Association between telomere length in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes and the propofol dose in anesthesia induction: an observational study

Abstract Introduction: Propofol is a widely used anesthetic and its dose is closely related to aging. Telomere length (TL) is a unique heritable trait, and emerging as a biomarker of aging, health and disease. Telomerase RNA component (TERC) plays an important role in maintaining TL. We proposed a hypothesis that propofol dose in general anesthesia can be predicted by measuring TL before operation, which greatly reduced the risk of anesthesia, especially the elderly. Methods: The association between the propofol dose in anesthesia induction and: TL in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes; body weight; sex; difference of the Bispectral Index (BIS) before and after anesthesia induction in patients was evaluated by multivariable linear regression analyses. The mutation at the 5'end or 3'end of TERC was detected. We recruited 100 patients of elective surgery. Results: We found that propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated significantly with TL (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p= 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p = 0.004), and difference of BIS before and after anesthesia induction (r = 0.85, p = 0.029). By comparing the absolute values of standardized regression coefficients (0.58, 0.21, 0.19, and 0.12) of the four variables, it can be seen that TL contributes the most to the propofol dose in anesthesia induction. However, the mutation at the 5' end or 3' end of TERC was not found. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence that the propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated with genetically determined TL. TL may be a promising predictor of the propofol dose, which is beneficial to improve the safety of anesthesia and reduce perioperative complications.

Factores asociados a epilepsia farmacorresistente en niños atendidos en un hospital de referencia nacional / Factors associated with drug-resistant epilepsy in children treated at a national referral hospital

Antecedentes: Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) cerca de 70 millones de personas en el mundo padecen epilepsia. Los países de medianos y bajos ingresos presentan 70-80% de los casos; se estima que afecta 4-13% de los niños hasta los 16 años, de los cuales la epilepsia farmacorresistente (EFR) se desarrolla en 10-23%. Objetivo: Determinar factores de riesgo asociados a EFR en pacientes pediátricos atendidos en Hospital María, Especialidades Pediátricas (HMEP), Tegucigalpa, marzo 2017-marzo 2022. Métodos: Estudio de casos-controles. A partir del total de pacientes menores de 18 años con diagnóstico de epilepsia atendidos en el Servicio de Neurología HMEP, se definió Caso como pacientes con diagnóstico de EFR y Controles como pacientes con epilepsia no farmacorresistente (ENFR). A partir de expedientes clínicos, se evaluaron factores sociodemográficos, antecedentes personales y familiares, factores clínicos, estudios de imagen y electroencefalograma. El estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética Institucional. Resultados: Se analizaron 81 casos y 162 controles. La edad más afectada en casos fue preescolar (35.8%), en controles fue edad escolar (41.4%). El sexo masculino presentó similar distribución en ambos grupos (51.8% y 51.2%). La procedencia rural fue más frecuente en los casos que en controles (58.0% versus 48.8%). Se identificaron los siguientes factores asociados a EFR: Antecedentes familiares de epilepsia (ORa 2.32, IC95%1.22­4.41, p=0.01), alteración focal en examen físico (ORa 2.23, IC95%1.10­4.55, p=0.02), neurodesarrollo anormal (ORa 2.78, IC95%1.18­6.54, p=0.02). Discusión: El control adecuado de las crisis epilépticas incide directamente en la calidad de vida y sobrevida de los pacientes. La identificación correcta de los niños con epilepsia con los factores asociados identificados en este estudio, que coinciden con lo descrito internacionalmente, permitirá hacer un mejor tamizaje y priorizar la referencia temprana a un neurólogo pediatra contribuyendo a mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes...(AU)

Estimulación de nervio vago en epilepsia refractaria y callosotomía previa sin mejoría. Reporte de caso / Vagus nerve stimulation in refractory epilepsy and previous callosotomy without vimprovement. Case report / Estimulação do nervo vago em epilepsia refratária e calosotomia prévia sem melhora. Relato de caso

