Applying enhanced recovery principles to emergency laparotomy in penetrating abdominal trauma: a case-matched study.

PURPOSE: The implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery programs (ERPs) has significantly improved outcomes within various surgical specialties. However, the suitability of ERPs in trauma surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to (1) design and implement an ERP for trauma laparotomy patients; (2) assess its safety, feasibility, and efficacy; and (3) compare the outcomes of the proposed ERP with conventional practices. METHODS: This case-matched study prospectively enrolled hemodynamically stable patients undergoing emergency laparotomy after penetrating trauma. Patients receiving the proposed ERP were compared to historical controls who had received conventional treatment from two to eight years prior to protocol implementation. Cases were matched for age, sex, injury mechanism, extra-abdominal injuries, and trauma scores. Assessment of intervention effects were modelled using regression analysis for outcome measures, including length of hospital stay (LOS), postoperative complications, and functional recovery parameters. RESULTS: Thirty-six consecutive patients were enrolled in the proposed ERP and matched to their 36 historical counterparts, totaling 72 participants. A statistically significant decrease in LOS, representing a 39% improvement in average LOS was observed. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications. Opioid consumption was considerably lower in the ERP group (p < 0.010). Time to resumption of oral liquid and solid intake, as well as to the removal of nasogastric tubes, urinary catheters, and abdominal drains was significantly earlier among ERP patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The implementation of a standardized ERP for the perioperative care of penetrating abdominal trauma patients yielded a significant reduction in LOS without increasing postoperative complications. These findings demonstrate that ERPs principles can be safely applied to selected trauma patients.

Trauma surgery workforce in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the current scope of certified trauma surgeons trained in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, including demographic data, geographic distribution, remuneration, and perspectives related to this specialty. METHOD: cross-sectional survey based on information collected through an electronic questionnaire sent to potential participants. RESULTS: the response rate was 64% (n=75). There was a predominance of males (72%) with a mean age of 43 years. Most surgeons graduated from the Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre, and work in referral centers for trauma surgery in the capital and metropolitan region. More than 60% did not have any other training in a surgical subspecialty, though only a third stated that trauma surgery is their main source of income. CONCLUSION: trauma centers are poorly distributed and most surgeons work in referral hospitals in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre. Due to the lack of recognition, limited financial income and shift work patterns, the career in trauma surgery care is unattractive, with only one third of surgeons performing most of their activities in this specialty.

Short-term complications after onlay versus preperitoneal mesh repair of umbilical hernias: a prospective randomized double-blind trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of surgical site occurrences (SSOs) following onlay versus preperitoneal mesh placement in elective open umbilical hernia repairs. METHODS: This study presents a secondary analysis of a randomized double-blind trial conducted on female patients with primary umbilical hernias admitted to a general hospital, in a residency training program setting. Fifty-six subjects were randomly assigned to either onlay (n=30) or preperitoneal (n=26) mesh repair group. Data on baseline demographics, past medical history, perioperative details, postoperative pain (visual analogue scale (VAS)), wound-related complications, and recurrence were assessed using a standardized protocol. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between groups regarding patients' demographics, comorbidities, or defect size. Operative time averaged 67.5 (28-110) min for onlay and 50.5 (31-90) min for preperitoneal repairs, p=.03. The overall rate of SSOs was 21.4% (n=12), mainly in the onlay group (33% vs 7.7%; p=0.02, 95% CI 0.03-0.85) and mostly due to seromas. There were no between-group significant differences in postoperative VAS scores at all timepoints. After a maximum follow-up of 48 months, one recurrence was reported in the onlay group. By logistic regression, the onlay technique was the only independent risk factor for SSOs. CONCLUSION: The presented data identified a decreased wound morbidity in preperitoneal umbilical hernia repairs, thus contributing to the limited body of evidence regarding mesh place selection in future guidelines. Further cases from this ongoing study and completion of follow-up are expected to also compare both techniques in terms of long-term outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) UTN code: U1111-1205-0065 (date of registration: March 27, 2018).

