Multidisciplinary management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in pregnancy: case series and narrative review

Abstract Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological condition characterized by raised intracranial pressure of unknown etiology with normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition and no brain lesions. It occurs in pregnant patients at approximately the same frequency as in general population, but obstetric and anesthetic management of the pregnancy and labor remains controversial. In this article we provide a multidisciplinary review of the main aspects of IIH in pregnancy including treatment options, mode of delivery and anesthetic techniques. Additionally, we report three cases of pregnant women diagnosed with IIH between 2012 and 2019 in our institution.

Actualización en el tratamiento del síndrome de hipertensión intracraneana / Update on the management of intracranial hypertension syndrome

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a devastating complication, with great impact on neurological status and high morbidity and mortality. Intracranial hypertension (ICH) has multiple etiologies. The natural history of this condition can lead to brain death. The successful management of patients with elevated ICP (> 20-25 mmHg) requires fast and timely recognition, judicious use of invasive monitoring and therapies aimed to reversing its underlying cause. Therefore, it must be managed as a neurological emergency. The objective of this review is to present in a friendly way the diagnostic approach and the management of ICH, focused on general practitioners.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Infection with External Ventricular Drainage: Analysis of the Risk Factors in 110 Patients of a Single Institution

Objectives External ventricular drainage (EVD) is extensively used in the neurosurgical practice with the purpose of monitoring the intracranial pressure and draining the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Despite its remarkable benefits, the technique is not devoid of risks, notably infections, which have been reported in up to 45% of the cases. Methods A retrospective analysis of the main risk factors for CSF infection in neurosurgical patients submitted to EVD at a single institution. We recorded and submitted to statistical comparison every risk factor for CSF infection present or absent in each of the 110 EVD patients enrolled, 53 males and 57 females, with an average age of 52.9 years, with different underlying neurosurgical conditions. Results Infection of the CSF occurred in 32 patients (29%). The rate of mortality related to CSF infection was of 18.7% (6 of 32). The risk factors that showed statistical significance for CSF infection in this series were: emergency surgery; length of stay at the intensive care unit (UCI); duration of the EVD; parenchymal and/or intraventricular hemorrhage; simultaneous infections; time of bladder catheterization; and the use of non-disposable adhesive drapes as part of the preparation of the wound area. Conclusions Infection of the CSF in patients submitted to EVD is multifactorial and a challenge in terms of prevention. Further studies proposing scores with blended risk factors may be useful to prevent and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with CSF infection.

Events associated with the occurrence of intracranial hypertension in pediatric patients with severe cranioencephalic trauma and monitoring of intracranial pressure / Eventos associados à ocorrência de hipertensão intracraniana em pacientes pediátricos com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave e monitoração da pressão intracraniana

