The prevalence of obesity in Chilean children has been increasing steadily for the last two decades. The first study to determine nutritional status and food intake in a representative sample of this population was carried out in 1960. Recently the National Food Consumption Survey (ENCA) carried out in 2012 was released by the Ministry of Health. However, this study did not include biochemical determinations of micronutrients which would allow a better diagnosis of nutritional status in children. Objective: to review the literature available from 2004 to 2014 in food intake and nutritional status in Chilean children aged 4 to 14 years. Method: a total of 362 references published between 2004 and 2014 were obtained through searches in the databases PubMed, Lilacs, Embase and Scielo. From these, 40 articles were selected for a thorough review. Results: food intake by children is characterized by a high-energy intake, a low consumption of fruits and vegetables and a high consumption of bread. The ENCA showed that 95% of the Chilean population has a deficient diet. A high prevalence of obesity is observed from very early in life. There is a dearth of data available on plasma indicators of vitamin and mineral status since 1960, which would provide more reliable information on nutritional assessment. Conclusion: It is imperative to implement a representative nutrition survey of children in Chile that includes biochemical indicators to get reliable information in order to develop strategies aimed to correct micronutrient malnutrition from excess or deficiency.

La prevalencia de obesidad en niños chilenos ha aumentado consistentemente en las últimas dos décadas. El primer estudio que determinó el estado nutricional y la ingesta de alimentos efectuado en una muestra representativa de la población fue llevado a cabo en 1960. Recientemente el Ministerio de Salud publicó la Encuesta Nacional de Consumo Alimentario (ENCA), efectuada en el año 2012. Sin embargo, este estudio no incluyó mediciones bioquímicas de nutrientes que permitan un diagnóstico integral y representativo de la condición nutricional del niño en Chile. Objetivos: revisar la literatura disponible entre los años 2004 y 2014 sobre ingesta de alimentos y estado nutricional en niños chilenos de 4 a 14 años de edad. Método: un total de 362 referencias publicadas en ese período se obtuvieron de las bases de datos PubMed, Lilacs, Embase y Scielo. De estos, 40 artículos fueron seleccionados para una revisión completa. Resultados: la ingesta de alimentos se caracteriza por una ingesta calórica alta; un bajo consumo de frutas, verduras y productos lácteos y un alto consumo de pan. La ENCA concluyó que un 95% de los chilenos presenta una dieta deficiente. Se observa una alta prevalencia de obesidad desde edades tempranas. Desde 1960 no ha habido un estudio representativo de la población que incluya niveles plasmáticos de micronutrientes, que proveerían información más confiable sobre el estado nutricional de los niños, además de encuestas de consumo de alimentos. Conclusión: los niños chilenos presentan un estado nutricional y una alimentación deficientes; sin embargo, no hay evidencia representativa de los niveles plasmáticos de nutrientes, por lo que es imperativo desarrollar un estudio representativo que incluya indicadores bioquímicos de micronutrientes con objeto de desarrollar estrategias para mejorar el estado nutricional de los niños.

Background and aims: childhood obesity in Chile is a serious problem with the prevalence continuing to increase over the last decade, despite all governmental efforts to diminish it. Studies indicate that the consumption of certain foods may help to control body weight. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC), body mass index and nutritional intake of macronutrients and micronutrients in school children from Santiago, Chile. Methods and results: the study included 1 477 children aged 6-13 years who were evaluated by trained nutritionists. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured and a 24-hour recall questionnaire was administered in which the hours spent watching TV were also recorded. Overall, 32% of boys and 28 % of girls were overweight but the difference between them was not significant. All children, regardless of sex, showed a significant inverse relationship between amounts of RTEC consumed and body mass index (BMI). Those girls that consumed higher amount of RTEC had a reduced waist circumference than those that had a lower intake. A high consumption of RTEC in all children was related to a higher intake of calories, proteins, carbohydrates, calcium and zinc and to a lower intake of calories from fat. RTEC consumption was also associated with lower risk of being overweight/obese. Conclusion: this study identifies RTEC intake as a potential indicator of a healthy diet. Controlled interventions are necessary to isolate the effect of RTEC consumption from other participating factors.

