Guía: Principios básicos de la neurorrehabilitación del paciente con daño cerebral adquirido. Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Neurorrehabilitación / Guidelines: Basic principles of neurorehabilitation for patients with acquired brain injury. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurorehabilitation

Introducción: Guía para la práctica clínica en neurorrehabilitación de personas adultas con daño cerebral adquirido de la Sociedad Española de Neurorrehabilitación. Documento basado en la revisión de guías de práctica clínica internacionales publicadas entre 2013-2020. Desarrollo: Se establecen recomendaciones según el nivel de evidencia que ofrecen los estudios revisados referentes a aspectos consensuados entre expertos dirigidos a definir la población, características específicas de la intervención o la exposición bajo investigación. Conclusiones: Deben recibir neurorrehabilitación todos aquellos pacientes que, tras un daño cerebral adquirido, hayan alcanzado una mínima estabilidad clínica. La neurorrehabilitación debe ofrecer tanto tratamiento como sea posible en términos de frecuencia, duración e intensidad (al menos 45-60 minutos de cada modalidad de terapia específica que el paciente precise). La neurorrehabilitación requiere un equipo transdisciplinar coordinado, con el conocimiento, la experiencia y las habilidades para trabajar en equipo tanto con pacientes como con sus familias. En la fase aguda, y para los casos más graves, se recomiendan programas de rehabilitación en unidades hospitalarias, procediéndose a tratamiento ambulatorio tan pronto como la situación clínica lo permita y se puedan mantener los criterios de intensidad. La duración del tratamiento debe basarse en la respuesta terapéutica y en las posibilidades de mejoría, en función del mayor grado de evidencia disponible. Al alta deben ofrecerse servicios de promoción de la salud, actividad física, apoyo y seguimiento para garantizar que se mantengan los beneficios alcanzados, detectar posibles complicaciones o valorar posibles cambios en la funcionalidad que hagan necesario el acceso a nuevos programas de tratamiento.(AU)

Introduction: We present the Spanish Society of Neurorehabilitation's guidelines for adult acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation. These recommendations are based on a review of international clinical practice guidelines published between 2013 and 2020. Development: We establish recommendations based on the levels of evidence of the studies reviewed and expert consensus on population characteristics and the specific aspects of the intervention or procedure under research. Conclusions: All patients with ABI should receive neurorehabilitation therapy once they present a minimal level of clinical stability. Neurorehabilitation should offer as much treatment as possible in terms of frequency, duration, and intensity (at least 45–60 min of each specific form of therapy that is needed). Neurorehabilitation requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary team with the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to work in collaboration both with patients and with their families. Inpatient rehabilitation interventions are recommended for patients with more severe deficits and those in the acute phase, with outpatient treatment to be offered as soon as the patient's clinical situation allows it, as long as intensity criteria can be maintained. The duration of treatment should be based on treatment response and the possibilities for further improvement, according to the best available evidence. At discharge, patients should be offered health promotion, physical activity, support, and follow-up services to ensure that the benefits achieved are maintained, to detect possible complications, and to assess possible changes in functional status that may lead the patient to need other treatment programmes.(AU)

La fatiga en el daño cerebral sobrevenido / Fatigue in patients with acquired brain damage

La fatiga es un síndrome multidimensional, complejo y frecuente en los pacientes con daño cerebral sobrevenido, influyendo negativamente en el proceso de neurorrehabilitación. Aparece desde etapas tempranas luego de la lesión y puede permanecer en el tiempo, recuperadas o no las secuelas del daño. La fatiga depende de circuitos neuronales superiores y se define como una percepción anómala de sobreesfuerzo. Tiene una prevalencia de 29% a 77% tras el ictus, 18% a 75% tras el traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) y 47% a 97% tras tumores cerebrales. La fatiga se asocia a factores como sexo femenino, edad avanzada, familia disfuncional, antecedentes patológicos específicos, estado funcional (p. ej. fatiga previa a la lesión), comorbilidades, estado anímico, discapacidad secundaria y uso de ciertos fármacos. Su estudio se realiza sobre todo a partir de escalas como la Escala de severidad de fatiga (Fatigue Severity Scale). Hoy en día existen avances en herramientas de imagen para su diagnóstico como la resonancia magnética funcional. En cuanto a su tratamiento, no existe aún terapia farmacológica definitiva, sin embargo, existen resultados positivos con terapias dentro de la neurorrehabilitación convencional, terapia lumínica y el uso del neurofeedback, estimulación eléctrica y magnética transcraneal. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo ayudar al profesional dedicado a la neurorrehabilitación a reconocer factores asociados modificables, así como terapias a su alcance para disminuir sus efectos nocivos en el paciente. (AU)

