Relationship between prehospital clinical status intracranial pressure and outcomes in pediatric patients with severe head trauma

Introduction: The prehospital phase of the management of pediatric severe traumatic brain injury may have a direct influence on the results. Objective: To evaluate the influence of prehospital variables on intracranial pressure and the results in pediatric patients with severe TBI. Method: A descriptive study of 41 pediatric patients who were admitted to the medical emergency department and later admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit due to severe head trauma was carried out between January 2003 and December 2018. Results: children aged 5-17 years predominate, and the highest number of cases were received between 0-3h at the neurotrauma center. Of the 41 cases, 27 arrived with a non-expedited airway and hypoxia was verified upon arrival by pulse oximetry. A correlation was observed between arterial hypotension on admission and elevated intracranial pressure in 9 of 15 children (60%) and in the deceased (40%). Discussion: Clinical conditions, oxygenation, arterial hypotension, and treatment in the prehospital phase may influence the state of intracranial pressure and other intracranial variables in pediatric patients with severe head injury.

Introducción: La fase prehospitalaria del manejo del traumatismo craneoencefálico grave pediátrico puede tener una influencia directa en los resultados. Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia de variables prehospitalarias sobre la presión intracraneal y los resultados en pacientes pediátricos con TCE grave. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de 41 pacientes pediátricos que ingresaron al servicio de urgencias médicas y posteriormente ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos por traumatismo craneoencefálico severo entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2018. Resultados: predominan los niños de 5 a 17 años, y el mayor número de casos se recibieron entre las 0-3h en el centro de neurotrauma. De los 41 casos, 27 llegaron con vía aérea no acelerada y se verificó hipoxia al llegar mediante oximetría de pulso. Se observó correlación entre hipotensión arterial al ingreso y presión intracraneal elevada en 9 de 15 niños (60%) y en los fallecidos (40%). Discusión: Las condiciones clínicas, la oxigenación, la hipotensión arterial y el tratamiento en la fase prehospitalaria pueden influir en el estado de la presión intracraneal y otras variables intracraneales en pacientes pediátricos con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave.

Ecografía de nervio óptico para estimar hipertensión intracraneal en pacientes adultos con neurotrauma

Introducción: El neurotrauma es una condición que puede dar paso a una hipertensión intracraneana, situación que es muy grave. Los métodos diagnósticos de elección son los invasivos, aun así, los no invasivos y entre ellos la ecografía del nervio óptico, ofrecen muchísimas ventajas. Objetivo: Describir elementos esenciales de la ecografía de nervio óptico como método para diagnosticar hipertensión intracraneal en pacientes adultos con neurotrauma. Métodos: Se hizo una revisión de la literatura más reciente sin restricción lingüística o geográfica en las bases de datos PubMed y SciELO, se usaron términos afines al tema del artículo y se realizó una valoración crítica sobre la bibliografía consultada. Resultados: La literatura disponible sobre la ecografía del nervio óptico en la determinación de la hipertensión intracraneal es abundante y la mayoría apunta a sus beneficios como método no invasivo. La principal debilidad del mismo es que no es capaz de dar un valor exacto y esto se debe a que el valor normal del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico por cada persona puede variar significativamente. La proporción directa entre el diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico y la presión intracraneal es un hecho que ningún autor intenta invalidar. Conclusiones: La ecografía del nervio óptico es un método seguro, accesible económicamente, no invasivo, fácil de usar y con un valor predictivo confiable para determinar la hipertensión intracraneal.

Introduction: Neurotrauma is a condition that can lead to intracranial hypertension, which is a very serious situation. The diagnostic methods of choice are the invasive ones, even so, the non-invasive ones offer many advantages, the ultrasound of the optic nerve is among them. Objective: To describe essential elements of optic nerve ultrasound as a method to diagnose intracranial hypertension in adult patients with neurotrauma. Methods: A review of the most recent literature was made without linguistic or geographical restrictions in databases such as PubMed and SciELO, terms related to the theme of the manuscript were used. A critical assessment of the consulted bibliography was made. Results: The available literature on optic nerve ultrasound in the determination of intracranial hypertension is abundant and most points to the benefits as a non-invasive method. However, its main weakness lies in the fact that it is not capable of giving an exact value, due to the fact that the normal value of the diameter of the optic nerve sheath for each person can vary significantly. The direct relationship between optic nerve sheath diameter and intracranial pressure is a fact that no author attempts to invalidate. Conclusions: Optic nerve ultrasound is a safe, affordable, non-invasive, easy-to-use method with a reliable predictive value to determine intracranial hypertension.

Contribución de los hallazgos tomográficos al diagnóstico de la hipertensión intracraneal en el traumatismo craneoencefálico grave

Introducción: El traumatismo craneoencefálico es responsable de más de 500 000 visitas a departamentos de urgencias, 95 000 hospitalizaciones y 7 000 muertes en la población infantil. La monitorización clínica se apoya en técnicas imagenológicas, entre otras. Objetivo: Relacionar los hallazgos tomográficos encontrados, a través de la clasificación de Marshall al ingreso y diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico y su asociación con la presión intracraneal y con los resultados en el paciente pediátrico con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo con todos los pacientes pediátricos aquejados de traumatismo craneoencefálico grave entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2017. Resultados: De los 41 casos, se encontró relación entre los niveles de presión intracraneal y el grado de luxación de la línea media >10 mm en 10 enfermos (62,5 %) y con el diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico (>5,5 mm) por tomografía de cráneo en 12 (75,0 %), igualmente existió relación entre esas dos variables con los resultados a los 6 meses de evolución. Conclusiones: La utilización de la tomografía de cráneo simple como herramienta para la determinación de variables utilizadas en el monitoreo no invasivo de la presión intracraneal como son la clasificación tomográfica de Marshall, la luxación de la línea media y la medición del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico, permite identificar incrementos de la presión intracraneal. Esto pudiera utilizarse para el tratamiento intensivo de los pacientes pediátricos con traumatismo cráneo encefálico grave, sin necesidad de la utilización de monitoreo invasivo en ellos.

