Intervención educativa en prevención preconcepcional de efectos embriofetales de la diabetes mellitus. Policlínico Universitario Carlos Verdugo, 2018-2019 / Educational intervention in preconceptional prevention of embryo fetal effects of diabetes mellitus. University Policlinic Carlos Verdugo, 2018-2019

RESUMEN Introducción: los efectos embriofetales derivados de la exposición a la diabetes mellitus, durante el período prenatal de la vida, se extienden a la etapa posnatal con importantes repercusiones para la salud, incluyendo el efecto transgeneracional de la enfermedad. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de una intervención educativa para incrementar el nivel de conocimientos en prevención preconcepcional de efectos embriofetales de la diabetes mellitus en mujeres en edad fértil, pertenecientes al Consultorio 1 del Policlínico Universitario Carlos Verdugo, del municipio Matanzas, entre enero de 2018 y diciembre de 2019. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de intervención que constó de tres etapas. Un universo de 198 mujeres en edad fértil pertenecientes al Consultorio 1 del Policlínico Universitario Carlos Verdugo, durante el período señalado. Se empleó la encuesta para medir factores de riesgo de diabetes mellitus y conocimientos de las féminas en prevención preconcepcional de los efectos embriofetales de la enfermedad. Resultados: la edad superior a 30 años y la presencia de sobrepeso u obesidad fueron los factores de riesgo más detectados. Resultó calificado de malo el nivel de conocimientos en prevención preconcepcional de efectos embriofetales de la diabetes, previo a la intervención. Conclusiones: después de la implementación del programa educativo, se elevó el conocimiento sobre prevención preconcepcional de efectos embriofetales de la diabetes mellitus en las mujeres en edad fértil del consultorio 1 del Policlínico Universitario Carlos Verdugo, del municipio Matanzas, lo que demostró su efectividad (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: the embryo-fetal effects derived of the exposition to diabetes mellitus during the prenatal period of the life, extend to the postnatal stage, with important repercussions for health, including the disease's transgenerational effect. Objective: to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention for increasing knowledge on pre-conceptional prevention of embryo-fetal effects of diabetes mellitus in fertile-aged women belonging to Family Doctor's office 1, of the University Policlinic Carlos Verdugo, municipality of Matanzas, from January 2018 to December 2019. Materials and methods: an interventional study was carried out, divided into three stages. The universe were 198 fertile-aged women belonging to Family Doctor's office 1, of the University Policlinic Carlos Verdugo, during the stated period. A survey was used to measure diabetes mellitus risk factors and women's knowledge on pre-conceptional preventing the disease's embryo-fetal effects. Results: age over 30 and being overweight or obese were the most frequently found risk factors. The knowledge level on pre-conceptional preventing diabetes mellitus embryo-fetal effects was poor before the intervention. Conclusions: after implementing the educational program, knowledge on pre-conceptional prevention of diabetes mellitus embryo-fetal effects increased among fertile-aged women of the Family Doctor's 1, of the policlinic Carlos Verdugo, of the municipality of Matanzas, demonstrating its effectiveness (AU).

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Martinique in the immediate aftermath of the Zika virus outbreak.

INTRODUCTION: The WHO and the HCSP recognize the Zika virus as a public health problem of international concern primarily because of the foetal risks. During the epidemic in Martinique, several modifications to the normal obstetrical follow-up were set up and information had to be delivered to pregnant women about these modifications, the attitudes to prevent infection and the signs motivating additional visits. The objective of our work was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Martinique about the risks associated with Zika infection during pregnancy in the immediate aftermath of the epidemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to May 2017. It took place through an anonymous and standardized face-to-face questionnaire. The questions dealt with the pregnant women general knowledge about the virus, information disseminated by media on this subject, the potential risks, the protective measures taken and the monitoring throughout the pregnancy in case of infection. RESULTS: The total sample consisted of 297 pregnant women. Despite a weak adherence to individual and domestic protection recommendations, we found a good level of knowledge about Zika virus from pregnant women in Martinique. The fetal risk in case of maternal infection was known for 96.6% of those surveyed, individual protective measures were followed by 64.6% of women, 77.0% knew where to go in case of suspected infection, and 79.4% reported that the modifications in follow-up mainly concerned ultrasound monitoring. CONCLUSION: The awareness campaign on zika virus had a significant impact on population's knowledge and main practical information was correctly captured. The information did not spill excessive fear. Nevertheless, modification of individual behavior appeared harder to obtain.

