Perfil neuropsicológico en pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico atendidos en un hospital de alta complejidad de Medellín, Colombia / Neuropsychological profile of patients with traumatic brain injury evaluated in a high complexity hospital in Medellin, Colombia

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El trauma craneoencefálico (TCE) es una de las principales causas de daño cerebral y discapacidad en personas menores de 40 años. Según su severidad, se puede clasificar en leve, moderado o grave, en función de la escala de coma de Glasgow. Muchos pacientes quedan con secuelas neuropsicológicas y comportamentales que pueden afectar en mayor o menor grado su funcionalidad. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las diferencias en el perfil neuropsicológico, las características clínicas y el compromiso funcional en pacientes con TCE según la clasificación de la severidad. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de corte transversal. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y los reportes neuropsicológicos de adultos con TCE evaluados por neuropsicología entre los años 2014 y 2019. Se compararon los resultados de pruebas neuropsicológicas, síndromes neuropsicológicos y funcionalidad según la severidad del TCE. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 48 pacientes, 38 de ellos hombres (73 %), con una mediana de edad de 35 años (RI: 25-51). En 14 casos el TCE fue leve, en 18 moderado y en 16 severo. El síndrome neuropsicológico más frente fue el amnésico (100 %), seguido del disejecutivo (79 %) y el compromiso en la atención (77 %). No se encontraron diferencias según severidad del TCE. Cuarenta y un pacientes (85 %) presentaron cambios comportamentales, 14 (29 %) experimentaron alteración en las actividades básicas de la vida diaria y 32 (68 %) en las actividades instrumentales. CONCLUSIONES: Las alteraciones neuropsicológicas, comportamentales y funcionales posteriores a un TCE son frecuentes, sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias significativas según severidad del trauma.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of brain damage and disability in people under 40 years of age. The severity of TBI can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the Glasgow coma scale. Many patients are left with neuropsychological and behavioral sequelae that can affect functionality to a greater or lesser degree. The objective of the study was to determine the differences in the neuropsychological profile, clinical characteristics and functional impairment in patients with TBI according to severity. METHODOLOGY: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out. The clinical records and neuropsychological reports of adults with TBI evaluated between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed. The results of neuropsychological tests, neuropsychological syndromes, and functionality according to severity of TBI were compared. RESULTS: 48 patients were studied, 35 were males (73 %), the median age was 35 years (IR: 25-51). In 14 TBI was mild, in 18 moderate and 16 severe. The most common neuropsychological syndrome was amnesic (100 %) followed by dysexecutive (79 %) and attentional commitment (77 %). No differences were found according to severity of TBI. 41 patients (85 %) presented behavioral changes, 14 (29 %) presented alteration in basic activities of daily life and 32 (68 %) in instrumental activities. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychological, behavioral and functional alterations are frequent after TBI; however, no significant differences were found according to the severity of the trauma.

Anestesia para el paciente con traumatismo encéfalocraneano / Anesthesia for the Traumatic Brain Injury Patient

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability for children and young adults. The Glasgow Coma Scale allows to classify TBI as mild, moderate and severe. Imaging studies show the heterogeneity of the diagnosis. Primary injury is caused by mechanical impact. Secondary injury contributes significantly to prognosis by exacerbating hypoperfusion and intracranial hypertension. Even in the absence of extracranial lesions, many patients with severe TBI present significant organ dysfunction, which transforms TBI into a multisystemic pathology. Most relevant systems compromised include cardiovascular, autonomic, respiratory and coagulation. The main aims of anesthetic management are: early decompression together with prevention, early detection, and management of determinants of secondary injury. To date, there are no techniques or drugs showing a significant impact on the outcome of TBI patients. On the other hand, maintaining good hemodynamic stability, adequate oxygenation and normocarbia all contribute to a better outcome.

El trauma encéfalocraneano (TEC) es la causa más importante de muerte y discapacidad de niños y adultos jóvenes. La escala de Glasgow permite clasificarlo en leve, moderado y severo. La imagenología da cuenta de la heterogeneidad del diagnóstico. La injuria primaria es la causada por el impacto mecánico. La injuria secundaria contribuye significativamente al pronóstico al exacerbar la hipoperfusión y la hipertensión endocraneana. Aun en ausencia de lesiones extracraneales, gran parte de los pacientes con TEC severo presenta disfunción orgánica significativa, lo que lo transforma en una patología multisistémica. Destacan el compromiso cardiovascular, autonómico, respiratorio y trastornos de la coagulación, entre otros. Los objetivos del manejo anestésico son: la descompresión precoz junto con la prevención, detección temprana y manejo de factores determinantes de injuria secundaria. No existe evidencia respecto de técnicas ni fármacos que hayan demostrado un impacto significativo en el manejo del TEC, más bien, impacta positivamente el mantener la estabilidad hemodinámica, una adecuada oxigenación y normocarbia.

