Impact of corticosteroid on intestinal injury in a gastroschisis rat model: morphometric analysis

Backgronnd/Purpose: The goal in the treatment of gastroschisis is to prevent intestinal injury. Corticosteroids are known by their effects at the inflammatory response and by the improvement on the intestinal maturity. The authors evaluated the effects of maternal corticosteroid administration on the intestines of rats that underwent fetal gastroschisis. Methods: A Correia-Pinto-modified gastroschisis rat model was used. Two groups were assessed: the control group (group 1) and the dexanlethasone group (group 2). Each group was composed of control and sham fetuses, and fetuses with gastroschisis. Fetal body weight, intestinal weight, intestinal length, and protein were assessed. Histologic analysis involved measures of intestinal loop diameter, total intestinal wall, mucosa and submucosa, both circular and longitudinal muscle layers, and serosal 9 thicknesses. Differences between groups and subgroups were tested by the analysis of variance method with a significant P value less than .05. Results: Dexamethasone decreased in all the morphometric data except in the intestinal length. Dexamethasone increased the intestinal protein content in fetuses with gastroschisis, and control and sham fetuses. In both groups, all histologic parameters were increased in fetuses with gastroschisis (P < .0001). Conclusions: Dexamethasone caused a substantial decrease in intestinal weight in GFs, increased the intestinal protein content, and it may be useful in decreasing the intestinal damage of gastroschisis. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.41354755

Arnold-Chiari in a fetal rat model of dysraphism

Dysraphism is a defect in neural tube development, leading to dysplastic growth of the spinal cord and meninges. Myelomeningocele (MM) is just one of its forms. Hydrocephalus is among the most important alterations in MM and occurs as a consequence of Arnold-Chiari malformation (AC). Experimental models have been developed in sheep, rabbits and rats to study MM physiopathology, allowing a more detailed evaluation of clinical parameters involved in this anomaly. Objective: Using the experimental model of dysraphism in fetal rats, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of AC malformations, clinical parameters and grade of histological lesions. Materials and Methods: Three groups with 16 fetuses in each were compared, MM, Control and Sham, after intrauterine surgical creation of MM on day 18.5 of gestation (term = 22 days). AC was evaluated by photographic comparison of sagittal cuts of fetal heads. Clinical and histological evaluations were also made. Results: 88% of AC (14/16) in MM fetuses were obtained, besides 100% of clinical alterations. Necrosis and erosion of the spinal cord exposed to amniotic fluid were verified in histology. Conclusion: The presence of AC in the dysraphism rat model was high. These results allowed the use of this model to study alterations and intrauterine evolution of MM in a fashion similar to those observed in humans. Copyright (c) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.20543744

Terapia comunitária integrativa: situações de sofrimento emocional e estratégias de enfrentamento apresentadas por usuários

A Terapia Comunitária Integrativa (TCI) surge como uma estratégia de apoio à saúde mental dos usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde. O estudo tem como objetivo identificar os principais problemas apresentados pelos usuários da terapia comunitária e identificar as estratégias que utilizam no enfrentamento das situações que provocam sofrimento emocional. Pesquisa do tipo documental realizada na Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, tendo como fontes de informações fichas de organização de dados da TCI. Os resultados demonstraram que o problema mais frequente é o estresse, que a estratégia de enfrentamento mais utilizada é a espiritualidade, e que através dos discursos dos participantes é possível perceber a opinião positiva que eles têm dos encontros. A TCI é um espaço onde as relações construídas transmitem apoio emocional, fortalecem vínculos e diminuem os casos de exclusão social