Fatigue is a complex, multidimensional syndrome that is prevalent in patients with acquired brain damage and has a negative impact on the neurorehabilitation process. It presents from early stages after the injury, and may persist over time, regardless of whether sequelae have resolved. Fatigue is conditioned by upper neuronal circuits, and is defined as an abnormal perception of overexertion. Its prevalence ranges from 29% to 77% after stroke, from 18% to 75% after traumatic brain injury, and from 47% to 97% after brain tumours. Fatigue is associated with factors including female sex, advanced age, dysfunctional families, history of specific health conditions, functional status (eg, fatigue prior to injury), comorbidities, mood, secondary disability, and the use of certain drugs. Assessment of fatigue is fundamentally based on such scales as the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Advances have recently been made in imaging techniques for its diagnosis, such as in functional MRI. Regarding treatment, no specific pharmacological treatment currently exists; however, positive results have been reported for some conventional neurorehabilitation therapies, such as bright light therapy, neurofeedback, electrical stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. This review aims to assist neurorehabilitation professionals to recognise modifiable factors associated with fatigue and to describe the treatments available to reduce its negative effect on patients. (AU)

Guidelines: basic principles of neurorehabilitation for patients with acquired brain injury. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurorehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: We present the Spanish Society of Neurorehabilitation's guidelines for adult acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation. These recommendations are based on a review of international clinical practice guidelines published between 2013 and 2020. DEVELOPMENT: We establish recommendations based on the levels of evidence of the studies reviewed and expert consensus on population characteristics and the specific aspects of the intervention or procedure under research. CONCLUSIONS: All patients with ABI should receive neurorehabilitation therapy once they present a minimal level of clinical stability. Neurorehabilitation should offer as much treatment as possible in terms of frequency, duration, and intensity (at least 45-60minutes of each specific form of therapy that is needed). Neurorehabilitation requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary team with the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to work in collaboration both with patients and with their families. Inpatient rehabilitation interventions are recommended for patients with more severe deficits and those in the acute phase, with outpatient treatment to be offered as soon as the patient's clinical situation allows it, as long as intensity criteria can be maintained. The duration of treatment should be based on treatment response and the possibilities for further improvement, according to the best available evidence. At discharge, patients should be offered health promotion, physical activity, support, and follow-up services to ensure that the benefits achieved are maintained, to detect possible complications, and to assess possible changes in functional status that may lead the patient to need other treatment programmes.

Empatía y autoconciencia en los pacientes con traumatismo cráneo-encefálico moderado y severo / Empathic and self-awareness in patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury

Introducción: Los traumatismos craneo-encéfalicos (TCE) constituyen la causa más común de discapacidad neurológica en los pacientes jóvenes. La empatía, componente importante en la cognición social, permite una interacción satisfactoria del sujeto con su entorno. Sus déficit supondrán percepciones sociales inadecuadas, respuestas inapropiadas y aislamiento social. La capacidad de comprender, ser sensible y representar estados mentales de otros, estarían relacionados con la capacidad de representar nuestros estados mentales, siendo fundamental la autoconsciencia.Materiales y métodosMediante un estudio descriptivo, se observó la relación entre la autoconciencia y la empatía en 31 pacientes de 16–45 años, en seguimiento ambulatorio con TCE moderado o severo del Departamento de Neuropsicología del Hospital de Clínicas (Montevideo – Uruguay). Instrumentos: Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS, Escala de Competencia del Paciente) (autoconciencia = PCRS del paciente – PCRS del familiar), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI, Índice de Reactividad Interpersonal) que evalúa empatía, y el Patrón Lesional (PL) accediendo al informe de tomografía axial computacional (TAC).ResultadosDiferencias significativas entre el reporte del paciente y el reporte del familiar después del TCE tanto en la dimensión fantasía (p = 0,0485) y en la dimensión toma de perspectiva del IRI (p = 0,0090). El 52% de los pacientes presentan un deterioro de la autoconciencia. Asociación entre la autoconciencia de las actividades de vida diaria y la dimensión fantasía de la empatía del IRI (r = −0,63, p = 0,009). Comportamiento significativo de: el malestar personal de la empatía del IRI con altos y bajos niveles de autoconciencia según la mediana (p = 0,0207) (bajos niveles de autoconciencia se asocian a dificultades en el malestar personal), y de la autoconciencia con pacientes con o sin cirugía craneoencefálica (p = 0,0295) (pacientes con cirugía presentan menor autoconciencia). (AU)

Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the most common cause of neurological disability in young patients. Empathy, an important factor of social cognition, allows a satisfactory interaction of the subject with his environment. Their deficits will suggest inadequate social perceptions, inappropriate answers, and social isolation. The ability to understand, be sensitive and represent the mental states of others, apparently would be related to the ability to represent our mental states, being fundamental to self-awareness.Materials and methodsA descriptive and quantitative study was performed. Objective: to observe the relationship between self-awareness and empathy in moderate or severe TBI patients.Patients: 31 Outpatients, aged between 16 and 45 years with a diagnosis of moderate or severe TBI, who attended the Neuropsychology Department of the Clinics Hospital (Montevideo – Uruguay).Instruments: Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS) (self-awareness = PCRS of the patient - PCRS family), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) that assesses empathy, and the Lesion Pattern (PL) by accessing the Computational Axial Tomography (CT) report.ResultsSignificant differences between the patient report and the family report after the TBI in the IRI Fantasy dimension (p = 0.0485), as well as in the IRI Perspective Taking dimension (p = 0.0090). 52% of patients present an impairment of self-awareness. Association between activities of daily living of self-awareness and fantasy of empathy (r = −0.63, p = 0.009). Significant behavior between personal distress of empathy (IRI) with high and low levels of self-awareness according to the median (p = 0.0207) (low levels of self-awareness are associated with less value in personal distress), and between self-awareness with patients with or without neurosurgery (p = 0,0295) (patients with surgery have less self-awareness). (AU)

Implementación de telerradiología en neurotrauma en áreas de difícil acceso-revisión sistemática / Implementation of teleradiology in neurotrauma in areas of difficult access - systematic review

ABSTRACT: Introduction: According to the world health organization, injuries represent more than 20% of health problems in the world. Head trauma and the absence of neurosurgery and radiology services in less populated areas make it difficult to assess and manage patients with brain injury. Objective: To describe the clinical findings and benefits derived from the implementation of teleradiology in neurotrauma in areas of difficult geographic access. Materials and methods: A systematic search was carried out in Pubmed, Scopus, Ebsco host, Sciencedirect, and Embase, with the thesauri "Teleradiology" and "Craniocerebral Trauma". Results: The decision to intervene in a patient with brain trauma and the period of time until surgery are essential for the clinical outcome. Those centers that use teleradiology require transfers to specialized hospitals, for which portable technological devices contribute to the response time of neurosurgery care. Conclusion: Teleradiology has a positive impact on patients with traumatic brain injury in geographical areas of difficult access, facilitating communication with specialists; providing timely care and optimizing transfers to high complexity centers.

RESUMEN: Introducción: Según la organización mundial de la saludlos traumatismos representan más del 20% de los pro-blemas en salud en el mundo. El trauma craneoencefálico y la ausencia de servicios de neurocirugía y radiología en zonas menos pobladas dificultan la valoración y manejo de pacientes con lesión cerebral. Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos clínicos y beneficios derivados de la implementación de la telerradiología en neurotrauma en áreas de difícil acceso geográfico. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en Pubmed, Scopus, Ebsco host, Sciencedirect, y Embase, con los tesauros "Teleradiology" y "Craniocerebral Trauma". Resultados: La decisi-ón de intervenir a un paciente con traumatismo cerebral y el periodo de tiempo hasta la cirugía son fundamentales para el desenlace clínico. Aquellos centros que usan la telerradiología, precisan los traslados a los hospitales espe-cializados, por lo cual los dispositivos tecnológicos portátiles contribuyen en el tiempo de respuesta de la atención en neurocirugía. Conclusión: La telerradiología impacta positivamente en pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico en zonas geográficas de difícil acceso, facilitando la comunicación con especialistas; brindando atención oportuna y optimizando los traslados a centros de alta complejidad. (AU)

Fatigue in patients with acquired brain damage. / La fatiga en el daño cerebral sobrevenido.

