Treatment of pilocarpine-induced epileptic seizures in adult male mice / Tratamento de crises epilépticas induzidas por pilocarpina em camundongos adultos machos

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting most social, economic and biological aspects of human life. Most patients with epilepsy have uncontrolled seizures and drug side effects despite the medications. Patients with epilepsy often have problems with attention, memory, and information processing speed, which may be due to seizures, underlying causes, or anticonvulsants. Therefore, improving seizure control and reducing or changing the anti-epileptic drugs can solve these problems, but these problems will not be solved in most cases. In this work, we looked at the effects of pioglitazone, a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes, on pilocarpine-induced seizures in mice. The Racine scale was used to classify pilocarpine-induced convulsions. After that, all of the animals were beheaded, and the brain and hippocampus were dissected. Finally, biochemical techniques were used to determine the levels of Malondialdehyde and Catalase activity, as well as Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Reductase in the hippocampus. The results of this investigation suggest that pioglitazone's antioxidant action may play a key role in its neuroprotective properties against pilocarpine-induced seizure neuronal damage.

A epilepsia é um dos distúrbios neurológicos mais comuns que afetam a maioria dos aspectos sociais, econômicos e biológicos da vida humana. A maioria dos pacientes com epilepsia tem convulsões não controladas e apresenta efeitos colaterais de medicamentos. Pacientes com epilepsia, geralmente, têm problemas de atenção, memória e velocidade de processamento de informações, ocasionados por convulsões, causas subjacentes ou anticonvulsivantes. Portanto, melhorar o controle das crises e reduzir ou alterar as drogas antiepilépticas pode resolver esses problemas, mas, na maioria dos casos, eles não serão resolvidos. Neste trabalho, analisamos os efeitos da pioglitazona, um agonista do receptor ativado por proliferador de peroxissoma usado para tratar diabetes tipo 2, em convulsões induzidas por pilocarpina em camundongos. A escala de Racine foi usada para classificar as convulsões induzidas pela pilocarpina. Em seguida, todos os animais foram decapitados, e o cérebro e o hipocampo foram dissecados. Finalmente, técnicas bioquímicas foram utilizadas para determinar os níveis de atividade do malondialdeído e da catalase, bem como da superóxido dismutase e glutationa redutase no hipocampo. Os resultados desta investigação sugerem que a ação antioxidante da pioglitazona pode desempenhar um papel fundamental em suas propriedades neuroprotetoras contra o dano neuronal convulsivo induzido pela pilocarpina.

Seizure occurring with retinal laser therapy: a report of the first case with frequency-doubled Nd-YAG / Convulsão durante laserterapia retiniana: relato do primeiro caso com o Nd-YAG de frequência dobrada

ABSTRACT Laser photocoagulation is a safe method for the treatment of retinal disorders. We present a case of a 21-year-old woman with high myopia, retinal detachment in the right eye, and bilateral lattice degeneration. She underwent surgical repair in the right eye followed by bilateral retinal laser therapy. During laser photocoagulation of the left eye, she experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure for the first time in her life. She had a positive family history of epilepsy. Neurological examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging findings were normal, but an electroencephalogram revealed epileptogenic discharges, more frequent during photostimulation. She avoided flickering lights during the 2-year follow-up, without seizure recurrence. Approximately 5% of patients with epilepsy have photosensitive epilepsy, of whom a considerable proportion will experience seizures only during exposition to flashing lights. Laser photocoagulation was already successfully employed in an animal model of photosensitive epilepsy. Personal or family history of photosensitivity warrants a neurological consultation before retinal treatment with laser therapy.

RESUMO Fotocoagulação a laser é método seguro para tratamento de retinopatias. Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 21 anos com alta miopia e degeneração lattice bilateral que sofreu descolamento de retina no olho direito e foi submetida a tratamento cirúrgico e ulterior laserterapia. Durante a fotocoagulação no olho esquerdo, ela teve uma convulsão tônico-clônica generalizada, a primeira em sua vida. Havia história familiar de epilepsia. O exame neurológico e a ressonância magnética de en céfalo foram normais, mas o electroencefalograma revelou descargas epileptogênicas, mais frequentes durante a fotoesti mulação. Ela evitou luzes piscantes durante os 2 anos subsequentes, sem recorrência de convulsões. Cerca de 5% dos pacientes com epilepsia têm fotossensibilidade. Proporção considerável deles terá convulsões somente durante exposição à luz piscante. Fotocoagulação a laser já foi empregada como modelo animal de sucesso para epilepsia fotossensível. Presença de fotossensibilidade na história pessoal ou familiar deve merecer avaliação neurológica antes do tratamento retiniano.

Periodic limb movements during sleep vs seizures and epileptiform discharges: some supposedly shared pathomechanisms / Movimentos periódicos dos membros durante o sono vs crises e descargas epileptiformes: alguns patomecanismos supostamente compartilhados

This is a narrative review that assesses some possible underlying abnormal mechanisms shared between periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) and interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) or epileptic seizures. The underlying abnormal mechanisms of PLMS are not clearly defined, but the hypotheses raised include a pure motor mechanism originating in the brainstem, spinal cord or a cortico-subcortical interaction, influenced by predisposing factors, through neural networks. PLMS rhythmicity appears to be closely linked to sleep microarchitecture, and also to cortical arousals, as with some types of epilepsy, which involve both the underlying sleep rhythms and their intrinsic functions as well as the so-called central pattern generators that produce rhythmic motor patterns. However, the relationship between PLMS and epilepsy has not yet been fully clarified. Rhythmicity and sleep fragmentation appear to be common denominators between them, at least more closely in sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy. To some extent, the electroencephalographic changes of PLMS would express an epiphenomenon of the involvement of some underlying brain networks common to epileptic seizures and IEDs.

