Protocol paper: kainic acid excitotoxicity-induced spinal cord injury paraplegia in Sprague-Dawley rats

BACKGROUND: Excitotoxicity-induced in vivo injury models are vital to reflect the pathophysiological features of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in humans. The duration and concentration of chemical treatment controls the extent of neuronal cell damage. The extent of injury is explained in relation to locomotor and behavioural activity. Several SCI in vivo methods have been reported and studied extensively, particularly contusion, compression, and transection models. These models depict similar pathophysiology to that in humans but are extremely expensive (contusion) and require expertise (compression). Chemical excitotoxicity-induced SCI models are simple and easy while producing similar clinical manifestations. The kainic acid (KA) excitotoxicity model is a convenient, low-cost, and highly reproducible animal model of SCI in the laboratory. The basic impactor approximately cost between 10,000 and 20,000 USD, while the kainic acid only cost between 300 and 500 USD, which is quite cheap as compared to traditional SCI method. METHODS: In this study, 0.05 mM KA was administered at dose of 10 µL/100 g body weight, at a rate of 10 µL/min, to induce spinal injury by intra-spinal injection between the T12 and T13 thoracic vertebrae. In this protocol, detailed description of a dorsal laminectomy was explained to expose the spinal cord, following intra-spinal kainic acid administration at desired location. The dose, rate and technique to administer kainic acid were explained extensively to reflect a successful paraplegia and spinal cord injury in rats. The postoperative care and complication post injury of paraplegic laboratory animals were also explained, and necessary requirements to overcome these complications were also described to help researcher. RESULTS: This injury model produced impaired hind limb locomotor function with mild seizure. Hence this protocol will help researchers to induce spinal cord injury in laboratories at extremely low cost and also will help to determine the necessary supplies, methods for producing SCI in rats and treatments designed to mitigate post-injury impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Kainic acid intra-spinal injection at the concentration of 0.05 mM, and rate 10 µL/min, is an effective method create spinal injury in rats, however more potent concentrations of kainic acid need to be studied in order to create severe spinal injuries.

Cirugía convencional del aneurisma tóraco-abdominal / Open surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Experience in 45 patients

BACKGROUND: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is an infrequent disease and demands a highly specialized and experienced management. Open repair (OR) is the gold standard but it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Paraplegia and renal failure are the most important complications. AIM: To report our results with OR treatment of TAAA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study including all patients with TAAA operated electively and consecutively by OR between 1983 and 2019. Main outcomes are operative mortality, renal and neurological morbidity, and long-term survival. RESULTS: We report 45 operated patients aged 33 to 84 years, 74% males. Aneurysm extension according to Crawford classification was I in 18%, II in 18 %, III in 36% and IV in 29%. Operative mortality was 4%. The frequency of paraplegia or paraparesis at discharge was 9%. No patient was discharged on hemodialysis. Survival at 5 and 10 years were 60% and 40% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: OR of TAAA is a complex procedure. Our results show perioperative mortality rates comparable to highly experienced centers. Although being a major procedure, OR remains an alternative to treat this serious condition.

Tratamento simultâneo de úlceras de pressão sacral e isquiática com retalho único: apresentação de um caso / Simultaneous treatment of sacral and ischial pressure ulcers with a single flap: case presentation

Úlceras de pressão são alterações da integridade da pele e tecidos subjacentes, causadas por pressão, mais usualmente sobre proeminências ósseas, especialmente em áreas desprovidas de sensibilidade, levando à necrose e ulceração. Dados da literatura internacional estimam que 3 a 14% dos pacientes hospitalizados desenvolvem úlceras de pressão. Descrevemos a correção simultânea de úlceras sacral e isquiática extensas em paciente paraplégico jovem utilizando retalho fasciomiocutâneo de glúteo máximo e de face posterior da coxa.

