Realidade virtual como possibilidade terapêutica para adolescentes com encefalopatia crônica não progressiva da infância / Virtual reality as a therapeutic possibility for teenagers with chronic not-progressive encephalopathy of childhood

INTRODUÇÃO: A aprendizagem motora surge de um processo complexo de percepção/cognição/ação. Para a Fisioterapia, o conhecimento sobre aprendizado motor fornece bases neurofisiológicas que sustentam a intervenção terapêutica. Na área de ensino de Ciências, a realidade virtual pode se apresentar como um instrumental pelo qual possam ser alcançadas as adolescentes com paralisia cerebral, com déficit no desempenho motor. OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo propôs a inserção de conhecimentos do ensino de ciências por meio de recursos tecnológicos na prática fisioterapêutica direcionada a adolescentes portadores de paralisia cerebral. Essa abordagem foi mediada pela realidade virtual, visando ao incremento do aprendizado motor. MÉTODOS: O desenho experimental utilizado no presente estudo foi o de abordagem qualitativa participante, utilizando-se como instrumento de coleta de dados as oficinas pedagógicas que tratavam de conceitos da ciência para o aprendizado motor aliado à realidade virtual. A amostra analisada foi constituída de quatro adolescentes, entre 11 e 18 anos, portadores de paralisia cerebral, matriculados no ensino fundamental da rede de ensino do município de Teresópolis (RJ), em tratamento fisioterapêutico na Clínica-Escola de Fisioterapia do Unifeso. Foi utilizada, também, a escala de função motora grossa (GMFM) como escala avaliativa pré e pós-intervenção. RESULTADOS: Os sujeitos/pacientes apresentaram melhora em seu desempenho neuromotor associado com o ensino de ciências, demonstrando ser possível a potencialização do aprendizado motor com a aproximação do aprendizado científico. Em relação à escala GMFM, pode-se perceber aumento de 4% na média geral, confirmando o avanço motor dos participantes, percebido nessa análise qualitativa. CONCLUSÃO: A criação de subsídios para a construção do conhecimento científico por meio dos recursos do ambiente virtual aponta para o incremento do desempenho motor e para a formação de sujeitos histórico-sociais.

INTRODUCTION: Motor learning arises from a complex process of perception/cognition/action. For Physiotherapy, knowledge of motor learning provides neurophysiological bases that support therapeutic intervention. In the area of science education, virtual reality may represent an instrument by which adolescents with cerebral palsy and deficit in motor performance can be reached. OBJETIVES: The present study has as purpose the inclusion of knowledge of science education through technology in physical therapy practice directed at adolescents with cerebral palsy. This approach was mediated by virtual reality, aiming to increase motor learning. METHODS: The experimental design used was a qualitative participant study, using as instrument to collect data pedagogical workshops, which dealt with science concepts for motor learning combined with virtual reality. The sample consisted of four subjects, aged 11 and 18 years, with cerebral palsy, enrolled in primary schools in the municipality of Teresopolis (RJ), and on physiotherapy in the School of Physiotherapy Clinic Unifeso. The scale of motor function (GMFM) as pre- and post-intervention was also used for evaluation. RESULTS: Subjects/patients showed improvement in their neuromotor performance associated with the teaching of science, demonstrating the feasibility of the enhancement of motor learning with the scientific learning approach. Regarding the GMFM scale it could be perceived an increase of 4% in the overall average, confirming the motor progress of the participants, perceived by this qualitative analysis. CONCLUSION: The creation of subsidies for the construction of scientific knowledge, by means of virtual resources environment, point to the enhancement of the motor performance and for the formation of social-historical subjects.

Encefalopatía de Wernicke y polineuropatía asociada a déficit de complejo B después de una cirugía bariátrica / Wernicke´s encephalopathy and polyneuropathy associated with vitamin B complex deficiency after a bariatric surgery

La cirugía bariátrica es un tratamiento que garantiza una pérdida de peso sustancial y duradera, y beneficios tangibles respecto a condiciones médicas asociadas a la obesidad. El aumento del número de cirugías bariátricas ha llevado también a un aumento de las complicaciones relacionadas con ella, incluyendo la encefalopatía de Wernicke y la polineuropatía por deficiencia de vitaminas del complejo B. En este artículo se reporta un caso de encefalopatía de Wernicke siete semanas después de la cirugía, enfatizando en la importancia de reconocer el espectro de la sintomatología para hacer un diagnóstico temprano, que permita intervenir en la fase reversible de esta enfermedad potencialmente letal.

Bariatric surgery is a treatment that guarantees a substantial and lasting weight loss in addition to the tangible benefits relating to obesity-associated medical conditions. The increasing number of bariatric surgeries has revealed an increasing number of complications related to this procedure, including Wernicke´s encephalopathy and vitamin B deficiency polyneuropathies. Herein, a 7-week post-surgery case of Wernicke´s encephalopathy is presented that emphasizes the importance of an early recognition of these symptoms so as to initiate intervention during the reversible phase of these potentially lethal pathologies.

