Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity in Patients Victims of Traumatic Brain Injury: Literature Review

The present literature review aims to present the physiology of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) as well as its clinical course, conceptualizing them, and establishing its diagnosis and treatment. Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity is a rare syndrome, which often presents after an acute traumatic brain injury. Characterized by a hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, when diagnosed in its pure form, its symptomatologic presentation is through tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, hypertension, dystonia, and sialorrhea. The treatment of PSH is basically pharmacological, using central nervous system suppressors; however, the nonmedication approach is closely associated with a reduction in external stimuli, such as visual and auditory stimuli. Mismanagement can lead to the development of serious cardiovascular and diencephalic complications, and the need for neurosurgeons and neurointensivists to know about PSH is evident in order to provide a fast and accurate treatment of this syndrome.

Impact of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and autonomic disorders on Parkinson's disease: a review / Impacto do transtorno comportamental do sono REM e doenças autonômicas na doença de Parkinson: uma revisão

ABSTRACT Parkinson's disease (PD) has heterogeneous clinical manifestations and prognoses. It is accompanied by a group of motor and non-motor symptoms ranging from independence to total disability, limiting work and personal care activities. Currently, disease subtype markers for informing prognosis remain elusive. However, some studies have reported an association between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and faster motor and non-motor symptom progression, including autonomic dysfunction and cognitive decline. Moreover, since autonomic dysfunction has been described in idiopathic forms of RBD, and they share some central regulatory pathways, it remains unclear whether they have a primary association or if they are more severe in patients with PD and RBD, and thus are a disease subtype marker. This article aimed at critically reviewing the literature on the controversies about the prevalence of RBD in PD, the higher incidence of PD non-motor symptoms associated with RBD, the evidence of faster motor worsening in parkinsonian patients with this parasomnia, and the main pathophysiological hypotheses that support these findings.

RESUMO A doença de Parkinson (DP) apresenta variadas manifestações clínicas e distintos prognósticos. É caracterizada por um conjunto de sintomas motores e não motores que podem variar desde um quadro de independência até a completa incapacidade laborativa e de cuidados pessoais. Até o momento, não está claro quais seriam os marcadores de subtipos da doença que poderiam alertar para formas de prognóstico. Porém existem alguns estudos que mostram que a presença do transtorno comportamental do sono REM pode estar associada à progressão mais rápida dos sintomas motores e não motores, como disfunção autonômica e declínio cognitivo. Questiona-se ainda se a disautonomia está primariamente associada ao transtorno do sono REM, já que são relatadas nas formas idiopáticas deste transtorno de sono e compartilham alguns núcleos reguladores centrais. Ou se são mais graves nos pacientes com diagnóstico de DP e transtorno comportamental do sono REM, marcando assim um subtipo da doença. Esta revisão teve como objetivo revisar criticamente os principais estudos publicados envolvendo as controvérsias sobre a prevalência do transtorno comportamental do sono REM na DP, a maior incidência de sintomas não motores da DP associados ao transtorno do sono REM, as evidências de piora motora mais rápida nos pacientes parkinsonianos que apresentam este transtorno do sono e as principais hipóteses fisiopatológicas que justificam esses achados.

Harlequin syndrome: a case report / Síndrome de arlequín: reporte de un caso

El síndrome de Arlequín es una condición neurológica poco común, la mayoría de las veces benigna. Por lo general la mayor parte de los casos son de causa idiopática (aunque existen causas secundarias). Esta afección consiste en la aparición de eritema e hiperhidrosis facial unilateral desencadenado por el ejercicio, calor, emociones o estrés, la que se produce debido a una disfunción contralateral de la vía simpática vasodilatadora y sudomotora. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 49 años, que relata presentar un cuadro de 15 años de evolución caracterizado por la aparición de eritema y sudoración excesiva de la hemicara derecha, la cual termina abruptamente en la línea media de la cara, gatillado por el ejercicio y el calor en verano, mientras que la hemicara izquierda presenta anhidrosis sin eritema.