Update on the use of magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection in preterm birth.

The administration of magnesium sulphate to mothers at risk for preterm birth for fetal neuroprotection has demonstrated to reduce the risk of cerebral palsy and gross motor dysfunction by 30-40%. Although there is controversy regarding the regimen of administration of magnesium sulphate, the gestational age limit, the extent of its potential benefit or even if it provides any benefit, current evidence is enough to support the use of magnesium sulphate in women at imminent risk for preterm delivery before 32 weeks of gestation. The objective of this study is to describe available evidence and current recommendations regarding neuroprotection with magnesium sulphate.

Alzheimer's 100th anniversary of death and his contribution to a better understanding of Senile dementia / O 100o aniversário de morte de Alzheimer e sua contribuição para uma melhor compreensão da Demência senil

Initially the trajectory of the historical forerunners and conceptions of senile dementia are briefly presented, being highlighted the name of Alois Alzheimer who provided clinical and neuropathological indicators to differentiate a group of patients with Senile dementia. Alzheimer's examination of Auguste D’s case, studied by him with Bielschowsky’s silver impregnation technique, permitted to identify a pathological marker, the intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles, characterizing a new disease later named after him by Kraepelin – Alzheimer’s disease. Over the time this disorder became one of the most important degenerative dementing disease, reaching nowadays a status that may be considered as epidemic.

Incialmente é apresentada brevemente a trajetória histórica dos precursores e dos conceitos da demência senil, sendo destacado o nome de Alois Alzheimer que forneceu indicadores clínicos e neuropatológicos para diferenciar um grupo de pacientes com Demência senil. O exame de Alzheimer do caso de Auguste D, estudado por ele com a técnica de impregnação argêntica de Bielschowsky, permitiu identificar um marcador patológico, os emaranhados neurofibrilares intraneuronais, caracterizando uma nova doença, mais tarde denominada com seu nome por Kraepelin – doença de Alzheimer. Com o passar do tempo esta desordem tornou-se uma das mais importantes doenças demenciante degenerativa, alcançando, na atualidade, um status que pode ser considerado como epidêmico.

Dos modelos animais à investigação do transtorno do espectro autista: correlação com a fonte materna? / Animal models for research into autism spectrum disorders: maternal source link?

Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) representa um conjunto de perfis amplamente variado cujas etiologias permanecem relativamente obscuras com destaque aos déficits nas interações sociais, comunicação e atribuição comportamental restrita e de repertório Diante da necessidade em oferecer suporte à comunidade que lida diretamente com TEA, pesquisadores e experimentalistas têm demonstrado promissores exploratórios para desvendar alguns dos mecanismos neurais e fisiopatológicos ainda não estabelecidos. Dentro dessa janela do neurodesenvolvimento infantil, destacam-se os estudos em modelos animais, normalmente indispensáveis para avanços na área médica. Nesta breve revisão crítica, abordaremos dois modelos animais sendo: (I) A infusão de IgG (imunoglobulina) em primatas e (II) a inoculação com endotoxina (LPS) em roedores, ambos durante o período gestacional. Os resultados nos dois estudos têm como destaque o surpreendente comportamento TEA-símile observado na prole. Modelos de experimentação como estes enfatizam a necessidade de uma busca científica continuada, para oferecer o suporte terapêutico e assistencial multidisciplinar. (AU)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comprises a set of widely varied behavioral profiles, from which the etiological backgrounds leading to cognitive disarrangements have relatively remained obscure. The defining deficits in these developmental conditions depend on shortcomings in social interaction and communication represented by restricted linguistic and emotional repertoires. In the need to help and support families and educators who are directly involved with ASD, researchers and experimentalists have been trying to investigate the pathophysiological likelihood in susceptible neural pathways during critical periods in early child development such as pregnancy. Within this neurodevelopmental window, there have been essential studies using animal models for medical advances in the ASD field. In this brief critical review, we highlight two important animal models: (I) pregnant primates exposed to human immunoglobulin from women who had ASD children and (II) pregnant rodents, which received endotoxin injections. Both studies have looked at the offspring behavior later on and their revealing although independent results showed remarkable manifested ASD behavior. Therefore, these findings imply an inflammatory basis for autism or in some ASD-diagnosed individuals very early in the central neural system development. In addition, such studies emphasize the direct importance of animal models and experimental behavioral testing for recognizing and understanding these neurodevelopmental human conditions that may aid further improvement in medical support and multidisciplinary care in this intricate social scenario. (AU)

