Mecanismos de lesión cerebral en niños prematuros / Mechanisms of brain injury of the premature baby

Los nacimientos prematuros son uno de los principales indicadores de salud de un país. Están asociados a una alta mortalidad e importante morbilidad en niños con parálisis cerebral y otros trastornos del neurodesarrollo, incluyendo problemas cognitivos y del aprendizaje. Los principales tipos de lesión encefálica en los recién nacidos prematuros son: a) las lesiones de la sustancia blanca, generalmente asociadas a alteraciones neuronales y axonales en la corteza cerebral y otras zonas de sustancia gris; b) hemorragias intracraneanas que incluyen las de la matriz germinal, intraventriculares e intraparenquimatosas y c) del cerebelo. Las lesiones de sustancia blanca incluyen la leucomalacia periventricular quística, no quística (con focos de necrosis microscópicos) y lesiones difusas de sustancia blanca, no necróticas. Estas lesiones tienen múltiples factores etiológicos. Las características anatómicas y fisiológicas de las estructuras vasculares periventriculares predisponen a la sustancia blanca a ser muy vulnerable a las situaciones de isquemia cerebral y, en interacción con factores infecciosos/inflamatorios, activan a las microglías generando estrés oxidativo (por liberación de radicales libres del oxígeno y del nitrógeno), liberación de citoquinas proinflamatorias, liberación de glutamato, fallo energético y alteración de la integridad vascular. Todo lo anteriormente mencionado genera una particular vulnerabilidad de los pre-oligodendrocitos que termina alterando la mielinización. La hipoxia-isquemia también puede producir necrosis neuronal selectiva en diferentes regiones encefálicas. La matriz germinal es un área altamente vascularizada en la región subependimaria periventricular con una estructura capilar muy frágil que la predispone a las hemorragias.

Preterm birth is one of the main country health indicators. It is associated with high mortality and significant morbidity in preterm newborns with cerebral palsy and potential long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities like cognitive and learning problems. The main lesions could be: a) white matter injuries, generally associated with cortical and other regions of grey matter neuronal-axonal disturbances; b) intracranial hemorrhage that includes germinal matrix, intraventricular and parenchymal, c) cerebellum injuries. The white matter lesions include cystic and non-cystic (with microscopic focal necrosis) periventricular leukomalacia and non-necrotic diffuse white matter injury. Multiple etiologic factors are associated with these injuries. Anatomical and physiological characteristics of periventricular vascular structures predispose white matter to cerebral ischemia and, interacting with infection/inflammation factors, activate microglia, generating oxidative stress (mediated by free oxygen and nitrogen radicals), pro-inflammatory cytokine and glutamate toxicity, energetic failure and vascular integrity disturbances. All these factors lead to a particular vulnerability of pre-oligodendrocytes that will affect myelination. Hypoxia-ischemia also may produce selective neuronal necrosis in different cerebral regions. Germinal matrix is a highly vascularized zone beneath ependymal or periventricular region that constitutes a capillary bed with a particular structural fragility that predispose it to hemorrhage.

Relations of neuropeptide Y and heme oxygenase-1 expressions with fetal brain injury in rats with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the relations of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions with fetal brain injury in rats with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Methods: Sixty rats pregnant for 15 days were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The ICP model was established in experimental group. On the 21st day, the blood biochemical test, histopathological examination of pregnant rat liver and fetal brain tissues and immunohistochemical analysis of fetal rat brain tissues were performed. Results: On the 21st day, the alanineaminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bile acid levels in experimental group were significantly higher than control group (P<0.01). Compared with control group, there was obvious vacuolar degeneration in pregnant rat liver tissue and fetal brain tissue in experimental group. NPY expression in fetal brain tissue was negative in control group and positive in experimental group. HO-1 expression in fetal brain tissue was strongly positive in control group and positive in experimental group. There was significant difference of immunohistochemical staining optical density between two groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: In fetal brain of ICP rats, the NPY expression is increased, and the HO-1 expression is decreased, which may be related to the fetal brain injury.

