Encuesta sobre usos y prácticas de Doppler transcraneal en pacientes neurocríticos en unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de Argentina / Survey on the use and practice of transcranial Doppler ultrasound in neurocritical patients in pediatric intensive care Units in Argentina

Introducción. El uso del Doppler transcraneal (DTC) en pacientes neurocríticos se reporta cada vez más en las terapias intensivas pediátricas. El objetivo de esta encuesta es conocer los usos y prácticas del DTC en la atención neurocrítica y el proceso de formación del personal que realiza el estudio. Materiales y métodos. Encuesta a profesionales de 23 unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica de Argentina. Resultados. Porcentaje de respuesta del 86 %. Se utilizó en sospecha de muerte encefálica (n = 20), trauma de cráneo (n = 16) y accidente cerebrovascular (n = 16). El intensivista pediátrico es quien realiza los estudios (n = 13/20). Los encuestados utilizan el Doppler para decidir conductas y tratamientos, comenzar el proceso de evaluación de muerte encefálica, solicitar tomografía de cerebro y manejar la presión de perfusión cerebral con vasopresores. Conclusión. Todos los encuestados utilizan los hallazgos del DTC para guiar tratamientos o conductas. La mitad de los encuestados está poco conforme con la capacitación recibida.

Introduction. The use of transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasoundin neurocritical patients is reported to be increasingly common in pediatric intensive care units. The objective of this survey was to know about the use and practice of TCD ultrasound in neurocritical care and the training process of staff members performing it. Materials and methods. Survey administered to providers from 23 pediatric intensive care units of Argentina. Results. The percentage of response was 86%. TCD ultrasound was used for suspected brain death (n = 20), head injury (n = 16), and stroke (n = 16). Pediatric intensivists perform the test (n = 13/20). Surveyed participants use TCD ultrasound to decide on treatment and management, start brain death assessment, request brain computed tomography, and manage cerebral perfusion pressure with vasopressors. Conclusion. All surveyed participants use TCD ultrasound findings to guide management or treatments. Half of surveyed participants are little satisfied with their training.

Follow-up of children with sickle cell anemia screened with transcranial Doppler and enrolled in a primary prevention program of ischemic stroke

ABSTRACT Background: Stroke is a serious complication of sickle cell anemia (SCA). The transcranial Doppler (TCD) is the risk-screening tool for ischemic strokes. The objective of the study was to describe the clinical progression of children with SCA who presented with high risk for stroke by TCD or relevant changes by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and underwent the regular transfusion program (RTP) and/or hydroxyurea (HU) treatment between 2007 and 2018. Method: This was a neonatal retrospective/prospective cohort study with children born between 1999 and 2014 with the homozygotic form (HbSS) or Sβ0-thalassemia who underwent TCD at least once. Results: Of the 718 children screened during this period, 675 had HbSS and 43 Sβ0-thalassemia. In 54 children (7.5%), all with HbSS, a high-risk TCD (n = 45) or, when the TCD was inconclusive, an MRA with cerebral vasculopathy (n = 9) was used for detection. Of these, 51 started the RTP and the families of three refused treatment. Of the 43 children with a highrisk TCD who initiated the RTP, 29 (67.4%) reverted to low risk. In 18 of them (62%), HU was started at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) before transfusion discontinuation. None of these 29 patients had a stroke. Eight children (18.6%) maintained a high-risk TCD, even using the RTP/HU and two had a stroke. Conclusions: The TCD was confirmed as a viable tool for tracking patients with a risk for stroke. The RTP was effective in preventing the primary event. New strategies are necessary to prevent stroke using HU and new drugs, in addition to bone marrow transplantation.

