Sharps Accidents: Occurrence and Knowledge Level among Brazilian Dental Students

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of sharps accidents among dental students in southwest Goiás state, Brazil, and further survey their knowledge of biosafety and post-injury management. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical observational study was carried out in 2018 following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. The study population included dental students in the 4th and 10th course semester. A pre-formulated self-administered questionnaire containing 14 objective questions was used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation values were calculated. Results: A total of 308 responses were obtained. Overall, 15.9% of the respondents reported having previously experienced accidents with sharps. Most dental students who claimed to know the biological risks to which they are exposed were in the 5th and 8th course semesters, and 67.2% of them reported knowing how to proceed in the event of a sharp accident. Conclusion: A low prevalence of sharps accidents has been reported, and dental students are considered to have a good knowledge of biosafety.

Caracterización de adolescentes lesionados por armas blancas en región tóraco-abdominal

Introducción: El trauma intencional por arma blanca, que ocasiona lesiones potencialmente fatales, constituye una de las causas de atención médica frecuente en el Servicio de Urgencias. Objetivo: Caracterizar a adolescentes con lesiones por armas blancas en región tóraco-abdominal. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal en 94 pacientes con lesiones tóraco-abdominales por arma blanca ingresados en el Hospital Pediátrico Juan Manuel Márquez en el período comprendido desde enero del 2016 hasta diciembre del 2020. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, tipo de heridas y localización, lesiones ocasionadas, procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados, complicaciones y casuística según los años estudiados. Resultados: El sexo masculino fue el más frecuente (92,6 %) y las edades entre 15 y 18 años (87,2 %). Predominaron las heridas de tipo no penetrantes (60,7 %) y la localización torácica (59,8 %). En las lesiones penetrantes predominó el neumotórax abierto (31 %). Los procedimientos quirúrgicos más realizados fueron la sutura de herida traumática (100 %) y la pleurostomía (44,8 %). Entre las complicaciones presentadas prevalecieron la neumonía (35,2 %) y la infección de la herida traumática (17,6 %). El 2019 fue el año con mayor número de casos (25,5 %). Conclusiones: Los adolescentes con lesiones tóraco-abdominales por arma blanca se caracterizan, en general, por ser varones entre 15 y 18 años. Las heridas de tipo no penetrante en tórax constituyen la lesión fundamental y la sutura de heridas es el procedimiento quirúrgico más empleado. La complicación más frecuente es la neumonía.

Introduction: Intentional stab wound trauma, which causes potentially fatal injuries, is one of the causes for frequent medical attention in the emergency department. Objective: To characterize adolescents with stab wounds in the thoracoabdominal region. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in 94 patients with thoracoabdominal stab wounds admitted to Hospital Pediátrico Juan Manuel Márquez from January 2016 to December 2020. The variables studied were age, sex, wound type and location, caused injuries, performed surgical procedures, complications and casuistry according to the studied years. Results: The male sex was the most frequent (92.6%), together with ages between 15 and 18 years (87.2%). Nonpenetrating injuries (60.7 %) and the thoracic location (59.8%) predominated. Among penetrating injuries, open pneumothorax (31%) dominated. The most frequently performed surgical procedures were traumatic wound suturing (100%) and pleurostomy (44.8%). Among the complications, pneumonia (35.2%) and traumatic wound infection (17.6%) prevailed. 2019 was the year with the highest number of cases (25.5%). Conclusions: Adolescents with thoracoabdominal stab wounds were generally characterized as males at ages between 15 and 18 years. Nonpenetrating thoracic wounds are the main injuries and wound suturing is the most frequently used surgical procedure. The most frequent complication is pneumonia.

