Copyright (c) 2025 Biociencias https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Plasma Cell Leukemia: An Infrequent Cause of Chest Pain: A Case Report
Plasma cell leukemia is one of the rarest hematological malignancies worldwide. We present the case of a 45-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with chest pain as a clinical manifestation of leukostasis. Peripheral blood flow cytometry showed 37.80% pathological plasma cells, and a bone marrow biopsy documented infiltration of 50.68% pathological plasma cells. Therefore, plasma cell leukemia was diagnosed and a high-intensity chemotherapy regimen with the DCEP protocol was prescribed. This case is described is not only a rare hemato-oncological malignancy but also an uncommon cause of chest pain in adults. This case highlights the need for a thorough review, including the complete blood count, during the diagnostic approach to all chest pain cases in the emergency department.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Asymptomatic Multiple Myeloma: An Atypical Clonal Origin? Reliving the Case
An 85-year-old female patient presented with constitutional syndrome associated with bicytopenia due to anemia and leukopenia. Bone marrow studies showed more than 20% of blasts of myeloid lineage and more than 10% of plasma cells of pathological immunophenotype, confirming double hematological neoplasia by pathological anatomy and immunohistochemistry. It had ECOG of 2 points and Charlos Score of 7 points for a 10-year survival of 0.01%, so palliative management was provided with azacitidine with good tolerance. The present case is described given the concomitant atypical presentation of both neoplasms and the complex choice of treatment with a favorable evolution.
Perception of the Be-BienEstar Knowledge Showcase: A Digital Prevention and Promotion Perspective
Introduction: The objective of this research work is to determine users perception of the Be-BienEstar knowledge showcase as a tool for the prevention and promotion of mental health. Materials and Methods: This is a quantitative study with an exploratory, descriptive approach, conducted in a higher education institution focused on health sciences. Convenience sampling was used, involving 44 students from surgical instrumentation, nursing, medicine, psychology, and health administration programs. All participants were of legal age and took part voluntarily. The following showcase variables were evaluated: age, sex, general characteristics, structure and design, introductory resources, life skills (LS), psychological well-being (PW), mindfulness program, and pedagogical kit. Data were collected through a semi-structured survey in Google Forms using a Likert scale questionnaire designed by the researchers. Results: The mean age of participants was 22 years (SD = 4.37). Women represented 81.09% of the sample. The overall perception of the showcase was positive, being highlighted as a relevant, accessible, and clear tool for promoting mental well-being among young people. Conclusions: The BE-BienEstar knowledge showcase is a useful and accessible tool for promoting mental health. Its design and content facilitate self-care among young populations. The need for regular updates and continuous dissemination is emphasized to maximize interaction, accessibility for diverse populations, and its recognition as a tool to foster mental health.
ARTICLE OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Effects of the Cuida tu Corazón Strategy on Diabetic Users of a Health Institution
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with high prevalence in Colombia, associated with severe complications and substantial healthcare costs. Health education has proven to be an effective tool for improving its management, especially in vulnerable community settings. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study with a control group was conducted. A total of 73 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) participated, divided into an experimental group (n=38) and a control group (n=35). The intervention consisted of 11 theoretical-practical sessions on nutrition, physical activity, and self-care, delivered over a three-month period. Validated questionnaires (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.935) were used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann-Whitney U test, and ANOVA. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements (p<0.001) in post-intervention KAP scores. The effect size was large (d=1.49). The most notable changes were observed among older female participants, with indirect benefits observed in their family environments. Conclusion: The “Cuida tu Corazón” educational strategy proved effective in improving the knowledge and self-management practices of diabetic patients, promoting healthy lifestyles. Its implementation is recommended in similar settings, along with longitudinal follow-up to assess sustainability.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of an Augmented Reality Educational Tool in Understanding of Anatomical Systems by School Students in 2023
Introduction: The incorporation of augmented reality as a tool in education is of great importance, as it simplifies and promotes students' understanding of complex topics. This innovative technology offers beneficial effects in educational settings, enriching the learning and teaching processes. Methods: A quasi-experimental, prospective study with a quantitative approach was conducted, including primary school students aged 9 to 13. Two interventions were implemented: an initial evaluation and the implementation of the interactive booklet. A post-intervention evaluation was also used to analyze the booklet's influence on students' knowledge. Additionally, the LORI-AD instrument was used to measure effectiveness. Results: A significant increase was observed in the knowledge of fourth-grade students at Institution 1, rising from 37% correct answers in the pretest to 66% correct answers in the posttest, representing an increase of 29%. This result suggests that the implementation of the interactive booklet with augmented reality had a positive and measurable effect on the understanding of said content. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.029), supporting the effectiveness of the educational tool in this specific dimension of learning. Conclusions: The booklet includes clear and precise information, motivates students thanks to its graphic, video, and general interactivity resources, and the information provided strengthens and resolves doubts about the topic covered, thus improving students' knowledge.
