An effective insulin infusion protocol for severe traumatic brain injury patients: A retrospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) patients often experience stress hyperglycaemia, which can lead to negative outcomes. This study aims to introduce an effective insulin infusion protocol specifically designed for sTBI patients. METHODS: Data was collected from all sTBI patients during two periods: 1 October 2019 to 30 April 2020, and 1 June 2020 to 31 December 2020. In May 2020, a new insulin infusion protocol was implemented. Blood glucose management, infection, coagulation, and prognosis were compared in these two periods. RESULT: 195 patients were included, with 106 using the new protocol. The proportion of hyperglycaemia decreased from 40.04% to 26.91% (P<0.05), and the proportion of on-target blood glucose levels increased from 35.69% to 38.98% (P<0.05). Average blood glucose levels decreased from 9.98±2.79mmol/L to 8.96±2.82mmol/L (P<0.05). There was no substantial increase in hypoglycaemia, which remained controlled below 1%. The new protocol positively influenced glucose concentration and dispersion trends. There were no significant differences in catheter-related infections, antibiotic use, mechanical ventilation (MV) duration, length of stay in ICU, Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), or mortality. However, the conventional protocol group had a higher coagulation tendency (R-value of thromboelastography 4.80±1.35min vs. 5.52±1.87min, P<0.05), with no difference in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) incidence. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a customized insulin infusion process for sTBI patients can effectively manage blood glucose. While there is no significant improvement in infection control or prognosis, it may have a positive impact on coagulation without affecting the occurrence of DVT.

Tranexamic acid in patients with traumatic brain injury: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We performed a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: We searched the literature for articles evaluating the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in TBI published between January 2012 and January 2021, and identified 8 studies with a total of 10860 patients: 5660 received TXA and 5200 served as controls. We used a dichotomous or continuous approach with a random or fixed-effect model to assess the efficacy and safety of TXA in TBI, and calculated the mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: In patients with TBI, early administration of TXA was associated with a greater relative benefit (MD -2.45; 95% CI = -4.78 to -0.12; p=0.04) and less total haematoma expansion (MD - 2.52; 95% CI = -4.85 to -0.19; p=0.03) compared to controls. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality (OR 0.94; 95% CI=0.85-1.03; p=0.18), presence of progressive haemorrhage (OR 0.75; 95% CI=0.56-1.01; p=0.06), need for neurosurgery (OR 1.15; 95% CI=0.66-1.98; p=0.63), high Disability Rating Scale score (OR 0.90; 95% CI=0.56-1.45; p=0.68), and incidence of ischaemic or thromboembolic complications (OR 1.34; 95% CI=0.33-5.46; p=0.68) between TBI patients treated with TXA and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Early administration of TXA in TBI patients may have a greater relative benefit and may inhibit haematoma expansion. There were no significant differences in mortality, presence of progressive haemorrhage, need for neurosurgery, high Disability Rating Scale score, and incidence of ischaemic or thromboembolic complications between TBI patients treated with TXA and controls. Further studies are needed to validate these results.

Retinopatia de purtscher: relato de caso / Purtsher retinopathy: case report

Introdução: A retinopatia de Purtscher é uma condição clínica rara, definida pela perda súbita e severa da visão, após compressão em áreas do tórax, cabeça, fraturas em ossos longos ou lesão por esmagamento. O quadro está associado a múltiplas manchas de retina branca, geralmente acompanhadas de hemorragia e edema de disco. Por isso, a visão pode ser perdida definitivamente e a atrofia óptica se desenvolver. Objetivo: Apresentar e discutir um caso clínico de Retinopatia de Purtscher a partir de dados obtidos no prontuário clínico do paciente, especialmente em exames de imagem. Material e Método: Paciente do sexo feminino, vítima de Traumatismo Cranio Encefálico por acidente automobilístico com posterior perda da acuidade visual. Foram analisados os exames de Retinografia colorida e Tomografia de Coerência Óptica, que contribuíram para o desfecho do diagnóstico da doença. Resultados: A paciente foi submetida a tratamento medicamentoso sob acompanhamento do oftalmologista, com complemento de uma Ressonância Magnética de crânio, porém, a mesma evoluiu com pouca melhora da acuidade visual, além de parestesia persistente na região periorbital direita, ao final do tratamento. Conclusão: Apesar de melhoras aparentes nos exames de imagem, a fisiopatologia isquêmica da lesão provocou um quadro clínico irreversível

Introduction: Purtscher retinopathy is a rare clinical condition, defined by sudden and severe loss of vision, following compression in areas of the chest, head, long bone fractures or crush injury. The condition is associated with multiple patches of white retina, generally accompanied by hemorrhage and disc edema. Therefore, optic atrophy develops and vision can be permanently lost. Objective: To present and discuss a clinical case of Purtscher Retinopathy based on data obtained from the patient's clinical records, especially from imaging exams. Material and Method: Female patient, victim of traumatic brain injury due to a car accident with subsequent loss of visual acuity. Color retinography and optical coherence tomography exams were analyzed, which contributed to the diagnosis of the disease. Results: The patient underwent drug treatment under the supervision of an ophthalmologist, with the addition of a MRI of the skull, however, she evolved with little improvement in visual acuity, in addition to persistent paresthesia in the right periorbital region, at the end of treatment. Conclusion: Despite apparent improvements on imaging exams, the ischemic pathophysiology of the lesion caused an irreversible clinical condition