Fatigue is a complex, multidimensional syndrome that is prevalent in patients with acquired brain damage and has a negative impact on the neurorehabilitation process. It presents from early stages after the injury, and may persist over time, regardless of whether sequelae have resolved. Fatigue is conditioned by upper neuronal circuits, and is defined as an abnormal perception of overexertion. Its prevalence ranges from 29% to 77% after stroke, from 18% to 75% after traumatic brain injury, and from 47% to 97% after brain tumours. Fatigue is associated with factors including female sex, advanced age, dysfunctional families, history of specific health conditions, functional status (eg, fatigue prior to injury), comorbidities, mood, secondary disability, and the use of certain drugs. Assessment of fatigue is fundamentally based on such scales as the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Advances have recently been made in imaging techniques for its diagnosis, such as in functional MRI. Regarding treatment, no specific pharmacological treatment currently exists; however, positive results have been reported for some conventional neurorehabilitation therapies, such as bright light therapy, neurofeedback, electrical stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. This review aims to assist neurorehabilitation professionals to recognise modifiable factors associated with fatigue and to describe the treatments available to reduce its negative effect on patients.

Presión de perfusión cerebral en pacientes pediátricos con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave

RESUMEN Introducción: La mortalidad por traumatismo craneoencefálico grave (TCE g) en el paciente pediátrico, crece de forma directamente proporcional con la severidad de la injuria inicial. Se estima entre el 1 y 7 % de menores de 18 años afectados por dicha enfermedad en el mundo. La incidencia de muerte por esta causa oscila entre 2,8 y 3,75 por cada 100 000 niños anualmente. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo correlacional en el servicio de cuidados intensivos pediátricos del Hospital General Docente "Roberto Rodríguez" de Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, en el período entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 18 años. Las intervenciones fueron monitorización continua de la presión intracraneal, a través de una ventriculostomía al exterior y de la presión de perfusión cerebral y las variables presión intracraneal y presión de perfusión cerebral. Resultados: Se estudiaron 41 niños. Predominaron aquellos entre 5 y 17 años con 35 casos (85,3 %). La presión de perfusión cerebral en menores de 1 año fue >47mmhg en los dos casos estudiados, de 1-4 años >47mmhg en 2 casos y de 50mmhg en 23 casos (65,7 %) y 50mmhg se asoció con el grado V de la escala de resultados de Glasgow. Discusión: El control de la presión de perfusión cerebral con valores diferentes ajustados a los diferentes grupos de edades, a través de la manipulación de la presión intracraneal y la presión arterial media en el niño, mostró una adecuada relación con los resultados favorables.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Mortality from severe head injury (TBI g) in pediatric patients increases in direct proportion to the severity of the initial injury. It is estimated between 1 and 7% of children under 18 years of age affected by this disease in the world. The incidence of death from this cause ranges from 2.8 to 3.75 per 100,000 children annually. Methodology: A correlational descriptive study was carried out in the pediatric intensive care service of the General Teaching Hospital "Roberto Rodríguez" in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, in the period between January 2003 and December 2017. Minor patients were included of 18 years. The interventions were continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure, through an external ventriculostomy and cerebral perfusion pressure and the variable intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure. Results: 41 children were studied. Those between 5 and 17 years old predominated with 35 cases (85.3%). Cerebral perfusion pressure in children under 1 year of age was> 47mmhg in the two cases studied, from 1-4 years> 47mmhg in 2 cases and 50mmhg in 23 cases (65.7%) and 50mmhg was associated with grade V on the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Discussion: The control of cerebral perfusion pressure with different values adjusted to the different age groups, through the manipulation of intracranial pressure and mean arterial pressure in the child, showed an adequate relationship with the favorable results.

Craneoplastía con implante de polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA)para corregir secuela de trauma. Reporte de caso / Craneoplasty with a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Implant to correct trauma sequel. A case report