Characterization of the Mental Health of Surgical Technologists in Healthcare Institutions in Cartagena, Colombia
Introduction: Surgical Instrumentalists are at constant risk of suffering from anxiety, stress, insomnia and depression due to increased work and family load. Materials and methods: The study was descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective. The study population consisted of 180 surgical instrument technicians who met the inclusion criteria and who obtained informed consent. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed using the SSPS V25 statistical software. Results: In terms of depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia, it was found that there is a significantly higher percentage in women (86.7%), the age group in which these conditions occurred the most (23.7%) being between 31 and 35 years. In relation to the DASS scale, 47.8% of Surgical Instrumentalists did not show signs of depression or anxiety (44.4%), however, 55.0% showed stress and 40.8% insomnia, the latter being the least frequent. Conclusion: The mental health of healthcare professionals is a determining factor in their work and can even impact the success of surgical interventions and the humane care provided to patients.
Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on The Cancellation of Elective Surgeries in Barranquilla During 2021
Introduction: Based on worldwide statistics and casuistry of complications and morbidity and mortality due to cancellation of surgical procedures as a consequence of the pandemic generated by Sars Cov2. The cancellation of scheduled surgeries at a health institution in Barranquilla, Colombia, has been identified as a growing problem, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the underlying causes of these cancellations, focusing on factors related to patients, the institution, and medical staff. The aim was to determine the main causes to propose strategies that reduce their frequency. Methods: A retrospective and cross-sectional descriptive design was used to analyze 3,288 surgeries scheduled between June and December 2021, of which 63 were canceled but 55 were included. Secondary data were obtained from surgical records and institutional databases and analyzed using Office Excel. Results: Of the scheduled surgeries, 1.67% were canceled, with the majority (78.2%) due to causes attributable to patients, such as changes in health status, no-shows, and non-compliance with preoperative instructions. The highest proportion of cancellations was observed in October (23.6%). Conclusions: Cancellations were mainly related to patients, highlighting the importance of improving communication and preoperative preparation. It is crucial to educate patients about the importance of following preoperative instructions to minimize cancellations, improve service quality, and reduce costs. A detailed analysis of cancellations is recommended to implement specific and effective corrective measures.
Self-Care and Personal Hygiene in Fourth and Fifth-Grade Elementary School Children
Introduction: Citizen participation in social development, backed by the right to free development of personality, is fundamental. The implementation of comprehensive care policies is crucial to improving public health, with a focus on self-care. In addition, it is essential to provide active support to children in their growth and development process, guiding them to become professionals with human qualities who contribute to national well-being. The objective focused on promoting self-care and personal hygiene among 4th- and 5th-grade primary school children at an educational institution through primary health care interventions from the role of surgical instrumentation. Methods: A quantitative descriptive approach was used, with an educational intervention design, employing surveys, recreational workshops, and posters. The sample included 84 children from the morning session. Results: They revealed limited knowledge about self-care, attributable to a lack of information, but there was good receptivity after explaining the concept. The role of surgical instrumentation in implementing public health policies is highlighted. The need for future research to improve institutional health is suggested. Conclusion: An effective strategy was implemented to promote self-care, with good receptivity on the part of the students, highlighting the importance of improving pedagogy in this area and showing a positive change in the students.
Development of a Structured Objective Clinical Evaluation in the Training of Surgical Technologists
Introduction: clinical simulation allows the creation of scenarios like reality and its purpose is for students to articulate theoretical concepts with practical activities to consolidate their competence in doing. In this sense, according to the literature, the evaluative method that allows this is the Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE). Methodology: a qualitative phenomenological study conducted, through observation; Data collection conducted through field diaries that allowed the creation of categories and subcategories. Results: the subcategories were identified which were grouped into analysis categories according to their relationship. Finally, based on these categories, the OSCE designed to evaluate the skills of surgical instrumentation/surgical assistant students in clinical simulation. Discussion: The results obtained in this study contrasted with research from other health disciplines. And comparing the results obtained in the study, no studies found that incorporate the OSCE instrument to evaluate competencies in surgical instrumentation students/surgical assistants.