Efficacy of Embalming Mixture Containing Formalin, Methanol and Water on Early Stage of Decomposition: A Validation Study

Background: Stabbing with kitchen knife is a common method of homicide in Nigeria; and embalming of decomposing stabbed cadavers has been a challenge for morticians in Nigeria, because of the impairment of embalming fluid through the damaged arteries. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an embalming mixture containing formalin, methanol and water on stabbed early decomposing carcasses using porcine analogues. Methods: Two infant pigs were used for this study. Animals were sacrificed and allowed to reach the early stage of decomposition before embalming. Cervical arterial and hypodermic embalming techniques were employed. Post-embalming changes were observed and scored. A Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the outcome of embalmment and the embalming mixture. Results: There was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation (r = .576, n = 42, p = .001) between outcome of embalming, and duration of embalming; a statistically significant strong negative correlation (r = -.623, n = 42, p = .001) with volume of embalming fluid; and a statistically significant moderate negative correlation (r = -.528, n = 42, p = .001) with room temperature. There was a statistically insignificant very weak positive correlation (r = .186, n = 42, p = .239) between outcome of embalming and humidity; and a statistically insignificant very weak negative correlation (r = -.141, n = 42, p = .375) with atmospheric temperature. Conclusions: This study validated the embalming methodology and fluid suitable for arresting early decomposition process of stabbed infant carcasses in Nigeria. More so, an embalming mixture containing formalin, methanol and water in equal proportion is suitable for arresting early decomposition of stabbed cadavers.

Trauma abdominal penetrante por heridas de arma blanca. Manejo laparoscópico vs convencional. Estudio prospectivo y comparativo / Penetrating abdominal trauma due to stab wounds. Laparoscopic vs conventional management. Prospective and comparative study

La evaluación y el manejo del trauma abdominal ha presentado cambios significativos en los últimos tiempos. La laparoscopia en el trauma abdominal penetrante ha sido de gran utilidad principalmente como método diagnóstico, sin embargo, se debería considerar como herramienta terapéutica.Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia del manejo laparoscópico vs el convencional en el tratamiento de pacientes con trauma abdominal penetrante por heridas de arma blanca.Métodos : Estudio experimental, prospectivo, comparativo. La población de estudio estuvo representada por pacientes con diagnóstico de traumatismo abdominal penetrante por herida de arma blanca que ingresaron a la emergencia de cirugía del Hospital Dr. Miguel Pérez Carreño durante el periodo enero 2019 a julio 2021.Resultados : Fueron incluidos 48 pacientes, 28 pacientes del grupo control y 20 pacientes del grupo experimental. Ambos grupos fueron comparables con respecto a edad y sexo. El índice de severidad del trauma (PATI) fue similar en ambos grupos. Las complicaciones y el tiempo quirúrgico no tuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Las cirugías negativas representaron el 15 % en el grupo laparoscópico vs 11 % en el abordaje convencional. El porcentaje de conversión fue de 15 %. La estancia hospitalaria fue menor en el grupo laparoscópico 3,25 vs 4,6 días (p = 0,04).Conclusión: La cirugía laparoscópica puede considerarse el abordaje de elección en pacientes hemodinámicamente estables con trauma abdominal penetrante por herida de arma blanca, siendo un método seguro y eficaz, brindando los beneficios propios de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva, con baja tasa de complicaciones y una recuperación más rápida(AU)

The evaluation and management of abdominal trauma have changed significantly in recent times. Laparoscopic approach in penetrating abdominal trauma has been useful as diagnostic method, however, its therapeutic value should be considered. Objective: To determine the efficacy of laparoscopy versus laparotomy approach as treatment in patients with penetrating abdominal trauma caused by stab wounds. Methods: We conducted an experimental, prospective and comparative study. Study population was represented by patients with diagnosis of penetrating abdominal trauma due to stab wounds who were admitted to the emergency room of Dr. Miguel Pérez Carreño Hospital between January 2019 and July 2021.Results : 48 patients were included, 28 in the control group and 20 patients in the experimental group. No differences were found between groups regarding age and sex. The penetrating abdominal trauma index (PATI) was similar in both groups. Differences in complications and surgical time were not statistically significant. Non-therapeutic surgeries represented 15 % in laparoscopic group and 11 % in laparotomy group. The conversion percentage was 15 %. Hospital stay were shorter in laparoscopic group, 3.25 vs 4.6 days (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery can be considered the approach of choice in hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating abdominal trauma due to stab wounds. It is a safe and effective method, providing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, with a low rate of complications and faster patient recovery(AU)

