Magnesio e indicadores bioquímicos óseo-minerales según tasa de filtración glomerular en estudiantes sin enfermedad renal / Magnesium and osseous-mineral biochemical indicators according to glomerular filtration rate testing in students without kidney disease

Introducción: La variación del magnesio y de indicadores bioquímicos del metabolismo óseo-mineral según la tasa de filtración glomerular en jóvenes sin enfermedad renal es poco conocida por lo que es necesario considerarla para delimitar lo no atribuible a enfermedad renal crónica. El papel que desempeña el magnesio está en estudio. En la enfermedad renal crónica hay una alteración progresiva del metabolismo óseo-mineral que comienza tempranamente. Objetivos: Evaluar valores séricos de magnesio, calcio, fósforo, fosfatasa alcalina y parathormona, excreciones urinarias de 24 h y excreción fraccional de estos electrolitos según categoría G de tasa de filtración glomerular estimada por clearance de creatinina: G1 (normal a alta) y G2 (levemente disminuida) en estudiantes sin enfermedad renal crónica. Material y métodos: Estudio analítico y corte transversal con una muestra de 55 estudiantes voluntarios sin enfermedad renal en el periodo 2018 a 2019. Los analitos se determinaron en suero y algunos en orina de 24 h. Resultados: Solamente magnesio sérico y excreción fraccional de magnesio excreción fraccional de magnesio mostraron diferencias significativas según la categoría G (p < 0,05). Los valores de magnesio sérico magnesio sérico estuvieron dentro de los valores de referencia para el método. En G2, magnesio sérico, descendido respecto a G1 y excreción fraccional de magnesio aumentada, inversamente relacionados. El magnesio sérico disminuyó en promedio 0,26 mg/dL por unidad de aumento de excreción fraccional de magnesio (p = 0,0502). Conclusiones: Se observaron diferencias en magnesio sérico y excreción fraccional de magnesio al comparar los resultados en G1 y G2. Los demás indicadores bioquímicos estudiados no mostraron diferencias por categoría G. Diseños de corte longitudinal en muestras mayores pueden confirmar o no estos hallazgos. Tales estudios pueden aportar a la comprensión de cambios bioquímicos del metabolismo óseo-mineral en etapas iniciales de disminución de la tasa de filtración glomerular(AU)

Introduction: Not much is known about the variation in magnesium and biochemical indicators of the osseous-mineral metabolism according to glomerular filtration rate testing in young people without kidney disease. This variation should therefore be considered to delimit whatever is not attributable to chronic kidney disease. The role played by magnesium is currently under study. In chronic kidney disease a progressive alteration of the osseous-mineral metabolism starts early. Objectives: Evaluate serum values of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and parathormone, 24-hour urinary excretion and fractional excretion of these electrolytes according to category G of the glomerular filtration rate estimated by creatinine clearance: G1 (normal to high) and G2 (slightly reduced) in students without chronic kidney disease. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted of a sample of 55 student volunteers without kidney disease in the period 2018-2019. The analytes were determined in serum and some in 24-hour urine. Results: Only serum magnesium and magnesium fractional excretion displayed significant differences according to category G (p < 0.05). Serum magnesium values were within the reference values for the method. In G2, serum magnesium was lower than in G1, whereas magnesium fractional excretion was higher, i.e. an inverse relation is observed. Serum magnesium reduction averaged 0.26 mg/dl per unit of magnesium fractional excretion increase (p = 0.0502). Conclusions: Comparison of G1 and G2 results revealed differences in serum magnesium and magnesium fractional excretion. The remaining biochemical indicators studied did not show any differences in category G. Longitudinal studies with larger samples may or may not confirm these findings, thus contributing to a better understanding of the biochemical changes in osseous-mineral metabolism occurring in the initial stages of glomerular filtration rate reduction(AU)

Consequências do Mercúrio na Saúde Humana e no Meio Ambiente / Consequences of Mercury on Health Human and Environment