The Harlequin syndrome is a rare neurological condition, most of the time benign. In general, most cases are idiopathic (although there are secondary causes). This condition consists in the appearance of unilateral facial erythema and hyperhidrosis triggered by exercise, heat, emotions or stress, which occurs due to a contralateral dysfunction of the sympathetic vasodilator and sudomotor pathway. We present the case of a 49-year-old male patient, with no relevant morbid history, who reports a medical history of 15 years of evolution, characterized by the appearance of erythema and excessive sweating of the right side of his face, which ends abruptly in the middle line of the face, triggered by exercise and heat during the summer. While the left side presents anhidrosis without erythema.

Evaluación clínica de las disautonomías / Clinical evaluation of dysautonomia

INTRODUCCIÓN: Disfunción del sistema nervioso autonómico ocurre en enfermedades del sistema nervioso central y periférico. Es importante cuantificar el compromiso simpático y parasimpático, diagnosticar la disfunción, monitorizar la evolución y la respuesta a terapias. Las principales pruebas funcionales son las cardiovasculares y sudomotoras. Existen además exámenes para estudiar la disfunción autonómica en distintos órganos y que son específicos de las especialidades médicas respectivas. DESARROLLO: Se describen los síntomas, las pruebas funcionales y métodos de estudio a nivel cardiovascular: simpáticas vasomotoras (noradrenérgicas) y cardiovagales (colinérgicas) y las pruebas para la sudoración: sudomotoras simpáticas (colinérgicas). Se describen los síntomas y exámenes a nivel pupilar, urogenital y gastrointestinal. Se señala la utilidad de las pruebas funcionales autonómicas en el estudio de distintas patologías neurológicas. CONCLUSIONES: la evaluación conjunta de los hallazgos clínicos y de las pruebas funcionales autonómicas permiten determinar el nivel anatómico y el grado de severidad de la disfunción autonómica con un fundamento fisiopatológico.

INTRODUCTION: Autonomic dysfunction occurs in patients with central and peripheral nervous system diseases. It is important to quantify the sympathetic and parasympathetic involvement for the diagnosis of the autonomic failure, for follow up and evaluate the response to a specific treatment. The most important studies are cardiovascular and sudomotor functional tests. There are other tests for the study of autonomic dysfunction in different organs, that are specific to respectively medical specialty. DEVELOPMENT: we describe main symptoms, functional autonomic tests and other methods to study cardiovascular: sympathetic vasomotor (noradrenergic) and cardiovagal (cholinergic) and sudomotor: sympathetic (cholinergic) functions. We describe symptoms and tests for assessment pupillary, genitourinary and gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction. The indications for autonomic function testing in the different clinical scenarios are reported. CONCLUSIONS: combined evaluation of clinical and tests of autonomic function results allow to obtain the level and severity of autonomic dysfunction based upon pathophysiological support.

Rehabilitation for motor functional neurological disorder: a follow-up study of 185 patients / Reabilitação para transtorno neurológico funcional motor: um estudo de acompanhamento de 185 casos

ABSTRACT Background: Motor functional neurological disorder (mFND) is a common and disabling condition. There are no evidence-based guidelines for treatment. Long-term outcome is often poor. This study describes the epidemiological profile, symptom pattern and outcome of patients admitted to the Belo Horizonte unit of the SARAH Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals from 1997 to 2018 with functional motor symptoms resulting from functional neurological disorder. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed data from 185 patients who met inclusion criteria for mFND. Diagnoses were made by multiple professionals in the presence of positive signs and excluding other neurological and systemic conditions. Results: 75.1% were women; 48.3% were receiving social security benefits. The youngest was 3 years old, the oldest 69. 23.8% were in wheelchairs, 77.2% had psychiatric disorders, 69.7% participated in rehabilitation programs and, among them, 70% improved. Conclusion: Participation in rehabilitation is beneficial for patients with mFND. Symptoms lasting for less than 30 days and aged less than 18 years had better outcomes (p<0.001).

