Pathophysiological Hypothesis of COVID-19 Psychosis.

ABSTRACT: In December 2019, a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in patients with pneumonia of unknown cause. Although respiratory symptoms mainly characterize infection by this virus, neuropsychiatric manifestations of the disease are becoming more and more frequent. Among them, the appearance of psychotic outbreaks in patients experiencing the infection or after a short time after it has resolved is remarkable. This narrative review aims to describe the possible relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the onset of psychosis by developing the neurotropic capacities of the virus and analyzing the neurobiology of psychoses.

The prevalence of sleep paralysis in medical students in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of sleep paralysis (SP) in medical students from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). Materials and Methods: An ad hoc questionnaire based on the diagnosis of SP and a demographic survey was electronically presented to students of Internal Medicine at the School of Medicine of the UBA. The respondents answered both questionnaires using Google Forms®. Results: The prevalence of SP was 40.7% (95% CI 33.5-47.8). A higher percentage of the respondents (76%) reported experiencing SP-related anxiety. An association between self-perceived quality of sleep and the incidence of SP was found (χ2: 12.712, P = 0.002). The highest frequency was hypnopompic SP (55.55%), and the highest percentage (55.4%) suffered from SP less than once every 6 months. Most respondents (59.5%) reported having started with SP symptoms after 18 years of age, and the highest percentage (66.2%) had exacerbated their symptoms at college. The frequency of the Incubus phenomenon was 14.5% (95% CI 6.2-23). Most respondents (70.8%) denied the association of SP with religious or paranormal beliefs. Conclusion: SP is highly prevalent in medical students and is associated with poor sleep habits and perceived poor sleep quality. Clinicians should be aware of this parasomnia to avoid a misdiagnosis of psychosis and inform sufferers of the nature of SP.

Catatonia and Delirium: Assessment of Comorbidity, Prevalence, and Therapeutic Response in Medically Ill Inpatients From a University Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Catatonia is a cluster of motor features present in multiple psychiatric and clinical diseases. It may be confused with delirium because both entities are classified according to the type and degree of psychomotor activity. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, criteria for catatonia secondary to medical conditions exclude comorbid catatonia and delirium; besides, there have been increasing reports about a comorbid presentation. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of comorbid catatonia and delirium, the therapeutic response to lorazepam, and the clinical characteristics of patients with an earlier diagnosis of delirium. METHODS: A total of 120 consecutive patients at a university hospital with an earlier diagnosis of delirium were evaluated using the Delirium Scale (confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit) and the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale for catatonia. In cases of a positive diagnosis of catatonia or catatonia/delirium, a therapeutic trial with intramuscular lorazepam was performed. FINDINGS: Thirty-one patients (26%) were positive for both catatonia and delirium, and 8 patients (7%) had catatonia. Sixty-six patients (55%) were positive only for delirium, and 5 patients (4%) were negative for delirium and catatonia. Lorazepam tests were applied on 22 patients. One in 9 patients with catatonia/delirium responded positively to lorazepam. Patients with catatonia had a 60% positive response rate. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study on lorazepam use in catatonia-delirium patients; however, further studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of lorazepam in these patients. Catatonia and catatonia/delirium are underdiagnosed in inpatient wards and should be routinely assessed in patients with an altered mental status.

Sindrome Vestibular Agudo posterior a la infección por SARS-COV2 / Acute Vestibular Syndrome after SARS-COV2 infection