Comparison of right-to-left shunt characteristics in cryptogenic embolic ischemic stroke and non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke / Comparação das características do shunt direita-esquerda em pacientes com AVC isquêmico criptogênio e AVC não cardioembólico

Abstract Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been considered a potential mechanism of embolic stroke of undetermined origin. Objective: The aim of the present study was to identify the features of the right-to-left shunt (RLS) in patients with undetermined embolic ischemic stroke and compare them with those of patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 168 patients with stroke and RLS separated into the following two groups: the undetermined embolic stroke group (UES group) and non-cardioembolic stroke group (NCES group). All patients were assessed by transcranial Doppler to evaluate the presence and quantification of microembolic signals (MES) at rest and under Valsalva maneuver. Results: Of all patients evaluated in the current study, 96 were included in the UES group and 72 in the NCES group. In the UES group, 65 patients had RLS with ≥10 MES (67.7%), which was higher than that observed in the NCES group (51.4%, p=0.038). According to the moment of the cardiac cycle, 75 patients (78.1%) in the UES group had a positive test at rest compared to 42 (58.3%) in the NCES group (p=0.007). Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that almost 70% of patients with undetermined embolic stroke and PFO presented a large RLS and more than 75% had RLS at rest. These findings suggest that the size of the shunt should be taken into account when evaluating whether PFO could be a possible mechanism underlying cryptogenic stroke.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Uma das potenciais fontes embólicas no acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) de origem indeterminada é o forame oval patente (FOP). Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar as características do shunt direita-esquerda em paciente com AVC de etiologia indeterminada, presumidamente embólica, e comparar tais características com pacientes apresentando AVC por outras causas não embólicas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo com 168 pacientes com AVC e forame oval patente, separados em dois grupos: AVC embólico de etiologia indeterminada e AVC por outras causas não embólicas. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a Doppler transcraniano, para avaliar a presença de shunt direita-esquerda por meio do teste de embolia paradoxal. Além da quantificação de microbolhas, também foi avaliada a presença de shunt em repouso e sob manobra de Valsalva. Resultado: Do total, 96 pacientes foram incluídos no primeiro grupo (AVC indeterminado) e 72, no segundo grupo (AVC não embólico). No primeiro grupo, 65 pacientes exibiram shunt com passagem de mais de 10 microbolhas (67,5%), enquanto no segundo grupo isso aconteceu em 51,4% (p=0,038) dos casos. Além disso, 75 pacientes (78,1%) do primeiro grupo tiveram teste positivo ao repouso, comparados com 42 pacientes (58,3%) no segundo grupo (p=0,007). Conclusão: O presente estudo demonstrou que até 70% dos pacientes com AVC de etiologia indeterminada e forame oval apresentaram shunts maiores; em mais de 75%, houve passagem de microbolhas ao repouso. Esses achados sugerem que as características do shunt, como quantidade de microbolhas e passagem ao repouso, devem ser levadas em consideração na avaliação do FOP como possível mecanismo subjacente ao AVC.

Chronic transfusion therapy effectiveness as primary stroke prophylaxis in sickle cell disease patients

Abstract Introduction About 10% of sickle cell anemia patients will have ischemic stroke. Adams showed stroke incidence reduction in children receiving monthly erythrocyte transfusions by reducing transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocities. Since then, chronic transfusion is recommended as primary stroke prophylaxis. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of chronic transfusions as stroke prophylaxis. Method Retrospective study, reviewing medical records from 15 sickle cell anemia patients undergoing chronic transfusion. Data collected were age, sex, adverse reactions, stroke, hemoglobin, reticulocytes, ferritin, HbS and TCD values (baseline, after 12 and 24 months of treatment). Results The mean age was 118.67 ± 41.40 months; six patients experienced allergic reactions. No stroke was recorded. One patient had alloimmunization. There was a decrease in the HbS rate and an increase in hemoglobin values in the first 12 months. Values were maintained after 24 months, but with no improvement of data. Before treatment, the mean HbS rate was 75.18%±11.69; after 12 months, 41.63 ± 14.99 and after 24 months, 43.78 ± 10.6. Thirteen patients initiated chelation after 12 months from the beginning of chronic transfusions and ferritin decline after 24 months. Pre-transfusional TCD velocities were 204.28 ± 9.41 cm/s (right) and 198.85 ± 33.37 cm/s (left). After a 12-month treatment, these values were 158.5 ± 28.89 cm/s and 157.62 ± 34.43 cm/s, respectively, and this reduction was statistically significant (p = 0.002 right and p = 0.02 left). After 24 months, these values were 149.63 ± 26.95 cm/s (right) and 143.7 ± 32.27 cm/s (left). Conclusion Significant reduction of TCD velocity occurred after treatment with chronic transfusion in sickle cell anemia patients, leading to a normal or conditional test and reducing stroke risk in all but one patient.