Introducción: La retinopatía de Purtscher es una condición clínica poco común, definida por la pérdida repentina y severa de la visión, luego de compresión en áreas del tórax, cabeza, fracturas de huesos largos o lesión por aplastamiento. La afección se asocia con múltiples manchas de retina blanca, generalmente acompañadas de hemorragia y edema discal. Por lo tanto, se desarrolla atrofia óptica y la visión puede perderse permanentemente. Objetivo: Presentar y discutir un caso clínico de Retinopatía de Purtscher a partir de los datos obtenidos de la historia clínica del paciente, especialmente de los exámenes de imagen. Material y Método: Paciente mujer, víctima de traumatismo craneoencefálico por accidente automovilístico con posterior pérdida de agudeza visual. Se analizaron exámenes de retinografía color y tomografía de coherencia óptica, que contribuyeron al diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Resultados: La paciente siguió tratamiento farmacológico bajo supervisión de un oftalmólogo, con el agregado de una resonancia magnética de cráneo, sin embargo, evolucionó con poca mejoría en la agudeza visual, además de parestesias persistentes en la región periorbitaria derecha, al final del tratamiento. Conclusión: A pesar de las aparentes mejoras en los exámenes de imagen, la fisiopatología isquémica de la lesión provocó una condición clínica irreversible

Lesión autoinfligida y absceso cerebral secundario en un paciente con esquizofrenia / Self-inflicted injury and secondary cerebral abscess in a patient with schizophrenia

RESUMEN La lesión autoinfligida es un acto intencional de hacerse daño sin propósito suicida. El presente caso describe a un paciente esquizofrénico de 37 años de edad, que ha padecido 20 años con la enfermedad, y síntomas recientes de irritabilidad, agresividad, aislamiento, ideas de perjuicio y contaminación («tengo un estafilococo en mi cabeza¼). Durante 10 años utilizaba varios objetos, incluido un bisturí con el que llegó a remover (extirpar) parte de la calota, ocasionando un edema vasogénico en la región córtico-fronto-parietal izquierda que produjo hemiparesia braquiocrural derecha y motivó su admisión. Luego de descartarse un accidente cerebrovascular o tumor cerebral, fue intervenido quirúrgicamente para la extracción de un absceso cerebral. Recibió varios fármacos antipsicóticos con respuesta parcial, y más tarde mejoró con la administración de paliperidona. En casos como este, es necesario un tamizaje, diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos para evitar evolución y pronóstico tórpidos en pacientes esquizofrénicos con lesiones autoinfligidas y con historia de pobre respuesta y adherencia al tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Self-injury is the intentional act of causing harm to oneself, without suicidal purposes. This case report describes a 37-year-old schizophrenic patient, with a history of 20 years, and recent symptoms of irritability, aggressiveness, isolation, self-harm and contamination ideas ("I have a staphylococcus in my head"). For 10 years, he used a variety of objects to manipulate himself, among them a scalpel with which he extirpated part of the calotte, causing a vasogenic edema in the left cortico-fronto-parietal region that produced a right brachio-crural haemiparesis, the reason for his admission. After ruling out a stroke or a brain tumor, he underwent surgery for the removal of a brain abscess; he received several antipsychotic agents with only a partial response that later improved after being switched to paliperidone. In cases like this, it is necessary to conduct a timely screening, diagnosis and treatment in order to avoid a torpid evolution and prognosis in schizophrenic patients with long-standing self-inflicted injuries and a history of poor adherence and response to treatment.

Citicolina: revisión farmacológica y clínica, actualización 2022 / Citicoline: pharmacological and clinical review, 2022 update

Esta revisión se basa en la publicada en 2016 –Secades JJ. Citicolina: revisión farmacológica y clínica, actualización 2016. Rev Neurol 2016; 63 (Supl 3): S1-S73–, e incorpora 176 nuevas referencias aparecidas desde entonces, con toda la información disponible para facilitar el acceso a toda la información en un único documento. La revisión se centra en las principales indicaciones del fármaco, como los accidentes cerebrovasculares agudos y sus secuelas, incluyendo el deterioro cognitivo, y los traumatismos craneoencefálicos y sus secuelas. Se recogen los principales aspectos experimentales y clínicos en estas indicaciones

This review is based on the previous one published in 2016 (Secades JJ. Citicoline: pharmacological and clinical review, 2016 update. Rev Neurol 2016; 63 (Supl 3): S1-S73), incorporating 176 new references, having all the information available in the same document to facilitate the access to the information in one document. This review is focused on the main indications of the drug, as acute stroke and its sequelae, including the cognitive impairment, and traumatic brain injury and its sequelae. There are retrieved the most important experimental and clinical data in both indications.(AU)

Relationship satisfaction among spouse caregivers of service members and veterans with comorbid mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

This study examined relationship satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among spouse caregivers assisting service members and veterans (SMV) with comorbid uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Spouse caregivers (N = 205) completed the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI), 12 HRQOL measures, and the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory 4th Edition (MPAI-4). T-scores were classified as "clinically elevated" using a cutoff of ≥60T. The sample was also classified into "Satisfied" (≥13.5, n = 113, 55.0%) or "Dissatisfied" (<13.5, n = 92, 44.0%) relationship categories. Using stepwise regression analysis, Anxiety, Family Disruption, Vigilance, Emotional Support, Feeling Trapped, and MPAI-4 Adjustment were identified as the strongest predictors of CSI total scores (p < 0.001), accounting for 41.6% of the variance. Squared semi-partial correlations revealed that 18.1% of the variance was shared across all six measures, with 7.8% to 1.5% of unique variance accounted for by each measure separately. When comparing the number of clinically elevated measures simultaneously, the Dissatisfied group consistently had a higher number of clinically elevated scores compared to the Satisfied group (e.g., 3-or-more clinically elevated scores: Dissatisfied = 40.2%, Satisfied = 8.8%, OR = 6.93, H = 0.76). Caring for a SMV with comorbid TBI and PTSD can have a profound impact on the spouse caregiver's HRQOL, relationship satisfaction, and family functioning. The findings from the current study continue to support the need for family involvement in the SMV's treatment plan, but more effort is needed to integrate behavioral health treatment that focuses on the family member's own issues into military TBI and PTSD systems of care.