Introducción: El Sars-CoV 2 puede afectar al nervio vestibulococlear debido a su neurotropismo. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo reportar el caso de un paciente con vértigo agudo posterior a la infección por COVID-19. Materiales y Métodos: Paciente masculino de 64 años que consultó por un ataque de vértigo agudo, de predominio en el lado izquierdo, quince días después de su convalecencia por una infección por COVID-19. Se realizaron estudios neurootológicos y de resonancia magnética. Resultados: La resonancia magnética descartó la presencia de lesiones que pudieran explicar las manifestaciones clínicas. A altas frecuencias, la audiometría tonal reveló una pérdida auditiva neurosensorial en ambos lados. vHIT (video Head Impulse Test) y VEMP cervical (potenciales miogénicos evocados vestibulares) mostraron afectación del lado izquierdo. Los VEMP oculares mostraron afectación bilateral. El paciente mejoró con rehabilitación vestibular, pero las manifestaciones de vHIT persistieron a los 6 y 12 meses. Discusión: El vértigo agudo en este paciente podría haber sido el resultado de una neuronitis vestibular, secundaria a la infección previa por Sars-CoV2. Sin embargo, no se deben descartar diferentes mecanismos virales directos

: Sars-CoV 2 may affect the vestibulocochlear nerve due to its neurotropism. This work aims to report the case of a patient with acute vertigo following COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods: A 64-year-old male patient consulted for an acute vertigo attack, predominantly to the left side, fifteen days after his convalescence due to a COVID-19 infection. Neuro-otological and MRI studies were carried out. Results: MRI ruled out the presence of lesions that could explain clinical manifestations. At high frequencies, tonal audiometry revealed a sensorineural hearing loss on both sides. vHIT (video Head Impulse Test) and cervical VEMP (Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials) showed left side involvement. Ocular VEMP showed bilateral involvement. The patient improved with vestibular rehabilitation, but vHIT manifestations persisted at 6 and 12 months. Discussion: Acute vertigo in this patient might have been the result of vestibular neuronitis, secondary to the previous Sars-CoV2 infection. However, different direct viral mechanisms should not be ruled out

Psychotic Symptoms After SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

ABSTRACT: This case series reports three middle-aged male patients with no prior history of psychiatric disorders who developed psychotic symptoms with manic characteristics after COVID-19 infection. They presented mystic and paranoid delusions associated with euphoria, logorrheic, insomnia, and bizarre behaviors. Two of them required psychiatric hospitalization and one received corticosteroids. Treatment with antipsychotic medication improved their symptoms in a few weeks. This case series reports the new-onset psychosis probably due to COVID-19 infection. Pathogenetic speculation about the probable causes of COVID-19 psychosis, such as inflammatory reaction and corticosteroid use, was done. Moreover, other probable causes of manic psychosis, such as late-onset bipolar disorder, were also considered and ruled out. There is a need for more research to determine the causality between psychotic symptoms and COVID-19 infection.

Neuropatía motora multifocal: ¿cómo diagnosticar un caballo de Troya? / Multifocal motor neuropathy: how to diagnose a trojan horse?

Introducción: La neuropatía motora multifocal con bloqueos de la conducción (NMMBC) es una enfermedad crónica inmunomediada, con un compromiso exclusivo de los nervios motores. Es importante diferenciarla de otras enfermedades que cursan con afectación motora, debido a que ésta es una enfermedad tratable. Cuadro clínico: Paciente varón de 56 años, con compromiso motor progresivo en el miembro superior del lado derecho desde el año 2016. El examen neurofisiológico demostró la presencia de múltiples bloqueos de la conducción nerviosa. Los anticuerpos antigangliósidos fueron negativos. Se indicó tratamiento con inmunoglobulina endovenosa en varios ciclos, con mejoría progresiva del cuadro. Discusión: Se discute el plan diagnóstico clínico y electrofisiológico, los diagnósticos diferenciales, las hipótesis fisiopatológicas y el tratamiento de esta enfermedad de rara ocurrencia

Introduction: Multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction blocks (NMMBC) is a chronic immunemediated disease that exclusively involves the motor nerves. It is important to differentiate it from other diseases that present with motor involvement, because this is a treatable disease. Clinical picture: A 56-year-old male patient, with progressive motor involvement in the right upper limb since 2016. A neurophysiological examination revealed multiple nerve conduction blocks. Antiganglioside antibodies were negative. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin was indicated for several cycles with progressive improvement of the condition. Discussion: Clinical and electrophysiological diagnostic plans, differential diagnoses, pathophysiological hypotheses, and treatment of this rare disease are discussed