Optimization of Surgical Time Through the Implementation of a Rational Protocol to Prevent Bleeding in Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Introduction: Staple line oversewing (SLO) is a prophylactic alternative due to its low cost and its effect of decreasing the incidence and severity of bleeding complications in sleeve gastrectomy (SG). However, this approach significantly increases the surgical time and may be associated with stenosis. The study aims to identify whether its usage was sufficient to optimize the surgical time in patients whose screening for the risk of occult bleeding was negative. Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 103 patients. Having the systolic blood pressure goal of 140 mmHg, the staple line is checked for bleeding points, counting as follows: >5 bleeding points proceed to SLO, <5 bleeding points are managed using clips, and if no bleeding points are found, the procedure can be completed. Results: The bleeding test was positive in 79.6% of the cases and oversewing was necessary for 44.7% of the total. The bleeding test result was significant for the increased surgical time. The mean surgical time in SLO was 16.4% higher than in clipping. There was a significant difference in surgical time between SLO and clipping; however, no significant difference was identified between clipping and continuing the procedure without further measures. No postoperative complication related to staple line bleeding was identified. Discussion: In a scenario with limitations for the use of high-cost homeostatic agents, the stratified protocol to prevent bleeding in SG stapling line was able to significantly reduce surgical time without significant added risks. Conclusion: A stratified protocol to prevent bleeding in SG stapling line was able to significantly reduce surgical time.

Trauma surgery workforce in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Perfil do cirurgião do trauma no Rio Grande do Sul

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the current scope of certified trauma surgeons trained in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, including demographic data, geographic distribution, remuneration, and perspectives related to this specialty. Method: cross-sectional survey based on information collected through an electronic questionnaire sent to potential participants. Results: the response rate was 64% (n=75). There was a predominance of males (72%) with a mean age of 43 years. Most surgeons graduated from the Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre, and work in referral centers for trauma surgery in the capital and metropolitan region. More than 60% did not have any other training in a surgical subspecialty, though only a third stated that trauma surgery is their main source of income. Conclusion: trauma centers are poorly distributed and most surgeons work in referral hospitals in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre. Due to the lack of recognition, limited financial income and shift work patterns, the career in trauma surgery care is unattractive, with only one third of surgeons performing most of their activities in this specialty.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever o perfil dos cirurgiões do trauma formados no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, incluindo dados demográficos, distribuição geográfica, remuneração, e perspectivas relacionadas à área de atuação. Método: estudo transversal do tipo inquérito, baseado em informações coletadas por meio de questionário enviado via plataforma digital para os profissionais da amostra em questão. Resultados: a taxa de resposta dos questionários foi de 64% (n=75). Houve predomínio do sexo masculino (72%) com idade média de 43 anos. A maior parte dos profissionais foi graduada pelo Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre, e atua em serviços de referência em Cirurgia do Trauma na capital e região metropolitana. Mais de 60% não realizou outra formação em subespecialidade cirúrgica, embora apenas um terço dos profissionais tenha declarado que a Cirurgia do Trauma seja sua principal fonte de renda. Conclusão: os centros de trauma são mal distribuídos e a maioria dos profissionais atua em hospitais de referência da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre. Devido ao baixo reconhecimento, incentivo financeiro limitado e desgaste da modalidade de trabalho em regime de plantão, a carreira com dedicação exclusiva na área de Cirurgia do Trauma é pouco atrativa, com apenas um terço dos profissionais desempenhando a maior parte de suas atividades na área.

Predictive factors of mortality in damage control surgery for abdominal trauma.

INTRODUCTION: damage control surgery (DCS) is well recognized as a surgical strategy for patients sustaining severe abdominal trauma. Literature suggests the indications, operative times, therapeutic procedures, laboratory parameters and intraoperative findings have a direct bearing on the outcomes. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the clinical profile of patients undergoing DCS and determine predictors of morbidity and mortality. METHODS: a retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients undergoing DCS following abdominal trauma from November 2015 and December 2021. Data on subjects' demographics, baseline presentation, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, injury severity scores, laboratory parameters, operative details, postoperative complications, length of stay and mortality were assessed. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine potential risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: During the study period, 696 patients underwent trauma laparotomy. Of these, 8.9% (n=62) were DCS, with more than 80% due to penetrating mechanisms. Overall mortality was 59.6%. In the logistic regression stratified by survival, several variables were significantly associated with mortality, including hypotension, and altered mental status at admission, intraoperative cardiorespiratory arrest, need for resuscitative thoracotomy, metabolic acidosis, hyperlactatemia, coagulopathy, fibrinolysis, and severity of the trauma injury scores. CONCLUSION: DCS may be appropriate in critically injured patients; however, it remains associated with significant morbidity and high mortality, even at specialized trauma care centers. From pre and postoperative clinical and laboratory parameters, it was possible to predict the risk of death in the studied sample.

