Effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation as an enhancer of cognitive stimulation sessions on mild cognitive impairment: Preliminary results.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a state between normal cognition and dementia. Currently, there is little evidence of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as an enhancing tool for Cognitive Stimulation (CS) on MCI. The importance of this study consists in its assessment of the enhancing effect of rTMS on CS in 22 MCI patients randomized and divided into two group: active (AG) and sham (SG).

[Psychological factors contributing to asthma in asthmatic children and adolescents and their parents].

Introduction: Nowadays, psychosocial risk factors may contribute to asthma-related problems among children, adolescents and family members; such disorders are described in this article.

Methods: A descriptive study, which included 50 children and their parents who took part in the educational program of Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Juan Manuel Márquez from 1997 to 1999, was performed. A survey, designed to establish psychological factors in children during both generally and symptom exacerbations, activities carried out with or without symptoms, and parental attitudes during illness episodes, was given to each one of the participants.

[Spectral analysis of the electroencephalogram in children with systemic lupus erythematosus].

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects different systems and organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). It has been suggested that about 40% of the cases of neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) develop before SLE is diagnosed or at the same time it is being carried out, and 63% appear during the first year following diagnosis.

Aims: The aim of this study was to check the hypothesis that the electroencephalogram (EEG) may be sensitive to the damage to the CNS in children with SLE in whom there is still no clinical evidence of NPSLE.

[Educational program for asthmatic children and teenagers and their parents].

Background: Asthma is considered a health problem in Cuba. Its prevalence has increased and its morbidity and social-economic cost are important, although mortality and hospitalizations indicators have improved. Taking into consideration that the lack of information about this disease is considered a health hazard all over the world, an interactive educational program was prepared so that patients could learn how to handle their disease.