Biomarker of Immune Response in Bacterial Sepsis and Neurosepsis
Introduction: Bacterial sepsis is a condition in which affected patients may progress to severe forms, such as neurosepsis, with increased mortality, making it important to establish more timely and effective forms of diagnosis. To establish the association between serum levels of the soluble CD14 biomarker (sCD14) in sepsis with Gram-negative bacterial etiology with and without progression to neurosepsis. Methodology: An analytical study was carried out, in which a cohort of 125 patients diagnosed with sepsis, through the SOFA and qSOFA scale, with Gram-negative bacterial etiology, were used, in whom serum levels of the biomarker sCD14 were measured by Enzyme-linked Immunoassay (ELISA). Results: The serum concentrations of sCD14 in patients with neuro sepsis (n = 14) were, mean ± SD: 48.73 ± 8.06 ng/mL; while for the septic patients without progression to neuro sepsis (n = 111), the results were 17.33 ± 9.75 ng/mL; p < 0.0001 was obtained. Conclusions: the serum concentration of the biomarker sCD14 is associated with bacterial sepsis with Gram-negative etiology and this biomarker may be useful in the early characterization of the progression to neurosepsis.
Editorial: A systemic model for scientific discussion in the health sciences
Discussion in scientific articles is essential to contextualize findings and promote the advancement of knowledge, especially in the health sciences. Despite its importance, the discussion often lacks a comprehensive approach that links the results with the existing body of knowledge and considers their impact on the latter and on society. Therefore, this editorial proposes the need to adopt a systemic model for scientific discussion and argues the relevance of structuring this section under such an approach to improve its quality and relevance. This model is based on principles such as interdisciplinary integration, coherence with existing scientific knowledge and consideration of the impact of findings on society. In this way, it seeks to strengthen the discussion of an article, preparing it to make a more significant contribution to knowledge and its practical application.
Clinical Characteristics and Resistance/Sensitivity Profile in Bacteremia by Non-Fermenting Gram-Negative Bacilli in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics and the resistance/sensitivity profile in bacteremia due to non-fermenting Gram-negative Bacillus, in patients treated in the Doña Pilar Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital Napoleón Franco Pareja, in the city of Cartagena, during 2017 to 2021. Materials and methods: Retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study. Based on the blood culture report, retrospective follow-up was carried out on the cases to determine the resistance and sensitivity profile, as well as the clinical course, considering the hospital stay and clinical outcomes. Results: 55.5% belonged to the male sex and the average age was 3.1 ± 4.7 years (range 1 month – 17 years), Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated non-fermenting gram-negative germ with 31.2%, the highest sensitivity was for levofloxacin with 96.1%. Patient mortality was 45.1%, regardless of the isolated germ. Conclusions: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated non-fermenting gram-negative germ sensitive to levofloxacin. It is important to know the local antibiotic sensitivity and resistance in order to reduce prolonged hospital stays and possible mortality outcome.
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis with Unusual Presentation: Case Report
Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease, transmitted by vectors through the bite of female dipteran of the genus Phlebotomus, whose natural reservoirs are canines, rodents and humans. There are three forms of clinical presentation: cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral; The skin varies from painless papules and nodules to ulcers. It is a public health problem in America, Africa and Asia; It mainly affects young men, due to their activities in endemic rural areas. The diagnosis is based on the microscopic identification of amastigotes in the lesions. There are several treatment options. The case of a 72-year-old Venezuelan farmer is presented, who consulted for a periorbital ulcer that had been developing for several days; Due to origin and occupation, leishmaniasis was suspected, treatment with liposomal Amphotericin B was confirmed and ordered; The injury progressed until it was completely healed. Reporting this case is relevant due to the few existing descriptions of periorbital lesions caused by Leishmania.
