Bases científicas del principio de curación homeopática en la farmacología moderna / Scientific bases of the homeopathic healing principle in modern pharmacology

La homeopatía emplea el denominado 'principio de similares' como método terapéutico ­ el cual consiste en administrar medicamentos que provocan ciertos síntomas en individuos sanos para tratar síntomas similares en individuos enfermos (similia similibus curantur) - para inducir una reacción curativa secundaria del cuerpo en contra de sus propios trastornos. Esta reacción secundaria (vital, homeostática o paradójica) del cuerpo se basa en el 'efecto de rebote' de los fármacos modernos, un tipo de evento adverso que se produce después de interrumpir varias clases de fármacos prescritos según el 'principio de los contrarios' (contraria contrariis curantur). Objetivo: La presente revisión ha buscado justificar científicamente el principio de curación homeopática frente a la farmacología clínica y experimental a través de un estudio sistemático del efecto de rebote de los fármacos modernos o reacción paradójica del cuerpo. Métodos: Empleando como referencia estudios y revisiones sobre el tema publicados a partir de 1998, actualizamos los datos añadiendo estudios recientes incluidos en la base de datos PubMed. Resultados: El efecto de rebote se produce después de interrumpir varias clases de fármacos con acción contraria a los síntomas de las enfermedades, exacerbándolos a niveles superiores a aquellos previos al tratamiento. Independientemente de la enfermedad, fármaco, dosis y duración del tratamiento, el fenómeno del rebote se manifiesta en una pequeña proporción de los individuos susceptibles. Siguiendo las premisas homeopáticas, los fármacos modernos también podrían usarse según el principio de la similitud terapéutica, empleando entonces el efecto de rebote (reacción paradójica) con propósito curativo. Conclusiones: Evidenciado por cientos de estudios que constatan la similitud de conceptos y manifestaciones, el efecto de rebote de los fármacos modernos justifica científicamente el principio de la cura homeopática. Aunque el fenómeno de rebote es un evento adverso estudiado por la farmacología moderna, no es conocido por los profesionales de la atención médica, lo cual priva a los médicos de un conocimiento indispensable para el manejo seguro de los fármacos.

Homeopathy employs the so-called 'principle of similars' as therapeutic method - which consists in administering medicines that cause certain symptoms in healthy individuals to treat similar symptoms in sick individuals (similia similibus curantur) - to induce a secondary and healing reaction by the body against its own disorders. This secondary (vital, homeostatic or paradoxical) reaction of the body is based on the 'rebound effect' of modern drugs, a type of adverse event that occurs following discontinuation of several classes of drugs prescribed according to the 'principle of contraries' (contraria contrariis curantur). Aim: The present review sought to scientifically substantiate the homeopathic healing principle vis-à-vis experimental and clinical pharmacology through a systematic study of the rebound effect of modern drugs or paradoxical reaction of the body. Methods: Employing as reference studies and revisions on the subject published since 1998, we updated the data adding recent studies included in database PubMed. Results: The rebound effect occurs after discontinuation of several classes of drugs with action contrary to the symptoms of diseases, exacerbating them to levels above the ones before treatment. Regardless of disease, drug, dose and duration of treatment, the rebound phenomenon manifests in a small proportion of susceptible individuals. Following the homeopathic premises, modern drugs might also be used according to the principle of therapeutic similitude, thus employing the rebound effect (paradoxical reaction) with curative intent. Conclusions: Evidenced by hundreds of studies that attest to the similarity of concepts and manifestations, the rebound effect of modern drugs scientifically substantiates the principle of homeopathic cure. Although the rebound phenomenon is an adverse event studied by modern pharmacology, it is not known by health care professionals, thus depriving doctors of knowledge indispensable for safe management of drugs.

La sudoración compensatoria como efecto secundario en la cirugía de la hiperhidrosis palmar primaria / Compensatory Sweating as a Side Effect of Surgical Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis

Introducción: La sudoración compensatoria es un efecto secundario de la simpaticotomía videotoracoscópica, que tiene una alta incidencia y puede provocar insatisfacción en los pacientes operados. Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento de la sudoración compensatoria en los pacientes en que se les realizó una simpaticotomía videotoracoscópica por hiperhidrosis palmar. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, transversal y descriptivo de 42 pacientes que tras la cirugía por hiperhidrosis palmar presentaron sudor compensatorio. Se analizó la incidencia, localización, severidad, afectación de la calidad de vida y nivel de satisfacción. Resultados: Predominó la sudoración compensatoria ligera, la localización en la espalda y el abdomen. Hubo un alto nivel de tolerancia, con solo un paciente insatisfecho y un 100 por ciento de mejoría de la calidad de vida. Conclusiones: La sudoración compensatoria no influyó negativamente en la calidad de vida de los pacientes(AU)

