Serious neurological adverse events following immunization against SARS-CoV-2: a narrative review of the literature.

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, massive immunization campaigns became the most promising public health measure. During clinical trials, certain neurological adverse effects following immunization (AEFIs) were observed; however, acceptable safety profiles lead to emergency authorization for the distribution and use of the vaccines. To contribute to pharmacovigilance and lessen the potential negative impact that vaccine hesitancy would have on immunization programs, we conducted a review of the scientific literature concerning the epidemiological data, clinical presentation, and potential mechanisms of these neurological AEFIs. There is some epidemiological evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, arterial ischemic stroke, convulsive disorder, Guillain-Barré syndrome, facial nerve palsy, and other neurological conditions. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis has been associated with a thrombotic thrombocytopenia induced by the vaccine, similar to that induced by heparin, which suggests similar pathogenic mechanisms (likely involving antibodies against platelet factor 4, a chemokine released from activated platelets). Arterial ischemic stroke is another thrombotic condition observed among some COVID-19 vaccine recipients. Vaccine-induced convulsive disorder might be the result of structural abnormalities potentially caused by the vaccine or autoimmune mechanisms. Guillain-Barré syndrome and facial nerve palsy may also be linked to the immunization event, possibly due to immune mechanisms such as uncontrolled cytokine release, autoantibody production, or bystander effect. However, these events are mostly uncommon and the evidence for the association with the vaccine is not conclusive. Furthermore, the potential pathophysiological mechanisms remain largely unknown. Nevertheless, neurological AEFIs can be serious, life-threatening or even fatal. In sum, COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe and the risk of neurological AEFIs does not outweigh the benefits of immunization. However, early diagnosis and treatment of neurological AEFIs are of utmost importance, and both health professionals and the public should be aware of these conditions.

A review of undesired effects involving the nervous system following the administration of COVID-19 vaccines Among the range of complications that can occur after a vaccine, some of them can affect the nervous system and its vasculature. This narrative review aims to evaluate some serious neurological conditions following COVID-19 vaccination. We searched biomedical journal databases where physicians around the globe reported different complications after the administration of different COVID-19 vaccines. Besides reports of cases in individual patients or small groups, we reviewed studies that included bigger groups of patients (e.g. vaccinated versus non-vaccinated) and compared the occurrence of these events between them. We found that after the administration of a certain type of vaccine (e.g. ChAdOx1-S/Oxford, AstraZeneca vaccine), serious neurological complications were rare, with abnormal clot formation involving cerebral blood vessels being one of the most important among them. Nonetheless, other conditions have been observed after the administration of the vaccines; however, it is not certain yet if the vaccines are the actual cause of these complications. There are some hypotheses that could explain why these adverse reactions take place after a vaccine. For instance, an abnormal immune response to the vaccine leads to the production of antibodies (i.e. proteins made by the immune system in response to the presence of a foreign substance). These antibodies trigger a response that could eventually result in clot formation. Besides, the immune response can also produce other adverse effects, including convulsive disorder, Guillain­Barré syndrome, and facial nerve palsy. Scientific evidence suggests that vaccines are safe overall. While mild complications, such as pain at the site of injection or bruising might occur, more serious events remain rare. Furthermore, the complications derived from COVID-19 are far more likely in non-vaccinated individuals than the complications associated with the vaccine. Thus, vaccination continues to be the safest and most effective strategy to control the ongoing pandemic. However, both health professionals and the public should be aware of the possibility of serious neurological adverse reactions occurring after vaccination to allow early diagnosis and treatment.

Neurological disease in the time of COVID-19. A case series

Introduction: we present a series of patients with neurological problems and SARS-CoV-2 infection, and review the respective evidence. Patients and methods: a retrospective descriptive study of consecutive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2-positive patients in a neurology department from August 1 to December 31, 2020. Results: we recorded 30 patients: 16 men (53%), with a mean age of 65±17.3. In 53%, the neu rological problem preceded the respiratory symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis. At the syndromic level, the following were found: CVAs 43% (13), seizures 10% (3), posterior reversible encephalopathy 10% (3), encephalopathy 7% (2), brief psychotic disorder 7% (2), myelopathy 3% (1), Guillain-Barré syndrome 3% (1), headache 3% (1), vasculitis 3% (1), intracerebral hemorrhage 3% (1), myasthenic crisis 3% (1) and recurrent optic neuritis 3% (1). Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 induced neurological problems produce a wide variety of symptoms and may be the first manifestation, even without the development of respiratory symptoms from this infection. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2233).