Pressure ulcers are alterations of the integrity of the skin and underlying tissues, caused by pressure, more commonly on bony prominences, especially in areas devoid of sensitivity, which lead to necrosis and ulceration. Data from the international literature estimate that 3­14% of hospitalized patients develop pressure ulcers. We herein describe the simultaneous correction of extensive sacral and ischial ulcers in a young paraplegic patient, using a gluteus maximus fasciomyocutaneous flap from the posterior aspect of the thigh.

Fechamento de hemicorporectomia com utilização do retalho subtotal unilateral da coxa: relato de caso / Closure of hemicorporectomy using a subtotal unilateral tight flap: a case report

A hemicorporectomia ou amputação translombar foi primeiramente descrita em 1950 por Kredel como método curativo para neoplasia localmente avançada de pelve. Trata-se de um procedimento cirúrgico extenso, que quando bem indicado é capaz de prover a cura oncológica, além de possibilitar a melhora clínica e de qualidade de vida. Os autores apresentam o relato de caso de um paciente de 34 anos, com carcinoma espinocelular em úlcera de pressão crônica, acometendo períneo, glúteo e coxa posterior à direita. O paciente foi submetido à hemicorporectomia com reconstrução utilizando retalho subtotal da coxa esquerda. Observou-se boa evolução no pós-operatório e a utilização do retalho subtotal da coxa para fechamento da hemicorporectomia se mostrou como método seguro, eficiente e de técnica reprodutível.

Hemicorporectomy or translumbar amputation was first described in 1950 by Kredel to treat locally advanced pelvic neoplasia. This extensive surgical procedure can achieve oncological cure and improve clinical status and quality of life. The authors present a case report of a 34-yearold patient with squamous cell carcinoma in a chronic pressure ulcer affecting the right perineum, gluteus, and posterior thigh. The patient underwent hemicorporectomy with reconstructive surgery using a partial-thickness flap of the left thigh. The postoperative course was good, and the use of a partial-thickness flap of the thigh to close the hemicorporectomy proved to be safe, efficient, and reproducible.

Prevalencia de dolor de hombro y sus factores asociados en lesionados medulares parapléjicos usuarios de silla de ruedas / Shoulder pain prevalence and associated factors in spinal cord-injured paraplegic wheelchair users

INTRODUCCIÓN: la prevalencia de dolor de hombro en pacientes parapléjicos usuarios de silla de ruedas es elevada. existe consenso en que el uso de la silla de ruedas manual es un factor importante en el origen de este dolor. no existen estudios en Chile acerca del tema. OBJETIVO: determinar la prevalencia y factores asociados a dolor de hombro en personas con paraplejia secundaria a lesión medular traumática, usuarios de sillas de ruedas, describiendo también las características del dolor. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo transversal en personas adultas con paraplejia secundaria a lesión medular traumática, que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. previo consentimiento informado, se les aplicó un cuestionario ISCIPDS:B, enfocado a dolor de hombro. además de preguntar qué tipo de silla de ruedas utilizan, tiempo de autopropulsión, uso de guantes de propulsión y ocupación previa a la lesión medular. se recuperaron datos de registros en ficha clínica para identificar sexo, edad, fecha del accidente, ASIA impairment scale (AIS) y nivel neurológico de la lesión. RESULTADOS: 59 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. de ellos, el 61% de ellos refirió dolor en hombro (s). no hubo una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el dolor en el hombro y la edad, tiempo de evolución de lesión medular, AIS, nivel de lesión neurológica, tipo de silla de ruedas ni el tiempo de uso de la silla de ruedas manual. hubo una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre uso de guantes de propulsión y el dolor de hombro. la afectación bilateral es más frecuente que unilateral. el dolor promedio fue de NRS 5,6. la duración fue referida principalmente como constante, mayor a 1 hora pero menor a 24 horas. la mayor intensidad de dolor se reportó como vespertina. CONCLUSIONES: la prevalencia de dolor de hombro en pacientes chilenos con paraplejia secundaria a lesión medular traumática es alta. es necesaria mayor investigación para determinar si los hallazgos de este estudio se extrapolan a la población general con lesión medular traumática.