Introduction: Compensatory sweating is a side effect of videothoracoscopic sympathectomy. It presents high incidence and may cause dissatisfaction to operated patients. Objective: To determine the characteristics of compensatory sweating in patients who underwent videothoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out with 42 patients who presented compensatory sweating after surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis. Incidence, location, severity, change in quality of life and level of satisfaction were analyzed. Results: Light compensatory sweating predominated, with location on back and abdomen. There was a high level of tolerance, with only one dissatisfied patient and 100 percent of improvement in quality of life. Conclusions: Compensatory sweating did not influence negatively the patients' quality of life(AU)

Reporte de un caso de plaquetopeniay trombosis secundaria a la vacuna chAdOx1 nCov-19 / Report of a case of thrombocytopenia and thrombosis secondary to the vaccine chAdOx1 nCov-19

Introducción.La vacuna contra el COVID-19, AstraZeneca, podría dar lugar al desarrollo de anticuerpos contra el factor 4 plaquetario, y desencadenar manifestaciones de trombocitopenia asociados a episodios trombóticos de localización inusual. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con plaquetopenia y trombosis asociada a la vacuna Astrazeneka internada en el Hospital Nacional en agosto 2021. Caso clínico:Mujer de 54 añosde Yaguarón, recibió la vacuna Astrazeneca el 19de junio de 2021, después de 26 días presentó múltiples lesiones equimóticas en miembros inferiores, sin trauma previo, gingivorragias, y epistaxis en moderada cantidad. Por el recuento plaquetario menor a 10.000 se la ingresaal Hospital. No recibió heparina. Los signos vitales normales,IMC 25, recuento de plaquetas <10.000/ mm3, tiempo de protrombina 89%, tiempo parcial de tromboplastina activada 28 segundos, otros parámetros hematológicos normales. Anticuerpo antinuclear (ANA),anti DNA, antiproteinasa 3, anti mieloperoxidasa: negativos;c3 y c4 normal. Serología IgM negativa para toxoplasmosis, citomegalovirus, herpes, rubeola, Chagas, VIH, hepatitisB, C. Ecodopler venoso de miembros inferiores muestra una trombosis de la vena safena parva bilateral. Es tratada con pulsos de metilprednisolona 1g/3 días, seguida de prednisona vía oral 1mg kg/p//día, con recuperación del recuento delas plaquetas. No se realizó prueba anticuerpo anti factor 4 plaquetario. Conclusión:Por la relación temporal entre la administración de la vacuna y la aparición de la plaquetopenia y trombosis,se podría considerar como un efecto adverso de la vacunaAstrazeneka.

ntroduction.The COVID-19 vaccine, AstraZeneca, maylead to the development of antibodies against platelet factor 4, and trigger manifestations of thrombocytopenia associated with thrombotic events of unusual location. Acase of a patient with thrombosis associated with the Astrazeneka vaccine and admittedto the National Hospital in August 2021 is presented. Clinical case:A 54-year-old woman from Yaguaron, received the Astrazeneca vaccine on June 19th, 2021, 26 days later she presentedmultipleecchymotic lesions in lower limbswith nohistory of trauma, gingivorrhagia, epistaxis in moderate quantity. Due to a platelet count lower than10,000/mm3, she was admitted to the Hospital. Shedid not receive heparin. Vital signs were normal, BMI 25,platelet count <10,000 per mm3, prothrombin time 89%, activated partial thromboplastin time 28 seconds, other hematological parameters normal. Antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti DNA, antiproteinase 3, anti myeloperoxidase: negative, c3 and c4 normal. Negative IgM serology for toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, herpes, rubella, Chagas, HIV, hepatitis B, C. Lower limb venous echodpler shows bilateral parva saphenous vein thrombosis. The patient is treated with pulses of methylprednisolone 1g / 3 days, followed by oral prednisone 1mg kg / p / day, with recovery of platelets. An anti-platelet factor 4 antibody test was not performed. Conclusion:due to the temporal relationship between the administration of the vaccine and the appearance of thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, this case may be considered as an adverse effect of the Astrazeneka vaccine.