Dos modelos animais à investigação do transtorno do espectro autista: correlação com a fonte materna? / Animal models for research into autism spectrum disorders: maternal source link?

Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) representa um conjunto de perfis amplamente variado cujas etiologias permanecem relativamente obscuras com destaque aos déficits nas interações sociais, comunicação e atribuição comportamental restrita e de repertório Diante da necessidade em oferecer suporte à comunidade que lida diretamente com TEA, pesquisadores e experimentalistas têm demonstrado promissores exploratórios para desvendar alguns dos mecanismos neurais e fisiopatológicos ainda não estabelecidos. Dentro dessa janela do neurodesenvolvimento infantil, destacam-se os estudos em modelos animais, normalmente indispensáveis para avanços na área médica. Nesta breve revisão crítica, abordaremos dois modelos animais sendo: (I) A infusão de IgG (imunoglobulina) em primatas e (II) a inoculação com endotoxina (LPS) em roedores, ambos durante o período gestacional. Os resultados nos dois estudos têm como destaque o surpreendente comportamento TEA-símile observado na prole. Modelos de experimentação como estes enfatizam a necessidade de uma busca científica continuada, para oferecer o suporte terapêutico e assistencial multidisciplinar.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comprises a set of widely varied behavioral profiles, from which the etiological backgrounds leading to cognitive disarrangements have relatively remained obscure. The defining deficits in these developmental conditions depend on shortcomings in social interaction and communication represented by restricted linguistic and emotional repertoires. In the need to help and support families and educators who are directly involved with ASD, researchers and experimentalists have been trying to investigate the pathophysiological likelihood in susceptible neural pathways during critical periods in early child development such as pregnancy. Within this neurodevelopmental window, there have been essential studies using animal models for medical advances in the ASD field. In this brief critical review, we highlight two important animal models: (I) pregnant primates exposed to human immunoglobulin from women who had ASD children and (II) pregnant rodents, which received endotoxin injections. Both studies have looked at the offspring behavior later on and their revealing although independent results showed remarkable manifested ASD behavior. Therefore, these findings imply an inflammatory basis for autism or in some ASD-diagnosed individuals very early in the central neural system development. In addition, such studies emphasize the direct importance of animal models and experimental behavioral testing for recognizing and understanding these neurodevelopmental human conditions that may aid further improvement in medical support and multidisciplinary care in this intricate social scenario.

Sulfato de magnésio: um avanço na neuroproteção fetal? / Magnesium sulfate: an improvement in fetal neuroprotection?