La epilepsia refractaria tanto generalizada como focal, es una patología sumamente incapacitante, para el tratamiento de la misma se ha establecido a la callosotomía desde hace décadas como primera línea quirúrgica para su control, la cual puede presentar efectos secundarios importantes como síndrome de desconexión y pérdida de memoria, sin embargo, existen pacientes que no responden a la callosotomía y necesitan nuevas líneas de tratamiento, buscando en la estimulación de nervio vago una respuesta a su condición. Descripción del caso de estudio. Se presenta el caso de paciente masculino de 24 años de edad con antecedente patológico de convulsiones tipo tónico clónicas generalizadas confirmadas por video electroencefalograma de 24 horas, de predominio nocturno de 13 años de evolución, es sometido a 2 regímenes farmacológicos antiepilépticos diferentes en un período de 7 años de duración, posteriormente diagnosticado con epilepsia refractaria, por lo que se realiza callosotomía sin control de su cuadro clínico, el mismo año se realiza estimulación de nervio vago, presentando resultados favorables en su evolución. Conclusión. Luego de evidenciar el presente caso de estudio se concluye que el tratamiento de epilepsia refractaria con la colocación de un estimulador de nervio vago izquierdo asociado a un correcto régimen FAE es una alternativa muy eficaz para considerar en estos pacientes.

Refractory epilepsy, both generalized and focal, is an extremely disabling pathology. For its treatment, callosotomy has been established for decades as the first surgical line for its control, which can present important side effects such as disconnection and loss syndrome. by heart, however, there are patients who do not respond to callosotomy and need new lines of treatment, looking for an answer to their condition in vagus nerve stimulation. Description of the case study. We present the case of a 24-year-old male patient with a pathological history of generalized tonic-clonic seizures confirmed by a 24-hour video electroencephalogram, predominantly nocturnal for 13 years, undergoing 2 different antiepileptic pharmacological mechanisms over a period of 7 years in duration, later diagnosed with refractory epilepsy, for which callosotomy was performed without control of its clinical picture, the same year vagus nerve stimulation was performed, presenting favorable results in its evolution. Conclution. After evidencing the present case study, it is concluded that the treatment of refractory epilepsy with the placement of a left vagus nerve stimulator associated with a correct AED regimen is a very effective alternative to consider in these patients.

A epilepsia refratária, tanto generalizada quanto focal, é uma patologia extremamente incapacitante. Para seu tratamento, a calosotomia se estabeleceu há décadas como a primeira linha cirúrgica para seu controle, que pode apresentar importantes efeitos colaterais como desconexão e síndrome de perda., há pacientes que não respondem à calosotomia e precisam de novas linhas de tratamento, buscando resposta para sua condição na estimulação do nervo vago. Descrição do estudo de caso. Apresentamos o caso de um doente do sexo masculino, 24 anos, com antecedentes patológicos de crises tónico-clónicas generalizadas confirmadas por videoeletroencefalograma de 24 horas, predominantemente nocturnas há 13 anos, submetido a 2 mecanismos farmacológicos antiepilépticos diferentes ao longo de 7 anos de duração, posteriormente diagnosticada com epilepsia refratária, para a qual foi realizada calosotomia sem controle de seu quadro clínico, no mesmo ano foi realizada estimulação do nervo vago, apresentando resultados favoráveis em sua evolução. Conclusão. Depois de evidenciar o presente estudo de caso, conclui-se que o tratamento da epilepsia refratária com a colocação de um estimulador de nervo vago esquerdo associado a um esquema correto de DEA é uma alternativa muito eficaz a ser considerada nesses pacientes.

Grado de concordancia en una serie de informes de electroencefalogramas ambulatorios del Departamento de Neurofisiología Clínica del Hospital de Clínicas / Coefficient of agreement in a series of reports for ambulatory electroencephalograms at the clinical neurophisiology department of Clinicas Hospital / Grau de concordância em uma série de relatórios de eletroencefalogramas ambulatoriais do Departamento de Neurofisiologia Clínica do Hospital de Clínicas