Homeopathic repertory of modern drugs / New homeopathic medicines: use of modern drugs according to the principle of similitude

Following the pattern of traditional homeopathy, this work proposes to employ modern drugs according to the principle of therapeutic similitude, stimulating the healing rebound effect (vital reaction) of the organism through the administration of substances (in infinitesimal doses) that caused similar symptoms in healthy human. Is worth emphasizing that the pathogenetic effects (primary actions) of classical homeopathic medicines correspond to the therapeutic, adverse and side effects of conventional drugs, which should be similar to totality of the symptoms of the patient to stimulate the curative vital reaction (curative rebound effect) according to the principle of therapeutic similitude. To make this proposal operative, a Homeopathic Materia Medica of Modern Drugs was elaborated, where the therapeutic, adverse and side effects of drugs were grouped following the structure of the traditional homeopathic materia medica, while giving particular value to the frequency of the symptoms observed during the phases of study of the drugs. In order to facilitate the selection of the individualized remedy (i.e., similar to the totality of symptoms of the patient), and thus the clinical application of the present proposal, at a later stage it was also elaborated a Homeopathic Repertory of Modern Drugs, where symptoms and remedies are arranged as in the traditional homeopathic repertories, described in this work.

Fundamentação científica do princípio da similitude na farmacologia moderna / Novos medicamentos homeopáticos: uso dos fármacos modernos segundo o princípio da similitude / Scientific basis of the principle of similitude in modern pharmacology / New homeopathic medicines: use of modern drugs according to the principle of similitude

Realizando a ponte entre a farmacologia homeopática (princípio da similitude) e a farmacologia moderna, encontramos uma infinidade de relatos, tanto em compêndios farmacológicos como em experimentos e ensaios clínicos publicados em periódicos científicos, que descrevem uma reação do organismo oposta e secundária a uma ação primária da droga, confirmando a teoria hahnemanniana. Essa ação secundária do organismo, no sentido de manter a homeostase orgânica, é denominada de efeito rebote ou reação paradoxal segundo a racionalidade científica moderna, sendo usada pela homeopatia como resposta terapêutica.

Building a bridge between homeopathic pharmacology (principle of similitude) and modern pharmacology, one can find countless reports in pharmacological compendia and clinical and experimental trials published in the scientific media describing the secondary reaction of the organism opposed to the primary action of the drug, which confirm Hahnemann's theory. Such secondary action of the organism to preserve organic homeostasis is known in modern science as rebound effect or paradoxical reaction, being used by homeopathy as a therapeutic response.

Scientific basis of the principle of similitude in modern pharmacology / New homeopathic medicines: use of modern drugs according to the principle of similitude

Building a bridge between homeopathic pharmacology (principle of similitude) and modern pharmacology, one can find countless reports in pharmacological compendia and clinical and experimental trials published in the scientific media describing the secondary reaction of the organism opposed to the primary action of the drug, which confirm Hahnemann's theory. Such secondary action of the organism to preserve organic homeostasis is known in modern science as rebound effect or paradoxical reaction, being used by homeopathy as a therapeutic response.

Realizando a ponte entre a farmacologia homeopática (princípio da similitude) e a farmacologia moderna, encontramos uma infinidade de relatos, tanto em compêndios farmacológicos como em experimentos e ensaios clínicos publicados em periódicos científicos, que descrevem uma reação do organismo oposta e secundária a uma ação primária da droga, confirmando a teoria hahnemanniana. Essa ação secundária do organismo, no sentido de manter a homeostase orgânica, é denominada de efeito rebote ou reação paradoxal segundo a racionalidade científica moderna, sendo usada pela homeopatia como resposta terapêutica.

Matéria médica homeopática dos fármacos modernos / Novos medicamentos homeopáticos: uso dos fármacos modernos segundo o princípio da similitude / Homeopathic materia medica of modern drugs / New homeopathic medicines: use of modern drugs according to the principle of similitude

Seguindo a mesma dinâmica da homeopatia clássica, essa obra sistematiza uma proposta para empregar os fármacos modernos segundo o princípio da similitude terapêutica, estimulando o efeito rebote (reação vital) curativo do organismo através da administração de substâncias (em doses dinamizadas) que despertaram sintomas semelhantes no estado de saúde humano. Vale ressaltar que os efeitos patogenéticos (ações primárias) dos medicamentos homeopáticos clássicos correspondem aos efeitos terapêuticos, adversos e colaterais dos fármacos modernos, os quais devem apresentar uma totalidade sintomática semelhante ao do paciente para estimular a reação vital curativa (efeito rebote curativo), de acordo ao princípio da similitude terapêutica. Para viabilizar essa proposta, foi necessário elaborar uma Matéria Médica Homeopática dos Fármacos Modernos, agrupando os efeitos terapêuticos, adversos e colaterais das drogas conforme a disposição anátomo-funcional dos capítulos das matérias médicas homeopáticas tradicionais, valorizando a frequência de manifestação dos sintomas observadas nas fases de estudo da droga. Como segundo passo, para facilitar a seleção do medicamento individualizado (semelhança com a totalidade de sintomas do paciente) e a aplicação clínica da proposta, foi elaborado um Repertório Homeopático dos Fármacos Modernos, dispondo os sintomas e seus respectivos medicamentos de forma análoga aos repertórios homeopáticos tradicionais, descrito em outra obra desta coleção.