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the events associated with the occurrence of intracranial hypertension (ICH) in pediatric patients with severe cranioencephalic trauma. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of patients 18 years old and younger with cranioencephalic trauma, scores below nine on the Glasgow Coma Scale, and intracranial pressure monitoring. They were admitted between September, 2005 and March, 2014 into a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. ICH was defined as an episode of intracranial pressure above 20 mmHg for more than five minutes that needed treatment. Results: A total of 198 children and adolescents were included in the study, of which 70.2% were males and there was a median age of nine years old. ICH occurred in 135 (68.2%) patients and maximum intracranial pressure was 36.3 mmHg, with a median of 34 mmHg. A total of 133 (97.8%) patients with ICH received sedation and analgesia for treatment of the condition, 108 (79.4%) received neuromuscular blockers, 7 (5.2%) had cerebrospinal fluid drainage, 105 (77.2%) received mannitol, 96 (70.6%) received hyperventilation, 64 (47.1%) received 3% saline solution, 20 (14.7%) received barbiturates, and 43 (31.9%) underwent a decompressive craniectomy. The events associated with the occurrence of ICH were tomographic findings at the time of admission of diffuse or hemispheric swelling (edema plus engorgement). The odds ratio for ICH in patients with Marshall III (diffuse swelling) tomography was 14 (95%CI 2.8-113; p<0.003), and for those with Marshall IV (hemispherical swelling) was 24.9 (95%CI 2.4-676, p<0.018). Mortality was 22.2%. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with severe cranioencephalic trauma and tomographic alterations of Marshall III and IV presented a high chance of developing ICH.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar eventos associados à ocorrência de hipertensão intracraniana (HIC) em pacientes pediátricos com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave. Métodos: Trata-se de coorte prospectiva de pacientes de até 18 anos, com traumatismo cranioencefálico, pontuação abaixo de nove na Escala de Coma de Glasgow e monitoração da pressão intracraniana, admitidos entre setembro de 2005 e março de 2014 em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica. A HIC foi definida como episódio de pressão intracraniana acima de 20 mmHg por mais de cinco minutos e com necessidade de tratamento. Resultados: Incluídas 198 crianças e adolescentes, 70,2% masculinos, mediana de idade de nove anos. A HIC ocorreu em 135 (68,2%) pacientes; valor máximo de pressão intracraniana de 36,3; mediana 34 mmHg. Receberam sedação e analgesia para tratamento da HIC 133 (97,8%) pacientes, 108 (79,4%) receberam bloqueadores neuromusculares, 7 (5,2%) drenagem de líquor, 105 (77,2%) manitol, 96 (70,6%) hiperventilação, 64 (47,1%) solução salina a 3%, 20 (14,7%) barbitúricos e 43 (31,9%) foram submetidos à craniectomia descompressiva. Os eventos associados à ocorrência de HIC foram os achados tomográficos à admissão de swelling (edema mais ingurgitamento) difuso ou hemisférico. A razão de chance para que pacientes com classificação tomográfica Marshall III (swelling difuso) apresentassem HIC foi 14 (IC95% 2,8-113; p<0,003) e para aqueles com Marshall IV (hemisférico) foi 24,9 (IC95% 2,4-676; p<0,018). A mortalidade foi de 22,2%. Conclusões: Pacientes pediátricos com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave e alterações tomográficas tipo Marshall III e IV apresentaram grande chance de desenvolver HIC.

Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome in a 10-year-old child / Síndrome da encefalopatia reversível posterior em uma criança de 10 anos

Abstract Introduction: The posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRES) syndrome encompasses a set of clinical-radiological findings associated with severe systemic arterial hypertension. This case report proposes to discuss the identification, diagnosis, and management of PRES in the pediatric population. Case presentation: Female patient, 10 years old, admitted to the emergency room with complaint of oliguria and generalized edema. At the initial physical exam, the only alteration present was anasarca. The diagnostic investigation revealed nephrotic syndrome, and clinical treatment was started. She evolved on the 8th day of hospitalization with peak hypertension, sudden visual loss, reduced level of consciousness, nystagmus, and focal seizures requiring intubation. She was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, with neurological improvement, after the established therapy. CT scan revealed a discrete hypodense area in the white matter of the occipital lobe and anteroposterior groove asymmetry, compatible with PRES. Discussion: PRES is due to vasogenic cerebral edema of acute or subacute installation. Symptoms include headache and altered consciousness, stupor, coma, neurological deficits, seizures and cortical blindness. Nephropathies are the main cause of PRES in pediatrics. Magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion of molecules is the gold standard for diagnosis. The initial treatment objectives are the reduction of blood pressure, antiepileptic therapy, correction of hydroelectrolytic and acid-base disorders and management of intracranial hypertension. Conclusion: PRES is associated with acute hypertension. Early diagnosis and proper management may determine a better prognosis and minimize the severity of the clinical course.