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury is responsible for more than 500,000 visits to the emergency services, 95,000 hospitalizations and 7,000 deaths in children. Clinical monitoring is based on imaging techniques, among others. Objective: To relate the tomographic findings found, through Marshall's classification at the entrance and diameter of the optic nerve sheath and its association with intracranial pressure and with the results in the pediatric patient with severe head trauma. Methods: Prospective descriptive study with all pediatric patients suffering from severe head trauma between January 2003 and December 2017. Results: Of the 41 cases, a relationship was found between the levels of intracranial pressure and the degree of dislocation of the midline >10 mm in 10 patients (62.5%) and with the diameter of the optic nerve sheath (>5.5 mm) by skull tomography in 12 (75.0%); there was also a relationship between these two variables with the results at 6 months of evolution. Conclusions: The use of simple tomography of the skull as a tool for the determination of variables used in the non-invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure such as Marshall tomographic classification, midline dislocation and measurement of the diameter of the optic nerve sheath, allows to identify increases in intracranial pressure. This could be used for the intensive treatment of pediatric patients with severe head trauma, without the need for invasive monitoring in them.

Ecografía Doppler transcraneal para estimar la presión intracraneal y presión de perfusión cerebral en pacientes pediátricos neurocríticos

RESUMEN La ecografía Doppler transcraneal es un método no invasivo que permite una adecuada monitorización de los diferentes parámetros que ayudan a definir conductas para los médicos intensivistas, sin embargo, su utilización no está generalizada entre las comunidades médicas que atienden niños con afecciones neurocríticas. Es propósito de los autores, actualizar el tema en estudio y presentar su experiencia en población pediátrica. Las indicaciones de este método provienen de investigaciones en pacientes adultos, se necesitan estudios multicéntricos en diferentes contextos clínicos para poder establecer esta técnica como un método de diagnóstico confiable en pacientes pediátricos. Concluimos que utilizar el Doppler transcraneal como prueba auxiliar en la estimación de la presión intracraneal y presión de perfusión cerebral, proporciona adoptar recursos terapéuticos frente al paciente lo más acertados posibles y brinda la posibilidad de hacer un seguimiento y evaluación de los tratamientos a pie de cama de forma mínimamente invasiva.

ABSTRACT Transcranial Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive method that allows adequate monitoring of the different parameters that help define behaviors for intensivist physicians ; however, its use is not widespread among the medical communities that care for children with neurocritical conditions. It is the purpose of the authors to update the topic under study and present their experience with pediatric populations. The indications for this method come from research in adult patients . Multicenter studies in different clinical contexts are needed to establish this technique as a reliable diagnostic method in pediatric patients. We conclude that using transcranial Doppler as an auxiliary test in the estimation of intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure, provides the implementation of therapeutic resources in front of the patient as accurate as possible and offers the possibility of monitoring and evaluating bedside treatments in a minimally invasive way.

Hemi Le Fort III Fracture with Subdural and Subarachnoid Pneumocephalus with a Mild Mount Fuji Sign

ABSTRACT: Extensive fractures in the fixed facial skeleton combined with traumatic brain injury can cause functional and esthetic impairments, possibly threatening the patient's life. Male patient, 50-year-old, victim of physical aggression, presented with persistent headache and dizziness, fractures in the naso-orbito-ethmoidal, zygomatic-maxillary and right pterygoid process regions, among other minor patterns of facial fracture, with mobility to maxillary traction of the third midface unilaterally. Clinical-imaging findings revealed a Hemi Le Fort III fracture and subdural and subarachnoid pneumocephalus with a mild Mount Fuji Sign. The proposed treatment was facial osteosynthesis and conservative intravenous drug treatment of the pneumocephalus. The patient had a good recovery, with no postoperative motor or functional deficits. The correct management of the patient with facial trauma associated with craniotrauma offers benefits, restoring stability of facial architecture and preventing or correcting neurosurgical complications.

RESUMEN: Las fracturas extensas en el esqueleto facial combinadas con una lesión cerebral traumática pueden causar deficiencias funcionales y estéticas, que posiblemente pongan en peligro la vida del paciente. Paciente de sexo masculino, 50 años, víctima de agresión física, que presentó cefalea persistente y mareos, fracturas en las regiones naso-orbito-etmoidal, cigomático-maxilar y pterigoides derecha, entre otros patrones menores de fractura facial, con movilidad a tracción maxilar del tercio medio facial unilateralmente. Los hallazgos de las imágenes clínicas revelaron una hemifractura de Le Fort III y neumocefalia subdural y subaracnoidea con un leve signo del Monte Fuji. El tratamiento propuesto fue la osteosíntesis facial y el tratamiento farmacológico intravenoso conservador de la neumocefalia. El paciente tuvo una buena recuperación, sin déficit motor ni funcionales postoperatorios. El manejo adecuado del paciente con trauma facial asociado a craneotrauma ofrece beneficios, devolviendo la estabilidad de la arquitectura facial y previniendo o complicaciones neuroquirúrgicas.