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

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

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

Diagnostic markers for identification of schizophrenia and brain damaged individuals on Bender Gestalt test

The objective of the present study is to explore the diagnostic markers on Bender Gestalt Test for the identification of schizophrenia and brain damaged patients. The study explores specific deviation patterns on Bender Gestalt Test protocols of 30, schizophrenic and 30 brain damaged males with age ranges 20-60 years. The sample selected from different hospitals of Lahore. The Bender Gestalt Test was administered and scored through Pascal and Suttell [1951] system. However recorded deviations were scored according to Hutt [1969, 1977] and Bender [1938]. 34 deviation patterns were recorded and studied. With the help oft test difference among schizophrenic and brain damaged patients were explored for the 34 deviations. Results reflects significant difference between groups on 13 deviation patterns with higher mean associated with brain damaged individuals, while on 6 deviation patterns with higher mean associated with schizophrenic individuals. For remaining 15 patterns difference remains not significant

Encefalopatia crônica infantil não progressiva: realidade inesperada / Non progressive chronic encephalopathy: unexpected reality

BJETIVOS: analisar, no contexto qualitativo, as experiências vivenciadas por mães de lactentes encefalopatas do diagnóstico à prática do aleitamento materno e demais aspectos alimentares. MÉTODOS: Foi desenvolvido na Clínica de Educação para Saúde, da Universidade do Sagrado Coração, por meio da análise qualitativa, tendo como referencial teórico o interacionismo simbólico e metodológico da “Ground Theory”, a qual permitiu descrever as experiências de 10 mães de filhos diagnosticados com Encefalopatia Crônica Infantil não Progressiva...

OBJECTIVES: analyze, in the qualitative context, the experiences of mothers of suckles with encephalopathy since the diagnosis to practical of the breast-feeding and the others alimentary aspects. METHODS: The study was developed in the Clínica de Educação para Saúde of the Universidade do Sagrado Coração, through qualitative analysis, with the theoretical referential of the symbolic and methodological interaction the “Ground Theory”. This theory allowed describing the experiences of 10 children of mothers diagnosed with non progressive chronic encephalopathy...

Cárie dentária e higiene bucal em crianças com paralisia cerebral tetraparesia espástica com alimentação por vias oral e gastrostomia / Dental caries and oral hygiene in children with spastic tetraparetic cerebral palsy receiving either oral feeding or nutrition via gastrostomy tube

Objetivo: Avaliar as condições bucais quanto à experiência de cárie dentária e índice de higiene bucal em crianças com paralisia cerebral tetraparesia espástica (PCTE), com alimentação por vias oral e gastrostomia. Método: Foram avaliadas 36 crianças na faixa etária de 2 a 7 anos (5,2 ±1,8), que procuraram tratamento odontológico no Lar Escola São Francisco Centro de Reabilitação UNIFESP/EPM, e que apresentavam valores de motricidade oral ≤19 (severamente comprometidos), segundo a Orofacial Motor Function Assessment Scale. As crianças foram reunidas em dois grupos, segundo a via de alimentação oral (G1; n=20) e sonda gástrica (G2; n=16). Ambos os grupos foram avaliados quanto à experiência de cárie dentária e o Índice de Higiene Oral Simplificado (IHOS). Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente, utilizando-se teste t Student, Quiquadrado e de Mann-Whitney, com nível de significância fixado em p<0,05. Resultados: Observou-se uma diferença estatisticamente significante (p=0,0415) entre os dois grupos quanto à experiência de cárie dentária, apresentando o G1 maiores valores. Quanto ao IHOS, observaram-se valores significantemente maiores (p=0,0401) para o G2. Conclusão: As crianças com PCTE e comprometimento motor oral severo, que se alimentam por via oral, apresentam maior risco da doença cárie dentária que os gastrostomizados de doença periodontal, embora ambos requeiram medidas preventivas para a manutenção da saúde bucal, bem como o tratamento odontológico individualizado, sempre respeitando as condições sistêmicas e odontológicas do paciente.

A exposição pré-natal ao álcool como fator de risco para comportamentos disfuncionais: o papel do pediatra: [revisão] / Prenatal alcohol exposure as a risk factor for dysfunctional behaviors: the role of the pediatrician: [review]

OBJETIVO: Ainda que as características clássicas da síndrome fetal alcoólica tenham sido descritas desde 1968, a pesquisa sobre a teratogênese do álcool apenas recentemente demonstrou que o cérebro é o órgão do corpo mais vulnerável aos efeitos da exposição pré-natal ao álcool. No presente artigo, fazemos uma revisão da literatura focalizando principalmente os distúrbios comportamentais relacionados à exposição pré-natal ao álcool. FONTES DOS DADOS: Foi realizada uma pesquisa com base no PubMed sobre a literatura publicada entre 1968 e 2006, com as palavras-chave etanol, gestação e comportamento. Foram estabelecidos limites a estudos em humanos. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Os dados apresentados nesta revisão sugerem que jovens com efeitos do espectro do álcool fetal estão sob risco maior de terem comportamento social disruptivo, entre outros problemas neurocomportamentais. CONCLUSÕES: Ainda que seja impossível separar completamente a teratogênese sobre o cérebro decorrente da exposição ao álcool de influências ambientais pós-natais como a causa definitiva desses resultados, o pediatra deve ser estimulado ao diagnóstico precoce de crianças afetadas pela síndrome fetal alcoólica e efeitos do espectro do álcool fetal. Isso permite iniciar o manejo e cuidados apropriados para evitar as conseqüências em longo prazo no comportamento e assegurar uma adaptação social e escolar melhor e mais produtiva.