Early amplitude-integrated electroencephalography for monitoring neonates at high risk for brain injury / Eletroencefalograma de amplitude integrada precoce no monitoramento de neonatos com risco elevado de lesão cerebral

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to correlate amplitude-integrated electroencephalography findings with early outcomes, measured by mortality and neuroimaging findings, in a prospective cohort of infants at high risk for brain injury in this center in Brazil. Methods: This blinded prospective cohort study evaluated 23 preterm infants below 31 weeks of gestational age and 17 infants diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy secondary to perinatal asphyxia, with gestational age greater than 36 weeks, monitored with amplitude-integrated electroencephalography in a public tertiary center from February 2014 to January 2015. Background activity (classified as continuous, discontinuous high-voltage, discontinuous low-voltage, burst-suppression, continuous low-voltage, or flat trace), presence of sleep-wake cycling, and presence of seizures were evaluated. Cranial ultrasonography in preterm infants and cranial magnetic resonance imaging in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were performed. Results: In the preterm group, pathological trace or discontinuous low-voltage pattern (p = 0.03) and absence of sleep-wake cycling (p = 0.019) were associated with mortality and brain injury assessed by cranial ultrasonography. In patients with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, seizure patterns on amplitude-integrated electroencephalography traces were associated with mortality or brain lesion in cranial magnetic resonance imaging (p = 0.005). Conclusion: This study supports previous results and demonstrates the utility of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography for monitoring brain function and predicting early outcome in the studied groups of infants at high risk for brain injury.

Resumo Objetivo: Este estudo visou correlacionar os achados do eletroencefalograma de amplitude integrada (aEEG) com resultados precoces, medidos por mortalidade e achados de neuroimagem, em uma coorte prospectiva de neonatos com risco elevado de lesão cerebral em nosso centro no Brasil. Métodos: O estudo prospectivo de coorte cego avaliou 23 neonatos prematuros abaixo de 31 semanas de idade gestacional (IG) e 17 neonatos diagnosticados com encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica (EHI) secundária à asfixia perinatal, com IG superior a 36 semanas, monitorados com aEEG em um centro terciário público de fevereiro de 2014 a janeiro de 2015. Foram avaliadas a atividade de fundo (classificada como padrão contínuo, descontínuo de alta voltagem, descontínuo de baixa voltagem, supressão de explosão, contínuo de baixa voltagem ou traço plano), a presença de ciclo do sono-vigília e a presença de convulsões. Foram feitas a ultrassonografia craniana em prematuros e a ressonância magnética (RMI) craniana em neonatos com EHI. Resultados: No grupo de prematuros, o traço patológico ou padrão descontínuo de baixa voltagem (p = 0,03) e a ausência de ciclo do sono-vigília (p = 0,019) foram associados a mortalidade e lesão cerebral avaliada por ultrassonografia craniana. Em pacientes com EHI, os padrões de convulsão nos traços do aEEG foram associados a mortalidade ou lesão cerebral na RMI craniana (p = 0,005). Conclusão: Este estudo corrobora os resultados anteriores e demonstra a utilidade do aEEG no monitoramento da função cerebral e na predição de alterações precoces nos grupos de neonatos estudados com risco elevado de lesão cerebral.

Traumatic brain lesions in newborns / Lesões cerebrais traumaticas em recém nascidos

ABSTRACT The neonatal period is a highly vulnerable time for an infant. The high neonatal morbidity and mortality rates attest to the fragility of life during this period. The incidence of birth trauma is 0.8%, varying from 0.2-2 per 1,000 births. The aim of this study is to describe brain traumas, and their mechanism, anatomy considerations, and physiopathology of the newborn traumatic brain injury. Methods A literature review using the PubMed data base, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, The Cochrane Database, Google Scholar, and clinical trials. Selected papers from 1922 to 2016 were studied. We selected 109 papers, through key-words, with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Discussion This paper discusses the risk factors for birth trauma, the anatomy of the occipito-anterior and vertex presentation, and traumatic brain lesions. Conclusion Birth-related traumatic brain injury may cause serious complications in newborn infants. Its successful management includes special training, teamwork, and an individual approach.

RESUMO O período neonatal é um período vulnerável para o recém nascido. As altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade neonatal atestam a fragilidade da vida durante esta fase. Trauma durante o nascimento é de 0,8%, variando de 0,2 a 2 por 1000 nascimentos. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o tocotraumatismo, seu mecanismo, considerações anatômicas e fisiopatologia da lesão em recém nascido. Métodos Revisão da literatura utilizando base de dados PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, The Cochrane Detabase, Google Scolar, ensaios clínicos. Os trabalhos selecionados foram de 1922 a 2016. Foram selecionados 109 trabalhos, através de palavras-chave, inclusão e critérios de exclusão. Discussão Este artigo discute os fatores de risco para o trauma do nascimento, a anatomia da apresentação do vértex occipto-anterior e as lesões traumáticas cerebrais. Conclusão Lesão cerebral traumática no nascimento pode causar complicações graves nos recém-nascidos. O tratamento desta condição deve ser especializado, envolvendo trabalho, equipe e abordagem individualizado