Introducción: los defectos del cráneo y las anomalías del hueso craneofacial que requie-ren reconstrucción son comunes en una variedad de procedimientos neuroquirúrgicos. Después de una craniectomía o de fracturas craneofaciales posteriores a traumatismos cráneoencefálicos, los pacientes pueden desarrollar defectos cosméticos importantes. Algunos de estos son la depresión de la piel y un defecto de hundimiento que lleva a una apariencia asimétrica de la cabeza, sin dejar de lado las repercusiones físicas, neu-rológicas y psicológicas que estas lesiones conllevan. La reconstrucción craneofacial y la craneoplastía tienen una larga historia, pero las nuevas técnicas quirúrgicas y una multitud de opciones de materiales han impulsado recientemente el avance en esta área. Los implantes de polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) han demostrado ser estables, bio-compatibles, no conductores, radiotransparentes y de bajo costo. Es así que se pueden colocar y modificar fácilmente, con lo que se elimina la morbilidad del sitio donante. Presentación del caso: en este artículo presentamos un caso de craneoplastía de defec-to frontal, posterior a traumatismo, cuya reconstrucción fue realizada mediante una prótesis de polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) en el Hospital General Xoco de la Cuidad de México. Conclusión: se reporta la reducción del tiempo quirúrgico, además de un costo de la prótesis accesible para el paciente; de esta manera, se obtuvieron resultados sa-tisfactorios y mejoras en el contorno estético facial, en tanto se permitió cobertura y protección para el tejido encefálico.

Introduction: Skull defects and craniofacial bone abnormalities that require reconstruction are common in a variety of neurosurgical procedures. After craniectomy or craniofacial fractures following cranioencephalic trauma, patients can develop important cosmetic defects, such as depression of the skin and a sunken flap that can lead to an asymmetrical appearance of the head, without neglecting the physical and psychological repercussions. neurological that these injuries carry. Craniofacial reconstruction and cranioplasty have a long history, but new surgical techniques and a multitude of material options have recently fueled progress in this area. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) implants have proven to be stable, biocompatible, non-conductive, radiolucent, and inexpensive. They can be easily placed and modified and the morbidity of the donor site is eliminated. Clinical case: In this article, we present a case of frontal defect cranioplasty after trauma performed using a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) prosthesis at the General Hospital Xoco in Mexico City. Conslusion: The surgical time could be reduced, in addition to the cost of the prosthesis. It was accessible to the patient and obtained satisfactory results such as improvements in the facial aesthetic contour and obtained coverage and protection for the brain tissue.

Concausalidad en un caso clínico de hematoma subdural / Concausality in a clinical case of subdural hematoma

ResumenLas ciencias forenses, a través, de su cuerpo de conocimiento, debe encaminar de manera precisa, por medio del aporte de suficientes datos, la ejecución de la leyes en función de la justicia con especial interés en homicidios concausales, donde la existencia en la víctima de una condición desconocida por el atacante agrava el efecto de su acción, que termina con la vida de la víctima. En este reporte se presenta un caso en que un traumatismo facial ocasionado en una disputa entre atacante y atacado degenera en hematoma subdural agudo con muerte súbita de este último, atribuido a debilidad intrínseca de la pared de los vasos sanguíneos y/o defecto en el grosor de la concha del temporal e incluso a la sumatoria de ambas circunstancias anatómicas. Se concluye que la experticia forense con base en la sustentación de la evidencia es clave para el establecimiento de responsabilidad de autoría de un hecho ilícito.

AbstractThe forensic sciences, through its body of knowledge, must accurately direct, through the provision of sufficient data, the execution of laws in function of justice with special interest in killings, where the existence in the victim of a condition unknown by the attacker aggravates the effect of his action, which ends with the life of the victim. This report presents a case in which a facial trauma caused in a dispute between attacker and attacker degenerates into acute subdural hematoma with sudden death of the latter, attributed to intrinsic weakness of the wall of the blood vessels and / or defect in thickness the shell of the storm and even the sum of both anatomical circumstances. It is concluded that forensic expertise based on the support of evidence is key to establishing responsibility for authorship of an illegal act.

Sabidurías de una madre: relatos de una recuperación / Mother’s wisdom: a recovery history