Esta é uma revisão narrativa que avalia alguns possíveis mecanismos anormais subjacentes compartilhados entre os movimentos periódicos dos membros durante o sono (MPMS) e as descargas epileptiformes interictais (DEIs) ou crises epilépticas. Os mecanismos anormais subjacentes dos MPMS não estão claramente definidos, mas as hipóteses levantadas incluem mecanismo motor puro originado no tronco cerebral, medula espinhal ou uma interação córtico-subcortical, por influência de fatores predisponentes, através das redes neurais. A ritmicidade dos MPMS aparece estar intimamente ligada à microarquitetura do sono, e também aos despertares corticais, como acontece com alguns tipos de epilepsia, o que envolve tanto os ritmos subjacentes do sono e suas funções intrínsecas quanto os chamados geradores de padrões centrais que produzem padrões motores rítmicos. No entanto, a relação entre PLMS e epilepsia ainda não foi totalmente esclarecida. Ritmicidade e fragmentação do sono parecem ser denominadores comuns entre eles, pelo menos mais intimamente na epilepsia hipermotora relacionada ao sono. Em certa medida, as alterações eletroencefalográficas de PLMS expressariam um epifenômeno do envolvimento de algumas redes cerebrais subjacentes comuns a crises epilépticas e IEDs.

Eficácia do topiramato como terapia adicional em pacientes com estado epiléptico refratário: uma breve revisão sistemática / Efficacy of topiramate as an add-on therapy in patients with refractory status epilepticus: a short systematic review

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar evidências atuais sobre topiramato para o estado de mal epiléptico refratário. Métodos: Foi revisada a literatura para investigar a eficácia do topiramato no tratamento de estado de mal epiléptico refratário. Os termos de busca utilizados foram: "status epilepticus", "refractory", "treatment" e "topiramate". Não se empregaram restrições. Resultados: A busca identificou 487 artigos que descreviam o uso de topiramato para tratamento de estado de mal epiléptico refratário e seus resultados. Relatos de caso, revisões e experimentos em animais foram excluídos. Após exclusão de duplicatas e aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, restaram nove estudos. Realizaram-se análises descritivas e qualitativas, com os seguintes resultados: as taxas de resposta, definidas como término de crises até 72 horas após administração de topiramato, variaram entre 27% e 100%. A mortalidade variou de 5,9% a 68%. Desfechos funcionais positivos, definidos como alta hospitalar, volta à funcionalidade basal ou reabilitação, foram documentados por sete estudos, e as taxas variaram entre 4% e 55%. A maioria dos estudos reportou apenas efeitos colaterais leves ou ausentes. Conclusão: Topiramato foi efetivo em abortar estado de mal epiléptico refratário, apresentando baixa mortalidade e boa tolerabilidade. Portanto, topiramato poderia ser uma boa opção como terceira linha para estado de mal epiléptico refratário, porém mais estudos são necessários.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify current evidence on the use of topiramate for refractory status epilepticus. Methods: We reviewed the literature to investigate the efficacy of topiramate in the treatment of refractory status epilepticus. The search terms used were "status epilepticus", "refractory", "treatment" and "topiramate". No restrictions were used. Results: The search yielded 487 articles that reported using topiramate as a treatment for refractory status epilepticus and its outcomes. Case reports, review articles, and animal experiments were excluded. After excluding duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine studies were included for analyses. Descriptive and qualitative analyses were performed, and the results were as follows: response rates (defined as termination in-hospital until 72 hours after the administration of topiramate) varied from 27% to 100%. The mortality rate varied from 5.9% to 68%. Positive functional long-term outcomes, defined as discharge, back to baseline or rehabilitation, were documented by seven studies, and the rates ranged between 4% and 55%. Most studies reported no or mild adverse effects. Conclusion: Topiramate was effective in terminating refractory status epilepticus, presented relatively low mortality and was well tolerated. Therefore, topiramate could be a good option as a third-line therapy for refractory status epilepticus, but further studies are necessary.

Convulsão reflexa audiogênica em um felino (Síndrome de Tom e Jerry): relato de caso / Audiogenic reflex seizure in a feline (Tom and Jerry Syndrome): case report

As convulsões reflexas audiogênicas dos felinos são caracterizadas por crises reflexas desencadeadas essencialmente por estímulos sonoros, sendo pouco conhecida em animais de companhia. Objetivou-se relatar um caso de convulsão reflexa audiogênica em um felino. Foi atendido em um hospital, um felino, macho, de 19 anos com queixa de convulsão. Com base no relato da tutora, exclusão de outras enfermidades e avaliação da crise, diagnosticou-se convulsão reflexa audiogênica. Conclui-se que a experiência profissional do clínico associada a percepção da tutora foram essenciais para o diagnóstico.