Silent killer presenting as isolated oculomotor nerve palsy

Head trauma can result trivial to life threatening manifestations to a person. Subdural hemotomais characterised by accumulation of blood in subdural space, in most cases it is a serious condition and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment for the same to provide good outcome. Large collection, mid line shift, brain herniation associated with subdural hematoma is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, if the collection is minimal or is places like tentorium cerebelli may not have the typical presentation and if it抯 picked up using the subtle signs the devastating sequelae can be prevented. We report a 19 years old male with head trauma presenting with features of right-side isolated oculomotor nerve palsy who eventually found to have tentorial subdural hemotoma in imaging which has been intervened and complications were avoided.

Presión positiva al final de la espiración, presión intracraneal y presión de perfusión cerebral en el paciente pediátrico crítico con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave / Positive end expiration pressure, intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure in the severe traumatic brain injury in child / Pressão positiva ao final da expiração, pressão intracraniana e pressão de perfusão cerebral em pacientes pediátricos criticamente enfermos com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave

Resumen: Introducción: el uso de presión positiva al final de la espiración mejora la oxigenación y recluta alvéolos, aunque también provoca alteraciones hemodinámicas e incrementa la presión intracraneal. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio preexperimental de un solo grupo en pacientes pediátricos aquejados de traumatismo craneoencefálico grave, con hipoxemia asociada, tratados con diferentes niveles de presión positiva al final de la espiración, a los que se les monitorizó la presión intracraneal y la presión de perfusión cerebral para evaluar el efecto de esta maniobra ventilatoria en las variables intracraneales. Resultados: predominaron las edades entre cinco y 17 años, 14 (73.68%) y la escala de coma de Glasgow al ingreso de ocho a nueve puntos (47.36%). La presión intracraneal aumenta cuando la presión positiva al final de la espiración supera los 12 cmH2O. La escala de coma de Glasgow al ingreso de ocho puntos se asoció con secuelas ligeras o ausencia de secuelas (47.36%), todos los niños con tres puntos fallecieron. Conclusiones: el empleo de presión positiva al final de la espiración en el traumatismo craneoencefálico grave requiere de monitorización continua de la presión intracraneal. Corregir la hipertensión intracraneal y la inestabilidad hemodinámica son condiciones necesarias previas al tratamiento.

Abstract: Introduction: the use of positive end expiratory pressure improves oxygenation and recruits pulmonary alveoli, however at the same time it leads to hemodynamic changes and increase intracranial pressure. Material and methods: a prospective descriptive study was done with pediatric patients afflicted with severe traumatic brain injury associated with hypoxemia and treated with different levels of positive end expiratory pressure, to whom the intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure were monitored so as to evaluate the effect of this ventilation maneuver over the intracranial variables. Results: patients with age between 5-17 years old as well as male sex, 14 (73.68%) were predominant. 9 (47.36%) showed Glasgow coma scale of 8 points on admission. Intracranial pressure starts to rise when the positive end expiratory pressure exceeds 12 cmH2O. Glasgow coma scale with 8 points was associated with mild disability or no disability (47.36%). All the patients that scored 3 points died. Conclusions: the use of positive end expiratory pressure to correct hypoxemia was an applicable therapeutic alternative as long as continuous intracranial pressure monitoring was available in a systematic and personalized way. The correction of intracranial hypertension and hemodynamic instability were a necessary condition before using the ventilatory maneuver in these patients.

Resumo: Introdução: o uso de pressão positiva no final da expiração melhora a oxigenação e recruta alvéolos, embora também cause alterações hemodinâmicas e aumente a pressão intracraniana. Material e métodos: realizou-se um estudo pré-experimental de um único grupo em pacientes pediátricos vítimas de traumatismo cranioencefálico grave, com hipoxemia associada, tratados com diferentes níveis de pressão positiva ao final da expiração, nos quais foram monitoradas a pressão intracraniana e a pressão de perfusão cerebral, para avaliar o efeito desta manobra ventilatória em variáveis intracranianas. Resultados: predominou a faixa etária entre 5-17 anos, 14 (73.68%) e a escala de coma de Glasgow na admissão de 8 pontos, 9 (47.36%). A pressão intracraniana aumenta quando a pressão positiva no final da expiração excede 12 cmH2O. A escala de coma de Glasgow na admissão de 8 pontos foi associada a sequelas leves ou sem sequelas (47.36%), todas as crianças com 3 pontos morreram. Conclusões: a utilização de pressão positiva no final da expiração no TCE grave requer monitorização contínua da pressão intracraniana. A correção da hipertensão intracraniana e da instabilidade hemodinâmica são condições necessárias prévias ao tratamento.

Prevalencia de sindrome post conmocion cerebral en pacientes atendidos en el hospital del niño. un estudio longitudinal de julio a octubre de 2019 / Prevalence of post-concussion syndrome in patients seen at the children's hospital. A longitudinal study from July to October 2019

INTRODUCCIÓN. El síndrome post conmoción cerebral (SPC) es una secuela muy común de la conmoción cerebral (CC). El diagnóstico es desafiante porque los síntomas varían de paciente a paciente, son auto informados, sutiles y los estudios de imagen convencionales pueden o no revelar anomalías mínimas. ¿Cuál es la prevalencia del síndrome post conmoción cerebral en pacientes que fueron atendidos en el Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría? MATERIAL Y MÉTODO. Estudio descriptivo longitudinal, que enroló 45 pacientes de 1 a 15 años de edad, durante los meses de julio a octubre de 2019. Se utilizó la herramienta SCAT5 modificado como cribado, diagnóstico y seguimiento del SPC. Se evaluó a cada paciente de forma individual en 5 entrevistas planificadas. El análisis descriptivo utilizó medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Para el análisis inferencial se empleó pruebas de correlación. RESULTADOS. Se encontró una prevalencia del 22,2% (n=10) en el segundo mes de seguimiento que reduce a 6,6% (n=3) hasta el tercer mes. DISCUSIÓN. Las definiciones más aceptadas de SPC son de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades 10a revisión (CIE-10) y del Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales, quinta edición (DSM-5). Las náuseas y la somnolencia son muy comunes después de la conmoción y se resuelven rápidamente (horas o días). La cefalea abarca todo el espectro y ocurre inmediatamente después de la lesión y frecuentemente se vuelve crónica. CONCLUSIÓN. Los pacientes padecieron SPC, no existe un protocolo institucional de diagnóstico y manejo para la recuperación escalonada.