A paralisia cerebral é a causa mais comum de deficiência motora na infância. É uma doença complexa e de caráter não progressivo, que se caracteriza por distúrbios motores secundários alesões cerebrais ou a anomalias oriundas das fases iniciais de desenvolvimento do cérebro. O fator de risco mais importante para paralisia cerebral é o nascimento pré-termo, cuja incidência tem aumentado significativamente. Como consequência, a ocorrência da paralisia cerebral também tem aumentado, a despeito da melhoria da sobrevida dos fetos pré-termos. O risco da paralisia cerebral é tanto maior quanto menores a idade gestacional e o peso ao nascimento. Dessa forma, estratégias que se mostrarem efetivas para reduzir a paralisia cerebral nesses recém-nascidos deveriam ser implementadas com o objetivo de diminuir os seus efeitos danosos nos indivíduos e suas famílias, nos serviços de saúde e na sociedade como um todo. O sulfato de magnésio tem se mostrado como um promissor agente neuroprotetor fetal. Desde a década de 1990, estudos resultantes das suas indicações para prevenção das convulsões eclâmpticas ou para tocólise têm evidenciado uma redução nas taxas de paralisia cerebral e leucomalácia periventricular em prematuros. Publicações mais recentes, incluindo diretrizes internacionais, têm avançado na recomendação sobre os regimes terapêuticos e na construção de algoritmos para utilização do sulfato de magnésio como agente neuroprotetor fetal.

Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of motor disability in childhood.It is a complex and non-progressive disorder, which is characterized by motor disturbances secundary to brain injuries or anomalies resulting from the early stages of brain development. The most important risk factor forthe occurrence of cerebral palsy is preterm birth, which has increased significantly. As a result, the incidence of cerebral paralysis has also increased despite the improvement in the survival of preterm fetuses. The risk of cerebral palsy increases with the reduction of gestational age and birth weight. Thus, strategies that have proved effective in reducing cerebral palsy in these infants should be implemented in order to decrease their harmful effects on individuals and their families, on health services and society as a whole. Magnesium sulfate has been shown as a promising fetal neuroprotective agent. Since the 1990s, studies arising from its indications for prevention of eclamptic seizures or tocolysis have shown a reduction in the rates of cerebral palsy and periventricular leukomalacia in preterm infants. More recent publications, including international guidelines,have advanced in the recommendation on treatment regimens and the construction of algorithms for use of magnesium sulfate as a fetal agent.

Síndrome Alcoólica Fetal (SAF): uma doença prevalente e subestimada / Syndrome Alcoholic Fetal (SAF): a prevalent and underestimated disease

A Síndrome Alcoólica Fetal (SAF) representa um verdadeiro desafio para os profissionais da área da saúde. Essa síndrome é, atualmente, um dos mais intrigantes problemas de saúde materno-infantil e uma das principais causas de déficit cognitivo-comportamental em crianças. Além de causa de má formação congênita, a SAF também representa séria questão de ordem socioeconômica e de educação. Essa condição clínica de significante prevalência no Brasil decorre do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas durante a gravidez, provocando severas alterações no desenvolvimento fetal, comprometendo diversos órgãos. As crianças afetadas geralmente nascem com baixo peso e baixa estatura (PIG) e microcefalia.

[Review by expert group in the diagnosis and treatment of anemia in pregnant women. Federación Mexicana de Colegios de Obstetricia y Ginecología]. / Opinión de un grupo de expertos en diagnóstico y tratamiento de la anemia en la mujer embarazada.

