Synbiotics administration leads to attenuated mucosal inflammatory neutrophil infiltration and increased hematocrit in experimental ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to estimate the effects of synbiotics on laboratory, macroscopic, and histopathologic features in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) experimental colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 Wistar rats received 5% of DSS in their drinking water for 8 days to induce ulcerative colitis (UC). Eight rats were sacrificed to confirm the presence of UC. The remaining rats were randomly assigned to two groups: the synbiotics group, which received synbiotics once per day and the control group, which received tap water for another 8 days. RESULTS: On the 8th day of DSS administration animals developed UC with bloody diarrhea. In the majority of the hematologic variables studied (hemoglobin [HB], red blood cells, platelets, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular HB), in bodyweight and histopathologic colitis score there was no significant difference between groups. However, the synbiotics group, compared to control, presented a significantly greater colon length on the 4th day, significantly increased hematocrit (HT) on the 8th day, and a significantly decreased number of myeloperoxidase positive cells on the 8th day. Furthermore, there was a trend toward histopathological and clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of synbiotics in the experimental UC results in an attenuation of mucosal inflammatory neutrophil infiltration and an increase in HT.

OBJETIVO: Estimar los efectos de los simbióticos en la colitis experimental causada por dextrano sulfato de sodio (DSS). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Cuarenta ratas Wistar recibieron DSS al 5% en su agua de beber por 8 días para inducir colitis ulcerosa (CU). Ocho ratas fueron sacrificadas para confirmar la presencia de CU. Las ratas restantes fueron asignadas aleatoriamente a dos grupos: un grupo que recibió simbióticos una vez al día y un grupo control que recibió agua del grifo por 8 días. RESULTADOS: En el octavo día de la administración de DSS los animales desarrollaron CU con diarrea sanguinolenta. En la mayoría de las variables hematológicas estudiadas (hemoglobina, glóbulos rojos, plaquetas, volumen corpuscular medio, hemoglobina corpuscular media), en el peso corporal y en la clasificación histopatológica de la CU no hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Sin embargo, el grupo con simbióticos, en comparación con el grupo control, presentó una longitud del colon más larga en el cuarto día, un hematocrito muy aumentado en el octavo día y un número de células mieloperoxidasa positivas significativamente reducido en el octavo día. Además, hubo una tendencia hacia un mejoramiento histopatológico y clínico. CONCLUSIONES: La administración de simbióticos en la CU experimental tiene como resultado una atenuación de la infiltración inflamatoria de neutrófilos de la mucosa y un aumento del hematocrito.

Understanding heterogeneity of fetal hemoglobin induction through comparative analysis of F and A erythroblasts.

Reversing the developmental switch from fetal hemoglobin (HbF, α2γ2) to adult hemoglobin (HbA, α2ß2) is an important therapeutic approach in sickle cell disease (SCD) and ß-thalassemia. In healthy individuals, SCD patients, and patients treated with pharmacologic HbF inducers, HbF is present only in a subset of red blood cells known as F cells. Despite more than 50 years of observations, the cause for this heterocellular HbF expression pattern, even among genetically identical cells, remains unknown. Adult F cells might represent a reversion of a given cell to a fetal-like epigenetic and transcriptional state. Alternatively, isolated transcriptional or posttranscriptional events at the γ-globin genes might underlie heterocellularity. Here, we set out to understand the heterogeneity of HbF activation by developing techniques to purify and profile differentiation stage-matched late erythroblast F cells and non-F cells (A cells) from the human HUDEP2 erythroid cell line and primary human erythroid cultures. Transcriptional and proteomic profiling of these cells demonstrated very few differences between F and A cells at the RNA level either under baseline conditions or after treatment with HbF inducers hydroxyurea or pomalidomide. Surprisingly, we did not find differences in expression of any known HbF regulators, including BCL11A or LRF, that would account for HbF activation. Our analysis shows that F erythroblasts are not significantly different from non-HbF-expressing cells and that the primary differences likely occur at the transcriptional level at the ß-globin locus.

Expanded carrier screening for preconception reproductive risk assessment: Prevalence of carrier status in a Mexican population.