Clinical observation on the treatment of adult glaucoma by stab incision glaucoma surgery / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the safety and efficacy of stab incision glaucoma surgery(SIGS)in the treatment of adult glaucoma.METHODS: A series of retrospective case studies were carried out from June 2018 to November 2020, the clinical data of 55 cases with 70 eyes of glaucoma treated with SIGS in our hospital were collected. Following up at 6mo after operation, the intraocular pressure(IOP), bleb and postoperative complications were observed.RESULTS: Among the included patients, 30 eyes were performed SIGS alonely, 40 eyes were performed SIGS combined with phacoemulsification. Among them, the operation of 33 eyes(47%)was completely successful, the operation of 28 eyes(40%)was partially successful, and the operation of 9 eyes(13%)were failed. The mean preoperative IOP under medication was 31.82±13.16mmHg, and at 1wk, 1, 3 and 6mo after operation, the mean IOP(14.97±5.25, 17.94±5.24, 18.43±4.74, 17.37±3.36)mmHg were all significantly lower than before operation, and the number of IOP-lowering drugs used at 6mo after operation [0(0, 1)] was significantly lower than before operation [3(2, 3)](P<0.001). At 6mo after operation, the filtering blebs' shape of the patients: 30 eyes(43%)of type I(functional bleb), 31 eyes(44%)of type Ⅱ(functional bleb), 7 eyes(10%)of type Ⅲ(flat bleb)and 2 eyes(3%)of type IV(encapsulated vesicular bleb)were included. During the follow-up period, 2 eyes had hyphema in anterior chamber, 4 eyes had inflammatory reaction in anterior chamber, 3 eyes had low IOP, shallow anterior chamber and excessive filtration, 1 eye had malignant glaucoma, 1 eye had endophthalmitis, 1 eye had choroidal detachment, 1 eye had choroidal detachment, and 9 eyes had scarring of filtering blebs.CONCLUSION: SIGS is effective in the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma, primary angle-closure glaucoma and some secondary glaucoma without serious complications.

Damage control surgery for thoracic outlet vascular injuries: the new resuscitative median sternotomy plus REBOA / Cirugía de control de daños para lesiones del opérculo torácico: nuevo abordaje mediante esternotomía mediana y REBOA

Abstract Thoracic vascular trauma is associated with high mortality and is the second most common cause of death in patients with trauma following head injuries. Less than 25% of patients with a thoracic vascular injury arrive alive to the hospital and more than 50% die within the first 24 hours. Thoracic trauma with the involvement of the great vessels is a surgical challenge due to the complex and restricted anatomy of these structures and its association with adjacent organ damage. This article aims to delineate the experience obtained in the surgical management of thoracic vascular injuries via the creation of a practical algorithm that includes basic principles of damage control surgery. We have been able to show that the early application of a resuscitative median sternotomy together with a zone 1 resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in hemodynamically unstable patients with thoracic outlet vascular injuries improves survival by providing rapid stabilization of central aortic pressure and serving as a bridge to hemorrhage control. Damage control surgery principles should also be implemented when indicated, followed by definitive repair once the correction of the lethal diamond has been achieved. To this end, we have developed a six-step management algorithm that illustrates the surgical care of patients with thoracic outlet vascular injuries according to the American Association of the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) classification.

Resumen El trauma vascular torácico está asociado con una alta mortalidad y es la segunda causa más común de muerte en pacientes con trauma después del trauma craneoencefálico. Se estima que menos del 25% de los pacientes con una lesión vascular torácica alcanzan a llegar con vida para recibir atención hospitalaria y más del 50% fallecen en las primeras 24 horas. El trauma torácico penetrante con compromiso de los grandes vasos es un problema quirúrgico dado a su severidad y la asociación con lesiones a órganos adyacentes. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la experiencia en el manejo quirúrgico de las lesiones del opérculo torácico con la creación de un algoritmo de manejo quirúrgico en seis pasos prácticos de seguir basados en la clasificación de la AAST. que incluye los principios básicos del control de daños. La esternotomía mediana de resucitación junto con la colocación de un balón de resucitación de oclusión aortica (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta - REBOA) en zona 1 permiten un control primario de la hemorragia y mejoran la sobrevida de los pacientes con trauma del opérculo torácico e inestabilidad hemodinámica.