BACKGROUND: According to data from the World Health Organization and UNICEF from year 2009, iron deficiency is the most widespread nutritional deficiency worldwide. This deficiency causes an imbalance between needs and iron supply, which consequently results in anemia. Around the world, two million people suffer from anemia, half of which is due to iron deficiency. The most impacted groups are children and teenagers, due to their highest requirements derived from the growing process, and women in their reproductive age, due to their loss of iron derived from menstruating or to their highest iron needs during pregnancy. This increase in needs is not satisfied by the regular diet, since it includes an insufficient amount and/or low bioavailability of iron. PURPOSE: To share with the medical community treating pregnant women the experience of an expert group so that they always bear in mind the repercussions caused by anemia during pregnancy, know more about the diagnostic possibilities and have a reference point for prescribing iron supplements. METHOD: The consensus method was used through the expert panel group technique. Two rounds were taken for structuring the clinical questions. The first one was to facilitate working groups their focusing in the clinical topics and the population of interest; the second one was to aid in posing specific questions observing the Patient, Intervention, Compare and Outcome (PICO) structure. The primary and clinical secondary study variables were defined by the working groups from the previously developed questions and during the face-to-face working period, according to the natural history of the disease: risk factors, diagnostic classification, (either pharmacological or non pharmacological) treatment and prognosis. The level of evidence and clinical recommendation was classified based on the Evidence Classification Level and Clinical Recommendation of the Medicine Group based on Evidence from Oxford University. RESULTS: In Mexico, 20.6% of pregnant women suffer from anemia, especially those between 15 and 16 years old, who prevail in 42.4% and 34.3% percent, respectively. Almost half the cases are due to iron deficiency. This type of anemia is associated with a higher risk of pre-term delivery, of low birth weight and perinatal death. The first assessment of an anemic pregnant woman shall include the medical history, a physical examination and the quantification of the erythrocyte indices, serum concentrations of iron and ferritin. The measurement of this last one has the highest sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing iron deficiency. Daily oral iron supplementation, at a 60-to-120 mg dosage, may correct most of mild-to-moderate anemias. The most appropriate treatment is with iron salts (iron sulfate, polimaltose iron complex or iron fumarate). In case of intolerance to iron sulfate or fumarate, polimaltose iron is a better tolerated option. Treatment shall be administered until the hemoglobin values are > 10.5 g and ferritin is between 300 and 360 microg/dL, and such levels shall be observed for at least one year. Parenteral administration is an alternative for patients with a severe intolerance to oral administration; even when the possibility of anaphylaxis shall be considered it is lower when using ferrous sacarate. Transfusion is reserved for patients with hemoglobin lower than 7 g/dL or having an imminent cardio-respiratory decompensation. CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency is the highest prevailing nutritional deficiency worldwide and its consequences during pregnancy may be highly risky for both the mother and her child. Anemia diagnosis may easily be achieved through a blood analysis including the serum ferritin determination. Serum iron measurement shall not be used as the only marker to set the diagnosis. It is important to rule out other causes, in addition to the deficiencies, which produce anemia in a patient. It is essential to suggest the administration of iron supplements not only during the antenatal period but also after birth o even after a miscarriage to fulfill the need for depleted iron. In severe anemias (hemoglobin being lower than 9.0 g/L), iron doses higher than 120 mg a day may be required. Treatment shall always begin orally, and if this is not well tolerated, parenteral administration shall be used.

[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pregnancy. Five years experience at the Spanish Hospital of Mexico and literature review]. / Colecistectomía laparoscópica en el embarazo. Experiencia de cinco años en el Hospital Español de México y revisión de la bibliografía.

BACKGROUND: Biliary pathology is the second cause of abdominal acute pain during pregnancy. The surgical approach most often used for the treatment of acute cholecystitis during pregnancy is laparoscopy. Some aspects have made this approach during pregnancy controversial. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the maternal-fetal benefits and complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy and compare these results with the medical literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a retrospective, transverse study. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases and pregnancy from 2005 to 2009 at Hospital Español de Mexico city were reviewed. The following information was obtained: maternal age, gestational age, signs and symptoms, medical department that made the diagnosis, the laparoscopic entry techniques, the monitoring of CO2 for the pressure of pneumoperitoneum, the complications in the peri and postoperatory state, the use of tocolytics medication and other medicines in the hospital stay, maternal and perinatal morbi-morbility, days of hospitable stay, follow-up surgical postintervention in the office. We did a comparation of our results with the medical literature. RESULTS: 10 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. Gestational ages were from 15 to 25 weeks. The incidence was 1:995. All the cases were diagnosed by doctors of the department of general surgery, and also the surgeries. 2/10 patients were in preterm delivery risk at 35 weeks of gestation. There was not any fetal loss or maternal death. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are similar with the literature research, and we confirm that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe therapeutic option for gravid patients, which has minimal fetal-maternal morbidity.

Hemodialysis and pregnancy: technical aspects.