Síntese de evidências para políticas de saúde: prevenindo as complicações da doença falciforme / Evidence health policy brief: preventing the complications of sickle cell disease

Essa síntese teve como objetivo levantar opções para prevenção de complicações da doença falciforme, e informar sobre avanços na implementação da política no país. Seguem as opções descritas na síntese que já fazem parte das recomendações do Ministério da Saúde: Promover a antibioticoterapia profilática e a vacinação anti-pneumocócica; Promover o uso de hidroxiureia para prevenção e tratamento de complicações da doença falciforme; Promover o uso de ultrassonografia Doppler Transcraniano (DTC) e transfusão sanguínea para a prevenção primária de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC); Promover a educação em saúde para as pessoas com doença falciforme e seus cuidadores sobre medidas para reduzir as complicações

Magnetic resonance angiography and transcranial Doppler ultrasound findings in patients with a clinical diagnosis of vertebrobasilar insufficiency

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the findings of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) in patients with a clinical diagnosis of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI). METHOD: From our outpatient neurotology clinic, we selected patients (using the criteria proposed by Grad and Baloh) with a clinical diagnosis of VBI. We excluded patients with any definite cause for vestibular symptoms, a noncontrolled metabolic disease or any contraindication to MRA or TCD. The patients in the study group were sex- and age-matched with subjects who did not have vestibular symptoms (control group). Our final group of patients included 24 patients (study, n=12; control, n=12). RESULTS: The MRA results did not demonstrate significant differences in the findings between our study and control groups. TCD demonstrated that the systolic pulse velocity of the right middle cerebral artery, end diastolic velocity of the basilar artery, pulsatility index (PI) of the left middle cerebral artery, PI of the right middle cerebral artery, and PI of the basilar artery were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group, suggesting abnormalities affecting the microcirculation of patients with a clinical diagnosis of VBI compared with controls. CONCLUSION: MRA failed to reveal abnormalities in patients with a clinical diagnosis of VBI compared with controls. The PI of the basilar artery, measured using TCD, demonstrated high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (91%) for detecting clinically diagnosed VBI.

Análisis de las lesiones encefálicas en resonancia magnética en pacientes con señales transitorias de alta intensidad detectadas por Doppler transcraneal / Analysis of Encephalic Lesions in Magnetic Resonance Imaging in patients with High Intensity Transient Signals detected on Transcranial Doppler

Resumen Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos en resonancia magnética (RM) de encéfalo en pacientes menores de 65 años que fueron estudiados por Doppler transcraneal (DTC) con contraste de microburbujas, con antecedentes de accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) criptogénico y sospecha de foramen oval permeable (FOP). Materiales y métodos: Este estudio transversal retrospectivo incluyó pacientes de ambos sexos, menores de 65 años. Resultados: Nuestra muestra (n = 47, 47% masculino y 53% femenino, edad media de 42 años) presentó señales transitorias de alta intensidad (HITS, por su sigla en inglés) positivo en el 61,7% y HITS-negativo en el 38,3%. En pacientes HITS-positivo, predominaron las lesiones a nivel de las fibras en U subcorticales, únicas o múltiples con distribución bilateralmente simétrica. En pacientes con HITS moderados, predominaron las lesiones en el territorio vascular de la circulación posterior. Conclusión: En pacientes menores de 65 años con ACV criptogénico y lesiones en fibras en U subcorticales, únicas o múltiples con distribución bilateral y simétrica, debe tenerse en cuenta un FOP como posible causa de dichas lesiones.