Revascularización de arteria humeral con vena safena invertida, en traumatismo vascular por arma blanca / Revascularization of the humeral artery with a vein saphenous inverted in vascular trauma by stabbing

Introducción: Los traumatismos vasculares de los miembros son muy frecuentes en la actualidad, cuando no reciben la atención requerida, pueden evolucionar a complicaciones graves: pérdida del miembro y muerte del paciente. Objetivo: Describir la técnica de reparación de la arteria humeral mediante el uso de vena safena, en un caso con traumatismo de la arteria humeral, con compromiso vascular. Caso clínico: Paciente de 37 años de edad con antecedentes de enfermedad psiquiátrica, con diagnóstico de herida por arma blanca con compromiso vascular en antebrazo izquierdo, de cuatro horas de evolución. Al ingreso se encontraba inestable, con choque hipovolémico, miembro cianótico y ausencia de pulsos distales. Se indicó, por vía parenteral, antibióticos, soluciones cristaloides y sangre. En el quirófano se encontró sección de total de la arteria humeral, se realizó revascularización con injerto de vena safena invertida. El paciente evolucionó favorablemente y egresó al tercer día. Once meses después se realizó ecografía dópler y se constató buena permeabilidad del injerto. Conclusiones: La técnica de revascularización con vena safena invertida contribuyó de forma satisfactoria en la supervivencia y calidad de vida del paciente tratado (AU)

Introduction: The vascular traumatisms of the limbs are very frequent at present. When these injuries do not receive the required care they can evolve to serious complications, which includes the loss of the limb or death. Objective: To describe the brachial artery repair technique using the saphenous vein in a case with brachial artery trauma with vascular compromise. Clinical case: 37-year-old patient with a history of psychiatric illness, with a diagnosis of a stab wound with vascular compromise in the left forearm of four hours of evolution. On admission, he was unstable, hypovolemic shock, with cyanotic limb and absence of distal pulses. Intravenous antibiotics, crystalloid solution and blood were indicated. The patient was transferred to the surgery and a total section of the brachial artery was found. The revascularization technique was performed with an inverted saphenous vein graft. The patient evolved favorably and was discharged on the third day. Eleven months later, Doppler ultrasound was performed and good graft patency was confirmed. Conclusions: The inverted saphenous vein revascularization technique contributed satisfactorily to the survival and quality of life of the treated case(AU)

Lesiones precordiales: reporte de dos casos / Precordial injuries: report of two cases

Las heridas precordiales son una entidad poco frecuente y desafiante en cirugía de trauma en los servicios de Emergencia. La incidencia elevada de taponamiento y trauma cardiaco, así como su alta mortalidad obliga a tomar decisiones diagnósticas y terapéuticas rápidas y precisas. Material y Métodos: se presentan los casos de dos pacientes masculinos que ingresaron al servicio de Emergencia del Hospital Roosevelt con lesiones precordiales penetrantes con trauma pericárdico y cardiaco, con diferentes manifestaciones clínicas a los que se les realizó ventana pericárdica subxifoidea diagnóstica y seguido una esternotomía media con exposición pericárdica y cardiaca como abordaje y tratamiento quirúrgico definitivo. Discusión: Es de suma importancia reconocer los amplios escenarios de presentaciones clínicas del paciente con heridas en la región precordial y mantener un alto índice de sospecha de trauma y taponamiento cardiacos en todas las lesiones precordiales penetrantes en pacientes estables e inestables para no retrasar el diagnóstico y tratamiento quirúrgico temprano y adecuado. Las lesiones asociadas y complicaciones trans y postoperatorias aumentan la mortalidad de estos pacientes (AU)

Precordial wounds are rare and challenging lesions in Trauma Services. The high incidence of cardiac trauma and the high mortality requires fast and precise diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Case report: Two male patients who were admitted to the Roosevelt Hospital Emergency Service with penetrating precordial injuries with pericardial and cardiac trauma are presented, with different clinical manifestations, who underwent a diagnostic subxiphoid pericardial window and a median sternotomy with pericardial and cardiac exposure as a definitive surgical approach and treatment. Discussion: Is important to recognize the broad scenarios of patients with wounds in the precordial region and to maintain a high index of suspicion of cardiac trauma and tamponade in all penetrating precordial injuries inclusive in stable patients to not delay diagnosis and treatment and a proper surgical intervention. Associated injuries and perioperative complications increase the mortality of these patients