Introducción: se presenta una serie de pacientes con compromiso neurológico e infección por SARS-CoV-2 y se revisa la evidencia al respecto. Pacientes y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de pacientes consecutivos RT-PCR positivos para SARS-CoV-2 del servicio de neurología desde el 1° de agosto hasta 31 de diciembre de 2020. Resultados: registramos 30 pacientes, 16 hombres (53%), edad media: 65±17.3. En el 53% el compromiso neurológico antecedió los síntomas respiratorios y el diagnóstico de infección por SARS-CoV-2. A nivel sindromático se observó: ACV 43% (13), crisis convulsivas 10% (3), encefalopatía posterior reversible 10% (3), encefalopatía 7% (2), trastorno psicótico breve 7% (2), mielopatía 3% (1), síndrome de Guillain-Barré 3% (1), cefalea 3% (1), vasculitis 3% (1), hemorragia intracerebral 3% (1), crisis miasténica 3% (1) y neuritis óptica recurrente 3% (1). Conclusiones: el compromiso neurológico por el SARS-CoV-2 produce una gran variedad de síntomas y puede ser la primera manifestación incluso sin el desarrollo de síntomas respiratorios por esta infección. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2233).

Factores neurológicos asociados a la mortalidad en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular y ventilación mecánica artificial / Neurological factors associated to mortality in patients with cerebrovascular accident and artificial mechanical ventilation

Introducción: El accidente cerebrovascular es una de las causas más comunes de mortalidad a nivel mundial. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación existente entre el desarrollo de afecciones neurológicas y la necesidad de ventilación mecánica con el aumento de la incidencia de mortalidad en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo de corte transversal, realizado en la unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital de atención secundaria. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por 52 pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular los cuales recibieron soporte respiratorio artificial entre los años 2018 y 2020. La variable de interés final fue la mortalidad. Los factores neurológicos estudiados fueron el tipo de accidente cerebrovascular, puntuación de la escala de coma de Glasgow, ausencia de reflejos de tallo encefálico, anisocoria y complicaciones neurológicas. El nivel de significación se halló según p valor ≤ 0,05 a través de Chi cuadrado de independencia. Resultados: La mortalidad proporcional predominó en el accidente cerebrovascular hemorrágico tipo hemorragia intracraneal no traumática (p= 0,118), ausencia de reflejos del tallo encefálico (p=0,000), anisocoria (p=0,000), escala de coma de Glasgow <8 puntos (p=0,000) y complicaciones neurológicas como la hipertensión endocraneana (p=0,010). Conclusiones: Los factores neurológicos asociados a la mortalidad fueron la ausencia de reflejos del tallo encefálico, anisocoria, escala de coma de Glasgow <8 puntos y complicaciones neurológicas como la hipertensión endocraneana(AU)

Introduction: Cerebrovascular accident is one of the commonest causes of mortality in the world. Objective: To determine the association between development of neurological disorders and the need for mechanical ventilation with an increased incidence of mortality in the intensive care unit. Methods: An observational, prospective and cross-sectional study was carried out in the intensive care unit of a secondary care hospital. The study population consisted of 52 patients with cerebrovascular accident who received artificial respiratory support between 2018 and 2020. The final variable of interest was mortality. The neurological factors studied were type of cerebrovascular accident, score according to the Glasgow coma scale, absence of brainstem reflexes, anisocoria, and neurological complications. The level of significance was determined according to P ≤ 0.05, through chi-square of independence. Results: Proportional mortality prevailed in hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident of nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage type (P=0.118), absence of brainstem reflexes (P=0.000), anisocoria (P=0.000), score of less than eight points according to the Glasgow coma scale (P=0.000), and neurological complications such as endocranial hypertension (P=0.010). Conclusions: The neurological factors associated with mortality were absence of brainstem reflexes, anisocoria, score of less than eight points according to the Glasgow coma scale, and neurological complications such as endocranial hypertension(AU)

Cerebral venous thrombosis in a patient with Down syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The new coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has spread throughout most of the world. Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare thromboembolic disease that can present as an extrapulmonary complication in coronavirus disease 2019 infection. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a Hispanic woman with Down syndrome who has coronavirus disease 2019 and presents as a complication extensive cerebral venous thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare thromboembolic disease that can present as an extrapulmonary complication in coronavirus disease 2019 infection. In the absence of clinical and epidemiological data, it is important to carry out further investigation of the risk factors and pathophysiological causes related to the development of cerebrovascular thrombotic events in patients with Down syndrome with coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging patterns of extensive Chikungunya virus-associated myelitis.