Resumo Introdução: A Síndrome de Encefalopatia Posterior Reversível (SEPR) engloba um conjunto de achados clínico-radiológicos, associados a hipertensão arterial sistêmica grave. Este relato de caso propõe discutir a identificação, o diagnóstico e o manejo de SEPR na população pediátrica. Apresentação do caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 10 anos, admitida em pronto-atendimento com queixa de oligúria e edema generalizado. Ao exame físico inicial, a única alteração presente era anasarca. A investigação diagnóstica revelou síndrome nefrótica, iniciando-se tratamento clínico. Evoluiu no 8º dia de internação com pico hipertensivo, perda visual súbita, redução do nível de consciência, nistagmo e crises convulsivas focais, demandando intubação. Foi transferida para Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, com melhora neurológica, após a terapêutica instituída. Tomografia de crânio evidenciou área de hipodensidade discreta em substância branca do lobo occipital e assimetria anteroposterior de sulcos, compatível com SEPR. Discussão: A SEPR decorre de edema cerebral vasogênico de instalação aguda ou subaguda. Sintomas descritos incluem cefaleia e alteração de consciência, estupor, coma, déficits neurológicos, convulsões e cegueira cortical. As nefropatias constituem as principais causas de SEPR em pediatria. A ressonância magnética com difusão de moléculas é o padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico. Os objetivos iniciais são a redução dos níveis pressóricos, terapia antiepiléptica, correção de distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos e do equilíbrio ácido-básico, e manejo da hipertensão intracraniana. Conclusão: A SEPR ocorre associada à hipertensão aguda. O diagnóstico precoce e manejo adequado podem determinar melhor prognóstico e minimizar a gravidade do curso clínico.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hipertensión intracraneal / Diagnosis and Treatment of Intracranial Hypertension

La presión intracraneal elevada es una complicación devastadora de la lesión neurológica, que puede complicar el trauma, los tumores del sistema nervioso central, la hidrocefalia, la encefalopatía hepática y el flujo venoso del SNC alterado. El adecuado tratamiento consta de un rápido reconocimiento, utilizar material de monitoreo neurológico invasivo y su manejo para reducir la hipertensión intracraneal y sus múltiples causas subyacente. A continuación presentamos una revisión de sus principales características y principios de abordaje diagnóstico-terapéutico

Intracranial pressure is a devastating complication of neurological damage, which can complicate trauma, central nervous system disorders, hydrocephalus, hepatic encephalopathy, and altered CNS venous flow. The appropriate treatment consists of a rapid recognition, the use of an invasive neurological system and its management to reduce intracranial hypertension and its multiple underlying causes. Below we present a review of its main characteristics and principles of diagnostic-therapeutic approach.

Assistência de enfermagem na monitorização da pressão intracraniana em pacientes neurocríticos / Service of nursing in intracranial pressure monitoring in patients neurocríticos / Servicio de enfermería en el monitoreo de la presión intracraneal en pacientes neurocríticos

Objetivo: Identificar a través de la literatura las intervenciones de enfermería en el monitoreo de la presión intracraneal en pacientes neurocríticos. Método: Revisión de la literatura integradora con búsqueda de artículos, SciELO, LILACS y PUBMED. Los artículos seleccionados fueron publicados entre los años 2007 y 2017. Resultados: Se encontraron 94 artículos y excluidos 78 como criterios de inclusión. Hasta 16 artículos fueron utilizados en esta revisión. Estos datos sugieren que la monitorización neurológica puede realizarse en una invasiva y no invasiva. Entre los métodos invasivos es el monitoreo de la presión intracraneal y la enfermera, que era directamente responsable de este cuidado. Por lo tanto, el cuidado y la elevación de la cabeza, cuidado con aspiración traqueal, cuidado con hipoxemia, coordinación y gestión en enfermería entre otros debe ser parte de la atención de enfermería. Conclusión: Cuidados de enfermería es esencial para el paciente neurocrítico. Este cuidado contribuir tanto positivos como negativos en estos pacientes

Objective: To identify through literature the nursing interventions in the intracranial pressure monitoring in patients neurocríticos. Method: Integrative review of literature with search of articles in SciELO, LILACS, and PUBMED. The selected articles were published between the years 2007 and 2017. Results: We found 94 articles and excluded 78 as inclusion criteria. So 16 articles were used in this review. These suggest that the neurological monitoring can be performed in a invasive and non invasive. Among the invasive methods is the monitoring of intracranial pressure, and the nurse, who was directly responsible for this care. Thus, care and the elevation of the head, care with tracheal aspiration, care with hypoxemia, coordination and management in nursing care among others must be part of nursing care. Conclusion: Nursing care is essential for the patient neurocrítico. This care contribute to both positive developments as negative in these patients