Abstract Objectives: To analyze the findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients less than 65 years of age with history of cryptogenic stroke and suspected patent foramen ovale (PFO) who were studied with Contrast-Transcranial Doppler. Materials and Methods: This transversal retrospective study included both, men and women less than 65 years of age. Results: Our sample (n = 47, 47% male and 53% female, average age 42 years old) had High Intensity Transient Signals (HITS)-positive in 61.7% and HITS-negative in 38.3%. In HITS-positive patients, lesions were predominantly located on the subcortical U fibers, lone or multiple bilateral symmetric distributions. In patients with moderate-severity HITS, the posterior circulation was the most affected. Conclusion: In patients less than 65 years of age with cryptogenic stroke with lesions affecting the subcortical U fibers, with unique or multiple bilateral symmetric distributions, a PFO should be considered as an underlying cause.

Estrategias para el empleo optimizado de la neuroimagenología en pacientes con traumatismo encéfalo craneano: puesta al día / Strategies for the optimized use of neuroimaging in patients with head trauma cranial: update

INTRODUCTION: Introduction of current neuroimaging technologies has been essential for the agile and effective diagnosis of cranial brain injuries. However, for various reasons there is a tendency to indiscriminate use. A review of the topic was made aimed at providing an update on the recommended strategies for the optimized use of these technologies. Material and method: A review of the topic of the last five years was made, using the Medline / Pubmed and SciELO platforms of complete articles, in English and Spanish. We also included relevant articles, published in previous years, located in previous bibliographic reviews carried out by the authors. CONCLUSIONS: Routine study with CT scan in all patients with head trauma is not cost effective, should be used in patients with Glasgow less than 15 points or in those with Glasgow of 15 points and risk factors of intracranial injury. Its use as a form of neuromonitoring is similarly useful, but on a selective basis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is especially useful in the mediate or late periods of cranial trauma, in patients with clinical tomographic incongruences, very useful to establish prognosis in diffuse traumas and intracranial complications. Neurosonology is a useful tool for therapeutic decision.

Predictive value of transcranial doppler ultrasound for cerebral small vessel disease in elderly patients / Valor preditivo do ultrassom doppler transcraniano para doença de pequenos vasos em pacientes idosos

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the predictive value of transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound for cerebral small vessel disease in elderly patients. Methods: Transcranial Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed on 184 elderly patients with cerebral small vessel disease. The relationship of clinical characteristics and TCD ultrasound parameters with severe white matter lesions (WMLs) in MRI were investigated by univariate analysis and multivariate analysis. Results: The univariate analysis showed that age, left middle cerebral artery (MCA) mean flow velocity, right MCA mean flow velocity and mean MCA pulsatility index were significantly correlated with severe WMLs (p < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only age (odds ratio: 1.21; 95%CI: 1.10-1.36; p < 0.01) and MCA pulsatility index (dominance ratio: 1.13; 95%CI: 1.06-1.80; p = 0.02) were significantly correlated with severe WMLs. The analysis of TCD ultrasound parameters showed that when the cut-off for MCA pulsatility index was 1.04, it could identify severe WMLs. The area under the curve was 0.70 (95%CI: 0.60-0.80). The sensitivity and specificity were 63.0% and 72.0%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 35.4% and 86.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The MCA pulsatility index in TCD ultrasound is significantly correlated with severe WMLs; and TCD ultrasound can guide selective MRI for the detection of WMLs.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar o valor preditivo do ultrassom de Doppler transcraniano (TCD) para doença de pequenos vasos (SVD) em pacientes idosos. Métodos: ultrassonografia de TCD e ressonância magnética (RM) foram realizadas em 184 idosos portadores de SVD cerebral. As relações das características clínicas e os parâmetros ultrassonográficos do TCD com lesão grave de substância branca (WML) no desempenho da RM foram investigados por análise univariada e análise multivariada. Resultados: A análise univariada mostrou que, a idade, a velocidade média de fluxo (MFV) da artéria média cerebral (MCA) esquerda, a MFV da MCA direita e o índice de pulsatilidade (PI) médio estiveram significativamente relacionados à WML grave (P <0,05). A análise de regressão logística multivariada mostrou que apenas a idade (razão de chances: 1,21; IC95%: 1,10-1,36; P <0,01) e o PI da MCA (razão de dominância: 1,13; IC 95%: 1,06-1,80; P = 0,02) estiveram significativamente relacionados a WML grave. A análise dos parâmetros ultrassonográficos do TCD mostrou que, quando o ponto de corte do IP do MCA foi 1,04, ele pôde identificar à WML grave. A área sob a curva foi de 0,70 (IC 95%: 0,60-0,80). A sensibilidade e especificidade foram de 63,0% e 72,0%, respectivamente. Os valores preditivos positivos e negativos foram de 35,4% e 86,6%, respectivamente. Conclusão: O PI da MCA na ultrassonografia do TCD está significativamente relacionado à WML grave. A ultrassonografia TCD pode orientar a ressonância magnética seletiva para detecção da WML.