Chikungunya fever is an arbovirus infection transmitted by the same mosquito vector of dengue and Zika virus. Besides high fever, common clinical symptoms include articular pain and general malaise. Neurological involvement is unusual, but some patients may develop peripheral and central nervous system involvement, including meningoencephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. We present three cases of Chikungunya fever complicated with extensive myelitis. The spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pattern is characterized by multiple dotted-like and longitudinal hyperintense lesions, with contrast enhancement, mostly distributed in the peripheral regions of the spinal cord. It seems that these lesions are mostly located in the perivascular spaces (PVS), related or not to virus attack. Involvement of brain PVS can also be demonstrated, as shown in two of the cases described. Considering the MRI pattern, extensive spinal cord lesion should include Chikungunya as a differential diagnosis, especially during an outbreak.

Complicaciones neurológicas asociadas a la COVID-19 en pediatría

En la población pediátrica se han reportado casos de la COVID-19 con complicaciones neurológicas. El objetivo fue describir las complicaciones neurológicas en los pacientes pediátricos con la COVID-19 que acudieron a la emergencia del HUC. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, se revisaron 104 historias médicas del Servicio de Emergencia Pediátrica, durante marzo a noviembre 2020. Se incluyeron 15 pacientes que presentaron complicaciones neurológicas en edades comprendidas entre 1 meses a 11 años (media 2,41 (±) años con desviación estándar de 3,3 años), siendo más frecuente, en los lactantes menores con 40,0 % (n=6). Entre las complicaciones neurológicas la más predominante fue la encefalitis/meningoencefalitis, siendo la sintomatología más descrita la crisis epiléptica sintomática aguda en 93 % (n=14), con estatus epiléptico en el 57 % (n=8). La mayoría de la muestra presentó desnutrición en 87 % (n=13) y comorbilidades neurológicas con 47 % (n=7), pulmonares en un 13 % (n=2), cardiopatías en 6,5 % (n=1) y genéticas con 6,5 % (n=1). Las complicaciones neurológicas asociadas a la COVID-19 tuvieron una incidencia de 14,4 % (n=15). Las crisis epilépticas y el status epiléptico fueron la sintomatología neurológica más frecuente. La severidad de la enfermedad pudiera estar condicionada a un estado de desnutrición.

In the pediatric population, cases of COVID-19 with neurological complications have been reported. The objective was to describe the neurological complications in pediatric patients with COVID-19 who attended the HUC emergency. Observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study, 104 medical records of the Pediatric Emergency Service were reviewed, during March to November 2020. 15 patients who presented neurological complications between 1 months and 11 years of age were included (mean 2.41 (±) years with standard deviation of 3.3 years), being more frequent, in infants under 40.0 % (n = 6). Among the neurological complications, the most predominant was Encephalitis / Meningoencephalitis, with the most described symptoms being acute symptomatic seizures in 93 % (n = 14), with status epilepticus in 57 % (n = 8). Most of the sample presented malnutrition in 87 % (n = 13) and neurological comorbidities with 47 % (n = 7), pulmonary in 13 % (n = 2), heart disease in 6.5 % (n = 1) and genetic with 6.5 % (n = 1). Neurological complications associated with COVID-19 had an incidence of 14.4 % (n = 15). Epileptic seizures and status epilepticus were the most frequent neurological symptoms. The severity of the disease could be conditioned to a state of malnutrition.

The unfolding palette of COVID-19 multisystemic syndrome and its neurological manifestations.

Although our current knowledge of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 is still fragmentary, the information so far accrued on the tropism and life cycle of its etiological agent SARS-CoV-2, together with the emerging clinical data, suffice to indicate that the severe acute pulmonary syndrome is the main, but not the only manifestation of COVID-19. Necropsy studies are increasingly revealing underlying endothelial vasculopathies in the form of micro-haemorrhages and micro-thrombi. Intertwined with defective antiviral responses, dysregulated coagulation mechanisms, abnormal hyper-inflammatory reactions and responses, COVID-19 is disclosing a wide pathophysiological palette. An additional property in categorising the disease is the combination of tissue (e.g. neuro- and vasculo-tropism) with organ tropism, whereby the virus preferentially attacks certain organs with highly developed capillary beds, such as the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, kidney and brain. These multiple clinical presentations confirm that the acute respiratory syndrome as described initially is increasingly unfolding as a more complex nosological entity, a multiorgan syndrome of systemic breadth. The neurological manifestations of COVID-19, the focus of this review, reflect this manifold nature of the disease.

Cytokines and Soluble HLA-G Levels in the Acute and Recovery Phases of Arbovirus-Infected Brazilian Patients Exhibiting Neurological Complications.