Perspectivas em cirurgia robótica: a visão do cirurgião / Robotic surgery: the surgeon's perspective

Introdução: Avaliar os níveis de conhecimento, interesse e treinamento dos cirurgiões inscritos no Colégio Brasileiro dos Cirurgiões (CBC) da cidade de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, em relação à cirurgia robótica. Métodos: Estudo transversal, baseado em informações coletadas por meio de questionário enviado via plataforma digital para potenciais participantes. O formulário continha perguntas estruturadas e autoaplicáveis, a fim de caracterizar o perfil profissional, capacitação em cirurgia minimamente invasiva, conhecimento, opinião e treinamento específico em cirurgia robótica. Resultados: Dos 146 membros inscritos no CBC na cidade de Porto Alegre, 99 (67,8%) responderam ao questionário. Houve predomínio do sexo masculino (88%) e a mediana de idade dos participantes foi de 48 anos. Os procedimentos videolaparoscópicos ou vídeo-assistidos foram maioria na rotina dos cirurgiões. Da totalidade da amostra, a maior parte (78%) já assistiu ao menos um procedimento robótico, e um terço (n = 30) já realizou algum tipo de treinamento ou simulação em cirurgia robótica. Entre os que não realizaram, dois terços pretendem se qualificar no futuro. Apenas 10% dos cirurgiões possuem certificação na área. Conclusão: A maioria dos cirurgiões respondentes inscritos no CBC em Porto Alegre tem em sua rotina predominância de procedimentos minimamente invasivos e acredita que a plataforma robótica será o futuro da cirurgia. Embora ainda não disponível na maioria dos serviços gaúchos, espera-se que o desenvolvimento de novas plataformas e a redução dos custos envolvidos na aquisição de equipamento e de capacitação do cirurgião facilitem a disseminação dessa tecnologia.

Introduction: To assess the practical knowledge, interest, and training levels of surgeons enrolled in the Brazilian College of Surgeons (CBC) of the municipality of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, regarding robotic surgery. Methods: Cross-sectional study, based on information collected with a questionnaire sent to potential participants via digital platform. The form contained structured and self-administered questions, to characterize their professional profile, skills in minimally invasive surgery, knowledge, opinion, and specific training in robotic surgery. Results: Of the 146 members enrolled in the CBC of the municipality of Porto Alegre, 99 (67.8%) responded to the questionnaire. Most were males (88%) with a mean age of 48 years. Video-laparoscopic or video-assisted procedures were the most frequent in the participants' practice. Of the sample, most (78%) already watched at least one robotic surgery, and one third (n = 30) had already completed some sort of training or simulation course in robotic surgery. Among those who did not, two thirds intend to pursue formal training in the future. Only 10% of participating surgeons are certified in the area. Conclusion: Most responding surgeons enrolled in the CBC in Porto Alegre perform mostly minimally invasive procedures daily and believe that the robotic technology will be the future of surgery. Although not yet available in most services of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, it is expected that the development of new platforms and the reduction of costs involved in equipment acquisition and surgical training will facilitate the dissemination of this technology.

Predictive factors of mortality in damage control surgery for abdominal trauma / Fatores preditivos de mortalidade na cirurgia de controle de danos no trauma abdominal

ABSTRACT Introduction: damage control surgery (DCS) is well recognized as a surgical strategy for patients sustaining severe abdominal trauma. Literature suggests the indications, operative times, therapeutic procedures, laboratory parameters and intraoperative findings have a direct bearing on the outcomes. Objective: to analyze the clinical profile of patients undergoing DCS and determine predictors of morbidity and mortality. Methods: a retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients undergoing DCS following abdominal trauma from November 2015 and December 2021. Data on subjects' demographics, baseline presentation, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, injury severity scores, laboratory parameters, operative details, postoperative complications, length of stay and mortality were assessed. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine potential risk factors for mortality. Results: During the study period, 696 patients underwent trauma laparotomy. Of these, 8.9% (n=62) were DCS, with more than 80% due to penetrating mechanisms. Overall mortality was 59.6%. In the logistic regression stratified by survival, several variables were significantly associated with mortality, including hypotension, and altered mental status at admission, intraoperative cardiorespiratory arrest, need for resuscitative thoracotomy, metabolic acidosis, hyperlactatemia, coagulopathy, fibrinolysis, and severity of the trauma injury scores. Conclusion: DCS may be appropriate in critically injured patients; however, it remains associated with significant morbidity and high mortality, even at specialized trauma care centers. From pre and postoperative clinical and laboratory parameters, it was possible to predict the risk of death in the studied sample.