Research progress in ultrasound use for the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases

Cerebrovascular diseases pose a serious threat to human survival and quality of life and represent a major cause of human death and disability. Recently, the incidence of cerebrovascular diseases has increased yearly. Rapid and accurate diagnosis and evaluation of cerebrovascular diseases are of great importance to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality of cerebrovascular diseases. With the rapid development of medical ultrasound, the clinical relationship between ultrasound imaging technology and the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases has become increasingly close. Ultrasound techniques such as transcranial acoustic angiography, doppler energy imaging, three-dimensional craniocerebral imaging and ultrasound thrombolysis are novel and valuable techniques in the study of cerebrovascular diseases. In this review, we introduce some of the new ultrasound techniques from both published studies and ongoing trials that have been confirmed to be convenient and effective methods. However, additional evidence from future studies will be required before some of these techniques can be widely applied or recommended as alternatives.

Effects of Recumbent Angle during Cycling on Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity and Rate Pressure Product during Exercise and Recovery

BACKGROUND: The cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and rate pressure product (RPP) have been reported to benefit hemodynamics more during exercise in the recumbent position than during that in the upright position. However, it is unclear which angle is of the greatest benefit to hemodynamics during exercise in the recumbent position. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the recumbent angle on CBFV and RPP during exercise. METHODS: In a balanced crossover study, 15 healthy volunteers (age, 18.7±1.1 years) were asked to perform the bicycle exercise four times in the upright and at recumbent angles of 67° (R), 47°R, and 15°R, with weekly intervals between each condition. The exercise intensity was set initially at 50 W and increased by 25 W every 2 minutes up to 150 W. CBFV in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was measured using transcranial doppler sonography. All data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: CBFV at 15°R was significantly higher than that in the upright position and at 67°R at 10 minutes recovery (69±16 vs. 56±7 and 58±10 cm/s, respectively; P<0.05). The RPP was significantly lower at 67°R, 47°R, and 15°R than in the upright position immediately after exercise (176±23, 177±22, and 173±26, respectively, vs. 241±42 mmHg×beats/min×10⁻²; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: At an angle of less than 67°R, exercise increases CBFV and reduces RPP, relative to those during exercise in the upright position. This hemodynamic effect was most prominent at 15°R, where cerebral circulation was further increased in the recovery phase.