Following the pattern of traditional homeopathy, this work proposes to employ modern drugs according to the principle of therapeutic similitude, stimulating the healing rebound effect (vital reaction) of the organism through the administration of substances (in infinitesimal doses) that caused similar symptoms in healthy human. Is worth emphasizing that the pathogenetic effects (primary actions) of classical homeopathic medicines correspond to the therapeutic, adverse and side effects of conventional drugs, which should be similar to totality of the symptoms of the patient to stimulate the curative vital reaction (curative rebound effect) according to the principle of therapeutic similitude. To make this proposal operative, a Homeopathic Materia Medica of Modern Drugs was elaborated, where the therapeutic, adverse and side effects of drugs were grouped following the structure of the traditional homeopathic materia medica, while giving particular value to the frequency of the symptoms observed during the phases of study of the drugs. In order to facilitate the selection of the individualized remedy (i.e., similar to the totality of symptoms of the patient), and thus the clinical application of the present proposal, at a later stage it was also elaborated a Homeopathic Repertory of Modern Drugs, where symptoms and remedies are arranged as in the traditional homeopathic repertories, described in another work of this collection.

Homeopathic materia medica of modern drugs / New homeopathic medicines: use of modern drugs according to the principle of similitude

Following the pattern of traditional homeopathy, this work proposes to employ modern drugs according to the principle of therapeutic similitude, stimulating the healing rebound effect (vital reaction) of the organism through the administration of substances (in infinitesimal doses) that caused similar symptoms in healthy human. Is worth emphasizing that the pathogenetic effects (primary actions) of classical homeopathic medicines correspond to the therapeutic, adverse and side effects of conventional drugs, which should be similar to totality of the symptoms of the patient to stimulate the curative vital reaction (curative rebound effect) according to the principle of therapeutic similitude. To make this proposal operative, a Homeopathic Materia Medica of Modern Drugs was elaborated, where the therapeutic, adverse and side effects of drugs were grouped following the structure of the traditional homeopathic materia medica, while giving particular value to the frequency of the symptoms observed during the phases of study of the drugs. In order to facilitate the selection of the individualized remedy (i.e., similar to the totality of symptoms of the patient), and thus the clinical application of the present proposal, at a later stage it was also elaborated a Homeopathic Repertory of Modern Drugs, where symptoms and remedies are arranged as in the traditional homeopathic repertories, described in another work of this collection.

Seguindo a mesma dinâmica da homeopatia clássica, essa obra sistematiza uma proposta para empregar os fármacos modernos segundo o princípio da similitude terapêutica, estimulando o efeito rebote (reação vital) curativo do organismo através da administração de substâncias (em doses dinamizadas) que despertaram sintomas semelhantes no estado de saúde humano. Vale ressaltar que os efeitos patogenéticos (ações primárias) dos medicamentos homeopáticos clássicos correspondem aos efeitos terapêuticos, adversos e colaterais dos fármacos modernos, os quais devem apresentar uma totalidade sintomática semelhante ao do paciente para estimular a reação vital curativa (efeito rebote curativo), de acordo ao princípio da similitude terapêutica. Para viabilizar essa proposta, foi necessário elaborar uma Matéria Médica Homeopática dos Fármacos Modernos, agrupando os efeitos terapêuticos, adversos e colaterais das drogas conforme a disposição anátomo-funcional dos capítulos das matérias médicas homeopáticas tradicionais, valorizando a frequência de manifestação dos sintomas observadas nas fases de estudo da droga. Como segundo passo, para facilitar a seleção do medicamento individualizado (semelhança com a totalidade de sintomas do paciente) e a aplicação clínica da proposta, foi elaborado um Repertório Homeopático dos Fármacos Modernos, dispondo os sintomas e seus respectivos medicamentos de forma análoga aos repertórios homeopáticos tradicionais, descrito em outra obra desta coleção.