Late cardiac tamponade in a patient victim of penetrating trauma - case report

Abstract Case Presentation: A case of a 49-year-old patient, male, victim of stab wound, developing belatedly cardiac tamponade and hemodynamic stability was reported. The patient underwent a pericardial window with drainage of pericardial effusion of blackened aspect; however, without visualization of the cardiac lesion, enlargement of the incision by median sternotomy was opted for. A hematoma was spotted at the left ventricle with epicardial lesion and a patch of pericardium was made with 3-0 polypropylene. The patient developed acute pulmonary edema and atrial fibrillation, which improved after the intensive care unit clinical management, with hospital discharge in the 7th postoperative day.

Multi detector computed tomography imaging in penetrating injuries

Background: Penetrating injuries forms an important component of surgical emergencies. Penetrating trauma typically involves the violation of the body by a gunshot wound (GSW) or stab wound. Emergency laparotomy is the accepted management in patients with a penetrating injury who are not hemodynamically stable. However, selective non-operative management has been shown to decrease the rate of unnecessary surgery. Plain radiographs and FAST are useful for initial assessment of these patients. Multi detector CT is an indispensable tool in the evaluation of patients who are stable and are candidates for conservative treatment.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was carried out on 40 patients admitted with penetrating injury to the trauma centre of PGIMER and Dr RML hospital. Of the 40 patients, 14 were taken for emergency laparotomy. In 26 cases, MDCT was done to evaluate for solid organ, hollow organ and vascular injuries.Results: The mean age of patients was 38 years, with male to female ratio of 5:1. Stab injury was the commonest type of injury, followed by gunshot wounds. Liver was the commonest solid organ involved, followed by kidneys and spleen. Other organs involved were diaphragm, small bowel and colon.Conclusions: Penetrating injuries can be life-threatening, making prompt diagnosis essential. Recognizing key abnormalities on MDCT ensures patients are triaged appropriately. Multi-detector CT is thus widely used to evaluate penetrating injuries in stable patients.

Bacillus cereus bacteremia in a patient with an abdominal stab wound / Bacteriemia por Bacillus cereus en paciente con herida de arma blanca abdominal

Abstract Bacillus cereus is a gram positive microorganism commonly involved in gastrointestinal infection but capable of causing severe infections and bacteremia. We describe here a case of bacteremia caused by B. cereus in a previously healthy young woman admitted to the intensive care unit following emergency surgery due to a penetrating abdominal stab wound and subsequent hepatic lesion. She developed fever during admission and cultures were taken. B. cereus was isolated in blood and hepatic fluid collection cultures. Treatment was adjusted according to the isolate, with good clinical results. It is important to highlight the pathogenic potential of this microorganism and not underestimate it as a contaminant when it is isolated from blood samples.

Resumen Bacillus cereus es un microorganismo gram positivo comúnmente involucrado en infecciones gastrointestinales, pero capaz de causar infecciones graves y bacteriemia. Presentamos un caso de bacteriemia por B. cereus en una mujer joven previamente sana que ingresa en la unidad de cuidados intensivos luego de una cirugía de emergencia, debido a una herida abdominal por arma blanca con lesión hepática. La paciente desarrolla fiebre durante la internación, por lo que se toman cultivos. Se aísla B. cereus en hemocultivos y material de colección hepática. Se ajusta el tratamiento según los hallazgos, con buena evolución clínica. Esta comunicación ilustra una fuente poco común de bacteriemia por B. cereus. Asimismo, destaca el potencial patogénico de este microorganismo, cuyo hallazgo en muestras de sangre no siempre debe conducir a su rápida desjerarquización como contaminante.