Fetal Surgery in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancy. Clinical case
Introduction: Monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies (MCBA) represent around 15% of twin pregnancies, with feto-fetal transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) being some of the most serious gestational complications. Early detection of these complications requires strict echographical– ultraosound monitoring. This article reports on the case of a pregnancy at 21 weeks of gestation in which MCBA and FTTS were detected, whose treatment was successful. Case report: this is a pregnancy in a 29-year-old woman with a diagnosis of MCBA and STFF, which had IUGR grade IIA in one of the fetuses; Treatment was performed using laser photocoagulation to occlude the abnormal vascular anastomoses; The pregnancy continued until week 32, when a cesarean section was performed, with the delivery of two live neonates in good general condition, with no signs of fetal hypoxia. Conclusion: Based on evidence, strict ecological monitoring in patients with monochorionic twin pregnancies as an early detection tool that allows the timely identification of these pregnancies that present TTTS in early stages with association with selective IUGR and thus be able to make the right choice. of the treatment. fetal therapy vs. Expectation should always be individualized.
Influence of Music on Preoperative Anxiety and Vital Signs of Patients Scheduled for Surgery
Introduction: Surgical procedures generate anxiety and affect patients' vital signs. Music therapy has also been used since ancient times to reduce preoperative stress, citing historical examples such as those of Nightingale and Billroth. The proposed study seeks to evaluate the positive, negative, or null influence of music therapy on preoperative anxiety and patients' vital signs. Methods: The Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety Information Scale (APAIS) was administered, and information on the patient's vital signs was collected before music therapy was administered in a 20-minute session with traditional Chinese music at a moderate volume, using wireless headphones, while vital signs were monitored. Results: A decrease was demonstrated in all assessed parameters, highlighting an average reduction of 10.75 units in systolic blood pressure and 5.875 units in diastolic blood pressure. Oxygen saturation averaged 0.125 units and body temperature averaged 0.275 degrees. The heart rate showed the most notable changes, with an average decrease of 9.375 beats per minute. Conclusion: Music and its interventions are currently presented as a promising, non-pharmacological tool for mitigating preoperative anxiety, contributing to a positive and less stressful experience for individuals undergoing surgical procedures.
Environmental Risks Associated with the Generation of Biological Waste in the Healthcare Sector.
The generation of biological waste in the healthcare sector poses significant environmental risks, focusing on incorrect classification, improper handling, and poor management of these wastes. Studies indicate that the lack of training for personnel and the absence of adequate infrastructure for waste management exacerbate these risks. Furthermore, the importance of organizational policies that promote environmental responsibility and the rational use of supplies is highlighted. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the urgency of adopting more sustainable waste management practices, especially in the handling of personal protective equipment. To mitigate environmental impacts, an integrated approach combining education, effective policies, and environmental management strategies is required. Collaboration among healthcare sector stakeholders and the implementation of innovative solutions are key to efficient and sustainable management of biological waste.
Citations and References: Key Tools for Scientific Validation and Reproducibility
Copyright (c) 2024 Biociencias https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Role of the Social Network Instagram in the Development of Life Skills and Psychological Well-Being
Currently, society has recognized the importance of social networks as a digital communication strategy for the development of market strategies, education, and health promotion and prevention. A strategy was designed on the Instagram social network to develop life skills and promote psychological well-being and reduce risk behaviors. In the design, the choice of network, brand, and content was made and the community and metric management were taken into account. In the implementation of the network, the “Entrepanas” brand is established with a design and frequency of publications with interactions becoming a tool for personal development. It is concluded that creating a strategy on the social network Instagram allows the development of accessible content at all latitudes of time, contributing to the mental health of adolescents, young people and the population in general.
Uncovering Behçet's Syndrome. A Case Report of a Rare Disease in Colombia
Introduction: Behçet's syndrome is a multisystem disorder of unknown etiology classified as a variable-vessel vasculitis, it is characterized by oral and genital ulcers, skin lesions and ophthalmological, neurological or rheumatic manifestations, with oral and genital aphthae being the most frequent features; the presence of the HLA-B51 antigen is associated with up to 60% of cases. Clinical case: 35-year-old female patient, with history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis who presented with one month evolution clinical picture characterized by the appearance of painful ulcers in the oral cavity and genital associated with fever. Most likely infectious and inflammatory causes were ruled out and Behçet's syndrome diagnosis was considered by exclusion and application of international criteria; although the pathergy test was negative, the determination of the HLA-B51 allele was positive. The patient showed improvement after treatment with corticosteroids and colchicine. Discussion: Behçet's syndrome is a rare and underdiagnosed disorder in our environment with an approximate prevalence of 1.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. Diagnosis is often difficult and it must be made in an exclusion manner It is recommended to use the international criteria for Behçet's disease and, treatment is aimed at attenuating inflammatory exacerbations and preventing relapses to maintain a good quality of life. Conclusion: Behçet's syndrome is a multisystemic disorder that is probably underdiagnosed due to low prevalence, high diversity in clinical presentation and low diagnostic suspicion among healthcare professionals.