RESUMO Introdução: Alterações motoras decorrentes de Transtorno Neurológico Funcional (TNF) são comuns, incapacitantes e com prognóstico ruim. Não há protocolos de tratamento baseado em evidências. Esse estudo descreve o perfil epidemiológico, os sintomas e a evolução de pacientes com alterações motoras decorrentes de Transtorno Neurológico Funcional (TNF) admitidos na unidade de Belo Horizonte da Rede SARAH de Hospitais de Reabilitação no período de 1997 a 2018. Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo analisou dados de 185 pacientes que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão para TNF. Os diagnósticos foram realizados por múltiplos profissionais considerando a presença de sinais positivos e a exclusão de outras condições neurológicas e sistêmicas. Resultados: 75,1% eram mulheres; 48,3% estavam recebendo benefícios previdenciários. O indivíduo mais jovem tinha 3 anos de idade, e o mais velho, 69 anos. 23,8% usavam cadeira de rodas, 77,2% apresentavam desordens psiquiátricas, 69,7% tinham participado do programa de reabilitação e, dentre esses, 70% apresentaram melhora dos sintomas. Conclusão: O processo de reabilitação é benéfico para pacientes com TNF. Pacientes menores de 18 anos de idade e com sintomas de evolução com duração inferior a 30 dias apresentaram melhores resultados no tratamento (p<0,001).

Vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein, vitamin D receptor levels and cardiac dysautonomia in patients with multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study / Vitamina D, proteína de ligação à vitamina D, níveis de receptores de vitamina D e disautonomia cardíaca em pacientes com esclerose múltipla: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Vitamin D is a pleiotropic steroid hormone that modulates the autonomic balance. Its deficiency has been described as an environmental risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) and vitamin D receptors (VDR) and to evaluate cardiac dysautonomia in MS patients due to bidirectional interaction between vitamin D and the autonomic nervous system. Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 26 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and on 24 healthy controls. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure variability (BPV) was calculated and the participants were evaluated for orthostatic hypotension and supine hypertension. Serum levels of vitamin D, VDBP and VDR were measured. Results: The mean serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in MS patients than in controls (p = 0.044); however there was no significant difference in terms of VDR and VDBP levels between the groups. Supine hypertension and orthostatic hypotension were significant and the 24-hour systolic BPV was significantly decreased in patients with MS (p < 0.05) compared to controls. No correlation was found between vitamin D, VDBP and VDR with supine hypertension, orthostatic hypotension and systolic BPV values (p > 0.05). Also, there was a negative correlation between VDBP and the EDSS (p = 0.039, r = −0.406). Conclusion: There was no correlation between orthostatic hypotension, supine hypertension and systolic BPV values and serum vitamin D, VDBP and VDR in MS patients. Future prospective studies with large number of patients may help us to better understand the relationship between vitamin D and the autonomic nervous system.

RESUMO A vitamina D é um hormônio esteroide pleiotrópico que modula o equilíbrio autonômico. Sua deficiência tem sido descrita como fator de risco ambiental para esclerose múltipla (EM). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os níveis séricos de vitamina D, proteína de ligação à vitamina D (VDBP) e receptor de vitamina D (VDR) e avaliar a disautonomia cardíaca em pacientes com EM devida à interação bidirecional entre vitamina D e sistema nervoso autônomo. Métodos: O presente estudo transversal foi realizado em 26 pacientes com EM remitente-recorrente e em 24 controles saudáveis. A variabilidade da pressão arterial ambulatorial (BPV) por 24 horas foi calculada e os participantes foram avaliados quanto à hipotensão ortostática e hipertensão supina. Os níveis séricos de vitamina D, VDBP e VDR foram medidos. Resultados: O nível sérico médio de vitamina D foi significativamente menor nos pacientes com EM do que nos controles (p = 0,044); no entanto, não houve diferença significativa em termos de níveis de VDR e VDBP entre os grupos. Hipertensão supina e hipotensão ortostática foram significativas e a BPV sistólica de 24 horas diminuiu significativamente em pacientes com EM (p < 0,05) em comparação aos controles. Não foi encontrada correlação entre vitamina D, VDBP e VDR com hipertensão supina, hipotensão ortostática e BPV sistólica (p > 0,05). Também houve correlação negativa entre VDBP e EDSS (p = 0,039, r = −0,406). Conclusão: Não houve correlação entre hipotensão ortostática, hipertensão supina e valores de BPV sistólica e vitamina D sérica, VDBP e VDR em pacientes com EM. Futuros estudos prospectivos com grande número de pacientes podem nos ajudar a entender melhor a relação entre vitamina D e sistema nervoso autônomo.