Feline audiogenic reflex seizures are characterized by reflex seizures triggered essentially by sound stimuli, being little known in companion animals. This study aimed to report a case of audiogenic reflex seizure in a feline. He was seen at a hospital, a 19-year-old male feline with a seizure complaint. Based on the tutor's report, exclusion of other diseases and crisis assessment, an audiogenic reflex seizure was diagnosed. It was concluded that the professional experience of the clinician associated with the tutor's perception were essential for the diagnosis.

Convulsão reflexa audiogênica em um felino (Síndrome de Tom e Jerry): relato de caso / Audiogenic reflex seizure in a feline (Tom and Jerry Syndrome): case report

As convulsões reflexas audiogênicas dos felinos são caracterizadas por crises reflexas desencadeadas essencialmente por estímulos sonoros, sendo pouco conhecida em animais de companhia. Objetivou-se relatar um caso de convulsão reflexa audiogênica em um felino. Foi atendido em um hospital, um felino, macho, de 19 anos com queixa de convulsão. Com base no relato da tutora, exclusão de outras enfermidades e avaliação da crise, diagnosticou-se convulsão reflexa audiogênica. Conclui-se que a experiência profissional do clínico associada a percepção da tutora foram essenciais para o diagnóstico.(AU)

Feline audiogenic reflex seizures are characterized by reflex seizures triggered essentially by sound stimuli, being little known in companion animals. This study aimed to report a case of audiogenic reflex seizure in a feline. He was seen at a hospital, a 19-year-old male feline with a seizure complaint. Based on the tutor's report, exclusion of other diseases and crisis assessment, an audiogenic reflex seizure was diagnosed. It was concluded that the professional experience of the clinician associated with the tutor's perception were essential for the diagnosis.(AU)

Management protocols for status epilepticus in the pediatric emergency room: systematic review article.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review of national or regional guidelines published in English aimed to better understand variance in pre-hospital and emergency department treatment of status epilepticus. SOURCES: Systematic search of national or regional guidelines (January 2000 to February 2017) contained within PubMed and Google Scholar databases, and article reference lists. The search keywords were status epilepticus, prolonged seizure, treatment, and guideline. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: 356 articles were retrieved and 13 were selected according to the inclusion criteria. In all six pre-hospital guidelines, the preferred route of medication administration was to use alternatives to the intravenous route: all recommended buccal and intranasal midazolam; three also recommended intramuscular midazolam, and five recommended using rectal diazepam. All 11 emergency department guidelines described three phases in therapy. Intravenous medication, by phase, was indicated as such: initial phase - ten/11 guidelines recommended lorazepam, and eight/11 recommended diazepam; second phase - most (ten/11) guidelines recommended phenytoin, but other options were phenobarbital (nine/11), valproic acid (six/11), and either fosphenytoin or levetiracetam (each four/11); third phase - four/11 guidelines included the choice of repeating second phase therapy, whereas the other guidelines recommended using a variety of intravenous anesthetic agents (thiopental, midazolam, propofol, and pentobarbital). CONCLUSIONS: All of the guidelines share a similar framework for management of status epilepticus. The choice in route of administration and drug type varied across guidelines. Hence, the adoption of a particular guideline should take account of local practice options in health service delivery.

Risk of recurrence after a first unprovoked seizure in children / Risco de recorrência após uma primeira crise epilética não provocada em idade pediátrica

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the first episode of unprovoked epileptic seizure in children and assess recurrence risk factors. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study, based on the analysis of medical records of patients admitted between 2003 and 2014, with first epileptic seizure, at the pediatric service of a secondary hospital. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 program. Results: Of the 103 patients, 52.4% were boys. The median age at the first seizure was 59 (1-211) months. About 93% of children were submitted to an electroencephalogram at the first episode and 47% underwent neuroimaging assessment. Treatment with an antiepileptic drug was started in 46% of patients. The recurrence rate was 38% and of these, 80% had the second seizure within six months after the first event. Of the assessed risk factors, there was a statistically significant association between seizure during sleep and recurrence (p = 0.004), and between remote symptomatic etiology seizure and occurrence of new seizure (p = 0.02). The presence of electroencephalogram abnormalities was also associated with the occurrence of new seizures (p = 0.021). No association was found between age, duration of the seizure, and family history of epilepsy with increased risk of recurrence. Conclusions: Most children with a first unprovoked epileptic seizure had no recurrences. The risk of recurrence was higher in patients with seizure occurring during sleep or remote symptomatic ones and those with abnormal electroencephalogram results.