Introducción y objetivos: la obesidad infantil en Chile es un problema serio de salud, con una prevalencia que ha ido en aumento durante las últimas décadas, a pesar de todos los esfuerzos gubernamentales por combatirla. Algunos estudios indican que el consumo de ciertos alimentos puede ayudar en el control del peso corporal. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la relación entre los cereales listos para comer (CLC), el índice de masa corporal y la ingesta de macro y micronutrientes en escolares de Santiago de Chile. Métodos y resultados: el estudio incluyó 1.477 niños con edades entre los 6-13 años que fueron evaluados por nutricionistas entrenados. Se midieron peso, talla y circunferencia de la cintura, además se aplicó una encuesta alimentaria por recordatorio de 24 horas y se preguntó por el número de horas que veían TV. Del total, el 32% de los niños y el 28% de las niñas presentaron exceso de peso, diferencia que no fue significativa. Todos los niños, independientemente del género, mostraron una asociación inversa significativa entre el consumo de CLC y el índice de masa corporal. Aquellas niñas que consumían mayores cantidades de CLC tenían menor circunferencia de cintura que aquellas que consumían menos. Un mayor consumo de CLC en todos los niños estuvo relacionado con mayor ingesta de calorías, proteínas, carbohidratos, calcio y zinc, además de con un menor consumo de calorías provenientes de las grasas. El consumo de CLC también estuvo asociado con menor riesgo de ser obeso o padecer sobrepeso. Conclusión: este estudio muestra que la ingesta de CLC es un indicador potencial de una dieta saludable. Son necesarias intervenciones más controladas para evaluar el efecto aislado de los CLC en comparación con otros factores.

adult primary hypolactasia results from the genetically programmed decrease of intestinal lactase after weaning. It is estimated that about 75% of the adult population in the world is hypolactasic. Aim: To determine the prevalence of hypolactasia in school children in the Metropolitan Area and its relation to the consumption of dairy products and calcium. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 326 schoolchildren aged 7 to 18 years belonging to 6 educational establishments from different socioeconomic levels in Santiago. A lactose hydrogen breath test was performed in each subject and gastrointestinal symptoms were registered during the test. A survey of dairy product consumption was carried out to determine calcium intake. Results: Hypolactasia was detected in 42.3% of the subjects and those had a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms compared to the lactase-persistent subjects (81.9% vs. 70.2%, P = 0.019). In addition, digestive symptoms were also more severe in the hipolactasic children (p <0.00000). Calcium intake from dairy sources was 492.5 ± 22.5 mg/d, with no differences according to the hipolactasic/lactase-persistent status of the subjects or their socioeconomic stratum. This intake covers only 37.9 ± 1.7% of the recommended intakes of calcium. Conclusions: a high percentage of hypolactasia and low dietary intake of calcium from dairy origin was detected in the school population evaluated. These data are important to develop new strategies to increase the consumption of calcium-containing foodstuffs and improve bone health in the population.

La hipolactasia primaria del adulto resulta de la disminución genéticamente programada de la lactasa intestinal después del destete. Se estima que alrededor del 75% de la población adulta en el mundo presentaría es hipolactásica. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de hipolactasia en escolares de la Región Metropolitana y su relación con el consumo de productos lácteos y de calcio. Sujetos y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en una muestra de 326 escolares de 7 a 18 años pertenecientes a 6 establecimientos educacionales de distintos niveles socioeconómicos en Santiago. A cada sujeto se les realizó una prueba de hidrógeno en aire espirado (HBT) con lactosa y se registró la aparición de sintomatología digestiva durante la prueba. También se realizó una encuesta de tendencia de consumo de productos lácteos para determinar la ingesta de calcio. Resultados: 42.3% de los escolares eran hipolactásicos y presentaron una mayor prevalencia de sintomatología digestiva comparado con aquellos sujetos lactasa-persistente(81.9% vs. 70.2%; p=0.019); dicha sintomatología, además, fué más intensa en los hipolactásicos(p<0.00). La ingesta de calcio de origen lácteo fue de 492.5±22.5 mg/día, sin diferencias según el estado hipolactásico/lactasa-persistente o el nivel socioeconómico de los sujetos. Dicha ingesta cubre sólo el 37.9±1.7% de los aportes recomendados de calcio. Conclusiones: la población de escolares estudiada se caracteriza por tener un porcentaje de hipolactasia alta y aportes dietarios de calcio de origen lácteo bajos. Estos datos son de importancia para desarrollar programas destinados a aumentar el consumo de calcio para mejorar la salud ósea de la población.

