue de 9,6 días (DE=9,6). El 89 % de los pacientes presentó fiebre; el 62 %, ictericia; el 74 %, mialgias; el 46 %, diarrea; el 41 %, hepatomegalia; el 13 %, esplenomegalia, y 13 %, enrojecimiento de los ojos. En 54 % de los pacientes hubo deterioro de la función renal, en 32 %, compromiso pulmonar y, en 13 %, falla hepática. El 16 % de los pacientes requirió atención en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, el 12 %, asistencia respiratoria mecánica, y el 11 %, administración de vasopresores. En 38,6 % de ellos la enfermedad cursó con síndrome de Weil y el 5 % falleció. La duración promedio de la hospitalización fue de 11 días (DE=9,6). Conclusiones:. La leptospirosis en esta población tuvo manifestaciones clínicas y complicaciones similares a las reportadas en la literatura científica. Se observó una mortalidad general relativamente baja comparada con las estadísticas mundiales.

Abstract Introduction: Leptospirosis remains a significant health problem in tropical regions including Latin America, where its presentation is 100 times higher than that observed in other regions of the world. Mortality reaches 10% in severe cases. Its diagnosis is challenging because clinical manifestations during the initial phase are non-specific and because of limited availability of diagnostic tests Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics and the outcomes in hospitalized patients with leptospirosis. Materials and methods: This retrospective study included patients treated at four institutions in Medellín between January, 2009, and December, 2013, with a compatible clinical picture and a positive IgM for Leptospira spp. Results: We included 119 patients, 80% male, and 58% of rural origin. The mean duration of symptoms was 9.6 days (SD=9.6). Eighty nine per cent of patients had fever; 62%, jaundice; 74%, myalgia; 46%, diarrhea; 41%, hepatomegaly; 13%, splenomegaly, and 13%, conjunctival injection. Fifty four per cent of patients had impaired renal function; 32%, pulmonary compromise, and 13%, liver failure. Sixteen per cent required admission to the ICU; 12%, mechanical ventilation, and 11%, vasopressor therapy. Weil's syndrome occurred in 38.6% and 5% died. The average hospital stay was 11 days (SD=9.6). Conclusions: In this population, the clinical manifestations and complications of leptospirosis were similar to those reported in the literature. We observed a relatively low overall mortality in relation to global statistics.

Osteomielitis por Yokenella regensburgei después de una craneotomía en una paciente inmunocompetente / Osteomyelitis due to Yokenella regensburgei following craniotomy in an immunocompetent patient

Yokenella regensburgei es un bacilo Gram negativo de la familia Enterobacteriaceae, que puede encontrarse en agua de pozos, alimentos y en el tubo digestivo de insectos y reptiles. Aunque se ha aislado de muestras provenientes de seres humanos, pocas veces se ha reportado como causante de infección y, en tales casos, especialmente en pacientes inmunosuprimidos. Se presenta aquí el primer caso de osteomielitis secundaria a una infección por Y. regensburgei en una paciente inmunocompetente después de un procedimiento quirúrgico.

The gram-negative bacillus Yokenella regensburgei (of the Enterobacteriaceae family) can be found in groundwater and foodstuffs, as well as the digestive tracts of insects and reptiles. Although it has been isolated from humans since its original description, it has rarely been reported as a cause of infection, and then, only in immunosuppressed patients. We report the first case of post-surgical secondary osteomyelitis due to Y. regensburgei in an immunocompetent woman who had undergone a craniotomy.

[Osteomyelitis due to Yokenella regensburgei following craniotomy in an immunocompetent patient]. / Osteomielitis por Yokenella regensburgei después de una craneotomía en una paciente inmunocompetente.

The gram-negative bacillus Yokenella regensburgei (of the Enterobacteriaceae family) can be found in groundwater and foodstuffs, as well as the digestive tracts of insects and reptiles. Although it has been isolated from humans since its original description, it has rarely been reported as a cause of infection, and then, only in immunosuppressed patients. We report the first case of post-surgical secondary osteomyelitis due to Y. regensburgei in an immunocompetent woman who had undergone a craniotomy.