Resumo Objetivos: Este trabalho teve como objetivos estudar o primeiro episódio de crise epilética não provocada em idade pediátrica e avaliar os fatores de risco de recorrência. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo, baseado na análise dos processos clínicos dos pacientes internados entre 2003 e 2014, num serviço de pediatria de um hospital de nível 2, com primeira crise epilética. Os dados foram trabalhados com o programa SPSS Statistics 20.0. Resultados: Dos 103 pacientes, 52,4% eram meninos. A mediana da idade da primeira crise foi de 59 (um-211) meses. Fizeram eletroencefalograma no primeiro episódio 93% das crianças e 47% neuroimagem. O tratamento com fármaco antiepilético foi instituído em 46% dos pacientes. A taxa de recorrência foi 38% e, desses, 80% tiveram a segunda crise nos seis meses seguintes após o primeiro evento. Dos fatores de risco estudados verificou-se uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre a crise durante o sono e a recorrência (p = 0,004), assim como entre as crises de etiologia sintomática remota e a ocorrência de novas crises (p = 0,02). A presença de anormalidades no eletroencefalograma também esteve associada à ocorrência de novas crises (p = 0,021). Não se encontrou relação entre idade, duração da crise e história familiar de epilepsia com risco aumentado de recorrência. Conclusões: A maioria das crianças com uma primeira crise epilética não provocada não teve recorrências. O risco de recorrência foi superior nos pacientes com crise durante o sono ou crise sintomática remota e naqueles com eletroencefalograma alterado.

The effects of intra-cerebroventricular administered rocuronium on the central nervous system of rats and determination of its epileptic seizure-inducing dose / Efeitos da administração intracerebroventricular de rocurônio sobre o sistema nervoso central de ratos e determinação da dose indutora de crise epiléptica

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricularly administered rocuronium bromide on the central nervous system, determine the seizure threshold dose of rocuronium bromide in rats, and investigate the effects of rocuronium on the central nervous system at 1/5, 1/10, and 1/100 dilutions of the determined seizure threshold dose. Methods: A permanent cannula was placed in the lateral cerebral ventricle of the animals. The study was designed in two phases. In the first phase, the seizure threshold dose of rocuronium bromide was determined. In the second phase, Group R 1/5 (n = 6), Group 1/10 (n = 6), and Group 1/100 (n = 6) were formed using doses of 1/5, 1/10, and 1/100, respectively, of the obtained rocuronium bromide seizure threshold dose. Results: The rocuronium bromide seizure threshold value was found to be 0.056 ± 0.009 µmoL. The seizure threshold, as a function of the body weight of rats, was calculated as 0.286 µmoL/kg-1. A dose of 1/5 of the seizure threshold dose primarily caused splayed limbs, posturing, and tremors of the entire body, whereas the dose of 1/10 of the seizure threshold dose caused agitation and shivering. A dose of 1/100 of the seizure threshold dose was associated with decreased locomotor activity. Conclusions: This study showed that rocuronium bromide has dose-related deleterious effects on the central nervous system and can produce dose-dependent excitatory effects and seizures.

Resumo Justificativa: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos do brometo de rocurônio administrado intracerebroventricularmente sobre o sistema nervoso central, determinar a dose do limiar convulsivo de rocurônio em ratos e investigar os efeitos de rocurônio no sistema nervoso central em diluições de 1/5, 1/10 e 1/100 da dose do limiar convulsivo determinada. Métodos: Uma cânula permanente foi colocada no ventrículo lateral do cérebro dos animais. O estudo foi projetado em duas fases. Na primeira, a dose do limiar convulsivo do brometo de rocurônio foi determinada. Na segunda, o Grupo R 1/5 (n = 6), o Grupo 1/10 (n = 6) e Grupo 1/100 (n = 6) foram formados com doses de 1/5, 1/10 e 1/100, respectivamente, da dose do limiar convulsivo de brometo de rocurônio obtida. Resultados: Descobrimos que o valor do limiar convulsivo de brometo de rocurônio é 0,056 ± 0,009 µmoL. O limiar convulsivo, como uma função do peso corporal dos ratos, foi calculado como 0,286 µmoL/kg-1. Uma dose de 1/5 da dose do limiar convulsivo causou principalmente abertura postural dos membros e tremores em todo o corpo, enquanto uma dose de 1/10 da dose do limiar convulsivo causou agitação e tremores. Uma dose de 1/100 da dose do limiar convulsivo foi associada à diminuição da atividade locomotora. Conclusões: Este estudo mostrou que o brometo de rocurônio tem efeitos deletérios relacionados com a dose sobre o sistema nervoso central e pode produzir efeitos excitatórios dependentes da dose e convulsões.

[The effects of intra-cerebroventricular administered rocuronium on the central nervous system of rats and determination of its epileptic seizure-inducing dose]. / Efeitos da administração intracerebroventricular de rocurônio sobre o sistema nervoso central de ratos e determinação da dose indutora de crise epiléptica.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricularly administered rocuronium bromide on the central nervous system, determine the seizure threshold dose of rocuronium bromide in rats, and investigate the effects of rocuronium on the central nervous system at 1/5, 1/10, and 1/100 dilutions of the determined seizure threshold dose. METHODS: A permanent cannula was placed in the lateral cerebral ventricle of the animals. The study was designed in two phases. In the first phase, the seizure threshold dose of rocuronium bromide was determined. In the second phase, Group R 1/5 (n=6), Group 1/10 (n=6), and Group 1/100 (n=6) were formed using doses of 1/5, 1/10, and 1/100, respectively, of the obtained rocuronium bromide seizure threshold dose. RESULTS: The rocuronium bromide seizure threshold value was found to be 0.056±0.009µmoL. The seizure threshold, as a function of the body weight of rats, was calculated as 0.286µmoL/kg-1. A dose of 1/5 of the seizure threshold dose primarily caused splayed limbs, posturing, and tremors of the entire body, whereas the dose of 1/10 of the seizure threshold dose caused agitation and shivering. A dose of 1/100 of the seizure threshold dose was associated with decreased locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that rocuronium bromide has dose-related deleterious effects on the central nervous system and can produce dose-dependent excitatory effects and seizures.