RESUMO Introdução: a cirurgia de controle de danos (CCD) é estratégia bem definida de manejo cirúrgico para pacientes vítimas de trauma grave. A literatura sugere que as indicações, tempo operatório, medidas terapêuticas adotadas, alterações laboratoriais e achados transoperatórios apresentam impacto direto sobre o desfecho. Objetivo: analisar o perfil clínico-demográfico dos pacientes submetidos à CCD e identificar fatores preditivos de morbimortalidade na amostra. Métodos: coorte retrospectiva a partir da análise de prontuários de pacientes submetidos à CCD por trauma abdominal entre novembro de 2015 e dezembro de 2021. As variáveis analisadas incluíram dados demográficos, tempo da admissão, mecanismo do trauma, lesões associadas, escores de trauma, parâmetros laboratoriais, achados cirúrgicos, reposição volêmica e de hemoderivados, complicações pós-operatórias, tempo de internação e mortalidade. Para analisar os fatores de risco para mortalidade, foi utilizada análise de regressão logística binária. Resultados: no período, foram realizadas 696 laparotomias por trauma abdominal e destas, 8.9% (n=62) foram CCD, sendo mais de 80% por mecanismo penetrante. A mortalidade foi de 59.6%. Na regressão logística estratificada pela sobrevida, diversas variáveis foram associadas à mortalidade com significância estatística, incluindo hipotensão e alteração do estado mental à admissão, parada cardiorrespiratória no transoperatório, necessidade de toracotomia de reanimação, acidose metabólica, hiperlactatemia, coagulopatia, fibrinólise, gravidade dos escores de trauma e necessidade de hemoderivados. Conclusão: apesar da condução da estratégia de CCD em centro de trauma, a morbimortalidade ainda é elevada. A partir de parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais pré e pós-operatórios, é possível predizer o risco de evolução para óbito na amostra estudada.

Complicações pós-operatórias em apendicectomias: análise comparativa entre as abordagens aberta e videolaparoscópica / Postoperative complications in appendectomies: comparative analysis between open and laparoscopic approaches

Introdução: A apendicectomia é o tratamento de escolha da apendicite aguda. Embora a preferência pelas técnicas minimamente invasivas seja tendência mundial, a cirurgia aberta ainda é realidade na maioria dos hospitais públicos. O índice de complicações pós-operatórias varia de acordo com a técnica cirúrgica empregada. O presente estudo objetiva comparar a incidência de complicações pós-operatórias entre a apendicectomia aberta e laparoscópica. Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva incluindo pacientes submetidos à apendicectomia no Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre entre novembro de 2015 a novembro de 2019. Foram avaliados dados demográficos, tempo de evolução dos sintomas, técnica cirúrgica, achados transoperatórios, necessidade de drenos ou ostomias, tempo cirúrgico, tempo de internação, experiência do cirurgião e desfechos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 358 pacientes, com idade de 32 ± 13,8 anos, e predomínio do sexo masculino (58,9%); 58,1% foram submetidos a cirurgia aberta, 41,9% a laparoscopia e 8% necessitaram conversão. As apendicites foram classificadas como complicadas em um terço dos casos. O tempo cirúrgico foi menor na cirurgia aberta (79,3 ± 38,8 vs. 104 ± 35,2 minutos; p < 0,001). O índice de complicações pós-operatórias foi de 21,2%, sendo significativamente maior na técnica aberta (26,4% vs. 13%; p = 0,003). O tempo de internação, a necessidade de reintervenção e mortalidade não apresentaram diferença entre as técnicas. Conclusão: Embora a apendicectomia aberta seja um procedimento seguro, com bons resultados e baixa morbimortalidade, a laparoscopia oferece potenciais vantagens em termos de evolução pós-operatória, inclusive em casos complicados. Deve ser indicada rotineiramente havendo disponibilidade de material e capacitação da equipe cirúrgica. (AU)

