Prevalencia de alveolitis seca asociada a urgencias dolorosas durante el aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio de la pandemia COVID-19 en un servicio de urgencias del área bonaerense metropolitana en la República ArgentinaPrevalence of dry socket associated with urgent dental extractions due to pain performed at an emergency service in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area during the mandatory preventive social isolation for the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina / Prevalence of dry socket associated with urgent dental extractions due to pain performed at an emergency service in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area during the mandatory preventive social isolation for the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of dry socket as a postoperative complication in cases where there was intense local pain in the preoperative state, during the preventive mandatory social isolation (PMSI) for the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina. Methods: This was a descriptive study, which included 1209 walk-in patients at the emergency and orientational service at Buenos Aires University School of Dentistry during the PMSI from March 20 to June 20, 2020, with indication for dental extraction as well as intense acute pain at the surgical site. The presence of dry socket was exploratoryly associated with the variables age, sex, smoking and chronic medication use. Results: 1209 patients were operated, resulting in a total 1372 dental extractions. Average patient age was 41 years. The prevalence found in this study was 1.06%. Conclusion: The prevalence of dry socket was 1%, not being higher than other experiences where pain was not considered a condition prior to extraction.

Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia de alveolitis seca como complicación postquirúrgica, cuando existió dolor intenso local en el preoperatorio, durante el Aislamiento Social Preventivo y Obligatorios (ASPO) de la pandemia COVID-19 en la República Argentina. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en el que fueron incluidos 1209 pacientes, que presentaron indicación de exodoncia y concurrieron al servicio de urgencias y orientación de pacientes de la Facultad de Odontología de la universidad de Buenos Aires, durante el ASPO en un periodo comprendido entre el 20 de marzo y el 20 de junio de 2020, con dolor agudo e intenso en el sitio quirúrgico. La presencia de alveolitis seca fue asociada de forma exploratoria con las variables edad, sexo, tabaquiamo y medicación de uso crónico. Resultados: Fueron operados 1209 pacientes a los que se les realizaron un total de 1372 exodoncias, con un promedio de edad 41 años. La prevalencia fue de 1,06%. Conclusión: La prevalencia de alveolitis seca fue del 1%, no siendo superior a otras experiencias donde no se consideró al dolor como una condición previa a la exodoncia.

Aspectos clínicos y forenses del color rosa de los dientes: reporte de un caso / Clinical and forensic aspects of the pink color of teeth: report of a case

La coloración rosa de los dientes puede originarse por diferentes factores. En el ámbito forense se ha descrito al fenómeno denominado post mortem pink teeth como un signo asociado a muertes violentas de etiología diversa. En la práctica clínica también es posible observar pacientes con dientes rosados, fre-cuentemente ocasionados por traumatismos o iatro-genia proveniente de ortodoncia, cuyo mecanismo de producción obedece a distintas etiopatogenias, destacándose las reabsorciones dentinarias inter-nas, cemento-dentinarias externas y calcificaciones dentinarias. El presente artículo expone el caso de un individuo adulto con antecedente de trauma óseo-dentario por accidente vial que, luego de un prolon-gado tiempo, asiste al Servicio de Urgencias Odon-tológicas y Orientación de Pacientes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, en donde se le detecta, a modo de hallazgo exploratorio, una ostensible coloración rosada en el canino infe-rior derecho. La situación motivó un pormenorizado abordaje clínico y radiográfico, indagando respecto a los probables factores que intervinieron en su ge-neración y desarrollo (AU)

The pink coloration of the teeth can be caused by dif-ferent factors. In the forensic field, the phenomenon called post mortem pink teeth has been described as a sign associated with violent deaths of various etiology. In clinical practice, it is also possible to ob-serve patients with pink teeth, frequently caused by trauma or iatrogenesis from orthodontics, whose production mechanism is due to different etiopatho-genesis, highlighting internal dentin resorption, ex-ternal cemento-dentinal resorption and dentin calci-fications. This article presents the case of an adult individual with a history of bone-dental trauma due to a road accident who, after a long time, attends the Dental Emergency and Patient Guidance Service of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Bue-nos Aires, where an ostensible pink coloration was detected in the lower right canine as an exploratory finding. The situation motivated a detailed clinical and radiographic approach, inquiring about the probable factors that intervened in its generation and development (AU)

Incidencia de consultas por fracturas maxilofaciales en un servicio de urgencias odontológicas del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires / Incidence of consultations for maxillofacial fractures in a dental emergency department in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires

Objetivo: Describir la incidencia, la causa, el patrón y el tratamiento de fracturas maxilofaciales en sujetos que solici- taron atención en un Servicio de Urgencias Odontológicas del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Materiales y métodos: Se analizaron las historias clíni- cas de los individuos que concurrieron al Servicio de Urgencias y Orientación de Pacientes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (SUyOP) en el período compren- dido entre marzo de 2018 y diciembre de 2019. Se registró la fre- cuencia de consultas vinculadas con diagnóstico de algún tipo de fractura del esqueleto maxilofacial y en el caso de estos pacien- tes, se registraron sexo, edad, etiología, ubicación y tratamiento. Resultados: Durante el periodo evaluado asistieron al SUyOP un total de 13.919 pacientes por algún tipo de urgen- cia odontológica, entre los cuales 47 (0,33%) se presentaron con traumatismos en la región bucomaxilofacial; 39 fueron del sexo masculino (83%). En total fueron diagnosticadas 66 frac- turas. La edad media se extendió entre los 30 y los 51 años. Las fracturas se encontraron con mayor frecuencia en la mandíbu- la (95,45%). La agresión interpersonal fue la principal causa (53,19%). El tratamiento realizado con mayor frecuencia fue el bloqueo intermaxilar en el 57,44% de los pacientes. Conclusión: Las fracturas de maxilar inferior fueron las que se registraron con mayor frecuencia. Si bien estas fracturas no ponen en riesgo la vida del paciente, la falla en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento apropiados puede derivar en la pérdida de fun- ciones del sistema estomatognático, y desarrollar deformidades secundarias que requieren de un tratamiento más complejo (AU)

Aim: To describe the incidence, etiology, pattern and treat- ment of maxillofacial fractures in a dental emergency department of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. Materials and methods: A study was conducted, re- cording sex, age, etiology, location and treatment of maxillofa- cial fractures in patients who visited the Emergency and Patient Orientation Service of the School of Dentistry of the University of Buenos Aires (SUyOP) from March 2018 to December 2019. Data were obtained from dental medical records. Results: During the evaluated period, a total 13,919 pa- tients visited the SUyOP for dental emergencies, of whom 47 (0.33%) presented with trauma in the oral-maxillofacial region, and 39 were male (83%). Age range was 30 to 51 years. Over- all, 66 fractures were diagnosed. Fractures were most frequent in the mandible (95.45%). Interpersonal aggression was the most prevalent cause (53.19%). The most frequent treatment was inter- maxillary fixation, which was performed in 57.44% of the cases. Conclusion: Fractures of the lower jaw were the most fre- quently reported. Although these fractures are not life-threaten- ing, failure to diagnose and treat them properly can lead to loss of function of the stomatognathic system and development of sec- ondary deformities requiring more complex treatment (AU)

Dental Emergency Admissions in Emergency Oral Health Care Centers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

This study aimed to describe patients' demographic characteristics and treatment delivered in private and public dental emergency clinics and to compare them with a pre-pandemic period. A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on patients attending the University Dental Hospital of the University of Buenos Aires and on one private dental clinic, situated in Buenos Aires, between March and June of 2019 and 2020. The sample considered all the patients' medical records of those requiring emergency dental treatment at these centers during that period. We systematize the treatments required and delivered by the emergency providers into categories. In 2019, 36,071 patients were treated at the university dental hospital and the private clinic. In 2020, 7485 patients received emergency treatment, showing a fivefold reduction. During a pre-pandemic period, in 2019, both oral care centers provided 44,894 treatments, around three times the treatments provided in 2020 during the same period. We have found significant differences in the age groups of people who required emergency treatment in the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period. During the pandemic period, the most represented types of treatment were radiographic exams (3061) and tooth extractions (2583). Conversely, during the pre-pandemic period, the most frequent treatments were radiographic examinations (16,649) and general consultations (10,591). The percentages of all types of treatments differ significantly between the two years except for pediatric consultations and prosthetics emergencies. As the pandemic is still an ongoing sanitary problem, urgent dental care patterns should be considered.

Necesidad y tipo de tratamiento en cirugía bucomaxilofacial durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en un servicio de urgencias odontológicas del AMBA / Need and type of treatment in maxillofacial surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in a dental emergency department in the AMBA

Objetivo: Analizar y describir los requerimientos de atención quirúrgica bucomaxilofacial de urgencia en el Servicio de Urgencias Odontológicas y Orientación de Pacientes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires durante el aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio por la pandemia de COVID-19. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de análisis retrospectivo durante el período de aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio inicial de 93 días, comprendido entre el 20 de marzo y el 20 de junio de 2020. Se evaluó la totalidad de historias clínicas de los pacientes que acudieron al Servicio de Urgencias Odontológicas y Orientación de Pacientes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires y se caracterizó a aquellos que requerían distintos tipos de tratamiento quirúrgico bucal y maxilofacial. Resultados: Durante el período estudiado, se atendieron 4564 pacientes, de los cuales 1337 (29,3%) requirieron tratamientos quirúrgicos como terapéutica para la resolución de la urgencia. De estos, el 93,2% fueron exodoncias de piezas erupcionadas o retenidas; el 1,7%, biopsias quirúrgicas; el 2,4%, tratamientos agudos de infecciones que involucran espacios anatómicos vecinos; el 0,8%, resolución de traumatismos en los maxilares, y el 1,9%, tratamientos de complicaciones posquirúrgicas. Conclusión: Los resultados ponen de relieve la necesidad de disponer de servicios de guardia odontológica en el ámbito del AMBA que cuenten con recursos humanos calificados y entrenados para resolver urgencias de tipo quirúrgico

Aim: The objective of this study was to analyze and describe the requirements for the emergency care of oral and maxillofacial surgical treatment in the emergency dental department of the School of Dentistry of the University of Buenos Aires during the Preventive and Mandatory Social Isolation. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a descriptive observational study during the initial period of 93 days of Preventive and Compulsory Social Isolation, from March 20, 2020 to June 20, 2020. All the medical records of the patients who attended the emergency dental department of the School of Dentistry of the University of Buenos Aires were evaluated and those who required different types of oral and maxillofacial surgical treatment were characterized. Results: A total of 4564 patients were attended during the period studied, of which 1337 (29.3%) required surgical treatment as a therapy for the resolution of their emergencies. Of these, 93.2% were exodontia of erupted or retained teeth, 1.7% surgical biopsies, 2.4% acute treatment of infections involving neighboring anatomical spaces, 0.8% resolution of maxillary alveolar trauma and 1.9% treatment of post-surgical complications. Conclusion: The results highlight the need to have dental emergency services in the AMBA area that have qualified and trained human resources to solve the surgical type emergencies that may arise (AU)

Necesidad y tratamiento en la población infantil y juvenil durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Needs and treatment in children and youths population during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivos: analizar y describir los requerimientos de atención quirúrgica y no quirúrgica de urgencia en la población infantil y juvenil en un servicio de urgencias de Argentina durante el aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO). Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional y descriptivo de análisis retrospectivo durante el período inicial de 93 días de ASPO, comprendido entre 20 de marzo de 2020 hasta el 20 de junio de 2020. Se registraron los pacientes menores de 17 años que acudieron al servicio de urgencias del Hospital Odontológico de la Universidad de Buenos Aires y se caracterizó aquellos que requerían distintos tipos de tratamientos. Resultados: se atendieron 4654 pacientes durante el periodo estudiado, de los cuales 116 eran menores de 17 años. Se realizaron 142 prestaciones. A 63 piezas dentarias se les realizó la exodoncia. A otras 63, algún tipo de tratamiento endodóntico. 11 piezas requirieron de restauraciones directas, y en 5 se realizaron otros tipos de tratamientos. Conclusión: fue importante la presencia de recurso humano calificado en el área de la cirugía bucal y pediátrica en los servicios de guardia, considerando el incremento sustancial de necesidad de tratamiento suscitado durante el ASPO (AU)

Objective: to analyse and describe the requirements for emergency surgical and non-surgical care in the paediatric population in an emergency department in Argentina during Preventive and Mandatory Social Isolation. Materials and Methods: an observational, descriptive, retrospective study was conducted during the initial period of 93 days of Preventive and Mandatory Social Isolation, from March 20, 2020 to June 20, 2020. Patients under 17 years of age who attended the emergency department of the Dental Hospital of the University of Buenos Aires were registered and those requiring different types of treatment were characterised. Results: 4654 patients were seen during the period studied, 116 of whom were under 17 years of age. A total of 142 services were performed. Sixty-three teeth were exodontically extracted. A further 63 underwent some form of endodontic treatment. 11 teeth required direct restorations and 5 required other types of treatment. Conclusion: the presence of qualified human resources in oral and paediatric surgery in the on-call services was important, considering the substantial increase in the need for treatment during the ASPO (AU)

Prevalencia y análisis descriptivo de los terceros molares en un servicio odontológico del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires / Prevalence and descriptive analysis of third molars in a dentistry service in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires

Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia y el patrón de reten- ción ósea de los terceros molares en pacientes que concurrie- ron a un servicio de urgencias y orientación de pacientes en el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio obser- vacional retrospectivo en el que se evaluaron radiografías pa- norámicas de pacientes mayores de 18 años que concurrieron a un servicio de urgencias en el Área Metropolitana de Bue- nos Aires. Resultados: Fueron evaluadas 949 radiografías pano- rámicas. En 347 casos, se presentó al menos un tercer molar retenido. Entre los 1878 terceros molares registrados, hubo 768 retenidos (41%). Según la clasificación de Gregory y Pell, la ubicación más frecuente de los terceros molares retenidos inferiores fue la IIA (28%), y de los superiores, la C (54%). La angulación más frecuente fue la vertical (62%). En el 9% de los casos estudiados, se encontró una radiolucidez asociada al tercer molar mayor a 3 mm. No se encontró diferencia signifi- cativa en la prevalencia de retención según el sexo. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de retención fue mayor en el maxilar inferior que en el superior. La posición más fre- cuente fue la vertical. No se encontraron diferencias significa- tivas en cuanto a la distribución según el sexo (AU)

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence and pattern of bone re- tention of third molars in patients attending a patient orienta- tion and urgency service in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires City. Materials and methods: This retrospective observa- tional study was conducted in a department of dental urgency in the city of Buenos Aires where we evaluate radiografic or- topantomograms. Results: 949 panoramic radiographs were evaluated. In 347 there was at least one third molar retained. Within the 1878 third molars registered, there were 768 retained (41%). In the lower retained third molars the most frequent location corresponded to the IIA location (28%) and in the upper ones it corresponded to the C location (54%) according to Gregory & Pell. The vertical position was the most frecquent (62%). A radiolucency associated with the third molar greater than 3 mm was found in 9% of the cases studied. No significant difference was found in the prevalence of retention according to sex. Conclusions: The prevalence of retention was higher in the lower than in the upper jaw, the vertical position being the most frequent. No significant difference was found in the distribution by sex (AU)

Self-medication in patients seeking care in a dental emergency service.

The aims of this work were: To determine what percentage of firsttime patients to the Dental Emergency Department at the School of Dentistry of Buenos Aires University had taken medications to relieve or treat their condition. To determine what percentage of these had used selfmedication, and which were the most frequently taken medicines. To determine whether there is an association between selfmedication and educational level, and between selfmedication and whether the patient has health coverage. This was an observational, crosssectional study which reviewed 567 clinical histories of patients who visited the Dental Emergency Department from March 2015 to September 2016. The following parameters were assessed: sex, age, reason for consultation, medication, dose, interval, duration and indication. Patients' educational level and whether they had health coverage were ascertained. Confidence intervals of 95% were calculated for percentages using the Wilson score method. Inferential analyses were performed using the Chisquare test (ᵪ2). Significance level was set at 5%. Eighty five percent (85%,.n=481) of the patients had taken at least one medication; 77% (n=372) had used selfmedication. The most frequently used medicines were nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs (61%), antibiotics (34%) and glucocorticoids (2%). No association was found between selfmedication and patients' having health coverage (ᵪ2=13; p=0.08). No significant association was found between educational level and selfmedication (ᵪ2=10; p=0.22). Nevertheless, the lowest percentages of selfmedication were found in subjects with complete university studies (77%; CI95: 60% to 89%), while the highest percentages were found in subjects with incomplete primary education (89%; CI95: 69% to 97%), complete primary education (92%; CI95: 82% to 96%) and incomplete secondary educations (90%; CI95: 84% to 94%).High levels of selfmedication were found in the study population. Although no association was found between educational level and selfmedication behavior, the percentage of selfmedication was higher among patients with lower educational levels. The high level of selfmedication highlights the importance of conducting campaigns to raise awareness about the adequate use of medicines.

Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron: Determinar qué porcentaje de pacientes que concurrió por primera vez al Servicio de Urgencias de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires consumió medicamentos para aliviar o tratar su dolencia. Determinar qué porcentaje de pacientes fueron automedicados, y cuáles fueron los medica mentos más utilizados. Determinar si existe relación entre la automedicación y el nivel de estudio y entre la automedicación y la presencia de cobertura médica. Se realizó un estudio observacional y transversal. Se relevaron 567 historias clínicas de pacientes que concurrieron entre marzo 2015 y septiembre 2016 y se valoraron los siguientes parámetros: sexo, edad, origen de la consulta, medicación, dosis, intervalo, duración, e indicación. Se indagó el nivel educacional alcanzado y la existencia de cobertura médica. Se calcularon intervalos de confianza al 95% para porcentajes mediante el método score de Wilson. Se realizaron análisis inferenciales mediante la prueba Chicuadrado (ᵪ2). Se fijó un nivel de significación del 5%. El 85% (n=481) de los pacientes había consumido al menos un medicamento. El 77% (n=372) de los pacientes estaba autome dicado. Los medicamentos más utilizados fueron antiinflamatorios no esteoroideos (61%), antibióticos (34%) y glucocorticoides (2%). No se encontró asociación entre la automedicación y la presencia de cobertura médica (ᵪ2=13; p=0,08). No se encontró asociación significativa entre el nivel de estudios y la automedicación (ᵪ2=10; p=0,22). Sin embargo, los sujetos con estudio universitario completo presentaron el menor porcentaje de automedicación (77%; IC95: 60% a 89%), mientras que los mayores porcentajes se encontraron en sujetos con primario incompleto (89%; IC95: 69% a 97%), primario completo (92%; IC95: 82% a 96%) y secundario incompleto (90%; IC95: 84% a 94%). Se encontraron niveles elevados de automedicación en la población estudiada. Si bien no se observó asociación entre nivel educativo y la conducta de automedicación, fue mayor el porcentaje de automedicación en pacientes con menor nivel educativo. La alta presencia de automedicación refuerza la importancia de realizar campañas de concientización sobre el consumo adecuado de medicamentos.

Environmental impact of the largest petroleum terminal in SE Brazil: A multiproxy analysis based on sediment geochemistry and living benthic foraminifera.

The Dutos e Terminais do Centro Sul (DTCS) is one of the largest petroleum terminals of the South America located in the São Sebastião Channel (SSC) on the southeastern Brazilian coast. The aims of this study were to compare the sediment quality near the DTCS with that of several sites in the SSC region including the Araçá (AR) domestic sewage outfall and to assess the efficiency of the DTCS wastewater treatment plant. To achieve these goals, textural, geochemical, and living benthic foraminifera results were analyzed for the DTCS, AR, and SSC regions. Sediments in the DTCS area were silty with high concentrations of total organic carbon (1.7-2.4%), total nitrogen (0.2-0.3%), total sulfur (0.4-0.6%), and total (0.12-0.18%) and inorganic phosphorous (0.07-0.11%). These values were higher than those in sediments collected in the SSC and Araçá regions. The sediments' concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the SSC and AR regions were lower than their corresponding probable effect levels (PELs). However, sediments near the DTCS were enriched with As, Cu, and Ni, whose concentrations exceeded their corresponding threshold effect levels (TELs). Around the DTCS outfall diffusers, living foraminiferal densities and diversities were lower than those for the other areas studied. In the DTCS area, it was necessary to search 50 to 190 cm3 of sediment to find 100 live specimens. In the SSC and Araçá areas, a maximum of 40 cm3 of sediment was enough to locate 100 live specimens. The lower density and diversity of living foraminifera around the DTCS than around the other areas illustrates the impact of the environmental stress caused by the presence of pollutants. These results indicate that the wastewater treatment plant efficiency is low and its discharge of pollutants from petrochemical waste liquids affects the benthic fauna around the DTCS in a potentially harmful manner.