The effects of intra-cerebroventricular administered rocuronium on the central nervous system of rats and determination of its epileptic seizure-inducing dose.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricularly administered rocuronium bromide on the central nervous system, determine the seizure threshold dose of rocuronium bromide in rats, and investigate the effects of rocuronium on the central nervous system at 1/5, 1/10, and 1/100 dilutions of the determined seizure threshold dose. METHODS: A permanent cannula was placed in the lateral cerebral ventricle of the animals. The study was designed in two phases. In the first phase, the seizure threshold dose of rocuronium bromide was determined. In the second phase, Group R 1/5 (n=6), Group 1/10 (n=6), and Group 1/100 (n=6) were formed using doses of 1/5, 1/10, and 1/100, respectively, of the obtained rocuronium bromide seizure threshold dose. RESULTS: The rocuronium bromide seizure threshold value was found to be 0.056±0.009µmoL. The seizure threshold, as a function of the body weight of rats, was calculated as 0.286µmoL/kg-1. A dose of 1/5 of the seizure threshold dose primarily caused splayed limbs, posturing, and tremors of the entire body, whereas the dose of 1/10 of the seizure threshold dose caused agitation and shivering. A dose of 1/100 of the seizure threshold dose was associated with decreased locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that rocuronium bromide has dose-related deleterious effects on the central nervous system and can produce dose-dependent excitatory effects and seizures.

Risk of recurrence after a first unprovoked seizure in children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the first episode of unprovoked epileptic seizure in children and assess recurrence risk factors. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study, based on the analysis of medical records of patients admitted between 2003 and 2014, with first epileptic seizure, at the pediatric service of a secondary hospital. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 program. RESULTS: Of the 103 patients, 52.4% were boys. The median age at the first seizure was 59 (1-211) months. About 93% of children were submitted to an electroencephalogram at the first episode and 47% underwent neuroimaging assessment. Treatment with an antiepileptic drug was started in 46% of patients. The recurrence rate was 38% and of these, 80% had the second seizure within six months after the first event. Of the assessed risk factors, there was a statistically significant association between seizure during sleep and recurrence (p=0.004), and between remote symptomatic etiology seizure and occurrence of new seizure (p=0.02). The presence of electroencephalogram abnormalities was also associated with the occurrence of new seizures (p=0.021). No association was found between age, duration of the seizure, and family history of epilepsy with increased risk of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Most children with a first unprovoked epileptic seizure had no recurrences. The risk of recurrence was higher in patients with seizure occurring during sleep or remote symptomatic ones and those with abnormal electroencephalogram results.

Management protocols for status epilepticus in the pediatric emergency room: systematic review article / Protocolos de manejo de estado de mal epiléptico no pronto socorro pediátrico: análise sistemática

Abstract Objective: This systematic review of national or regional guidelines published in English aimed to better understand variance in pre-hospital and emergency department treatment of status epilepticus. Sources: Systematic search of national or regional guidelines (January 2000 to February 2017) contained within PubMed and Google Scholar databases, and article reference lists. The search keywords were status epilepticus, prolonged seizure, treatment, and guideline. Summary of findings: 356 articles were retrieved and 13 were selected according to the inclusion criteria. In all six pre-hospital guidelines, the preferred route of medication administration was to use alternatives to the intravenous route: all recommended buccal and intranasal midazolam; three also recommended intramuscular midazolam, and five recommended using rectal diazepam. All 11 emergency department guidelines described three phases in therapy. Intravenous medication, by phase, was indicated as such: initial phase - ten/11 guidelines recommended lorazepam, and eight/11 recommended diazepam; second phase - most (ten/11) guidelines recommended phenytoin, but other options were phenobarbital (nine/11), valproic acid (six/11), and either fosphenytoin or levetiracetam (each four/11); third phase - four/11 guidelines included the choice of repeating second phase therapy, whereas the other guidelines recommended using a variety of intravenous anesthetic agents (thiopental, midazolam, propofol, and pentobarbital). Conclusions: All of the guidelines share a similar framework for management of status epilepticus. The choice in route of administration and drug type varied across guidelines. Hence, the adoption of a particular guideline should take account of local practice options in health service delivery.