OBJECTIVE: Genetic carrier screening has the potential to identify couples at risk of having a child affected with an autosomal recessive or X-linked disorder. However, the current prevalence of carrier status for these conditions in developing countries is not well defined. This study assesses the prevalence of carrier status of selected genetic conditions utilizing an expanded, pan-ethnic genetic carrier screening panel (ECS) in a large population of Mexican patients. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all patients tested with a single ECS panel at an international infertility center from 2012 to 2018 were included, and the prevalence of positive carrier status in a Mexican population was evaluated. RESULTS: Eight hundred five individuals were analyzed with ECS testing for 283 genetic conditions. Three hundred fifty-two carriers (43.7%) were identified with 503 pathogenic variants in 145 different genes. Seventeen of the 391 participating couples (4.34%) were identified as being at-risk couples. The most prevalent alleles found were associated with alpha thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, GJB2 nonsyndromic hearing loss, biotinidase deficiency, and familial Mediterranean fever. CONCLUSION: Based on the prevalence and severity of Mendelian disorders, we recommend that couples who wish to conceive regardless of their ethnicity background explore carrier screening and genetic counseling prior to reproductive medical treatment.

Comparison of lupus patients with early and late onset nephritis: a study in 71 patients from a single referral center.

BACKGROUND: Nephritis occurs frequently in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and may worsen disease morbidity and mortality. Knowing all characteristics of this manifestation helps to a prompt recognition and treatment. AIM: To compare the differences in clinical data, serological profile and treatment response of nephritis of early and late onset. METHODS: Retrospective study of 71 SLE patients with biopsy proven nephritis divided in early nephritis group (diagnosis of nephritis in the first 5 years of the disease) and late nephritis (diagnosis of nephritis after 5 years). Epidemiological, serological, clinical and treatment data were collected from charts and compared. RESULTS: In this sample, 70. 4% had early onset nephritis and 29.6% had late onset. No differences were noted in epidemiological, clinical, serological profile, SLICC and SLEDAI, except that late onset nephritis patients were older at nephritis diagnosis (p = 0.01). Regarding renal biopsy classification, C3 and C4 levels, serum creatinine, 24 h proteinuria and response rate to treatment the two groups were similar (p = NS). Patients with early onset had lower levels of hemoglobin at nephritis onset than those of late onset (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Most of SLE patients had nephritis in the first 5 years of disease. No major differences were noted when disease profile or treatment outcome of early and late onset nephritis were compared.

Association of independent risk factors with post-extubation failure in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation weaning.

INTRODUCTION: Even with an adequate mechanical ventilation weaning (MVW) protocol, the procedure fails in 15 to 30 % of cases. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between independent risk factors (IRFs) and post-extubation failure in patients undergoing MVW in an intensive care unit. METHOD: Longitudinal, prospective, analytical cohort study in patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours and who were extubated. Pre-extubation reports of hemoglobin, albumin, phosphorus, waist-hip ratio and SOFA score were obtained. Extubation failure was defined as resumption of mechanical ventilation within 48 hours or less. RESULTS: 123 patients were extubated, out of whom 74 were males (60 %); average age was 50 ± 18 years. Extubation failure occurred in 37 (30 %). Hypoalbuminemia was associated as an independent risk factor in 29 (23.8 %, RR = 1.43, 95 % CI = 1.11-1.85) and hypophosphatemia was in 18 (14.6 %, RR = 2.98, 95 % CI = 1.66-5.35); two or more IRFs were observed in 22.7 % (RR = 1.51, 95 % CI = 1.14-2.00). CONCLUSIONS: Identifying independent risk factors prior to MVW can help reduce the risk of extubation failure and associated morbidity and mortality. INTRODUCCIÓN: Aun con adecuado protocolo de desconexión de la ventilación mecánica (DVM), el procedimiento falla en 15 a 30 % de los casos. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación entre factores de riesgo independientes y fracaso posextubación en pacientes con DVM en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte, longitudinal, prospectivo, analítico, que incluyó pacientes sometidos a ventilación mecánica por más de 24 horas y que fueron extubados. Se obtuvieron reportes preextubación de hemoglobina, albúmina, fósforo, índice cintura-cadera y puntuación SOFA. Se definió como fracaso de extubación al reinicio de la ventilación mecánica en 48 horas o menos. RESULTADOS: Se extubaron 123 pacientes, 74 hombres (60 %); la edad promedio fue de 50 ± 18 años. Ocurrió fracaso de extubación en 37 (30 %). Como factores de riesgo independentes se asoció hipoalbuminemia en 29 (23.8 %, RR = 1.43, IC 95 % = 1.11-1.85) e hipofosfatemia en 18 (14.6 %, RR = 2.98, IC 95 % = 1.66-5.35); se observaron dos o más factores de riesgo independientes en 22.7 % (RR = 1.51, IC 95 % = 1.14-2.00). CONCLUSIONES: Identificar los factores de riesgo independentes antes de la DVM puede ayudar a reducir el fracaso de la extubación y la morbimortalidad asociada.