Edaravone improves the post-traumatic brain injury dysfunction in learning and memory by modulating Nrf2/are signal pathway

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the molecular mechanism of edaravone (EDA) in improving the post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) dysfunction in learning and memory. METHODS: In vitro and in vivo TBI models were established using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment for hippocampal nerve stem cells (NSCs) and surgery for rats, followed by EDA treatment. WST 1 measurement, methylthiazol tetrazolium assay, and flow cytometry were performed to determine the activity, proliferation, and apoptosis of NSCs, and malondialdehyde (MDA), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection kits were used to analyze the oxides in NSCs. RESULTS: Following EDA pretreatment, NSCs presented with promising resistance to H2O2-induced oxidative stress, whereas NSCs manifested significant increases in activity and proliferation and a decrease in apoptosis. Meanwhile, for NSCs, EDA pretreatment reduced the levels of MDA, LDH, and ROS, with a significant upregulation of Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway, whereas for EDA-treated TBI rats, a significant reduction was observed in the trauma area and injury to the hippocampus, with improvement in memory and learning performance and upregulation of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: EDA, by regulating the activity of Nrf2/ARE signal pathway, can improve the TBI-induced injury to NSCs and learning and memory dysfunction in rats.

Microsurgical Cisternostomy for Treating Critical Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury - An alternative Therapeutic Approach

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality around the world. Few advances regarding surgical approaches have been made in the past few years to improve its outcomes. Microsurgical cisternostomy is a well-established technique used in vascular and skull base surgery and recently emerges as a suitable procedure with lesser costs and morbidity when compared with decompressive craniectomy in patients with diffuse TBI. This study aims to describe the technique, indications, and limitations of cisternostomy and to compare it with decompressive craniectomy (DC). Methods A prospective study is being conducted after obtaining approval of the local human ethics research committee. Once the inclusion and exclusion criteria are applied, the patients are submitted to microsurgical cisternostomy, pre and postoperative neurological status and brain computed tomography (CT) evaluation. A detailed review was also performed, which discusses diffuse TBI, DC, and cisternostomy for the treatment of TBI. Results Two patients were submitted to cisternostomy after TBI and the presence of acute subdural hematoma and hugemidline shift at admission computed tomography. The surgery was authorized by the family (the informed consent form was signed). Both patients evolved with a good recovery after the procedure, and had a satisfactory control brain CT. No further surgeries were required after the initial cisternostomy. Conclusions Cisternostomy is an adequate technique for the treatment of selected patients affected by diffuse TBI, and it is a proper alternative to DC with lesser costs and morbidity, since a single neurosurgical procedure is performed. A prospective study is being conducted for a better evaluation and these were the initial cases of this new protocol.

Comparação dos aspectos funcionais da deglutição e indicadores clínicos em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico em UTI / Comparison between the functional aspects of swallowing and clinical markers in ICU patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

RESUMO Objetivo caracterizar e comparar os aspectos funcionais da deglutição e indicadores clínicos na população com traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) em unidade de terapia intensiva. Método Participaram do estudo 113 adultos com diagnóstico de TCE. As etapas de coleta de dados envolveram: a avaliação fonoaudiológica clínica do risco de broncoaspiração, determinação do nível funcional da deglutição (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System - ASHA NOMS), determinação da gravidade clínica do indivíduo de acordo com a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA). Resultados Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão, os pacientes selecionados foram agrupados de acordo com os níveis funcionais de deglutição: níveis 1 e 2 - ASHA1 (n=25); níveis 3, 4 e 5 - ASHA2 (n=37); níveis 6 e 7 - ASHA3 (n=51). As análises estatísticas indicaram os seguintes resultados significantes: o grupo ASHA3 apresentou menor gravidade do TCE no momento da avaliação fonoaudiológica, menor tempo de intubação orotraqueal (um terço a menos que o grupo mais grave), ficou menos tempo hospitalizado e necessitou de menos sessões de atendimento fonoaudiológico para o retorno seguro para via oral de alimentação. Os sinais clínicos preditores de broncoaspiração que mais diferenciaram os grupos foi a presença de ausculta cervical alterada e presença de tosse após a deglutição, sendo que o grupo ASHA3 apresentou esses sinais com menor frequência. Conclusão O escore SOFA e o tempo de intubação orotraqueal foram indicadores do prognóstico da funcionalidade da deglutição. A presença ausculta cervical alterada e tosse foram preditores clínicos de disfagia.