Resumo Objetivo: Esta análise sistemática de diretrizes nacionais ou regionais publicadas em inglês tem como objetivo entender melhor a diferença no tratamento do estado de mal epiléptico pré-hospitalar e no departamento de emergência. Fontes: Pesquisa sistemática de diretrizes nacionais ou regionais (janeiro de 2000 a fevereiro de 2017) contidas nas bases de dados do Pubmed e do Google Acadêmico e listas de referência de artigos. As palavras-chave da busca foram estado de mal epiléptico, convulsão prolongada, tratamento e diretriz. Resumo dos achados: Foram identificados 356 artigos e 13 foram selecionados de acordo com os critérios de inclusão. Em todas as seis diretrizes pré-hospitalares, o caminho preferencial de administração da medicação foi usar opções à via intravenosa: todas recomendaram midazolam bucal e intranasal; três também recomendaram midazolam intramuscular; e cinco recomendaram usar o diazepam via retal. Todas as 11 diretrizes de departamento de emergência descreveram três fases na terapia. No que diz respeito à medicação intravenosa, por fase, temos: fase inicial - 10/11 diretrizes recomendaram lorazepam e 8/11 recomendaram diazepam; segunda fase - a maioria (10/11) das diretrizes recomendou fenitoína, porém outras opções foram fenobarbital (9/11), ácido valproico (6/11) e fosfenitoína ou levetiracetam (individualmente, 4/11); terceira fase - 4/11 diretrizes incluíram a opção de repetir a terapia da segunda fase, ao passo que as outras diretrizes recomendaram usar diversos agentes anestésicos intravenosos (tiopental, midazolam, propofol e pentobarbital). Conclusões: Todas as diretrizes compartilham uma estrutura semelhante para manejo do estado de mal epiléptico. A escolha da via de administração e do tipo de medicamento variou em todas as diretrizes. Assim, a adoção de uma diretriz específica deve levar em consideração as opções da prática local na prestação de serviços de saúde.

Seizure due to multiple drugs intoxication: a case report / Convulsão por causa de intoxicação por múltiplas drogas: relato de caso

Abstract The mechanism of the antidepressant effect of bupropion is not fully understood. Besides, using it in the treatment of depression, it is found to be effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms due to smoking cessation. A 28-year-old female patient with a history of depression was admitted to emergency department an hour after ingestion of bupropion, quetiapine, and levothyroxine in high doses to commit suicide. While accepting her into the Intensive Care Unit, she was awake, alert, disoriented and agitated. After 2 h, the patient had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. The necessary treatment was given and 9 h later with hemodynamic improvement, the patients’ mental status improved. Bupropion may cause unusual behaviors such as delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, or confusion. The risk of seizure is strongly dose-dependent. We want to emphasize the importance of early gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal.

Resumo O mecanismo do efeito antidepressivo de bupropiona ainda não está bem esclarecido. Contudo, seu uso no tratamento de depressão revelou ser eficaz para reduzir os sintomas de abstinência relacionados à cessação do tabagismo. Uma paciente do sexo feminino, 28 anos, com história de depressão, deu entrada no setor de emergência uma hora após a ingestão de bupropiona, quetiapina e levotiroxina em doses elevadas para cometer suicídio. Ao ser internada em unidade de terapia intensiva, estava acordada, alerta, desorientada e agitada. Após duas horas, apresentou uma crise tônico-clônica generalizada. O tratamento necessário foi administrado e nove horas mais tarde, com a estabilização hemodinâmica, o estado mental da paciente melhorou. Bupropiona pode causar comportamentos incomuns, incluindo delírios, paranoia, alucinações ou confusão mental. O risco de convulsão é altamente dependente da dose. Queremos enfatizar a importância da lavagem gástrica precoce e da administração de carvão ativado.

Seizure due to multiple drugs intoxication: a case report.

The mechanism of the antidepressant effect of bupropion is not fully understood. Besides, using it in the treatment of depression, it is found to be effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms due to smoking cessation. A 28-year-old female patient with a history of depression was admitted to emergency department an hour after ingestion of bupropion, quetiapine, and levothyroxine in high doses to commit suicide. While accepting her into the Intensive Care Unit, she was awake, alert, disoriented and agitated. After 2h, the patient had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. The necessary treatment was given and 9h later with hemodynamic improvement, the patients' mental status improved. Bupropion may cause unusual behaviors such as delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, or confusion. The risk of seizure is strongly dose-dependent. We want to emphasize the importance of early gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in the post-anesthesia recovery unit / Convulsões não epilépticas psicogênicas em sala de recuperação pós-anestésica

Abstract Introduction: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES or “pseudoseizures”) remain an obscure topic in the peri-operative setting. They are sudden and time-limited motor and cognitive disturbances, which mimic epileptic seizures, but are psychogenically mediated. Pseudoseizures occur more frequently than epilepsy in the peri-operative setting. Early diagnosis and management may prevent iatrogenic injury. Case: 48 year-old female with a history of depression and “seizures” presented for gynecologic surgery. She described her seizure history as “controlled” without anticonvulsant therapy. The patient underwent uneventful general anesthesia and recovered neurologically intact. During the first two postoperative hours, the patient experienced 3 episodes of seizure-like activity with generalized shaking of extremities and pelvic thrusting; her eyes were firmly closed. No tongue biting or incontinence was noted. The episodes lasted approximately 3 min each, one of which resolved spontaneously and the other two following intravenous lorazepam. During these episodes, the patient had stable hemodynamics and adequate ventilation such that endotracheal intubation was deemed unwarranted. Post-ictally, the patient was neurologically intact. Computed axial tomography of the head, metabolic assay, and electroencephalogram showed no abnormalities. A presumptive diagnosis of PNES was made. Discussion: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures mimic shivering, and should be considered early in the differential diagnosis of postoperative shaking, as they may be more likely than epilepsy in this setting. Pseudoseizure patterns include asynchronous convulsive episodes lasting more than 90 s, forced eye closure with resistance to opening, and retained pupillary responses. Autonomic manifestations such as tachycardia, cyanosis and incontinence are usually absent. A psychiatric background is common. Knowledge and correct diagnosis of pseudoseizures is of great importance for anesthesiologists to prevent morbidity and iatrogenic injury such as respiratory arrest caused by anticonvulsant therapy, in addition to the risks associated with endotracheal intubation and prolonged hospital stays. The diagnosis of pseudoseizures must be thoroughly documented and relayed in transfer of care to avoid misdiagnosis and iatrogenic complications. Treatment recommendations are anecdotal; psychiatric interventions are the hallmark of treatment. Anesthetic recommendations include techniques involving the minimum required short-acting agents, along with high levels of peri-operative psychological support and reassurance.