Objetivo: Identificar por meio da literatura as intervenções de enfermagem na monitorização da pressão intracraniana em pacientes neurocríticos. Método:Revisão integrativa da literatura com busca dos artigos nas bases de dados SciELO, LILACS e PUBMED. Os artigos selecionados foram publicados entre os anos de 2007 e 2017. Resultados: Foram encontrados 94 artigos e excluídos 78 conforme critérios de inclusão. Assim, 16 artigos foram usados nesta revisão. Estes apontaram que a monitorização neurológica pode ser realizada de maneira invasiva e não invasiva. Entre os métodos invasivos, está a monitorização da pressão intracraniana, sendo o enfermeiro, responsável direto neste cuidado. Assim, cuidados como a elevação da cabeceira, cuidados com aspiração traqueal, cuidados com hipoxemia, coordenação e gerenciamento nos cuidados de enfermagem, entre outros, devem fazer parte da assistência de enfermagem. Conclusão: Os cuidados de enfermagem são indispensáveis para o paciente neurocrítico. Estes cuidados contribuem tanto para evolução positiva quanto negativa desses pacientes

Reconstrução de calota craniana com prótese customizada de PMMA após craniectomias descompressivas / Skull reconstruction with PMMA customized prostheses after decompressive craniectomies

Introdução: A craniectomia descompressiva é uma cirurgia indicada no tratamento da hipertensão intracraniana em situações graves de traumas cranioencefálicos. Esta cirurgia confere uma aparência bizarra ao paciente, como se "parte da cabeça" houvesse sido retirada. Após a regressão do edema cerebral e quando o paciente reunir boas condições clínicas, a reconstrução craniana está indicada. A reconstrução da calota craniana poderá ser realizada com osso autólogo ou com materiais aloplásticos. Este estudo objetiva apresentar a experiência do autor com reconstruções de calota craniana utilizando próteses customizadas de PMMA. Métodos: Foram selecionados 14 pacientes submetidos à craniectomia descompressiva que, após serem liberados clinicamente pela Neurocirurgia, realizaram a reconstrução da calota craniana com próteses de PMMA customizadas por prototipagem entre os anos de 2014 e 2015 e com, no mínimo, 6 meses de pós-operatório. Sinais e sintomas de síndrome do Trefinado, tomografia computadorizada e aparência estética dos pacientes foram analisadas no pré e no 6º mês pós-operatório. Resultados: Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora sintomatológica, melhora estética e expansão cerebral após a cirurgia. Conclusão: A reconstrução da calota craniana com prótese customizada de PMMA promoveu a melhora dos sinais e sintomas e da aparência estética de todos os 14 pacientes operados. A utilização de protótipos para customizar próteses cranianas facilitou a técnica operatória e possibilitou a recuperação de um contorno craniano muito próximo da normalidade.

Introduction: Decompressive craniectomy is indicated for the treatment of intracranial hypertension in cases of serious traumatic brain injury. This surgery results in a bizarre appearance, as if "part of the head" had been. After regression of cerebral edema and when the patient is in good clinical condition, the reconstruction of the skull is indicated. Reconstruction of the skull can be performed with autologous bone or with alloplastic materials. This study sought to present the experience of the author with skull reconstructions using custom PMMA prostheses. Methods: In between 2014 and 2015, fourteen patients with previous (longer than 6 months) decompressive craniectomies were selected after Neurosurgery medical clearance and underwent skull reconstruction with customized PMMA prototyped prostheses. Signs and symptoms of syndrome of the trephined, computed tomography, and aesthetic appearance of the patients were analyzed preoperatively and at 6 months after reconstruction. Results: All patients presented with improved symptomatology, aesthetic improvement and expansion of the brain after surgery. Conclusion: Reconstruction of the skull with customized prototyped PMMA prostheses improved the signs and symptoms and the aesthetic appearance in all 14 patients of this series. The use of prototypes to customize cranial prostheses facilitates the operative technique and enables patients to develop a nearly normal cranial contour.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema due to ventriculo-atrial shunt dysfunction: a case report / Edema pulmonar neurogênico devido à disfunção da derivação ventrículo-atrial: relato de caso