The demographic and nutritional transition in Chile has been reflected by a high and growing prevalence of obesity and chronic illnesses related to nutrition. In spite of the efforts made, it is not likely that the country will comply with the health objectives proposals for 2010 to reduce obesity and sedentary tendencies. As part of their functions the National Health Food and Nutrition Advisory Council has recently checked and defined the national priorities in this area. In the Council's opinion, the efforts should be oriented to strengthen the nutritional intervention strategy through the vital cycle, to improve the institutional capacity of the country as far as food is concerned, to review and modernized feeding programmes and to develop a strategic alliance with food producing companies, scientific societies, academic groups and consumers. These actions are directed to promote a wider and better offer of healthier food and to regulate publicity. In order to advance in these proposals we need a major investment from public and private resources oriented to promote healthier styles of living, with special emphasis on nutrition and physical activity

La transición demográfica y nutricional que vive Chile se ha reflejado en una prevalencia alta y creciente de obesidad y enfermedades crónicas vinculadas a la alimentación. A pesar de los esfuerzos realizados es poco probable cumplir con las metas sanitarias propuestas para el 2010 en cuanto a reducir la obesidad y el sedentarismo. Como parte de sus funciones el Consejo Asesor en Nutrición y Alimentación del Ministerio de Salud ha revisado recientemente y definido las prioridades nacionales en este campo. En la opinión del Consejo los esfuerzos debieran orientarse fundamentalmente a fortalecer la estrategia de intervención nutricional a través del ciclo vital, a mejorar la capacidad institucional del país en el ámbito de los alimentos, a revisar y modernizar la gestión de los programas alimentarios y a desarrollar una alianza estratégica con las empresas productoras de alimentos, sociedades científicas, grupos académicos y con los propios consumidores orientada a promover una mayor oferta y consumo de alimentos saludables y a regular la publicidad en este campo. Para avanzar en la meta propuesta se requiere sin duda de una mayor inversión de recursos públicos y privados fundamentalmente orientados a la promoción de estilos de vida saludable, con especial énfasis en alimentación y actividad física

A basic mechanism implicated in the human health-promoting properties of probiotics is their ability to maintain the homeostasis of the intestinal microbiota. This study evaluates how the ingestion of different amounts of the probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 (La1) influences the main bacterial populations of the fecal microbiota. Eight asymptomatic volunteers participated in the study. After a basal period, they ingested 100 mL of a product containing 10(8) La1/mL during the first week, 200 mL during the second week and 500 ml during the third week. Fecal samples were obtained at the end of each period and during the 2 weeks post-ingestion. Lactobacilli were determined by culture on MRS agar and La1 colonies were confirmed by ERIC-PCR. The main populations of fecal bacteria were identified by fluorescent probes and flow cytometry. At baseline, 18.3% of the total fluorescent bacteria were F. praunitzii, 13.2% Bacteroides, 2.05% Bifidobacterium and 0.95% Lactobacillus. Fecal excretion of La1 increased during the ingestion period but it was cleared from the stools of the volunteers 2 weeks later. La1 intake increased the populations of Lactobacillus (p=0.056) and Bifidobacterium (p=0.067), which are considered as beneficial for the host, while it decreased those of F. prausnitzii (p=0.005) a potentially pathogenic microorganism. These bacterial populations returned to their baseline levels during the post-ingestion period. The regular intake of a La1-containing product beneficially affects the homeostasis of the human fecal microbiota probably contributing to the health-promoting effects of this probiotic

Uno de los principales mecanismos implicados en las propiedades saludables de los probióticos es su capacidad de mantener la homeostasis de la microbiota intestinal. Este estudio evalúa cómo el consumo de distintas cantidades del probiótico Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 (La1) contribuye en la modulación de las principales poblaciones de la microbiota fecal. Ocho voluntarios asintomáticos participaron en el estudio. Después de un periodo basal, consumieron 100 mL de un producto que contenía 10(8) La1/mL durante la primera semana, 200 mL durante la segunda semana y 500 mL durante la tercera semana. Se obtuvieron muestras de deposición al final de cada uno de estos períodos y luego a los 7 y 14 días de haber terminado el consumo del producto. Las cantidades de lactobacilos excretados fueron determinadas por cultivo en agar MRS y las colonias de La1 fueron confirmadas por ERIC-PCR. Algunas de las principales poblaciones de bacterias fecales fueron evaluadas por hibridación in situ con sondas fluorescentes (FISH) y citometría de flujo. A nivel basal, 18.3% del número total de bacterias fluorescentes detectadas eran F. praunitzii,13.2% Bacteroides, 2.05% Bifidobacterium y 0.95% Lactobacillus. La excreción fecal de La1 aumentó durante el período de consumo pero desapareció después de 14 días de haber terminado el período de ingestión. El consumo de La1 aumentó las poblaciones de Lactobacillus (p=0.056) y Bifidobacterium (p=0.067) que son consideradas como beneficiosas para el huésped mientras que disminuyó aquella de F. prausnitzii (p=0.005), un microorganismo potencialmente patogénico. Las poblaciones bacterianas afectadas volvieron a sus niveles basales durante el periodo post-ingestión. Estos resultados indican que el consumo regular de La1 modula la homeostasis de la microbiota intestinal, lo cual contribuye probablemente a los efectos beneficiosos de este probiótico sobre la salud