El electroencefalograma (EEG) es una técnica neurofisiológica encargada de analizar la actividad cerebral utilizada con fines diagnósticos en la epilepsia, pero también en pacientes con encefalopatías agudas y crónicas no epilépticas. Su interpretación debe realizarse por médicos especializados en el área con una formación correcta, actualizada y homogénea para evitar conclusiones disimiles y términos en desuso. Para conocer dentro de una unidad de Neurofisiología Clínica de manera objetiva cómo se interpreta un EEG y su concordancia, comparamos una serie de estudios de EEG ambulatorios a través del grado de concordancia o Kappa entre los observadores. Creemos que es importante conocer las similitudes o diferencias inter observador a fines de corregir los problemas observados y mejorar la calidad asistencial.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a neurophysiological technique that measures electrical activity in the brain for diagnostic purposes in epilepsy, and in patients with nonepileptic acute and chronic encelopathies. This test must be performed by physicians who are specialized in the area and have the appropriate updated and uniform training, in order to avoid dissimilar conclusions and outdated terms. We compared a series of ambulatory EEG by analyzing the Kappa or coefficient of agreement rate among observers to objectively learn how an EEG is interpreted and about agreement rates at the Neurophisiology Clinic. We believe it is important to learn about interobserver similarities and differences to allow for the correction of problems noticed and improve the quality of care. Coefficient of agreement in a series of reports for ambulatory electroencephalograms at the clinical neurophisiology department of Clinicas Hospital.

O eletroencefalograma (EEG) é uma técnica neurofisiológica utilizada no estudo da atividade cerebral utilizada no diagnóstico em epilepsia, mas também em pacientes com encefalopatias não epilépticas agudas e crônicas. Sua interpretação deve ser realizada por médicos especialistas na área com formação correta, atualizada e homogênea para evitar conclusões díspares e termos obsoletos. Para conhecer como um EEG e sua concordância são interpretados objetivamente dentro de uma unidade de Neurofisiologia Clínica, comparamos uma série de estudos EEG ambulatoriais através do grau de concordância ou Kappa entre observadores. Acreditamos que é importante conhecer as semelhanças ou diferenças interobservadores para corrigir os problemas observados e melhorar a qualidade do atendimento.

Levetiracetam plus Oxcarbazepine Combination Treatment Downregulates Serum Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 Levels and Upregulates Neuropeptide Y Levels in Children with Epilepsy

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels in predicting the efficacy of levetiracetam (LEV) plus oxcarbazepine (OXC) treatment administered to children with epilepsy and to determine their prognosis. Overall, 193 children with epilepsy admitted to the hospital were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups according to different treatment methods: group A (n = 106, treated with LEV plus OXC combination) and group B (n = 87, treated with OXC only). After treatment, compared with group B, group A exhibited a remarkably higher total effective rate and a significantly lower total adverse reaction rate. Areas under the curve for MDR1 and NPY for predicting ineffective treatment were 0.867 and 0.834, whereas those for predicting epilepsy recurrence were 0.916 and 0.829, respectively. Electroencephalography abnormalities, intracranial hemorrhage, neonatal convulsion, premature delivery, and MDR1 and NPY levels were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in children with epilepsy. Serum MDR1 and NPY levels exhibited a high predictive value for early epilepsy diagnosis, treatment efficacy assessment, and prognostication in children with epilepsy treated with LEV plus OXC combination.

Modulation of brain waves in spinal cord injury patients with pain: cross-sectional analysis / Modulação de ondas cerebrais em pacientes com lesão medular e dor: uma análise transversal / Modulación de ondas cerebrales en pacientes con lesión de médula espinal y dolor: un análisis transversal

ABSTRACT: Objective: This study aimed to describe the encephalographic electrical rhythm pattern of the Alpha wave in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury in the thoracic spine. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted from January to March 2022. A total of 20 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury were included in the study and divided into two groups, with pain symptoms and without pain symptoms. Both groups were submitted for evaluation for population characterization, identification of the presence of pain and the possible presence of signs and symptoms of central sensitization and quantitative electroencephalographic examination. Results: Comparing them, it was possible to observe a reduction of 38.7% (2.69µV; 95%CI 1.28 to 4.09) in the Alpha 2 wave (10-12 Hz) in the group with pain symptoms. This alteration was identified in the parietal lobe, mainly in PZ. Conclusion: We observed a selective reduction of Alpha 2 waves, mainly in the parietal region (PZ), in spinal cord injury patients with pain compared to spinal cord injury patients without pain. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic Studies.