Advances in Biomarkers of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood / 法医学杂志

Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is defined as a mild brain trauma resulting in a short loss of consciousness and alteration of mental status. It may also occasionally develop persistent and progressive symptoms. It has been confirmed that MTBI causes changes of anatomic structures in central nervous system and biomarkers in the body fluid. However, there is no sufficient research on relevance among threshold for the brain injury, individual vulnerability and duration of disturbance of consciousness. Furthermore, there are no reliable diagnostic methods to establish whether a blow to the head is sufficient to cause the brain injury. This review provides references for biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and blood associated with TBI. It also provides application status and potential prospects for further assessment and diagnosis of MTBI.

S100 and S100β: biomarkers of cerebral damage in cardiac surgery with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass / S100 e S100β: biomarcadores de dano cerebral em cirurgia cardíaca com ou sem o uso de circulação extracorpórea

Objective: The present study is to describe the clinical impact of S100 and S100β for the evaluation of cerebral damage in cardiac surgery with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: Quantitative results of S100 and S100β reported in the literature of the year range 1990-2014 were collected, screened and analyzed. Results: Cerebrospinal fluid and serum S100 levels showed a same trend reaching a peak at the end of CPB. The cerebrospinal fluid/serum S100 ratio decreased during CPB, reached a nadir at 6 h after CPB and then increased and kept high untill 24 h after CPB. Serum S100 at the end of CPB was much higher in infant than in adults, and in on-pump than in off-pump coronary artery bypass patients. ∆S100 increased with age and CPB time but lack of statistical significances. Patients receiving an aorta replacement had a much higher ∆S100 than those receiving a congenital heart defect repair. Serum S100β reached a peak at the end of CPB, whereas cerebrospinal fluid S100 continued to increase and reached a peak at 6 h after CPB. The cerebrospinal fluid/serum S100β ratio decreased during CPB, increased at the end of CPB, peaked 1 h after CPB, and then decreased abruptly. The increase of serum S100β at the end of CPB was associated with type of operation, younger age, lower core temperature and cerebral damages. ∆S100β displayed a decreasing trend with age, type of operation, shortening of CPB duration, increasing core temperature, lessening severity of cerebral damage and the application of intervenes. Linear correlation analysis revealed that serum S100β concentration at the end of CPB correlated closely with CPB duration. Conclusion: S100 and S100β in cerebrospinal fluid can be more accurate than in the serum for the evaluations of cerebral damage in cardiac surgery. However, cerebrospinal fluid biopsies are limited. But serum S100β and ∆S100β ...

Objetivo: O presente estudo descreve o impacto clínico de S100 e S100β para a avaliação do dano cerebral em cirurgia cardíaca com ou sem o uso de circulação extracorpórea (CEC). Métodos: Os resultados quantitativos de S100 e S100β relatados na literatura entre os anos 1990 e 2014 foram recolhidos, rastreados e analisados . Resultados: Os níveis do fluido cerebroespinal e níveis séricos S100 mostram uma mesma tendência, atingindo um pico no final da CEC. A relação de fluido cerebroespinal e soro S100 diminuiu durante a CEC, chegando a um nadir 6 h após a CEC, aumentando e mantendo alta até 24 h após a CEC. O soro S100 no final da CEC foi muito maior no infantil do que em adultos, e em pacientes de revascularização miocárdica com CEC do que em pacientes sem CEC. ∆S100 aumentou com a idade e tempo de CEC, mas sem significância estatística. Os pacientes que receberam substituição da aorta tinham um ∆S100 muito maior do que aqueles que fizeram reparo dos defeitos cardíacos congênitos. Soro S100β atingiu um pico no final da CEC, enquanto líquido cefalorraquidiano S100 continuou a aumentar e atingir um pico 6 h após a CEC. A proporção entre soro S100β e líquido cefalorraquidiano diminuiu durante a CEC, aumentando no final da CEC, com pico 1 h após a CEC, em seguida, diminuiu abruptamente. O aumento de soro S100β no final da CEC foi associado com o tipo de operação, menor idade, menor temperatura do coração e danos cerebrais. ∆S100β exibiu tendência decrescente com a idade, tipo de operação, encurtamento da duração da CEC, o aumento da temperatura do coração, diminuindo a gravidade do dano cerebral e da aplicação de intervenções. Análise de correlação linear revelou que a concentração sérica de S100β no final da CEC está intimamente relacionada com a duração do procedimento. Conclusão: Níveis de S100 e S100β no líquido cefalorraquidiano podem ser mais precisos do que no soro para as avaliações ...