Severe neurological complications following arbovirus infections have been a major concern in seasonal outbreaks, as reported in the Northeast region of Brazil, where the same mosquito transmitted Zika (ZIKV), Dengue (DENV), and Chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses. In this study, we evaluated the levels of 36 soluble markers, including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and soluble HLA-G (Luminex and ELISA) in: i) serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), during the acute phase and two years after the infection (recovery phase, only serum), ii) the relationship among all soluble molecules in serum and CSF, and iii) serum of infected patients without neurological complications, during the acute infection. Ten markers (sHLA-G, IL-10, IL-22, IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP-1ß, MCP-1, HGF, VEGF, and IL-1RA) exhibited differential levels between the acute and recovery phases, with pronounced increases in MIP-1α (P<0.0001), MCP-1 (P<0.0001), HGF (P= 0.0001), and VEGF (P<0.0001) in the acute phase. Fourteen molecules (IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17A, IFN-α, TNF, and G-CSF) exhibited distinct levels between arbovirus patients presenting or not neurological complications. IL-8, EGF, IL-6, and MCP-1 levels were increased in CSF, while RANTES and Eotaxin levels were higher in serum. Soluble serum (IL-22, RANTES, Eotaxin) and CSF (IL-8, EGF, IL-3) mediators may discriminate putative risks for neurological complications following arbovirus infections. Neurological complications were associated with the presence of a predominant inflammatory profile, whereas in non-complicated patients an anti-inflammatory profile may predominate. Mediators associated with neuroregeneration (EGF and IL-3) may be induced in response to neurological damage. Broad spectrum immune checkpoint molecules (sHLA-G) interact with cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. The identification of soluble markers may be useful to monitor neurological complications and may aid in the development of novel therapies against neuroinflammation.

Neurological Complications Associated with the Blood-Brain Barrier Damage Induced by the Inflammatory Response During SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The main discussion above of the novel pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has focused substantially on the immediate risks and impact on the respiratory system; however, the effects induced to the central nervous system are currently unknown. Some authors have suggested that SARS-CoV-2 infection can dramatically affect brain function and exacerbate neurodegenerative diseases in patients, but the mechanisms have not been entirely described. In this review, we gather information from past and actual studies on coronaviruses that informed neurological dysfunction and brain damage. Then, we analyzed and described the possible mechanisms causative of brain injury after SARS-CoV-2 infection. We proposed that potential routes of SARS-CoV-2 neuro-invasion are determinant factors in the process. We considered that the hematogenous route of infection can directly affect the brain microvascular endothelium cells that integrate the blood-brain barrier and be fundamental in initiation of brain damage. Additionally, activation of the inflammatory response against the infection represents a critical step on injury induction of the brain tissue. Consequently, the virus' ability to infect brain cells and induce the inflammatory response can promote or increase the risk to acquire central nervous system diseases. Here, we contribute to the understanding of the neurological conditions found in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and its association with the blood-brain barrier integrity.

Injuria encefálica aguda en el posoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca / Acute brain injury in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery / Lesão encefálica aguda no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca

Resumen: La injuria encefálica aguda es una de las complicaciones más devastadoras en el posoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca, siendo responsable de un mayor tiempo de asistencia respiratoria mecánica, infecciones pulmonares y por catéteres, dehiscencia esternal, mayor tiempo de estadía hospitalaria, aumento de mortalidad y de costos sanitarios. En el presente trabajo se discuten las diferentes formas de presentación, los factores predisponentes, su fisiopatología, las medidas de prevención y el tratamiento.

Summary: Acute brain injury is one of the most devastating complications in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, being responsible for a longer time of mechanical ventilation, lung and catheter infections, sternal dehiscence, longer hospital stay, increased mortality and healthcare costs. The present work discusses the different forms of presentation, predisposing factors, their pathophysiology, prevention measures and treatment.

Resumo: O dano cerebral agudo é uma das complicações mais devastadoras no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca, sendo responsável por maior tempo de ventilação mecânica, infecções pulmonares, infecções de cateter, deiscência esternal, maior tempo de internação, aumento da mortalidade e custos de saúde. O presente trabalho discute as diferentes formas de apresentação, fatores predisponentes, sua fisiopatologia, medidas de prevenção e tratamento.

Zika virus-spread, epidemiology, genome, transmission cycle, clinical manifestation, associated challenges, vaccine and antiviral drug development.