INTRODUCCIÓN: the prevalence of shoulder pain in paraplegic patients using wheelchair is high. there is consensus that the use of manual wheelchair is an important factor in the origin of this pain. there are no studies in Chile about this. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence and factors associated with shoulder pain in paraplegic patients for traumatism with spinal cord injury (SCI) wheelchair users, also describing the characteristics of pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: descriptive transversal study in adults paraplegic patients for traumatism with SCI, who met inclusion criteria. an ISCIPDS:B questionnaire was previously informed, focused on shoulder pain, also asking what kind of wheelchair is being used, time of propulsion, use of propulsion gloves, and if it was being used before the spinal cord injury. further clinical record data were retrieved to identify gender, age, date of accident, ASIA, and neurological injury level. RESULTS: 59 patients met the inclusion criteria, 61% of them reported shoulder pain. there was no statistically significant association between shoulder pain and age, duration of SCI, ASIA, neurological level of injury, type of wheelchair, nor usage time of the manual wheelchair. there was a statistically significant association between the use of gloves propulsion and shoulder pain. bilateral involvement is more often. the average pain was NRS 5.6. the duration was mainly referred as a constant greater than 1hour but less than 24hours. the greater intensity of pain was reported during the evening. CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of shoulder pain in chilean paraplegic for spinal cord traumatic injury is high. more research is needed to determine whether the findings of this study are extrapolated to the general population.

Embarazo en pacientes con lesión medular / Pregnancy in patients with spinal cord injury

ANTECEDENTES: Las gestaciones en pacientes con daño medular representan un reto para la obstetricia. Las complicaciones más frecuentes son las infecciones de las vías respiratorias y de las vías urinarias, y la más grave la hiperreflexia autonómica. El parto vaginal es posible en lesiones por debajo de T5, pero por encima de ese nivel, la imposibilidad de percibir las contracciones, de identificar el trabajo de parto y realizar pujos lleva a la necesidad de una cesárea programada. OBJETIVO: Exponer nuestra experiencia y revisar el manejo más adecuado de la embarazada parapléjica. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo en el periodo 2003-2014. Hubo 10 pacientes con 24 gestaciones: 6 abortos espontáneos, un 1 aborto inducido, quedando para el análisis 17 gestaciones (1 embarazo gemelar). La evaluación es independiente a la etiología o localización de la lesión. Se analiza las complicaciones perinatales y maternas. Resultados: La edad media fue 33 años. La edad gestacional media al parto fue 37 semanas: 12 de término (70,59%), 4 de pretérmino (23,53%) y una desconocida (5,88%). Hubo 10 cesáreas (58,82%) y 7 partos vaginales (41,18%). Peso medio neonatal de 2940 g, ninguno con retraso de crecimiento intrauterino. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestra experiencia muestra una alta tasa de prematuridad y de cesáreas, pero con buenos resultados maternos y perinatales, que hace permisible que estas pacientes puedan cumplir su deseo genésico, superando su discapacidad.

BACKGROUND: The pregnancies in patients with spinal cord injury represent a challenge for obstetrics. The most common complications are infections of the respiratory and urinary tract, and the most severe is the autonomic hyperreflexia. Vaginal delivery is possible in lesions below T5, but above that level the inability to perceive contractions, to identify labor and perform straining leads to the need for a scheduled cesarean. OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience and review the most appropriate management of paraplegic pregnant. Methods: Retrospective study in the period 2003-2014. There were 10 patients with 24 pregnancies: 6 spontaneous abortions, 1 induced abortion, leaving 17 for analysis pregnancies (one twin pregnancy). The evaluation is independent of the etiology or location of the lesion. Perinatal and maternal complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 33 years. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks: 12 to term (70.59%), 4 preterm deliveries (23.53%) and one unknow. There were 10 cesarean sections (58.82%) and 7 vaginal deliveries (41.18%). Average birth weight of 2940 g, none with intrauterine growth restriction. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience shows a high rate of prematurity and cesarean section, but with good maternal and perinatal outcomes, which makes it permissible for these patients can fulfill their procreative desire, overcoming his disability.

