Encephalopathy in hospitalized patients with Coronavirus disease 2019: A single-center study

Objective@#This study aimed to determine the incidence of encephalopathy among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. @*Methods@#This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary hospital in Cebu City, Philippines. This study is a complete enumeration of all records of adult patients admitted for COVID-19 detected through polymerase chain reaction from March 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021. The cases were then classified as to the presence or absence of encephalopathy. @*Results@#The study determined that 6 in every 1000 admitted COVID-19 patients developed encephalopathy. The clinico-demographic profile of patients with encephalopathy were mostly elderly with a mean age of 67, males (55.7%), and obese stage I (61.1%). Encephalopathy was more likely to develop in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (80.1%) and coronary artery disease (40.0%). Most patients who did not have encephalopathy however had a history of CVD. Most patients (66.7%) who developed encephalopathy were dyspneic on presentation. Laboratory examination results showed an increase in fasting blood sugar and elevated levels of LDH, CRP, serum ferritin, procalcitonin, and D-dimer. Majority of patients (66.7%) with encephalopathy were intubated. Taking into consideration the stage of infection and the incidence of encephalopathy, most patients (66.6%) were in the hyperinflammatory stage. The number of hospitalization days and severity of illness did not have any association with developing encephalopathy. Dichotomous categorization of outcomes into deceased and discharged showed that clinical outcomes and the development of encephalopathy were significantly associated, with 66.7% of patients with encephalopathy expiring during their course of hospitalization.@*Conclusion@#The incidence of encephalopathy among admitted COVID-19 patients was 6 in every 1000 patients. Encephalopathy was more common in elderly males who were obese with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. The most common presentation of patients who developed encephalopathy was dyspnea. Collated laboratory results showed an increase in fasting blood sugar and elevated levels of LDH, CRP, serum ferritin, procalcitonin, and D-dimer. Majority of patients with encephalopathy were intubated and were in the hyperinflammatory stage of COVID-19 infection. Dichotomous categorization of outcomes into deceased and discharged showed that clinical outcomes and the development of encephalopathy were significantly associated, with most patients with encephalopathy expiring during their course of hospitalization.

Enfermedad de pequeño vaso. Relación con deterioro funcional, cognitivo y afectivo en adultos mayores con enfermedad cerebrovascular / Small vessel disease. Relationship with functional, cognitive and affective impairment in elderly adults with cerebrovascular disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad cerebral de pequeño vaso es una causa principal de pérdida funcional, discapacidad y deterioro cognitivo. OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de la enfermedad de pequeño vaso y características clínicas que se asocian a mayor deterioro funcional, cognitivo y afectivo en adultos mayores con enfermedad cerebrovascular atendidos en el Servicio de Neurología del Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín en el período 2020 ­ 2021. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio observacional, analítico transversal con 80 pacientes mayores de 65 años con enfermedad cerebrovascular previamente diagnosticada. Se determinó cuáles presentaban enfermedad cerebral de pequeño vaso. Se compararon los dos grupos el de enfermedad cerebro vascular isquémico con y sin enfermedad cerebral de pequeño vaso. Se midió el grado de deterioro funcional con escala de Barthel; Lawton y Brody. El deterioro cognitivo con test de Montreal Cognitive Assessment ­Basic, estado afectivo con escala de Yesavage. Se utilizó razón de momios y se consideró significativo un valor p <0,05. Se utilizó el programa Statistical Package for Social Sciences versión 25. RESULTADOS: Los hombres representaron el 51,2%. La edad promedio fue 76,2 años. Prevalencia de enfermedad cerebral de pequeño vaso (87,5%). Escala de Fazekas grado 1 (46,3%), Factores asociados con enfermedad cerebral de pequeño vaso: tabaquismo [RR: 7,27; IC 95%: 1,69-31,3); enfermedad renal crónica [RR: 4,0; IC 95%: 1,01-15,7]. Dependencia moderada [RR: 6,42; IC 95%: 1,02-40,3]. Factores asociados con pérdida funcionalidad: gravedad del ictus. Factores asociados con deterioro cognitivo: infarto con doble territorio. Factores asociados con deterioro afectivo: infarto con doble territorio y síndrome metabólico (p<0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: La enfermedad cerebral de pequeño vaso tiene una elevada prevalencia entre los adultos mayores con enfermedad cerebrovascular y representó un deterioro cognitivo, funcional y afectivo considerable, en relación a los pacientes sin esta enfermedad.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral small vessel disease is a leading cause of functional loss, disability, and cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of small vessel disease and clinical characteristics associated with greater functional, cognitive and affective impairment in older adults with cerebrovascular disease attended at the Neurology Service of the Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital in the period 2020 - 2021. METHODOLOGY: Observational, analytical cross-sectional study with 80 patients over 65 years of age with previously diagnosed cerebrovascular disease. It was determined which patients had cerebral small vessel disease. The two groups of ischemic cerebrovascular disease with and without cerebral small vessel disease were compared. The degree of functional impairment was measured with the Barthel, Lawton and Brody scales. Cognitive impairment was measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic test, and affective state with the Yesavage scale. Odds ratio was used and a p value <0,05 was considered significant. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 was used. RESULTS: Males represented 51,2%. Mean age was 76,2 years. Prevalence of cerebral small vessel disease (87,5%). Fazekas scale grade 1 (46,3%), Factors associated with cerebral small vessel disease: smoking [RR: 7,27; 95% CI: 1,69-31,3); chronic kidney disease [RR: 4,0; 95% CI: 1,01-15,7]. Moderate dependence [RR: 6,42; 95% CI: 1,02-40,3]. Factors associated with loss of function: severity of stroke. Factors associated with cognitive impairment: infarction with double territory. Factors associated with affective impairment: dual territory infarction and metabolic syndrome (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Cerebral small vessel disease has a high prevalence among older adults with cerebrovascular disease and represented a considerable cognitive, functional and affective deterioration, in relation to patients without this disease.

Consequências da herpes tipo 1 no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor / Consequences of herpes type 1 on neuropsymotor development / Consecuencias del herpes tipo 1 en el desarrollo neuropsicomotor

Objetivo: Descrever as consequências do herpes tipo 1 no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa das consequências da Herpes do tipo 1 no Desenvolvimento Neuropsicomotor. Questão norteadora: "Quais os efeitos da infecção congênita da Herpes tipo 1 no Desenvolvimento Neuropsicomotor observadas entre os anos de 2010 a 2020?". O levantamento dos dados ocorreu: dezembro/2021 a janeiro/2022 nas bases de dados: Scientific Eletronic Library Online, Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde e National Library of Medicine. Descritores: "Herpes"; "Desenvolvimento Neuropsicomotor"; "Herpes Congênita" e "Neuropsychomotor Development" com operadores booleanos AND e OR. Critérios de inclusão: artigos originais, texto completo. Exclusão: cartas ao editor, teses, dissertações e revisões de literatura. Resultados: Foram encontrados 21 artigos nas bases de dados pesquisadas, contudo, após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão, 3 artigos foram considerados elegíveis. Após a análise, pode-se afirmar os impactos do Vírus Herpes pode gerar ao desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, podendo ocasionar disfagia, disartria, alterações motoras, cognitivas e sociais, bem como outros sinais e sintomas que levarão ao atraso no desenvolvimento. Conclusão: O Herpes Vírus Simples pode ocasionar transtornos cerebrais em crianças, o que acarreta distúrbios para o amadurecimento normal, com consequente atrasos no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor.

Objective: To describe the consequences of herpes type 1 on neuropsychomotor development. Methodology: This is a narrative review of the consequences of Herpes type 1 on Neuropsychomotor Development. Guiding question: "What are the effects of congenital Herpes type 1 infection on Neuropsychomotor Development observed between the years 2010 to 2020?". Data collection took place: December/2021 to January/2022 in the following databases: Scientific Electronic Library Online, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences and National Library of Medicine. Keywords: "Herpes"; "Neuropsychomotor Development"; "Herpes Congenita" and "Neuropsychomotor Development" with Boolean operators AND and OR. Inclusion criteria: original articles, full text. Exclusion: letters to the editor, theses, dissertations and literature reviews. Results: 21 articles were found in the searched databases, however, after applying the inclusion criteria, 3 articles were considered eligible. After the analysis, it can be said the impacts of the Herpes Virus can generate neuropsychomotor development, which can cause dysphagia, dysarthria, motor, cognitive and social changes, as well as other signs and symptoms that will lead to developmental delay. Conclusion: Herpes Simplex Virus can cause brain disorders in children, which causes disturbances to normal maturation, with consequent delays in neuropsychomotor development.

Objetivo: Describir las consecuencias del herpes tipo 1 en el desarrollo neuropsicomotor. Metodología: Se trata de una revisión narrativa de las consecuencias del Herpes Tipo 1 en el Desarrollo Neuropsicomotor. Pregunta norteadora: "¿Cuáles son los efectos de la infección congénita por Herpes tipo 1 en el desarrollo neuropsicomotor observados entre los años 2010 y 2020?". Los datos se recopilaron entre diciembre de 2021 y enero de 2022 en las siguientes bases de datos: Scientific Eletronic Library Online, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences y National Library of Medicine. Descriptores: "Herpes"; "Desarrollo neuropsicomotor"; "Herpes congénito" y "Desarrollo neuropsicomotor" con operadores booleanos AND y OR. Criterios de inclusión: artículos originales, texto completo. Criterios de exclusión: cartas al director, tesis, disertaciones y revisiones bibliográficas. Resultados: Se encontraron 21 artículos en las bases de datos consultadas, sin embargo, tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión, se consideraron elegibles 3 artículos. Después del análisis, se puede afirmar los impactos que el Herpes Virus puede tener en el desarrollo neuropsicomotor, que puede causar disfagia, disartria, alteraciones motoras, cognitivas y sociales, así como otros signos y síntomas que conducirán a un retraso en el desarrollo. Conclusión: El virus del herpes simple puede causar alteraciones cerebrales en los niños, lo que conduce a trastornos de la maduración normal, con los consiguientes retrasos en el desarrollo neuropsicomotor.

Interactions Between Astrocytes and Oligodendroglia in Myelin Development and Related Brain Diseases / 神经科学通报·英文版

Astrocytes (ASTs) and oligodendroglial lineage cells (OLGs) are major macroglial cells in the central nervous system. ASTs communicate with each other through connexin (Cx) and Cx-based network structures, both of which allow for quick transport of nutrients and signals. Moreover, ASTs interact with OLGs through connexin (Cx)-mediated networks to modulate various physiological processes in the brain. In this article, following a brief description of the infrastructural basis of the glial networks and exocrine factors by which ASTs and OLGs may crosstalk, we focus on recapitulating how the interactions between these two types of glial cells modulate myelination, and how the AST-OLG interactions are involved in protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and regulating synaptogenesis and neural activity. Recent studies further suggest that AST-OLG interactions are associated with myelin-related diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying AST-OLG interactions may inspire the development of novel therapeutic strategies for related brain diseases.

Clinical characteristics and short-term prognosis of 22 cases with SARS-CoV-2 infection associated acute encephalopathy / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and short-term prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection associated acute encephalopathy (AE). Methods: Retrospective cohort study. The clinical data, radiological features and short-term follow-up of 22 cases diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection associated AE in the Department of Neurology, Beijing Children's Hospital from December 2022 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into cytokine storm group, excitotoxic brain damage group and unclassified encephalopathy group according to the the clinicopathological features and the imaging features. The clinical characteristics of each group were analyzed descriptively. Patients were divided into good prognosis group (≤2 scores) and poor prognosis group (>2 scores) based on the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of the last follow-up. Fisher exact test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the two groups. Results: A total of 22 cases (12 females, 10 males) were included. The age of onset was 3.3 (1.7, 8.6) years. There were 11 cases (50%) with abnormal medical history, and 4 cases with abnormal family history. All the enrolled patients had fever as the initial clinical symptom, and 21 cases (95%) developed neurological symptoms within 24 hours after fever. The onset of neurological symptoms included convulsions (17 cases) and disturbance of consciousness (5 cases). There were 22 cases of encephalopathy, 20 cases of convulsions, 14 cases of speech disorders, 8 cases of involuntary movements and 3 cases of ataxia during the course of the disease. Clinical classification included 3 cases in the cytokine storm group, all with acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE); 9 cases in the excitotoxicity group, 8 cases with acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) and 1 case with hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia syndrome; and 10 cases of unclassified encephalopathy. Laboratory studies revealed elevated glutathione transaminase in 9 cases, elevated glutamic alanine transaminase in 4 cases, elevated blood glucose in 3 cases, and elevated D-dimer in 3 cases. Serum ferritin was elevated in 3 of 5 cases, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light chain protein was elevated in 5 of 9 cases, serum cytokines were elevated in 7 of 18 cases, and CSF cytokines were elevated in 7 of 8 cases. Cranial imaging abnormalities were noted in 18 cases, including bilateral symmetric lesions in 3 ANE cases and "bright tree appearance" in 8 AESD cases. All 22 cases received symptomatic treatment and immunotherapy (intravenous immunoglobulin or glucocorticosteroids), and 1 ANE patient received tocilizumab. The follow-up time was 50 (43, 53) d, and 10 patients had a good prognosis and 12 patients had a poor prognosis. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of epidemiology, clinical manifestations, biochemical indices, and duration of illness to initiate immunotherapy (all P>0.05). Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection is also a major cause of AE. AESD and ANE are the common AE syndromes. Therefore, it is crucial to identify AE patients with fever, convulsions, and impaired consciousness, and apply aggressive therapy as early as possible.

Research progress on head imaging features of carbon monoxide poisoning and delayed encephalopathy / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Acute carbon monoxide poisoning and its delayed encephalopathy have obvious damage to the central nervous system. There are different neuroimaging changes in different stages of the disease, and they are relatively specific. This article reviews the clinical research progress on the imaging changes of carbon monoxide poisoning and delayed encephalopathy, including computed tomography (CT) , conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) , diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) , diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) , diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) , magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and other imaging changes reflecting the function and metabolic state of the brain tissue.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on neurological injury markers and prognosis in patients with acute and severe carbon monoxide poisoning / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To observe the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on nerve injury markers and prognosis in patients with acute severe carbon monoxide poisoning (ASCOP) . Methods: In May 2021, 103 ASCOP patients were treated in the emergency department of Harrison International Peace Hospital of Hebei Medical University from November 2020 to January 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received tDCS treatment. The control group (50 cases) were given oxygen therapy (hyperbaric oxygen and oxygen inhalation) , reducing cranial pressure, improving brain circulation and cell metabolism, removing oxygen free radicals and symptomatic support, and the observation group (53 cases) was treated with 2 weeks of tDCS intensive treatment on the basis of conventional treatment. All patients underwent at least 24 h bispectral index (BIS) monitoring, BIS value was recorded at the hour and the 24 h mean value was calculated. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and serum S100B calcium-binding protein (S100B) were detected after admission, 3 d, 7 d and discharge. Follow-up for 60 days, the incidence and time of onset of delayed encephalopathy (DEACMP) with acute carbon monoxide poisoning in the two groups were recorded. Results: The NSE and S100B proteins of ASCOP patients were significantly increased at admission, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.711, 0.326) . The NSE and S100B proteins were further increased at 3 and 7 days after admission. The increase in the observation group was slower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P(3 d)=0.045, 0.032, P(7 d)=0.021, 0.000) ; After 14 days, it gradually decreased, but the observation group decreased rapidly compared with the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.009, 0.025) . The 60 day follow-up results showed that the incidence of DEACMP in the observation group was 18.87% (10/53) , compared with 38.00% (19/50) in the control group (P=0.048) ; The time of DEACMP in the observation group[ (16.79±5.28) d] was later than that in the control group[ (22.30±5.42) d], and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.013) . Conclusion: The early administration of tDCS in ASCOP patients can prevent the production of NSE and S100B proteins, which are markers of nerve damage. and can improve the incidence and time of DEACMP.

The Pathology of Primary Familial Brain Calcification: Implications for Treatment / 神经科学通报·英文版

Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder mainly characterized by progressive calcium deposition bilaterally in the brain, accompanied by various symptoms, such as dystonia, ataxia, parkinsonism, dementia, depression, headaches, and epilepsy. Currently, the etiology of PFBC is largely unknown, and no specific prevention or treatment is available. During the past 10 years, six causative genes (SLC20A2, PDGFRB, PDGFB, XPR1, MYORG, and JAM2) have been identified in PFBC. In this review, considering mechanistic studies of these genes at the cellular level and in animals, we summarize the pathogenesis and potential preventive and therapeutic strategies for PFBC patients. Our systematic analysis suggests a classification for PFBC genetic etiology based on several characteristics, provides a summary of the known composition of brain calcification, and identifies some potential therapeutic targets for PFBC.

Triggering of Major Brain Disorders by Protons and ATP: The Role of ASICs and P2X Receptors / 神经科学通报·英文版

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is well-known as a universal source of energy in living cells. Less known is that this molecule has a variety of important signaling functions: it activates a variety of specific metabotropic (P2Y) and ionotropic (P2X) receptors in neuronal and non-neuronal cell membranes. So, a wide variety of signaling functions well fits the ubiquitous presence of ATP in the tissues. Even more ubiquitous are protons. Apart from the unspecific interaction of protons with any protein, many physiological processes are affected by protons acting on specific ionotropic receptors-acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). Both protons (acidification) and ATP are locally elevated in various pathological states. Using these fundamentally important molecules as agonists, ASICs and P2X receptors signal a variety of major brain pathologies. Here we briefly outline the physiological roles of ASICs and P2X receptors, focusing on the brain pathologies involving these receptors.

Riesgos modificables relacionados a la hipertensión arterial / Modifiable risks related to hypertension arterial

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es una de las causas de muertes a nivel mundial, esta enfermedad incrementa significativamente los riesgos de sufrir cardiopatías, encefalopatías, nefropatías y otras enfermedades. Su prevalencia está asociada a países de bajos y medianos ingresos, y se consideran factores de riesgos al estrés, alcoholismo, obesidad, tabaquismo, drogas, alimentación, genética, raza, y ciertas patologías como diabetes mellitus, algunas de ellas consideradas como factores de riesgo modificables y que pueden ser medidas de prevención y control en su tratamiento. Objetivo: Recopilar información sobre los transcriptores riesgos modificables relacionados a la hipertensión arterial. Materiales y Métodos: El estudio es del tipo descriptivo, La metodología es una revisión narrativa, con recopilación de literatura referente al tema y disponible en la web, se emplearon los descriptores: hipertensión, factores de riesgo. Resultados: Aporte de información relevante sobre los factores de riesgos modificables entre ellos el consumo de tabaco y alcohol, reducción de peso, alimentación, actividades físicas, reducción del consumo de sal, aumento del consumo de hortalizas y frutas, además de la disminución en el consumo de alimentos grasos, sales, y un control periódico de la tensión arterial, bajo la supervisión médica que son considerados para la prevención y control de la HTA, como métodos alternativos para control y prevención de esta enfermedad. Conclusiones: Los factores de riesgo modificables que predominan son el consumo de grasas, ausencia del control del índice de masa corporal y de la presión arterial, así como el consumo excesivo de sal y presencia de estrés. Los factores de riesgo no modificables que predisponen a hipertensión arterial prevalentemente son los antecedentes familiares de HTA y de obesidad. Se ha determinado que los cambios en el estilo de vida, así como una conducta sana para la prevención y control de riesgos que son modificables atenúan la prevalencia de la misma(AU)

Arterial hypertension (AHT) is one of the causes of death at the Worldwide, this disease significantly increases the risk of heart disease, encephalopathies, nephropathies and other diseases. Its prevalence is associated with countries of low and medium income, and are considered risk factors for stress, alcoholism, obesity, smoking, drugs, food, genetics, race, and certain pathologies such as diabetes mellitus, some of them considered as modifiable risk factors and that can be prevention and control measures in their treatment. Objective: Collect information on transcriptionists modifiable risks related to hypertension arterial. Materials and methods: The study is of the descriptive type, the methodology is a narrative review, with a compilation of literature on the subject and available on the web, used the descriptors: hypertension, risk factors. Results: Contribution of relevant information on modifiable risk factors, including the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, weight reduction, nutrition, physical activities, reduction of salt intake, increased consumption of vegetables and fruits, in addition to the decrease in the consumption of fatty foods, salts, and periodic control of blood pressure, under the medical supervision that are considered for the prevention and control of hypertension, such as alternative methods for control and prevention of this disease. Conclusions: The modifiable risk factors that predominate are the consumption of fats, absence of control of body mass index and blood pressure, as well as excessive consumption of salt and presence of stress. Non-modifiable risk factors that predispose to high blood pressure are predominantly a family history of hypertension and obesity. It has been determined that changes in lifestyle, as well as behavior healthy for the prevention and control of risks that are modifiable attenuate the prevalence ofthe same(AU)

Actitudes sexuales de acuerdo con el nivel de severidad del trauma craneoencefálico / Sexual attitudes according to the level of severity of the cranioencephalic trauma

El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la actitud hacia la sexualidad en pacientes con antecedentes de trauma craneoencefálico (TCE), de acuerdo al nivel de severidad presentado. Método: se llevó a cabo un estudio de tipo descriptivo en una muestra de 126 personas, con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y 49 años, con antecedente de trauma craneoencefálico leve, moderado y severo, a quienes se les aplicó la Escala de Actitudes hacia la Sexualidad Ampliada (ATSS) y una encuesta de actitudes hacia la sexualidad. Resultados: se encontró que la mayoría de los participantes manifestaron haber sufrido cambios en su sexualidad tras el TCE, caracterizados por la disminución de la frecuencia de las relaciones y el deseo sexual, sin embargo, evidencian una actitud positiva frente a la sexualidad. Conclusiones: si bien la sexualidad es considerada importante por los participantes del estudio, no se evidenció una conducta tendiente a la erotofilia. No se encontraron diferencias significativas respecto al nivel de severidad del trauma craneoencefálico

The objective of this research was to analyze the attitude towards sexuality in patients with a history of cranioencephalic trauma (TCE), according to the level of severity presented. Method: a descriptive study was carried out in a sample of 126 people, aged between 18 and 49 years, with a history of mild, moderate, and severe head trauma, to whom the Scale of Attitudes towards Extended Sexuality -ATSS and a Survey of Attitudes towards Sexuality were applied. Results: it was found that most of the participants reported having suffered changes in their sexuality after TCE, characterized by a decrease in the frequency of relationships and sexual desire, however, they show a positive attitude towards sexuality. Conclusions: although sexuality is considered important by the study participants, there was no evidence of behavior tending to erotophilia. No significant differences were found regarding the level of severity of cranioencephalic trauma

Imaging features of 10 patients with toxic encephalopathy caused by diquat / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To explore the CT and MRI imaging findings of diquat toxic encephalopathy. Methods: CT and MRI imaging features of 10 patients with diquat poisoning encephalopathy who had been clinically diagnosed were retrospectively reviewed. Results: CT was performed in all 10 patients, and MRI was performed in 8 patients. In 10 patients, 7 had positive signs on CT, and 8 patients with MRI examination had abnormal changes in the images. The main CT findings were symmetrical hypodensity in bilateral cerebellar hemisphere, brainstem, thalamus and basal ganglia, and swelling of brain tissue. The main MRI findings were symmetrical lesions and brain edema in the deep nuclei of cerebellar hemisphere, brainstem, thalamus and basal ganglia, low signal on T1WI, high signal on T2WI and T2-FLAIR, and cytotoxic edema on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) . On review after treatment, both CT and MRI showed resorption of the lesion, which narrowed in size. Conclusion: The imaging findings of diquat poisoning encephalopathy are characteristic and the location of the lesion is characteristic, and CT and MRI have a certain diagnostic value in diquat poisoning encephalopathy, which is important for clinical treatment.

Caracterização fenotípica das epilepsias geneticamente determinadas diagnosticadas pelo sequenciamento de nova geração / Phenotypic characterization of genetically determined epilepsies diagnosed by next-generation sequencing

Nos últimos anos, o emprego na prática clínica de painéis genéticos e do sequenciamento do exoma e do genoma permitiu o diagnóstico em pacientes sem uma etiologia definida, principalmente nas Encefalopatias Epilépticas e do Desenvolvimento (EEDs). A identificação das formas de epilepsia geneticamente determinadas permite caracterizar melhor sua história natural e orientar o tratamento, ao mesmo tempo em que propicia o aconselhamento genético. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever o fenótipo de indivíduos com epilepsia geneticamente determinada com variantes patogênicas ou provavelmente patogênicas, previamente identificadas pelo NGS. Foram incluídos pacientes até a idade de 18 anos, acompanhados por serviços de Neurologia Infantil e/ou de Genética Médica no estado do Rio de Janeiro, provenientes de hospitais públicos ou de clínicas privadas. O estudo, de natureza descritiva e transversal, foi realizado através da análise de uma amostra de conveniência. No período de abril de 2020 até dezembro de 2021, foram incluídos 75 pacientes, cujo diagnóstico etiológico foi relacionado a 53 genes diferentes. O tipo de sequenciamento de nova geração realizado foi exoma em 56 (74,6%) pacientes, painel genético em 18 (24%) e genoma em um (1,7%). Em relação ao padrão de herança dos 53 genes, 50 (67%) pacientes apresentavam variantes deletérias em genes de herança autossômica dominante (AD), dez (13%) em genes com herança autossômica recessiva (AR), 12 (16%) em genes com o padrão dominante ligado ao X (XD) e 3 (4%) em genes com herança recessiva ligada ao X (XR). O teste em trio foi realizado em 37 pacientes (49,3%) e 33 pacientes apresentaram variantes de novo. O tipo de variante mais frequente foi a missense, seguida pelas variantes frameshift, variantes em regiões de sítio de splicing, deleções in-frame e variantes nonsense. A média de idade do diagnóstico da epilepsia foi de 18 meses, variando entre o primeiro dia de vida até 12 anos. Diagnóstico de EED foi estabelecido em 97,3% pacientes (N=73), na média de idade de 3 anos e 1 mês, e 36 pacientes apresentam uma síndrome epiléptica específica, sendo as mais comuns as Síndromes de West e de Lennox-Gastaut. O padrão de herança de maior frequência no grupo estudado foi AD. Os genes mais frequentes encontrados na nossa amostra foram: genes com herança AD: SCN8A (8%), STXBP1 (8%), KCNQ2 (6,6%), KCNT1 (4%); ligada ao XD: CDKL5 (4%); PCDH19 (4%); e AR: RARS2 (2,6%). O maior número de pacientes está associado a genes que sintetizam canais iônicos voltagem-dependentes (N=19/25,3%) e os genes mais frequentes foram, sucessivamente: SCN8A, KCNQ2, KCNT1, KCNA2. Na nossa amostra, somente dois pacientes conseguiram realizar o exame pelo SUS. O tempo médio de espera para realização do NGS foi de 8 meses. O conhecimento e a interpretação dos resultados dos testes genéticos moleculares têm evoluído de maneira substancial. Disponibilizar o NGS de forma universal para pacientes com suspeita de epilepsia de origem genética, permitirá o diagnóstico de um maior número de pacientes, a identificação de casos atípicos e a adequação terapêutica.

In recent years, the use in clinical practice of genetic panels, exome and genome sequencing has allowed the diagnosis in patients without a defined etiology, mainly in epileptic and developmental encephalopathies (EED). The identification of genetically determined forms of epilepsy makes it possible to better characterize its natural history, guide treatment and provide genetic counseling. The aim of the study was to describe the phenotype of individuals with genetically determined epilepsy with pathogenic or probably pathogenic variants, previously identified by NGS. Patients up to the age of 18 years, followed by Child Neurology and/or Medical Genetics services in the State of Rio de Janeiro, from Public Hospitals or private clinics were included. The study was descriptive and transversal, through the analysis of a convenience sample. From April 2020 to December 2021, 75 patients were included, whose etiological diagnosis was related to 53 different genes. The type of next-generation sequencing performed was exome in 56 (74.6%) patients, genetic panel in 18 (24%) and 1 (1.7%) performed the genome. Regarding the inheritance pattern of the 53 genes, 50 (67%) patients had deleterious variants in genes of autosomal dominant inheritance (AD), 10 (13%) in genes with autosomal recessive inheritance (AR), 12 (16%) with dominant pattern X-linked (XD) and 3 (4%) with X-linked recessive inheritance (XR). Trio testing was performed in 37 patients (49.3%) and 33 patients have de novo variants. The most frequent type of variant was missense, followed by frameshift variants, variants in splicing site regions, in- frame and nonsense variants. The mean age of epilepsy diagnosis was 18 months, ranging from the first day of life to 12 years. Diagnosis of DEE was established in 97.3% patients (N=73), with a mean age of 3 years and 1 month and 36 patients presented a specific epileptic syndrome, the most common being West syndrome and Lennox- Gastaut. The most frequent inheritance pattern in the studied group was AD. The most frequent genes found in our sample were: genes with AD inheritance: SCN8A (8%), STXBP1 (8%), KCNQ2 (6.6%), KCNT1 (4%); XD-linked: CDKL5 (4%); PCDH19 (4%); and AR: RARS2 (2.6%). The largest number of patients is associated with genes that synthesize voltage-gated ion channels (N=19/25.3%) and the most frequent genes were successively: SCN8A, KCNQ2, KCNT1, KCNA2. In our sample, only 2 patients were able to perform the exam through the SUS. The mean waiting time for performing the NGS was 8 months. Knowledge and interpretation of molecular genetic test results have evolved substantially. Making NGS universally available in patients suspected of having epilepsy of genetic origin, will allow the diagnosis of a greater number of patients, identification of atypical cases and therapeutic adequacy.

Application and research of smart wearable devices for heart and brain diseases related to high altitude / 生物医学工程学杂志

Smart wearable devices play an increasingly important role in physiological monitoring and disease prevention because they are portable, real-time, dynamic and continuous.The popularization of smart wearable devices among people under high-altitude environment would be beneficial for the prevention for heart and brain diseases related to high altitude. The current review comprehensively elucidates the effects of high-altitude environment on the heart and brain of different population and experimental subjects, the characteristics and applications of different types of wearable devices, and the limitations and challenges for their application. By emphasizing their application values, this review provides practical reference information for the prevention of high-altitude disease and the protection of life and health.

Vitamin D3 mediates spatial memory improvement through nitric oxide mechanism in demyelinated hippocampus of rat

Abstract Studies have revealed beneficial role of vitamin D3 in neuro-cognitive function. There is also supporting evidence on the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the neuro-protective action. However, its over production could contribute to brain disorders. In this study, demyelination was induced by ethidium bromide (EB) injection into the right side of the hippocampus area of male rats. Vitamin D3 was administered to rats for 7 and 28 days prior to behavioral experiments using Morris water maze (MWM). Travelled distance, time spent to reach the platform, and time spent in target zone, were considered for learning and spatial memory evaluation. Nitrite oxide (NO2-) concentration was measured as an indicator for nitric oxide production. The time spent to reach the platform and the travelled distance were decreased significantly by 28 days of vitamin D3 administration (compared to 7 days experiment). Time spent in target quadrant was significantly lowered by administered vitamin on day 28. Therefore, considering a number of studies that have shown the effect of vitamin D3 on cognition, these findings could support their potential effect. Besides, nitric oxide concentration significantly differed in 28 days of vitamin D3 treated group compared with the groups treated with EB or 7 days of vitamin D3.

Principales secuelas neurológicas del COVID-19: una revisión exploratoria / Main neurological sequelae of COVID-19: an exploratory review

El presente trabajo tiene como propósito realizar una revisión sistemática exploratoria que nos permita evidenciar el panorama actual de las distintas secuelas neurológicas ocasionadas por el COVID-19 en los pacientes. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura a través de las bases de datos PubMed, Scielo, Medline, Web of Science y Scopus. La búsqueda bibliográfica se llevó a cabo en febrero de 2022. Se identificaron 60 artículos, 10 estaban duplicados y en la fase revisión se excluyeron 9, debido a su diseño metodológico; 2 artículos fueron descartados por incongruencias en la validez de los instrumentos de recolección de datos, por tanto, se utilizaron 39 estudios científicos para la obtención de datos, análisis de resultados y fueron sometidos a evaluación de calidad. Se incluyeron 33 estudios observacionales, 2 estudios de caso, 3 artículos de revisión y 1 metaanálisis. Atendiendo a aspectos metodológicos, el 92,4% son estudios observacionales (descriptivos o de prevalencia analítica o de corte), solamente 3 de ellos (7,6%) se asumen como prospectivos en la direccionalidad del diseño. Se destacan fundamentalmente las siguientes secuelas neurológicas: síndrome neurovascular, encefalopatías, migrañas, ansiedad, depresión, disfunciones olfativas y/o gustativas, sintomatología sensorial, polineuropatía y miopatía, neuralgia y parálisis facial, la fisiopatogénesis de está afectaciones neurologicas, son asociadas pricipalmente al síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistemica resultante por la infección con SARS-CoV-2. Se recomienda continuar con investigaciones orientadas a las secuelas por COVID-19, para encauzar el tratamiento y evitar complicaciones graves por esta enfermedad(AU)

The purpose of this study is to carry out an exploratory systematic review that allows us to demonstrate the current panorama of the different neurological sequelae caused by COVID-19 in patients. A literature search was performed through the PubMed, Scielo, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The bibliographic search was carried out in February 2022. 60 articles were identified, 10 were duplicates and in the review phase 9 were excluded due to their methodological design; 2 articles were discarded due to inconsistencies in the validity of the data collection instruments, therefore, 39 scientific studies were used to obtain data, analyze the results and were subjected to quality evaluation. 33 observational studies, 2 case studies, 3 review articles and 1 meta-analysis were included. Regarding methodological aspects, 92.4% are observational studies (descriptive or analytical or cut-off prevalence), only 3 of them (7.6%) are assumed to be prospective in the directionality of the design. The following neurological sequelae stand out fundamentally: neurovascular syndrome, encephalopathies, migraines, anxiety, depression, olfactory and/or taste dysfunctions, sensory symptomatology, polyneuropathy and myopathy, neuralgia and facial paralysis, the physiopathogenesis of these neurological affections, are mainly associated with the syndrome of systemic inflammatory response resulting from infection with SARS-CoV-2. It is recommended to continue with research aimed at the sequelae of COVID-19, to guide treatment and avoid serious complications from this disease(AU)

Mutación en el gen SCN9Aasociado con el síndrome de Dravet: presentación de un caso pediátrico / Mutation in the SCN9A Gene Associated with Dravet Syndrome: A Pediatric Case Report / Mutação no gene SCN9A associada à síndrome de Dravet: relato de um caso pediátrico

Introducción:el síndrome de Dravet, también conocido como epilepsia mioclónica grave de la infancia, corresponde a una encefalopatía epiléptica resistente a fármacos que inicia generalmente en el primer año de vida. Se caracteriza por crisis epilépticas que suelen tener múltiples desencadenantes; el más asociado es la presencia de episodios febriles previos. Se considera una enfermedad rara, debido a su baja incidencia y prevalencia. Presentación del caso: niño de 10 años de edad con un cuadro de epilepsia de origen estructural, asociada con un retraso en el neurodesarrollo y anomalías craneofaciales meno-res, con antecedente de cardiopatía congénita no corregida, colpocefalia y agenesia del cuerpo calloso. Debido a la persistencia de las crisis convulsivas y su consiguiente resistencia farmacológica, se le rea-lizó un exoma genético que evidenció una mutación del gen SCN9. Discusión: el síndrome de Dravet debe ser sospechado en todo paciente menor de un año que tenga crisis convulsivas a repetición asociadas con episodios febriles cuantificados. Aproximadamente, entre el 70 % y el 85 % de los pacientes con el diagnóstico de síndrome de Dravet presenta una mutación en el gen SCN1A, por lo que mutaciones en otros genes que codifican para canales de sodio, ubicados en el mismo cromosoma, como el SCN9A, podrían contribuir de forma multifactorial a dicha entidad

Introduction: Dravet syndrome, also known as severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy, is a drug resistant epileptic encephalopathy that usually begins in the first year of life. It is characterized by the presence of epileptic seizures that usually have multiple triggers; the most currently associated is the presence of previous febrile episodes. It is considered as a rare disease due to its low incidence and prevalence. Case presentation: We reported the case of a ten-year-old boy with structural epilepsy associated with a neuro-developmental delay and minor craniofacial anomalies. He had a history of uncorrected congenital heart disease, colpocephaly, and agenesis of the corpus callosum. Due to the persistence of seizures secondary to drug resistance, it was decided to perform a genetic exome that evidenced a mutation of the SCN9A gene. Conclusions: Dravet syndrome should be suspected in all patients under one year of age who have recu-rrent seizures associated with fever that does not respond to medication and modifies its presentation. Approximately 70%−85% of the patients diagnosed with Dravet syndrome have a mutation in the SCN1A gene; therefore, mutations in other genes that encode sodium channels located on the same chromosome, such as SCN9A, could contribute in a multifactorial way.

Introdução: a síndrome de Dravet, também conhecida como epilepsia mioclônica grave da infância, corresponde a uma encefalopatia epiléptica resistente a medicamentos que geralmente se inicia no primeiro ano de vida. É caracterizada pela presença de crises epilépticas que costumam ter múltiplos detonantes, sendo que o mais associado atualmente é a presença de episódios febris prévios. É conside-rada uma doença rara devido à sua baixa incidência e prevalência. Apresentação do caso: é apresentado o caso de um menino de 10 anos de idade com quadro de epilepsia de origem estrutural, associada a atraso no desenvolvimento neurológico e pequenas anomalias craniofaciais; com histórico de cardio-patia congênita não corrigida, colpocefalia e agenesia do corpo caloso. Devido à persistência das crises epilépticas e consequente resistência farmacológica, optou-se pela realização de um exoma genético que apresenta uma mutação do gene SCN9. Discussão: a síndrome de Dravet deve ser suspeitada em todos os pacientes com menos de um ano de idade que apresentam convulsões repetidas associadas a episódios febris quantificados. Aproximadamente 70 a 85% dos pacientes com diagnóstico de síndrome de Dravet apresentam mutação no gene SCN1A, portanto mutações em outros genes que codificam canais de sódio, localizados no mesmo cromossomo, como o SCN9A, poderiam contribuir de forma multifatorial para essa entidade

Evolución de pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica aguda. Hospital Mario Catarino Rivas, Honduras 2019 ­ 2020 / Clinical evolution of patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke. Hospital Mario Catarino Rivas, Honduras 2019 -2020

En nuestro país, la enfermedad cerebrovascular representa una situación alarmante, manifestándose en 3.6 y 5.7 por cada 1,000 habitantes en comunidades rurales y urbanas, respectivamente. Objetivo: Conocer la evolución de pacientes con Enfermedad Cerebrovascular Isquémica Aguda (ECVIA) según datos epidemiológicos y clínicos utilizando la Escala Modificada de Rankin y NIHSS (Escala de Enfermedad Cerebrovascular de los Institutos Nacionales de Salud) en pacientes atendidos en la emergencia de medicina interna del Hospital Mario Catarino Rivas de marzo de 2019 a marzo de 2020. Metodología: Estudio de diseño no experimental, enfoque cuantitativo, alcance descriptivo-correlacional, corte longitudinal. Universo de 86 pacientes y muestra de 68 pacientes con ECVIA. Previo consentimiento al familiar para evaluar al paciente y recopilar datos y 90 días después del primer contacto se realizó una segunda evaluación vía telefónica. Resultados: Mujeres y pacientes de tercera edad fueron los más afectados. El 85.29% (58) de los pacientes presentó Hipertensión Arterial, 39.71% (27) Diabetes Mellitus, 29.41% (20) Enfermedad Cerebrovascu- lar previa. Fallecieron 38 (55.88%) pacientes y 15 (22.06%) presentaron dependencia 90 días después del inicio de la patología. Pacientes con puntuación NIHSS mayor o igual a 16 tienen mayor riesgo relativo (R.R.) de mortalidad (R.R.: 1.91) y discapacidad (R.R.:2.74) que los pacientes que presentaron puntuación NIHSS inferior a 16. Conclusiones: Entre mayor sea el déficit neurológico al inicio de la patología, mayor es la probabilidad de fallecer o quedar con grado de discapacidad elevado...(AU)

Factores asociados a la mortalidad en pacientes cirróticos / Factors associated with mortality in cirrhotic patients

Introducción: La cirrosis hepática representa en Perú el 9,1 por ciento de las causas de mortalidad. Existe poca evidencia sobre la influencia de variables epidemiológicas y clínicas en la mortalidad de pacientes con cirrosis hepática en Latinoamérica, en especial en países en vías de desarrollo, como Perú. Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la mortalidad en pacientes cirróticos. Métodos: Estudio trasversal en pacientes cirróticos atendidos en el Hospital Cayetano Heredia, de Piura, Perú, en el año 2017. La variable dependiente fue la mortalidad hospitalaria y las variables independientes fueron las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y de laboratorio. Se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher y la prueba de t para estimar los factores asociados a la mortalidad. Resultados: De 52 pacientes, la frecuencia de mortalidad debido a cirrosis fue de 35,4 por ciento. Tener ascitis moderada (p = 0,004), grado de encefalopatía (p = 0,001), leucocitosis (p = 0,004), enfermedad descompensada según índice de Child Pugh (p = 0,023), índice de Meld entre 30-39 puntos (p < 0,001) y niveles de creatinina (p = 0,009) resultaron asociados a una mayor frecuencia de mortalidad. Conclusión: La presencia de ascitis moderada, grado de encefalopatía, leucocitosis, enfermedad descompensada según índice de Child Pugh, índice de Meld entre 30-39 y los niveles de creatinina, están asociados a la mortalidad en pacientes cirróticos(AU)

Introduction: Liver cirrhosis represents 9,1 percent of causes of mortality in Peru. There is little evidence on the influence of epidemiological and clinical variables on the mortality of patients with liver cirrhosis in Latin America, especially in developing countries such as Peru. Objective: To identify the factors associated with mortality in cirrhotic patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study in cirrhotic patients treated at the Cayetano Heredia Hospital in Piura, Peru, year 2017. The dependent variable was hospital mortality and the independent variables were epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics. Fisher's exact test and the T test were used to estimate the factors associated with mortality. Results: Of 52 patients, the frequency of mortality due to cirrhosis was 35,4 percent. Have moderate ascites (p = 0,004), degree of encephalopathy (p = 0,001), leukocytosis (p = 0,004), decompensated disease according to the Child Pugh index (p = 0,023), Meld index between 30-39 points (p < 0,001) and creatinine levels (p = 0,009) were associated with a higher frequency of mortality. Conclusion: The presence of moderate ascites, degree of encephalopathy, leukocytosis, decompensated disease according to the Child Pugh index, Meld index between 30-39, creatinine levels are associated with mortality in cirrhotic patients(AU)

Absceso cerebral por Nocardia sp. En un paciente inmunocompetente en el Perú: reporte de caso / Brain abscess due to Nocardia sp. In an immunocompetent patient in Peru: a case report

RESUMEN La nocardiosis cerebral es una entidad rara que ha sido reportada principalmente en inmunosuprimidos, y en la actualidad no se dispone de guías clínicas que recomienden un tratamiento de primera línea. Presentamos el caso de un adulto mayor, inmunocompetente, con cuadro de encefalopatía y hemiparesia izquierda, asociado a lesiones compatibles con absceso cerebral múltiple y sugerente de etiología infecciosa. Recibió, inicialmente, tratamiento para la tuberculosis, absceso bacteriano y toxoplasmosis, sin respuesta clínica favorable. Se inició un tratamiento empírico para la nocardiosis con meropenem y trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol, y se logró mejoría clínica e imagenológica. La ocurrencia de eventos adversos obliga el uso temporal de medicamentos alternativos. Se resaltan algunos criterios a considerar para incluir la nocardiosis en el diagnóstico diferencial en los casos de absceso cerebral múltiple y se mencionan los métodos diagnósticos de laboratorio y los fármacos para iniciar un tratamiento empírico.

ABSTRACT Cerebral nocardia infections is a rare entity, which has been mainly reported in immunosuppressed patients. Currently, there are no clinical guidelines for first-line treatment. Our case refers to an older immunocompetent adult, with encephalopathy and left hemiparesis, associated with lesions compatible with multiple brain abscess and suggestive of infectious etiology. He initially received treatment for tuberculosis, bacterial abscess, and toxoplasmosis, without a favorable clinical response. An empirical treatment for nocardiosis started, by using meropenem and trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole, and clinical and imaging improvement was achieved. The occurrence of adverse events forces the temporary use of alternative medications. We highlight some criteria for including nocardiosis in the differential diagnosis in cases of multiple brain abscess and mention laboratory diagnostic methods and drugs to initiate empirical treatment.