Clinical and hematological profile in a newborn cohort with hemoglobin SC / Perfil clínico e hematológico em uma coorte neonatal com hemoglobina SC

Abstract Objectives: Hemoglobin SC is the second most common variant of sickle-cell disease worldwide, after hemoglobin SS. The objectives of the study were to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of hemoglobin SC disease in children from a newborn screening program and treated at a blood center. Methodology: This study assessed a cohort of 461 infants born between 01/01/1999 and 12/31/2012 and followed-up until 12/31/2014. Clinical events were expressed as rates for 100 patient-years, with 95% confidence intervals. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were created. Results: The median age of patients was 9.2 years; 47.5% were female. Mean values of blood tests were: hemoglobin, 10.5 g/dL; reticulocytes, 3.4%; white blood cells, 11.24 × 109/L; platelets, 337.1 × 109/L; and fetal hemoglobin, 6.3%. Clinical events: acute splenic sequestration in 14.8%, blood transfusion 23.4%, overt stroke in 0.2%. The incidence of painful vaso-occlusive episodes was 51 (48.9-53.4) per 100 patient-years and that of infections, 62.2 episodes (59.8-64.8) per 100 patient-years. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (n = 71) was normal given the current reference values for SS patients. Hydroxyurea was given to ten children, all of whom improvement of painful crises. Retinopathy was observed in 20.3% of 59 children who underwent ophthalmoscopy. Avascular necrosis was detected in seven of 12 patients evaluated, predominantly in the left femur. Echocardiogram compatible with pulmonary hypertension was recorded in 4.6% of 130 children, with an estimated average systolic pulmonary artery pressure of 33.5 mmHg. The mortality rate from all causes was 4.3%. Conclusions: Clinical severity is variable in SC hemoglobinopathy. Several children have severe manifestations similar to those with SS disease.

Resumo Objetivos: A hemoglobinopatia SC é a segunda variante mais comum da doença falciforme no mundo, após a hemoglobinopatia SS. Os objetivos do estudo foram descrever as características clínicas e laboratoriais da hemoglobinopatia SC em recém-nascidos diagnosticados por programa de triagem neonatal e encaminhados para acompanhamento em hemocentro. Metodologia: Coorte de 461 recém-nascidos SC nascidos entre 01/01/1999 e 31/12/2012 e seguidos até 31/12/2014. A incidência de eventos clínicos foi expressa por taxas relativas a 100 pacientes-ano, com limites de confiança a 95%. Curvas de sobrevida foram construídas segundo Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: Mediana de idade, 9,2 anos; 47,5%, feminino. Médias dos valores hematológicos: hemoglobina 10,5 g/dL; reticulócitos 3,4%; leucometria 11,24 x 109/L; plaquetometria 337,1x109/L; hemoglobina fetal 6,3%. Eventos clínicos: sequestro esplênico agudo em 14,8%, hemotransfusão 23,4%, AVC isquêmico 0,2%. A incidência de episódios vaso-oclusivos dolorosos foi de 51 (48,9-53,4) por 100 pacientes-ano; a de infecções, 62,2 episódios (59,8-64,8) por 100 pacientes-ano. Doppler transcraniano (n = 71) foi normal, se usados os valores de referência de crianças SS. Dez pacientes usaram hidroxiureia, todos com melhoria das crises dolorosas. Retinopatia foi observada em 20,3% das 59 crianças que fizeram fundoscopia. Necrose avascular foi detectada em 7 de 12 pacientes avaliados, com predomínio no fêmur esquerdo. Ecocardiograma compatível com hipertensão pulmonar foi registrado em 4,6% de 130 crianças, com média estimada de 33,5 mm Hg de pressão arterial pulmonar. A taxa de mortalidade por todas as causas foi de 4,3%. Conclusões: A hemoglobinopatia SC tem gravidade variável; várias crianças apresentam manifestações clínicas intensas, semelhantes às da hemoglobinopatia SS.

Is transcranial sonography useful for diagnosing Parkinson's disease in clinical practice? / O ultrassom transcraniano é útil para o diagnóstico da doença de Parkinson na prática clínica?