Uma das coisas mais bonitas em nossa cultura Munduruku e que nos foi passada por nossos ancestrais é de que nós fazemos parte do mundo e o mundo faz parte de cada um de nós. Tudo foi criado a partir da voz mágica de Karusakaibo usando os corpos dos nossos parentes-seres para fazer nascer todos os nossos alimentos, nossos remédios, nossas curas, nossas sabedorias. Em contrapartida, nós temos que nos esforçar para cuidar do mundo que ele nos deixou e no qual ele continua atuando. Enquanto continuarmos cuidando deste mundo, estaremos honrando a criação e o esforço de nossos avós que sempre lutaram com grande força para nos deixar este mundo bonito. O que se quer dizer com este livro é que nós fazemos parte da natureza e que é importante conhecer para entender quem somos e o que somos. A vida do planeta é a nossa própria vida. Devemos conhecer o mundo que a gente vive e cuidar dele, protegê-lo, pois é tão importante para nós a beleza de tudo que se encontra no ambiente e que está ao nosso redor. O valor da vida é primordial. Essa leitura é para nossas crianças, jovens e adultos para que apreciem e aprendam como se relacionar de forma saudável com a natureza, a fim de que se encantem com o passeio pelo mundo em que vivemos. Assim, imaginar como funciona o meio ambiente, a natureza, o seu ecossistema, assimilando o nosso modo de viver e como tudo está relacionado à nossa volta. Procuramos proporcionar uma leitura fácil, utilizando linguagem simples e acessível para que todos possamos entender o ciclo da vida e como nós nos encaixamos nele. Para compreender melhor, será preciso entrar e caminhar através da leitura. Vamos nos conscientizar, imaginar, olhar com uma visão mais humana, quão rico é ter respeito pelo que temos, que é a terra, uma herança de nosso criador Karusakaibo que entregou em nossas mãos um presente valiosíssimo, tão precioso para cuidarmos com muito carinho. Então, cabe a nós preservar o nosso território para que não seja destruído por nossas ações e pelas ações de pessoas que não conseguem entender nosso modo de vida. Somos responsáveis por cuidar, mas também ensinar aos outros que somos partes do mundo e não seus donos. Desejamos que esta leitura possa lhes ensinar a cuidar do mundo cuidando de si mesmos e das pessoas com quem convivem. Este material é a forma de dizermos NÃO à invasão de nossos territórios e NÃO ao uso de agrotóxicos e mercúrio em nosso alimento e em nossas águas. É nosso jeito de dizer SIM ao respeito ao espírito da natureza e ao bem-estar das futuras gerações. Desejamos a todos uma boa leitura e que ela seja capaz de lembrar a cada um de vocês que cada coisa que está na natureza também está dentro de nós; que a natureza é cíclica e que nós também somos; que alterar o ciclo da natureza afeta a nossa própria vida e empobrece nossa cultura porque mexe com nosso alimento, nossas crenças e nosso espírito.

Hypomagnesemia in beef cattle / Hipomagnesemia em bovinos de corte

Hypomagnesemia is a major cause of death in grazing beef cows in countries of the Southern Hemisphere such as Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Here we review the literature on hypomagnesemia in beef cattle and describe an outbreak in Uruguay. The disease occurred in late autumn, affecting 6 to 11-year-old Aberdeen Angus and Hereford x Aberdeen Angus lactating multiparous cows in good body condition, grazing on natural grasslands that had been improved by fertilization and sowing of seeds of ryegrass and oat. Approximately 40 out of 225 cows were affected and 24 (10.7%) died. A presumptive diagnosis of hypomagnesemia was established based on sudden death, acute neuromuscular clinical signs, epidemiological data, and the response to Mg administration. The diagnosis was confirmed by detecting low Mg concentrations in serum (0.47-0.57mmol/L), vitreous humor (0.47-0.80mmol/L), aqueous humor (0.66mmol/L) and cerebrospinal fluid (0.59mmol/L). The largest component of the diet corresponding to fast-growing and exuberant forages of ryegrass and oat had high concentrations of K (3.48%), N (4.38%) and P (0.94%), suggesting secondary hypomagnesemia. In addition, the K/(Ca+Mg) ratio was 2.38 in forages of ryegrass and oat (reference value: 2.2), and 0.15 in the soil (reference value: 0.09), which represent risk factors for hypomagnesemia. In conclusion, hypomagnesemia is an important cause of mortality in beef cattle grazing improved natural grasslands in Uruguay and it can be easily prevented by correct seasonal Mg supplementation.(AU)

