Objectives: To compare hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in drug-naïve first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and healthy controls and to investigate the correlations between HCC and psychopathology. Methods: Twenty-four drug-naïve FEP patients and 27 gender- and age-matched healthy control subjects were recruited. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-1) was used to confirm/rule out diagnoses, and the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) was used to assess symptom severity. Hair samples (2-3 cm long) obtained from the posterior vertex region of the scalp were processed in 1-cm segments considering a hair growth rate of 1 cm per month. The 1-cm segments were classified according to their proximity to the scalp: segment A was the closest to the scalp and referred to the month prior to inclusion in the study. Segments B and C referred to the 2nd and 3rd months prior to the time of evaluation respectively. Hair steroid extraction was performed using a known protocol. Results: Two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with gender and age as covariates revealed a group effect (F1.106 = 4.899, p = 0.029) on HCC. Between-segment differences correlated with total PANSS score and with PANSS General Psychopathology subscale and total score. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as assessed by long-term (3-month) cortisol concentration, is abnormal in the early stages of psychosis. The magnitude of changes in HCC over time prior to the FEP correlates to psychopathology. HPA axis abnormalities might begin prior to full-blown clinical presentation requiring hospital admission.

Objective: To characterize the early stages of bipolar disorder (BD), defined as the clinical prodrome/subsyndromal stage and first-episode phase, and strategies for their respective treatment. Methods: A selective literature search of the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and ISI databases from inception until March 2014 was performed. Included in this review were articles that a) characterized prodromal and first-episode stages of BD or b) detailed efficacy and safety/tolerability of interventions in patients considered prodromal for BD or those with only one episode of mania/hypomania. Results: As research has only recently focused on characterization of the early phase of BD, there is little evidence for the effectiveness of any treatment option in the early phase of BD. Case management; individual, group, and family therapy; supportive therapy; and group psychoeducation programs have been proposed. Most evidence-based treatment guidelines for BD do not address treatment specifically in the context of the early stages of illness. Evidence for pharmacotherapy is usually presented in relation to illness polarity (i.e., manic/mixed or depressed) or treatment phase. Conclusions: Although early recognition and treatment are critical to preventing unfavorable outcomes, there is currently little evidence for interventions in these stages of BD.

INTRODUÇÃO: O transtorno bipolar (TB) é um transtorno mental crônico e muitas vezes grave, associado a um significativo prejuízo psicossocial nos indivíduos afetados. A caracterização de um período pré-mórbido (prodrômico) e o possível desenvolvimento de intervenções preventivas são avanços recentes na área. Tentativas de caracterizar estágios de alto risco para o TB, através da identificação de sintomas antes do aparecimento de um primeiro episódio maníaco/hipomaníaco, têm sido limitadas pela falta de critérios padronizados e instrumentos de avaliação. A Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Scale-Retrospective (BPSS-R), desenvolvida por Correll e colaboradores, avalia retrospectivamente os sintomas que ocorrem antes de um episódio sindrômico de humor em indivíduos com TB. OBJETIVO: Descrever o processo de tradução e adaptação da BPSS-R para português brasileiro. MÉTODO: A tradução foi conduzida como segue: 1) tradução da escala de inglês para português brasileiro por autores que têm o português como língua materna; 2) junção das duas versões por um comitê de especialistas; 3) retrotradução para inglês por um tradutor que tem inglês como língua materna; 4) correção da nova versão em inglês pelo autor do instrumento original; 5) finalização da nova versão em português brasileiro. RESULTADOS: Todos os passos do processo de tradução foram completados com sucesso, resultando em uma versão final do instrumento. CONCLUSÕES: A versão da BPSS-R em português brasileiro é um instrumento potencialmente útil para investigar o período prodrômico do TB no Brasil.

BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and often severe mental disease, associated with a significant burden in affected individuals. The characterization of a premorbid (prodromal) period and possible development of preventive interventions are recent advances in this field. Attempts to characterize high-risk stages in BD, identifying symptoms prior to the emergence of a first manic/hypomanic episode, have been limited by a lack of standardized criteria and instruments for assessment. The Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Scale-Retrospective (BPSS-R), developed by Correll and collaborators, retrospectively evaluates symptoms that occur prior to a first full mood episode in individuals with BD. OBJECTIVE: To describe the translation and adaptation process of the BPSS-R to Brazilian Portuguese. METHOD: Translation was conducted as follows: 1) translation of the scale from English to Brazilian Portuguese by authors who have Portuguese as their first language; 2) merging of the two versions by a committee of specialists; 3) back-translation to English by a translator who is an English native speaker; 4) correction of the new version in English by the author of the original scale; 5) finalization of the new version in Brazilian Portuguese. RESULTS: All the steps of the translation process were successfully accomplished, resulting in a final version of the instrument. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the BPSS-R is a potentially useful instrument to investigate prodromal period of BD in Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Avanços no conhecimento da genética dos transtornos mentais (TM) contribuíram para um melhor entendimento de suas bases fisiopatológicas. No entanto, dúvidas e questões ainda persistem. Estudos recentes têm se concentrado nas influências do ambiente no desenvolvimento de TM, e o advento de metodologias neurocientíficas oferece novas perspectivas. Eventos precoces de vida, como estresse na infância, podem ser capazes de alterar o neurodesenvolvimento através de mecanismos como interação gene-ambiente e regulação epigenética, resultando em patologias na idade adulta. O objetivo deste artigo é revisar as evidências referentes ao papel do ambiente, em especial o estresse na infância, na fisiopatologia de TM. METODOLOGIA: Revisamos artigos que avaliam as influências ambientais, com um foco especial no trauma na infância, na morfologia cerebral, nas funções cognitivas e no desenvolvimento de psicopatologias e TM. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: Estudos com ressonância magnética demonstram que a exposição a traumas em uma idade precoce pode levar a diversas alterações neuroestruturais, como a diminuição do hipocampo e do corpo caloso. O desempenho e o funcionamento cognitivo também são alterados nessa população. Por fim, o estresse na infância está ligado a um maior risco de desenvolver TM como depressão, transtorno bipolar, esquizofrenia e abuso de substâncias. Concluímos que existem evidências sólidas quanto à importância do ambiente, especificamente das experiências adversas na infância, em diversos aspectos dos TM.

OBJECTIVE: Advances in our knowledge of mental disorder (MD) genetics have contributed to a better understanding of their pathophysiology. Nonetheless, several questions and doubts persist. Recent studies have focused on environmental influences in the development of MDs, and the advent of neuroscientific methodologies has provided new perspectives. Early life events, such as childhood stress, may affect neurodevelopment through mechanisms such as gene-environment interactions and epigenetic regulation, thus leading to diseases in adulthood. The aim of this paper is to review the evidence regarding the role of the environment, particularly childhood stress, in the pathophysiology of MD. METHODOLOGY: We reviewed articles that evaluated environmental influences, with a particular focus on childhood trauma, brain morphology, cognitive functions, and the development of psychopathology and MD. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: MRI studies have shown that exposure to trauma at an early age can result in several neurostructural changes, such as the reduction of the hippocampus and corpus callosum. Cognitive performance and functioning are also altered in this population. Finally, childhood stress is related to an increased risk of developing MD such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and substance abuse. We conclude that there is robust evidence of the role of the environment, specifically adverse childhood experiences, in various aspects of MD.

Alterações metabólicas são frequentes em pacientes com esquizofrenia e transtorno bipolar (TB), levando a uma alta prevalência de diabetes e síndrome metabólica nessa população. Além disso, as taxas de mortalidade entre pacientes são mais altas do que na população geral, especialmente em decorrência de doenças cardiovasculares. Vários sistemas neurobiológicos envolvidos no metabolismo energético têm demonstrado alterações nas duas doenças; no entanto, a causa das alterações metabólicas e a forma como elas se relacionam com a fisiopatologia da esquizofrenia e do TB ainda são arenas em grande parte desconhecidas. A teoria do "cérebro egoísta" é um paradigma recente que postula que, para manter estável seu próprio fornecimento de energia, o cérebro modula o metabolismo da energia na periferia regulando tanto a alocação quanto a ingestão de nutrientes. Apresentamos neste artigo a hipótese de que as alterações metabólicas observadas nesses transtornos são resultado de uma regulação ineficiente do fornecimento de energia do cérebro e seus mecanismos compensatórios. A teoria do cérebro egoísta também pode expandir nosso entendimento sobre a adaptação ao estresse e a neuroprogressão na esquizofrenia e no TB, e, acima de tudo, pode ter implicações clínicas importantes para as duas doenças.