Background: Celiac patients are at high risk of developing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, a condition that has a long pre-diabetic period. During this lapse, anti-islet cell antibodies serve as markers for future disease. This may be related with the duration of the exposure to gluten. Aim: To test the hypothesis that long term adherence to a gluten free diet decreases the frequency of risk markers for insulin dependent diabetes mellitus during adolescence and early adulthood. Patients and methods: 158 celiac patients were classified as: G1, (n=30 patients) studied at the time of diagnosis; G2 (n=97 patients) exposed to gluten as a result of non compliance with the gluten free diet and, G3 (n=31 patients) who had maintained a long term, strict gluten free diet. Isotype IgG anti-islet cell antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence using monkey pancreas; results were reported in Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) units. Results: Celiac patients exposed to a gluten containing diet had a significantly higher prevalence of anti-islet cell antibodies than those who had been exposed only briefly (p <0.017). In addition, a significantly higher prevalence of anti-islet cell antibodies was observed in those patients whose exposure to gluten was longer than 5 years than in those whose exposure was shorter (p <0.02). Conclusions: Celiac patients long exposed to gluten have a significantly higher prevalence of anti-islet cell antibodies than those exposed for a short period. This fact supports the hypothesis that the development of these antibodies is associated with the length of the exposure to gluten (Rev Méd Chile 2004; 132: 979-84)

colonized by Helicobacter pylori (Hp). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether regular intake of a commercial product containing Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 (La1) interferes with gastric colonization by Hp and whether this effect may be greater when the frequency of the product intake is higher. A first randomized double-blind clinical trial was carried out in children 6 to 17 years of age attending school in a low socioeconomic area of Santiago. Children found to be Hp-positive by the 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT) were distributed into 3 groups to receive daily 160 ml, during 4 weeks, of one of the three following treatments: 1) a product with live La1, 2) the same product after thermization, i.e. including killed La1 or 3) the same product without La1 (control). A second 13C-UBT was carried out at the end of the study. In the second study, 11 asymptomatic adult volunteers evaluated as Hp-positive by 13C-UBT were recruited. They had to ingest 80 ml of the product with live La1 every two hours every day between 8:00h and 22:00h (i.e. a total volume of 640 ml). A second and third 13C-UBT were carried out after 1 and 2 weeks of La1 ingestion. All breath samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry and results were expressed as 13C excess over basal levels: (DOB, <FONT FACE=Symbol>‰</FONT>‰n the first study, a significant decrease, 11.9% (p<0.05), was observed in the children after 4 weeks of La1 consumption in comparison with the basal values before treatment, while no differences were observed in the other 2 groups. In the study with volunteers, DOB values decreased significantly during the study (Anova F=4.2, p<0.04), resulting in a decrease of 41% in comparison with the basal DOB values. In both studies a correlation was observed between basal DOB values and the magnitude of the decrease of DOB induced by La1. These results indicate that regular intake of L. johnsonii La1 interferes with Hp in subjects colonized with this pathogen, this effect is greater when La1 intake is more frequent, and it is positively related to the basal levels of colonization with Hp. Consumption of La1 modulates gastric colonization by Hp in populations at risk for this infection and constitutes an interesting alternative for its management