Impacto del dolor en la calidad de vida del lesionado medular / Impact of pain on quality of life of patients with spinal cord injury

Objetivo: Determinar las características demográficas y de calidad de vida de pacientes con lesión medular y relacionar dolor y calidad de vida (CV) en la población en estudio. Lugar de estudio: Hospital del Trabajador de Santiago, Chile Material y Método: Pacientes parapléjicos adultos con lesión medular completa, y que dieron su consentimiento, completaron el test SF-36 V2 (36 item Short Form Health Survey Versión 2), para medir calidad de vida. Para caracterizar el dolor en los lesionados medulares estudiados, se utilizó el ISCIPBDS (The International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Data Set). También se solicitó información médica y sociodemográfica. Resultados: De una población total de 56 pacientes parapléjicos por trauma raquimedular, 40 pacientes participaron. El 65 por ciento reportó haber tenido dolor los últimos 7 días. 34,6 por ciento de los pacientes con dolor, presentó más de un tipo de dolor. La CV de los pacientes con dolor fue más baja tanto en los componentes físico y mental, como en todos los dominios del SF-36, al ser comparados con pacientes sin dolor. Los pacientes parapléjicos con dolor neuropático presentaron una CV significativamente menor tanto en el componente físico como mental. Los pacientes con dolor severo mostraron una CV significativamente menor en el componente físico. Conclusión: la percepción de la CV es menor en la población de parapléjicos traumáticos con dolor...

Objective: To determine demographic characteristics and associations between pain of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and their quality of life (QoL). Setting: Hospital del Trabajador in Santiago, Chile Method: paraplegic adult patients with complete traumatic spinal cord injury who gave their consent to participate completed the 36 ítem Short Form Health Survey Versión 2 (SF-36 V 2) to assess quality of life. The International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Data Set (ISCIPBDS) was used to collect information about the pain in the SCI population. Sociodemographic and medical data were also solicited. Results: Of a total population of 56 traumatic paraplegic patients, 40 participated. 65 percent of the sample reported to have pain the last 7 days. 34,6 percent of patients with pain had more than one type of pain. QoL in patients with pain was lower in physical and mental components summaries and in all subscales of the SF-36 survey as compared with patients without pain. Paraplegic patients with neuropathic pain had significant lower QoL in both mental and physical components summaries. Patients with severe pain had significant lower QoL in physical component summary. Conclusions: The perceived QoL is decreased in the traumatic paraplegic population with pain...

Factores asociados a ulceras por presión en pacientes del Hospital Alemán Nicaragüense enero 2007 a diciembre 2009 / Factors associated with pressure ulcers in patients Nicaraguan German Hospital in January 2007 to December 2009

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en el Hospital Alemán Nicaragüense en el periodo de Enero del 2007 a Diciembre del 2009, con el objetivo de identificar los principales factores asociados con el desarrollo de úlceras por presión en los pacientes que fueron ingresados en los diferentes servicios atención de dicho Hospital, con una muestra total de 40 paciente de los cuales sólo 32 fueron incluidos en el estudio, ya que 8 de ellos no cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se analizó la frecuencia de úlceras por presión según los servicios de hospitalizados, encontrándose que el servicio de Medicina Interna fue el servicio donde más se presentaron úlceras por presión seguido del servicio de Cirugía y UCI.El grupo de edad más afectado fue el de 61 a más años, seguido de los pacientes entre las edades de 46 a 60 años; y el sexo donde predominó el problema fue el masculino con un poco más del 50% en relación al femenino. Con respecto a las patologías de bases asociadas con el desarrollo de úlceras por presión se destacaron aquellas patologías relacionadas con algún grado de inmovilidad, entre ellas la paraplejia, siendo esta la más predominante y, en menor grado las incontinencias (urinaria y fecal) y la enfermedad cerebrovascular. Cabe señalar que la mayoría de los pacientes estudiados presentaban algún grado de desnutrición y anemia hasta en un 65% y la mayoría ingresó por patologías de base, entre ellas diabetes (25%), neumonía, hipertensión arterial, enfermedad cerebrovascular, entre las más frecuentes. Un poco más del 53% de los pacientes desarrolló úlcera por presión durante su estancia hospitalaria, el resto las desarrolló extra hospitalariamente. En el 83% de los pacientes las úlceras fueron múltiples y las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron en talones, región sacra, glúteos. El promedio de estancia hospitalaria fue de 7-14 días en el 50% de los pacientes. Sólo en el 53% de los pacientes se usó algunas medidas anti escaras...