Low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate are associated with the risk of developing cardiac autonomic dysfunction in elderly subjects

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the relationships between serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels and heart rate variability (HRV) among different age groups. Subjects and methods: Forty-five healthy men were divided into 3 groups: young age (YA; 20-39 yrs; n = 15), middle age (MA; 40-59 yrs; n = 15) and old age (OA; ≥ 60 yrs; n = 15). Hemodynamic parameters, linear analyses of HRV and concentrations of cortisol and DHEA-S were measured at rest. Results: The OA group presented a higher resting heart rate (84.3 ± 4.6 bpm) than the YA group (72.0 ± 4.4 bpm; p < 0.05). The YA group showed an attenuated variance of HRV (2235.1 ± 417.9 ms2) compared to the MA (1014.3 ± 265.2 ms2; p < 0.05) and OA (896.3 ± 274.1 ms2; p < 0.05) groups, respectively. The parasympathetic modulation of HRV was lower in both the MA (244.2 ± 58.0 ms2) and OA (172.8 ± 37.9 ms2) groups in comparison with the YA group (996.0 ± 255.4 ms2; p < 0.05), while serum DHEA-S levels were significantly lower in both the MA (91.2 ± 19.6 mg/dL) and OA (54.2 ± 17.7 mg/dL) groups compared to the YA group (240.0 ± 50.8 mg/dL; p < 0.05). A positive correlation between lower serum concentrations of DHEA-S and attenuated variance of HRV (r = 0.47, p = 0.031), as well as lower serum concentrations of DHEA-S and decreased parasympathetic modulation of HRV (r = 0.54, p = 0.010), were found. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the decline of plasma DHEA-S is associated with reduced cardiac autonomic modulation during the aging process.

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients

SUMMARY Diabetes is one of the most common chronic pathologies around the world, involving treatment with general clinicians, endocrinologists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, nephrologists and a multidisciplinary team. Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) can be affected by cardiac autonomic neuropathy, leading to increased mortality and morbidity. In this review, we will present current concepts, clinical features, diagnosis, prognosis, and possible treatment. New drugs recently developed to reduce glycemic level presented a pleiotropic effect of reducing sudden death, suggesting a potential use in patients at risk.

RESUMO Diabetes é uma das mais frequentes patologias crônicas em todo o mundo, cujo tratamento envolve uma equipe multidisciplinar, médicos generalistas, endocrinologistas, cardiologistas, nefrologistas e oftalmologistas. Pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2) podem apresentar neuropatia autonômica cardíaca (NAC), levando a aumento de mortalidade e morbidade. Nesta revisão, apresentaremos atuais conceitos, características clínicas, diagnóstico, prognóstico e possíveis tratamentos. Novas drogas recentemente desenvolvidas para redução de níveis glicêmicos apresentaram efeito pleiotrópico de redução de morte súbita, sugerindo um potencial uso neste perfil de pacientes.

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy in nonobese young adults with type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in nonobese nonobese young type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients without micro- or macrovascular complications. METHODS: CAN was assessed in 95 patients with T1DM, aged 18–29 years, using standard cardiovascular reflex tests – heart rate response to deep breathing, standing, and the Valsalva maneuver and blood pressure response to standing. Furthermore, power spectral analyses of overall heart rate variability (HRV), standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), and total power (TP) were tested with DiCAN. CAN was defined as abnormal results for at least 1 of the 4 cardiovascular reflex tests. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAN was 12.6%. The frequency of one and 2 abnormal reflex tests was 10.5% and 2.1%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in age, sex, mean hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) level, and duration of diabetes with respect to presence of CAN. Patients with CAN exhibited lower overall HRV parameters (SDNN and TP) compared with those without CAN even though there was no statistical significance. In multivariable analyses, higher mean HbA(1c) level was significantly associated with lower overall HRV (β=-44.42, P=0.002 for SDNN and β=-2.82, P<0.001 for TP). CONCLUSION: CAN can be detected in 12.6% of young adult T1DM patients even without other micro- or macrovascular complications. Glycemic control is the main determinant to maintain overall HRV and prevent CAN.