Brain damage and congenital cataract due to autogenously fecal peritonitis in pregnant Wistar rats

PURPOSE: To investigate the morphological aspects of brain and eyes in newborn rats whose mother underwent autogenously fecal peritonitis. METHODS: Four pregnant rats that underwent fecal peritonitis, with a 10% fecal suspension in dose of 4 ml per kilogram received two antimicrobial treatments: 1. intraperitoneal moxifloxacin and dexamethazone; and 2. Intravenous meropenem. After head inspection, the brain consistencies and the eyes belonging to all offspring were analyzed. RESULTS: The brains of newborn from rats that received 4 ml/kg of 10% suspension of feces showed, significantly smaller and less than the firm consistency of those in the control group. Congenital cataract was observed in 9 (34.6%). No cataract was observed in the 20 newborn rats from the mothers that received the combination of moxifloxacin and dexamethasone. Cataract could be observed in three (13.6%) offspring from mothers that received meropenem. CONCLUSIONS: Peritonitis can produce brain damage and congenital cataract in rats. The translation to humans is that intra abdominal infection in pregnant women may be associated with damage in brain and eye structures of their concepts. This can be averting using the adequate early therapeutically approach. .

Mesenteric lymph reperfusion after superior mesenteric artery occlusion shock exacerbates endotoxin translocation in brain

PURPOSE: To determine the role of mesenteric lymph reperfusion (MLR) on endotoxin translocation in brain to discuss the mechanism of brain injury subjected to superior mesenteric artery occlusion (SMAO) shock. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomly assigned to MLR, SMAO, MLR+SMAO and sham groups. MLR was performed by clamping the mesenteric lymph duct (MLD) for 1 h and then allowing reperfusion for 2 h in the MLR group; SMAO involved clamping the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 1 h, followed by reperfusion for 2 h in the SMAO group; occlusion of both the SMA and MLD for 1 h was followed by reperfusion for 2 h in the MLR+SMAO group rats. RESULTS: SMAO shock induced severe increased levels of the endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide receptor, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Concurrently, MLR after SMAO shock further aggravates these deleterious effects. CONCLUSION: Mesenteric lymph reperfusion exacerbated the endotoxin translocation in brain; thereby increased inflammatory response occurred, suggesting that the intestinal lymph pathway plays an important role in the brain injury after superior mesenteric artery occlusion shock. .

Factors associated with providing social security benefits for traumatic brain injury resulting from occupational accidents / Fatores associados à concessão de benefício previdenciário por traumatismo cranioencefálico decorrente de acidente de trabalho

INTRODUCTION: The Occupational Accident (OA) is considered to be an important public health problem in Brazil. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the most common among them. The TBI is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates among workers. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with providing social security benefits for TBI due to occupational accidents according to the specific type of economic activity in Brazil, in 2009. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted with all workers who were part of the General Regime of Social Security (RGPS) of Brazil. Secondary data were obtained from the National Information System Benefit, from the Synchronized National Register of the Ministry of Finance and from the General Register of Employed and Unemployed Persons. Data were analyzed using the multiple logistic regression method. RESULTS: We analyzed 2,006 cases of social security benefits for traumatic brain injury due to Occupational Accident. Factors associated with the concession of the benefit according to the economic activity of the Company of the beneficiary were identified. Associations were found with sex, income and the region of the Company. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with the concession of social security benefits by TBI resulting from OA differ depending on the type of economic activity in the study. Understanding these factors may contribute to the planning of preventive policies. .