Repertório homeopático dos fármacos modernos / Novos medicamentos homeopáticos: uso dos fármacos modernos segundo o princípio da similitude / Homeopathic repertory of modern drugs / New homeopathic medicines: use of modern drugs according to the principle of similitude

Seguindo a mesma dinâmica da homeopatia clássica, essa obra sistematiza uma proposta para empregar os fármacos modernos segundo o princípio da similitude terapêutica, estimulando o efeito rebote (reação vital) curativo do organismo através da administração de substâncias (em doses dinamizadas) que despertaram sintomas semelhantes no estado de saúde humano. Vale ressaltar que os efeitos patogenéticos (ações primárias) dos medicamentos homeopáticos clássicos correspondem aos efeitos terapêuticos, adversos e colaterais dos fármacos modernos, os quais devem apresentar uma totalidade sintomática semelhante ao do paciente para estimular a reação vital curativa (efeito rebote curativo), de acordo ao princípio da similitude terapêutica. Para viabilizar essa proposta, foi necessário elaborar uma Matéria Médica Homeopática dos Fármacos Modernos, agrupando os efeitos terapêuticos, adversos e colaterais das drogas conforme a disposição anátomo-funcional dos capítulos das matérias médicas homeopáticas tradicionais, valorizando a frequência de manifestação dos sintomas observadas nas fases de estudo da droga. Como segundo passo, para facilitar a seleção do medicamento individualizado (semelhança com a totalidade de sintomas do paciente) e a aplicação clínica da proposta, foi elaborado um Repertório Homeopático dos Fármacos Modernos, dispondo os sintomas e seus respectivos medicamentos de forma análoga aos repertórios homeopáticos tradicionais, descrito nessa obra.

Following the pattern of traditional homeopathy, this work proposes to employ modern drugs according to the principle of therapeutic similitude, stimulating the healing rebound effect (vital reaction) of the organism through the administration of substances (in infinitesimal doses) that caused similar symptoms in healthy human. Is worth emphasizing that the pathogenetic effects (primary actions) of classical homeopathic medicines correspond to the therapeutic, adverse and side effects of conventional drugs, which should be similar to totality of the symptoms of the patient to stimulate the curative vital reaction (curative rebound effect) according to the principle of therapeutic similitude. To make this proposal operative, a Homeopathic Materia Medica of Modern Drugs was elaborated, where the therapeutic, adverse and side effects of drugs were grouped following the structure of the traditional homeopathic materia medica, while giving particular value to the frequency of the symptoms observed during the phases of study of the drugs. In order to facilitate the selection of the individualized remedy (i.e., similar to the totality of symptoms of the patient), and thus the clinical application of the present proposal, at a later stage it was also elaborated a Homeopathic Repertory of Modern Drugs, where symptoms and remedies are arranged as in the traditional homeopathic repertories, described in this work.

Fracturas vertebrales múltiples tras la suspensión de tratamiento con denosumab: serie de diez casos / Multiple vertebral fractures following discontinuation of denosumab treatment: ten clinical cases report

OBJETIVOS: Analizar las características clínicas y de metabolismo óseo de una serie de pacientes con fracturas vertebrales tras la suspensión de denosumab (DMab). MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de 10 pacientes con fracturas vertebrales tras suspender DMab atendidas en el Servicio de Reumatología de un hospital español de tercer nivel entre 2015 y 2018. RESULTADOS: Se registraron un total de 49 fracturas espontáneas tras una media de 6 dosis de DMab y transcurridos 10,9 meses desde la suspensión del fármaco. El 90% había recibido tratamiento previo, 7 de 10 bisfosfonatos orales. Tras la suspensión, CTX y P1NP estaban elevados y la media de T-score en cuello femoral y columna lumbar fue menor que previo a DMab. Las vértebras más afectadas fueron L3, L5, D6, D7, D9 y D11. CONCLUSIÓN: La descripción de nuevos casos de fracturas vertebrales múltiples en los meses posteriores a la suspensión de DMab subraya la preocupación emergente en la comunidad científica siendo preciso apoyar en evidencias sólidas las nuevas recomendaciones sobre su manejo

OBJECTIVES: Analyse clinical and bone metabolism features in a case series of patients with multiple vertebral fractures after discontinuation of denosumab (DMab). METHODS: An observational descriptive study analysing data from ten patients with multiple vertebral fractures after DMab discontinuation that were admitted to our rheumatology department between 2015 and 2018. RESULTS: There were a total of 49 spontaneous fractures after an average of 6 DMab doses and 10.9 months from discontinuation. Ninety percent had already received treatment other than DMab 7 of 10 oral bisphosphonates. After discontinuation, CTX and P1NP remained elevated and mean T-score for femoral neck and lumbar spine was lower than before treatment. The most affected vertebrae were L3, L5, D6, D7, D9 and D11. CONCLUSION: This report of ten new cases suffering multiple vertebral fractures early after discontinuation of DMab highlights the emerging concern on the subject in the scientific community and the need to clarify its pathogenic mechanism, and to support by solid evidence the new recommendations on its management

Trazodone-induced delirium: case report / Delirio inducido por trazodona: reporte de caso

ABSTRACT Trazodone is used as an antidepressant in doses between 150 and 600 mg. At lower doses, it is commonly used to treat insomnia. There are few case reports about confusional symptoms as an undesirable side effect of this drug. We report a case of a patient who presented with delirium after prescription of trazodone 100 mg. She required hospitalisation but, shortly after discontinuation of trazodone, the symptoms disappeared without antipsychotic medication. Seven months after the episode, the patient remains asymptomatic.