OBJECTIVE: Although the classic features of fetal alcohol syndrome have been recognized since 1968, research on alcohol teratogenesis has only recently demonstrated that the brain is the organ in the body most vulnerable to the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In this present article, we reviewed the literature focusing mainly on behavioral disturbances related to prenatal ethanol exposure. SOURCES: We performed a PubMed search on the literature published between 1968 and 2006 using the terms ethanol, pregnancy and behavior. We limited our search to studies on humans. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The data presented in this review suggested that youths with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder are at risk of disruptive social behavior, among other neurobehavioral abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is still impossible to completely separate brain teratogenesis secondary to alcohol exposure from environmental postnatal influences as the definite cause for these outcomes, the pediatrician should be encouraged to early diagnose children affected by fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. This provides proper management and care and avoids long-term consequences on their behavior, besides ensuring better and productive school and social adaptation.

Acute disseminated encehalomyelitis with typhoid fever.

A 45 year old male came with fever, headache, altered sensorium pallor and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Laboratory investigations confirmed typhoid fever. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was suggestive of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

Neurodevelopmental outcome of 'at risk' nursery graduates.

A cohort study at a tertiary care neonatal service was undertaken to determine the neurodevelopmental outcome of neonates who required intensive care. One hundred and nineteen nursery graduates were enrolled for follow up if they fulfilled any of the following risk factors: birth weight less than 1500 g, Apgar score less than 4 at 5 minutes, seizure(s), and required assisted ventilation for more than 24 hours. They were subjected to periodic clinical evaluation and administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development in early childhood. Of the total infants enrolled, 101 completed the required follow up. They included 55 infants with birth weight < 1500 g, 45 with low Apgar scores, 12 with seizure(s) and 28 who received assisted ventilation. An overwhelming majority of subjects (85%) had normal neurodevelopmental outcome. The adverse outcome in the remaining 15 included mental retardation in all, subnormal motor development in 14, microcephaly in 1, hearing loss in 2 and visual impairment in 4. Among the neonatal risk factors, seizures, sepsis and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy had a significant association with adverse outcome. Despite serious neonatal morbidity, the early neurodevelopmental outcome of nursery graduates was reasonably good. The association of neonatal sepsis with neurodevelopmental sequelae merits a prospective evaluation.

Predicting the immediate outcome of patients with cerebrovascular accident: a prognostic score.

A prognostic score was derived from a prospective study of 120 consecutive patients with cerebrovascular accident. Multivariate analysis was used to compare the presenting clinical features of 106 (88%) of these patients with their immediate outcome (survival or death). Similar analysis was also used to compare features on CT scan with immediate outcome in 45 patients. The immediate prognostic features included old age, history of previous stroke, mental obtundation at the onset, persistent altered consciousness greater than or equal to first 48 hours, altered consciousness appearing in the first 24-72 hours, complete hemiplegia, seizures, aspiration pneumonitis, and multiple/massive lesions and gross mass effect on CT scan. The prognostic score derived from discriminant function using CT scan variables was less accurate than that formulated from only clinical variables. In the latter (using clinical variables) a prognostic score of 46 or less suggested a 50% chance of recovery, scores of 47 or more a 50% chance of death, while scores of 12 or less and 63 or more suggested a 99% likelihood of survival and death respectively.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of CT brain scan in term neonates with moderate and severe birth asphyxia.

Twenty term neonates with moderate (stage II) and 5 with severe (stage III) hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) were prospectively studied to determine diagnostic and prognostic value of CT brain scan. Three neonates expired, 4 were lost to follow up while 18 were followed up to 18 months of age. Cerebral hypodensities were noted in 20 and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in 8, of which 6 had both ICH and hypodensity. Twelve of 14 infants with hypodensities and 5 of 6 with ICH who were followed up were handicapped at 18 months. Thirteen of 18 babies followed up were subjected to repeat CT scans between 9 and 18 months of age for assessing extent and severity of brain damage. Major abnormality noted on repeat CT scans was cerebral atrophy. All 6 infants whose follow-up scans were abnormal had neurological sequelae, while of 7 infants who had normal repeat CT scans, 5 had neurological sequelae. We do not recommend repeat CT scans in patients with HIE as a parameter to predict neurologic outcome.