La ingestión de probióticos ha sido recientemente propuesta como una posible "herramienta" en el manejo de los individuos colonizados por Helicobacter pylori (Hp). El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar si el consumo regular de un producto comercial con Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 (La1) puede interferir con la colonización gástrica por Hp, y si dicho efecto puede ser mayor a mayor frecuencia de ingestión del producto a lo largo del día. Un primer estudio clínico randomizado de doble ciego se realizó en niños de 6 a 17 años, de una escuela de nivel socioeconómico bajo de Santiago. Los niños determinados como Hp-positivos mediante el test de aire espirado con 13C-urea (13C-UBT) fueron distribuidos en 3 grupos para recibir durante 4 semanas 160 ml diarios de uno de tres productos: 1) uno con La1 vivo, 2) el mismo termizado con La1 muerto o 3) el mismo sin La1 (control). Un segundo 13C-UBT se les realizó al final del período. En el siguiente estudio se reclutaron 11 voluntarios Hp-positivos asintomáticos, que tomaron el producto con La1 vivo cada día y por 2 semanas a razón de 80 ml cada 2 horas de la 8:00h hasta las 22:00h (640 ml en total). Se les realizó un 13C-UBT antes y a 1 y 2 semanas de tomar el producto. Las muestras de aire de ambos estudios se analizaron por espectrometría de masa de relación isotópica y los resultados se expresaron como exceso por mil de 13C por sobre los niveles basales: DOB (‰). En el primer estudio se observó una disminución significativa (p<0.05) de 11.9% de los valores basales de DOB en los niños después de 4 semanas de consumo del producto con La1 vivo y que no hubo diferencia en los otros 2 grupos. En el estudio con voluntarios sanos, los valores de DOB fueron disminuyendo significativamente a lo largo del estudio, (Anova F=4.2, p<0.04), llegando a un disminución del 41% de los niveles basales de DOB. En ambos estudios se observó una correlación entre los valores basales de DOB y la amplitud de la disminución inducida por la ingestión del probiótico. Estos resultados indican que la ingestión regular del probiótico L. johnsonii La1 interfiere con Hp en los individuos colonizados por este patógeno:dicho efecto es mayor cuando el consumo de La1 es más frecuente a lo largo del día, y es proporcional a los niveles basales de colonización por Hp presentes en el sujeto. El consumo de La1, por lo tanto, constituye una interesante alternativa para modular la colonización por Hp en las poblaciones a riesgo de esta infección

Results of studies published recently have shown that autoimmune phenomena in celiac patients increases with a delayed diagnosis and a more prolonged exposure to gluten. Adolescence is a stage of life in which the gluten-free diet is frequently discontinue. For this reason it is of interest to investigate in this age group the immunological markers of endocrine disturbances in celiac patients depending on whether they have a good compliance to the gluten-free diet

Estudios publicados concluyen que el desarrollo de enfermedades autoinmunes en pacientes celiacos se incrementa al aumentar el tiempo de exposición al gluten y cuanto mayor sea la edad al diagnóstico. La adolescencia constituye un periodo de la vida en el cual una dieta libre de gluten frecuentemente se abandona. Por esto es de suma importancia investigar marcadores inmunológicos endocrinos en pacientes celiacos que cumplen o no la dieta libre de gluten

Background: The prevalence of food allergy increased worldwide in the last century. In Chile we became aware of this increase 10-15 years ago, after an epidemiological transition on health. Aim: To assess the most frequent clinical presentations of food allergy, results of circulating immunologlobulins (total IgE, specific IgE and IgG4 against cow's milk) and usefulness of a standardized challenge test. Patients and methods: Cross sectional assessment of 49 patients with cow's milk allergy (9 months - 8 years of age), diagnosed at INTA, University of Chile between 1991-2001. Results: All patients had cow's milk allergy and 37% of them were additionally intolerant to other allergens. Seventy eight percent had digestive symptoms and 84% had non digestive symptoms. The cause of consultation was a non-digestive manifestation in 16% of cases. At least one of the immunoglobulins (total IgE total, specific IgE or IgG4) was over the cut off point in 92% of patients. Between 1990-1995 six patients were diagnosed with cow's milk allergy and malabsorption syndrome. Suppression of the specific allergen resulted in disappearance of symptoms in 78% of patients; when a second dietary modification was necessary 87% of cases showed a good response. Thirty five of 56 challenge tests performed were done at home, by relatives, in a non-controlled fashion. All of them were aimed to determine the desensitization of the child. Conclusions: Digestive and non-digestive manifestations were observed in these patients with food allergy. Although not designed to assess laboratory tests, results show that serum immunoglobulin determinations were helpful in guiding diagnosis. Mothers and relatives should be educated to accept diagnostic challenges and avoid carrying out non-controlled challenges (Rev Méd Chile 2003; 131: 275-82).

Background: Endomysium antibodies (EMA) do not detect minor dietary transgressions in patients with celiac disease. Aim: To compare the sensitivity and specificity of tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTGA) and endomysium antibodies (EMA) in biopsy proven celiac patients at the time of diagnosis and during gluten free diet (GFD). Patients and methods: One hundred fifty three subjects were studied: a) 30 healthy controls; b) 9 cases with cow's milk allergy; c) 24 celiac patients at time of diagnosis; d) 25 celiac patients adhering to the GFD; e) 65 celiac patients with poor/no adhesion to GFD. EMA and tTGA IgA were measured by immunofluorescence and ELISA, respectively. Results: Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 97.4% for tTGA, respectively. All patients with cow's milk allergy were EMA (-) and 8 of 9 (88.9%) were tTGA (-). In celiac patients not adhering to the GFD, EMA and tTGA positivity were similar (80% and 81,5%, respectively); 95,4% of the subjects tested positive for at least one of them. All patients adhering to GFD were EMA (-) but tTGA were (+) in 28% of them. Conclusions: EMA and tTGA have similar sensitivity and specificity at the time of diagnosis of celiac disease. Positive tTGA in 28% of patients that adhered strictly to the GFD and whose EMA were negative suggest that tTGA may be helpful in detecting minor dietary transgressions and should be further evaluated (Rev Méd Chile 2003; 131: 25-29)

Um modelo preditivo previamente calculado para o risco de saúde selecionou crianças que sofriam de 4 a 5 vezes mais de doenças do que seus pares não selecionados. Resultados preliminares sugeriram que esse risco referia-se a sintomas neuróticos maternos. Para avaliar esta hipótese, 52 mães, cuja criança tinha um escore preditivo positivo (grupo 1) e 52 nas quais este escore era negativo (grupo 2), foram avaliados por meio do Questionário de Saúde Geral de Goldberg (GHQ-30). Um total de 41,9% e 20,5% das mães do grupo 1 e 2, respectivamente, tiveram escores acima de 11 pontos no GHQ-30, o qual ficou estabelecido como o ponto de corte. Conclui-se que entre famílias pobres da cidade de Santiago, mães de crianças com alto risco de diarréia persistente tiveram freqüência aumentada de sistemas neuróticos deficitários. Novos programas visando esse tipo de crianças deveriam incluir apoio psicológico para suas mães.

A previously calculated predictive model for health risk selects infants who suffer 4-5 times more morbidity than their unselected peers. Preliminary results suggested that this risk is related to maternal neurotic symptomatology. To evaluate this hypothesis, 52 consecutive mothers whose infants had a positive predictive score (Group 1) and 52 in whom this was negative (Group 2) were evaluated by means of Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ - 30). A total of 41.9% and 20.5% of the mothers in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, scored above 11 points in GHQ-30, established as the cut off point. It is concluded that among poor urban families in Santiago mothers of infants with high risk of persistent diarrhoea have increased frequency of detectable neurotic symptoms. New programs aimed at this type of infant should include psychological support for their mothers.

Um modelo preditivo previamente calculado para o risco de saúde selecionou crianças que sofriam de 4 a 5 vezes mais de doenças do que seus pares não selecionados. Resultados preliminares sugeriram que esse risco referia-se a sintomas neuróticos maternos. Para avaliar esta hipótese, 52 mães, cuja criança tinha um escore preditivo positivo (grupo 1) e 52 nas quais este escore era negativo (grupo 2), foram avaliados por meio do Questionário de Saúde Geral de Goldberg (GHQ-30). Um total de 41,9% e 20,5% das mães do grupo 1 e 2, respectivamente, tiveram escores acima de 11 pontos no GHQ-30, o qual ficou estabelecido como o ponto de corte. Conclui-se que entre famílias pobres da cidade de Santiago, mães de crianças com alto risco de diarréia persistente tiveram freqüência aumentada de sistemas neuróticos deficitários. Novos programas visando esse tipo de crianças deveriam incluir apoio psicológico para suas mães.

A previously calculated predictive model for health risk selects infants who suffer 4-5 times more morbidity than their unselected peers. Preliminary results suggested that this risk is related to maternal neurotic symptomatology. To evaluate this hypothesis, 52 consecutive mothers whose infants had a positive predictive score (Group 1) and 52 in whom this was negative (Group 2) were evaluated by means of Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ - 30). A total of 41.9% and 20.5% of the mothers in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, scored above 11 points in GHQ-30, established as the cut off point. It is concluded that among poor urban families in Santiago mothers of infants with high risk of persistent diarrhoea have increased frequency of detectable neurotic symptoms. New programs aimed at this type of infant should include psychological support for their mothers.