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary edema is caused by the accumulation of fluid within the air spaces and the interstitium of the lung. Neurogenic pulmonary edema is a clinical syndrome characterized by the acute onset of pulmonary edema following a significant central nervous system insult. It may be a less-recognized consequence of raised intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus by blocked ventricular shunts. It usually appears within minutes to hours after the injury and has a high mortality rate if not recognized and treated appropriately. CASE REPORT: We report a patient with acute obstructive hydrocephalus due to ventriculo-atrial shunt dysfunction, proposed to urgent surgery for placement of external ventricular drainage, who presented with neurogenic pulmonary edema preoperatively. She was anesthetized and supportive treatment was instituted. At the end of the procedure the patient showed no clinical signs of respiratory distress, as prompt reduction in intracranial pressure facilitated the regression of the pulmonary edema. CONCLUSIONS: This report addresses the importance of recognition of neurogenic pulmonary edema as a possible perioperative complication resulting from an increase in intracranial pressure. If not recognized and treated appropriately, neurogenic pulmonary edema can lead to acute cardiopulmonary failure with global hypoperfusion and hypoxia. Therefore, awareness of and knowledge about the occurrence, clinical presentation and treatment are essential.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: o edema pulmonar é causado pelo acúmulo de líquido nos alvéolos e no interstício pulmonar. Edema pulmonar neurogênico é uma síndrome clínica caracterizada por edema pulmonar de início agudo após um acometimento súbito do sistema nervoso central. Pode ser uma consequência menos reconhecida de pressão intracraniana aumentada por causa da hidrocefalia obstrutiva por derivações ventriculares bloqueadas. Geralmente aparece em minutos ou horas após o insulto e tem uma alta taxa de mortalidade, caso não seja identificado e tratado adequadamente. RELATO DE CASO: relatamos o caso de paciente com hidrocefalia obstrutiva aguda por causa da disfunção da derivação ventrículo-atrial, programado para cirurgia em caráter de urgência para a colocação de derivação ventricular externa, que apresentou edema pulmonar neurogênico no pré-operatório. A paciente foi anestesiada e o tratamento de manutenção instituído. No fim do procedimento, a paciente não apresentou quaisquer sinais de distúrbio respiratório, pois a redução rápida da pressão intracraniana facilitou a regressão do edema pulmonar. CONCLUSÕES: este relato aborda a importância da identificação de um edema pulmonar neurogênico como uma possível complicação no período perioperatório resultante de um aumento da pressão intracraniana. Quando não identificado e tratado adequadamente, o edema pulmonar neurogênico pode levar à insuficiência cardiorrespiratória aguda, com hipoperfusão global e hipóxia. Portanto, a conscientização e o conhecimento de sua ocorrência, apresentação clínica e seu tratamento são essenciais.

Trauma craneoencefálico severo: atención prehospitalaria, manejo quirúrgico y monitoreo multomodal / Severe cranioencephalic trauma: prehospital care, surgical management and multimodal monitoring

El trauma craneoencefálico severo representa por lo menos la mitad de las muertes relacionadas con trauma, la patofisiología celular y clínica esta extensamente estudiada y documentada, las opciones de monitorización y tratamiento constituyen los paradigmas actualmente para la el progreso en la sobrevida disminuyendo la probabilidad de secuelas, junto con los principios de manejo general que incluyen entre otros el control de la temperatura, tensión arterial, sedación, ventilación, nutrición hacen posible la calidad en la atención de nuestros pacientes.