RESUMEN La trazodona se usa como antidepresivo en dosis de 150-600 mg. En dosis más bajas, se usa comúnmente para tratar el insomnio. Hay pocos reportes de caso sobre síntomas confusionales como un efecto secundario indeseable de este medicamento. Se presenta el caso de una paciente que acudió con delirio después de la prescripción de trazodona 100 mg. La paciente requirió hospitalización pero, poco después de la interrupción de la trazodona, los síntomas desaparecieron sin medicación antipsicótica. A los 7 meses del episodio, la paciente permanecía asintomática.

Psicoestimulantes menores consumidos por estudiantes de la Universidad San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, 2019 / Minor psychostimulants consumed by students of San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca University, 2019

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el consumo de psicoestimulantes en estudiante de la Universidad San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca. Se recolectaron los datos mediante encuestas aplicadas a 331 estudiantes. El estudio reveló el psicoestimulante de mayor consumo con 31,88% el café y la coca cola con 26,65%, en su mayoría fueron consumidos con fines académicos. En los efectos secundarios, la sed se estableció como el más frecuente en estudiantes con 30,74%, seguido por cefalea con 27,56% y el cansancio en 14,84%. Se concluye que el café se determina como psicoestimulante menor más consumido en épocas de actividad académica y la sed como el efecto secundario más frecuente.

The objective of the study was to determine the consumption of psychostimulants in a student at the San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca University. The data were collected through surveys applied to 331 students. The study revealed the psychostimulant with the highest consumption with 31.88%, coffee and coca cola with 26.65%, most of which were consumed for academic purposes. Regarding side effects, thirst was established as the most frequent in students with 30.74%, followed by headache with 27.56% and fatigue in 14.84%. It is concluded that coffee is determined as the minor psychostimulant most consumed in times of academic activity and thirst as the most frequent side effect.

The effect of Niclosamide in acetic acid induce colitis: an experimental study

Ulcerative colitis is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disease of the colon for which a lot of treatment modalities are present. However, significant side effects are associated with them, and there is a need for a search for other tretment options. This study was aimed to assess the contribution of niclosamide in experimentally established colitis in rats. Animals were categorized into 5 groups; the control group undergoes no induction of UC, colitis group in which UC was induced, and animals receive no treatment, the niclosamide group that received niclosamide and sulfasalazine group that received sulfasalazine. Each group was composed of 10 animals. After the completion of a one-month period of the experiment animals were sacrificed and the following meausres were done: the weight of the colon, determination of the area of mucosal damage by mm2, histological scoring after hematoxylin and eosin stain together with MAC score and immunohistochemistry of IL-6, TNF-alpha, MPO, MDA, CD62, and ICAM1. The results of the current study revealed that Nicosamide was able to reduce the area of mucosal damage, colon weight, histological and Mac scores and immunohistochemical scores of inflammatory and oxidative markers, significantly when contrasted to a group of colitis (P< 0.05). It has been concluded that Niclosamide was proved to have a significant effect as an adjuvant mode of therapy for colitis through its, anti-inflamatory and anti-oxidant effects (AU)

Hepatitis aguda recurrente inducida por albendazol / Recurrent albendazole-induced acute hepatitis

Resumen El albendazol es un medicamento usado para tratar infecciones por helmintos y usualmente presenta pocos o ningún efecto secundario. A pesar de que hay un incremento transitorio de enzimas hepáticas luego de su uso, existe poca evidencia en la literatura en la que se reporte lesión hepática luego de automedicación con albendazol. En este informe, el paciente se presentó con hepatitis aguda luego de automedicarse con albendazol. El paciente cuenta además con una historia de episodios similares después de haber usado el fármaco. Se evaluada la causalidad con el método de evaluación de causalidad de Roussel Uclaf del Concejo para Organizaciones Internacionales de Ciencias Médicas, cuyo resultado fue un puntaje de 10, lo que indicó una alta probabilidad de lesión hepática inducida por albendazol al cabo de realizarse una investigación rigurosa y de excluir otras posibles causas de la condición física del paciente. En conclusión, aunque es ideal agilizar el proceso para combatir a los helmintos, es necesario intensificar la necesidad de monitorizaciones de calidad para evitar reacciones adversas como la hepatitis inducida por medicamentos. Asimismo, la automedicación de cualquier medicamento debe ser siempre evitada.