Zika Virus (ZIKV) is a Flavivirus transmitted primarily via the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Globally, 87 countries and territories have recorded autochthonous mosquito-borne transmission of ZIKV as at July 2019 and distributed across four of the six WHO Regions. Outbreaks of ZIKV infection peaked in 2016 and declined substantially throughout 2017 and 2018 in the Americas region. There is the likely risk for ZIKV to spread to more countries. There is also the potential for the re-emergence of ZIKV in all places with prior reports of the virus transmission. The current status of ZIKV transmission and spread is, however, a global health threat, and from the aforementioned, has the potential to re-emerge as an epidemic. This review summarizes the past and present spread of ZIKV outbreak-2007-2019, the genome, transmission cycle, clinical manifestations, vaccine and antiviral drug advancement.

¿Es útil la monitorización con espectroscopia de infrarojo cercano en la cirugía artroscópica de hombro con anestesia regional y sedación? / Is near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring useful for patients undergoing shoulder surgery under regional anaesthesia and sedation?

BACKGROUND: Shoulder surgery in beach chair position is a very common procedure in our daily practice. It has been associated to regional cerebral saturation impairment detected by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) under general anaesthesia. Severe neurological complications were previously reported, even in previously healthy patients. An anaesthetic protocol under regional anaesthesia and biespectral index (BIS) guided sedation seems to be a safer strategy in order to prevent complications. OBJECTIVE: To find out, in a group of patients undergoing shoulder surgery in beach chair position under regional anaesthesia and sedation, the prevalence of cerebral desaturation events detected by NIRS (defined as a decrease ≥ 20% from baseline or absolute value < 55%). MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this descriptive study, 30 patients undergoing shoulder surgery in beach chair position under regional anaesthesia (ultrasound guided interescalene brachial plexus block) and propofol infusion BIS guided sedation were enrolled to assess the prevalence of cerebral desaturation events. The baseline data for regional cerebral oxygen saturation and bispectral index and non invasive blood pressure measured at heart level were taken prior to surgery after beach chair positioning and thereafter all 5 min until discharge. RESULTS: No cerebral desaturation events were detected during this study. CONCLUSIONS: Although monitoring regional cerebral saturation with NIRS detects decreased cerebral perfusion allowing a rapid intervention, we consider it is not essential under this anaesthesia regimen, considering that no cerebral desaturation events were reported.

La cirugía de hombro en posición de sentado constituye un procedimiento frecuente en la práctica diaria. Bajo anestesia general, se ha asociado con caída de la saturación regional cerebral de oxígeno (Src02) detectada por espectrospcopia infraroja (NIRS), reportándose complicaciones neurológicas severas, incluso en pacientes previamente sanos. El empleo de una técnica de anestesia regional más sedación titulada con índice biespectral (BIS) parecería ser una estrategia más segura a fin de evitar dichos eventos. OBJETIVO: Conocer, en pacientes sometidos a artroscopia de hombro en posición de sentado bajo anestesia regional más sedación, la prevalencia de episodios de desaturación cerebral (ECDs) determinada por NIRS (SrcO2 inferior a 55% o disminución del 20% respecto al basal). MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 30 pacientes sometidos a artroscopía de hombro en posición de sentado bajo anestesia regional (bloqueo interescalénico ecoguiado) más sedación titulada (infusión de propofol guiada por BIS). Se tomaron valores de referencia de Src02, BIS y presión no invasiva a nivel del corazón luego del posicionamiento y, consecutivamente en forma continua para las primeras dos variables y cada 5 minutos hasta el final para la última. Se ocultaron a los anestesiólogos los valores de Src02. RESULTADOS: No se ha detectado ningún EDC en la población estudiada. CONCLUSIÓN: Consideramos que el monitoreo de la perfusión cerebral con tecnología NIRS resulta útil aunque no imprescindible bajo este protocolo anestésico, dada la incidencia casi nula de eventos.

Complicações neurológicas pós-cirurgia bariátrica: uma revisão de literatura / Neurological complications post-bariatric surgery: a review of the literature

A obesidade é um grave problema de saúde em todo o mundo. Apresenta alta prevalência e grande impacto sobre a mortalidade. A cirurgia bariátrica é cada vez mais utilizada no tratamento de obesidade mórbida por se mostrar o mais eficaz tratamento mantendo a perda de peso sustentada e diminuindo a incidência das comorbidades associadas. Complicações neurológicas agudas e crônicas têm sido relatadas após este procedimento, e podem resultar principalmente por deficiência nutricional. Objetivo: Destacar as complicações neurológicas comuns e raras que podem ocorrer após cirurgia bariátrica. Metodologia: Revisão narrativa da literatura. Resultados: Complicações neurológicas pós-cirurgia bariátrica podem ocorrer em qualquer nível do neuroeixo ou em músculos. As mais comuns são por deficiências nutricionais, mas outros mecanismos mais raros podem ocorrer como inflamatórios mecânicos. Conclusão: Com o aumento de incidência da obesidade, a cirurgia bariátrica tem se tornado cada vez mais frequente para perda de peso. É importante avaliar corretamente a indicação desse procedimento uma vez que ele não é isento de complicações. Embora a maioria das complicações do sistema nervoso central, periférico e musculoesquelético após a cirurgia bariátrica seja devido a deficiências nutricionais, existem outras neuropatias associadas com envolvimento inflamatório do nervo periférico. Um processo autoimune tem sido aceito como fisiopatologia subjacente. (AU)