Lesiones por arma blanca en pacientes mayores de 15 años / Injuries by bladed weapons in patients older than 15 years

Introducción: No existen estudios en Guantánamo que engloben las lesiones por arma blanca en pacientes atendidos en el hospital provincial. Objetivo: Caracterizar los pacientes mayores de 15 años con lesiones por arma blanca. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y se conformó una muestra aleatoria de 88 pacientes. Las variables utilizadas fueron: edad, sexo, procedencia, aliento etílico, localización anatómica, tipo de lesión, pronóstico médico legal, tipo de arma y estado al alta. Resultados: El mayor número de pacientes se encontró entre la edades de 25 a 35 años representados por 34 (38,6 por ciento) pacientes, con un predominio del sexo masculino 52 (59,1 por ciento). Existió predominio de las lesiones localizadas en la región torácica y craneana, lo cual representa un 25 por ciento y 23,9 por ciento respectivamente. Conclusiones: Se concluye que los pacientes con lesiones por arma blanca en el Hospital Provincial "Dr. Agostinho Neto" tienen entre 25 y 35 años, del sexo masculino, con ingesta etílica, que las lesiones están localizadas en tórax y cráneo, no graves y requieren tratamiento médico. Las armas más utilizadas fueron cortantes y todos los pacientes egresaron vivos(AU)

Introduction: There are no studies in Guantanamo that include the injuries by bladed weapons in patients treated in the provincial hospital. Objective: To characterize the patients older than 15 years with bladed weapons injuries. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted and a random sample of 88 patients was formed. The variables used were: age, sex, origin, ethyl breath, anatomical location, type of injury, legal medical prognosis, type of weapon and discharge status. Results: The highest number of patients was found between the ages of 25 and 35 represented by 34 (38.6 percent) patients, with a predominance of 52 male (59.1 percent). There was a predominance of lesions located in the thoracic and cranial region, which represents 25 percent and 23.9 percent respectively. Conclusions: It is concluded that the patients with injuries by bladed weapons in the Provincial Hospital "Dr. Agostinho Neto" had between 25 and 35 years, of the masculine sex, with alchohol intake, that the injuries are located in thorax and skull, not serious and they required medical treatment. The most commonly used weapons were of cutting edge and all patients discharged alive(AU)

Post-traumatic giant left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: a multimedia presentation

Abstract Traumatic left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are rare and surgical correction is the treatment of choice. In this article, it is reported a case of a myocardial stab injury with primary suture and development of a giant pseudoaneurysm, five years later, that underwent surgical repair.

Selective conservative treatment for anterior abdominal gunshot: a literature narrative review / Tratamento seletivo não operatório para ferimentos penetrantes por projéteis de arma de fogo na parede anterior do abdome: revisão narrativa da literatura

ABSTRACT The nonoperative treatment of anterior abdominal gunshot wounds remains controversial. This article presents a narrative review of the literature after the selection of studies in electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library and Lilacs), with the intention of evaluating the clinical and diagnostic tools that should be part of conservative selective approach of these lesions. It was observed that a nonoperative selective treatment can be effectively and safely used, when performed by a trained interdisciplinary team, working in adequate trauma centers. The selective nonoperative treatment is associated with a decrease in negative and nontherapeutic laparotomies, reducing the incidence of complications. It also contributes to the reduction of hospital costs.

RESUMO O tratamento não operatório de ferimentos abdominais causados por projéteis de armas de fogo ocorridos na região anterior do abdome permanece controverso. Este artigo apresenta revisão narrativa da literatura após a seleção de estudos levantados em bancos de dados eletrônicos (PubMed, Cochrane Library e Lilacs), com a intenção de avaliar os parâmetros clínicos e exames de diagnóstico que deverão fazer parte do da abordagem conservadora seletiva dessas lesões. Avaliando os estudos selecionados, foi verificado que conduta não operatória seletiva pode ser empregada de forma eficaz e segura, quando realizada por equipe interdisciplinar treinada, atuando em Centros de Traumas adequados para a realização deste tipo de atendimento. O tratamento não operatório seletivo está associado à diminuição de laparotomias negativas e não terapêuticas, reduzindo a incidência de complicações, além de colaborar para a diminuição dos custos hospitalares.