INTRODUCTION. Post-concussion syndrome (PPS) is a very common sequela of concussion (CC). Diagnosis is challenging because symptoms vary from patient to patient, are self-reported, subtle, and conventional imaging studies may or may not reveal minimal abnormalities. What is the prevalence of post-concussion syndrome in patients who were treated at the Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría? MATERIAL AND METHOD. Longitudinal descriptive study, which enrolled 45 patients from 1 to 15 years of age, during the months of July to October 2019. The modified SCAT5 tool was used for screening, diagnosis and follow-up of the PPS. Each patient was evaluated individually in 5 planned interviews. The descriptive analysis used measures of central tendency and dispersion. Correlation tests were used for inferential analysis. RESULTS. A prevalence of 22.2% (n = 10) was found in the second month of follow-up, which reduces to 6.6% (n = 3) until the third month. DISCUSSION. The most widely accepted definitions of SPC are from the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). Nausea and drowsiness are very common after shock and resolve quickly (hours to days). Headache spans the entire spectrum and occurs immediately after injury and frequently becomes chronic. CONCLUSION. The patients suffered from SPC, there is no institutional diagnostic and management protocol for staggered recovery.

Research progress of shaken baby syndrome and its preventive measures / 中国实用护理杂志

Shaken baby syndrome, also known as abusive head trauma, is one of the deadliest and most devastating forms of child abuse.This paper reviewed the risk factors, cognitive status and preventive measures of shaken baby syndrome, in order to provide reference for the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and further research on shaken baby syndrome.

Craneoplastia sin materiales aloplásticos. Reporte de caso / Cranioplasty without alloplastic materials. Case report

RESUMEN La craneoplastia es la reconstrucción de los elementos cutáneos, óseos, y meningeos que resguardan los elementos nobles del cráneo usando materiales aloplásticos, la búsqueda de la mejor alternativa a estos nos llevó a desarrollar una técnica que utiliza los propios tejidos peri lesiónales, practicada en un paciente, que luego de 15 días de haber sufrido un traumatismo con herramienta cortante que expuso tejidos nobles intracraneales comprometiendo su vida. Se realizó la reconstrucción de la bóveda craneal en un solo tiempo quirúrgico. Esta técnica permitió alcanzar resultados satisfactorios, logrando evitar rechazos de los materiales utilizados frecuente en otras técnicas.

ABSTRACT Cranioplasty is the reconstruction of the skin, bone, and meningeal elements that protect the noble elements of the skull using alloplastic materials, the search for the best alternative to these led us to develop a technique that uses the peri-lesion tissues themselves, practiced in a patient, who after 15 days of having suffered a trauma with a cutting tool that exposed intracranial noble tissues, compromising his life. Reconstruction of the cranial vault was performed in a single surgical time. This technique allowed to achieve satisfactory results, managing to avoid rejections of the materials used frequently in other techniques.

Vigilancia epidemiológica del Traumatismo Encéfalo Craneano (TEC) en el Hospital San Bernardo de la Provincia de Salta, Argentina / Epidemiological surveillance of Cranial Brain Injury (TEC) at the San Bernardo Hospital in the Province of Salta, Argentina

Introducción: El TEC es una de las principales causas de discapacidad y muerte en nuestra sociedad. Tiene una mortalidad que ronda el 30% y una morbilidad cercana al 60%1, 2, 3, 4, 5.No hay un estudio estadístico epidemiológico exhaustivo sobre TEC en Argentina, por tal motivo la finalidad de este trabajo es conocer la epidemiología de esta patología en el Hospital San Bernardo (HSB) de Salta. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un trabajo observacional transversal prospectivo. Se incluyeron todos aquellos pacientes que ingresaban al HSB desde agosto de 2014 hasta agosto de 2015 por el servicio de guardia con diagnóstico de TEC asociado o no a politraumatismo. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó la versión 3.3.3. del Software R para Windows. Resultados: Se estudiaron un total de 1.496 pacientes de los cuales 76% fueron de sexo masculino y 24% femenino. El 84% de los TEC son leve, el 13% moderado y el 4% grave. Según el mecanismo del trauma, el 39% fue por accidente de tránsito, el 32% fue por agresión física y el 22% por caídas. El 19% de los pacientes fue internado. Los días promedio de internación son 10,27. De los pacientes internados, el 27% requirió cirugía de urgencia. Evaluado el GOS, el 19% tuvo GOS 1, 46% GOS 2 ­ 4 y 35% GOS 5. Conclusión: El TEC es una patología que afecta principalmente a adultos varones jóvenes. Las causas más frecuentes en nuestro medio son los accidentes de tránsito y la agresión física. El TEC en nuestro medio presenta una mortalidad global del 19%, con una morbilidad del 47%. Los datos estadísticos de nuestro Hospital referentes al TEC son concordantes con la bibliografía mundial