A hipomagnesemia é uma das principais causas de morte em vacas de corte em pastagem em países do Hemisfério Sul, como Argentina, Austrália e Nova Zelândia. Aqui, revisamos a literatura sobre hipomagnesemia em bovinos de corte e descrevemos um surto no Uruguai. A doença ocorreu no final do outono, afetando vacas Aberdeen Angus e Aberdeen Angus x Hereford de 6-11 anos de idade em boas condições corporais, lactantes, multíparas e pastando em campos naturais que foram melhorados com fertilização e plantio de azevém e aveia. Aproximadamente 40 de 225 vacas foram afetadas e 24 (10,7%) morreram. O diagnóstico presuntivo de hipomagnesemia foi estabelecido com base na morte súbita, sinais clínicos neuromusculares agudos, dados epidemiológicos e a resposta à administração de Mg. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela detecção de baixos níveis de Mg no soro (0,47-0,57mmol/L), humor vítreo (0,47-0,80mmol/L), humor aquoso (0,66mmol/L) e líquido cefalorraquidiano (0,59mmol/L). O componente mais importante da dieta correspondia a pastagens de azevém e aveia de rápido crescimento, as quais apresentaram altas concentrações de K (3,48%), N (4,38%) e P (0,94%), que sugerem hipomagnesemia secundária. Além disso, a relação K/(Ca+Mg) foi de 2,38 em forragens de azevém e aveia (valor de referência: 2,2) e 0,15 no solo (valor de referência: 0,09), que representam fatores de risco para hipomagnesemia. Em conclusão, a hipomagnesemia é uma causa importante de mortalidade em gado de corte em pastagens naturais melhoradas no Uruguai e pode ser facilmente prevenida pela correta suplementação sazonal de Mg.(AU)

No inferioridad entre dos agentes de bajo volumen (picosulfato de sodio/citrato de magnesio frente al sulfato de sodio/potasio/magnesio) en la preparación del colon para procedimientos diagnósticos: estudio observacional / Non-inferiority between two low-volume agents (sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate vs. sodium sulfate/potassium/magnesium) to prepare the bowel for diagnostic procedures: an observational study

Resumen Introducción: el cáncer colorrectal es un problema de salud pública; sin embargo, la detección temprana reduce su morbimortalidad. La colonoscopia es el procedimiento de elección para detectar lesiones premalignas y el éxito depende de una limpieza adecuada. El objetivo es evaluar el desempeño de dos preparaciones de bajo volumen empleados en un hospital de alto nivel. Materiales y métodos: estudio prospectivo en adultos que asistieran a colonoscopia en la Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia. Las preparaciones se evaluaron con la escala de Boston, con puntaje ≥ 6 puntos para una limpieza adecuada. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística para establecer la efectividad de los medicamentos con un cálculo de no inferioridad del 3 %-5 %. Resultados: 598 pacientes fueron evaluados. El 49 % (293) fue expuesto al picosulfato de sodio/citrato de magnesio y el 51 % (305) fue expuesto al sulfato de sodio/potasio/magnesio. Con un promedio de Boston de 6,98 ± 1,86 (78 % con puntaje de Boston ≥ 6) y 7,39 ± 1,83 (83 %), respectivamente (p = 0,649). Según el análisis de la presencia y frecuencia de síntomas no deseados, el picosulfato fue mejor tolerado (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: los estudios de preparación intestinal en pacientes de un escenario real son muy escasos. Los medicamentos de bajo volumen obtuvieron una efectividad global y por segmento de colon similar, confirmando la no-inferioridad; el picosulfato de sodio/citrato de magnesio fue mejor tolerado. Un estudio de costo-efectividad podría definir esto según las necesidades de la población de estudio.

Abstract Introduction: Colorectal cancer is a public health problem; however, early detection reduces morbidity and mortality. Colonoscopy is the procedure of choice for detecting precancerous lesions, and success depends on proper bowel cleansing. Objective: To evaluate the performance of two low-volume agents used in a high-level hospital. Materials and methods: Prospective study in adults who underwent colonoscopy at the Fundación Santa Fe in Bogotá, Colombia. Preparations were evaluated using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. A score ≥6 points indicated adequate preparation. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to establish the effectiveness of the medicines with a non-inferiority ratio of 3-5%. Results: 598 patients were evaluated. 49% (293) received sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate and 51% (305) received sodium sulfate/potassium/magnesium, with an average Boston score of 6.98±1.86 (78% Boston ≥6) and 7.39±1.83 (83%), respectively (p=0.649). According to the analysis of the presence and frequency of unwanted symptoms, picosulfate was better tolerated (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Bowel preparation studies in patients from a real-life scenario are scarce. Low-volume agents had similar overall and segmental effectiveness in the colon, confirming non-inferiority; sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate was better tolerated. A cost-effectiveness study could establish the best option according to the needs of the study population.