Metabolic abnormalities are frequent in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD), leading to a high prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome in this population. Moreover, mortality rates among patients are higher than in the general population, especially due to cardiovascular diseases. Several neurobiological systems involved in energy metabolism have been shown to be altered in both illnesses; however, the cause of metabolic abnormalities and how they relate to schizophrenia and BD pathophysiology are still largely unknown. The "selfish brain" theory is a recent paradigm postulating that, in order to maintain its own energy supply stable, the brain modulates energy metabolism in the periphery by regulation of both allocation and intake of nutrients. We hypothesize that the metabolic alterations observed in these disorders are a result of an inefficient regulation of the brain energy supply and its compensatory mechanisms. The selfish brain theory can also expand our understanding of stress adaptation and neuroprogression in schizophrenia and BD, and, overall, can have important clinical implications for both illnesses.

OBJETIVO: Este artigo tem o objetivo de revisar os serviços de intervenção precoce em psicose na América Latina e lançar luz sobre seus desafios e particularidades. MÉTODO: Foi realizada uma busca na internet compreendendo os websites de sociedades médicas e das principais universidades e artigos publicados por autores latino-americanos e os resultados foram discutidos criticamente. RESULTADOS: Os países latino-americanos são profundamente deficientes no que diz respeito a serviços especializados de intervenção precoce em psicose. Nossa busca encontrou sete serviços principais, quatro dos quais baseados em áreas urbanas do Brasil, dentro de hospitais terciários ou universidades. Dentre as iniciativas promovidas por esses centros, há parcerias com o sistema público de educação e outros esforços baseados na comunidade para transferência de conhecimento. Não obstante, vários desafios ainda devem ser superados, relacionados sobretudo à expansão de tais serviços, necessária para abarcar a demanda existente.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to review Latin America's early intervention services in psychosis and to shed light into their challenges and particularities. METHOD: An internet-based search comprising medical societies' websites, published articles, and major universities' websites was conducted and the results were critically discussed. RESULTS: Latin American countries are profoundly deficient in specialized early intervention services. Our search found seven target services, four of which are based in urban areas of Brazil, inside tertiary hospitals or universities. Among the initiatives advanced by these centers, there are partnerships with the public educational system and other community-based efforts toward knowledge transfer. On the other hand, several challenges remain to be overcome, especially in relation to their expansion, which is necessary to match the existing demand.

Objective: Primary penile leiomyosarcoma is a rare entity. Since 1930 only 30 cases have been reported in the bibliography. We wanted to add a new case to the international literature, in addition to a review of all available publications on the topic from 1957. A 54-year-old patient presented with a lobulated 8x4x3 cm lesion in the balanopreputial groove over two years; he was treated initially with partial penectomy and subsequently with total penectomy. We analyze the evolution, progression and adjuvant treatments of this rare pathology. Methods/Results: We report one case with its clinical presentation, diagnostic tests performed for staging, treatment and follow-up. Conclusions: The first case of penile leiomyosarcoma was described by Levi in 1930. In 1957 Ashley and Edwards reported the first case in the British literature and in 1963 Pack reported the first in the American literature. MacKenzie et al. were the first to recognize two types of leiomyosarcoma: superficial and deep. The first develop from smooth muscle cells from the superficial dermal layers of the glans penis or distal third of the penis, they are generally asymptomatic and less malignant, rarely invading deeper structures and without involvement of the urethra on physical exam. The best prognostic predictors are type of tumor at presentation (superficial vs. deep) and treatment choice, being total penectomy more effective for failures of local resections than for primary treatment of deep tumors.

Objetivo: El leiomiosarcoma primario de pene constituye una rara entidad. Desde 1930 hasta la actualidad han sido reportados solo 30 casos en la literatura mundial. Además de revisar las publicaciones disponibles al respecto desde 1957 hasta nuestros días, nosotros como objetivo quisimos añadir un nuevo caso a la literatura internacional sobre un paciente de 54 años con una lesión lobulada, de dos años de evolución a nivel del surco balanoprepucial, de 8x4x3cm., tratado con penectomía parcial inicialmente y penectomía total posterior a la misma. Analizamos evolución, progresión y tratamientos adyuvantes de esta infrecuente patología. Métodos/Resultados: Presentamos un caso de un paciente masculino, detallamos la presentación clínica, los exámenes complementarios utilizados para la estadificación, el tratamiento empleado y el control evolutivo. Conclusiones: El primer caso de leiomiosarcoma de pene fue descripto por Levi en 1930. Luego en 1957, Ashley y Edwards reportaron el primer caso en la literatura británica y en 1963, Pack refirió el primer caso en la literatura americana. Mc Kenzie y cols., fueron los primeros en reconocer dos tipos de leiomiosarcoma, los superficiales y los profundos. Los primeros se desarrollan desde células musculares lisas de estratos superficiales dérmicos glandelares y/o tercio distal peneano, son generalmente asintomático y de menor grado de malignidad, con escasa tendencia a invadir estructuras mas profundas, y con indemnidad uretral a la exploración. Los mejores predictores pronósticos serían el tipo tumoral a la presentación (superficial vs. profundo), y el tratamiento elegido para cada caso, donde la amputación total es más efectiva para tratamientos fracasados de resecciones locales que como tratamiento primario de los tumores profundos.

