Revista Medica De Chile 

About: Revista Medica De Chile is an academic journal published by Q16635223. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Population & Medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 0034-9887. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 7452 publications have been published receiving 48898 citations.

Síndrome de intestino irritable

Abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disease with highly variable symptoms and difficult to diagnose. The clinical picture is fundamental to reach a correct diagnosis and discard other gastrointestinal diseases. Its etiology is not well known; psychological problems and stress probably play an important role in the development of the disease. Irritable bowel syndrome impairs the quality of life of patients and is a frequent cause of consultation in primary care. Its therapy is basically symptomatic and requires psychological support. The physician must warn his/her patients that immediate results are rarely obtained and that a prolonged clinical follow up may be necessary. (Rev Med Chile 2001; 129: 576-80)

Análisis crítico de un artículo Las estatinas reducen la morbi-mortalidad en pacientes de alto riesgo cardiovascular: Heart Protection Study Collaborative Group. (HPS). Lancet 2002; 360: 7-22.

Abstract: Throughout the usual LDL cholesterol range in Westernpopulations, lower blood concentrations are associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk.In such populations, therefore, reducing LDL cholesterol may reduce the development of vascu-lar disease, largely irrespective of initial cholesterol concentrations.

Proposal of a new standard for the nutritional assessment of pregnant women

Abstract: Background There is evidence to suggest that the criteria for nutritional assessment of pregnant women, used by the Chilean Ministry of Health, overestimates nutritional disturbances. Aim To propose a new reference table to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women, based on body mass index. Material and methods The table was theoretically defined using criteria for normality proposed by FAO and the weight increase during pregnancy that is associated with a lower maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In 665 pregnant women, weight, height, mid arm circumference and skinfolds were measured using standard techniques. Body mass index, arm fat and muscle area and percentage of body fat were calculated. Body composition for each nutritional category, derived from the body mass index or "Rosso-Mardones classification", was analyzed. Results According to the new table, under weight women had lower percentage of body fat and mid arm circumference and overweight women had higher weight, skinfold thickness and percentage of body fat than the homologous groups defined according to Rosso-Mardones tables. Conclusions The proposed reference table may be useful to correct distortions generated by the current norms for nutritional assessment of pregnant women, proposed by the Chilean Ministry of Health. It has to be validated, analyzing its sensitivity, specificity and predictive value to predict fetal and maternal variables.

Fulminant hepatic failure

Abstract: Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is an acute and eventually fatal illness, caused by a severe hepatocyte damage with massive necrosis. Its hallmarks are hepatic encephalopathy and a prolonged prothrombin time (< 40%). FHF is currently defined as hyperacute (encephalopathy appearing within 7 days of the onset of jaundice), acute (encephalopathy appearing between 8 and 28 days) or subacute (encephalopathy appearing between 5 and 12 weeks). FHF can be caused by viruses, drugs, toxins, and miscellaneous conditions such as Wilson's disease, Budd-Chiari syndrome, ischemia and others. However, a single most common etiology is still not defined. Factors that are valuable in assessing the likelihood of spontaneous recovery are age, etiology, degree of encephalopathy, prothrombin time and serum bilirubin. The management is based in the early treatment of infections, hemodynamic abnormalities, cerebral edema, and other associated conditions. Liver transplant has emerged as the most important advance in the therapy of FHF, with a survival rate that ranges between 60 and 80%. The use of hepatic support systems, extracorporeal liver support and auxiliary liver transplantation are innovative therapies.