Hemodialysis is the gold standard for substitution of renal function in women with chronic or acute renal insufficiency during pregnancy or during the postpartum period. Perinatal complications are frequent. Recognition of appropriate techniques in medical treatment of patients will contribute to decrease its incidence and allow better perinatal results. We undertook this study to review the techniques and medical indications of hemodialysis in pregnant and postpartum patients. This condition requires care in a high-specialty medical center. We recommend incremental increases in intensity and frequency and duration of treatments, use of equipment to manage fluctuations in blood and dialysis fluids, new filters, microdose of heparin and limiting ultrafiltration to avoid hemodynamic, electrolytic, and metabolic alterations, obstetrical hemorrhage or premature delivery. The objective is to maintain a satisfactory clinical status and maternal blood, urea, nitrogen (BUN) levels =80 mg/dl and creatinine 5-7 mg/dl for opportune fetal development and birth. Routine pharmacological treatment should continually be individually adjusted as to number of medications and dosage. Recognition of hemodialysis techniques and indications will contribute to obtaining improved perinatal results.

[Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke among pregnant women in Ecuador]. / Consumo y exposición al humo de tabaco en mujeres embarazadas de Ecuador.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of smoking and second-hand smoke exposure among pregnant women in Ecuador and to describe the sociodemographic profiles associated with these perinatal risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study using a survey of women 18-46 years of age who were more than three months pregnant and attended follow-up consultations in seven maternity clinics in six cities in Ecuador between October 2004 and September 2005. Demographics and environmental exposure (independent variables) data and their relationship to cigarette smoking and secondhand-smoke exposure were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 746 women studied, 53.3% had smoked occasionally, and 4.3%, regularly; of these, 75% had quit smoking before or during pregnancy. Of the respondents, 12.9% were frequently or always exposed to secondhand smoke indoors. Having more education (11 or more years), being in the middle or upper socioeconomic classes, being Caucasian, and it being considered acceptable for women in the community to smoke were significantly and directly associated with cigarette smoking (P<0.001). Overall, 12.9% of women were being exposed to secondhand smoke and this was significantly associated with being single and cohabiting with smokers or employees connected to the tobacco industry (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Specific measures must be designed and implemented to not only encourage smoking cessation during pregnancy, but also to prevent women of reproductive age from taking up smoking and to limit smoking in the home environment.

New insights on fetal ductal constriction: role of maternal ingestion of polyphenol-rich foods.

Fetal ductus arteriosus constriction is a clinical disorder that occurs as a result of inhibition of the prostaglandin synthesis pathway, and has long been associated to maternal intake of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in late pregnancy. As a consequence of an increased right ventricular pressure, with tricuspid regurgitation and heart failure, there is a risk for the development of neonatal pulmonary artery hypertension. This article reviews the basic knowledge of the mechanisms involved in this important disorder. Clinical and experimental evidence that maternal consumption of polyphenol-rich substances, such as herbal teas, orange and grape juice, chocolate, and others, may interfere with fetal ductus arteriosus dynamics are discussed. Preventive measures to avoid fetal ductal constriction in the third trimester of pregnancy are discussed, including the possible need to change maternal dietary orientation, aiming to limit ingestion of foods with high concentrations of polyphenol-rich substances.

Hemodiálisis y embarazo: aspectos técnicos / Hemodialysis and pregnancy: technical aspects