INTRODUÇÃO: O Acidente de Trabalho (AT) é considerado um importante agravo à saúde do trabalhador no Brasil, sendo o Traumatismo Cranioencefálico (TCE) o mais comum dentre eles. O TCE está associado a altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade entre trabalhadores. OBJETIVO: Verificar os fatores associados à concessão de benefícios previdenciários por TCE decorrentes de acidente de trabalho de acordo com o ramo de atividade econômica específica, no Brasil, em 2009. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo epidemiológico de corte transversal que foi conduzido com todos os trabalhadores que integram o Regime Geral da Previdência Social (RGPS) do Brasil. Dados secundários foram obtidos do Sistema Único de Informações de Benefícios, do Cadastro Sincronizado Nacional do Ministério da Fazenda e do Cadastro Geral de Empregados e Desempregados e analisados utilizando-se regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 2.006 casos de benefícios previdenciários por TCE decorrentes de AT no Brasil, e identificaram-se fatores associados à concessão do benefício diferenciados de acordo com a seção da Classificação Nacional de Atividades Econômicas à qual o beneficiário estava vinculado. Foram encontradas associações com o sexo, a renda e a região da empresa. CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores associados à concessão de benefícios previdenciários por TCE decorrentes de AT diferem a depender da CNAE em estudo. A compreensão desses fatores poderá contribuir com o planejamento de políticas públicas de caráter preventivo. .

Analysis of cranio-cerebral injuries by blunt force.

Despite current advances in public education and in automobile safety requirements, cranio-cerebral injuries continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality and accounts for significant portion of health care costs today. Trauma respects neither geography nor body systems. Consequently head injury occurs every 15 seconds and a patient dies from a head injury every 12 minutes, a day doesn’t pass that an emergency department physician is not confronted with a head injured patient. The present work is based on the observation and study made on 117 cases collected. These cases include 39 cases who died before being admitted to any hospital and were sent directly by the police to postmortem, Mysore Medical College, Mysore, and 78 cases that died in the hospital under medical care. Clinical data are available for 78 cases that died in the hospital after undergoing some treatment. An attempt is made in these cases to correlate clinical findings with the autopsy findings.

unusual cause of traumatic brain injury in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: a case report

Penetrating head injuries can be the result of numerous intentional or unintentional events, including missile wounds, stab wounds, motor vehicle and occupational accidents [nails, iron rods] or assaults [screw-drivers]. Penetrating head injuries caused by screw-drivers constitute only a small part of the total number of traumatic head injuries seen in casualty. We report a case of neuro-trauma who was operated in our institution. A 25 years gentleman presented in casualty on with a screw-driver penetrating into the skull, as an unusual case of violence

Traumas cerebrales en niños secundarios a cabeceo de balones en fútbol: Modelo de simulación matemática / Mathematical simulation of mild brain injury in children heading soccer balls

Background: Heading professional soccer balls can generate mild traumatic brain injury in children. The long-term consequences could include difficulty in solving problems and deficits in memory and language. Aim: To assess the impact of a professional adult soccer ball on a child´s head, using the finite element method and dynamic effects to predict brain damage. Material and Methods: The minimum conditions of an adult game were considered: the ball speed was 6 m/s and the diffuse blow was 345 and 369 Newtons (N), on the forehead and top of the head, respectively. A head was modeled in order to know the stresses, strains and displacements generated by the impacts. The extent of the alteration was determined by comparing the strength of brain tissue, with predictions of computed stresses. The geometric characteristics of the head were transferred from medical images. The input data of the materials of a child´s head was obtained from the literature. Results: In the case of heading with the forehead, mathematical simulation showed frontal lobe alterations, with brain stresses between 0.064 and 0.059 N/mm2. When the heading was with the upper head zone, the brain alterations were in the parietal lobe, with stresses between 0.089 and 0.067 N/mm². In the cerebral spinal fluid the pressure was 3.61 to 3.24 N/mm2. Conclusions: The mathematical simulations reveal evidence of brain alterations caused by a child heading adult soccer balls. The model presented is an economical and quick tool that can help predict brain damage. It demonstrates the ability of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to absorb shock loads.

Association between the functional independence measure and Glasgow coma scale regarding the rehabilitation outcomes of traumatic brain injury

To evaluate the outcomes of early comprehensive rehabilitation protocols for traumatic brain injury [TBI] using the functional independence measure [FIM], and to study the relationship between FIM and Glasgow coma scale [GCS] variables to determine which patients will be best served by rehabilitation therapies. Fifty-one subjects with diagnosed TBI receiving treatment at a single inpatient rehabilitation facility at Jordan University of Science and Technology, Teaching Hospital, Irbid, Jordan were enrolled in this experimental study between August 2006 and February 2008. Of the enrolled subjects, 47 completed the study. The mean age of the participants was 33 years [8 females and 39 males]. Glasgow coma scale was measured on admission. Functional independence measure score was measured on admission and on discharge. According to the GCS, the participants were divided into 3 groups as severe injury [GCS: 3-8 [n = 24]], moderate injury [GCS: 9-12 [n = 12]], and mild or no injury [GCS: 13-15 [n = 11]]. The FIM score and CGS and their relation were evaluated. Evaluation outcomes revealed a significant improvement in FIM scores after rehabilitation compared to the FIM admission [p = 0.00006] in severe TBI. In moderate TBI, the FIM scores were significantly improved [p = 0.0004] after rehabilitation. However, with minimal injury, the FIM scores were not significantly improved [p = 0.15]. Early rehabilitation interventions significantly improved the FIM scores in moderate and severe TBI patients