El Traumatismo Cráneo Encefálico (TCE), es uno de los principales causantes de secuelas graves e incapacitantes en las victimas de accidente automovilísticos, y solo algunos casos corren con posibilidades de atención médica oportuna y consecuente. Sin embargo, hasta en circunstancias muy adversas se pueden lograr notables avances en la recuperación y la rehabilitación. Presentamos el “caso”, de un hombre de 45 años que a los 19 sufrió un TCE a consecuencia de un accidente automovilístico, lo que ocasionó principalmente la pérdida del control postural, del funcionamiento motriz y del habla. Para el año 2016 es capaz de comunicarse, realizar actividades de autocuidado y desenvolverse con facilidad en su silla de ruedas o puntos de apoyo, gracias a los cuidados y atenciones de la madre quien ha empleado todas las prácticas propias de la sabiduría popular en el medio rural. Nuestro objetivo es analizar este caso por medio de los relatos de vida, a través de la metodología formulada por Bertaux (1999), dentro de la perspectiva ecológica de investigación en psicología propuesta por Bronfenbenner (1987), para resaltar el papel fundamental que cumple el cuidado familiar y especialmente el de la madre, su sistema de creencias, las características de personalidad y el contexto sociocultural donde se desenvuelven, en la recuperación y rehabilitación de secuelas graves e incapacitantes.

Traumatic Head Injury (THI), is one of main causes of serious severe long term disabling damage in automobile accident victims, and only some cases recieve timely and consistent medical care possibilities. However, even in very adverse circumstances can be accomplished remarkable progress in recovery and rehabilitation. Present the case of a 45-year-old man who suffered a THI as result of a car accident, at 19, mainly resulting in the loss of postural control, speech and motor performance. For the year 2016 is capable of communicate, perform activities of self care and moves around easely in his wheelchair or support points, thanks to them care and attentions of his mother and family who has used healing practices based on popular wisdom. Our goal is to analyze this case through the stories of life Bertaux (1999), and the formulated methodology within the ecological perspective of research in psychology proposed by Bronfenbenner (1987), to highlight the fundamental role met by family care and especially the mother, their system of beliefs, personality characteristics and the context cultural partner where they operate, in the recovery and rehabilitation from severe long term disabling damage.

[Pedestrian head injury biomechanics and damage mechanism. Pedestrian protection automotive regulation assessment]. / Biomecánica y mecanismo de producción del traumatismo cráneo-encefálico en el peatón atropellado. Evaluación de la normativa actual en la automoción.

INTRODUCTION: Pedestrian-vehicle collisions are a leading cause of death among motor vehicle accidents. Recently, pedestrian injury research has been increased, mostly due to the implementation of European and Japanese regulations. This research presents an analysis of the main head injury vehicle sources and injury mechanisms observed in the field, posteriorly the data are compared with the current pedestrian regulations. METHODS: The analysis has been performed through an epidemiologic transversal and descriptive study, using the Pedestrian Crash Data Study (PCDS) involving 552 pedestrians, sustaining a total of 4.500 documented injuries. RESULTS: According to this research, the hood surface is responsible for only 15,1% of all the head injuries. On the other hand, the windshield glazing is responsible for 41,8%. In case of sedan vehicles the head impact location exceeds what is expected in the current regulation, and therefore no countermeasures are applied. From all the head injuries sustained by the pedestrians just 20% have the linear acceleration as isolated injury mechanism, 40% of the injuries are due to rotational acceleration. CONCLUSIONS: In this research, the importance of the rotational acceleration as injury mechanism, in case of pedestrian-vehicle collision is highlighted. In the current pedestrian regulation just the linear acceleration is addressed in the main injury criteria used for head injury prediction.

Perfil epidemiológico das mortes resultantes de acidentes de viação na província e cidade de Maputo / Epidemiological profile of deaths resulting from road traffic accidents in Maputo city and province

Introdução: A sinistralidade rodoviária constitui um problema de saúde pública em Moçambique. É legítimo pensar que a ausência dum sistema de emergência pré hospitalar e de alerta eficaz para o socorro dos sinistrados contribui para o aumento de mortes no local de acidente de viacão ou a caminho do hospital. Porém, não existem em Moçambique dados fidedignos sobre o perfil epidemiológico das causas de morte por acidente de viação. Por essa razão, o nosso estudo teve por objectivo determinar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes que morreram com diagnóstico de acidente viação. População e Métodos: O estudo foi realizado entre 15 de Março e 15 de Maio de 2012 no Departamento da Medicina Legal do Hospital Central de Maputo e consistiu na recolha e análise da informação dos livros de registo de casos de acidente de viação fatal no período compreendido entre 1 de Janeiro de 2010 e 31 de Dezembro de 2011. Resultados e Discussão: No período em estudo, ocorreram 1066 mortes por acidente de viação - 46.6% no grupo etário de 20 ­ 40 anos, 784 (73.5%) em indivíduos do sexo masculino, 409 (38.4%) residentes na zona suburbana e 200 (19.6%) trabalhando por conta própria. 750 mortes correspondentes a 70.0% do total das mortes ocorreram antes da chegada dos acidentados ao hospital. A causa básica de morte foi o atropelamento em 489 casos (46.0%), sendo o traumatismo crâneo-encefálico a principal causa intermédia de morte em 451 casos (42%). Sobreviveram às primeiras 24 horas de internamento apenas 177 acidentados (50.9%). Cerca de 234 (20.0%) dos acidentes fatais ocorreram ao sábado. Conclusões: Os nossos resultados indicam que a maior parte das mortes por acidentes de viação na cidade de Maputo ocorre antes da chegada dos sinistrados aos serviços de urgência do Hospital Central de Maputo. Os resultados do estudo enfatizam a necessidade de estabelecimento de um serviço eficaz e eficiente de atendimento pré-hospitalar, incluindo o fornecimento dos cuidados básicos de assistência ao trauma no local do acidente. Recomenda-se a melhoria do sistema de recolha de dados relacionados aos acidentes de viação, com vista a instituir a vigilância do trauma, que é crucial para o desenvolvimento e a implementação de políticas de segurança rodoviária no nosso país.