La hemodiálisis es el método de primera elección para sustituir la función renal en mujeres con insuficiencia renal crónica o aguda durante el embarazo o posparto. Las complicaciones perinatales son frecuentes, sin embargo, el conocimiento de la adecuación de la técnica en el tratamiento médico de las pacientes puede contribuir a la reducción de su presentación y mejorar los resultados perinatales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue revisar la técnica y prescripción médica de la hemodiálisis en la mujer durante el embarazo o posparto. Este tipo de enfermas debe atenderse en un centro de alta especialidad. Se recomienda la hemodiálisis intensa incrementando la frecuencia y duración de las sesiones, utilizar aparatos que manejan altos flujos de sangre y líquido de diálisis, filtros nuevos, microdosis de heparina y limitar la ultrafiltración para evitar cambios hemodinámicos, hidroelectrolíticos, metabólicos, hemorragia obstétrica o parto pretérmino. El objetivo es mantener un estado clínico satisfactorio y niveles sanguíneos maternos de nitrógeno de la urea ≤ 80 mg/dl y creatinina 5 a 7 mg/dl para favorecer el crecimiento y desarrollo fetales. El tratamiento farmacológico rutinario debe continuarse, ajustando el número de medicamentos y su dosis de manera individual. El conocimiento de la técnica de hemodiálisis y su prescripción pueden contribuir a lograr mejores resultados perinatales.

Hemodialysis is the gold standard for substitution of renal function in women with chronic or acute renal insufficiency during pregnancy or during the postpartum period. Perinatal complications are frequent. Recognition of appropriate techniques in medical treatment of patients will contribute to decrease its incidence and allow better perinatal results. We undertook this study to review the techniques and medical indications of hemodialysis in pregnant and postpartum patients. This condition requires care in a high-specialty medical center. We recommend incremental increases in intensity and frequency and duration of treatments, use of equipment to manage fluctuations in blood and dialysis fluids, new filters, microdose of heparin and limiting ultrafiltration to avoid hemodynamic, electrolytic, and metabolic alterations, obstetrical hemorrhage or premature delivery. The objective is to maintain a satisfactory clinical status and maternal blood, urea, nitrogen (BUN) levels =80 mg/dl and creatinine 5-7 mg/dl for opportune fetal development and birth. Routine pharmacological treatment should continually be individually adjusted as to number of medications and dosage. Recognition of hemodialysis techniques and indications will contribute to obtaining improved perinatal results.

Safflower and olive oil dietary treatments rescue aberrant embryonic arachidonic acid and nitric oxide metabolism and prevent diabetic embryopathy in rats.

Aberrant arachidonic acid and nitric oxide (NO) metabolic pathways are involved in diabetic embryopathy. Previous works have found diminished concentrations of PGE(2) and PGI(2) in embryos from diabetic rats, and that PGI(2) is capable of increasing embryonic PGE(2) concentrations through the activation of the nuclear receptor PPARdelta. PPARdelta activators are lipid molecules such as oleic and linoleic acids, present in high concentrations in olive and safflower oils, respectively. The aim of this study was to analyze the capability of dietary supplementation with either 6% olive or 6% safflower oils to regulate PGE(2), PGI(2) and NO concentrations in embryos and deciduas from control and diabetic rats during early organogenesis. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) 1 week before mating. Animals were fed with the oil-supplemented diets from Days 0.5 to 10.5 of gestation. PGI(2) and PGE(2) were measured by EIA and NO through the evaluation of its stable metabolites nitrates-nitrites in 10.5 day embryos and deciduas. We found that the olive and safflower oil-supplemented treatments highly reduced resorption and malformation rates in diabetic animals, and that they were able to prevent maternal diabetes-induced alterations in embryonic and decidual PGI(2) and PGE(2) concentrations. Moreover, these dietary treatments prevented NO overproduction in embryos and deciduas from diabetic rats. These data indicate that in maternal diabetes both the embryo and the decidua benefit from the olive and safflower oil supplementation probably through mechanisms that involve the rescue of aberrant prostaglandin and NO generation and that prevent developmental damage during early organogenesis.