ABSTRACT Purpose To characterize and compare the functional aspects of swallowing and clinical markers in intensive care patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methods Participants of this study were 113 adults diagnosed with TBI. Data collection stage involved: clinical assessment of the risk for bronchoaspiration performed by a speech-language therapist; assessment of the functional level of swallowing (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System - ASHA NOMS ); assessment of the patient' health status (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment - SOFA). Results After the inclusion criteria were applied, patients were grouped according to their swallowing functional level: levels 1 and 2 - ASHA1 (n=25); levels 3, 4 and 5 - ASHA2 (n=37); levels 6 and 7 - ASHA3 (n=51). The statistical analyses indicated the following significant results: the ASHA3 group presented lower severity levels of TBI at the clinical assessment of bronchoaspiration, remained less time intubated (approximately um third less than the more severe group), remained fewer days in hospital and needed less therapy sessions to return to safe oral feeding. The clinical predictor signs for bronchoaspiration that best characterized the groups were the presence of altered auscultation and the presence of coughing after swallowing. Patients in the ASHA3 group presented these signs less frequently. Conclusion The score obtained on the SOFA and the time of orotracheal intubation were identified as the prognostic indicators of functional swallowing. The presence of altered cervical auscultation and coughing were clinical predictors of dysphagia.

The Glymphatic System: A Review

The brain represents 2% of the adult body mass; conversely, it is responsible for 20% to 25% of the glucose and 20% of the oxygen consumption, receiving 15% of the cardiac output. This substantial metabolic rate is associated with a significant production of biological debris, which is potentially toxic. Therefore, a complex and efficient clearance system is required to prevent the accumulation of byproducts and ensure optimal function. However, until today, there is little knowledge about this topic. The glymphatic system, also known as perivascular pathway, is a recently described glialdependent network that is responsible for the clearance of metabolites from the central nervous system (CNS), playing a role equivalent to the one played by the lymphatic vessels present in other organs. Studies have demonstrated that the glymphatic pathway has a paramount role in protein homeostasis, and that the malfunction of this system may be related to the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease and normal pressure hydrocephalus. They also showed that body posture, exercise and the state of consciousness influence the glymphatic transport. In this context, the understanding of this clearance system could not only clarify the pathophysiology of several diseases, but also contribute to future therapeutic interventions. In the present article, we will evaluate the glymphatic pathway, focusing on the factors that regulate its flow, as well as on its role in CNS physiology and in disease initiation and progression, including dementia, hydrocephalus, glaucoma and traumatic brain injury. Ultimately, this review also aims to encourage further research on novel therapeutic targets.

Independent early predictors of mortality in polytrauma patients: a prospective, observational, longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES: Trauma is an important public health issue and associated with substantial socioeconomic impacts and major adverse clinical outcomes. No single study has previously investigated the predictors of mortality across all stages of care (pre-hospital, emergency room, surgical center and intensive care unit) in a general trauma population. This study was designed to identify early predictors of mortality in severely injured polytrauma patients across all stages of care to provide a better understanding of the physiologic changes and mechanisms by which to improve care in this population. METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective, observational study was conducted between 2010 and 2013 in São Paulo, Brazil. Patients submitted to high-energy trauma were included. Exclusion criteria were as follows: injury severity score <16, <18 years old or insufficient data. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at four time points: pre-hospital, emergency room, and 3 and 24 hours after hospital admission. The primary outcome assessed was mortality within 30 days. Data were analyzed using tests of association as appropriate, nonparametric analysis of variance and generalized estimating equation analysis (p<0.05). ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01669577. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were included. Independent early predictors of mortality were as follows: arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001), lactate level (p<0.001), Glasgow Coma Scale score (p<0.001), infused crystalloid volume (p<0.015) and presence of traumatic brain injury (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation, diastolic blood pressure, lactate level, Glasgow Coma Scale, infused crystalloid volume and presence of traumatic brain injury are independent early mortality predictors.

Desarrollo de las funciones ejecutivas durante la primera infancia y su afectación ante un traumatismo craneoencefálico / Development of executive functions during first childhood and traumatic brain injury consequences

Las Funciones Ejecutivas (FE) se definen como un grupo de capacidades que permiten ajustar, manejar y lograr objetivos o metas, cumpliendo un rol fundamental en el funcionamiento cognitivo, comportamental y emocional,influyendo directamente en la interacción social. Estas funciones comienzan su desarrollo a edades tempranas y continúan hasta la adolescencia. El objetivo de este artículo es describir el desarrollo de las funciones ejecutivas durante la primera infancia, detallar las características de un Traumatismo Craneoencefálico (TCE) y sus principales consecuencias. La discusión se establece a partir de la importancia de conocer las consecuencias a corto y largo plazo que provoca un TCE en el funcionamiento ejecutivo del niño.