Herencia conjunta de α+-talasemia y portador de hemoglobina S / Co-inheritance of α+-thalassemia and sickle trait

Resumen En este reporte de caso se describe el primer paciente doble heterocigoto para alfa+-talasemia tipo -3,7 y rasgo heterocigoto por hemoglobina S en Costa Rica, diagnosticado desde su nacimiento por medio del tamizaje neonatal como heterocigoto para hemoglobina S. Luego de la detección de la hemoglobina S por tamizaje, el paciente fue referido al servicio de Hematología del Hospital Nacional de Niños para su seguimiento, en donde se observa hemograma con índices y morfología de glóbulos rojos sugestivos de alfa talasemia, con presentación de electroforesis de hemoglobina con patrón AS cuya expresión relativa de HbS era menor de lo esperado, lo que motivó a efectuar estudio molecular del gen de alfa globina, que confirmó el diagnóstico de alfa talasemia con deleción heterocigota de tipo -3,7 en herencia conjunta con la heterocigosis de hemoglobina S.

Abstract In this case report we describe the first patient compound heterozygous for type -3.7 alpha+ thalassemia and sickle cell trait in Costa Rica, who was diagnosed from birth by neonatal screening as heterozygous for hemoglobin S. After detection of hemoglobin S by screening, the patient was referred to the Hematology service of the National Children`s Hospital for follow-up, where hemogram with indexes and morphology of red blood cells suggestive of alpha thalassemia is observed, presenting hemoglobin electrophoresis with AS pattern whose relative expression of hemoglobin S was lower tan expected, which led to a molecular study of the alpha globin gene confirming the diagnosis of alpha thalassemia with heretozygous deletion of type -3.7, in co-inheritance with hemoglobin S heterozygosis.

Sickle Cell Trait Induces Oxidative Damage on Plasmodium falciparum Proteome at Erythrocyte Stages.

The presence of hemoglobin A-S (HbAS) in erythrocytes has been related to the high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increased in intracellular oxidative stress that affects the progress of Plasmodium erythrocytic cycle life and attenuates its serious clinical symptoms. Nevertheless, oxidative effects on P. falciparum proteome across the intraerythrocytic cycle in the presence of HbAS traits have not been described yet. Here, an immune dot-blot assay was used to quantify the carbonyl index (C.I) on P. falciparum 3D7 proteome at the different asexual erythrocytic stages. Protein carbonylation on parasites cultivated in erythrocytes from two donors with HbAS increased 5.34 ± 1.42 folds at the ring stage compared to control grown in hemoglobin A-A (HbAA) red blood cells. Whereas at trophozoites and schizonts stages were augmented 2.80 ± 0.52 and 3.05 ± 0.75 folds, respectively. Besides proteins involved in processes of the stress response, recognition and invasion were identified from schizonts carbonylated bands by combining SDS-PAGE with MALDI-TOF-TOF analysis. Our results reinforce the hypothesis that such oxidative modifications do not appear to happen randomly, and the sickle cell trait affects mainly a small fraction of parasite proteins particularly sensitive to ROS.

Relationship between protein-energy wasting in adults with chronic hemodialysis and the response to treatment with erythropoietin.