Resumo Introdução: As convulsões não epilépticas psicogênicas (CNEP ou “pseudoconvulsões”) permanecem como tema obscuro no cenário perioperatório. Trata-se de distúrbios motores e cognitivos súbitos, mas por tempo limitado, que imitam as convulsões epilépticas, mas que são psicogenicamente mediados. Pseudoconvulsões ocorrem com mais frequência do que epilepsia em cenário perioperatório. O diagnóstico e o tratamento precoces podem evitar lesões iatrogênicas. Caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 48 anos, com história de depressão e “convulsões”, apresentou-se para cirurgia ginecológica. A paciente descreveu sua história de convulsões “controladas” sem o uso de terapia anticonvulsivante. Foi submetida à anestesia geral sem intercorrências e recuperou-se neurologicamente intacta. Durante as duas primeiras horas de pós-operatório, apresentou três episódios semelhantes à convulsão, com tremores generalizados das extremidades e impulso pélvico; seus olhos estavam bem fechados. Não observamos mordedura da língua ou incontinência. Os episódios duraram cerca de três minutos cada; um dos episódios resolveu espontaneamente e os outros dois após a administração de lorazepam por via intravenosa. Durante os episódios, a condição hemodinâmica da paciente era estável e a ventilação adequada, de modo que a intubação traqueal foi considerada injustificável. Após a convulsão, a paciente estava neurologicamente intacta. Tomografia axial da cabeça, teste metabólico e eletroencefalograma não mostraram alterações. O diagnóstico de provável CNEP foi feito. Discussão: As convulsão não epilépticas psicogênicas imitam o tremor e devem ser inicialmente consideradas no diagnóstico diferencial de tremor pós-operatório, pois podem ser mais prováveis do que a epilepsia nesse cenário. Os padrões da pseudoconvulsão incluem episódios convulsivos assíncronos que duram mais de 90 segundos, olhos forçadamente fechados com resistência à abertura e respostas pupilares mantidas. Manifestações autonômicas, como taquicardia, cianose e incontinência, normalmente estão ausentes. Uma história psiquiátrica é comum. O conhecimento e o diagnóstico correto de pseudoconvulsões são muito importantes para os anestesiologistas para a prevenção de morbidade e lesões iatrogênicas, como a parada respiratória causada por terapia anticonvulsivante, além dos riscos associados à intubação orotraqueal e internação prolongada. O diagnóstico de pseudoconvulsões deve ser cuidadosamente documentado e retransmitido nas trocas de equipes médicas para evitar erros de diagnóstico e complicações iatrogênicas. As recomendações de tratamento são anedóticas; intervenções psiquiátricas são o pilar do tratamento. As recomendações anestésicas incluem técnicas que envolvem o uso de agentes de ação curta, juntamente com altos níveis de apoio e amparo psicológico no período perioperatório.

Absence seizure associated with coloprep consumption in colonoscopy / Convulsão de ausência com o uso de Coloprep em colonoscopia

Coloprep is a bowel preparatory solution given before endoscopic procedures to get a unobscured internal vision. It has among its constituent's sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate and magnesium sulphate which produce an osmotic effect in the bowel. However, the use of such agents in hyponatremic and patients predisposed to seizures can have adverse ramifications. The current case outlines manifestation of absence seizure in a 52-year-old male patient who was administered Coloprep for colonoscopy. There was absence of other predisposing factors and the symptoms were ameliorated using timely identification and rectification of the underlying derangements.

Coloprep é uma solução preparatória intestinal administrada antes de procedimentos endoscópicos, com o objetivo de se ter uma visão interna não obscurecida. Entre os constituintes de Coloprep, observa-se sulfato de sódio, sulfato de potássio e sulfato de magnésio, que provocam efeito osmótico no intestino. Mas o uso de tais agentes em pacientes hiponatrêmicos e com predisposição para convulsões pode ter ramificações adversas. O caso em tela delineia uma manifestação de convulsão de ausência em paciente do gênero masculino com 52 anos e que recebeu Coloprep para colonoscopia. Não havia outros fatores predisponentes e os sintomas melhoraram graças à oportuna identificação e correção dos transtornos subjacentes.

[Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in the post-anesthesia recovery unit]. / Convulsões não epilépticas psicogênicas em sala de recuperação pós-anestésica.