Obesity is a serious health problem throughout the world. It has high prevalence and significant impact on mortality. Bariatric surgery is increasingly used in the treatment of morbid obesity out to be the most effective treatment maintaining sustained weight loss and decreasing the incidence of comorbidities. Acute and chronic neurological complications have been reported after this procedure, and may result primarily by nutritional deficiency. Objective: To emphasize the common and rare neurological complications that may occur after bariatric surgery. Methodology: Narrative review of the literature. Results: Neurological complications after bariatric surgery can occur at any neuraxial level or muscle. The most common are by nutritional deficiency, but other rarer mechanisms may occur, like mechanical or inflammatory. Conclusion: With increasing incidence of obesity, bariatric surgery has become increasingly common for weight loss. It is important to properly evaluate the indication for this procedure since it is not without complications. Although most of the central and peripheral nervous system and musculoskeletal complications after bariatric surgery are due to nutritional deficiencies, there are other neuropathies associated with inflammatory involvement of the peripheral nerve. An autoimmune process has been accepted as an underlying pathophysiology. (AU)

Enfermedad por virus de Zika y sus complicaciones neurológicas / Zika virus disease and its neurological complications

Resumen El virus de Zika es un Flavivirus, transmitido por picadura de mosquito, descubierto en África en 1947. La mayoría de personas afectadas con la infección por virus de Zika no tienen síntomas y cuando estos se presentan son generalmente leves e incluyen ebre, exantema máculo-papular, artralgia y conjuntivitis. Desde el comienzo del año 2015 el virus se ha diseminado a través de las Américas a más de 31 países y territorios hasta comienzos de este año. Personas de toda edad pueden enfermar con esta infección incluyendo fetos por transmisión materno-fetal. La evidencia sugiere que cuando el feto está expuesto al virus durante el embarazo, particularmente en los primeros meses, se asocia con microcefalia y otras malformaciones del sistema nervioso central. Las secuelas a largo plazo sin embargo de las presentaciones: congénita, perinatal y pediátrica son desconocidas. No existe vacuna disponible para prevenir la infección por este virus y el tratamiento es sólo de soporte. Este artículo revisa algunas características epidemiológicas, clínicas, exámenes de laboratorio, tratamiento y prevención con atención a los problemas neurológicos hasta la fecha.

Abstract Zika virus is a mosquito-borne avivirus identi ed in Africa in 1947. Most a ected people has no symptoms and when present they are mild and include: fever, maculopapular rash, athralgias, and myalgias. Since 2015 the virus has spread through the Americas to more than 31 countries and territories until the beginning of this year. People of all ages could be a ected by Zika including fetus. Maternal-fetal transmission has been documented. Evidence suggest that congenital Zika virus occurs when the fetus is exposed to the virus during the rst few months of gestation and is associated with microcephaly and other central nervous system malformations. Zika long term sequelae of congenital, perinatal and pediatric diseases are largely unknown. No vaccine to prevent Zika virus infection is available and the treatment is only of support. This review article is an update regarding the main epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory testing, treatment and prevention with particular attention to the neurological complications.

Zika virus-associated neurological disorders: a review.

Zika virus, an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes species, is now rapidly disseminating throughout the Americas and the ongoing Brazilian outbreak is the largest Zika virus epidemic so far described. In addition to being associated with a non-specific acute febrile illness, a number of neurological manifestations, mainly microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome, have been associated with infection. These with other rarer neurological conditions suggest that Zika virus, similar to other flaviviruses, is neuropathogenic. The surge of Zika virus-related microcephaly cases in Brazil has received much attention and the role of the virus in this and in other neurological manifestations is growing. Zika virus has been shown to be transmitted perinatally and the virus can be detected in amniotic fluid, placenta and foetus brain tissue. A significant increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome incidence has also been reported during this, as well as in previous outbreaks. More recently, meningoencephalitis and myelitis have also been reported following Zika virus infection. In summary, while preliminary studies have suggested a clear relationship between Zika virus infection and certain neurological conditions, only longitudinal studies in this epidemic, as well as experimental studies either in animal models or in vitro, will help to better understand the role of the virus and the pathogenesis of these disorders.