Características clínicas de la hipomagnesemia en pacientes adultos / Clinical characteristics of hypomagnesemia in adult patients

Introducción: Las causas de hipomagnesemia son diversas: disminución de la ingesta, redistribución o translocación de Mg extracelular al intracelular, pérdida gastrointestinal y pérdida renal. El objetivo fue determinar las características clínicas de la hipomagnesemia en pacientes internados en el Departamento de Medicina Interna del Hospital Nacional (Itauguá, Paraguay) en el periodo 2018 - 2019. Materiales y métodos: Se aplicó un diseño observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos con Mg sérico ≤ 1,5 mg/dL. Se midieron variables demográficas, manifestaciones clínicas neuromusculares, metabólicas y electrocardiográficas. La investigación fue aprobada por el Comité de Ética de la Universidad Nacional de Itapúa (Paraguay). Resultados: Se detectó hipomagnesemia en 8,2% de los pacientes. La edad media de los mismos fue 55 años y 53% eran del sexo masculino. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron hipertensión arterial (63%), diabetes mellitus (30%) y enfermedad renal crónica (16%). La hipomagnesemia se presentó con vómitos (34%), diarreas (13%), uso de omeprazol (97%), furosemida (31%) y corticoides (24%). Los síntomas predominantes fueron ansiedad (9%) y espasmos musculares (8%). Las alteraciones electrocardiográficas comunes fueron fibrilación auricular (11%), trastornos de la repolarización (18%) y prolongación del complejo QRS (9%). Conclusión: La hipomagnesemia se detectó en 8,2% de los pacientes y se presentó con vómitos (34%), diarreas (13%), uso de omeprazol (97%), furosemida (31%) y corticoides (24%).

Introduction: The causes of hypomagnesemia are diverse: decreased intake, redistribution or translocation of extracellular to intracellular magnesium, gastrointestinal loss and kidney loss. The objective was to determine the clinical characteristics of hypomagnesemia in patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Department of the National Hospital (Itauguá, Paraguay) in the period 2018 - 2019. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, descriptive, retrospective design. We included adult patients with serum Mg ≤ 1.5 mg / dL. We measured demographic variables, neuromuscular, metabolic and electrocardiographic clinical manifestations. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the National University of Itapúa (Paraguay). Results: Hypomagnesemia was detected in 8.2% of the patients. Their mean age was 55 years and 53% were male. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (63%), diabetes mellitus (30%) and chronic kidney disease (16%). Hypomagnesemia was presented with vomiting (34%), diarrhea (13%), and use of omeprazole (97%), furosemide (31%) and corticosteroids (24%). The predominant symptoms were anxiety (9%) and muscle spasms (8%). Common electrocardiographic abnormalities were atrial fibrillation (11%), repolarization disorders (18%) and prolongation of the QRS complex (9%). Conclusion: We detected hypomagnesemia in 8.2% of patients and was presented with vomiting (34%), diarrhea (13%), use of omeprazole (97%), furosemide (31%) and corticosteroids (24%).

Magnesium versus poly-L-lactic acid bioresorbable scaffolds: in vivo optical coherence tomography comparison of mechanical performance / Andamiajes bioresorbibles de magnesio versus poliméricos: comparación in vivo de su comportamiento mecánico por OCT

Abstract Background: Different mechanical properties have been suggested for metallic bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) in comparison to polymeric BVS. We aim to evaluate the acute mechanical performance of Magmaris® scaffold in comparison to Absorb®. Materials and Methods: Two groups of 10 coronary lesions treated with Magmaris® and Absorb® 1.1 (20584 vs. 21016 struts) were compared. In all cases, optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images were acquired after scaffold deployment. Baseline clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics were compared, including OCT evaluations. Results: No baseline clinical or angiographic significant differences were found between groups. The most common indication for revascularization was effort angina (60% vs. 70% p = 0.45) with no ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) cases. Main target artery was left anterior descending, with a mean vessel diameter of 3.46 ± 0.23 in Absorb® and 3.52 ± 0.19mm in Magmaris® groups (p = 0.56). All cases underwent pre- and post-dilatation with a procedural success rate of 100%. OCT analyses showed larger scaffold and vessel diameters in Magmaris® group: 3.11 ± 0.38 mm versus 3.07 ± 0.36 mm, p = 0.03 and 4.12 ± 0.51 mm versus 4.04 ± 0.46 mm, p = 0.04. Despite the application of slightly higher postdilatation pressures to Magmaris® devices (18.01 ± 2.15 vs. 17.20 ± 3.80 atm, p = 0.05), significantly lower percentages of disrupted and malapposed struts were identified within Magmaris® scaffolds (0.15% vs. 0.27%, p = 0.03 and 1.06% vs. 1.46% p = 0.01). No cardiac death, target vessel-related MI, or clinically driven target lesion revascularization was reported in a 30-day follow-up. Conclusion: Mechanical properties of Magmaris® scaffold allow achieving larger vessel and scaffold diameters in a safe manner, with lower rates of malapposition and scaffold disruption.