BACKGROUND: It is known that one of the leading causes of morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the anemic syndrome. Although the pathogenic mechanisms of anemia are multiple, erythropoietin deficiency appears as the dominant factor. Patients in hemodialysis (HD) have a high prevalence of protein energy wasting (PEW) that may explains the poor response to Erythropoietin (EPO). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients on HD from January to December 2014. The participants were classified according to a diagnostic of PEW using the "Malnutrition Inflammation Score" (MIS) and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) measurement of body composition at the start of erythropoietin therapy and after 3 months of follow up. We performed descriptive statistics and analyzed the differences between groups with and without PEW considering their responsiveness. In addition, we calculated the relative risk of EPO resistance, considering p value < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients ended the follow up. Both groups were similar in basal hemoglobin, hematocrit and other hematopoiesis markers (p = NS). Patients without PEW have a decrease risk for poor response to treatment with EPO (RR = 0.562 [95% CI, 0.329-0.961-]) than those with PEW. Finally, hemoglobin concentrations were evaluated at baseline and every four weeks until week 12, finding a statistically significant improvement only in patients without PEW according MIS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PEW is an incremental predictor of poor responsiveness to EPO in HD patients, thus, it is important to consider correcting malnutrition or wasting for a favorable response to treatment with EPO.

Acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients who underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy for histological diagnosis of their renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Performing a kidney biopsy is necessary to accurately diagnose diseases such as glomerulonephritis and tubulointerstitial nephritis, among other such conditions. These conditions predispose patients to chronic kidney disease, as well as acute kidney injury (AKI). Notably, most epidemiological studies describing AKI have not investigated this patient population. METHODS: Included patients admitted to the nephrology ward of a tertiary hospital who underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy. AKI was diagnosed based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. RESULTS: Of the 223 patients investigated, 140 (62.8%) showed AKI. Of these, 91 (65%), 19 (13.6%), and 30 (21.4%) presented with AKI classified as stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The primary indication for performing biopsy was nephrotic syndrome or nephrotic proteinuria (73 [52.1%] in the AKI vs. 51 [61.4%] in the non-AKI group, p = 0.048). Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was the most prevalent primary disease (24 [17.1%] in the AKI vs. 15 [18.0%] in the non-AKI group, p = 0.150). Multivariate analysis of risk factors associated with AKI showed hemoglobin levels (odds ratio [OR] 0.805, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.681-0.951, p = 0.011), serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-c, OR 0.970, 95% CI 0.949-0.992, p = 0.008), and baseline serum creatinine levels (OR 2.703, 95% CI 1.471-4.968, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with AKI. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high prevalence of AKI in hospitalized patients who underwent kidney biopsy to investigate their renal disease, particularly glomerulonephritis. Higher levels of hemoglobin and serum HDL-c were associated with a lower risk of AKI.

Application of the Kiewiet-Van Ruler model to predict the need for relaparotomy in patients with secondary peritonitis.

INTRODUCTION: It is crucial the timely detection of a new infection or the persistence of it to improve the survival rates, there is no index that can determine the need for relaparotomy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic certainty of the model elaborated by Kiewiet-Van Ruler. METHOD: A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study, patients diagnosed with abdominal sepsis who underwent exploratory laparotomy between January 2013 to and May 2015. RESULTS: We included 109 patients, 63 male patients and 46 female patients. Mortality of 16.5%. 68 cases had a score lower than or equal to 19, of which 17 -patients (43%) did need to reoperate. The second group with a score higher than 20 was 41 patients, of which 22 (56%) required reoperation. In the individual analysis of the variables, a significant value was determined in five of them, with p < 0.05. Only one variable (hemoglobin < 8.1 mg/dl) in the chi-square test and confidence interval was not significant and I do not help so much to predict reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: The utility of the model proposed by Kiewiet-Van Ruler results in an acceptable prediction value for re laparotomy.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Es crucial la detección oportuna de una nueva infección o la persistencia de esta para mejorar los índices de sobrevida. No existe un método que pueda determinar la necesidad de relaparotomía. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la certeza diagnóstica del modelo elaborado por Kiewiet-Van Ruler. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, transversal, en pacientes con diagnóstico de sepsis abdominal que fueron sometidos a laparotomía exploradora entre enero de 2013 y mayo de 2015. ­. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 109 pacientes, 63 de sexo masculino y 46 de sexo femenino. La mortalidad fue del 16.5%. Sesenta y ocho pacientes tuvieron puntaje ≤ 19, de los cuales 17 (43%) sí requerían reoperarse. El segundo grupo con puntaje > 20 fue de 41 pacientes, de los cuales 22 (56%) sí requerían reoperarse. En el análisis individual de las variables se determinó un valor significativo en cinco de ellas, con una p < 0.05. Solo una variable (hemoglobina < 8.1 mg/dl) no fue significativa en la prueba de ji al cuadrado e intervalo de confianza, y por tanto no ayudó para predecir la reoperación. CONCLUSIÓN: La utilidad del modelo propuesto por Kiewiet-Van Ruler resulta en un aceptable valor de predicción para relaparotomía.