Herida toracoabdominal izquierda como causa de hernia diafragmática. Presentación de tres casos / Left thoraco-abdominal wound as a cause of diaphragmatic hernia. Presentation of three cases

RESUMEN Las lesiones por arma blanca en la región toracoabdominal tienen la posibilidad potencial de dañar dos cavidades anatómicas: tórax y abdomen, con la subsiguiente lesión del músculo diafragma y la producción de una hernia de contenido visceral, asociada o no a lesión visceral. En caso de que esta entidad clínica sea pasada por alto, existe una alta probabilidad de complicaciones que ponen en riesgo la vida; por tanto, realizar un manejo adecuado constituye un reto para el cirujano general, que precisa de un alto índice de sospecha para formular el diagnóstico. Se presentan tres casos de víctimas de agresión con arma perforo-cortante en región toracoabdominal izquierda, atendidos en instalaciones donde se disponía de limitados recursos diagnósticos. Se exponen datos clínicos, pruebas de apoyo al diagnóstico, procedimiento quirúrgico, curso posoperatorio y evolución. El abordaje quirúrgico abdominal es la regla de oro para reparar el diafragma lesionado, y la pleurostomía mínima es eficaz cuando existe compromiso torácico.

ABSTRACT Injuries caused by white arms in the thoraco-abdominal region have the potential to damage both anatomical cavities: thorax and abdomen, with the subsequent injury of the diaphragm muscle and the production of a visceral hernia, associated or not with visceral injury. In case this clinical entity is overlooked, there is a high probability of life-threatening complications; therefore, adequate management is a challenge for the general surgeon, who needs a high index of suspicion to formulate the diagnosis. Three cases of victims of assault with a perforating-cutting weapon in the left thoraco-abdominal region are presented, attended in facilities where limited diagnostic resources were available. Clinical data, diagnostic support tests, surgical procedure, postoperative course and progress are explained. The abdominal surgical approach is the gold rule for repairing the injured diaphragm, and the minimal thoracostomy is effective when there is thoracic involvement.

Stab Wound Extension for the Eviscerated Small Bowel with Severe Ischemic Changes

An abdominal stab wound with evisceration is an indication of an emergency laparotomy. We encountered a case of a very severe ischemic change in the eviscerated small bowel as a result of stabbing. The patient was considered to have a high possibility of progressing to strangulation of the small bowel. Therefore, a stab wound extension was performed as a decompression in the emergency department before definite surgery in the operating room. Most of the small bowel could be saved except for the segment with the damage caused by the stab injury. The patient was discharged without complications.

Astrocytic proBDNF and Tonic GABA Distinguish Active versus Reactive Astrocytes in Hippocampus

Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the brain and they make close contacts with neurons and blood vessels. They respond dynamically to various environmental stimuli and change their morphological and functional properties. Both physiological and pathological stimuli can induce versatile changes in astrocytes, as this phenomenon is referred to as ‘astrocytic plasticity’. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of astrocytic plasticity in response to various stimuli remain elusive, except for the presence of hypertrophy, a conspicuous structural change which is frequently observed in activated or reactive astrocytes. Here, we investigated differential characteristics of astrocytic plasticity in a stimulus-dependent manner. Strikingly, a stab wound brain injury lead to hypertrophy of astrocytes accompanied by increased GABA expression and tonic GABA release in mouse CA1 hippocampus. In contrast, the mice experiencing enriched environment exhibited astrocytic hypertrophy with enhanced proBDNF immunoreactivity but without GABA signal. Based on the results, we define proBDNF-positive/GABA-negative hypertrophic astrocytes as ‘active’ astrocytes and GABA-positive hypertrophic astrocytes as ‘reactive’ astrocytes, respectively. We propose for the first time that astrocytic proBDNF can be a bona fide molecular marker of the active astrocytes, which are distinct from the reactive astrocytes which show hypertrophy but with aberrant GABA.