Executive Functions (EF) are defined as a group of capacities allowing goal setting, management and achievement. EF are essential for cognitive, behavioraland emotional functioning with a direct influence in social behavior. These functions develop throughout early childhood and adolescence. The aim is to discuss the EF development during first childhood and the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) main characteristics and consequences during childhood. The discussion establishes the importance of understanding the short and long term TBI consequences in the executive functioning in children.

Trauma intracraneal penetrante trans-orbitario: anatomía relevante, las dinámicas del trauma y los puntos clavepara el tratamiento / Trans-orbital intracranial penetrating trauma: relevant anatomy, trauma dynamics and treatment key points

Las lesiones intracraneales penetrantes trans-orbitarias representan pocos casos de todos los Traumas Craneo-encefálicos, sin embargo, representan del 25 al 50 por ciento de todos los traumas penetrantes craneales. Este tipo de traumas trans-orbitarios se han reportado por diferentes tipos de objetos, incluyendo objetos de metal y de madera. Muchos de estos traumas intracraneales pueden pasar desapercibidos en casos donde el material que ingresa no queda expuesto posterior al trauma y cuando no se presenta lesión neurológica que requiera examinación exhaustiva adicional con neuro-imágenes.

Trans-orbital penetrating intracranial injuries represent few cases of all Traumatic Brain Injuries, although they represent between 25 to 50 percent of all penetrating brain injuries. Trans-orbital intracranial penetrating injuries have been reported caused by different types of objects, including metal and wooden objects. Many of these intracranial traumas can be dismissed, especially in those cases where the material is not exposed after the injury and there is no need of further examination with neuroimaging in absence of neurological deficit.

Monitorización de la presión intracraneal en traumatismo craneoencefálico severo / Monitoring intracranial pressure in severe traumatic brain injury

Introducción: El traumatismo craneoencefálico severo (TCES) es una entidad grave. La monitorización de la presión intracraneal (PIC) permite dirigir el tratamiento, el cual es de limitado acceso en países en vías de desarrollo. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia clínica de pacientes pediátricos con TCES. Pacientes y método: Se incluyeron pacientes con TCES, edad entre 1 y 17 años, previo consentimiento informado de los padres y/o tutores. Se excluyeron pacientes con enfermedades crónicas o retraso psicomotor. Los pacientes ingresaron desde el Servicio de Urgencia, donde se les realizó scanner cerebral (TAC), clasificándose las lesiones por Escala de Marshall. Los pacientes fueron divididos en 2 grupos según criterio neuroquirúrgico: con monitorización (CM) y sin monitorización (SM) de presión intracraneana. La monitorización de la PIC se realizó a través de un catéter intraparenquimatoso 3PN Spiegelberg conectado a un monitor Spiegelberg HDM 26. Los pacientes fueron tratados de acuerdo a las guías pediátricas para TCES. Se consideró la supervivencia como los días transcurridos entre el ingreso hospitalario y el fallecimiento, o su evaluación por Escala de Glasgow para un seguimiento de 6 meses. Resultados: Cuarenta y dos pacientes (CM = 14 y SM= 28). Aquellos con monitorización tenían menor puntuación de la escala de coma de Glasgow y clasificación de Marshall con peor pronóstico. En ellos la supervivencia fue menor y el resultado moderado a bueno. No se registraron complicaciones con el uso del catéter de PIC. Conclusión: Pacientes con monitorización tuvieron mayor gravedad al ingreso y una mayor mortalidad; sin embargo, el resultado funcional de los sobrevivientes fue de moderado a bueno. Se requiere de la realización de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados para definir el impacto de la monitorización de la PIC en la supervivencia y calidad de vida en estos pacientes.

Introduction: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition. Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring can be used to direct treatment, which is of limited access in developing countries. Objective: To describe the clinical experience of pediatric patients with severe TBI. Patients and Method: A clinical experience in patients with severe TBI was conducted. Age was 1-17 years, exclusion criteria were chronic illness and psicomotor retardation. Informed consent was obtained in each case. Two groups were formed based on the criterion of neurosurgeons: with and without intracraneal pressure (ICP) monitoring. PIC monitoring was performed through a 3PN Spiegelberg catheter and a Spiegelberg HDM 26 monitor. Patients were treated according international pediatric guides. The characteristics of both groups are described at 6 months of follow-up. Results: Forty-two patients (CM=14 and SM=28). Those in the CM Group had lower Glasgow coma scale score and Marshall classification with poorer prognosis. Among them survival rate was lower, although the outcome was from moderate to good. No complications were reported with the use of the ICP catheter. Conclusion: Patients with ICP monitoring had greater severity at admission and an increased mortality; however, the outcome for the survivors was from moderate to good. It is necessary to conduct randomized clinical trials to define the impact of ICP monitoring on survival and quality of life in severe TBI patients.

Progress on Post Traumatic Epilepsy and Its Forensic Evaluation / 法医学杂志

Post traumatic epilepsy （PTE） refers to the epileptic seizures after traumatic brain injury. Organic damage can be found by imaging examination, and abnormal electroencephalogram can be detected via electroencephalogram examination which has the similar location of the brain injury. PTE has the characteristics of low incidence, absence of case reports, and easy to exaggerate the state of illness, which add difficulties to the forensic identification. This paper reviews the status of epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical treatment and forensic identification for PTE.

Avaliações que mensurem a percepção dos déficits em indivíduos com lesão cerebral adquirida: uma revisão da literatura / Assessments measuring the perception of deficits in individuals with acquired brain injuries: a review of the literature

Objetivo: Através de uma revisão da literatura, selecionar avaliações que mensurem a percepção dos déficits do indivíduo com lesão cerebral adquirida submetido à intervenção de autoconsciência. Método: Foi realizada revisão nas bases de dados da BIREME e PubMed, referente aos últimos 10 anos. Resultados: Foram selecionados no trabalho onze artigos que incluíram avaliações de autoconsciência antes e depois de uma intervenção terapêutica e que tivessem como público indivíduos com diagnósticos de traumatismo crânio-encefálico (TCE), acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) ou tumor cerebral. Conclusão: Observou-se um número significativo de publicações na Austrália, nos países europeus e nos Estados Unidos. Os instrumentos mais utilizados nos estudos foram o Self-awareness of Deficits Interview (SADI) e Awareness Questionnaire (AQ). Não foram encontrados estudos e avaliações padronizadas e validadas no Brasil. Dessa forma, se faz necessário o desenvolvimento, tradução e adaptação de avaliações, que mensurem a percepção da consciência na população brasileira para proporcionar uma prática baseada em evidências pela utilização de modelos específicos de intervenção.

Objective: Through a review of the literature, to select assessments measuring the perception of deficits of individuals with acquired brain injuries who have undergone a self-awareness intervention. Method: A review in the BIREME and PubMed databases was performed going over the past 10 years. Results: In this paper, eleven articles were selected that contained assessments of self-awareness before and after a therapeutic intervention and that had sampled individuals with diagnoses of traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, or cerebral tumor. Conclusion: A significant number of publications were found from Australia, European countries, and the United States. The instruments mostly used in the studies were the Self-awareness of Deficits Interview (SADI) and the Awareness Questionnaire (AQ). No validated and standardized studies or evaluations were found from Brazil. Thus, development, translation, and adaptation of assessments measuring the perception of awareness in the Brazilian population are required in order to provide an evidence-based practice by the use of intervention models.

Traumatismo crânio encefálico e suas implicações cognitivas e na qualidade de vida / Traumatic brain injury and its implications on cognition and quality of life

O traumatismo cranioencefálico é uma das principais causas de mortalidade em crianças e adultos jovens. Os pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico moderado ou grave podem apresentar sequelas motoras, cognitivas, emocionais, comportamentais e de funcionalidade social, provocando impacto negativo para o próprio indivíduo, sua família e também para a sociedade. Objetivo: Verificar o impacto que o traumatismo cranioencefálico grave ocasionou na vida de pacientes que apresentaram a lesão durante a infância e adolescência, considerando-se questões cognitivas, emocionais e de qualidade de vida, bem como verificar se existem diferenças com relação à idade na época da lesão. Método: Estudo quantitativo, qualitativo de abordagem transversal. Realizado no Centro de Reabilitação da Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente (AACD), unidade Ibirapuera. Participaram do estudo, 13 pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave, procedentes do estado de São Paulo, atendidos entre janeiro de 2010 e março de 2014. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: questionário sociodemográfico, Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Escala Geral das Matrizes Progressivas de Raven e as Pirâmides Coloridas de Pfister. Os dados obtidos na avaliação foram avaliados na amostra geral e posteriormente divididos em dois grupos com base na idade no ato da lesão, considerando grupo 1 (3 a 7 anos e 11 meses) e grupo 2 (8 à 16 anos e 11 meses). Resultados: Com relação ao Raven, 76,9% dos participantes apresentaram indício de deficiência mental. Todos os participantes obtiveram boa avaliação da qualidade de vida. Sobre os aspectos afetivos-emocionais observou-se boa capacidade de adaptação e interação. Na comparação entre os grupos, não se evidenciaram diferenças. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos foram compatíveis com estudos que indicam comprometimento cognitivo e boa percepção da qualidade de vida

The treatment for patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is multidisciplinary. It is necessary to understand the effects of activities performed on dry ground as well as water-immersed to allow the development of intervention protocols. Objective: To compare the motor function of children with DMD in physiotherapy carried out on the ground and immersed over a 2-year period. Method: A retrospective study, assisted by the Brazilian Association of Muscular Dystrophy (ABDIM), of 23 patients diagnosed with DMD, 8-24 years of age. We collected assessment data both water-immersed (adaptation to the water, bipedalism, sitting position, cross and longitudinal rotation, swimming, and running) and on the ground (Egan Klassifikation Scale and Vignos Scale) over a 2-year period. Results: Analyzing the ratings between semesters during the 2-year period, there were differences in the performance of water-immersed activities (p < 0.001) and there was no difference on the Egan Klassifikation Scale (p < 0.003) or the Vignos Scale (p < 0.012). Conclusion: Due to the physical properties of the water, patients either improved or maintained their scores for motor function in water immersion. However, their scores for the Egan Klassifikation and the Vignos scales, which represent motor function on the ground, diminished

Correlación entre el examen mínimo del estado mental y la escala de memoria de Wechsler en una muestra de pacientes con daño cerebral / Correlation between mini mental state examination and the Wechsler memory scale in a sample of patients with sequel

Introducción. La afectación de los procesos cognitivos es muy frecuente en pacientes con daño cerebral adquirido (DCA). Una adecuada evaluación neuropsicológica permite arribar a un diagnóstico certero de la magnitud del déficit y su repercusión funcional. Este estudio examina la correlación entre un test de cribado tradicional, el Examen Mínimo del Estado Mental (MMSE) y un test específico para la evaluación de la memoria, la Escala de Memoria de David Wechsler-I (WMS-I), en una muestra de 124 pacientes con DCA. Para ello se empleó el Método de Pearson. La correlación global obtenida entre ambos test fue significativa (p≤0.05) Conclusiones. Los test de cribado constituyen una manera breve y práctica para aproximarnos al diagnóstico neuropsicológico y este estudio de correlación constata la sensibilidad y el valor predictivo del MMSE como uno de los test de rastreo más empleados en la práctica clínica para orientar la exploración de las funciones comprometidas tras la lesión cerebral. No obstante, consideramos que en modo alguno deberían sustituirse las pruebas neuropsicológicas por los test de cribado para evaluar cognición en pacientes con daño cerebral adquirido.

Introduction. The cognitive impairments are frequently in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). The neuropsychological assessment must provide a good diagnosis of the severity and functional repercussion of the cognitive impairments. This study examines the correlation between a traditional screening test, Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a specific test for the memory evaluation, the Wechsler Memory Scale I (WMS)I, in a sample of 124 patients with sequel of ABI. The global correlation (using coefficient of Pearson) between MMSE and WMS I was statistical significant (p≤0.05). Conclusions. The screening test constitutes an easy and brief way to obtain an adequate neuropsychological diagnosis. This correlation verifies the sensibility and the predictor value of the MMSE like one of the most employees test in the clinical practice to guide the exploration by damaged functions after the brain injury. Nevertheless, we consider that neuropsychological assessment in acquired brain injury patients should not be substituted by a scrutiny instrument.

Experiencia en el entrenamiento de marcha con terapia robotizada Lokomat® en pacientes con patologías neurológicas del Instituto Teletón Santiago-Chile: 2008-2009 / Experience in gait training with Lokomat® robotic therapy in patients with neurological disorders of the Instituto Teletón Santiago, Chile: 2008-2009

Introduction: The Lokomat® robotic therapy is proposed as a new alternative for the rehabilitation of gait in patients with neurological disorders of central origin. Objective: To describe the effect of the Lokomat® in speed, gait pattern, postural stability, third party assistance, and the need of technical aids for gait in a group of patients with neurological disorders in the Institute Teletón Santiago between April 2008 and June 2009. Patients and Methods: 77 medical records of patients in the Lokomat® program were selected. These included patients with cerebral palsy (CP), stroke (CVA), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ataxic syndrome. The patients had an average age of 16.2 years (range 4.65 to 25.98 years). Results are evaluated pre and post training measuring gait speed(10 meters test), gait pattern (visual scale of Edinburgh), postural stability and transfers (timed up and go test), third party assistance (functional ambulation categories - FAC) and gait functionality (functional mobility scale- FMS). The Wilcoxon test was applied to measure changes before and after with p < 0.05. Results: Significant changes were observed in all tests in the group of subjects with CP (p < 0.001) after orthopedic surgery and in speed and gait pattern in CP patients after onabotulinum toxin A infiltration. In patients with TBI and stroke changes in gait pattern and functional tests were evident (p < 0.05). In ataxic subjects improvement in postural stability and transfers were recorded (p < 0.01).Conclusions: The Lokomat® robotic orthosis is a useful tool in improving gait related parameters in the neurological diseases analyzed, especially in CP patients after orthopedic surgery.

Introducción: La terapia robotizada con Lokomat® se plantea como una nueva alternativa para la rehabilitación de la marcha en pacientes con patologías neurológicas de origen central. Objetivo: Describir el efecto del Lokomat® en velocidad, patrón de marcha, estabilidad postural, asistencia por terceros, necesidad de ayudas técnicas en la marcha en un grupo de pacientes portadores de patologías neurológicas del Instituto Teletón de Santiago, entre abril-2008 y junio-2009. Pacientes y Métodos: Se seleccionan 77 fichas médicas de pacientes del programa Lokomat®, portadores de parálisis cerebral (PC), accidente vascular encefálico (AVE), traumatismo encéfalo craneano (TEC) y síndrome atáxico, con edad media de 16,2 años (rango 4,65-25,98 años). Se evalúan resultados pre y post entrenamiento en velocidad de marcha (test de 10 metros), patrón de marcha (escala visual de Edimburgo), estabilidad postural y transferencias (test timed up and go), asistencia de terceros (categoría funcional de la marcha) y funcionalidad en la marcha (escala de marcha o movilidad funcional). Se aplica test de Wilcoxon para medir los cambios antes-después con p < 0,05. Resultados: Se observaron cambios significativos en todas las pruebas en el grupo de sujetos con PC postcirugía ortopédica (p < 0,001) y en velocidad y patrón de marcha en el grupo post infiltración con onabotulinumtoxinA. En pacientes con TEC y AVE se evidenciaron cambios en el patrón de marcha y en los test funcionales (p < 0,05). En sujetos atáxicos se registró mejoría en estabilidad postural y transferencias (p < 0,01). Conclusiones: La órtesis robótica Lokomat® es una herramienta útil en la mejoría de parámetros vinculados a la marcha en las patologías neurológicas analizadas, especialmente en el grupo de PC post cirugía ortopédica, donde todos los test registraron mejoras significativas.

Considerações sobre a síndrome da disfunção autonômica póstraumatismo cranioencefálico: fisiopatologia e tratamento / Dysautonomia after traumatic brain injury: physiopathology and treatment

O termo síndrome da disautonomia pós-traumática é usado para identificar uma síndrome de hiperatividade simpática e muscular paroxística após TCE. Essa síndrome representa uma afecção grave, frequentemente subestimada na assistência ao paciente com neurotrauma e que resulta em piora da recuperação funcional e elevação dos custos hospitalares por aumento do tempo de internação. Neste artigo, realizamos uma revisão crítica da literatura sobre os princípios fisiopatológicos e abordagem terapêutica na síndrome da disautonomia no paciente com traumatismo cranioencefálico.

Dysautonomic post-traumatic syndrome consists in a paroxystic condition sympathetic and muscle hyperactivity after TBI. This syndrome is a serious condition, often underestimated in assisting the patient with neurotrauma and that result in worsening of functional recovery and increased hospital costs by increasing the length of stay. In this paper, we conducted a critical review of the literature on the physiopathological and therapeutic mechanisms in the syndrome of autonomic dysfunction in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Traumatismo encefalocraneano en pediatría / Traumatic brain injury in pediatrics

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an important Public Health issue in Chile and the world. It represents a frequent cause of consultation, constituting a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the population under 45 years of age. Accidents are the main reason for TBI among the pediatric population, but child abuse is an important cause in children below 2 y.o. A proper evaluation is essential to develop timely and efficient treatment that avoids or decreases brain damage and eventual complications. For this purpose, it is essential that brain physiology and physiopathological changes triggered by TBI are clear and well known. Current concepts are presented in this paper, emphasizing brain hemodynamics, metabolism, and brain self-regulation.

El traumatismo encefalocraneano (TEC) es un importante problema de salud pública tanto en Chile como en el mundo. Representa un motivo de consulta frecuente constituyendo una de las mayores causas de morbi-mortalidad en la población menor de 45 años. Los accidentes son la principal causa de TEC en la población pediátrica, pero el maltrato infantil es una causa etiológica importante a considerar en los menores de 2 años. Realizar una correcta evaluación al paciente con TEC es fundamental para instaurar un tratamiento oportuno y eficiente con el fin de evitar y/o disminuir el daño cerebral y así prevenir eventuales complicaciones. Para ello es imprescindible el conocimiento de la fisiología cerebral y los cambios fisiopatológicos que se desencadenan posterior al TEC, conceptos que son revisados en este artículo con énfasis en la hemodinamia cerebral, metabolismo y autorregulación cerebral.

Rehabilitación cognitiva en un caso de alteraciones neuropsicológicas y funcionales por traumatismo craneoencefálico severo / Cognitive rehabilitation in a neuropsychological and functional impairments case by severe traumatic brain injury

Introducción: el traumatismo craneoencefálico es en la actualidad una de las principales causas de incapacidad en la población joven, debido a que las alteraciones físicas y/o cognitivas, ocasionadas por la lesión, limitan el desempeño en actividades laborales, académicas y sociales de la persona afectada. Las secuelas cognitivas de tipo atencional y mnésico interfieren en actividades de la vida diaria y requieren intervención a través de un programa de rehabilitación cognitiva. Caso clínico: paciente de sexo masculino, 24 años de edad, 11 años de escolaridad, sufre traumatismo craneoencefálico severo. Transcurrido el período agudo, al alta, presentó múltiples alteraciones cognitivas, con compromiso en las actividades cotidianas. Se planea e inicia programa de rehabilitación para déficit neuropsicológicos, utilizando estrategias de restitución y sustitución. La intervención se realiza por un año, tres sesiones por semana. Se realizó seguimiento neurológico y neuropsicológico antes, durante y después; se observó mejoría en los procesos cognitivos y en la funcionalidad del paciente durante la rehabilitación. Conclusiones: la rehabilitación cognitiva es actualmente una herramienta terapéutica útil en el tratamiento del paciente con lesión cerebral, ya que puede ser efectiva más allá de la recuperación espontánea, en tanto mejorara procesos cognitivos y dificultades en actividades diarias secundarias a daño cerebral traumático.

Introduction: traumatic brain injury is in the present one of the most important causes of disability in young people, because cognitive and physical impairments limit patient`s work, academic and social activities performance. Cognitive consequences -specially mnesic, attentional and executive consequences- interfer in daily life activities. For this reason it is necessary to intervent altered areas through a cognitive rehabilitation program. Clinic case: male patient 24 years old, 11 years of education has severe traumatic brain injury. After acute period, when he go out from the hospital, he showed multiple cognitive impairments that affected daily life activities. A cognitive rehabilitation program is planned and started by using substitution and restitution strategies. Intervention is carried on along one year in three sessions per week. Neurological and neuropsychological monitoring was made before, during and alter the program; an improvement in cognitive processes and patient’s functionality was observed during rehabilitation. Conclusions: cognitive rehabilitation process can be more effective so far than spontaneous recovery as rehabilitation can improve cognitive processes of a patient with neuropsychological impairments and alterations in daily life activities, secondary to traumatic brain injury. Cognitive rehabilitation is in the presenta therapeutic skill useful for treatment of brain injured patient.

Valor diagnóstico del protocolo de fusión de imágenes (PFI) en el procesador IM512P en comparación SPECT cerebral y resonancia magnética cerebral / Diagnostic value of image fusion protocol in the IM512P processor: comparison with SPECT and brain MRI

Las imágenes en medicina nuclear y radiología son complementarias y su fusión permite una comprensión integrada, respondiendo a la necesidad de entregar al clínico un formato amigable y confiable de la información. Para SPECT (tomografía por emisión de fotón único) o PET (tomografía por emisión de positrones), distintos radiotrazadores (RT) administrados al paciente revelan el estado funcional de órganos y tumores. Por la relativa carencia de referentes anatómicos, SPECT y PET pueden requerir correlación morfológica dirigida. Su fusión con una tomografía computarizada (CT) o resonancia magnética (RM), constituye una pareja de imágenes de distinta modalidad; SPECT/CT, SPECT/RM, PET/ CT o PET/RM, capaz de localizar focos isotópicos en su estructura correspondiente, que puede o no estar alterada. Con el objetivo de evaluar el valor diagnostico de la Fusión de Imágenes en el Procesador de Imágenes IM512P propuesta por el autor como Protocolo a usarse en los servicios de Medicina Nuclear; se diseño un estudio Observacional, Transversal, Comparativo, Retrospectivo; en el Hospital de Policía Luis N Sáenz, durante los meses de enero a julio del 2007. Se realizo la recolección de imágenes e informes médicos, en las técnicas de Spect y Resonancia Magnética, de 38 pacientes para luego en la estación de trabajo del procesador de imágenes realizar la Fusión de las mismas, y así obtener resultados, y comparar con los valores ya establecidos de sensibilidad y especificidad. Los resultados mostraron valores de Sensibilidad de 96,55 por ciento con un índice de confiabilidad de 95 por ciento entre 88,19 por ciento y 100 por ciento, Especificidad de 77,78 por ciento con un índice de confiabilidad de 95 por ciento entre 45,06 por ciento y 100 por ciento, Valor Predictivo Positivo de 93,33 por ciento Valor Predictivo Negativo de 87,50 por ciento...