Starch as a risk factor for increased trans surgical bleeding in total hip arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Establish whether the use of starch in hip arthroplasty is a risk factor for excessive surgical bleeding and requirement of red blood cell transfusion. METHOD: Analytical observational retrospective study in 240 patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty from January 2015 to January 2016. Two groups were formed: starch (94 patients) and non-starch (146 patients). Age, sex, body mass index, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, red cell transfusion and surgical bleeding was analyzed. RESULTS: Starchy group had increased risk of excessive surgical bleeding (OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 2.05- 6.26) and red blood cells transfusion (OR: 3.12; 95% CI: 1.76 -5.5). In the starch group average surgical bleeding was 396 ml (SD: ± 234.94) and a decrease in hemoglobin of 4.6 g/dl (SD± 1.38). The control group had an average bleeding of 271.8 ml (SD: ± 139.22) and decrease in hemoglobin of 3.34 g/dl (SD: ± 1.4). DISCUSSION: The starch group had higher surgical bleeding and required more often red blood cells transfusion than the non-starch group. We suggest to take in account the possible complications related to the use hydroxyethyl starch.

OBJETIVO: Determinar si el uso de almidón en la artroplastia de cadera es un factor de riesgo para el sangrado transquirúrgico excesivo y el uso de concentrados eritrocitarios. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo observacional analítico de 240 pacientes sometidos a artroplastia total de cadera primaria desde enero de 2015 hasta enero de 2016. Se integraron dos grupos: almidón (94 pacientes) y no almidón (146 pacientes). Se analizaron la edad, el sexo, el índice de masa corporal, la hemoglobina prequirúrgica y posquirúrgica, el uso de concentrados eritrocitarios y el sangrado transquirúrgico. RESULTADOS: El grupo con almidón tuvo mayor riesgo de sangrado transquirúrgico excesivo (odds ratio [OR]: 3.58; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 2.05- 6.26) y de transfusión de concentrados eritrocitarios (OR: 3.12; IC 95%: 1.76-5.5). En el grupo con almidón hubo una media de sangrado transquirúrgico de 396 ml (desviación estándar [DE]: ± 234.94) y una disminución de la hemoglobina de 4.6 g/dl (DE: ± 1.38); en el grupo de no almidón hubo una media de sangrado de 271.8 ml (DE: ± 139.22) y una disminución de la hemoglobina de 3.34 g/dl (DE: ± 1.4). DISCUSIÓN: Los pacientes con almidón presentaron mayor sangrado transquirúrgico y requirieron en más ocasiones la transfusión de hemoderivados que los del grupo control, por lo que sugerimos considerar las posibles complicaciones relacionadas con el uso de hidroxietilalmidón.