Comparison between isolated serial clinical examination and computed tomography for stab wounds in the anterior abdominal wall / Comparação entre exame clínico seriado isolado e tomografia computadorizada nos ferimentos por arma branca na parede anterior do abdome

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare abdominal computer tomography (CT) with isolated serial clinical exam (SCE) in the management of anterior abdominal stab wounds. Methods: randomized prospective study performed at Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre involving patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds without indication of immediate laparotomy; patients were divided in two groups: CT group and SCE group, In the SCE group, patients were followed up with serial clinical exam every 6 hours, Patients of CT group were submitted to abdominal computer tomography after initial evaluation. Results: 66 patients were studied and 33 were included in each group, Of total, six were submitted to surgery, three of each group, In the SCE group, patients submitted to surgery in media waited 12 hours from arrival to diagnosis without any non-therapeutic surgeries, The remaining 30 patients of this group were discharged from hospital after 24 hours of observation, In the CT group, three patients showed alteration at CT and were submitted to laparotomy, one non-therapeutic, The others were discharged from hospital after 24 hours of observation, Abdominal computer tomography had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 67% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, with 96% of accuracy, Isolated serial clinical exam showed PPV and NPV of 100% and 100% of accuracy. Conclusion: selective management of anterior abdominal stabs is safe, when a rigorous selection of patients is observed, Isolated serial clinical exam may be performed without computer tomography, without increase of hospitalization time or morbidity, reducing costs, exposure to radiation, mortality and morbidity and non-therapeutic laparotomies.

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar tomografia computadorizada de abdome (TC) com exame clínico seriado (ECS) isolado na condução de ferimentos por arma branca na região anterior do abdome. Métodos: estudo prospectivo, randomizado, realizado no Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre em que pacientes com ferimentos por arma branca na parede anterior do abdome, sem indicação de laparotomia imediata, foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo TC e grupo ECS, No grupo ECS, os pacientes eram observados com exame clínico seriado de 6/6h, No grupo TC, eram submetidos à tomografia computadorizada de abdome após a avaliação inicial. Resultados: dos 66 pacientes estudados, 33 foram selecionados para cada grupo, Do total, seis foram submetidos à cirurgia, três de cada grupo, No grupo ECS, pacientes submetidos à cirurgia tiveram média de 12h entre a chegada e o diagnóstico, sem laparotomias não terapêuticas, Os 30 pacientes restantes deste grupo receberam alta após 24h de observação, No grupo TC, três pacientes apresentaram alterações na TC e foram submetidos à laparotomia, uma não terapêutica, Os demais receberam alta após observação de 24h, A tomografia computadorizada de abdome apresentou valor preditivo positivo (VPP) de 67% e valor preditivo negativo (VPN) de 100%, com acurácia de 96%, O exame clínico seriado isolado, teve VPP e VPN de 100%, com acurácia de 100%. Conclusão: o manejo seletivo para ferimentos por arma branca na parede abdominal anterior é seguro, caso obedeça a uma seleção rigorosa dos pacientes, O exame clínico seriado isolado pode ser realizado sem a necessidade de tomografia, sem aumento do tempo de internação ou da morbidade, o que reduz custos, exposição à radiação, morbimortalidade e laparotomias não terapêuticas.

Lesiones medulares por arma blanca. Presentación de casos clínicos y propuesta de manejo / Spinal cord injuries. Presentation of clinical cases and management proposal

Resumen: Las lesiones raquimedulares producidas por arma blanca son poco frecuentes, pero constituyen hasta un 10% de las lesiones penetrantes espinales. Se presentan tres casos de lesiones raquimedulares causadas por arma blanca, se trata de dos mujeres y un hombre que recibieron agresiones con cuchillos a nivel del dorso. Una lesión fue a nivel torácico y dos a nivel cervical. Se trataba de lesiones medulares incompletas y recibieron un manejo conservador. La evolución fue buena en dos pacientes y mala en uno, que requirió en diferido asistencia respiratoria mecánica y agravó su déficit motor (cuadriparesia a prácticamente una cuadriplejia). En base a estos casos, los autores hacen una revisión del tema y plantean un esquema de manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico para las lesiones raquimedulares penetrantes no causadas por arma de fuego.

Abstract Spinal cord injuries are rare, but constitute up to 10% of spinal penetrating lesions. There are three cases of spinal cord injury, two women and one man who were attacked by knives at the level of the back. One injury was at the thoracic level and two at the cervical level. They were incomplete medullary lesions and received conservative management. The evolution was good in two patients and poor in one, which required a delayed mechanical ventilation and aggravated its motor deficit (quadriparesis to practically a quadriplegia). Based on these cases, the authors make a review of the subject and propose a diagnostic and therapeutic management scheme for penetrating spinal cord injuries not caused by firearms.