Resumen Introducción: Se ha sugerido la presencia de un distinto comportamiento mecánico entre los dos grupos principales de dispositivos bioresorbibles: metálicos y poliméricos. En este estudio evaluamos el comportamiento mecánico agudo del andamiaje bioresorbible metálico Magmaris® frente al del polimérico Absorb®. Métodos: Se compararon dos grupos de 10 lesiones coronarias tratadas con Magmaris® y Absorb® 1.1 (20584 vs. 21016 struts). En todos los casos se realizó estudio postimplante del dispositivo mediante tomografia de coherencia óptica (OCT). Se compararon las características basales clínicas y angiográficas, así como aspectos del procedimiento (incluídos los estudios de OCT) entre ambos grupos. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias clínicas o angiográficas estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos. La indicación más frecuente de revascularización coronaria fué la presencia de angina de esfuerzo (60% vs. 70% p = 0.45), sin incluirse casos de IAMCEST. La arteria descendente anterior fué el principal vaso diana, con un diámetro medio de 3.46 ± 0.23 mm en el grupo de Absorb® y de 3.52 ± 0.19mm en el grupo de Magmaris® (p = 0.56). En todos los casos se realizó pre y postdilatación, con una tasa de éxito del procedimiento del 100%. Los estudios mediante OCT demostraron un mayor diámetro de stent y del vaso en el grupo de Magmaris®: 3.11 ± 0.38mm versus 3.07 ± 0.36 mm, p = 0.03 y 4.12 ± 0.51mm versus 4.04 ± 0.46mm, p = 0.04. A pesar de someter a los dispositivos Magmaris® a presiones de postdilatación ligeramente superiores (18.01 ± 2.15 vs. 17.20 ± 3.80 atm, p = 0.05), se identificó un menor porcentaje estadísticamente significativo de struts rotos o malapuestos en dicho grupo (0.15% vs. 0.27 %, p = 0.03 y 1.06 % vs. 1.46% p = 0.01). En un seguimiento a 30 días no se registraron eventos mayores: muerte cardíaca, IM relacionado con vaso diana o TLR. Conclusión: Las propiedades mecánicas del scaffold metálico bioresorbible Magmaris® permiten alcanzar mayores diámetros de stent y vaso de forma segura tras su implante, con una baja tasa de malaposición y disrupción.

Mg status in inflammation, insulin resistance, and associated conditions

Magnesium (Mg), an essential ion for the human body, is involved in various enzymatic reactions, particularly those related to energy transfer, storage, and transport. Longitudinal studies show that hypomagnesaemia (Mg serum concentration <0.75 mmol/L) and Mg dietary inadequacy (daily intake < EAR (Estimated Average Requirement) for age/gender) are conditions related to metabolic disorders of the immune and cardiovascular system and often occur in obese and diabetic individuals. Poor eating habits, reduced Mg content in food and water are the main causes of the decrease in Mg intake by the general population. In clinical practice, the serum concentration of this mineral is the most widely used marker for diagnosing deficiency. However, the serum concentration does not reflect the nutritional Mg status since it can be maintained by mobilization of body storage, mainly the bone. Thus, the use of serum concentration as the only routine biomarker of Mg status may hinder the diagnosis of Mg deficiency. In clinical and experimental research, different methods for Mg status assessment are proposed (plasma, erythrocyte, urine), but they are seldom used in clinical routine. In some countries (such as USA and Brazil) the average daily Mg dietary ingestion of more than 60% of the adult population is lower than the Estimated Average Requirement for age and gender, and these data are not too different for individuals with chronic non-communicable diseases. It is unclear whether it is an actual reduction of Mg consumption or if the recommendations are overestimated. If we assume that the recommendations are correct, the question is if this condition constitutes a risk factor for chronic diseases or the hypomagnesemia described in some diseases is a consequence of physiopathological changes. This review has the latest information of human and animal studies about Mg status evaluated from plasma, erythrocyte and urine, dietary inadequacy, and its relation to inflammation and to components of metabolic syndrome.