Introduction: The road traffic accident has become a public health problem in Mozambique. It is legitimate to think that on the absence of an effective pre-hospital emergency warning system and rescue and medical aid of victims contributes to the increase in deaths at the crash site or on the way to hospital. However, in Mozambique a reliable data on the epidemiological profile of the causes of death by road accident is not available. Hence, our study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile of patients who died with a cause diagnosis of road traffic accident. Population and Methods: The study was conducted between March 15 and May 15, 2012 at the Department of Forensic Medicine of the Maputo Central Hospital and consisted of the collection and analysis of informa tion from the registration books of cases of fatal road accident in the period between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2011. Results and Discussion: During the study period, there was 1066 deaths by car accident ­ 46.6% occurred in the age group 20-40 years old, 784 (73.5%) in males, 409 (38.4%) residents in the suburban area and 200 (19.6%) were self-employed. 750 deaths representing 70.0% of all deaths occurred before the arrival of the in jured to hospital. The underlying cause of death was trampling in 489 cases (46.0%), and trauma brain injury found as the main intermediate cause of death in 451 cases (42%). At the first 24 hours of admission only 177 patients have survived (50.9%). Of 234 (20.0%) of the fatal crashes have occurred on Saturday. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the majority of deaths from road accidents in Maputo city and province occur before the arrival of emergency services to victims of Maputo Central Hospital. The results of the study emphasize the need of establishment of an efficient pre-hospital care service, including the provision of basic medical care to the casualties at the roadside. On the other end, there is a need to improving the injury data collection system related to traffic accidents, in order to establish an injury surveillance system, which is crucial for the development and implementation of the road safety policies in our country.

Exceso en el uso de rayos X realizadas en niños que sufrieron traumatismo cráneo encefálico atendidos en el Hospital Arco Iris / Excess use of X-rays performed on children who suffered head trauma treated at the Rainbow Hospital

Demostrar es exceso de rayos X de cráneo en los traumatismos cráneo-encefalicos menores cerrados en niños atendidos en el Hospital Arco Iris de la ciudad de La Paz en el año 2008. B Material y método: el estudio se realizo en el Hospital Arco Iris se enrolaron 20 pacientes pediatricos que acudieron al servicio de urgencia y posterior hospitalización por un accidente con traumatismo cráneo encefalico (TCE) cerrado. Se aplico un instrumento que evaluo el uso de radiografias de cráneo en pacientes internados con traumatismo cráneo encefálico. Resultados: en el 96 por ciento de los casos se realizó una placa de craeno un 2 por ciento requirieron una intervención quirúrgica por tratarse de un TCE grave apoyado por una tomografia computarizada de cráneo. El 88 por ciento de los pacientes hospitalizados no requirio un manejo especial y la radiofrafia simple de cranéo no aporto datos para realizar cambio en el conducta médica. Conclusiones: en pacientes hospitalizados por un TCE, las radiografias simples de cráeno, no modifico el diagnóstico tratamiento y evolución de los mismos. Se concluye que la utilidad de este tipo de radiografias es muy limitada en la evalucaicón inicial de estos niños, a no ser que existan signos claros de fractua de cráneo. Existen estudios que indican que la sensibilidad es menos del 5 por ciento.