En este estudio se analizó la satisfacción con la relación y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud entre cónyuges cuidadores que asisten a miembros del servicio militar y veteranos con lesión cerebral traumática leve sin complicaciones concomitante con trastorno por estrés postraumático. Los cónyuges cuidadores (N=205) completaron el Índice de satisfacción de las parejas (Couples Satisfaction Index, CSI), la Encuesta de 12 ítems sobre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (12 HRQQL) y la Encuesta de Adaptabilidad Mayo-Portland 4.ª edición (Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory 4th Edition, MPAI-4). Los puntajes T se clasificaron en "clínicamente elevados" usando un valor de corte de ≥60T. La muestra también se clasificó en categorías de relaciones "satisfechas" (>13.5, n=113, 55.0%) o "insatisfechas" (<13.5, n=92, 44.0%). Utilizando un análisis de regresión paso a paso, se identificaron la ansiedad, la interrupción familiar, la vigilancia, el apoyo emocional, la sensación de estar atrapado y la adaptación de la MPAI-4 como los factores pronósticos más fuertes de los puntajes totales del CSI (p<.001), que representaron el 41.6% de la varianza. Las correlaciones semiparciales al cuadrado revelaron que el 18.1% de la varianza se compartió entre las seis medidas, con una varianza única de 7.8% a 1.5% representada por cada medida separadamente. Cuando se comparó el número de medidas clínicamente elevadas de manera simultánea, el grupo insatisfecho tuvo sistemáticamente un número más alto de puntajes clínicamente elevados en comparación con el grupo satisfecho (p. ej.: 3 o más puntajes clínicamente elevados: insatisfecho=40.2%, satisfecho=8.8%, OR=6.93, H=.76). cuidar a un miembro del servicio militar o a un veterano con lesión cerebral traumática leve y trastorno por estrés postraumático concomitantes puede afectar enormemente la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud del cónyuge cuidador, la satisfacción con la relación y el funcionamiento familiar. Los resultados del presente estudio continúan respaldando la necesidad de la participación familiar en el plan de tratamiento del miembro del servicio militar o veterano, pero se necesita más esfuerzo para integrar un tratamiento de salud conductual que se centre en los problemas propios del familiar en los sistemas de atención de militares con lesión cerebral traumática leve y trastorno por estrés postraumático.

Propuesta de protocolo en pacientes comatosos tras lesión cerebral traumática grave / Protocol proposal in comatose patients after severe traumatic brain injury

Resumen Introducción: Para analizar cuál es la mejor alternativa para la recuperación del paciente comatoso tras la lesión cerebral traumática grave en su contexto agudo, entre 1-6 semanas tras el evento traumático, se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática. Metodología: La búsqueda empleó las principales bases de datos (Pubmed, Embase, Ovid y Cochrane) con la finalidad de discernir qué terapias son las más propicias para una correcta mejora neurocognitiva del enfermo. Se profundizará en la estimulación sensorial, las diversas instrucciones que se han recopilado sobre su aplicación clínica, el por qué de su efectividad, cuáles son los mejores tipos de estimulación y el fenómeno de habituación. Resultados: Este campo será el de la estimulación sensorial multimodal: por un lado, el uso de la estimulación sensorial que surge de los familiares y que se muestra ciertamente efectiva; y por otro lado, la realización de sesiones en las que intervenga personal del hospital y que estimule los diferentes sentidos. A partir de ciertos estudios se deducirá y comprobará que habrá un efecto positivo significativo al combinar ambas terapias. Esta unión sinérgica terapéutica será la que se pueda protocolizar y llevar a cabo en cualquier hospital. Conclusiones: Por tanto, se presenta el tratamiento terapéutico definitivo para pacientes clínicamente estables que han sufrido una LCT grave en un contexto agudo. Se debe destacar que el principal objetivo de la propuesta es aportar indicaciones a partir de la experiencia clínica sobre cómo se tienen que hacer los diferentes tipos de estimulación para obtener un resultado favorable.

Introduction: To analyze which is the best alternative for the recovery of the comatose patient after severe traumatic brain injury in its acute context, between 1-6 weeks after the traumatic event, a systematic bibliographic search was carried out. Methodology: The search used the main databases (Pubmed, Embase, Ovid and Cochrane) in order to discern which therapies are most conducive to a correct neurocognitive improvement of the patient. The sensory stimulation will be deepened, the various instructions that have been compiled about its clinical application, the why of its effectiveness, which are the best types of stimulation and the habituation phenomenon. Results: This field will be that of multimodal sensory stimulation: on the one hand, the use of sensory stimulation that emerges from the relatives and that is certainly effective; and on the other hand, the realization of sessions in which hospital personnel intervene and stimulate the different senses. From certain studies it will be deduced and verified that there will be a significant positive effect when combining both therapies. This synergistic therapeutic union will be the one that can be protocolized and carried out in any hospital. Conclusions: Therefore, definitive therapeutic treatment is presented for clinically stable patients who have suffered a severe TBI in an acute context. It should be noted that the main objective of the proposal is to provide indications based on clinical experience on how different types of stimulation have to be done in order to obtain a favorable result.

Immunoexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor, beta-cell lymphoma 2 and cluster of differentiation 68 in cerebellar tissue of rats treated with Ganoderma lucidum / Inmunoexpresión del factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular, linfoma de células beta 2 y grupo de diferenciación 68 en tejido cerebeloso de ratas tratadas con Ganoderma lucidum

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can potentially lead to hemorrhages in all areas of the skull, which can damage cells and nerve connections. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPS) as a antioxidant on cerebellar cell tissues after traumatic brain injury in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to TBI with a weight-drop device using 300 g1m weight-height impact. The groups are consisted of control, trauma, and trauma+Ganoderma lucidum groups. At seven days post-brain injury, experimental rats were decapitated after intraperitoneal administration of ketamine HCL (0.15 ml/100 g body weight). Cereballar samples were taken for histological examination or determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Significant improvement was observed in cells and vascular structures of Ganoderma lucidum treated groups when compared to untreated groups. It is believed that Ganoderma lucidum may have an effect on the progression of traumatic brain injury. Ganoderma lucidum application may affect angiogenetic development in blood vessel endothelial cells, decrease inflammatory cell accumulation by affecting cytokine mechanism and may create apoptotic nerve cells and neuroprotective mechanism in glial cells.

La lesión cerebral traumática (LCT) puede provocar hemorragias en todas las áreas del cráneo, lo que puede dañar las células y las conexiones nerviosas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos protectores de los polisacáridos de Ganoderma lucidum (GLPS) como antioxidante en los tejidos de las células del cerebelo después de la lesión cerebral traumática en ratas. Ratas Sprague Dawley fueron sometidas a TBI con un dispositivo de caída de peso usando un impacto de peso de 300 g-1 m. Se formaron los siguientes grupos: control, trauma y trauma + Ganoderma lucidum. Siete días después de la lesión cerebral, las ratas experimentales fueron decapitadas después de la administración intraperitoneal de ketamina HCL (0,15 ml / 100 g de peso corporal). Se tomaron muestras cerebrales para el examen histológico y para la determinación de niveles de malondialdehído (MDA) y glutatión (GSH) y actividad de mieloperoxidasa (MPO). Se observó una mejora significativa en las células y las estructuras vasculares de los grupos tratados con Ganoderma lucidum en comparación con los grupos no tratados. Durante el estudio se observó que Ganoderma lucidum puede tener un efecto sobre la progresión de la lesión cerebral traumática. La aplicación de Ganoderma lucidum puede afectar el desarrollo angiogénico en las células endoteliales de los vasos sanguíneos, disminuir la acumulación de células inflamatorias al afectar el mecanismo de las citocinas y puede crear células nerviosas apoptóticas y un mecanismo neuroprotector en las células gliales.

Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on retinal damage after traumatic brain injury / Efectos del ester fenetílico del ácido cafeico en el daño de la retina después de una lesion cerebral traumática

SUMMARY: Head trauma damages the optic nerve visual function and visual acuity.Effects of head trauma on the retina was investigated with biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical respects.The study was conducted on 30 rats with three groups: group 1 was control group (n=10). Second group was head-traumatized group (n=10) and last group was head-traumatized+Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE, i.p. 20ml/kg/day). Upon head was traumatized, CAPE was applied to trauma+CAPE group and then for the following four days. At the end of 5th day, rats were anesthetized with ketamine hydroxide and then blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. MDA and GSH-Px values were compared. After blood sample, total eyes of rats were dissected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. In trauma group, degeneration in retinal photoreceptor cells, disintegrity and in inner and outer nuclear layers, hypertrophy in ganglion cells, and hemorrhage in blood vessels were observed. In the group treated with CAPE, lesser degeneration in photoreceptor cells, regular appearances of inner and outer nuclear layers, mild hemorrhage in blood vessels of ganglionic cell layer were observed. The apoptotic changes caused by trauma seen in photoreceptor and ganglionic cells were decreased and cellular organization was preserved due to CAPE treatment. CAPE was thought to induce healing process on traumatic damages.

RESUMEN: El trauma craneal daña la función visual del nervio óptico y la agudeza visual. Se investigaron los efectos del traumatismo craneal en la retina con aspectos bioquímicos, histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos. El estudio se realizó en 30 ratas distribuidas en tres grupos: grupo control (n = 10); grupo con traumatismo craneal (n = 10); grupo con traumatismo craneoencefálico + Éster fenetílico de ácido cafeico (CAPE, i.p. 20 ml / kg / día). Sobre la cabeza traumatizada, se aplicó CAPE a trauma + grupo CAPE durante los siguientes cuatro días. Al final del día 5, las ratas se anestesiaron con hidróxido de ketamina y luego se tomaron muestras de sangre para el análisis bioquímico. Se compararon los valores de MDA y GSH-Px. Después de la muestra de sangre, se disecaron los ojos de las ratas para su análisis histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico. En el grupo de traumatismos, se observó degeneración en las células fotorreceptoras retinianas, desintegridad en capas nucleares internas y externas, hipertrofia en células ganglionares y hemorragia en los vasos sanguíneos. En el grupo tratado con CAPE, se observó una menor degeneración en las células fotorreceptoras, apariciones regulares de capas nucleares internas y externas, hemorragia leve en los vasos sanguíneos de la capa de células ganglionares. Los cambios apoptóticos causados por el trauma visto en el fotorreceptor y las células ganglionares disminuyeron y la organización celular se conservó debido al tratamiento con CAPE. Se concluyó que CAPE induce un proceso de curación en daños traumáticos.

Influence of refractive error on pupillary dynamics in the normal and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) populations.