Introduction: Head Trauma (TBI) is one of the main causes of disability, death and economic loss in our society. It has a mortality of around 30% and a morbidity close to 60%1, 2, 3, 4, 5.There is no exhaustive statistical study on TBI in Argentina, for this reason the purpose of this project is to know the San Bernardo Hospital epidemiology of this pathology. Materials and methods: A prospective cross-sectional observational study was carried out. Patients who were admitted to the San Bernardo Hospital emergency department from August 2014 to August 2015 with a diagnosis of TBI associated or not with multiple trauma were included. Version 3.3.3 was used for statistical analysis of the R Software for Windows. Results: A total of 1.496 patients were studied, of which 76% were male and 24% female, with range of 14 ­ 97 years old (Table 4). 84% of TBI were mild, 13% moderate, and 4% severe. According to the mechanism of trauma, 39% was due to a traffic accident, 32% was due to physical aggression and 22% due to falls. 19% of the patients were hospitalized. The average days of hospitalization are 10.27. Of the hospitalized patients, 27% required emergency surgery. The patients GOS was 19% GOS 1, 46% GOS 2 ­ 4 and 35% GOS 5. Conclusion: TBI is a prevalent pathology that affects mainly young male adults. The most frequent cause in our environment are traffic accidents and physical aggression. TBI in our setting presents an overall mortality of 19% with a morbidity of 47%. Statistics of diagnosis and treatment of patients with TBI in our Hospital are similar to those published in the world bibliography and guidelines

Traumatismo encéfalo-craneano por caída libre en neonatos

Objetivo : Describir las características clínicas del traumatismo encéfalo craneano en neonatos. Materiales y métodos : Se realizó una serie de casos de neonatos con traumatismo encéfalo craneano, todos con diagnóstico clínico y tomográfico atendidos por el Servicio de Neuropediatría y Neonatología del Hospital Cayetano Heredia del 2014 al 2019. Resultados : Se incluyeron 12 neonatos, 67% (8/12) fueron varones, 33% (4/12) menores de cuatro días de edad y 25% (3/12) hijos de madres añosas. La caída libre fue el mecanismo de lesión en todos los casos y tres de ellos se cayeron de coches de paseo para bebés. El lugar más frecuente de la caída fue el hospital, tres neonatos se encontraban en alojamiento conjunto, dos en la sala de espera de la consulta externa y uno en hospitalización. El 83% (10/12) de los casos cayó de ≥ 0.5 m de altura y 33% (4/12) cayó de ≥ 1m. El 58% (7/12) fue sintomático a la caída, cuatro casos con letargia y uno con irritabilidad. Además, se reportaron vómitos y dificultad respiratoria. Cuatro presentaron hematoma epidural y tres de ellos fractura craneal, dos de gravedad por hipertensión endocraneana descompensada que requirieron evacuación quirúrgica de emergencia. Conclusión : El traumatismo encéfalo craneano en neonatos es un problema potencialmente grave. El hematoma epidural fue la lesión intracraneal más frecuente. La letargia e irritabilidad fueron los síntomas más frecuentes en los neonatos que cayeron de ≥ 0.5m de altura.

Objective : To describe clinical characteristics of head trauma in neonates. Material and methods : This is a case series of neonate patients with head trauma. All of them had a clinical diagnosis and computed tomography scans performed. They were taken care of in both Neuropediatrics and Neonatology services in Cayetano Heredia National Hospital in Lima, Peru from 2014 to 2019. Results : Twelve neonates were included, 67% (8/12) were male, 33% (4/12) were less than four days old, and 25% (3/12) were born to mature mothers. Free fall was the mechanism of lesion for all cases, and three of them fell down from baby trolleys. Places where these accidents occurred were at the hospital. Three neonates were in joint housing, two were in the waiting room of the outpatient clinic, and one fall occurred in the hospitalization ward. Eighty- three per cent (10/12) of all cases fell from ≥0.5- m height, and 33% (4/12) fell from 1- m height. Fifty-eight per cent (7/12) developed symptoms after the fall, four had lethargy and one had irritability. Also, vomits and respiratory distress were reported. Four neonates developed epidural hematoma and three had cranial fracture, two of these latter cases were severe because of decompensated cranial hypertension that required emergency surgical decompression. Conclusion : Head trauma in neonates is a potentially severe condition. Epidural hematoma was the most frequent intracranial lesion. Lethargy and irritability were most frequent symptoms in neonates who fell from ≥0.5- m height.

Craniectomía descompresiva como tratamiento primario de la hipertensión intracraneal por traumatismo encefalocraneano: Experiencia observacional en 24 pacientes

Introducción: el traumatismo encéfalo craneano es una de las principales causas de muerte en nuestro medio, El tratamiento médico y quirúrgico en la etapa inicial de un TEC severo se enfoca en evitar la elevación de la Presión Intracraneana. Objetivo : describir características asociados y sus principales complicaciones en aquellos pacientes sometidos a Craniectomía Descompresiva. Métodos : Estudio retrospectivo observacional descriptivo, realizado entre febrero de 2018 a julio de 2020 de pacientes operados de Craniectomía Descompresiva unilateral, admitidos por traumatismo encefalocraneano. Resultados : 66.7% fueron personas menores de 40 años; 87,5% fueron de sexo masculino; 16,7% de la población ingresaron con una ECG de 13-15, 37,5% de la población con una ECG de 9-12; 42.9% presentaron asimetría pupilar; 33,3% ingresaron por accidente de tránsito; 21,7% fueron Marshall II, 65,2% Marshall III y en 13,0% se halló un Marshall IV. Conclusiones : Los resultados sugieren que las características asociadas a la Craniectomía Descompresiva por TEC contribuyen en el manejo de esta patología.