Avaliação cardiorrespiratória e da densidade mineral ossea de pacientes com lesão medular / Cardio respiratory assessment and mineral bone density of spinal cord injured subjects

Pacientes com lesão medular reconhecidamente desenvolvem muitas adaptações sistêmicas. Condições, como fraqueza da musculatura respiratória, paralisia e alterações na função pulmonar e conseqüentemente o aumento do índice de doenças pulmonares, são observadas. Recentemente, o aumento de doenças cardiovasculares também tem ocorrido entre esses pacientes, além das complicações provenientes da osteoporose que já são bem conhecidas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as alterações do sistema cardiorrespiratório e esquelético de pacientes com lesão medular em 4 estudos. O estudo 1 avaliou a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca na posição supina e sentada e arritmia sinusal respiratória (ASR) de 37 homens com e sem lesão medular. Os pacientes tetraplégicos apresentaram uma redução dos valores máximos da frequência cardíaca durante ASR. O estudo 2 avaliou a função pulmonar de 23 pacientes com tetraplegia. Os valores de capacidade vital forçada, volume expiratório forçado 1s e ventilação voluntária máxima mostraram que a capacidade pulmonar dos pacientes com lesão medular foi reduzida. O estudo 3 propôs a adaptação do teste de caminhada de 6 minutos para 9 pacientes com paraplegia completa auxiliados por marcha artificial com eletroestimulação neuromuscular e andador. O estudo 4 investigou a densidade mineral óssea e fatores de risco cardiovascular de 44 homens com e sem lesão medular. Os pacientes com lesão medular apresentaram osteoporose e/ou osteopenia e o espessamento da camada íntima-média da carótida, porém os valores do lipidograma e triglicérides foram dentro da faixa de normalidade. A pressão arterial foi menor nos pacientes tetraplégicos. Análise estatística: Os dados foram apresentados em mediana (intervalo interquartil) e/ou média (±DP) e em Box-plot. Diferenças entre grupos foram demonstradas pelo intervalo de confiança da mediana, nível de significância em 5% ou teste t pareado...

It is known that individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) present systemic adaptation. SCI causes respiratory muscle weakness, paralysis and abnormal pulmonary function. Cardiovascular disease is also increased in spinal cord injured subjects and osteoporosis as well. The aim of this study was to assess cardio respiratory and bone diseases in subjects with SCI. Four studies were performed. The first study assessed heart rate variability in supine and seated position and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) maneuver in 37 subjects with and without SCI. Tetraplegic subjects showed the lowest values of maximal heart rate during RSA. The second study assessed pulmonary function in 23 tetraplegic subjects. Forced vital capacity, maximal voluntary ventilation, forced expired volume showed that the SCI subjects’ pulmonary capacity was reduced when compared with able body subjects. The third study adapted the “6 minutes’ walk test” to assess complete patients with SCI during gait therapy. The fourth study investigated the clinical presence of osteoporosis and cardiovascular risk factors in 44 subjects with and without SCI. Subjects showed osteoporosis or osteopenia and increased intima-media thickness, although lipids and triglycerides were with normal ranges. Blood pressure in tetraplegic subjects was lower than in paraplegic and control groups. Statistical Analysis: Data are expressed as median (interquartile interval) and presented in box-plot (median, 1st and 3rd quartiles, minimum and maximum). Differences between groups were demonstrated by confidence interval of median, significance level set at á = 0.05, or mean (±SD) and paired t test...