PURPOSE: There have been several studies investigating static, baseline pupil diameter in visually-normal individuals across refractive error. However, none have assessed the dynamic pupillary light reflex (PLR). In the present study, both static and dynamic pupillary parameters of the PLR were assessed in both the visually-normal (VN) and the mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) populations and compared as a function of refractive error. METHODS: The VN population comprised 40 adults (22-56 years of age), while the mTBI population comprised 32 adults (21-60 years of age) over a range of refractive errors (-9.00D to +1.25D). Seven pupillary parameters (baseline static diameter, latency, amplitude, and peak and average constriction and dilation velocities) were assessed and compared under four white-light stimulus conditions (dim pulse, dim step, bright pulse, and bright step). The Neuroptics, infrared, DP-2000 binocular pupillometer (30Hz sampling rate; 0.05mm resolution) was used in the monocular (right eye) stimulation mode. RESULTS: For the majority of pupillary parameters and stimulus conditions, a Gaussian distribution best fit the data, with the apex centered in the low myopic range (-2.3 to -4.9D). Responsivity was reduced to either side of the apex. CONCLUSIONS: Over a range of dynamic and static pupillary parameters, the PLR was influenced by refractive error in both populations. In cases of high refractive error, the PLR parameters may need to be compensated for this factor for proper categorization and diagnosis.

[Magnetic resonance in traumatic brain injury: A comparative study of the different conventional magnetic resonance imaging sequences and their diagnostic value in diffuse axonal injury]. / Resonancia magnética en el traumatismo craneal grave: estudio comparativo de las diferentes secuencias de resonancia magnética convencional y su valor diagnóstico en la lesión axonal difusa.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the identification capability of traumatic axonal injury (TAI) by different sequences on conventional magnetic resonance (MR) studies in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retropectevely analyzed 264 TBI patients to whom a MR had been performed in the first 60 days after trauma. All clinical variables related to prognosis were registered, as well as the data from the initial computed tomography. The MR imaging protocol consisted of a 3-plane localizer sequence T1-weighted and T2-weighted fast spin-echo, FLAIR and gradient-echo images (GRET2*). TAI lesions were classified according to Gentry and Firsching classifications. We calculated weighted kappa coefficients and the area under the ROC curve for each MR sequence. A multivariable analyses was performed to correlate MR findings in each sequence with the final outcome of the patients. RESULTS: TAI lesions were adequately visualized on T2, FLAIR and GRET2* sequences in more than 80% of the studies. Subcortical TAI lesions were well on FLAIR and GRET2* sequences visualized hemorrhagic TAI lesions. We saw that these MR sequences had a high inter-rater agreement for TAI diagnosis (0.8). T2 sequence presented the highest value on ROC curve in Gentry (0.68, 95%CI: 0.61-0.76, p<0.001, Nagerlkerke-R2 0.26) and Firsching classifications (0.64, 95%CI 0.57-0.72, p<0.001, Nagerlkerke-R2 0.19), followed by FLAIR and GRET2* sequences. Both classifications determined by each of these sequences were associated with poor outcome after performing a multivariable analyses adjusted for prognostic factors (p<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend to perform conventional MR study in subacute phase including T2, FLAIR and GRET2* sequences for visualize TAI lesions. These MR findings added prognostic information in TBI patients.

Una revisión sistemática del monitoreo de la presión intracraneana en adultos con trauma craneoencefálico severo / A systematic review of intracranial pressure monitoring in adults with severe traumatic brain injury

Objetivos: Revisar sistemáticamente la evidencia relacionada con el monitoreo de la presion intracraneana en unidades de cuidado neurocrítico en el contexto de trauma craneoencefálico severo. Criterios de elección: Ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que comparen el uso del monitoreo de la presión intracraneana (PIC) que muestren un estimado de mortalidad/discapacidad a 6 meses, en pacientes mayores de 12 años de edad con trauma craneoencefálico severo (escala de Glasgow menor a 8). Método de búsqueda: En Medline, el Registro Central de Ensayos Controlados (CENTRAL); PubMed, HINARI, EMBASE; Grupo Cochrane de Lesiones y las listas de referencias de artículos. De acuerdo con el Manual Cochrane para meta-análisis y revisión sistemática. Resultados: No hubo diferencias entre el grupo de PIC y el control en el pronóstico de discapacidad (RR [Riesgo Relativo]1.01, 95 por ciento CI 0.87 to 1.18). Sin embargo, el monitoreo de la PIC reduce la estancia en UCI en comparación con otros métodos. La estancia en UCI con tratamiento cerebral específico también se redujo en comparación con grupo control. Conclusiones: En pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico, no hubo diferencia entre el monitoreo de la PIC y el examen clínico sin embargo, para mantener una PIC baja, hubo una sustancial reducción de requerimiento de solución salina hipertónica y un descenso en la hiperventilación trayendo consigo beneficios para pacientes en UCI.

Objectives: To systematically review the evidence of intracranial pressure monitoring in neuro critical care unit in the context of a severe head injury. Study eligibility criteria: Patients were older than 12 years ,had a severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow coma scale < 8), that compared the use of ICP monitoring with control, that presented an estimate of mortality/ disability prognosis 6 months after injury.only randomized clinical trials. Methods: Searched MEDLINE, the Central Registerof Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed, HINARI,EMBASE; Cochrane Injuries group and the reference lists of articles. In accordance with the Cochrane handbook for meta-analysis and systematic review. Results: In the ICP and control groups there was no difference in the prognosis of disability (RR [Relative Risk]1.01, 95 percent CI 0.87 to 1.18). However, ICP monitoring reduced the duration of stay in ICU compared to other surveillance methods. The stay in the ICU with specific medical support for brain injury was also reduced compared to the control group. Conclusions: In patients with severe traumatic brain injury, the ICP monitoring was not difference to imaging and clinical examination. However, by keeping the ICP low there was a substantial reduction in the requirement for hypertonic saline and a decrease in hyperventilation providing benefits to thepatient in the ICU.