Introduction: Head trauma is one of the main causes of death in Peru. Medical and surgical therapy during the initial stages of severe head trauma focus in preventing the elevation of intracranial pressure. Objective: To describe the associated characteristics and main complications in patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study performed between February 2018 and July 2020 in patients who had been admitted because of head trauma and who had undergone unilateral decompressive craniectomy. Results: Two-thirds (66.7%) of patients were persons less than 40 years of age; 87.5% were males; 16.7% were admitted with Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) scores between 13 and 15; 37.5% were admitted with GCS between 9 and 12; 42.9% had asymmetric pupils; 33.3% were admitted because of traffic accidents; 21.7% were Marshall II, 65.2% were Marshall III, and 13.0% were Marshall IV. Conclusions: Our results suggest that characteristics associated to decompressive craniectomy because of head trauma contribute for its proper management.

Noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring methods: a critical review / Métodos de monitorização não invasivos da pressão intracraniana: uma revisão crítica

ABSTRACT Background: Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has been used for decades in management of various neurological conditions. The gold standard for measuring ICP is a ventricular catheter connected to an external strain gauge, which is an invasive system associated with a number of complications. Despite its limitations, no noninvasive ICP monitoring (niICP) method fulfilling the technical requirements for replacing invasive techniques has yet been developed, not even in cases requiring only ICP monitoring without cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. Objectives: Here, we review the current methods for niICP monitoring. Methods: The different methods and approaches were grouped according to the mechanism used for detecting elevated ICP or its associated consequences. Results: The main approaches reviewed here were: physical examination, brain imaging (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography), indirect ICP estimation techniques (fundoscopy, tympanic membrane displacement, skull elasticity, optic nerve sheath ultrasound), cerebral blood flow evaluation (transcranial Doppler, ophthalmic artery Doppler), metabolic changes measurements (near-infrared spectroscopy) and neurophysiological studies (electroencephalogram, visual evoked potential, otoacoustic emissions). Conclusion: In terms of accuracy, reliability and therapeutic options, intraventricular catheter systems still remain the gold standard method. However, with advances in technology, noninvasive monitoring methods have become more relevant. Further evidence is needed before noninvasive methods for ICP monitoring or estimation become a more widespread alternative to invasive techniques.

RESUMO Introdução: O uso da monitorização da pressão intracraniana (PIC, em sua sigla em inglês) é adotado há décadas no manejo de diversas condições neurológicas. O padrão ouro atual é a monitorização invasiva intraventricular, que está relacionada a inúmeras complicações. Apesar dessas limitações, até o momento nenhum método de monitorização não invasiva (niPIC, em sua sigla em inglês) conseguiu substituir a técnica invasiva. Objetivos: Revisar os métodos não invasivos de monitorização da PIC. Métodos: As diferentes modalidades e abordagens foram agrupadas de acordo com o mecanismo utilizado para detectar elevação da PIC ou suas consequências. Resultados: As técnicas descritas foram: o exame físico, neuroimagem (tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética de crânio), estimativas indiretas da PIC (fundoscopia, deslocamento da membrana timpânica, elasticidade craniana), avaliação do fluxo cerebral (doppler transcraniano e doppler da artéria oftálmica), alterações metabólicas (Espectroscopia próxima do infravermelho) e estudos neurofisiológicos (eletroencefalograma, potencial evocado visual e emissões otoacústicas). Conclusão: Considerando a acurácia, confiabilidade e opções terapêuticas, o sistema de cateteres intraventricular ainda permanece como padrão ouro. No entanto, com os avanços tecnológicos, os métodos não invasivos têm se tornados mais relevantes. Mais evidências são necessárias antes que essas modalidades de monitorização ou estimativas não invasivas se tornem uma alternativa mais robusta às técnicas invasivas.

Traumatismo craneoencefálico leve en el departamento de urgencias de pediatría del Hospital de Clínicas de San Lorenzo: características clínico epidemiológicas y frecuencia

RESUMEN Introducción: El traumatismo craneoencefálico ocurre comúnmente en la infancia. La mayoría de los traumatismos craneales en niños son leves y no están asociados con lesiones cerebrales o secuelas a largo plazo. Sin embargo, un pequeño número de niños que parecen estar en bajo riesgo puede tener una lesión cerebral traumática clínicamente importante. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia, características clínicas y epidemiológicas del traumatismo cráneo encefálico leve en el departamento de emergencias pediátricas del hospital de clínicas de San Lorenzo. Materiales y Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal, se incluyeron pacientes menores a 18 años con diagnóstico de Traumatismo craneoencefálico leve que ingresan a sala de observación del Departamento de Urgencias del Hospital de Clínicas desde noviembre del 2017 hasta noviembre del 2019. Resultados: fueron ingresados 55 pacientes con diagnóstico de TCE leve, el 53% del sexo masculino, el 36% pertenecían a lactantes mayores, la mayoría procedían del área metropolitana. En cuanto al mecanismo de traumatismo el 62% fue por caída de propia altura con un promedio de 0,9 ± 0,91 m, el 20% presento pérdida del conocimiento. Todos los pacientes ingresaron al departamento de urgencias vigiles y con un Glasgow 15/15, en cuanto a los hallazgos radiológicos se constató fractura de cráneo en 5% Se realizo estudios de imagen en el 55% de los pacientes en donde más del 60% fueron normales. Conclusión: en pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico leve los médicos deben decidir si el paciente se realizará una tomografía en base al juicio clínico y a guías internacionalmente estandarizadas para tal efecto ya que las mismas exponen a radiaciones ionizantes que aumentan los riesgos a largo plazo de neoplasias letales. Esto permite que los niños con riesgo bajo a intermedio no sean expuestos innecesariamente a radiaciones.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Traumatic brain injury occurs commonly in childhood. Most head injuries in children are mild and are not associated with long-term brain injuries or sequelae. However, a small number of children who appear to be at low risk may have a clinically important TBI. Objective: to determine the frequency, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of mild head trauma in the pediatric emergency department of the San Lorenzo Clinical Hospital. Materials and Methods: this was an observational, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study that included patients under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of mild head injury who were admitted to the observation room of the Emergency Department of the Clinical Hospital from November 2017 to November 2019. Results: 55 patients with a diagnosis of mild TBI were admitted, 53% male, 36% were older infants, the majority came from the metropolitan area. Regarding the trauma mechanism, 62% was due to a fall from their own height with an average of 0.9 ± 0.91 m, 20% presented loss of consciousness. All patients were admitted to the emergency department awake and with a Glasgow 15/15, regarding the radiological findings, a skull fracture was confirmed in 5%. Imaging studies were performed in 55% of the patients, more than 60% of these were normal. Conclusion: in patients with mild head injury, doctors must decide whether the patient will undergo a tomography based on clinical judgment and internationally standardized guidelines for this purpose, since they expose them to ionizing radiation that increases the long-term risks of lethal neoplasms. This allows low to intermediate risk children to not be unnecessarily exposed to radiation.