Efeito da radioterapia na profilaxia da ossificação heterotópica em pacientes com lesão medular traumática / The effect of radiotherapy on the prophylaxis of heterotopic ossification in patients with spinal cord injury

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o efeito da radioterapia na profilaxia da ossificação heterotópica (OH) em pacientes com lesão medular traumática. Foram estudados 19 pacientes (15 homens e quatro mulheres), média de idade de 30,4 ± 10,8 anos (19 a 58 anos), com lesão medular traumática. A causa mais freqüente da lesão medular foi acidente de trânsito (42,1%), seguida por queda (26,3%), ferimento por projétil de arma de fogo (21%), mergulho (5,3%) e queda de objeto sobre as costas (5,3%). Dez pacientes eram tetraplégicos (52,6%) e nove (47,4%) eram paraplégicos. Apresentavam lesão medular completa (Frankel A) 14 pacientes (73,7%) e cinco pacientes (25,3%) tinham lesão incompleta (Frankel B). Todos os pacientes incluídos no estudo realizaram cintilografia óssea inicial até um mês após o traumatismo raquimedular e apresentaram diagnóstico negativo para OH. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: nove pacientes receberam radioterapia em dose única de 8 Gy nos quadris (Grupo Estudo) e 10 pacientes compuseram o Grupo Controle. Após seis meses de seguimento clínico e radiológico, um paciente do Grupo Estudo (11%) e cinco pacientes do Grupo Controle (50%) apresentaram OH. A distribuição da freqüência do desenvolvimento da OH nos dois grupos não mostrou diferença estatística significante, apesar da menor incidência de OH no grupo submetido à radioterapia (Grupo Estudo). Concluiu-se que, com o número de pacientes estudados, não foi possível comprovar a eficácia da radioterapia na prevenção da ossificação heterotópica, ainda que haja uma forte tendência para a correlação estatística.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of radiotherapy on the prophylaxis of heterotopic ossification (HO) after spinal cord injury (SCI). Nineteen SCI patients were studied (15 men and four women). The mean age was 30.4 ± 10.8 years (range 19 to 58 years). The most frequent causes of lesion were traffic accident (42.1%), fall (26.3%), shot gun (21%), diving (5.3%) and objects falling on the vertebral column (5.3%). Ten patients were tetraplegics (52.6%) and nine were paraplegics. Fourteen patients (73.7%) had complete lesion (Frankel A) and five had incomplete lesion (Frankel B). All patients realized initial scintigraphy until one month after SCI and showed negative results for HO. The patients were randomized in two groups: nine patients received single dose irradiation with 8 Gy on the hips (Study Group) and 10 patients were the Control Group. After six months of clinical and radiological follow up, one patient of the Study Group (11%) and five patients of Control Group (50%) showed HO. The frequency distribution of the development of HO in both groups showed no significant statistical difference, although there was lower incidence of HO in the radiotherapy group. We concluded that, with the number of patients studied, it was no possible to prove the efficacy of radiotherapy to prevent HO, although had a strong tendency for the statistical correlation.

Caracterización de pacientes con lesión medular atendidos en un Centro de Rehabilitación (Teletón) en Honduras / Characterization of patients with spinal cord injury at the Rehabilitation Centre Teleton in Honduras