Complicaciones neurológica no infecciosas luego de trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas en pacientes pediátricos / Neurological complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients

Objetivo: Analizar las complicaciones neurológicas no infecciosas en una cohorte de pacientes pediátricos receptores de trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (CPH). Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se analizaron todos los trasplantes realizados entre 1995 y 2015. Se efectuó un análisis uni-variable de la asociación de toxicidad en SNC y de encefalopatía posterior reversible (EPR) con enfermedad de injerto contra huésped (EICH), tipo de trasplante, enfermedad de base y mortalidad relacionada al trasplante, utilizando la prueba de Fisher. Se consideró como significativa una p <0.05. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 479 trasplantes (171 niñas y 308 varones), edad m: 8 años (rango 1 m- 21 años). En 391 casos la fuente de CPH fueron donantes familiares y en 88 no familiares. Treinta y cuatro pacientes (7.10%) presentaron compromiso neurológico de origen no infeccioso. Seis presentaron (EPR) y el resto manifestaciones variadas (convulsiones, excitación psicomotriz, alucinaciones). Las manifestaciones de toxicidad neurológica fueron más frecuentes en los pacientes con EICH aguda (9,16% vs 4,63% p 0,039). Todos los pacientes con EPR presentaron EICH (p 0,04) y en el 67% de los casos esta fue grado 3-4 (p < 0,001). Al analizar la relación temporal encontramos que en el 78% de los casos la EICH precedió a la EPR. La mortalidad relacionada al trasplante fue algo superior a la de los pacientes sin complicaciones neurológicas no infecciosas (29% vs 22% NS) pero no se observaron muertes de causa neurológica (AU)

Aim: To analyze non-infectious neurological complications in a cohort of pediatric patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell (HPSCT) transplantation. Material and methods: Retrospective study. All transplantations performed between 1995 and 2015 were analyzed. In univariate analysis the association between neurotoxicity and posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRE) and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), type of transplant, underlying disease, and transplant-related mortality was assessed using Fisher's test. A p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Overall, 479 transplantations (171 in girls and 308 in boys) were evaluated; mean age was 8 years (range, 1 m-21 years). In 391 cases the source of the HPSC were related and in 88 unrelated donors. Thirty-four patients (7.10%) presented with non-infectious neurological involvement. Six patients had PRE and the remaining children had variable manifestations (seizures, psychomotor agitation, hallucinations). Manifestations of neurotoxicity were more common in patients with acute GVHD (9.16% vs 4.63%; p 0.039). All patients with PRE had GVHD (p 0.04) and 67% of the children had grade 3-4 GVHD (p < 0.001). When analyzing time, we found that in 78% of the cases GVHD preceded PRE. Transplant-related mortality was slightly higher in patients without non-infectious neurological complications (29% vs 22%; NS) but no deaths due to neurological causes were observed (AU)

Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil / Síndrome de Guillain-Barré associada ao surto de infecção por vírus Zika no Brasil

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) is now considered an emerging flavivirosis, with a first large outbreak registered in the Yap Islands in 2007. In 2013, a new outbreak was reported in the French Polynesia, with associated cases of neurological complications including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The incidence of GBS has increased in Brazil since 2015, what is speculated to be secondary to the ZIKV infection outbreak. The gold-standard test for detection of acute ZIKV infection is the polymerase-chain reaction technique, an essay largely unavailable in Brazil. The diagnosis of GBS is feasible even in resource-limited areas using the criteria proposed by the GBS Classification Group, which is based solely on clinical grounds. Further understanding on the relationship of ZIKV with neurological complications is a research urgency.

RESUMO O vírus Zika (VZIK) é agora considerado uma flavivirose emergente, com um primeiro grande surto registrado nas ilhas Yap, em 2007. Em 2013, novo surto foi registado na Polinésia francesa, com complicações neurológicas, incluindo a síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB). A incidência de SGB experimentou um aumento durante o ano de 2015, o que se especula ser secundário ao surto de infecção pelo ZIKV. A técnica em reação em cadeia de polimerase é considerado o teste padrão-ouro, mas é pouco disponível no Brasil. O diagnóstico da SGB é possível mesmo em áreas com recursos limitados usando os critérios propostos pelo GBS Classification Group, os quais são baseados exclusivamente em achados clínicos. Um maior entendimento da relação entre a infecção pelo ZIKV e complicações neurológicas é uma urgência de pesquisa.