Severe brain trauma accounts for at least half of the deaths related to trauma, cellular pathophysiology and clinic it is extensively studied and documented , the monitoring and treatment options are currently paradigms for progress in decreasing the likelihood of survival sequels along with general management principles which include among others the temperature control, blood pressure, sedation, ventilation, nutrition enables quality care for our patients.

Hipotermia intravascular prolongada en un paciente con hipertensión endocraneana refractaria / Prolonged hypothermia in refractory intracranial hypertension. Report of one case

The use of hypothermia after cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation is a standard clinical practice, however its use for neuroprotection has been extended to other conditions. We report a 23-year-old male with intracranial hypertension secondary to a parenchymal hematoma associated to acute hydrocephalus. An arterial malformation was found and embolized. Due to persistent intracranial hypertension, moderate hypothermia with a target temperature of 33°C was started. After 12 hours of hypothermia, intracranial pressure was controlled. After 13 days of hypothermia a definitive control of intracranial pressure was achieved. The patient was discharged 40 days after admission, remains with a mild hemiparesia and is reassuming his university studies.

Continuous ventricular cerebrospinal fluid drainage with intracranial pressure monitoring for management of posttraumatic diffuse brain swelling / Drenagem contínua de líquido cefalorraquidiano com monitoração intermitente de pressão intracraniana em pacientes com tumefação cerebral difusa pós-traumática

BACKGROUND: Ventricular drainage has played an important role in the management of traumatic brain-injured patients. The aim of the present study was describe outcomes in a series of 57 patients with diffuse brain swelling underwent to intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. METHOD: Fifty-eight patients with diffuse posttraumatic brain swelling, were evaluated prospectively. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of patients varied from 4 to 12. Patients groups divided according to GCS and age. Patient neurological assessment was classified as favorable, unfavorable, and death. RESULTS: Mechanisms of injury were vehicle accidents in 72.4 percent and falls in 15.6 percent. 54 percent of patients had GCS scores between 6 and 8. There were no statistical differences, regarding outcome, between groups separated by age. In the adults group (n=47), 44.7 percent evolved favorably. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a poor prognosis in patients with brain swelling. We believe that continuous ventricular CSF drainage with ICP monitoring is a simple method as an adjunct in the management of these patients.

INTRODUÇÃO: Monitoração da pressão intracraniana (PIC) tem desempenhado um papel importante nos pacientes com lesão cerebral difusa traumática. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever os resultados de uma série de 57 pacientes com tumefação cerebral difusa submetidos à monitoração da PIC. MÉTODO: Cinquenta e oito pacientes com lesão axonal difusa foram avaliados prospectivamente. Na Escala de Coma de Glasgow (GCS) os escores variaram de 4 a 12. Os grupos de pacientes, foram divididos de acordo com a GCS e a idade. Avaliação neurológica tardia foi classificada como favorável, desfavorável, e da morte. RESULTADOS: Mecanismos de lesão predominantes foram os acidentes de veículos em 72,4 por cento e quedas em 15,6 por cento; 54 por cento dos pacientes tiveram escores GCS entre 6 e 8. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos separados por idade. No grupo de adultos (n=47), 44,7 por cento evoluíram favoravelmente. CONCLUSÃO: As lesões difusas tipo III apresentam resultados funcionais desfavoráveis. Acreditamos que a monitoração intermitente de PIC com drenagem de líquido cefalorraquidiano seja um método simples e aplicável no apoio ao tratamento destes pacientes.

Spontaneous resolution of marked dilatation of cerebral duro-venous system in newborn presenting with fetal hydrops.

A newborn with antenatal diagnosis of fetal hydrops at 36 wk of gestation, presented with congestive heart failure (CHF) and generalized edema. Computed tomographic angiography showed marked dilatation of cerebral duro-venous system including vein of Galen (VOG), straight sinus, torcula and transverse sinus without evidence of arteriovenous fistulae at the vein of Galen. Dilatation of duro-venous system resolved with concomitant improvement in biventricular function and CHF with decongestive therapy. Such entity should be differentiated from more serious conditions like VOG malformation and venous sinus thrombosis.