Abstract Albendazole is used to treat helminth infections and usually has minimal or no side effects. A transient increase in liver enzymes is common following its use, but little evidence of albendazole-induced liver damage has been reported in the literature. This study presents a patient who developed acute hepatitis following self-medication with albendazole. The patient also had a history of similar episodes in the past after using the drug. After a thorough investigation and exclusion of all other causes of the patient's clinical condition, the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method of the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences scale yielded a score of 10 points, indicating a high probability of albendazole-induced liver damage. In conclusion, expediting the process of combating helminths is ideal, but quality monitoring is required to avoid adverse reactions such as drug-induced hepatitis. Moreover, self-medication with any drug should always be discouraged.

Early diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection / Diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano de la infección de tuberculosis latente

Latent tuberculosis infection is a major health problem worldwide. People with latent tuberculosis infection have a lifetime risk of developing active tuberculosis approximately 5 % to 10%. Patients with latent tuberculosis infection were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of a latent tuberculosis infection are very important. Patients with latent tuberculosis infection do not have the symptoms, signs, radiographic, and bacteriological evidence of active tuberculosis. Consequently, these patients are not contagious to others. Patients with latent tuberculosis infection usually have a positive tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assays test. Systematic testing is recommended for all patients that are at risk for latent tuberculosis infection. The treatment of latent tuberculosis is recommended for patients that are at increased risk for developing active tuberculosis. The medications recommended to treat latent tuberculosis infection are isoniazid, rifampin, and a combination of isoniazidand rifapentine, and isoniazid and rifampin combination regimens. The most common side effect of these medications is hepatotoxicity. Therefore, patient monitoring during treatment should occur every month to evaluate medications side effects and adherence to medications. Post-treatment patient follow-up is very important, but serial or repeats chest radiography is not recommended.

La infección de tuberculosis latente es un gran problema de salud a nivel mundial. Las personas con infección de tuberculosis latente tienen un riesgo de desarrollar tuberculosis activa en aproximadamente 5 % a 10 % en toda su vida. Pacientes con infección de tuberculosis latente fueron infectados con Mycobacterium tuberculosis, por lo tanto, diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano de la infección de tuberculosis latente es muy importante. Pacientes con infección de tuberculosis latente son asintomáticos, no tienen signos físicos o radiográficos anormales, y no tienen evidencia bacteriológica de tuberculosis activa. Consecuentemente, estos pacientes no son contagiosos a otras personas. Pacientes con infección de tuberculosis latente usualmente son positivos para las pruebas de la tuberculina o Interferon-Gamma Release Assays. Pruebas sistemáticas son recomendadas para todos los pacientes que están en riesgo de presentar infección de tuberculosis latente. El tratamiento de tuberculosis latente es recomendado para los pacientes que tienen un elevado riesgo de desarrollar tuberculosis activa. Los medicamentos recomendados para el tratamiento de la infección de tuberculosis latente son isoniacida, rifampicina, y una combinación de isoniacida y rifapentin, y la combinación de isoniacida y rifampicina. El efecto secundario más común de estos medicamentos es hepatotoxicidad. Por lo tanto, la monitorización de estos pacientes durante el tratamiento debería ser cada mes, para evaluar efectos secundarios de los medicamentos y la adherencia al tratamiento. Es muy importante dar seguimiento después del tratamiento, pero hacer radiografías repetidas de pulmones no es recomendado.

Pulse therapy combined with oral corticosteroids in the management of severe rheumatic carditis and rebound

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical course, laboratory tests, and thecardiac involvement in rheumatic carditis patients in functional class III and IV, submitted to pulse therapycombined with oral prednisone. Methods: A total of 120 patients with severe carditis due to acute rheumatic feverwere treatment with three cycles of pulse therapy combined with oral corticosteroids. The patients were followedup from the hospital admission until the end of the treatment and returned after 30, 60, and 90 days to control.The patients were evaluated by clinical, laboratory, and transthoracic echocardiogram. Results: In total, 23(19.2%) patients at first attack of rheumatic fever and 97 (80.8%) with recurrent carditis were evaluated. Cardiacsurgery was performed in 8 (6.6%) patients. The patients showed improved laboratory and radiologicalparameters (p<0.001) and were discharged, 74 (61.7%) in functional class I and 46 (38.3%) in functional classII. Hospitalisation time ranged from 21 to 176 days, with a mean of 69.1 days. Reduction of left atrium andventricle diameters was observed, measured by means of transthoracic echocardiography, at hospital admissionand discharge (p <0.001). None of the patients experienced rebound. Conclusions: The pulse therapy was effectivein controlling severe rheumatic carditis and the oral corticosteroid prevented rebound episodes. Prolongedhospital stay was required for the clinical stabilisation of patients and to avoid the interruption of medication...