Nephroblastoma or Wilms tumor is the most common renal neoplasia in children, representing 1/5 of the malignant tumors in this group. Nevertheless, the incidence of such tumor in adults is much rarer with less than 250 cases reported. Due to the low-frequency of this pathology in adults there is not a worldwidely accepted treatment modality. Currently, the therapeutic options derive from the National Wilms Tumor Study (NWTS). We report a new case with the radiological images, histologic findings, outcomes and follow-up.

El nefroblastoma o tumor de Wilms, es la neoplasia renal más común en niños y representa actualmente la quinta parte en tumor malignos en este grupo. Sin embargo la incidencia de dicho tumor en el adulto es mucho más rara con tan sólo menos de 250 casos reportados en la literatura. Debido a la baja frecuencia de esta patología en adultos no existe una modalidad en el tratamiento aceptada mundialmente. Actualmente las opciones terapéuticas se desprenden del National Wilms Tumor Study (NTWS). Presentamos a continuación un nuevo caso con las imágenes radiográficas, hallazgos histológicos, evolución y seguimiento.

Objectives: The renal graft rupture (RGR) was first described in 1968; it is a severe situation, generally appearing in the immediate postoperative period. Objectives: To retrospectively analyze the incidence of renal graft rupture in the population of patients who underwent kidney transplant in the Renal Transplant Department of the Angerich Hospital. Methods: 492 kidney transplants were performed from 1-1-1992 to 7-31-2005. 422 (85.7%) cadaver donor transplants and 70 (14.3%) live related donor transplants. Results: 11 renal ruptures were observed, with a clinical picture characterized by sudden pain in the graft area, hypotension, and hematocrit descent. CT scan con.rmed the diagnosis. Seven patients underwent transplant nephrectomy (one of them 24 hours after surgical repair), another two were surgically repaired successfully, and for the other two patients a conservative management with watchful waiting also resulted in graft preservation. All cases where cadaver donor drafts. Conclusions: 1) The renal graft rupture is a rare (2.8% in our series) severe complication characterized by hemodynamic instability, with no diagnostic doubts about its presentation in most cases. We use ultrasound as the diagnostic test. 2) In our series we were able to preserve 40% of the kidneys with low morbidity. 3) This complication appeared in cadaver donor kidneys in all cases (11/386; 2.8%)

La rotura del injerto renal (RR) descripta por primera vez en 1968, es una situación grave que se produce habitualmente en el postoperatorio inmediato. Objetivo: Analizar retrospectivamente la incidencia de rotura renal ( RR) en la población de pacientes transplantados por el Servicio de Transplante Renal del Hospital Argerich. Métodos: Desde el 01-01-92 al 31-07-05 se realizaron 492 transplantes renales. 422 (85,7%) de dador cadavérico y 70 (14,3%), de dador vivo relacionado. Resultados: Se observaron 11 RR, estando el cuadro clínico caracterizado por dolor brusco en el área de injerto, hipotensión, descenso del hematocrito. La eco-grafía renal fue de utilidad al mostrar un hematoma perirrenal y retroperitoneal. La tomografía computada corroboró estpos hallazgos. Se realizaron 7 nefrectomías, (una a las 24 hs. de una reparación quirúrgica), otros 2 fueron reparados quirúrgicamente en forma exitosa y en los restantes dos pacientes se adoptó una conducta expectante que también resulto en la preservación del injerto. En todos los casos el injerto renal fue proveniente de dador cadavérico. Conclusiones: 1) La rotura del injerto renal es una complicación grave, infrecuente (2 8% de nuestra población), caracterizada por compromiso hemodinámico, no ofreciendo dudas diagnósticas su presentación clínica en la mayoría de los casos. Utilizamos la ecografía como método diagnóstico complementario. 2) en nuestra casuística hemos logrado conservar el 40 % de los riñones con una baja morbilidad. 3) En todos los casos, esta complicación se presentó en pacientes que recibieron riñones provenientes de dadores cadavéricos (11/386; 2.8%)