Transient unilateral ophthalmoplegia without papilledema in a child with intracranial hypertension

Intracranial hypertension is usually presented with papilledema and headache. Complete ophthalmoplegia without papilledema is a very rare finding of intracranial hypertension in children. A 5-year-old male patient with unilateral ophthalmoplegia due to increased intracranial pressure is presented. The fundoscopic examination and the magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were normal. He underwent lumboperitoneal shunt insertion for intracranial hypertension and the ophthalmoplegia was resolved one month later. Complete ophthalmoplegia without papilledema may occur following intracranial hypertension. Prompt and accurate diagnosis should be done and appropriate treatment to reduce the pressure should be performed to save the life of the children

Regional cooling for reducing brain temperature and intracranial pressure / Resfriamento cerebral regional para redução da temperatura e pressão intracraniana

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of regional cooling for reducing brain temperature (BrTe) and intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients where conventional clinical treatment has failed. METHOD: Regional cooling was carried out using ice bags covering the area of the craniectomy (regional method) in 23 patients. The BrTe and ICP were determined using a fiber optic sensor. Thirteen patients (56.52 percent) were female. The ages ranged from 16 to 83 years (mean of 48.9). The mean APACHE II score was 25 points (11-35). The patients were submitted, on mean, to 61.7 hours (20-96) of regional cooling. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in mean BrTe (p<0.0001-from 37.1ºC to 35.2ºC) and mean ICP (p=0.0001-from 28 mmHg to 13 mmHg). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that mild brain hypothermia induced by regional cooling was effective in the control of ICP in patients who had previously undergone decompressive craniectomy.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do resfriamento regional na redução da temperatura cerebral (TeCe) e pressão intracraniana (PIC) após falha das medidas clínicas convencionais de tratamento. MÉTODO: O resfriamento cerebral foi realizado com bolsas com gelo, colocadas sobre a área de craniectomia (método regional) em 23 doentes. A TeCe e PIC foram verificadas com sensor de fibra óptica. Treze (56,52 por cento) eram do sexo feminino. A idade variou de 16 a 83 anos (média 48,96). A pontuação média no índice APACHE II foi 25 pontos (11-35). Os doentes foram submetidos, em média, a 61,7 horas (20-96) de resfriamento regional. RESULTADOS: Houve uma redução significativa da TeCe média (p<0,0001-de 37,1ºC para 35,2ºC) e da PIC média (p=0,0001-de 28 mmHg para 13 mmHg). CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados sugerem que o resfriamento regional foi eficaz no controle da PIC nos doentes submetidos, previamente, a craniectomia descompressiva.

Hipotermia intravascular inducida en el manejo de la hipertensión intracraneana en insuficiencia hepática aguda: caso clínico / Intravascular hypothermia for the management of Intracranial hypertension in acute liver failure: case report

Acute liver failure has a mortality rate in excess of 80 percent. Most deaths are attributed to brain edema with intracranial hypertension and herniation of structures, where ammonium plays a major role in its generation. We report an 18 year-old female with a fulminant hepatic failure caused by virus A infection. The patient developed a profound sopor and required mechanical ventilation. A CT scan showed the presence of brain edema and intracranial hypertension. A Raudemic® catheter was inserted to measure intracranial pressure and brain temperature. Intracranial hypertension became refractory and intravascular hypothermia was started, reducing brain temperature to 33°C. Seventy two hours later, a liver transplantation was performed. After testing graft perfusion, rewarming was started, completing 122 hours of hypothermia at 33°C. The patient was discharged in good conditions after 69 days of hospitalization.

Management of intracranial hypertension.

Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) is a life threatening condition that is common to many neurological and non-neurological illnesses. Unless recognized and treated early it may cause secondary brain injury due to reduced cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and progress to brain herniation and death. Management of raised ICP includes care of airway, ventilation and oxygenation, adequate sedation and analgesia, neutral neck position, head end elevation by 200 -300, and short-term hyperventilation (to achieve PCO2 32- 35 mm Hg) and hyperosmolar therapy (mannitol or hypertonic saline) in critically raised ICP. Barbiturate coma, moderate hypothermia and surgical decompression may be helpful in refractory cases. Therapies aimed directly at keeping ICP <20 mmHg have resulted in improved survival and neurological outcome. Emerging evidence suggests that cerebral perfusion pressure targeted therapy may offer better outcome than ICP targeted therapies.