INTRODUCTION: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES or "pseudoseizures") remain an obscure topic in the peri-operative setting. They are sudden and time-limited motor and cognitive disturbances, which mimic epileptic seizures, but are psychogenically mediated. Pseudoseizures occur more frequently than epilepsy in the peri-operative setting. Early diagnosis and management may prevent iatrogenic injury. CASE: 48 year-old female with a history of depression and "seizures" presented for gynecologic surgery. She described her seizure history as "controlled" without anticonvulsant therapy. The patient underwent uneventful general anesthesia and recovered neurologically intact. During the first two postoperative hours, the patient experienced 3 episodes of seizure-like activity with generalized shaking of extremities and pelvic thrusting; her eyes were firmly closed. No tongue biting or incontinence was noted. The episodes lasted approximately 3min each, one of which resolved spontaneously and the other two following intravenous lorazepam. During these episodes, the patient had stable hemodynamics and adequate ventilation such that endotracheal intubation was deemed unwarranted. Post-ictally, the patient was neurologically intact. Computed axial tomography of the head, metabolic assay, and electroencephalogram showed no abnormalities. A presumptive diagnosis of PNES was made. DISCUSSION: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures mimic shivering, and should be considered early in the differential diagnosis of postoperative shaking, as they may be more likely than epilepsy in this setting. Pseudoseizure patterns include asynchronous convulsive episodes lasting more than 90s, forced eye closure with resistance to opening, and retained pupillary responses. Autonomic manifestations such as tachycardia, cyanosis and incontinence are usually absent. A psychiatric background is common. Knowledge and correct diagnosis of pseudoseizures is of great importance for anesthesiologists to prevent morbidity and iatrogenic injury such as respiratory arrest caused by anticonvulsant therapy, in addition to the risks associated with endotracheal intubation and prolonged hospital stays. The diagnosis of pseudoseizures must be thoroughly documented and relayed in transfer of care to avoid misdiagnosis and iatrogenic complications. Treatment recommendations are anecdotal; psychiatric interventions are the hallmark of treatment. Anesthetic recommendations include techniques involving the minimum required short-acting agents, along with high levels of peri-operative psychological support and reassurance.

Avaliação do potencial anticonvulsivante do extrato padronizado de justicia pectoralis(chambá): estudo de neuroproteção e mecanismo de ação

A epilepsia acomete cerca de 50 milhões de pessoas e 30 % destas apresentam crises refratárias ao tratamento disponível no mercado. O mecanismo da convulsão envolve alteração de neurotransmissores e aminoácidos, estresse oxidativo, excito toxicidade e lesão neuronal. O extrato padronizado de chambá (CH), preparado a partir das partes aéreas da Justicia pectoralis, apresentou em estudos prévios, efeito ansiolítico relacionado à modulação positiva dos receptores GABAA/benzodiazepínicos. Dessa forma, objetivando investigar o potencial anticonvulsivante do chambá, bem como o mecanismo de ação, foram realizados modelos de convulsão induzida por picrotoxina, estricnina, eletrochoque e pilocarpina. Para avaliar a atividade antioxidante através do envolvimento do estresse oxidativo foram mensurados os níveis de peroxidação lipídica, nitrito e a atividade da catalase em hipocampo, corpo estriado e medula (modelo de estricnina) nos modelos de convulsão mencionados acima. Em seguida, foram determinados os níveis de aminoácidos inibitórios (GABA, glicina e taurina) e excitatórios (glutamato e aspartato) no hipocampo após convulsão por pilocarpina e, para verificar a atividade neuroprotetora foram avaliadas a porcentagem de danos neuronais nas áreas CA1 e CA3 do hipocampo após status epilepticusinduzido por pilocarpina. Foram utilizados camundongos Swissfêmeas, tratados por via oral (gavage) e divididos em grupos de acordo com estudo realizado, dentre eles: atividade anticonvulsivante [6 grupos (n=10)...

Epilepsy affects about 50 million people and 30% of these people have refractory seizures to the treatment available. The mechanism of seizure involves alteration in neurotransmitters and amino acids, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity and neuronal injury. The standardized extract of Chamba (CH), prepared from the aerial parts of Justicia pectoralis, presented in previous studies anxiolytic effect related to the upregulation of GABA/benzodiazepine receptors. Thus, with the aim to investigate the anticonvulsant potential of Chamba and its mechanism of action, we performed seizure models induced by picrotoxin, strychnine, electroshock and pilocarpine. To evaluate the antioxidant activity, we measured levels of lipid peroxidation, nitrite and catalase activity in hippocampus, striatum and marrow (strychnine model) in the seizure models mentioned above. Next, we determined the levels of inhibitory amino acid (GABA, glycine, and taurine) and excitatory amino acid (glutamate and aspartate) in the hippocampus after pilocarpine seizure and, to verify neuroprotective activity, we also evaluated the percentage of neuronal damage in the CA1 and CA3 fields of hippocampus after status epilepticus induced by pilocarpine. Swiss female mice were treated orally (gavage) and divided into groups according to the study, among them: anticonvulsant activity [6 groups (n = 10)...

Erliquiose canina - relato de caso / Ehrlichiosis canine - case report

Canine ehrlichiosis is a disease caused by species of genus Ehrlichia with great importance in veterinary. The clinical signs as well as haematological changes are variable and it is necessary to use other more specific diagnostic methods. The present work reports the case of a female dog, SRD, presenting hyperthermia, convulsion, uveitis, nystagmus, myoclonus, ataxia, prostration and lymphadenitis. The necropsy report was suggestive of ehrlichiosis.(AU)