Introduction: Appendectomy is the treatment of choice for acute appendicitis. Although the preference for minimally invasive techniques is a worldwide trend, open surgery remains a reality in most public hospitals. The rate of postoperative complications varies according to the surgical technique employed. The present study aimed to compare the incidence of postoperative complications between open and laparoscopic appendectomy. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients undergoing appendectomy at the Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre between November 2015 and November 2019. Demographic and clinical data, duration of symptoms, surgical technique, intraoperative findings, use of abdominal drains or stomas, operative time, length of stay, surgeon's experience, and outcomes were assessed. Results: Three hundred and fifty-eight patients were included, predominantly male (58.9%), with a mean age of 32 ± 13.8 years; 58.1% underwent open surgery, 41.9% underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 8% required conversion. One third of the cases were classified as complicated. The mean operative time was shorter for open surgery (79.3 ± 38.8 vs. 104 ± 35.2 minutes; p < 0.001). The rate of postoperative complications was 21.2%, with a significantly higher incidence in the open technique (26.4% vs. 13%; p = 0.003). Length of stay, reoperation rate, and mortality did not differ between the techniques. Conclusions: Although open appendectomy is a safe and efficient procedure, associated with low morbidity and mortality rates, laparoscopy provides potential clinically beneficial advantages in terms of postoperative outcomes, even in complicated cases. Therefore, it should be routinely performed where laparoscopic equipment and skillful staff are available. (AU)

Assessment of trauma scoring systems in patients subjected to exploratory laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the epidemiological profile of patients undergoing exploratory trauma laparotomy based on severity and prognosis criteria, and to determine the predictive accuracy of trauma scoring systems in terms of morbidity and mortality. METHODS: retrospective cohort study and review of medical records of patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy for blunt or penetrating trauma at the Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre, from November 2015 to November 2019. Demographic data, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, physiological (RTS and Shock Index), anatomical (ISS, NISS and ATI) and combined (TRISS and NTRISS) trauma scores, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, length of stay and outcomes. RESULTS: 506 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 31 ± 13 years, with the majority being males (91.3%). Penetrating trauma was the most common mechanism of injury (86.2%), predominantly by firearms. The average RTS at hospital admission was 7.5 ± 0.7. The mean ISS and NISS was 16.5 ± 10.1 and 22.3 ± 13.6, respectively. The probability of survival estimated by TRISS was 95.5%, and by NTRISS 93%. The incidence of postoperative complications was 39.7% and the overall mortality was 12.8%. The most accurate score for predicting mortality was the NTRISS (88.5%), followed by TRISS, NISS and ISS. CONCLUSION: the study confirms the applicability of trauma scores in the studied population. The NTRISS seems to be the best predictor of morbidity and mortality.

Assessment of trauma scoring systems in patients subjected to exploratory laparotomy / Avaliação dos escores de trauma em pacientes submetidos à laparotomia exploradora