Frequência de déficits neuropsicológicos após traumatismo cranioencefálico / Frequency of neurolopsychological deficits after traumatic brain injury / Frecuencia de déficits neuropsicológicos posteriores a lesión cerebral traumática

O traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) pode acarretar mudanças no cotidiano e prejuízos social, laboral, comunicativo e cognitivo (dificuldades atencionais, mnemônicas e executivas). Este estudo buscou caracterizar a ocorrência de déficits neuropsicológicos após o TCE em uma amostra de adultos e verificar se há impacto do nível de severidade do trauma no desempenho cognitivo dos pacientes. Participaram 96 adultos, divididos em dois grupos: TCE leve (n=39) e grave (n=57). A gravidade do trauma foi classificada pela Escala de Coma de Glasgow, pela duração da perda de consciência, ou pela amnésia pós-traumática. Não houve diferença nas variáveis sociodemográficas idade e escolaridade entre os grupos. Para a comparação entre grupos quanto a ocorrência de déficits neuropsicológicos, utilizou-se o Qui-quadrado. Tarefas verbais e visuoespaciais de funções executivas, habilidades linguísticas, mnemônicas verbais compuseram uma bateria neuropsicológica flexível.Os pacientes com TCE leve tiveram menos déficits comparados aos com TCE grave (erros e categorias completadas do Wisconsin Teste de Classificação de Cartas; erros da parte B do Teste Hayling; e na interferência pró e retroativa do teste de aprendizagem verbal de Rey). A severidade do trauma parece diferenciar indivíduos no desempenho de memória episódica no contexto de maior sobrecarga de informações novas e no controle da interferência entre memórias; o mesmo se aplica às funções de flexibilidade e inibição. Faz-se necessário um maior investimento em ações de políticas públicas de saúde, priorizando intervenção neurognitiva remediativa e métodos de prevenção para acidentes relacionados a lesões traumáticas com alta ocorrência de sequelas.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to significant changes in daily life, as well as in social, labor, communicative, and cognitive domains (attention, memory and executive functions). This study aimed to characterize the occurrence of post-TBI neuropsychological deficits as well as to determine whether there is an impact related to the level of severity of the trauma on the patient's performance. Ninety-six adults participated in the study, who were divided in two groups to assess the trauma's level of severity: mild TBI (n=39) and severe TBI (n=57). This severity was classified by the Glasgow Coma Scale, by the duration of consciousness loss, or by post-traumatic amnesia. There were no differences between the groups regarding variables of age and years of schooling. A Chi- square test was used to do a comparison between the two groups in terms of occurrence of neuropsychological deficits. Verbal, visuospatial, mnemonic, linguistic and executive tests composed a flexible neuropsychological battery. Patients with mild TBI had better scores compared to those with severe TBI (number of errors and in completed categories of the Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (MWCST); errors in Part B of The Hayling Test; and proactive and retroactive interference in the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). The severity of the trauma seems to differentiate individual's performance on episodic memory of new information and in the control of interference between memories; the same is applied to flexibility and inhibition functions. These results suggest the need for more investments in public health policy actions, prioritizing neurocognitive remedial intervention and prevention methods for such condition with high incidence of sequelae.

El traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) puede conllevar impactantes cambios en la vida cotidiana, que incluyen alteraciones a nivel social, profesional, comunicativo y cognitivo (dificultades atencionales, mnemónicas y ejecutivas). Este estudio tuvo por objeto caracterizar la ocurrencia de déficits neuropsicológicos post-TCE y constatar el impacto ocasionado por el nivel de severidad del trauma en el desempeño cognitivo de los pacientes. Participaron 96 adultos en la muestra total, que fue dividida en dos grupos para evaluar el nivel de severidad del trauma: TCE leve (n=39) y TCE grave (n=77). La gravedad de la lesión se clasificó por medio de la Escala de Coma de Glasgow, por la duración de la pérdida de consciencia, o por la amnesia post-traumática. No había diferencias entre la edad y la escolaridad de los participantes. Para la comparación entre los grupos en cuanto a la distribución de ocurrencia de déficits neuropsicológicos, se utilizó el Chi-cuadrado. Se utilizó una batería de evaluación neuropsicológica flexible conformada por tareas verbales y visoespaciales de habilidades lingüísticas, mnemónicas y ejecutivas. Los grupos no se diferenciaron en cuanto a las variables sociodemográficas. Los pacientes con TCE leve tuvieron mejores puntajes comparados con los de TCE grave (número de errores y categorías completadas del Test de clasificación de tarjetas de Wisconsin- [WCST, por sus siglas en inglés]; errores en la parte B del Test de Hayling; y en la interferencia retro y proactiva del Test de aprendizaje auditivo verbal de Rey [RAVLT, por sus siglas en inglés]. El nivel de severidad del trauma parece mostrar diferencias en los individuos en cuanto al desempeño en memoria episódica de información nueva y en el control de interferencia entre los recuerdos; lo mismo se aplica a las funciones de flexibilidad e inhibición. Estos resultados sugieren que es necesaria una mayor inversión en acciones de políticas públicas, priorizando intervenciones neurocognitivas reeducativas y métodos de prevención de accidentes relacionados con lesiones traumáticas que tengan alta incidencia de secuelas.