Clinical evaluation of patients with osteomyelitis after open fractures treated at the Hospital de Urgências de Goiânia, Goiás / Avaliação clínica de pacientes com osteomielite crônica após fraturas expostas tratados no Hospital de Urgências de Goiânia, Goiás

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinically patients with chronic osteomyelitis after open fractures, treated in the Hospital of urgencies in Goiania. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, with data collection through questionnaire, from a review of medical records. We collected data on the type of trauma and the clinical characteristics of the patient. The hour of attendance and the injuries on the patients were collected, and then classified according to Gustilo and Anderson (1976). Samples of the lesion during the surgical procedure were collected for culture of pathogenic microorganisms. The analyzes were performed using STATA/SE version 8.0. Descriptive analysis was performed (absolute and relative frequencies) and to verify existence of association between variables was performed using thur-square or Fisher's Exact Test. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital and Emergency in Goiania. RESULTS: There was predominance of male adult, presenting open fractures with increased involvement of the leg bones or in two or more bones (polytrauma). The majority of patients presented with a lesion type III (high-energy trauma). There was loss of excessive time since the time of the accident until the initial surgical care. We detected the presence of gram-positive cultures of material obtained after the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. CONCLUSIONS: The control of factors such as antibiotics, exposure time, bacterial resistance to the antimicrobial used, extensive tissue damage and location of the fracture are extremely important to the predictive effect of infection in open fractures.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar clinicamente pacientes com osteomielite crônica após fraturas expostas, tratados no Hospital de Urgências de Goiânia. MÉTODOS: Estudo do tipo transversal, com coleta de dados mediante questionário, a partir de uma revisão de prontuário. Coletaram-se dados relativos ao tipo de trauma e às características clínicas do paciente. Foram descritas a hora do atendimento e as lesões encontradas no paciente e depois classificadas de acordo com Gustilo e Anderson (1976). Amostras da lesão durante o ato cirúrgico foram coletadas para cultura de microorganismos patogênicos. As análises foram feitas no programa STATA/SE versão 8.0. Fez-se análise descritiva (frequências absolutas e relativas) e para verificar existência de associação entre variáveis foi usado o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson ou exato de Fisher. Este estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Hospital de Urgências de Goiânia. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio de adultos do sexo masculino, que apresentaram fraturas expostas com maior acometimento de ossos da perna ou em dois ou mais ossos (politrauma). A maioria dos pacientes apresentou lesão tipo III (trauma de alta energia). Observou-se perda de tempo excessiva desde o momento do acidente até o atendimento cirúrgico inicial. Detectou-se presença de germes gram positivos nas culturas de material obtido após diagnóstico de osteomielite. CONCLUSÕES: O controle de fatores como antibioticoterapia, tempo de exposição, resistência bacteriana ao antimicrobiano usado, grande dano tecidual e localização da fratura é importantíssimo para anular o efeito preditivo de infecção em fraturas expostas.

Clinical evaluation of patients with osteomyelitis after open fractures treated at the Hospital de Urgências de Goiânia, Goiás.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinically patients with chronic osteomyelitis after open fractures, treated in the Hospital of urgencies in Goiania. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, with data collection through questionnaire, from a review of medical records. We collected data on the type of trauma and the clinical characteristics of the patient. The hour of attendance and the injuries on the patients were collected, and then classified according to Gustilo and Anderson (1976). Samples of the lesion during the surgical procedure were collected for culture of pathogenic microorganisms. The analyzes were performed using STATA/SE version 8.0. Descriptive analysis was performed (absolute and relative frequencies) and to verify existence of association between variables was performed using thur-square or Fisher's Exact Test. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital and Emergency in Goiania. RESULTS: There was predominance of male adult, presenting open fractures with increased involvement of the leg bones or in two or more bones (polytrauma). The majority of patients presented with a lesion type III (high-energy trauma). There was loss of excessive time since the time of the accident until the initial surgical care. We detected the presence of gram-positive cultures of material obtained after the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. CONCLUSIONS: The control of factors such as antibiotics, exposure time, bacterial resistance to the antimicrobial used, extensive tissue damage and location of the fracture are extremely important to the predictive effect of infection in open fractures.