ABSTRACT Transcranial sonography (TCS) is an emerging ancillary examination for diagnosing Parkinson's disease (PD). Objective To evaluate TCS features in patients with PD and its mimics, and establish their accuracy in predicting the final clinical diagnosis after follow-up. Methods We retrospectively studied 85 patients with an initial clinical suspicion of PD, atypical parkinsonism or essential tremor, all of whom underwent TCS. Two specialists reviewed the follow-up clinical visit records and determined the final clinical diagnosis. The accuracy analysis of the TCS was determined using Bayesian statistical methods. Results The finding of substantia nigra hyperechogenicity (> 20 mm2) showed high sensitivity (93.4%) and specificity (86.6%). The positive likelihood ratio showed 6.93-fold greater odds for diagnosing PD than an alternative condition when this finding was present. Conclusions This study revealed the practical usefulness of TCS in differentiating PD from its prevalent mimics when the clinical diagnosis was initially unclear.

RESUMO A ultrassonografia transcraniana (UTC) é um exame complementar para diagnóstico de doença de Parkinson (DP). Objetivo Avaliar as características da UTC em pacientes com DP e seus diagnósticos diferenciais e estabelecer a precisão desse exame para o diagnóstico clínico de DP após seguimento. Métodos Avaliou-se retrospectivamente 85 pacientes com suspeita clínica inicial de DP, parkinsonismo atípico (PA) ou tremor essencial (TE), todos submetidos a UTC. Um consenso de dois especialistas determinou o diagnóstico clínico final após revisar os registros médicos das consultas de seguimento. A precisão do UTC foi calculada usando métodos estatísticos Bayesianos. Resultados O achado de hiperecogenicidade da substância negra (> 20 mm2) mostrou alta sensibilidade (93,4%) e especificidade (86,6%). A razão de verossimilhança positiva mostra 6.93 vezes mais chances de diagnosticar DP do que uma condição alternativa, se o achado estiver presente. Conclusões Este estudo demonstra a utilidade prática do UTC na diferenciação de DP de condições clínicas similares quando o diagnóstico clínico é inicialmente pouco claro.

Genetic, laboratory and clinical risk factors in the development of overt ischemic stroke in children with sickle cell disease

ABSTRACT Cerebrovascular disease, particularly stroke, is one of the most severe clinical complications associated with sickle cell disease and is a significant cause of morbidity in both children and adults. Over the past two decades, considerable advances have been made in the understanding of its natural history and enabled early identification and treatment of children at the highest risk. Transcranial Doppler screening and regular blood transfusions have markedly reduced the risk of stroke in children. However, transcranial Doppler has a limited positive predictive value and the pathophysiology of cerebrovascular disease is not completely understood. In this review, we will focus on the current state of knowledge about risk factors associated with ischemic stroke in patients with sickle cell disease. A search of PubMed was performed to identify studies. Full texts of the included articles were reviewed and data were summarized in a table. The coinheritance of alpha-thalassemia plays a protective role against ischemic stroke. The influence of other genetic risk factors is controversial, still preliminary, and requires confirmatory studies. Recent advances have established the reticulocyte count as the most important laboratory risk factor. Clinical features associated with acute hypoxemia as well as silent infarcts seem to influence the development of strokes in children. However, transcranial Doppler remains the only available clinical prognostic tool to have been validated. If our understanding of the many risk factors associated with stroke advances further, it may be possible to develop useful tools to detect patients at the highest risk early, improving the selection of children requiring intensification therapy.