Consumo y exposición al humo de tabaco en mujeres embarazadas de Ecuador / Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke among pregnant women in Ecuador

OBJETIVOS: Determinar la frecuencia de tabaquismo y exposición ambiental al humo de tabaco en mujeres embarazadas de Ecuador y describir los perfiles sociodemográficos asociados con esos factores de riesgo perinatal. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal mediante una encuesta aplicada a mujeres de 18 a 46 años con más de 3 meses de embarazo que asistieron entre octubre de 2004 y septiembre de 2005 a sus consultas de seguimiento en siete servicios de maternidad de seis ciudades de Ecuador. Se analizaron los datos demográficos y de exposición medioambiental (variables independientes) y su relación con el hábito de fumar cigarrillos y la exposición ambiental al humo de tabaco. RESULTADOS: De las 746 mujeres analizadas, 53,3 por ciento había fumado ocasionalmente y 4,3 por ciento había fumado habitualmente; de estas, 75,0 por ciento había dejado de fumar antes o durante el embarazo. De las encuestadas, 12,9 por ciento estuvo expuesta con frecuencia o siempre al humo de tabaco en ambientes cerrados. Tener mayor educación (11 años o más) y un nivel socioeconómico medio o alto, ser caucásica y considerar aceptable que las mujeres de su comunidad fumen se asoció significativa y directamente con el hábito de fumar cigarrillos (P < 0,001). En general, 12,9 por ciento de las mujeres estuvo expuesta al humo de tabaco y esto se asoció significativamente con ser soltera y cohabitar con fumadores o trabajadores vinculados con la industria del tabaco (P < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: Se deben diseñar e implementar medidas específicas dirigidas no solo a estimular el abandono de este hábito en las embarazadas, sino también a prevenir que las mujeres en edad reproductiva comiencen a fumar y controlar el entorno fumador en el hogar.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of smoking and second-hand smoke exposure among pregnant women in Ecuador and to describe the sociodemographic profiles associated with these perinatal risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study using a survey of women 18-46 years of age who were more than three months pregnant and attended follow-up consultations in seven maternity clinics in six cities in Ecuador between October 2004 and September 2005. Demographics and environmental exposure (independent variables) data and their relationship to cigarette smoking and secondhand-smoke exposure were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 746 women studied, 53.3 percent had smoked occasionally, and 4.3 percent, regularly; of these, 75 percent had quit smoking before or during pregnancy. Of the respondents, 12.9 percent were frequently or always exposed to secondhand smoke indoors. Having more education (11 or more years), being in the middle or upper socioeconomic classes, being Caucasian, and it being considered acceptable for women in the community to smoke were significantly and directly associated with cigarette smoking (P < 0.001). Overall, 12.9 percent of women were being exposed to secondhand smoke and this was significantly associated with being single and cohabiting with smokers or employees connected to the tobacco industry (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Specific measures must be designed and implemented to not only encourage smoking cessation during pregnancy, but also to prevent women of reproductive age from taking up smoking and to limit smoking in the home environment.

Pautas de manejo clínico de embarazos gemelares / Clinical guidelines for twin pregnancy

El embarazo gemelar conlleva un elevado riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad perinatal. Teniendo el control prenatal una reconocida utilidad en disminuir la morbimortalidad perinatal, decidimos elaborar pautas de manejo clínico, basadas en evidencia, que orienten el seguimiento prenatal de embarazos gemelares. Realizamos una revisión de las publicaciones recientes, guías clínicas y textos clásicos de obstetricia obteniendo la información necesaria. Presentamos un listado de las recomendaciones y la calidad de evidencia que las sustenta, respecto de seis ítems: a. Reproducción asistida; b. Diagnóstico de embarazo gemelar; c. Manejo general del embarazo gemelar; d. Parto prematuro; e. Complicaciones específicas de embarazos gemelares; y f. Momento de interrupción y manejo del trabajo de parto.

Multiple pregnancy has high risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Since antenatal care has been demonstrated as a useful tool in reducing perinatal risk, we decided to elaborate evidence based clinical guidelines, to facilitate antenatal care of women carrying multiple pregnancies. We reviewed recent publications, clinical guidelines and text books to obtain necessary information. Here we present a list of recommendations, and the quality of supporting evidence, about six items: a. Assisted reproduction; b. Diagnosis of multiple pregnancy; c. General care of multiple pregnancy; d. Preterm Labor; e. Specific complications of multiple pregnancy; f. Timing of delivery and labor management.