Conductas suicidas en adolescentes: factores de riesgo, fisiopatología y el uso de litio como terapia preventiva / SUICIDAL BEHAVIOURS IN ADOLESCENTS: RISK FACTORS, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, AND THE USE OF LITHIUM AS A PREVENTIVE THERAPY

El suicidio en adolescentes representa una problemática de salud de suma importancia en la sociedad. El presente trabajo analiza los factores de riesgo asociados a la conducta suicida, sus correlaciones fisiopatológicas y su tratamiento con carbonato de litio. Los factores de riesgo asociados incluyen: el estrés, las crisis vitales propias de la población de estudio, y factores externos como el uso de pantallas y consumo de medios de comunicación. A su vez, las patologías psiquiátricas de base, en especial el trastorno depresivo mayor, se relacionan de manera positiva con conductas suicidas en adolescentes. Las conductas suicidas estarían vinculadas con cambios morfológicos y moleculares en el sistema nervioso. Los estados proinflamatorios mediados principalmente por la enzima glucógeno sintasa quinasa 3 beta (GSK3 ), se observarían con mayor frecuencia en sujetos con conductas suicidas. A su vez, la disminución de la expresión del factor neurotrófico derivado del cerebro (BDNF) a nivel central predispondría a mayor incidencia de suicidio. La alteración del tono serotoninérgico central sería otro factor de riesgo de suicidio en adolescentes. Las alteraciones serotoninérgicas se vincularían con conductas suicidas de tipo violentas, agresivas e impulsivas, con alta prevalencia en población adolescente. El presente trabajo muestra que el efecto anti-suicida del litio estaría mediado por la inhibición de la GSK3 , como así también por el aumento del tono serotoninérgico. De esta forma el litio disminuiría el estado proinflamatorio central, generaría un aumento de BDNF (con incremento de la supervivencia neuronal), con la subsecuente modulación de la respuesta serotoninérgica. Dada la alta prevalencia de suicidio en dicha población, es necesario contar con opciones terapéuticas eficaces y seguras, respaldados por ensayos clínicos que respalden su uso.

Suicide in adolescents represents a critical health problem in society. The present work analyzes the risk factors associated with suicidal behavior, their pathophysiological correlations, and their treatment with lithium carbonate. Associated risk factors include stress, vital crises typical of the study population, and external factors such as the use of screens and consumption of communication media. In turn, primary psychiatric pathologies, especially major depressive disorder, are positively related to suicidal behaviors in adolescents. Suicidal behaviors would be linked to morphological and molecular changes in the nervous system. Pro-inflammatory states mediated mainly by the enzyme glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3 ) would be observed more frequently in subjects with suicidal behaviors. In turn, decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) at the central level would predispose to a higher incidence of suicide. The alteration of the central serotonergic tone would be another risk factor for suicide in adolescents. Serotonergic alterations would be associated with violent, aggressive and impulsive suicidal behaviors, with a high prevalence in the adolescent population.The anti-suicidal effect of lithium might be mediated by the inhibition of GSK3 , as well as the increase in serotonergic tone. In this way, lithium might decrease the central pro-inflammatory state, generate an increase in BDNF (with increased neuronal survival), and subsequently modify the serotonergic response. Given the high prevalence of suicide in this population, it is necessary to have effective and safe therapeutic options supported by clinical trials that support their use.

Síndrome Pos-COVID y Síndrome de Fatiga Crónica: ¿Dos caras de la misma moneda? / POST-COVID SYNDROME AND CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN

El síndrome de fatiga crónica es una enfermedad caracterizada, principalmente, por la manifestación de la fatiga, el dolor muscular difuso, y alteraciones en el sueño, en un periodo de no menos de 6 meses y que no son explicables por alguna causa. Es llamativo que, luego de un periodo de tiempo de padecer la COVID-19, los pacientes presenten síntomas similares a los hallados en el síndrome de fatiga crónica. A esta afección se la denomino síndrome pos-COVID. Los virus son los principales sospechosos en la aparición de ambos síndromes, estos podrían ocasionar la generación de daño mitocondrial, una neuroinflamación, alteración en el sistema glinfático o la disfunción en el eje hipotálamo-pituitario-adrenal entre otros. Dichos mecanismos serían los implicados en la aparición de los síntomas que padecen los pacientes con estos síndromes. El objetivo de esta revisión literaria es analizar y describir los posibles mecanismos que explicarían la manifestación de los síntomas del síndrome de fatiga crónica en los pacientes que hayan sufrido la COVID-19. Hasta el momento no existen tratamientos totalmente efectivos para erradicar los síntomas en ambos síndromes. Dado el abanico de síntomas que padecen estos pacientes, el enfoque terapéutico debe ser interdisciplinario para tratar de mejorar su calidad de vida.

Coagulopatía por SARS-CoV-2 / SARS-COV-2 COAGULOPATHY

En diciembre de 2019 se descubrió un nuevo coronavirus, asociado a pacientes que sufrían un cuadro de neumonía en Hubei provincia de China, desde ese momento se estudia las características del virus, como también de la patología que produce. En los pacientes graves, se observó un estado proinflamatorio y procoagulante que provocó la disfunción multiorgánica, y, en muchos de ellos, la muerte. El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en describir la fisiopatología de la coagulopatía que esta infección, sorprendentemente, provoca. Es importante remarcar la relación que existe entre los estados inflamatorios y la cascada de la coagulación, cuyas disfunciones ocurren en situaciones de gravedad, como es la sepsis. El SARS-CoV-2 entrara a la célula mediante el receptor de la enzima convertidora de angiotensinógeno. En los estadios avanzados o críticos de la enfermedad, el estímulo hiperinflamatorio y el ambiente protrombótico provocarán un daño multiorgánico. El enfoque de los pacientes en estadios avanzados o críticos debe ser de soporte vital, junto a una terapia anticoagulante completa

In December 2019, a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was discovered in patients suffering from pneumonia. In critically ill patients, a proinflammatory and procoagulant state was observed: this led to multiorgan dysfunction, and, in many patients, to death. The objective of this work is to describe the pathophysiology of coagulopathy that this infection, surprisingly, causes. It is important to highlight the cross-talk between inflammation and coagulation in serious situations, such as sepsis. SARS-CoV-2 will enter the cell via the angiotensinogen converting enzyme receptor. In the advanced or critical stages of the disease, the hyperinflammatory stimulus and the prothrombotic environment will cause multi-organ damage. The approach of patients in advanced or critical stages should be life support, together with full anticoagulant therapy.

Validación de la Escala de Catatonía de Bush-Francis al idioma castellano. Versión Argentina / The validation of the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale to Spanish. Argentinian version

OBJETIVO: Validar al castellano la escala de diagnóstico y cuantificación de catatonía de Bush-Francis (BFCRS). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Luego del proceso de traducción y aprobación por los autores, se evaluaron las propiedades diagnósticas y psicométricas de la subescala de 14 signos (BFCSI) y la escala de 23 signos (BF-CRS) en pacientes hospitalizados (n = 42; 24 catatónicos y 18 no catatónicos), de un hospital universitario. Los pacientes fueron previamente evaluados utilizando criterios DSM-5 de catatonía, y posteriormente con la versión en castellano de la BFCRS. RESULTADOS: Con la utilización de la BFCSI y BFCRS la discriminación clínica entre pacientes catatónicos y no catatónicos mostró una diferencia significativa. Se utilizó el índice de Kappa para evaluar concordancia entre evaluadores con diferentes valores de corte en la BFCSI. Con un valor de corte ≥ 2 (sugerido por los autores origina-les), el índice Kappa fue de 0,6202. Con valores de corte ≥ 3 y ≥ 4, los índices de Kappa fueron 0,95 y 0,81 respectivamente. Con un valor de corte BFCSI ≥ 3, la sensibilidad del instrumento fue de 83,33con una especificidad de 88,89. El punto de corte ≥ 3 presentó un valor de ROC AREA de 0,8611 (+ - 0,0544); CI 95 % :( 0,75444-0,96778).La BFCRS (23 signos) mostró una correlación de Spearman Rho de 0,9443. Además, DSM-5 y BFCSI mostraron una correlación de Rho Spearman de 0,8002. CONCLUSIÓN: Al igual que la versión original, la versión argentina en castellano de BFCRS posee alta validez, confiabilidad y confiabilidad en la detección de catatonia

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to validate the Spanish version of the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The original scale in English was adapted into Spanish (Argentina) by 2 translators. Diagnostic and Psychometric properties of both subscales (the 14 signs screening tool and the 23 signs of the BFCRS) were assessed in inpatients (n = 42. 24 catatonic and 18 non-catatonic), of a University Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Patients were previously evaluated for catatonia using DSM-5 criteria and then were appraised with the Spanish version of BFCRS. RESULTS: Using BFCSI and BFCRS, clinical discrimination between catatonic and non-catatonic patients showed significant difference. Kappa interrater agreement was obtained with different cut-off values. When using a cut-off value ≥ 2 (suggest-ed by the original authors) Kappa index was 0,6202. With cut-off values ≥ 3 and ≥ 4 Kappa indexes were 0,95 and 0,81 respectively. A BFCSI cut-off value ≥ 3, an instrument sensitivity of 83,33% and a specificity of 88,89, was achieved, using DSM-5 criteria as referenced test. A cut-off ≥ 3 has and exact value of ROC AREA of 0,8611 (+- 0,0544);CI95%:(0,75444-0,96778). BFCRS (23 signs) showed a Rho spearman ́s correlation of 0,9443. In addition, DSM-5 and BFCSI showed a Rho Spearman ́s correlation of 0,8002.CONCLUSION: Like the original version, the Argentinian Spanish version of BFCRS shows high validity, reliability, and inter-rater reliability indexes for detecting cases of catatonia

Type-I Cryoglobulinaemia Associated to Monoclonal Gammapathy of Undetermined Significance.

Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins that undergo reversible precipitation at cold temperatures. Monoclonal type-I cryoglobulinaemia is the least frequent and is associated to hematological diseases such as multiple myeloma, Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and lymphoma. We describe the case of a 60-year-old female patient, who suffered from burning pain in her feet for ten months before her admission. The patient presented intermittent distal cyanosis that progressed to digital ischaemia. She also reported paresthesia in her hands, difficulty in writing, and a 26-kg-weight loss. At the physical examination, it was identified livedo reticularis, palpable purpura, and painful ecchymotic lesions in her calves and feet. Moreover, peripheral pulses were palpable and symmetrical. It was observed an atrophy of the right first dorsal interosseous and both extensor digitorum brevis, as well as a distal bilateral apalesthesia and allodynia. Both Achilles reflexes were absent. Laboratory tests revealed anemia, high erythrosedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Serum protein electrophoresis showed a monoclonal IgG-Kappa gammopathy. The results also evidenced the presence of Bence-Jones proteinuria. The bone marrow biopsy revealed less than 10% of plasma cells, and skin biopsy informed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient was treated with high-dose intravenous steroids and cyclophosphamide. The treatment showed that the skin lesions had improved, pain disappeared and motor deficit stopped its progression.

Estrés, Agotamiento Profesional y Psicopatología en médicos de planta y con cargos jerárquicos de un Hospital Universitario de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / STRESS, PROFESSIONAL EXHAUSTION, AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY IN GENERAL PRACTITIONERS AND WITH HIERARCHICAL POSITIONS OF A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF THE CITY OF BUENOS AIRES

Si bien el estrés en el trabajo puede afectar a muchas ocupaciones, los profesionales de la salud tienen una mayor predisposición a desarrollarlo. Asimismo, el estrés a largo plazo puede llevar a padecer el Síndrome de Agotameinto Profesional (Burnout). Alguien que padezca alguna de estas entidades puede presentar signos de psicopatología. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de estrés laboral, síndrome de agotamiento profesional generalizado y psicopatología en médicos de planta y con cargos jerárquicos en un Hospital Universitario. La prevalencia de estrés en la muestra analizada fue del 85,95%; la prevalencia del Síndrome de Agotamiento Profesional fue del 72,9% y la psicopatología del 10%. Todos los encuestados con resultados positivos del cuestionario GHQ-12 obtuvieron puntuaciones positivas para el estrés y el síndrome de agotamiento. Por lo tanto, esta situación necesita acciones y soluciones inmediata

Although stress at work can affect many occupations, health professionals have a greater predisposition to develop it. Likewise, long-term stress may lead to suffering from Professional Burnout Syndrome. Someone who suffers from any of these entities may have signs of psychopathology. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of work-related stress, burnout syndrome and psychopathology in staff medical doctors and with hierarchical positions in a University Hospital. The prevalence of stress in the analyzed sample was 85.95%; the prevalence of the Professional Burnout Syndrome was 72.9%, and psychopathology was 10%. All respondents with positive results from the GHQ-12 questionnaire had positive scores for stress and burnout syndrome. Therefore, this situation needs immediate action and solutions

The validation of the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale to Spanish. Argentinian version.

he present study aims to validate the Spanish version of the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS).

Duración de la oxigenoterapia en pacientes con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Duration of oxygen therapy in patients with community acquired pneumonia

La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) constituye una causa frecuente de hospitalización y mortalidad en pacientes internados. Distintas escalas pronósticas como el CURB-65 o el Indice de Severidad de la Neumonía (PSI) son utilizados al valorar la admiisión hospitalaria de un paciente con NAC. La hipoxemia es una complicación frecuente de la neumonía. A pesar de esto, hasta nuestro conocimiento, el tiempo requerido de oxigenoterapia en pacientes con NAC hospitalizados en una sala general no ha sido evaluada. Los objetivos del presente estudioi fueron: evaluar los días de oxigenoterapia en pacientes con NAC y su correlación con el puntaje de PSI obtenido en la admisión. Cuarenta y seis pacientes fueron evaluados en forma prospectiva. El promedio general de días de utilización de oxigenoterapia fue de 6,25±5.93 días. Los mayores de 60 años requirieron 2 días más de oxigenoterapia que los más jóvenes (6.7±3.57 vs 4.3±2.70 días, p: 0,07). La media del PSI fue de 135,76±29,94 puntos para mayores de 60 años y 63±30 puntos para los más jóvenes equivalente a las clases de riesgo V y II respectivamente. Los días de oxigenoterapia fueron 7,38±4,09 días para los pacientes de clase V y 3.5±3,53 días para los pacientes de clase I. El coeficiente de correlación lineal entre puntaje PSI y días de oxigenoterapia fue de 0,34 equivalente a una correlación positiva baja. Futuras investigaciones, que incluyan un mayor número de pacientes, serán necesarias en pos de encontrar herramientas pronósticas sobre oxigenoterapia en NAC (AU)

Duration of oxygen therapy in patients with community-acquired pneumonia and its relationship with the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI). Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Mayor decision of admission to the hospital, included severity of illness score (CURB-65) or prognostics models such as the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI). Decreased of arterial PO2 un blood gas analysis, occurred in many patients with pneumonia. However, the mean duration of oxygen utilization in patients with CAP has not been evaluated. The goals of the present study were to evaluate the duration in days of oxygen therapy in patients with CAP and correlate the duration of this therapy with the PSI score obtained on admission of the patients. Forty-six patients were prospectively studied. Mean duration of oxygen therapy was 6.25±5,93 days. Patients older than 60 years required 2 days more of oxygen therapy compared with younger population (6,7±3,57 vs 4,3±2,70 days, p: 0,07), Mean PSI was 135,76±29,94 points for patients older than 60 years (class V) and 64±30 points for patients younger than 60 years (class II). Duration of oxygen therapy was 7,38±4,09 days for patients in Class V and 3,50±3,53 days for patients in Class I. Pearson correlation coefficient between PSI and days of oxygen therapy was 0,34, equivalent to a low positive linear correlation. Future studies of larger populations in the duration and utilization of oxygen treatment in hospitalized patients with CAP (AU)

[Early neuropathy. Importance of neurophysiological assessment in cases of metabolic syndrome with or without hyperglycemia]. / Neuropatía precoz. Importancia de la evaluación neurofisiológica en el síndrome metabólico con o sin disregulación glucémica.

Peripheral and autonomic neuropathies are one of the major complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Nerve lesion starts in an early stage. In patients with DM II the above-mentioned lesion starts even before glycemic dysregulation and during the metabolic syndrome stage. In the beginning, the neuropathy may be asymptomatic; therefore, neurophysiologic examination should be conducted for its early detection so that therapeutic measures can be taken on time. Nine patients with early neuropathy were here assessed: three of them with metabolic syndrome and fasting hyperglycemia, one with metabolic syndrome without hyperglycemia and five with glycemic dysregulation without metabolic syndrome. All were asymptomatic and neurologic examination was unremarkable. Techniques for the detection of early neuropathy were carried out (sural/radial ratio, F-waves, H-reflex, sympathetic skin responses, cutaneous silent period and heart rate variability reflexes). Eight patients had an early cardiac autonomic neuropathy, one had a definite autonomic neuropathy. Eight patients had an early somatic neuropathy (seven with a sural/radial ratio < 0.5 and one with abnormal F-waves), and one had an asymptomatic small-fiber neuropathy (abnormal sympathetic skin responses and cutaneous silent period). Detection of early neuropathy through neurophysiology is mandatory before clinical signs and symptoms appear, during this stage, effective therapeutic measures can be warranted.

La neuropatía periférica y autonómica es una de las complicaciones más comunes en pacientes con diabetes. La lesión nerviosa comienza tempranamente, en aquellos con diabetes mellitus de tipo II puede comenzar antes de la disregulación glucémica, en la etapa del síndrome metabólico. En un primer momento puede ser asintomática, por lo que es fundamental la realización de técnicas electrofisiológicas para su detección temprana, para implementar medidas terapéuticas que impidan su progresión. Se presentan nueve casos, tres con síndrome metabólico y alteración del metabolismo de la glucosa, uno con síndrome metabólico sin hiperglucemia y cinco con alteración del metabolismo de la glucemia sin otros criterios diagnósticos de síndrome metabólico. Todos estaban asintomáticos y el examen neurológico fue normal. Se realizaron técnicas de detección de neuropatía periférica temprana (razón sural/radial, ondas F, reflejo H, respuestas simpáticas de la piel, período silente cutáneo y variabilidad del intervalo RR). Ocho pacientes tuvieron neuropatía autonómica cardíaca incipiente y uno neuropatía autonómica establecida. Ocho presentaron neuropatía somática incipiente (siete con alteración de la razón sural/radial, y uno con alteración de las ondas F). Un paciente tuvo alteración sublínica de las fibras finas (alteración de las respuestas simpáticas de la piel y del período silente cutáneo). Es importante la detección de la neuropatía temprana antes de su manifestación clínica ya que existen tratamientos para detenerla e incluso revertirla.

Neuropatía precoz: Importancia de la evaluación neurofisiológica en el sindrome metabólico con o sin disregulación glucémica / Early neuropathy. Importance of neurophysiological assessment in cases of metabolic syndrome with or without hyperglycemia

La neuropatía periférica y autonómica es una de las complicaciones más comunes en pacientes con diabetes. La lesión nerviosa comienza tempranamente, en aquellos con diabetes mellitus de tipo II puede comenzar antes de la disregulación glucémica, en la etapa del síndrome metabólico. En un primer momento puede ser asintomática, por lo que es fundamental la realización de técnicas electrofisiológicas para su detección temprana, para implementar medidas terapéuticas que impidan su progresión. Se presentan nueve casos, tres con síndrome metabólico y alteración del metabolismo de la glucosa, uno con síndrome metabólico sin hiperglucemia y cinco con alteración del metabolismo de la glucemia sin otros criterios diagnósticos de síndrome metabólico. Todos estaban asintomáticos y el examen neurológico fue normal. Se realizaron técnicas de detección de neuropatía periférica temprana (razón sural/radial, ondas F, reflejo H, respuestas simpáticas de la piel, período silente cutáneo y variabilidad del intervalo RR). Ocho pacientes tuvieron neuropatía autonómica cardíaca incipiente y uno neuropatía autonómica establecida. Ocho presentaron neuropatía somática incipiente (siete con alteración de la razón sural/radial, y uno con alteración de las ondas F). Un paciente tuvo alteración sublínica de las fibras finas (alteración de las respuestas simpáticas de la piel y del período silente cutáneo). Es importante la detección de la neuropatía temprana antes de su manifestación clínica ya que existen tratamientos para detenerla e incluso revertirla.

Fibromyalgia and dissociative symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome with a controversial etiopathogenesis. Patients with FM usually complain of cognitive symptoms, which are described as "fibrofog." These cognitive complaints might be caused partially by dissociative disorders (DD). The aim of this research is to determine the association between FM and DD. METHODS: The authors conducted a case-control study for this purpose, integrated by 3 groups: control (C), patients with rheumatic disorders (R), and patients with FM (FM), who were compared through the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES).The findings are as follows: 42% were taking medications in the FM group, and their differences in scores with those who were not under medications were then considered. In terms of the results, the FM group showed higher scores than both C and R groups (p < 0.05). Patients with FM who were taking antidepressants had lower scores than those who were not (Z-score -8.03; p < 0.05); and finally, 5.71% had a score over 30 (χ2 = 3.73, p = 0.15). CONCLUSION: Patients with FM had higher scores, which might be related to the association of dissociative experiences, lifetime trauma, and victimization. Antidepressants might have some role on dissociative symptoms as well.

[Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in a diabetic patient with syphilis]. / Polineuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica en paciente diabética con sífilis.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as weakness in both proximal and distal muscles with globally diminished or absent reflexes. Insulin neuritis is referred as an acute pain in the extremities, due to the damage of peripheral nerves affecting mainly small fibers, in diabetic patients treated with insulin who achieved rapid glycemic control. Pain is unusual in classic CIDP. We report the case of a 54-year-old female patient with type II diabetes mellitus, and a recent onset of insulin therapy, who presented at the emergency room with a 2-month history of weakness and hyperalgesia of extremities. Physical examination showed marked pain and proximal and distal allodynia in the 4 limbs, with reduced muscle strength of the proximal muscles and patellar and achillear areflexia. Electrophysiological study showed sensory and motor polyneuropathy with a demyelinating predominance. Treatment with recombinant human immunoglobin was started, and the patient presented a total remission of the condition. Complementary studies confirmed weak serum positivity of GM1, GD1a, GD1b and anti-asialo GM1. Prior to hospital discharge, results of positive serum VDRL and FTA-Abs were received. VDRL in cerebrospinal fluid was negative, so neurosyphilis was ruled out, and treatment with benzathine penicillin was indicated.