Are patients with lichen planus really prone to urolithiasis? Lichen planus and urolithiasis

ABSTRACT Purpose to investigate whether patients with lichen planus (LP) are really prone to urolithiasis or not. Patients and Methods We performed a prospective analysis of 40 patients diagnosed with lichen planus (LP) (group I), and 40 volunteers did not have LP before (group II). Participants were all checked for urolithiasis by radiological investigations. Blood samples were analyzed for biochemistry parameters including calcium and uric acid. 24-h urine samples were analyzed to investigate oxalate, citrate calcium, uric acid, magnesium, sodium and creatinine. Results Men/women ratio and mean age were similar between group I and II (p>0.05). A presence or history of urolithiasis was detected in 8 (20%) and 2 (%5) patients in group I and II, respectively (p<0.05). Hypocitraturia was the most common anomaly with 35% (n:14) in group I. The rate of hypocitraturia in group II was 12.5% (n:5) and the difference was statistically significantly different (p=0.036). In group I, hyperuricosuria and hyperoxaluria followed with rates of 27.5% (n:11) and 25% (n:10), respectively. The rate of hyperuricosuria and hyperoxaluria were both 5% (n:2) in group II and the differences were significant (p<0.05). Hyperuricemia was another important finding in the patients with LP. It was detected in 13 (32.5%) patients in group I and in 1 (2.5%) participant in group II (p=0.001). Conclusion According to our results, metabolic disorders of urolithiasis were highly detected in the patients with LP. However, similar to the etiology of LP, the exact reasons for these metabolic abnormalities in LP remain a mystery.

Use of the probability of stone formation (PSF) score to assess stone forming risk and treatment response in a cohort of Brazilian stone formers

Introduction The aim was to confirm that PSF (probability of stone formation) changed appropriately following medical therapy on recurrent stone formers. Materials and Methods Data were collected on 26 Brazilian stone-formers. A baseline 24-hour urine collection was performed prior to treatment. Details of the medical treatment initiated for stone-disease were recorded. A PSF calculation was performed on the 24 hour urine sample using the 7 urinary parameters required: voided volume, oxalate, calcium, urate, pH, citrate and magnesium. A repeat 24-hour urine sample was performed for PSF calculation after treatment. Comparison was made between the PSF scores before and during treatment. Results At baseline, 20 of the 26 patients (77%) had a high PSF score (> 0.5). Of the 26 patients, 17 (65%) showed an overall reduction in their PSF profiles with a medical treatment regimen. Eleven patients (42%) changed from a high risk (PSF > 0.5) to a low risk (PSF < 0.5) and 6 patients reduced their risk score but did not change risk category. Six (23%) patients remained in a high risk category (> 0.5) during both assessments. Conclusions The PSF score reduced following medical treatment in the majority of patients in this cohort. .

The effect of acute magnesium loading on the maximal exercise performance of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

OBJECTIVE: The potential influence of magnesium on exercise performance is a subject of increasing interest. Magnesium has been shown to have bronchodilatatory properties in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute magnesium IV loading on the aerobic exercise performance of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. METHODS: Twenty male chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (66.2 + 8.3 years old, FEV1: 49.3+19.8%) received an IV infusion of 2 g of either magnesium sulfate or saline on two randomly assigned occasions approximately two days apart. Spirometry was performed both before and 45 minutes after the infusions. A symptom-limited incremental maximal cardiopulmonary test was performed on a cycle ergometer at approximately 100 minutes after the end of the infusion. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00500864 RESULTS: Magnesium infusion was associated with significant reductions in the functional residual capacity (-0.41 l) and residual volume (-0.47 l), the mean arterial blood pressure (-5.6 mmHg) and the cardiac double product (734.8 mmHg.bpm) at rest. Magnesium treatment led to significant increases in the maximal load reached (+8 w) and the respiratory exchange ratio (0.06) at peak exercise. The subgroup of patients who showed increases in the work load equal to or greater than 5 w also exhibited significantly greater improvements in inspiratory capacity (0.29 l). CONCLUSIONS: The acute IV loading of magnesium promotes a reduction in static lung hyperinflation and improves the exercise performance in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Improvements in respiratory mechanics appear to be responsible for the latter finding.