Point-of-care screening for sickle cell disease in low-resource settings: A multi-center evaluation of HemoTypeSC, a novel rapid test.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common, life-threatening genetic disorder that is best managed when diagnosed early by newborn screening. However, SCD is most prevalent in low-resource regions of the world where newborn screening is rare and diagnosis at the point-of-care is challenging. In many such regions, the majority of affected children die, undiagnosed, before the age of 5 years. A rapid and affordable point-of-care test for SCD is needed. The diagnostic accuracy of HemoTypeSC, a point-of-care immunoassay, for SCD was evaluated in individuals who had SCD, hemoglobin C disease, the related carrier (trait) states, or a normal hemoglobin phenotype. Children and adults participated in low-, medium- and high-resource environments (Ghana [n = 383], Martinique [n = 46], and USA [n = 158]). Paired blood specimens were obtained for HemoTypeSC and a reference diagnostic assay. HemoTypeSC testing was performed at the site of blood collection, and the reference test was performed in a laboratory at each site. In 587 participants, across all study sites, HemoTypeSC had an overall sensitivity of 99.5% and specificity of 99.9% across all hemoglobin phenotypes. The test had 100% sensitivity and specificity for sickle cell anemia. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of normal and trait states were >99%. HemoTypeSC is an inexpensive (<$2 per test), accurate, and rapid point-of-care test that can be used in resource-limited regions with a high prevalence of SCD to provide timely diagnosis and support newborn screening programs.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a severe disease flare with serious outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prevalence, clinical manifestations, laboratory abnormalities and treatment in a multicenter cohort study including 847 childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients with and without diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), as well as concomitant parameters of severity. METHODS: DAH was defined as the presence of at least three respiratory symptoms/signs associated with diffuse interstitial/alveolar infiltrates on chest x-ray or high-resolution computer tomography and sudden drop in hemoglobin levels. Statistical analysis was performed using Bonferroni correction (p < 0.0022). RESULTS: DAH was observed in 19/847 (2.2%) cSLE patients. Cough/dyspnea/tachycardia/hypoxemia occurred in all cSLE patients with DAH. Concomitant parameters of severity observed were: mechanical ventilation in 14/19 (74%), hemoptysis 12/19 (63%), macrophage activation syndrome 2/19 (10%) and death 9/19 (47%). Further analysis of cSLE patients at DAH diagnosis compared to 76 cSLE control patients without DAH with same disease duration [3 (1-151) vs. 4 (1-151) months, p = 0.335], showed higher frequencies of constitutional involvement (74% vs. 10%, p < 0.0001), serositis (63% vs. 6%, p < 0.0001) and sepsis (53% vs. 9%, p < 0.0001) in the DAH group. The median of disease activity score(SLEDAI-2 K) was significantly higher in cSLE patients with DAH [18 (5-40) vs. 6 (0-44), p < 0.0001]. The frequencies of thrombocytopenia (53% vs. 12%, p < 0.0001), intravenous methylprednisolone (95% vs. 16%, p < 0.0001) and intravenous cyclophosphamide (47% vs. 8%, p < 0.0001) were also significantly higher in DAH patients. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study to demonstrate that DAH, although not a disease activity score descriptor, occurred in the context of significant moderate/severe cSLE flare. Importantly, we identified that this condition was associated with serious disease flare complicated by sepsis with high mortality rate.

Anemia ferropénica en niños menores de un año usuarios de CASMU-IAMPP: prevalencia y factores asociados / Iron deficiency anemia in children younger than 1 year old users of CASMU-IAMPP: prevalence and associated factors

Resumen Introducción: la anemia ferropénica es un problema de salud nacional. Existen recomendaciones para su prevención. Para su diagnóstico temprano se incorporó a partir de 2014 la medición de la hemoglobina por punción digital entre los 8-12 meses de edad. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de anemia en lactantes usuarios de CASMU-IAMPP e identificar factores asociados. Material y métodos: se estudiaron lactantes entre 8-12 meses, a quienes se realizó medición de hemoglobina por punción digital, entre julio-diciembre 2014. Se describió la prevalencia de anemia. Se describieron las características de los niños con anemia y se compararon con las de un grupo control de niños sin anemia. Resultados: en el período evaluado se realizó hemoglobina digital a 95% de los lactantes entre 8-12 meses, 18,3% presentaba anemia. El 65,9% incorporó carne a la alimentación en forma tardía, 28,6% recibía dosis incorrecta de hierro suplementario y 23,4% no adhería al tratamiento. Los niños con anemia, en comparación con el grupo control, no presentaron mayor prevalencia de prematurez, peso al nacer menor a 3000 g, embarazo gemelar, anemia en el embarazo, suplementación con hierro en el embarazo, pecho directo exclusivo durante 6 meses, o inicio adecuado de alimentación complementaria. En los niños con anemia se detectó una falla en el inicio oportuno de la suplementación con hierro en dosis adecuada así como una mala adherencia al tratamiento. Discusión: debe alertar un 20% de niños con anemia en una población seleccionada en general con recursos económicos adecuados. Se debe insistir en la incorporación temprana de carne a la alimentación e inicio adecuado de la suplementación con hierro en dosis adecuada recomendando una buena adherencia al tratamiento.