Secondary myeloid neoplasms: bone marrow cytogenetic and histological features may be relevant to prognosis

Abstract Background: Secondary myeloid neoplasms comprise a group of diseases arising after chemotherapy, radiation, immunosuppressive therapy or from aplastic anemia. Few studies have addressed prognostic factors in these neoplasms. Method: Forty-two patients diagnosed from 1987 to 2008 with secondary myeloid neoplasms were retrospectively evaluated concerning clinical, biochemical, peripheral blood, bone marrow aspirate, biopsy, and immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic features at diagnosis as prognostic factors. The International Prognostic Scoring System was applied. Statistical analysis employed the Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank and Fisher's exact test. Results: Twenty-three patients (54.8%) were male and the median age was 53.5 years (range: 4–88 years) at diagnosis of secondary myeloid neoplasms. Previous diseases included hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, aplastic anemia, autoimmune diseases and conditions requiring solid organ transplantations. One third of patients (33%) were submitted to chemotherapy alone, 2% to radiotherapy, 26% to both modalities and 28% to immunosuppressive agents. Five patients (11.9%) had undergone autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The median latency between the primary disease and secondary myeloid neoplasms was 85 months (range: 23–221 months). Eight patients were submitted to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat secondary myeloid neoplasms. Important changes in bone marrow were detected mainly by biopsy, immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics. The presence of clusters of CD117+ cells and p53+ cells were associated with low survival. p53 was associated to a higher risk according to the International Prognostic Scoring System. High prevalence of clonal abnormalities (84.3%) and thrombocytopenia (78.6%) were independent factors for poor survival. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that cytogenetics, bone marrow biopsy and immunohistochemistry are very important prognostic tools in secondary myeloid neoplasms.

Fundamentação científica do princípio de cura homeopático na farmacologia moderna / Scientific basis of the homeopathic healing principle in modern pharmacology

INTRODUÇÃO: O modelo homeopático de tratamento utiliza o ‘princípio dos semelhantes’ como método terapêutico, administrando medicamentos que causam determinados sintomas em indivíduos sadios para tratar sintomas semelhantes em indivíduos doentes (similia similibus curantur), com o intuito de despertar uma reação secundária e curativa do organismo contra os seus próprios distúrbios. Essa reação secundária (vital, homeostática ou paradoxal) do organismo está embasada no ‘efeito rebote’ dos fármacos modernos, evento adverso observado após a descontinuação de diversas classes de drogas que utilizam o ‘princípio dos contrários’ (contraria contrariis curantur) como método terapêutico...

INTRODUCTION: Homeopathy employs the so-called ‘principle of similars’as therapeutic method, which consists in administering medicines thatcause certain symptoms in healthy individuals to treat similar symptomsin sick individuals (similia similibus curantur) to arouse a secondaryand healing reaction by the body against its own disorders. Thissecondary (vital, homeostatic or paradoxical) reaction of the body isbased on the ‘rebound effect’ of modern drugs, a type of adverseevent that occurs following discontinuation of several classes of drugsprescribed according to the ‘principle of contraries’ (contraria contrariiscurantur)....

Scientific basis of the homeopathic healing principle in modern harmacology

BACKGROUND: Homeopathy employs the so-called ‘principle of similars’ as therapeutic method - which consists in administering medicines that cause certain symptoms in healthy individuals to treat similar symptoms in sick individuals (similia similibus curantur) - to induce a secondary and healing reaction by the body against its own disorders. This secondary (vital, homeostatic or paradoxical) reaction of the body is based on the ‘rebound effect’ of modern drugs, a type of adverse event that occurs following discontinuation of several classes of drugs prescribed according to the ‘principle of contraries’ (contraria contrariis curantur). AIM: The present review sought to scientifically substantiate the homeopathic healing principle vis-à-vis experimental and clinical pharmacology through a systematic study of the rebound effect of modern drugs or paradoxical reaction of the body. METHODS: Employing as reference studies and revisions on the subject published since 1998, we updated the data adding recent studies included in database PubMed. RESULTS: The rebound effect occurs after discontinuation of several classes of drugs with action contrary to the symptoms of diseases, exacerbating them to levels above the ones before treatment. [...]. Following the homeopathic premises, modern drugs might also be used according to the principle oftherapeutic similitude, thus employing the rebound effect (paradoxical reaction) with curative intent. CONCLUSIONS: Evidenced by hundreds of studies that attest to the similarityof concepts and manifestations, the rebound effect of modern drugs scientifically substantiates the principle of homeopathic cure. Although the rebound phenomenon is anadverse event studied by modern pharmacology, it is not known by health care professionals, thus depriving doctors of knowledge indispensable for safe management of drugs.