The utility of physician-staffed helicopters for managing individuals who experience severe isolated head trauma / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objective: The authors retrospectively investigated prognostic factors for severe isolated head trauma in patients evacuated by a physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) or ground ambulance using data from the Japan Trauma Data Bank (JTDB).Patients and Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of data housed in the JTDB database. The study period was from January 2004 to May 2019. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the method of transportation: helicopter (i.e., HEMS), which included patients transported by a physician-staffed helicopter; and ambulance, which included patients transported by ground ambulance.Results: A total of 41,358 patients were enrolled in the study, including 2,029 in the helicopter group and 39,329 in the ambulance group. The ratio of males, median head Abbreviated Injury Scale and Injury Severity Scale (ISS) scores were significantly greater in the helicopter group than in the ambulance group, while the average age, median Glasgow Coma Scale, average Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and survival rate were significantly lower in the helicopter group than in the ambulance group. Of the variables that demonstrated statistical significance in the univariate analysis and classification of transportation and included in the multivariate analysis, the following were identified as significant predictors of survival outcomes: younger age, lower ISS, female sex, and greater RTS. HEMS was not a significant predictor of survival.Conclusion: The present study revealed no effect of HEMS transport on the outcomes of patients who experienced severe isolated head trauma compared with ground ambulance transportation. Further prospective studies, including an analysis of the operation time or distance traveled by the HEMS and the functional outcome(s) of patients with severe head injury transported by HEMS, are warranted.

Trauma Craniano Violento (TCV): Relação entre Conhecimento de Pais, Potencial de Abuso Infantil e Status Socioeconômico Familiar / Abusive Head Trauma (AHT): Relationship between Knowledge of Parents, Child Abuse Potential and Family Socioeconomic Status

Resumo Descreve a relação entre conhecimento sobre Trauma Craniano Violento (TCV), status socioeconômico e potencial de maus-tratos infantis. Dezenove pais e 61 mães responderam aos instrumentos Escala de Atitudes Frente ao Choro do Bebê, Inventário de Potencial de Abuso Infantil e Questionário Socioeconômico. A correlação de Spearman demonstrou resultados significativos entre escolaridade e renda com crenças sobre cuidados com o bebê (r = 0,32, p = 0,004; r = 0,22, p = 0,05, respectivamente), poder aquisitivo e escolaridade com conhecimentos sobre choro infantil (r = -0,40, p<0,001; r = -0,22, p = 0,05, respectivamente), número de filhos com estratégias para lidar com choro (r = -0,29, p = 0,01) e rigidez com consequências de sacudir o bebê e crenças sobre cuidados com o bebê (r = -0,29, p = 0,008; r = -0,359, p = 0,001, respectivamente). Considera importante direcionar intervenções às necessidades de cada população e trabalhar a flexibilidade parental para reduzir o TCV.

Abstract Describes the relationship between knowledge on Abusive Head Trauma, socioeconomic status and child abuse potential. 19 parents and 61 mothers filled out the following instruments: Attitudes Towards Infant Crying Scale, Child Abuse Potential Inventory and Socioeconomic Questionnaire. Spearman's correlation found significant results: schooling and income showed correlation with beliefs about infant care (r = 0,32, p = 0,004; r = 0,22, p = 0,05 respectively), purchasing power and schooling correlated with knowledge on infant crying (r = -0,40, p<0,001; r = -0,22, p = 0,05 respectively), number of children correlated with strategies for coping with baby crying (r = -0,29, p = 0,01) and rigidity with consequences of shaking a baby and beliefs (r = -0,29, p = 0,008; r = -0,36, p = 0,001 respectively). It is important to target interventions to the needs of each population and to work with parental flexibility to reduce the incidence of AHT.

Vítimas com traumatismo cranioencefálico na sala de emergência e fator associado à permanência no setor / Víctimas con traumatismo craneoencefálico en urgencias y factor asociado a permanencia en el sector / Victims with traumatic brain injury in the emergency room and factor associated with permanence in the sector

Objetivo: analisar a evolução das vítimas de traumatismo cranioencefálico contuso na sala de emergência e identificar fatores independentes para tempo de permanência nesse serviço. Método: coorte prospectiva que incluiu todas as vítimas que atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade e foram admitidas entre julho e dezembro de 2017 em hospital referência para trauma. Foi aplicado o Rapid Emergency Medicine Score para identificar a evolução das vítimas até 6 horas após admissão e aplicadas estatísticas descritivas e análise bivariada. Resultados: entre a admissão e 2 horas, foram observadas mudanças desfavoráveis em 35,1% das vítimas, entre 2-4 horas em 13,6% e entre 4-6 horas, em 42,8%; foi observada melhora entre 27% e 28,6% da casuística. Suporte hemodinâmico foi fator independente para tempo de permanência. Conclusão: a evolução desfavorável foi mais frequente entre a admissão e 2 horas e após 4 horas. A maior permanência na sala de emergência ocorreu em vítimas com suporte hemodinâmico.