Effect of chromatic filters on visual performance in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI): A pilot study.

PURPOSE: Spectral filters have been used clinically in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, they have not been formally assessed using objective techniques in this population. Thus, the aim of the present pilot study was to determine the effect of spectral filters on reading performance and visuo-cortical responsivity in adults with mTBI. METHODS: 12 adults with mTBI/concussion were tested. All reported photosensitivity and reading problems. They were compared to 12 visually-normal, asymptomatic adults. There were several test conditions: three luminance-matched control filters (gray neutral density, blue, and red), the patient-selected 'precision tint lens' that provided the most comfort and clarity of text using the Intuitive Colorimeter System, and baseline without any filters. The Visagraph was used to assess reading eye movements and reading speed objectively with each filter. In addition, both the amplitude and latency of the visual-evoked potential (VEP) were assessed with the same filters. RESULTS: There were few significant group differences in either the reading-related parameters or VEP latency for any of the test filter conditions. Subjective improvements were noted in most with mTBI (11/12). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with mTBI chose a tinted filter that resulted in increased visual comfort. While significant findings based on the objective testing were found for some conditions, the subjective results suggest that precision tints should be considered as an adjunctive treatment in patients with mTBI and photosensitivity.

[Traumatic occipitocervical and atlantoaxial dislocation with clivus fracture in a child. Case report]. / Luxación traumática occipitocervical y atlantoaxial con fractura del clivus en un paciente pediátrico. Reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Cranieovertebral junction lesions in the paediatric population are associated with a low survival rate, which has declined in recent years. Neurological disability is a major concern due to the high economical cost it represents. Paediatric patients are more susceptible to this lesion because of hyperextension capacity, flat articulation, and increased ligamentous laxity. Survival after these kinds of injuries has been more often reported in adults, but are limited in the paediatric population. CLINICAL CASE: A case is reported of an 8-year-old male with occipitocervical and atlantoaxial dislocation associated with clivus fracture, brain oedema, and post-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). A halo vest system was placed with no traction. One month after the trauma the patient was surgically treated with C1 and C2 trans-articular screws, occipitocervical fixation with plate and screws, and C1- C2 fixation with tricortical bone graft and wires without complication. He has now returned to school and is self-sufficient. CONCLUSIONS: With better pre-hospital medical care and with improved surgical techniques the mortality rate has declined in this kind of lesion.

[Children with minor head injury in the emergency department: Is skull radiography necessary for children under 2 years?]. / Niños con traumatismo craneal leve en urgencias: ¿es necesaria la radiografía de cráneo en pacientes menores de 2 años?

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines on the management of mild head trauma (traumatic brain injury/TBI) do not include the presence of a skull fracture in determining the risk of intracranial injury. However, in our setting cranial radiography is still performed frequently to rule out the presence of skull fracture. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of clinically-important traumatic brain injuries (ciTBI) in children younger than two years of age with mild TBI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive observational study. All children attended in emergency department with mild TBI (Glasgow ≥14 points) for a year were included. We defined ciTBI as intracranial injuries that caused death or required neurosurgery, intubation for more than 24 hours, inotropic drugs or mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: The study included 854 children, of which 457 (53.5%) were male. The median patient age was 11.0 months (P25-75: 7.5-17.0 months). In 741 cases (86.8%) the mechanism of TBI was a fall. In 438 cases (51.3%) skull radiography was performed. Eleven children (1.3%) had intracranial injury, but none met the criteria for ciTBI (estimated prevalence of ciTBI was 0%; CI 95%: 0%-0.4%). CONCLUSION: Children younger than two years of age with mild TBI have low prevalence of ciTBI. Consequently, it is possible to monitor children younger than two years with a TBI without performing skull radiography.

Medio militar y trastornos auditivos inducidos por ruido / The military environment and noise-induced hearing impairments

En el medio militar el personal se ve sometido a los más altos niveles de ruido; se considera que las detonaciones de las armas de fuego superan en intensidad a todos los ruidos industriales. Este trabajo pretende abordar los factores de riesgo y vulnerabilidad asociados a la exposición al ruido en el ambiente militar, los aspectos más actuales relacionados con la lesión auditiva inducida por ruido y su protección. Se realizó una revisión de los artículos más representativos mediante la base de datos Medline e Hinari, se empleó para la búsqueda y creación de la bibliografía el gestor personal de referencias bibliográficas Procite, referencias al tema en revistas, tesis y referencias en Internet mediante el buscador Google. Los resultados reafirman la vulnerabilidad del personal militar a padecer algún tipo de lesión del aparato auditivo inducida por ruido, originado por los niveles de ruido elevado que se producen en el medio militar, la necesidad de enfocar de forma multidisciplinaria este tipo de lesiones y la importancia de implementar sistemas de protección auditiva eficientes, con el fin de elevar la calidad de vida de los expuestos a ruido y evitar que se produzca la discapacidad auditiva, considerando que la mejor opción es su prevención(AU)

Extremely high noise levels are characteristic of the military environment. Firearm detonations are considered to exceed the intensity of any industrial noise. The paper approaches the risk factors and vulnerabilities associated with exposure to noise in the military environment, as well as the most recent notions about noise-induced hearing injury and hearing protection. A review was conducted of the most representative papers on the topic using databases Medline and Hinari. Bibliography lists were searched for and created using Procite personal bibliographic reference manager. Google search engine was used to find references to the topic in journals, theses and Internet references. Results confirm the vulnerability of military personnel to suffer from noise-induced hearing injuries resulting from the high noise levels occurring in the military environment, the need to approach such injuries in a multidisciplinary manner, and the importance of implementing efficient hearing protection systems, with a view to improving the quality of life of persons exposed to noise and preventing hearing impairment, based on the certainty that prevention is always the best option(AU)