Do you know this syndrome? Harlequin syndrome

Abstract: Harlequin syndrome is a rare condition in which one half of the face fails to flush and sweat due to damage of the sympathetic fibers on the ipsilateral side. The majority of cases are idiopathic, but may be iatrogenic or caused by space-occupying lesions or brainstem infarction. We report a case of idiopathic harlequin syndrome in a 34-year-old man with a 5-month history of unilateral facial flushing and sweating after exercise. Despite the rarity of this syndrome, dermatologists should be aware of this condition in order to diagnose properly and provide multidisciplinary assistance.

Síndrome de hiperatividade simpática paroxística causada por síndrome da embolia gordurosa / Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity syndrome caused by fat embolism syndrome

RESUMO A hiperatividade simpática paroxística representa uma complicação incomum, com potencial risco à vida, de lesões cerebrais graves, mais comumente de origem traumática. Seu diagnóstico clínico se baseia na manifestação recorrente de taquicardia, hipertensão, diaforese, taquipneia e, às vezes, febre, além de posturas distônicas. Os episódios podem ser induzidos por estímulos ou ocorrer de forma espontânea. É comum que ocorra subdiagnóstico desta síndrome, e o retardamento de seu reconhecimento pode aumentar a morbidade e a incapacidade em longo prazo. Evitar os desencadeantes e a farmacoterapia podem ter muito sucesso no controle desta complicação. A síndrome da embolia gordurosa é uma complicação rara, mas grave, das fraturas de ossos longos. Sinais neurológicos, petéquias hemorrágicas e insuficiência respiratória aguda são as características que constituem seu quadro clínico. O termo "embolia gordurosa cerebral" é estabelecido quando predomina o envolvimento neurológico. O diagnóstico é clínico, porém achados específicos de neuroimagem podem confirmá-lo. As manifestações neurológicas incluem diferentes graus de alteração da consciência, défices focais ou convulsões. Seu tratamento é de suporte, porém são possíveis desfechos favoráveis, mesmo nos casos com apresentação grave. Relatamos dois casos de hiperatividade simpática paroxística após embolia gordurosa cerebral, uma associação muito incomum.

ABSTRACT Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity represents an uncommon and potentially life-threatening complication of severe brain injuries, which are most commonly traumatic. This syndrome is a clinical diagnosis based on the recurrent occurrence of tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, tachypnea, and occasionally high fever and dystonic postures. The episodes may be induced by stimulation or may occur spontaneously. Underdiagnosis is common, and delayed recognition may increase morbidity and long-term disability. Trigger avoidance and pharmacological therapy can be very successful in controlling this complication. Fat embolism syndrome is a rare but serious complication of long bone fractures. Neurologic signs, petechial hemorrhages and acute respiratory failure constitute the characteristic presenting triad. The term cerebral fat embolism is used when the neurological involvement predominates. The diagnosis is clinical, but specific neuroimaging findings can be supportive. The neurologic manifestations include different degrees of alteration of consciousness, focal deficits or seizures. Management is supportive, but good outcomes are possible even in cases with very severe presentation. We report two cases of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity after cerebral fat embolism, which is a very uncommon association.

Alternative approach to autonomic instability of very severe tetanus: stellate ganglion block / Abordagem alternativa para instabilidade autonômica no tétano muito grave: bloqueio do gânglio estrelado

Abstract Tetanus is an acute and deadly disease caused by Clostridium tetani. A 60-year-old male came to hospital after he injured his thumb with a knife. Ten days later, he returned to hospital with abdominal spasms. He was vaccinated against tetanus and referred to intensive care unit. As he had sudden difficulty in respiration, he was entubated. Midazolam, magnesium and esmolol infusion were started. Next day, muscle spasms progressed all over his body. Midazolam infusion was replaced with propofol and vecuronium. At the third day, morphine infusion was added. At the 16th day, dexmedetomidine infusion was started. At the 20th day, ultrasound guided stellate ganglion block was performed to denervate sympathetic activity. The block was performed three times in a 10 days period. At the 30th, the patient recovered from very severe tetanus. The mainstay of tetanus treatment is adequate sedation. Neuroaxial blocks were proved to be effective for the control of sympathetic overactivity in recent years. Circulatory collapse remains to be the major cause of death. The mechanism is unclear but altered myocardial function is thought to be related to changeable catecholamine levels. The effect of stellate ganglion block on sympathetic and parasympathetic control of heart has been studied since the beginning of 1980s. Recently Scanlon et al. reported they treated a patient with medically refractory ventricular arrhythmias by ultrasound guided bilateral stellate ganglion block. In conclusion, stellate ganglion block can be an alternative method when the autonomic storm cannot be controlled with medical agents.

Resumo O tétano é uma doença aguda e fatal causada por Clostridium tetani. Um homem de 60 anos deu entrada em nosso hospital depois de ferir o polegar com uma faca. Após dez dias, deu entrada no hospital com espasmos abdominais; foi vacinado contra tétano e enviado para a unidade de terapia intensiva. Como apresentava dificuldade súbita na respiração, foi intubado. Foi iniciada uma infusão de midazolam, magnésio e esmolol. No dia seguinte, os espasmos musculares progrediram para o corpo todo. A infusão de midazolam foi substituída por propofol e vecurônio. No terceiro dia, foi adicionada morfina à infusão. No 16º dia, foi iniciada uma infusão de dexmedetomidina. No 20º dia, o bloqueio do gânglio estrelado guiado por ultrassom foi realizado para dessensibilizar a atividade simpática. O bloqueio foi feito três vezes em dez dias. No 30º dia, o paciente recuperou-se de um tétano muito grave. A base do tratamento de tétano é a sedação adequada. Nos últimos anos, os bloqueios neuraxiais provaram ser eficazes para o controle da hiperatividade simpática. O colapso circulatório continua a ser a principal causa de morte. O mecanismo não está claro, mas se acredita que a função alterada do miocárdio esteja relacionada com os níveis de catecolaminas mutáveis. O efeito do bloqueio do gânglio estrelado sobre o controle simpático e parassimpático do coração tem sido estudado desde o início da década de 1980. Recentemente, Scanlon et al. relataram o tratamento de um paciente com arritmia ventricular refratária a medicamentos com bloqueio bilateral do gânglio estrelado guiado por ultrassom. Em conclusão, o bloqueio do gânglio estrelado pode ser um método opcional quando a tempestade autonômica não pode ser controlada com agentes medicamentosos.

Interaction of Autonomic and Vestibular System / 대한평형의학회지

The relationship between the vestibular system and the autonomic nervous system has been well studied in the context of the maintenance of homeostasis to the changing internal and external milieus. The perturbations of the autonomic indexes to the vestibular stimuli have been demonstrated in animal studies. In addition, the fluctuation of the blood pressure and the heart rate with other autonomic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and pallor are common manifestations in the wide range of vestibular disorders. At the same time, the disorders of the autonomic nervous system can cause dizziness and vertigo in some group of patients. In the anatomical point of view, the relationship between autonomic and vestibular systems is evident. The afferent signals from each system converge to the nucleus of solitary tract to be integrated in medullary reticular formation and the each pathway from the vestibular and autonomic nervous system is interconnected from medulla to cerebral cortex. In this paper, the reported evidence demonstrating the relationship between autonomic derangement and vestibular disorders is reviewed and the further clinical implications are discussed.

Modulação autonômica cardíaca em crianças e adolescentes com anemia falciforme / Cardiac autonomic modulation in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia

Introdução - Alterações cardíacas na anemia falciforme (AF) são frequentes e iniciam-se precocemente. Há evidências de que exista também disfunção na regulação do sistema nervoso autônomo o que pode contribuir com eventos de morbidade. Objetivos Avaliar a modulação autonômica cardíaca por meio da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em crianças e adolescentes com anemia falciforme. Método - Estudo analítico no qual foi realizada uma comparação da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em 45 crianças e adolescentes, menores de 20 anos, com anemia falciforme, com um grupo controle pareado um a um por idade e sexo. A frequência cardíaca foi obtida pelo frequencímetro de pulso e analisada, batimento a batimento. Estes pacientes são usuários do ambulatório de hematologia pediátrica do Sistema Único de Saúde. Esta pesquisa está em consonância com a resolução 466/2012 do Ministério da Saúde. Resultados - Observamos diferença significativa nos índices do domínio da frequência (VLF, LF, HF e LF/HF). Estas diferenças não foram observadas nos pacientes em uso de hidroxiureia. Conclusão - Existe uma disfunção autonômica na AF que ocorre desde a infância, podendo estar relacionada a uma menor modulação do simpático e uma maior modulação do parassimpático. Esta diferença não foi observada em pacientes em uso de hidroxiureia

Introduction - Cardiac changes in sickle cell disease (AF) are frequent and begin early. There is evidence that there is also dysfunction in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which may contribute to morbidity events. Objectives - To evaluate the autonomic cardiac modulation by heart rate variability in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia. Method - An analytical study comparing the heart rate variability of 45 children and adolescents, younger than 20 years, with sickle cell anemia, with a control group matched one by one by age and sex. The heart rate was obtained by pulse frequency and analyzed, beat by beat. These patients are attending the pediatric hematology outpatient of the National Health System. Results - We observed a significant difference in the frequency domain indexes (VLF, LF, HF and LF / HF). The results of this study are in agreement with resolution 466/2012 of the Ministry of Health of Brazil. These differences were not observed in patients taking hydroxyurea. Conclusion - There is an autonomic dysfunction in AF that occurs from childhood, and may be related to a lower modulation of the sympathetic and greater modulation of the parasympathetic. This difference was not observed in patients taking hydroxyurea

Cardiac arrest attributable to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Bradycardia is the most common form of dysrhythmia developing after disruption of the sympathetic pathway by a spinal cord injury (SCI), and it can have fatal consequences, including cardiac arrest. Here, we report a case of cardiac arrest developing after cervical SCI attributable to sympathetic hypoactivity. A 26-year-old male pedestrian was admitted after a traffic accident. Radiologically, fractures were apparent at the Cbilateral articular facets, and cord contusion with hemorrhage was evident at C. During his stay in ICU, intermittent bradycardia was noted, but the symptoms were not specific. On the 22nd postoperative day, the patient was taken to the computed tomography suite for further evaluation and experienced cardiac arrest during a positional change. After immediate cardiac massage, the patient was resuscitated. We scheduled Holter monitoring, which detected 26 pauses, the longest of which was 17.9 s. The patient underwent cardiac pacemaker insertion. No further cardiac events were noted.

Seborrheic dermatitis treatment with stellate ganglion block: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disorder presumed to be caused by increased sebaceous gland secretion, metabolic changes in the cutaneous microflora, and changes in the host immune function. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is known to increase the blood flow rate without altering the blood pressure, heart rate, or cardiac output, to stabilize hypertonic conditions of the sympathetic nerves, and to affect the endocrine and immune systems. It is used in the differential diagnosis and treatment of autonomic nervous system disorders of the head, neck, and upper limbs. The authors report the first case of successful treatment of a patient with seborrheic dermatitis through repeated SGB trials.

The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Coronary Heart Disease / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Sleep deprivation (SD) has been associated with an increased morbidity and mortality of coronary heart disease (CHD). SD could induce autonomic nervous dysfunction, hypertension, arrhythmia, hormonal dysregulation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and metabolic disorder in CHD patients. This paper reviewed the study results of SD in clinical trials and animal experiments and concluded that SD was associated with cardiovascular risk factors, which aggravated CHD in pathogenesis and outcomes.

Síndrome de Guillain-Barré en un paciente con enfermedad de Chagas aguda / Guillain-Barre syndrome in a patient with acute Chagas disease

El compromiso neurológico de la enfermedad de Chagas que afecta el sistema nervioso suele ser una manifestación crónica de esta entidad con predominio de afectación del sistema nervioso autonómico. El presente artículo hace el reporte de un caso de síndrome de Guillain-Barré en un paciente con enfermedad de Chagas aguda y revisión de la literatura.

The neurological impairment of Chagas disease that affects the nervous system is usually a chronic manifestation of this condition and predominantly affects the autonomic nervous system. This article presents a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome in a patient with acute Chagas disease as well as a literature review.