Efeitos da fisioterapia respiratória na pressão intracraniana e pressão de perfusão cerebral no traumatismo cranioencefálico grave / Effects of respiratory physiotherapy on intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure in severe traumatic brain injury patients

OBJETIVOS: Após um traumatismo cranioencefálico, a hipertensão intracraniana representa a maior causa de mortalidade, além da possibilidade de seqüelas funcionais, comportamentais e cognitivas. A escassez de estudos sobre os efeitos da fisioterapia respiratória nestes pacientes pode levar à condutas contraditórias. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de manobras usuais de fisioterapia respiratória sobre a pressão intracraniana e a pressão de perfusão cerebral em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico, prospectivo, em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico, ventilados mecanicamente e com medida contínua da pressão intracraniana. Foram avaliados os efeitos das manobras de vibrocompressão manual e aspiração intratraqueal sem e com instilação de soro fisiológico, sobre as medidas de pressão intracraniana e de pressão de perfusão cerebral, entre o primeiro e o terceiro dia após a lesão cerebral. RESULTADOS: Foram obtidos os dados de 11 pacientes com idade de 41anos (mediana) APACHE II de 19,5 ± 5. A manobra de vibrocompressão manual não determinou aumento da pressão intracraniana em nenhum dos dias avaliados. A pressão intracraniana aumentou significativamente após manobras de aspiração intratraqueal em relação à medida basal (dia 1, 9,5 ± 0,9 mm Hg vs 18,0 ± 3,2 mm Hg; dia 2, 10,6 ± 1,7 mm Hg vs 21,4 ± 3,8 mm Hg; dia 3, 14,4 ± 1,0 vs 24,9 ± 2,7 mm Hg; p<0,05 para todos). Contudo, estas elevações foram transitórias (em torno de 27 segundos) e acompanhadas de aumentos compensatórios da pressão de perfusão cerebral. CONCLUSÕES: A manobra de vibrocompressão manual não determinou aumento da pressão intracraniana ou da pressão de perfusão cerebral em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave. A aspiração intratraqueal levou a aumento significativo e transitório da pressão intracraniana e da pressão de perfusão cerebral.

OBJECTIVE: After brain injury intracranial hypertension is the major cause of mortality, in addition to the possibility of functional, behavioral and cognitive sequels. Scarcity of studies on the effects of respiratory physiotherapy on these patients may lead to contradictory performances. This study aimed to assess the effects of customary respiratory physiotherapy maneuvers on intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressures in patients with severe brain injury. METHODS: Clinical, prospective trial with patients with severe traumatic brain injury, mechanically ventilated and with a continued measurement of intracranial pressure. The effects of manual vibrocompression maneuvers and intratracheal aspiration with or without saline infusion on the measurements of intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressures, between the first and third day after cerebral injury were evaluated. RESULTS: Data were collected from 11 patients, 41 years of age (median) and APACHE II of 19.5 ± 5. The manual vibrocompression maneuver did not cause an increase of intracranial pressure on any of the days assessed. Intracranial pressure significantly increased after intratracheal aspiration maneuvers in relation to the basal measurement (day1, 9.5 ± 0.9 mm Hg vs 18.0 ± 3.2 mm Hg; day 2, 10.6 ± 1.7 mm Hg vs 21.4 ± 3.8 mm Hg; day 3, 14.4 ± 1.0 vs 24.9 ± 2.7 mm Hg; p<0.05 for all). However, these elevations were transient (about 27 seconds) and accompanied by compensatory increases of the cerebral perfusion pressure. CONCLUSION: The manual vibrocompression maneuver did not increase intracranial pressure or cerebral perfusion pressure in patients with severe brain injury. Intratracheal aspiration induced a significant and transient increase of the intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressures.