South Health and Policy (Journal)
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The use of cannabidiol in epilepsy: therapeutic and legal advances
No full textEpilepsy was defined as a chronic neurological condition characterised by spontaneous and repeated epileptic seizures. Its diagnosis was based on criteria established by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), such as the occurrence of multiple unprovoked seizures or the identification of an epileptic syndrome. The classification of epilepsy allowed treatments to be individualised according to the type of seizure, although a significant percentage of patients presented refractory epilepsy, with no adequate response to conventional medication. Over recent decades, interest in new therapies has increased, including cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound from the Cannabis sativa plant. Preclinical and clinical research has demonstrated its anticonvulsant and neuroprotective potential and its role as a modulator of the endocannabinoid system, especially in severe epileptic syndromes such as Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet. CBD acted without directly binding to the classic receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which broadened its therapeutic potential in other conditions, such as anxiety, chronic pain, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. In Argentina, legal progress was made in the medicinal use of cannabis. Law 27.350 and Decree 883/2020 allowed regulated access to CBD, including self-cultivation for therapeutic purposes. In 2022, Law 27.669 promoted the industrial development of medicinal cannabis, with the creation of the ARICCAME agency. Despite this progress, it was still considered essential to continue researching in order to understand the mechanisms of CBD, define its safe doses and evaluate its long-term effectiveness
Therapeutic potential of palmitoylethanolamide in neurodegenerative diseases
No full textThe therapeutic potential of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer\u27s and Parkinson\u27s. He described how PEA, an endogenous compound with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, acted on neuroinflammation and oxidative stress by activating the PPAR-α receptor. Preclinical and clinical studies were reviewed that showed cognitive and motor improvements after administration, as well as its combination with luteolin to enhance its effect. The need for further research into other diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia was also highlighted, emphasising the importance of rigorous methodologies to validate its efficacy.
Digestive health in older adults: a comprehensive approach
No full textThe impact of population ageing on the digestive health of older adults, focusing on gastrointestinal disorders as a frequent and complex problem. Physiological changes associated with ageing were described, such as alterations in the gut microbiota and epithelial barrier dysfunction, which increased the incidence of conditions such as chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Therapeutic interventions such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary fibre were also reviewed, showing promising results in symptom relief, although with methodological limitations in the available studies. In addition, the negative influence of polypharmacy on gastrointestinal health was highlighted. Finally, it was concluded that a comprehensive, evidence-based approach was key to improving digestive quality of life in old age
Impact of the PIK3CA mutation on breast cancer
No full textBreast cancer was a health priority both globally and in Argentina, where it was the leading cause of death from tumours in women. Its molecular and genetic understanding has led to advances in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. The luminal subtype, characterised by hormone receptors, and the PIK3CA gene mutation, involved in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, were highlighted as being associated with greater tumour aggressiveness and resistance to therapies. In Argentina, studies have shown a high prevalence of this mutation, prompting the use of targeted therapies such as Alpelisib. This personalised approach has improved the stratification and clinical management of the disease.
The neurological impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on the development of degenerative diseases
No full textPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from a neurobiological perspective, beyond its traditional psychological approach. The study analysed how PTSD, by inducing alterations in brain areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, may have increased the risk of developing frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The research reviewed identified common mechanisms between the two conditions, such as neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction, which suggested a possible causal link. Furthermore, it was considered that chronic stress may not only have acted as a trigger for neurodegenerative diseases, but may also have been aggravated by them. Finally, it was proposed that early identification and management of chronic stress could have contributed to preventing or delaying the onset of FTD
Severity assessment in critically ill patients: challenges for the Argentine system in 2024
No full textThe text analyzed the use of the APACHE II and SOFA prognostic scales in the Argentine context during the year 2024, highlighting their relevance in the evaluation of severity and mortality in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units. The components of both scales were described in detail and it was explained how each one allowed quantifying the clinical condition of the patient by means of physiological and biochemical variables. However, the limitations encountered for their effective application in the Argentine health system, marked by the economic crisis, shortage of medical supplies, lack of trained personnel and structural deficiencies in public hospitals, were also exposed.The research addressed how these barriers hindered the full implementation of such tools, leading to a greater dependence on the clinical judgment of the health professional. In addition, the crucial role played by medical expertise, diagnostic sensitivity and communication with family members was highlighted, especially in an unequal social and healthcare environment. The role of technology was also mentioned as a potential support in the automatic calculation of the scales, although its availability was limited and uneven.Finally, the text emphasized that, although scales such as APACHE II and SOFA were useful as a guide, they did not replace the critical eye or the vocation of health care personnel. Their effective use depended on a strengthened system, sufficient resources and a humanized vision of intensive care
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and autism: a tool for inclusion based on rights
No full textAnxiety was a frequent comorbidity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), negatively affecting their quality of life. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was positioned as an effective strategy to mitigate these symptoms, especially in children with high-functioning ASD. Several studies supported its effectiveness, showing improvements in the social adaptation and emotional well-being of this population. In the Argentine context, the approach to disability shifted from a medical model to a social rights paradigm, where it was considered that the real limitations were not individual, but social and structural. This new framework promoted the adaptation of therapies such as CBT, emphasising the need to personalise treatments according to the characteristics of the child\u27s environment. It also involved guaranteeing accessibility in educational and health institutions, eliminating physical, communicational and attitudinal obstacles. National legislation, in particular Law 26.378, ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, obliging the State to provide therapeutic care under conditions of equality. However, significant challenges persisted in the implementation of these regulations. It was essential that professionals received continuous training and that families actively participated in the therapeutic processes. The evidence showed that integrating CBT into the social paradigm increased the chances of achieving genuine inclusion and a substantial improvement in the quality of life of children with ASD
Depression, anxiety and stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic in residents attending a community health facility in North Lima
No full textMental disorders are one of the problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the general population. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in people who attend a community health centre in northern Lima. This is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a total population of 140 people who attend a community health centre and who responded to a questionnaire on sociodemographic aspects and the depression, anxiety and stress scale. The results show that 51.4% (n=72) of participants have moderate depression, 45% (n=63) have moderate anxiety, and 42.1% (n=59) have moderate stress. In conclusion, comprehensive actions aimed at the mental health of the general population must be reinforced, improved, or implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The gut-brain axis and neurodevelopment: microbial correlations in autism
No full textAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was described as a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by difficulties in social communication and repetitive behaviours. In Argentina, as in other countries, an increase in its prevalence has been observed. The relationship between ASD and the gut microbiota was investigated, finding significant differences in children with ASD compared to neurotypical children, particularly in bacteria such as Clostridium, Bacteroides, and Desulfovibrio. A study published in 2024 identified 31 biological markers in faecal samples from children with ASD, suggesting a possible use of the microbiome as a diagnostic tool. However, some researchers proposed that these alterations could be due to selective eating behaviours. Various interventions were explored, such as specific diets, probiotics, prebiotics and faecal microbiota transplants. In Argentina, interest in this integrative approach grew, highlighting the gut-brain axis as a relevant component in understanding and addressing ASD.
Impact of type 2 diabetes on the onset of Alzheimer\u27s disease in the elderly population
No full textType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) and Alzheimer\u27s Disease (AD) were recognised as two chronic pathologies whose prevalence has increased significantly in recent decades, especially in countries such as Argentina. Various investigations showed that DM2 acted as a possible risk factor for the development of AD. Epidemiological studies, such as the Rotterdam Study, showed that people with DM2 had up to twice the risk of suffering from dementia compared to the non-diabetic population. The mechanisms involved included insulin resistance, chronic inflammation and cerebral vascular damage, all of them associated with neurodegenerative processes. In the Argentinian context, the health panorama was complicated by the ageing of the population and the sustained increase in chronic non-communicable diseases. It was estimated that 1 in 10 adults had diabetes, and a high percentage were unaware of their condition, making early intervention difficult. Likewise, the prevalence of dementia in people over 65 years of age reached 12.2%, with Alzheimer\u27s disease being the most common form. This situation generated a significant burden for the health system and families, due to the complexity of care and the increase in functional dependence in old age. Strategies to address this problem included early detection, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, health education and the strengthening of epidemiological surveillance. The relationship between DM2 and AD posed a new challenge for public health, requiring comprehensive and sustained responses