[History of the iodine deficiency in the world and Iran]

Iodine deficiency today is a risk factor for delayed growth and development and is the most common preventable cause of brain damage worldwide. Over of 2 billion [38%] of the world's population from 130 countries are at risk. Iodine deficiency causes inadequate thyroid hormone production, iodine being essential constituent of the thyroid hormone. Iodine deficiency was once considered a minor problem, causing goiter; however it is now known that the effects on the developing brain are much more deadly, and constitute a threat to the social and economic development of many countries. The history of iodine deficiency began with the first reports of goiter and cretinism, dating back to the ancient civilizations, the Chinese and Hindu cultures and then to Greece and Rome. The first detailed descriptions of these subjects, and documentation of the word "cretin" appeared in Diderot's encyclopedia in 1754, to refer to an "imbecile who is deaf, dumb with a goiter hanging down to the waist" at that time widely present in Switzerland, southern France and Northern Italy. The 19[th] century marked the beginning of serious attempts to control the problem, however, not until the latter half of the 20[th] century that the necessary knowledge for effective prevention and control was acquired; present-day practice is based on the work of David Marine, who in 1915, declared that "endemic goiter is the easiest known disease to prevent." In the same year, Hunziger proposed that iodized salt be used for goiter control in Switzerland. Today the number of countries with iodine deficiency as a public health problem has decreased from 110 to 45, between 1993 and 2003, An estimated 41 million annual newborns stiff come into the world unprotected from brain damage as a result of iodine deficiency. Monitoring of IDD elimination programs and education are two of the crucial elements for sustainability. Successes in some countries, e.g., Iran, China, Cameroon and Peru, show that sustainable optimal iodine nutrition is possible

Inadvertent insertion of nasogastric tube into the brain.

An unusual case of a nasogastric (Ryle's) tube inserted in the brain in a patient having severe head injury with skull base fractures is reported here along with a brief review of literature. A 35 years male was referred from a peripheral institute following head trauma with endotracheal tube and nasogastric tube in situ. A CT scan of the brain showed multiple skull base fractures and a high parietal extradural hematoma. It also revealed that the nasogastric tube had inadvertently found its way into the brain through the lamina cribrosa of the ethmoid bone. The tube was removed under aseptic conditions in the operation theatre but the patient expired on day 2 of admission due to the head injuries sustained.

Upregulation of VEGF and FGF2 in Normal Rat Brain after Experimental Intraoperative Radiation Therapy

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2 in the irradiated brain was examined to test how a single high dose radiation, similar to that used for intraoperative radiation therapy given to the normal cerebrum, can affect the vascular endothelium. After a burr hole trephination in the rat skull, the cerebral hemisphere was exposed to a single 10 Gy dose of gamma rays, and the radiation effect was assessed at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after irradiation. His-tological changes, such as reactive gliosis, inflammation, vascular proliferation and necrosis, were correlated with the duration after irradiation. Significant VEGF and FGF2 expression in the 2- and 8-week were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay quantification in the radiation group. Immunohistochemical study for VEGF was done and the number of positive cells gradually increased over time, compared with the sham operation group. In conclusion, the radiation injuries consisted of radiation necrosis associated with the expression of VEGF and FGF2. These findings indicate that VEGF and FGF2 may play a role in the radiation injuries after intraoperative single high-dose irradiation.

Sintomas parkinsonianos, cerebelares, psicóticos e demenciais em ex-pugilista: relato de caso / Parkinsonian, cerebellar, psychotic and demential symptoms in ex-boxer: case report

Paciente masculino de 67 anos de idade, ex-pugilista, logo após interrupçäo de sua carreira esportiva, há cerca de 27 anos, passou a apresentar alteraçöes neuropsiquiátricas decorrentes dos sucessivos traumatismos cerebrais relacionados ao pugilismo. A propósito do relato deste caso, seräo discutidas as principais síndromes mentais orgânicas relacionadas ao pugilismo