Estudio comparativo entre soluciones conservadoras con y sin formol en placenta humana / Comparative study between conservative solutions with and without formaldehyde in human placenta

Las técnicas de fijación y conservación anatómica son realizadas habitualmente con soluciones que contienen formol, dado su bajo costo. Estas tienen varias desventajas como el olor irritante, rigidez, cambios de coloración de las estructuras, así como toxicidad con potencial cancerígeno, teratogénico y mutagénico para quien lo manipula. Por esto, es deseable utilizar soluciones sin formol. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar 2 métodos de conservación cadavérica, uno con formol (solución de Montevideo) y otro sin formol (método de Prives) utilizando la placenta humana como órgano experimental, evaluando sus parámetros macroscópicos. Se utilizaron 46 placentas humanas de partos normales y gestación a término. Las placentas fueron separadas en dos grupos (n=22 y n=24 respectivamente). El primer grupo de placentas fue perfundido con una solución con formol y el segundo grupo en una solución sin formol. Luego ambos grupos fueron sumergidos y mantenidos en sus soluciones respectivas por dos semanas y posteriormente retiradas dejándolas al aire a temperatura ambiente por 2 semanas más. Se analizaron las variables cuantitativas de peso y diámetro en cada una de las piezas, así como las variables cualitativas de consistencia, color, olor y crecimiento de micro/macro organismos. La recopilación de datos fue realizada previo al lavado, a los 14, 21 y 28 días. Los resultados mostraron que las placentas conservadas con el método de Prives presentaron mejor conservación en relación a su diámetro, consistencia, color y menor olor irritante en relación a las placentas tratadas con solución con formol. En ningún caso hubo crecimiento de micro o macroorganismos. En conclusión, emplear soluciones alternativas que sustituyan ventajosamente al formol como la fórmula de Prives conservan mejor las características macroscópicas de las placentas sin generar un olor irritante, deteniendo el proceso de descomposición.

The fixation and conservation techniques of anatomic material are commonly performed with solutions containing formaldehyde, given its low cost. These have several disadvantages such as the irritating odor, stiffness, discoloration of the structures, toxicity, carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic risk for those who are exposed. Therefore it is desirable to use solutions without formaldehyde. The aim of this study was to compare 2 methods of anatomical conservation, one with formalin (Montevideo's solution) and one without formalin (Prives method) using the human placenta as an experimental organ model evaluating its macroscopic parameters. We used 46 human placentas from normal deliveries and term pregnancy. The placentas were separated into two groups (n=22 and n=24 respectively). The first group of placentas was perfused with formaldehyde solution and the second group in a solution without formaldehyde. Then both groups were immersed and maintained in their respective solutions for two weeks and then withdrawn leaving the air at room temperature for 2 weeks. Quantitative variables were analyzed for weight and diameter of each piece, and qualitative variables as consistency, color, odor and growth of micro/macro organisms were evaluated. Data collection was performed prior to washing at 14, 21 and 28 days. The results showed that conserved placentas with Prives method showed better conservation in relation to its diameter, consistency, color and less irritating odor in relation to placentas treated with formalin solution. In no case was growth of micro or macro organism. In conclusion, using advantageously at alternative solutions to formaldehyde, as the formula of Prives method, better preserved macroscopic characteristics of placentas without generating an irritating smell, stopping the decomposition process.

Manifestaciones clínicas y tratamiento del trastorno bipolar en niños y adolescentes, una actualización basada en la evidencia / Clinical manifestations and treatment of bipolar disorder (BPD) in children and adolescents, an evidence-based up-to-date approximation

The phenomenology of pediatric bipolar disorder is different from the classical presentation of this disorder in adults as indicated by high rates of psychotic symptoms, episodes and rapid cycling, longer duration of episodes and the presence of subsindromatic symptoms for long periods. The long-term outcome of patients with pediatric onset is worse than those with adult onset. In the last decade, pharmacological research has increased, showing that the response to treatment in children and adolescents is different from that of adults, being better with the combination of psychotropic drugs. Psychosocial interventions involve psychoeducation and skills training can be an alternative treatment for children and adolescents at risk for bipolar disorder.

La fenomenología del trastorno bipolar pediátrico es distinta a la presentación clásica de este trastorno en adultos como lo indican las altas tasas de síntomas psicóticos, episodios de ciclaje rápido, alta duración de los episodios, así como la presencia de síntomas subsindromáticos por períodos largos. El pronóstico de los pacientes que inician la enfermedad durante la infancia y/o adolescencia es peor que para aquellos que la inician en la vida adulta. En la última década se ha incrementado la investigación farmacológica para este trastorno, los ensayos clínicos han mostrado que la respuesta de niños y adolescentes es distinta a la de los adultos, ofreciéndose mejores resultados con la combinación de psicofármacos. Las intervenciones psicosociales involucran a la psicoeducación y el entrenamiento en habilidades, pueden ser una alternativa de tratamiento para los niños y adolescentes con riesgo de desarrollar un trastorno bipolar.