OBJETIVO. Determinar las características clínico-epidemiológicas y la funcionalidad de los pacientes con lesión medular atendidos en el Centro de Rehabilitación Integral Teletón en Tegucigalpa, Honduras. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio prospectivo y descriptivo. Se incluyó a todos los pacientes con lesión medular, referidos por primera vez al centroTeletón de Tegucigalpa, del 1 Octubre del 2005 al 31 de Diciembre del 2006. Para la evaluación neurológica y determinación del grado de dependencia funcional se usó la escala de la Asociación Americana de Lesión Medular y el Clasificador Internacional de Funcionamiento, Discapacidad y Salud de Rehabilitación. RESULTADOS. Se captó 46 pacientes con edad promedio de 35 años, el 80.4 del sexo masculino. En 67.4 la etiología fue traumática, 58 por herida por arma de fuego. El 34.8 se valoró como clase A (lesión completa) y paraplejía en 89, con afección del segmento torácico en 73.7. Las úlceras por presión y las infecciones del tracto urinario fueron las complicaciones agudas y causas de rehospitalización más frecuentes. De los 33 pacientes que completaron 6 meses de tratamiento de rehabilitación, el 48.4 tuvo mejoría en I o II grado de dependencia funcional. En 97 hubo mejoría significativa en porcentaje de dependencia funcional inicial y final.CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los pacientes fueron varones en edad productiva. La principal causa de lesión medular fue traumática,principalmente por herida por arma de fuego. El tipo de lesión más frecuente fue la paraplejía completa y la mayoría de los pacientes mejoró con rehabilitación...

Espondilolistese em frango de corte no Brasil / Spondylolisthesis (\"Kinky Back\") in broiler chickens in Brazil

Eight 28-day-old broiler chickens of both sexes were examined. Clinical signs, gross findings, radiological, and histopathological changes were described. Spondylolisthesis was characterized by dorsal displacement of the sixth and seventh thoracic vertebrae, resulting in compression of the spinal cord. The major clinical manifestation was paraplegia. Risk factors such as genetics, nutrition, stress, rate of growth, and age were discussed.

Current diagnosis and management of blunt traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta

The diagnosis and management of aortic lacerations has been gradually improving. Historically, aortic laceration were a common cause of cause of exsanguination with extremely rate. However, in modern trauma systems with advanced ressuscitation and rapid radiology imaging, the diagnosis of an aortic injury is improving with an emphasis on preventing the progression of intimal flaps and pseudoaneurysms to frank dissection or rupture. Both diagnostic modalities and the paradigm of immediate operative intervention have changed. The evolution of endovascular steting may play a future role in definitive care.

Comparison of anterior and posterior walkers with respect to gait parameters and energy expenditure of children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

The purpose of this study was to compare gait pattern and energy consumption in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, when using anterior and posterior walkers, and to determine which walker should be recommended as a walking aid for these children. Ten spastic diplegic cerebral palsied children, of average age 9 years, were enrolled in this study. Before assessment, they had all received a practice period of 1-month to familiarize themselves with both types of walker. Gait characteristics were evaluated by computer-based kinematic gait analysis using Vicon 370 Motion Analysis, and energy expenditure was determined by KBI-C while they were using the walkers. The oxygen consumption rate was significantly lower whilst using the posterior walker, as was the oxygen cost. Walking velocity and cadence on gait analysis showed no significant difference between the walker types. However, step length, single support time and double support time were significantly different for the two walkers. Flexion angles of the trunk, hip and knee were lower using a posterior walker. Gait analysis data and oxygen consumption measurements indicated that the posterior walker has more advantages in terms of upright positioning and energy conservation than the anterior walker.

Case report of intraspinal paracoccidioidomycosis

Os autores registram um caso de paraplegia causada por uma lesao granulomatosa de PCM intramedular. O diagnostico clinico neurologico de uma lesao compressiva intramedular foi confirmado pelo exame de ressonancia nuclear magnetica da coluna, que mostrou lesao captante de contraste a nivel de T12. O paciente foi operado e a lesao totalmente retirada. O exame histopatologico da peca operatoria confirmou o diagnostico de PCM. O doente esta em uso de SMZ/TMP e fluconazol com boa recuperacao neurologica

Ocorrência de paraplegia associada a infecçäo com Schistosoma mansoni näo autóctone no estado de Goiás / Occurrence of paraplegia associated with non autochthnous Schistosoma mansoni - infection in the State of Goiás

Um caso de paraplegia em paciente de 36 anos é associado a infecçäo näo autóctone de Schistosoma mansoni. A possibilidade de presença de fatores que possibilitaräo o estabelecimento desta parasitose no Estado de Goiás é discutida