Medio militar y trastornos auditivos inducidos por ruido / The military environment and noise-induced hearing impairments

En el medio militar el personal se ve sometido a los más altos niveles de ruido; se considera que las detonaciones de las armas de fuego superan en intensidad a todos los ruidos industriales. Este trabajo pretende abordar los factores de riesgo y vulnerabilidad asociados a la exposición al ruido en el ambiente militar, los aspectos más actuales relacionados con la lesión auditiva inducida por ruido y su protección. Se realizó una revisión de los artículos más representativos mediante la base de datos Medline e Hinari, se empleó para la búsqueda y creación de la bibliografía el gestor personal de referencias bibliográficas Procite, referencias al tema en revistas, tesis y referencias en Internet mediante el buscador Google. Los resultados reafirman la vulnerabilidad del personal militar a padecer algún tipo de lesión del aparato auditivo inducida por ruido, originado por los niveles de ruido elevado que se producen en el medio militar, la necesidad de enfocar de forma multidisciplinaria este tipo de lesiones y la importancia de implementar sistemas de protección auditiva eficientes, con el fin de elevar la calidad de vida de los expuestos a ruido y evitar que se produzca la discapacidad auditiva, considerando que la mejor opción es su prevención.

Extremely high noise levels are characteristic of the military environment. Firearm detonations are considered to exceed the intensity of any industrial noise. The paper approaches the risk factors and vulnerabilities associated with exposure to noise in the military environment, as well as the most recent notions about noise-induced hearing injury and hearing protection. A review was conducted of the most representative papers on the topic using databases Medline and Hinari. Bibliography lists were searched for and created using Procite personal bibliographic reference manager. Google search engine was used to find references to the topic in journals, theses and Internet references. Results confirm the vulnerability of military personnel to suffer from noise-induced hearing injuries resulting from the high noise levels occurring in the military environment, the need to approach such injuries in a multidisciplinary manner, and the importance of implementing efficient hearing protection systems, with a view to improving the quality of life of persons exposed to noise and preventing hearing impairment, based on the certainty that prevention is always the best option.

A rare case of penetrating cranial trauma by knife with direct lesion to the anterior cerebral artery

Las lesiones penetrantes en el cráneo por lo general se asocian con alta mortalidad. Ellos pueden ser el resultado de numerosos eventos, la mayoría de ellos están causados por un trauma de alta energía. La perforación de un cráneo por los objetos de baja energía cinética es inusual en la práctica neuroquirúrgica. Un alto porcentaje de los casos con lesiones penetrantes craneales se asocian con lesiones vasculares, lo que requiere el estudio de la vascularización intracraneal para una conducta médica adecuada. Presentamos un caso de una paciente de 32 años de edad que sufrió un trauma penetrante en el cráneo con un cuchillo a través de los huesos del cráneo, con lesión directa a la arteria cerebral anterior, e incluimos una breve revisión de la literatura sobre el tema.

The penetrating injuries of the skull are usually associated with high mortality. They may be the result of numerous events, the majority of them being caused by high energy trauma. Penetrating brain injury by objects of low kinetic energy is unusual in the neurosurgical practice. A high percentage of the cases with penetrating injuries is associated with cranial vascular lesions, requiring study of the intracranial vasculature for proper management. We report on a case of a 32-year-old patient who suffered a head-penetrating trauma by a knife through the bones of the skull, with direct injury to the anterior cerebral artery, including a brief review of the literature on the theme.

Diferencias según el sexo en la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca luego de traumatismo craneoencefálico / Sex differences in heart rate variability following acute traumatic brain injury

Antecedentes: Se reconocen cada vez más diferencias según el sexo en el pronóstico luego del traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE). Este artículo examina si dichas diferencias se observan en los valores de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (VFC), medida de la cual se halló previamente que se correlacionaba con la gravedad de la lesión y su pronóstico. Materiales, métodos y resultados: Se obtuvieron datos de 16 sujetos que habían sufrido un TCE y de controles apareados por edad y sexo. Los datos incluyeron detalles del traumatismo, registro electrocardiográfico continuo y resultado de la rehabilitación. Se observaron pruebas de disfunción cardíaca en los datos del TCE comparados con sus controles sanos apareados. Además, hubo una sugerencia preliminar de diferencias según el sexo en los parámetros de la VFC del grupo con TCE. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos en este grupo concuerdan con la bibliografía sobre la VFC luego de un TCE. Es recomendable que este trabajo continúe con otros artículos en los que se realicen estudios con una muestra más grande de sujetos con TCE para examinar detalladamente las diferencias según el sexo en los parámetros de la VFC.

Background: Sex differences in outcome followingtraumatic brain injury (TBI) are becoming increasinglyrecognised. This paper examines whether suchdifferences are found on measures of heart rate variability(HRV), a measure previously found to correlate with injuryseverity and outcome. Materials, methods and results:Data was collected on 16 subjects with TBI and their ageand sex matched controls. Data included injury details,continuous electrocardiograph recordings andrehabilitation outcome. Evidence of cardiac dysfunctionwas found in the TBI data compared to their matchedhealthy controls. Furthermore, there was preliminarysuggestion of sex differences in the HRV parameters ofthe TBI group. Conclusions: These group findingsreplicate previous literature on HRV following TBI. Theneed to follow-up this paper with larger sample of TBIsubjects in order to thoroughly examine sex differencesin HRV parameters is recommended.