Self-medication in patients seeking care in a dental emergency service

The aims of this work were: To determine what percentage of firsttime patients to the Dental Emergency Department at the School of Dentistry of Buenos Aires University had taken medications to relieve or treat their condition. To determine what percentage of these had used selfmedication, and which were the most frequently taken medicines. To determine whether there is an association between selfmedication and educational level, and between selfmedication and whether the patient has health coverage. This was an observational, crosssectional study which reviewed 567 clinical histories of patients who visited the Dental Emergency Department from March 2015 to September 2016. The following parameters were assessed: sex, age, reason for consultation, medication, dose, interval, duration and indication. Patients' educational level and whether they had health coverage were ascertained. Confidence intervals of 95% were calculated for percentages using the Wilson score method. Inferential analyses were performed using the Chisquare test (ᵪ2). Significance level was set at 5%. Eighty five percent (85%,.n=481) of the patients had taken at least one medication; 77% (n=372) had used selfmedication. The most frequently used medicines were nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs (61%), antibiotics (34%) and glucocorticoids (2%). No association was found between selfmedication and patients' having health coverage (ᵪ2=13; p=0.08). No significant association was found between educational level and selfmedication (ᵪ2=10; p=0.22). Nevertheless, the lowest percentages of selfmedication were found in subjects with complete university studies (77%; CI95: 60% to 89%), while the highest percentages were found in subjects with incomplete primary education (89%; CI95: 69% to 97%), complete primary education (92%; CI95: 82% to 96%) and incomplete secondary educations (90%; CI95: 84% to 94%).High levels of selfmedication were found in the study population. Although no association was found between educational level and selfmedication behavior, the percentage of selfmedication was higher among patients with lower educational levels. The high level of selfmedication highlights the importance of conducting campaigns to raise awareness about the adequate use of medicines (AU)

Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron: Determinar qué porcentaje de pacientes que concurrió por primera vez al Servicio de Urgencias de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires consumió medicamentos para aliviar o tratar su dolencia. Determinar qué porcentaje de pacientes fueron automedicados, y cuáles fueron los medica mentos más utilizados. Determinar si existe relación entre la automedicación y el nivel de estudio y entre la automedicación y la presencia de cobertura médica. Se realizó un estudio observacional y transversal. Se relevaron 567 historias clínicas de pacientes que concurrieron entre marzo 2015 y septiembre 2016 y se valoraron los siguientes parámetros: sexo, edad, origen de la consulta, medicación, dosis, intervalo, duración, e indicación. Se indagó el nivel educacional alcanzado y la existencia de cobertura médica. Se calcularon intervalos de confianza al 95% para porcentajes mediante el método score de Wilson. Se realizaron análisis inferenciales mediante la prueba Chicuadrado (ᵪ2). Se fijó un nivel de significación del 5%. El 85% (n=481) de los pacientes había consumido al menos un medicamento. El 77% (n=372) de los pacientes estaba autome dicado. Los medicamentos más utilizados fueron antiinflamatorios no esteoroideos (61%), antibióticos (34%) y glucocorticoides (2%). No se encontró asociación entre la automedicación y la presencia de cobertura médica (ᵪ2=13; p=0,08). No se encontró asociación significativa entre el nivel de estudios y la automedicación (ᵪ2=10; p=0,22). Sin embargo, los sujetos con estudio universitario completo presentaron el menor porcentaje de automedicación (77%; IC95: 60% a 89%), mientras que los mayores porcentajes se encontraron en sujetos con primario incompleto (89%; IC95: 69% a 97%), primario completo (92%; IC95: 82% a 96%) y secundario incompleto (90%; IC95: 84% a 94%). Se encontraron niveles elevados de automedicación en la población estudiada. Si bien no se observó asociación entre nivel educativo y la conducta de automedicación, fue mayor el porcentaje de automedicación en pacientes con menor nivel educativo. La alta presencia de automedicación refuerza la importancia de realizar campañas de concientización sobre el consumo adecuado de medicamentos (AU)