Freqüência relativa de hipomagnesemia em pacientes com limitação crônica do fluxo aéreo atendidos em ambulatório de referência do norte do Paraná / The relative frequency of hypomagnesemia in outpatients with chronic airflow limitation treated at a referral center in the north of the state of Paraná, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência relativa de hipomagnesemia em pacientes com limitação crônica do fluxo aéreo atendidos num ambulatório de referência do norte do Paraná, nos anos de 2000 a 2001, e verificar se há relação entre esse distúrbio e hipoxemia, outros distúrbios eletrolíticos e com a gravidade da doença. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo sobre a freqüência relativa de hipomagnesemia em 72 pacientes com limitação crônica do fluxo aéreo. Os pacientes realizaram dosagens séricas de magnésio e outros eletrólitos, além de realizarem o estadiamento de sua doença de base. RESULTADOS: A prevalência encontrada de hipomagnesemia foi de 27,8 por cento. A idade média foi de 65 ± 9,9 anos, com predominância de homens. O volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo médio foi de 1,13 ± 0,52 L. A maioria dos pacientes encontrava-se em estádios avançados da doença (68,1 por cento). Não houve associação do magnésio sérico baixo com outros distúrbios eletrolíticos, hipoxemia ou estádios de gravidade. CONCLUSÃO: A alta freqüência de pacientes em estádios avançados deve-se, provavelmente, ao fato de o ambulatório ser um centro de referência da região. Novos estudos devem ser realizados para determinar prováveis causas dessa alta prevalência de hipomagnesemia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative frequency of hypomagnesemia among patients with chronic airflow limitation treated as outpatients at a referral center in the northern part of the state of Paraná between 2000 and 2001, as well as to determine whether hypomagnesemia correlates with hypoxia, with other electrolyte disturbances and with the severity of airflow limitation. METHODS: This was a descriptive study of the relative frequency of hypomagnesemia in 72 patients with chronic airflow limitation. All of the patients were submitted to blood tests to determine serum levels of magnesium and other electrolytes, as well as to staging of the underlying disease. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypomagnesemia was 27.8 percent. The mean age was 65 ± 9.9 years, and there was a predominance of males. The mean forced expiratory volume in one second was 1.31 ± 0.52 L. Most of the patients (68.1 percent) were found to be in the advanced stages of the disease. Hypomagnesemia was not found to correlate with other electrolyte disturbances, hypoxemia or disease stage. CONCLUSION: The high frequency of patients in the advanced stages is likely attributable to the fact that the outpatient facility is a referral center for the region. Further studies should be conducted in order to determine the probable causes of this high prevalence of hypomagnesemia.

Parathyroid hormone secretion in chronic human endogenous hypercortisolism

Osteoporosis is a common manifestation of Cushing's syndrome, but the mechanisms responsible for this abnormality have not been defined. With the objective of analyzing parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion in chronic hypercortisolism (CH), we evaluated 11 healthy subjects and 8 patients with CH, 6 with Cushing's disease and 2 with adrenal adenoma. These volunteers were submitted to tests of PTH stimulation through hypocalcemia (EDTA), PTH suppression through hypercalcemia (iv and oral calcium), and evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD) by DEXA. During the test of PTH stimulation, the calcium and magnesium concentrations of the normal and CH groups were similar. Patients with CH showed an increased PTH response to the hypocalcemic stimulus compared to controls. PTH values were significantly higher in the CH group at 70 (17.5 ± 3.5 vs 10.2 ± 1.3 pmol/l, P = 0.04), and 120 min (26.1 ± 5.9 vs 11.3 ± 1.9 pmol/l, P = 0.008) of EDTA infusion. The area under the curve for PTH during EDTA infusion was also significantly higher in patients with CH than in normal subjects (1867 ± 453 and 805 ± 148 pmol l-1 2 h-1, P = 0.02). During the test of PTH suppression, calcium, magnesium and PTH levels of the patients with hypercortisolism and controls were similar. BMD was decreased in patients with hypercortisolism in the spine (0.977 ± 0.052 vs 1.205 ± 0.038 g/cm² in controls, P<0.01). In conclusion, our results show that subjects with CH present decreased bone mass mainly in trabecular bone. The use of dynamic tests permitted the detection of increased PTH secretion in response to a hypocalcemic stimulus in CH patients that may probably be involved in the occurrence of osteoporosis in this state

Concentraciones séricas de calcio y magnesio en alcohólicos durante el tratamiento de desintoxicación / Serum concentrations of calcium and magnesium in alcoholics in the course of detoxification treatment

Se examinaron los cambios de las concentraciones de calcio y magnesio séricos en 24 individuos alcohólicos durante el tratamiento de desintoxicación. El grupo control estuvo compuesto por individuos supuestamente sanos. Las concentraciones de calcio y magnesio séricos en el grupo de alcohólicos al inicio del tratamiento fueron significativamente más bajas que las del grupo control y por debajo del intervalo de valores normales. Después del tratamiento de desintoxicación, se observaron valores similares a los del grupo control pero aún por debajo del intervalo de valores normales para estos minerales. Los resultados indican que los alcohólicos incluidos en este trabajo se enfrentaron a un riesgo nutricional y fisiológico superior al esperado por concepto de la ingestión continuada de alcohol