Objetivo: analizar la evolución de las víctimas de traumatismo craneoencefálico contundente en la sala de urgencias e identificar factores independientes para la duración de la estancia en este servicio. Método: cohorte prospectiva que incluyó a todas las víctimas que cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad y estuvieron ingresadas entre julio y diciembre de 2017 en un hospital de referencia por traumatismo. Se aplicó el Rapid Emergency Medicine Score para identificar la evolución de las víctimas hasta 6 horas después del ingreso y se aplicó estadística descriptiva y análisis bivariado. Resultados: entre el ingreso y 2 horas, se observaron cambios desfavorables en 35,1% de las víctimas, entre 2-4 horas en 13,6% y entre 4-6 horas, en 42,8%; se observó mejoría entre el 27% y el 28,6% de la muestra. El soporte hemodinámico fue un factor independiente para la duración de la estancia. Conclusión: la evolución desfavorable fue más frecuente entre el ingreso y 2 horas y después de 4 horas. La estancia más larga en la sala de urgencias ocurrió en víctimas con soporte hemodinámico.

Objective: analyzing the evolution of victims of blunt traumatic brain injury in the emergency room and identifying independent factors for length of stay in this service. Method: a prospective cohort that included all victims who met the eligibility criteria and were admitted between July and December 2017 in a reference hospital for trauma. The Rapid Emergency Medicine Score was applied to identify the evolution of the victims up to 6 hours after admission and descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were applied. Results: between admission and 2 hours, unfavorable changes were observed in 35.1% of the victims, between 2-4 hours in 13.6% and between 4-6 hours, in 42.8%; improvement was observed between 27% and 28.6% of the sample. Hemodynamic support was an independent factor for length of stay. Conclusion: unfavorable evolution was more frequent between admission and 2 hours and after 4 hours. The longest stay in the emergency room occurred in victims with hemodynamic support.

Daño axonal difuso en accidentes de tránsito: Reporte de caso y revisión bibliográfica / Diffuse axonal injury in traffic accidents: Case report and literature review

Resumen Los accidentes de tránsito son una de las principales causas de lesiones y muertes en la población general, se ha descrito que aproximadamente el 60% de las muertes por accidentes de tránsito son ocasionadas por el trauma craneoencefálico, siendo que el daño axonal difuso es una causa frecuente de coma y discapacidad grave. Dentro de los hallazgos más importantes en la autopsia médico legal a nivel macróscopico se encuentran las petequias en cuerpo calloso, hemorragias en sustancia blanca, entre otros y a nivel microscópico se observan edema axonal reactivo diseminado. En el presente artículo se comentará un caso de daño axonal difuso secundario a un accidente de tránsito, además se realizará una revisión del tema abarcando los puntos más importantes a tomar en cuenta desde el punto de vista médico legal.

Abstract Traffic accidents are one of the main causes of injuries and deaths in the general population, it has been described that approximately 60% of deaths from traffic accidents are caused by head trauma, diffuse axonal damage is a cause frequent coma and severe disability after head trauma, among the most important findings in the legal medical autopsy at the macroscopic level are the petechiae in the corpus callosum, hemorrhages in white matter, among others and at the microscopic level disseminated reactive axonal swelling. In this article, a case of diffuse axonal damage secondary to a traffic accident will be discussed, and a review of the subject will be carried out covering the most important points to be taken into account from the legal medical point of view.

Análisis de la confección de los certificados de asistencia de primera intención del lesionado. Matanzas 2015 / Analysis of the preparation of the first intention assistance certificates of the injured party. Matanzas 2015

Resumen Dentro de las actuaciones medicolegales de mayor trascendencia en el delito de lesiones se encuentra la asistencia de primera intención del lesionado con la correspondiente certificación médica inicial. La confección en Cuba del certificado de asistencia de primera intención de un lesionado dista mucho de ser la adecuada, comprobado por diversos trabajos de autores nacionales y extranjeros. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo el análisis de la confección de los certificados de este tipo, realizados en el municipio de Matanzas, Cuba, en el año 2015 para lo cual se utilizaron variables como la descripción anatómica de las lesiones y el pronóstico medicolegal. Para el análisis de los resultados se utilizaron métodos estadísticos como valores porcentuales y tablas de frecuencia. Los resultados obtenidos arrojaron como conclusiones que el desconocimiento de la clasificación de las lesiones según el código penal, las dificultades en la descripción anatómica y en el pronóstico médico legal de las lesiones constituyen las principales deficiencias detectadas.

Abstract Among the most important medical legal actions in the crime of injuries is the first intention assistance of the injured party with the corresponding initial medical certification. The preparation in Cuba of the certificate of first intention assistance of an injured person is far from being adequate, proven by various works by national and foreign authors. The objective of this research is to analyze the preparation of certificates of this type, carried out in the municipality of Matanzas, Cuba, in 2015, for which variables such as the anatomical description of the injuries and the medical-legal prognosis were used. . For the analysis of the results, statistical methods such as percentage values and frequency tables were used. The results obtained yielded as conclusions that the ignorance of the classification of injuries according to the penal code, the difficulties in the anatomical description and in the legal medical prognosis of the injuries constitute the main deficiencies detected.