Evolución de las complicaciones neurológicas en la cirugía de deformidades vertebrales en la infancia

Introducción: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo con el propósito de evaluar cómo evolucionaron los pacientes que sufrieron trastornos neurológicos a causa de una cirugía de las cifoescoliosis en la infancia. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluó a 9 pacientes sin alteraciones neurológicas previas, que presentaron complicaciones neurológicas luego de un procedimiento quirúrgico por escoliosis o cifosis, operados en nuestra institución, durante un período de 10 años. Resultados: Las etiologías de las deformidades fueron: 4 escoliosis idiopáticas, 2 escoliosis congénitas, una secundaria a neurofibromatosis de tipo 1, una cifosis idiopática y una poslaminectomía por miofibrosarcomatosis. Cinco pacientes tuvieron episodios neurofisiológicos intraquirúrgicos. Todos requirieron, al menos, una segunda intervención quirúrgica para solucionar su patología de base. La lesión neurológica fue: lesión radicular (un caso) y lesión del cordón medular (8 casos); 6 sufrieron una lesión medular completa (75%) que se manifestó como una paresia bilateral y 2 (25%), una lesión medular incompleta con monoparesia, sólo 2 quedaron con vejiga neurogénica. Conclusión: La detección temprana de una complicación neurológica, su diagnóstico etiológico y la resolución quirúrgica mejoran la evolución neurológica del paciente, y evitan la secuela o disminuyen su gravedad.(AU)

Background: A retrospective descriptive study was performed to assess the outcome of neurological complications due to kyphosis or scoliosis surgery in children. Methods: Nine patients who suffered neurological complication during kyphosis and/or scoliosis deformity surgery operated on our institution from May 2003 to June 2013 were evaluated. Results: Etiologies observed were: 4 idiopathic scolioses, 2 congenital scolioses, one associated with neurofibromatosis type 1, one idiopathic kyphosis and one myofibrosarcomatosis post-laminectomy surgery. Five patients presented intraoperative neurological changes. All patients needed at least a second surgical intervention to solve the spine deformity. The topographic classification of the neurological injury was: radicular injury (one patient); spinal cord injury (8 patients), 6 presented complete spinal injury (75%) which manifested with bilateral paresis and 2 patients (25%) suffered an incomplete spinal injury with monoparesis, only 2 stayed with neurogenic bladder. Conclusion: Early detection of a neurological complication, its etiological diagnosis and surgical resolution improve neurological outcome, avoiding or reducing its sequel.(AU)

Efectos de la edad sobre la morbimortalidad de la hemorragia intracerebral

Introducción: los datos disponibles sobre factores de riesgo y mortalidad en sujetos jóvenes tras una hemorragia intracerebral (HIC) son muy escasos. Objetivo: determinar los factores de riesgo en dicha población y comparar la frecuencia de mortalidad y complicaciones asociadas entre adultos menores de 50 años edad y aquellos de 50 años o más. Material y métodos: se elaboraron dos cohortes, una de pacientes adultos menores de 50 años con HIC (cohorte 1) y otra de adultos de 50 años o más con HIC (cohorte 2), admitidos en el Hospital Nacional de Itauguá en el período 2013-2014. Resultados: fueron incluidos 53 pacientes en la cohorte 1 y 89 en la cohorte 2. Ambas cohortes fueron similares en sus aspectos demográficos y clínicos. La mortalidad fue superior en la cohorte 2. La escala de Glasgow al egreso fue mayor en la cohorte 1. No hubo diferencias significativas entre ambas poblaciones en cuanto a incidencia de complicaciones infecciosas y neurológicas derivadas del hematoma. Conclusión: la HIC en sujetos mayores de 50 años de edad se asocia a una mayor mortalidad.

Introduction: The available data about risk factors and mortality in young individuals after an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are limited. Objectives: To determine the risk factors in this population and then compare the mortality frequency and associated complications between adults younger than 50 years and those of 50 years old or more. Materials and methods: Two cohorts were created, one of adult patients younger than 50 years old with ICH (cohort 1) and another of adults of 50 years and more with ICH (cohort 2), admitted into the National Hospital of Itauguá in the 2013-2014 period. Results: Fifty three patients were included in cohort 1 and 89 in cohort 2. Both cohorts were similar in the demographic and clinical aspects. Mortality was higher in cohort 2. Glasgow scale at discharge was higher in cohort 1. There were not any significant differences between both populations in relation to the incidence of infectious and neurological complications originated in the hematoma. Conclusion: The ICH in subjects older than 50 years old is associated with higher mortality.