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the epidemiological profile of patients undergoing exploratory trauma laparotomy based on severity and prognosis criteria, and to determine the predictive accuracy of trauma scoring systems in terms of morbidity and mortality. Methods: retrospective cohort study and review of medical records of patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy for blunt or penetrating trauma at the Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre, from November 2015 to November 2019. Demographic data, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, physiological (RTS and Shock Index), anatomical (ISS, NISS and ATI) and combined (TRISS and NTRISS) trauma scores, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, length of stay and outcomes. Results: 506 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 31 ± 13 years, with the majority being males (91.3%). Penetrating trauma was the most common mechanism of injury (86.2%), predominantly by firearms. The average RTS at hospital admission was 7.5 ± 0.7. The mean ISS and NISS was 16.5 ± 10.1 and 22.3 ± 13.6, respectively. The probability of survival estimated by TRISS was 95.5%, and by NTRISS 93%. The incidence of postoperative complications was 39.7% and the overall mortality was 12.8%. The most accurate score for predicting mortality was the NTRISS (88.5%), followed by TRISS, NISS and ISS. Conclusion: the study confirms the applicability of trauma scores in the studied population. The NTRISS seems to be the best predictor of morbidity and mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes submetidos a laparotomia exploradora por trauma com base em critérios de gravidade e prognóstico, e determinar a acurácia preditiva dos escores de trauma em termos de morbimortalidade. Métodos: estudo de coorte retrospectiva e revisão de prontuários dos pacientes submetidos a laparotomia exploradora por trauma contuso ou penetrante no Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Porto Alegre no período de novembro de 2015 a novembro de 2019. Foram avaliados dados demográficos, mecanismo do trauma, lesões associadas, índices fisiológicos (RTS e Shock Index), anatômicos (ISS, NISS e ATI) e mistos (TRISS e NTRISS), achados intraoperatórios, complicações pós-operatórias, tempo de internação e desfecho. Resultados: foram incluídos 506 pacientes na análise. A idade média foi de 31 ± 13 anos, com predomínio do sexo masculino (91,3%). O trauma penetrante foi o mecanismo de lesão mais comum (86,2%), sendo a maioria por arma de fogo. A média do RTS na admissão hospitalar foi 7,5 ± 0,7. A média do ISS e do NISS foi 16,5 ± 10,1 e 22,3 ± 13,6, respectivamente. A probabilidade de sobrevida estimada pelo TRISS foi de 95,5%, e pelo NTRISS de 93%. A incidência de complicações pós-operatórias foi de 39,7% e a mortalidade geral de 12,8%. O escore com melhor acurácia preditiva foi o NTRISS (88,5%), seguido pelo TRISS, NISS e ISS. Conclusões: o estudo confirma a aplicabilidade dos escores de trauma na população em questão. O NTRISS parece ser o sistema com melhor acurácia preditiva de morbimortalidade.

Neurodegenerative changes in the brainstem and olfactory bulb in people older than 50 years old: a descriptive study.

With the increase in life expectancy in Brazil, concerns have grown about the most prevalent diseases in elderly people. Among these diseases are neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Protein deposits related to the development of these diseases can pre-date the symptomatic phases by years. The tau protein is particularly interesting: it might be found in the brainstem and olfactory bulb long before it reaches the limbic cortex, at which point symptoms occur. Of the 14 brains collected in this study, the tau protein was found in the brainstems of 10 (71.42%) and in olfactory bulbs of 3 out 11. Of the 7 individuals who had a final diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), 6 presented tau deposits in some region of the brainstem. Our data support the idea of the presence of tau protein in the brainstem and olfactory bulb in the earliest stages of AD.

Neurodegenerative changes in the brainstem and olfactory bulb in people older than 50 years old: a descriptive study / Alterações neurodegenerativas no tronco cerebral e bulbo olfatório em indivíduos acima de 50 anos: um estudo descritivo

With the increase in life expectancy in Brazil, concerns have grown about the most prevalent diseases in elderly people. Among these diseases are neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Protein deposits related to the development of these diseases can pre-date the symptomatic phases by years. The tau protein is particularly interesting: it might be found in the brainstem and olfactory bulb long before it reaches the limbic cortex, at which point symptoms occur. Of the 14 brains collected in this study, the tau protein was found in the brainstems of 10 (71.42%) and in olfactory bulbs of 3 out 11. Of the 7 individuals who had a final diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 6 presented tau deposits in some region of the brainstem. Our data support the idea of the presence of tau protein in the brainstem and olfactory bulb in the earliest stages of AD.

Com o aumento da expectativa de vida no Brasil e no mundo, crescem as preocupações com as doenças mais prevalentes entre os idosos, dentre elas as doenças neurodegenerativas (DN) como a doença de Alzheimer (DA) e a doença de Parkinson (DP). Sabe-se que os depósitos proteicos relacionados com o desenvolvimento destas doenças podem preceder a fase sintomática em anos. A proteína tau é de particular interesse, uma vez que parece ser encontrada no tronco encefálico e bulbo olfatório muito antes de atingir o córtex límbico, quando ocorrem os primeiros sintomas. Dos 14 encéfalos coletados neste estudo, a proteína tau foi encontrada, no tronco encefálico, em 10 (71,42%) e no bulbo olfatório em 3 de 11. Dos 7 indivíduos que tiveram diagnóstico final de DA, todos apresentavam depósitos de tau em alguma região do tronco encefálico. Nossos dados estão de acordo com a literatura mais recente, que tem confirmado a presença de proteína tau no tronco encefálico e bulbo olfatório nos estágios mais precoces da DA.