An Investigation and Suggestions for the Improvement of Brain Death Determination in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Brain death is the irreversible cessation of the function of the brain including the brainstem. In 2013, the Brain Injury Evaluation Quality Control Centre (BQCC) of the National Health and Family Planning Commission issued criteria and practical guidelines for the determination of brain death. This study aimed to evaluate whether the institutions have adopted these guidelines and to make suggestions for the improvement of the current criteria and practical guidelines for brain death determination in China.@*Methods@#Consecutive brain death cases from 44 hospitals were evaluated for summary statistics for the following data: the performance of BQCC criteria and practical guidelines, clinical examination, apnea testing, ancillary testing, and the number of examinations as well as the waiting periods between examinations and details of who determined brain death. Data analysis was conducted from January 2013 to December 2017.@*Results@#A total of 550 cases were obtained. All patients were determined to have deep coma and met the prerequisites for clinical testing. The performance rates of four brainstem reflex examinations (except cough reflex) ranged from 97.5% to 98.0%, and the completion rate as well as the coincidence rate were both 100.0%. The 238 cases (50.7%) completed apnea testing, and 231 cases (42.0%) had to stop apnea testing during the examination because of instability. The performance rates of the three ancillary tests, including electroencephalogram, short-latency somatosensory evoked potential, and transcranial Doppler, were 89.5%, 67.5%, and 79.5%, respectively; furthermore, the coincidence rates were 98.6%, 96.5%, and 99.5%, respectively. The combination of two ancillary tests was more accurate than one single ancillary test. A total of 401 (72.9%) cases successfully underwent two separate examinations to determine brain death with at least a 12-h waiting period. All brain death cases were determined by at least two qualified physicians.@*Conclusion@#This study might provide suggestions for brain death determination in China.

Cerebrospinal fluid drainage options for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in premature neonates / Opções de drenagem liquórica em neonatos prematuros com hidrocefalia pós hemorrágica

ABSTRACT Objective The literature describes various cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage techniques to alleviate posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm newborns; however, consensus has not been reached. The scope of this study was describing a case series of premature neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and assessing the outcomes of different approaches used for CSF diversion. Methods A consecutive review of the medical records of neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus treated with CSF drainage was conducted. Results Forty premature neonates were included. Serial lumbar puncture, ventriculosubgaleal shunt, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt were the treatments of choice in 25%, 37.5% and 37.5% of the cases, respectively. Conclusion Cerebrospinal fluid diversion should be tailored to each case with preference given to temporary CSF drainage in neonates with lower age and lower birth-weight, while the permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt should be considered in healthier, higher birth-weight neonates born closer to term.

RESUMO Objetivo A literatura descreve várias opções de drenagem liquórica (DL) para alivio da hidrocefalia pós-hemorrágica (HPH) em neonatos prematuros; contudo, não existe um consenso sobre a melhor abordagem. O escopo deste estudo foi descrever uma série de casos de neonatos prematuros, portadores de HPH, verificando os resultados de diferentes técnicas utilizadas para DL. Métodos Revisão consecutiva dos prontuários de neonatos com diagnostico de HPH submetidos a DL. Resultados Quarenta recém-nascidos prematuros foram incluídos. A punção lombar seriada (PL), a derivação ventriculosubgaleal (VSG) e a derivação ventrículo peritoneal (VP) foram o tratamento escolhido em 25%, 37,5% e 37,5% dos casos, respectivamente. Conclusão As opções de DL devem ser avaliadas caso a caso, sendo dada preferência às drenagens temporária em prematuros com idade e peso mais baixos ao nascer, enquanto o shunt definitivo (derivação VP) pode ser considerado naqueles prematuros mais saudáveis, com idade e peso superiores.

Interleukin-10 haplotypes are not associated with acute cerebral ischemia or high-risk transcranial Doppler in a newborn cohort of 395 children with sickle cell anemia

ABSTRACT Background: The etiology of stroke, a severe complication of sickle cell anemia, involves inflammatory processes. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of interleukin-10 polymorphisms and haplotypes on the risk of acute cerebral ischemia and high-risk transcranial Doppler in 395 children with sickle cell anemia from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: Interleukin-10 haplotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing. The outcomes studied were acute cerebral ischemia and high-risk transcranial Doppler. Clinical data were retrieved from the children's records. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the frequencies of polymorphisms and haplotypes between children with and without acute cerebral ischemia or children with or without high-risk transcranial Doppler. These data are consistent with a previous report that showed an absence of association between interleukin-10 plasma levels and high-risk transcranial Doppler velocity in children with sickle cell anemia. Conclusion: Interleukin-10 haplotypes were not associated with the risk of acute cerebral ischemia or high-risk transcranial Doppler velocity in children with sickle cell anemia from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.