Magnesio, el ion olvidado: prevalencia de hipomagnesemia en la UCI / Magnesium, the forgotten ion: prevalence of hypomagnesemia in the ICU

Objetivo. Con la finalidad de conocer la deficiencia de magnesio (Mg) en el paciente crítico a su ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos y su relación con la mortalidad, revisamos 90 enfermos mediante un estudio descriptivo transversal y prospectivo. Material y métodos. La concentración de magnesio sérico y otros estudios de laboratorio se analizaron haciendo uso de la escala APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health), para determinar la gravedad del padecimiento. Los pacientes se dividieron de acuerdo con la concentración de magnesio sérico; se comparó la mortalidad entre grupos. Para la validación estadística se usaron t de Student, chi cuadrada, sensibilidad y especificidad. Resultados. Treinta y nueve pacientes (43 por ciento) fueron normomagnesémicos; 41 (46 por ciento) hipomagnesémicos y 10 (10 por ciento) hipermagnesémicos. No hubo significancia estadística (p<0.5) entre las concentraciones de magnesio y pH, sodio y creatinina; la escala APACHE II fue similar en ambos grupos; la sensibilidad (45 por ciento) y especificidad (49 por ciento) mostraron al magnesio como un pobre predictor de mortalidad. Conclusión. La hipomagnesemia es frecuente en el paciente crítico; su hallazgo debe alertar al médico para iniciar tratamiento correctivo

Concentraciones séricas de calcio y magnesio en alcohólicos durante el tratamiento de desintoxicación / Serum concentration of calcium and magnesium in alcoholics during the detoxification treatment

Se examinaron los cambios de las concentraciones de calcio y magnesio séricos en 24 individuos alcohólicos durante el tratamiento de desintoxicación. El grupo control estuvo compuesto por individuos abstemios supuestamente sanos. Las concentraciones de calcio y magnesio séricos en el grupo de alcohólicos al inicio del tratamiento fueron significativamente más bajas que las del grupo control y por debajo del intervalo de valores normales. Después del tratamiento de desintoxicación se observaron valores similares a los del grupo control pero aún por debajo del intervalo de valores normales para estos minerales. Los resultados indican que los alcohólicos estudiados en este trabajo se enfrentaron a un riesgo nutricional y fisiológico superior al esperado por concepto de la ingestión continuada de alcohol

Características químicas de las aguas destinadas a la hemodiálisis en Hospitales de Cuba / Chemical characteristics of water used for hemodialysis in Cuban hospitals

Se evaluó la calidad química de las aguas empleadas en la hemodiálisis en 9 hospitales del país que brindan este servicio a pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica terminal. En estos hospitales están representados los tipos de agua y sistemas de tratamiento de éstas más frecuentemente utilizados en el país. Los contaminantes químicos analizados en el agua fueron: aluminio, cloro, cobre, nitratos, zinc, cadmio, plomo, calcio, magnesio, sodio y potasio. Se desarrolló un método para la determinación del aluminio en el agua por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica con atomización electrotérmica. Los resultados se evaluaron tomando como referencia las normas de la Asociación para el Progreso de los Instrumentos Médicos de los Estados Unidos de América (AAMI). De forma general, las aguas de peor calidad empleadas en la hemodiálisis correspondieron a las efluentes de ablandadores

Determinations of serum and muscle magnesium in Cebus monkeys infected with different T. Cruzi strains

Se midió magnesio (Mg++) sérico y musuclar en monos Cebus apella infectados con diferentes cepas de T. cruzi (CA1, Colombiana y Tulahuén). Los animales se dividieron en cuatro grupos: 1) control (n = 6); 2) CAI (n = 7); 3) Colombiana (n = 2), y 4) Tulahuén (n = 3), según el diseño experimental que se observa en la Tabla 1. En todos los grupos se realizó una biopsia del tensor faciae latae para determinar el Mg++ muscular mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y simultáneamente se tomaron muestras de sangre de la vena femoral para medir magnesemia por complejación, durante la etapa crónica d ela enfermedad. No se observaron diferencias estadísticas, por análisis de varianza, entre los diferentes grupos (Tabla 2). Por lo tanto, podemos inferir que la enfermedad de Chagas no modifica per se los valores de Mg++ sérico y muscular