Summary Introduction: iron deficiency anemia is a health problem in Uruguay. In 2014, hemoglobin measurement by digital puncture in infants between 8 and 12 months was introduced as a screening method for early diagnosis. Objective: to determine anemia prevalence in infants between 8 and 12 months in the institution (CASMU-IAMPP), and to identify associated factors. Method: infants between 8 and 12 months were studied with hemoglobin measurement by digital puncture from July to December of 2014. The characteristics of the children with anemia were described and compared with the control group. The data were obtained from the medical record and by means of a telephone survey. Results: 804 children were evaluated with hemoglobin measurement by digital puncture, 145 presented anemia (18.03%). The characteristics presented by children with anemia (n=143) were compared with the control group of children without anemia (n=143). There was no significant difference in the distribution by sex, prematurity prevalence, weight under 3.000 g, twin pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, and adequate initiation of replacement treatment. Children with anemia presented problems in the initiation of iron supplementation, doses of supplementary iron were adequate, although adherence to treatment was bad (p<0.05). Discussion: the fact that 20% of children from a socio-economic sector with adequate resources have anemia is rather alarming. Early consumption of meat and adequate initiation of iron supplementation in the right doses must be encouraged, as well as a good adherence to treatment.

Anemia ferropénica en niños menores de un año usuarios de CASMU-IAMPP: prevalencia y factores asociados / Iron deficiency anemia in children younger than 1 year old users of CASMU-IAMPP: prevalence and associated factors

Introducción: la anemia ferropénica es un problema de salud nacional. Existen recomendaciones para su prevención. Para su diagnóstico temprano se incorporó a partir de 2014 la medición de la hemoglobina por punción digital entre los 8-12 meses de edad. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de anemia en lactantes usuarios de CASMU-IAMPP e identificar factores asociados. Material y métodos: se estudiaron lactantes entre 8-12 meses, a quienes se realizó medición de hemoglobina por punción digital, entre julio-diciembre 2014. Se describió la prevalencia de anemia. Se describieron las características de los niños con anemia y se compararon con las de un grupo control de niños sin anemia. Resultados: en el período evaluado se realizó hemoglobina digital a 95% de los lactantes entre 8-12 meses, 18,3% presentaba anemia. El 65,9% incorporó carne a la alimentación en forma tardía, 28,6% recibía dosis incorrecta de hierro suplementario y 23,4% no adhería al tratamiento. Los niños con anemia, en comparación con el grupo control, no presentaron mayor prevalencia de prematurez, peso al nacer menor a 3000 g, embarazo gemelar, anemia en el embarazo, suplementación con hierro en el embarazo, pecho directo exclusivo durante 6 meses, o inicio adecuado de alimentación complementaria. En los niños con anemia se detectó una falla en el inicio oportuno de la suplementación con hierro en dosis adecuada así como una mala adherencia al tratamiento. Discusión: debe alertar un 20% de niños con anemia en una población seleccionada en general con recursos económicos adecuados. Se debe insistir en la incorporación temprana de carne a la alimentación e inicio adecuado de la suplementación con hierro en dosis adecuada recomendando una buena adherencia al tratamiento.

Tertiary and quaternary structural basis of oxygen affinity in human hemoglobin as revealed by multiscale simulations.

Human hemoglobin (Hb) is a benchmark protein of structural biology that shaped our view of allosterism over 60 years ago, with the introduction of the MWC model based on Perutz structures of the oxy(R) and deoxy(T) states and the more recent Tertiary Two-State model that proposed the existence of individual subunit states -"r" and "t"-, whose structure is yet unknown. Cooperative oxygen binding is essential for Hb function, and despite decades of research there are still open questions related to how tertiary and quaternary changes regulate oxygen affinity. In the present work, we have determined the free energy profiles of oxygen migration and for HisE7 gate opening, with QM/MM calculations of the oxygen binding energy in order to address the influence of tertiary differences in the control of oxygen affinity. Our results show that in the α subunit the low to high affinity transition is achieved by a proximal effect that mostly affects oxygen dissociation and is the driving force of the allosteric transition, while in the ß subunit the affinity change results from a complex interplay of proximal and distal effects, including an increase in the HE7 gate opening, that as shown by free energy profiles promotes oxygen uptake.