Nodular Melanoma of the Acral Region with Distal Metastasis
Skin cancer is an entity that has a progressive increase in its incidence worldwide; In the spectrum of this disease, malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive neoplasms; the literature describes 4 subtypes, among which we find superficial spreading melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma and nodular melanoma. The latter is still in its early stages and can generate distal metastatic involvement; its etiology is multifactorial and among the main risk factors is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The lesion initially presents as a nodule that grows progressively and its diagnosis is mainly through biopsy; timely treatment reduces the risk of aesthetic and systemic complications. We present a case of a 42-year-old male patient with clinical and histopathological symptoms corresponding to nodular melanoma in the acral region associated with lymph node and lung metastasis.
Euthanasia: Ethical-legal Implications of the Physicians Regarding Ministry of Health in Colombia. Resolution 971/202
Euthanasia is a topic that has been addressed since 1200 a. C. in Ancient Greece and Rome; Such has been its impact on society, that it has currently been debated in current legislation. In Colombia, Resolution 971 of 2021 was recently issued, which sets some parameters to carry out the procedure by doctors and the Medical Committee. In this sense and, under this context, assimilating that there is no law that properly regulates this matter in accordance with the ambiguities and some regulations, this article analyzes through documentary analysis, the ethical-legal implications of the doctor in the context of the issuance of resolution 971 of 2021 and suggests, among other things, the creation of an applicable legal framework (law), a structural change in the health system and as the doctor-patient relationship.
Polyconsumption of Psychoactive Substances in Young Health Sciences University Students in Bogotá. Ethnographic Study
Psychoactive substances (PAS) are compounds that produce alterations in the central nervous system and have effects and/or consequences at an economic, social, family and personal level. The purpose of the study was to identify the context of the patterns, factors and side effects of polydrug use of SPA in university students. Qualitative research was carried out with an ethnographic approach; The population was young people between 15 and 24 years old from a higher health education institution; The technique was participant observation, and the collection instrument was a field diary. From the findings, the categories emerge: university context, context of places of consumption, consumption patterns, motivational factors, side effects. The context in which SPA consumption develops is framed in the factors, patterns, language and places that are preferred according to youth culture, as well as the synergy between groups according to the academic program.
Fixed Prosthesis Reinforced with Fiberglass as a Restorative Option to Conventional Fixed Prosthetics
Introduction: For the replacement of missing teeth, conventional fixed dentures are a treatment option by restoring dental function and anatomy. However, the wear generated towards an abutment tooth to comply with the principles of preparation has led to the emergence of other alternatives to overcome this problem. Fiberglass-reinforced composites offer a new, minimally invasive treatment option capable of rehabilitating a tooth loss. The aim of this review is to describe the properties, advantages, disadvantages and limitations of glass fibre reinforced composites. Methods: A scientific literature search was conducted in 6 databases during December 2023, using the descriptors fiberglass reinforcing composite, fiber-reinforced composite, fixed dental prostheses, properties, combined with the Boolean operators AND and OR. Results: Fiberglass reinforced composites are offered as an alternative to rehabilitate missing teeth. These exhibit good flexible strength (297-426MPa), compressive strength (965MPa), tensile strength (18.9-43.4MPa), good elastic modulus (3-6GPa), viscoelastic performance and attractive aesthetics, through satisfactory biocompatibility. Conclusion: Interest in the use of fiberglass-reinforced composites in prosthodontics continues to increase. One of the perspectives of this work would be to carry out new research related to the failures presented by these compounds and their long-term performance.
