Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

The perinatal period is characterized by a special susceptibility to mood disorders, for which a series of causal hypotheses have been postulated. Among these is the psychotropic function of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), together with the inflammatory hypothesis of depression for which the effect of fatty acids would help exert an anti-inflammatory effect. The following review is developed to elucidate the relationship that exists between polyunsaturated fatty acids on the development of postpartum depression. The research was conducted using six empirical studies, three of which were experimental in rodents that provided data at the molecular level on the effect of PUFA consumption on different functional aspects of the frontal cortex, the hippocampus and the striatum. Two cohort studies were also used, within which a relationship between the consumption of fish in the diet and the presence of affective symptoms was observed. Finally, a double-blind, randomized trial was included in a cohort study that used PUFA supplementation through capsules, but it was the only study that found a very poor relationship between these and depression, while provided a data that could be of interest for future research, since it found greater decrease in symptoms by fatty acids only in patients with previous depressive episodes. In conclusion, there is a relationship between PUFA and the pathophysiology of postpartum depression, but it is necessary to deepen to point out the parts of the pathophysiological process that are directly affected by the PUFA.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are originated from mature lymphocytes B, T and natural killers (NK). There is a rare, less frequent subtype that develops from NK cells and T cytotoxic cells denominated “Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type”. This subtype usually affects men, in Latin America and Southeast of Asia. Mean age of presentation is 40-50 years. It is characterized by a rapid progression and destruction of midline structures. B symptoms are rare(1-5). Diagnosis is made based on the pathological anatomy and immunohistochemistry positive for NK/T cells markers and the presence of Epstein Barr virus(7, 8). Treatment requires a multidisciplinary management between hematology and otorhinolaryngology. The prognosis depends on the tumor stage at the moment the diagnosis is make and the presence of risk factors(5).

Unintended pregnancy is a pending issue of women's sexual and reproductive health rights, emergency contraception is a second opportunity to avoid an unintended pregnancy. The copper intrauterine device is the most effective option for emergency contraception. However, it is the least used method, factors such as counseling and personal health training to place the device are some of those identified as responsible. It offers benefits such as the start of a safe planning method for up to 10 years. Adverse effects and complications are rare, including uterine perforation or pelvic inflammatory disease. Its use is contraindicated if the pregnancy is confirmed.

Liver transplantation (HT) is the treatment of choice for well-selected patients with terminal liver disease, some with acute liver failure (AHF) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other diseases that per se do not compromise the synthetic function of the liver. In general, HT offers a global survival of ≥90% at one year. The adequate selection of candidates for transplantation is of vital importance due to the shortage in organ donation, for this reason it is necessary to update the indications and contraindications; based on the results obtained and the new treatments available.  The high demand and shortage of organs have led to the development of new strategies to benefit more patients, such as the selection of living donors, donors with extended criteria or the domino transplant.  This review focuses on the most relevant data of the different indications and contraindications of HT.

Gastric Neuroendocrine tumors (TNEG), are malignant neoplasm of epithelial strain linked to the APUD system (Amine Precursor Uptake Descarboxilase) that originate from gastric enterocromaffin-like cells.  They represent 7 - 8% of the neuroendocrine neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract.  They have characteristics of the diffuse endocrine system and neural elements; hence the origin of his name.  Historically they have also been called carcinoid tumors, however this term is recognized as archaic and ambiguous, which is why it has fallen into disuse. There has been a notable increase in the diagnosis of TNEG in recent decades and the cause of this phenomenon is not clear yet.  In the United States, for example, in the last 35 years the incidence of TNEGs has increased 10 times.  Hence the importance of knowing about these tumors, because although they are not the most frequent gastric neoplasms, their diagnosis has increased considerably.

The Wolff Parkinson White (WPW) pattern is the most common form of ventricular preexcitation. It may present as an incidental finding on a routine electrocardiogram in completely asymptomatic patients, in which case it is called WPW pattern; or it may be accompanied by episodes of paroxysmal tachyarrhythmias, known as WPW syndrome. Because patients with this syndrome have a higher risk of sudden death than general population, it is important to know the electrocardiographic manifestations of this syndrome in order to make an accurate diagnosis. We present an electrocardiographic case of WPW in sinus rhythm, its physiological bases and most common findings will be discussed.

Gastric cancer has an important social impact because it is one of the leading causes of cancer death. Only 1-3 % of cases have a hereditary component(7), which suggests an environmental origin. Gastric cancer tends to emerge from gastritis or underlying chronic inflammation accompanied by hypochlorida, which is usually caused by Helicobacter pylori. When faced with a harmful stimulus, the normal epithelium of the stomach develops chronic atrophic gastritis that progresses to metaplasia and subsequently to dysplastic lesions(9). The symptomatology is usually very nonspecific and initially the physical examination is normal. The diagnosis is then delayed and is performed by means of endoscopy plus biopsy. Routine screening with gastroscopy is not recommended even if the epidemiological data of gastric cancer remains alarming

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a common cause of infection in cirrhotic patients. It is associated with high mortality and requires invasive procedures for diagnosis, given the vagueness of its clinic. It presents a wide differential diagnosis. Management is based in empirical antibiotic therapy of broad spectrum, which needs to be adjusted according to cultures. Knowledge of local epidemiology is an indispensable tool to guide antibiotic treatment and reduce adverse results.

According to the World Health Organization, child sexual abuse has a high prevalence, due to the fact that 150 million girls and 73 million boys have been victims of some form of abuse before reaching 18 years of age in 2002. This makes it essential to carry out a correct medical and physical examination of the possible victims, in order to collect adequate samples and obtain a truthful clinical history. The objective of this work is to compare the approach of the physical examination of childhood sexual abuse in Europe, Latin America and North America with emphasis on the techniques of exploration and medical management. One of the differences found in the countries evaluated is the order in which the physical examination of the extragenital areas is performed. At the same time, it is evident that the three geographical regions share close observation of the genital area with the use of instruments, dyes or photographs.

Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor derived from the neural crest, that is characteristic for producing catecholamines. Most of them present between the fourth and fifth decade, without preference for either gender. Around 20-40% of patients present with the classic triad, consisting of: intermittent headaches, tachycardia or palpitations, and diaphoresis. The diagnosis is mainly biochemical, through the quantification of metanephrines in blood and urine, which are consistently released therefore becoming a very sensitive marker, with low rate of false negatives. Pheochromocytoma has mainly a surgical management. Previous to the surgery, all patients despite having normal blood pressures, must be medicated with antihypertensives. Those tumors that are smaller than 15 cm should be resected through laparoscopic adrenalectomy. There are three major complications in the immediate postoperative of these tumors, which are: arterial hypertension, arterial hypotension and hypoglycemia. Its is a rare cause of hypertension in pregnant women, and around 10% of these tumors are present the pediatric popul