Evaluation of Attitudes and Changes in Practice Among Non-specialized Mental Health Professionals
Introduction: the WHO launched its Health Gap Action Program in 2008, and the Intervention Guide in 2010, which provides evidence-based elements for the evaluation and management of priority mental health disorders in low- and middle-income countries. This review aims to describe the experience of the implementation of the Program in Colombia and highlight the approach of redistribution of tasks in primary care by professionals not specialized in mental health and the measurement of their knowledge and competencies and identify the applications of the mhGAP strategy in different geographic and social contexts. Methodology: review of the literature on mhGAP implementation experiences in the databases Pubmed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library and the virtual public health field of the Pan American Health Organization. Results: 36 studies were found, 3 of them developed in the Americas region. In Colombia, approximately 2,400 professionals not specialized in mental health have been trained, through agreements between PAHO, the Ministry of Health and universities. Conclusions: it has not been evaluated whether mhGAP training has improved clinical diagnostic skills, attitudes towards people with mental disorders and changes in the practice of non-specialist professionals and its impact on reducing the unmet need for treatment of people with mental disorders. mental disorders. It is important to conduct more research on mhGAP implementation in the social and cultural context.
Unilateral pectoralis agenesis is known as Poland's anomaly and is characterized by unilateral absence of the pectoralis minor muscle and partial absence of the pectoralis major muscle, and can be associated with nipple abnormalities, syndactyly, symbrachydactyly, amastia, subcutaneous cellular tissue hypoplasia, unilateral renal agenesis and dextrocardia. The accepted etiology is vascular alterations during subclavian differentiation. Our patient is a 16-year-old adolescent, who consulted for asymmetry of breast development, with no history of consanguinity and no exposure to teratogens. Physical examination showed normal facie, hypoplasia of the left hemithorax and breast, with nipple and areola displaced towards the axillary region (Tanner II) and brachydactyly of the left index finger; the right breast expressed Tanner V. Chest X-ray showed translucent left hemithorax, and the karyotype was reported as 46, XX. With the diagnosis of Poland syndrome, genetic and family psychological counseling was performed with referral for plastic surgery.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Infants Born to Substance-Dependent Mothers (Pereira, Colombia, 2019)
Introduction: Drug addiction is a global public health problem with widespread implications in society, significantly affecting lactating mothers with addictions and putting the health of newborns at risk. Objective: To determine the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome in children of mothers with substance dependence treated at a health institution in Pereira, Colombia in 2019. Methodology: Observational and descriptive study with a cross-sectional and prospective cohort design of 40 cases of babies born to drug-dependent mothers. The Finnegan scale was used to assess neonatal abstinence, applied every 4 hours during the first 12 to 24 hours after birth; a score greater than 8 indicated neonatal abstinence syndrome. Clinical data of the neonate, including the Apgar test, the method of delivery, and birth weight, among others, were recorded. Congenital anomalies, treatments, infections, complications, and the duration of hospital stay were also noted. Results: Among the neonates assessed with the Finnegan scale during the observation period, 70% of neonates who scored between 10 and 11 points were considered to have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. The most notable signs and symptoms in neonates who developed neonatal abstinence syndrome included unexplained continuous crying, mild tremors, myoclonus, sweating, fever, and diarrhea, specifically in 27 cases (67.5%). Conclusions: The incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome has experienced significant growth in recent years. Therefore, it is imperative to emphasize public health policies aimed at preventing drug use during pregnancy in order to reduce the rising incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Association of the Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine with the Heavy Metals Lead and Mercury in Patients with Suspected Hyperthyroidism
Introduction: Humans are exposed daily to various chemical elements through water, food and use of personal hygiene and cosmetic products that can cause alterations in the multiple systems of the human body, including the endocrine system. In this sense, the objective of the study was to associate the concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T3F) and free triiodothyronine (T4F) with the levels of lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in patients with suspected hyperthyroidism. Materials and Methods: The study group (SG) consisted of 20 patients regardless of sex and a control group (CG) of 20 individuals with no history of underlying pathologies. Method atomic absorption, coupled to a hydride generator, were used for Pb and Hg analysis, the biological sample being whole blood (Pb) and partial urine (Hg). Hormones were analyzed in serum by chemiluminescence. Results: the concentration of TSH, T3F and T4F in the SG were 0.46 ± 0.08 µUI/L, 8.34 ± 0.45 pg/mL and 1.25 ± 0.23 ng/mL. Statistical analysis yielded significant difference for TSH and T3F with respect to CG (p=0.046 and 0.021). Pb and mercury levels for the SG were 11.54 ± 0.75 µg/dL and 8.43 ± 0.11 µg/g of creatinine, values above the permissible limits for these two metals and statistically significant with respect to the SG. Conclusions: This study suggests a potential association between Pb and Hg with THS and T3F alteration, together with other toxicological aspects to which the patients may be associated.