RESUMO: Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o padrão do ritmo eletroencefalográfico da onda Alfa em pacientes com lesão medular traumática na coluna torácica. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal, realizado no período de janeiro a março de 2022. No total 20 pacientes com lesão medular traumática foram incluídos no estudo e divididos em dois grupos, com sintomas de dor e sem sintomas de dor. Ambos os grupos foram submetidos a avaliação para caracterização populacional, identificação de presença de dor e possível presença de sinais e sintomas de sensibilização central e ao exame Eletroencefalográfico quantitativo. Resultados: Ao compará-los foi possível constatar uma redução de 38,7% (2.69µV; 95%IC 1,28 to 4.09) da onda Alfa 2 (10-12 Hz) do grupo com sintomas de dor. Essa alteração foi identificada no lobo parietal, principalmente em PZ. Conclusão: Observamos uma redução seletiva de ondas Alfa 2, principalmente na região parietal (PZ), em pacientes com lesão medular com dor em relação aos pacientes lesão medular sem dor. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo diagnóstico.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el patrón del ritmo electroencefalográfico de la onda Alfa en pacientes con lesión medular traumática en la columna torácica. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio observacional transversal realizado entre enero y marzo de 2022. En total, se incluyeron 20 pacientes con lesión medular traumática en el estudio, divididos en dos grupos, uno con síntomas de dolor y otro sin síntomas de dolor. Ambos grupos fueron sometidos a evaluación para caracterización poblacional, identificación de presencia de dolor y posible presencia de signos y síntomas de sensibilización central, así como al examen electroencefalográfico cuantitativo. Resultados: Al compararlos, se pudo constatar una reducción del 38,7% (2,69 µV; IC del 95%: 1,28 a 4,09) en la onda Alfa 2 (10-12 Hz) del grupo con síntomas de dolor. Esta alteración se identificó en el lóbulo parietal, principalmente en PZ. Conclusión: Observamos una reducción selectiva de las ondas Alfa 2, principalmente en la región parietal (PZ), en pacientes con lesión medular y dolor en comparación con pacientes con lesión medular sin dolor. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudios de diagnósticos.

Fusión de datos multimodales de neurociencias generados en estudios EEG-fMRI, un análisis temático / Fusion of Multimodal Neuroscience Data Generated in EEG-fMRI Studies, a Thematic Analysis

La actividad cerebral tiene múltiples atributos, entre ellos los eléctricos, metabólicos, hemodinámicos y hormonales. Los métodos modernos para estudiar las funciones cerebrales como el PET (Tomografía por Emisión de Positrones), fMRI (Imagen de Resonancia Magnética Funcional) y MEG (Magnetoencefalograma) son ampliamente utilizados por los científicos. Sin embargo, el EEG es una herramienta utilizada para la investigación y diagnóstico debido a su bajo costo, simplicidad de uso, movilidad y la posibilidad de monitoreo a largo tiempo de adquisición. Para detectar e interpretar las características relevantes de estas señales, se describe cada proceso por su escala temporal (EEG) y espacial (fMRI). La presente investigación se enfoca en realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre la integración de datos multimodales EEG-fMRI que propicie valorar su importancia para el desarrollo de algoritmos de fusión y su uso en el contexto cubano. Para ello se analizaron documentos con altos índices de citas en la literatura, donde se destacan autores precursores de los temas en análisis. Los estudios multimodales EEG-fMRI generan múltiples datos temporales y espaciales con alto valor para la medicina basada en evidencia. La integración de los mismos provee un valor agregado en la búsqueda de nuevos métodos diagnósticos, aplicando minería de datos, Deep learning y algoritmos de fusión. En este trabajo se pone de relieve la existencia de baja resolución temporal de fMRI y por otro lado la baja resolución espacial de EEG, por lo que la integración de ambos estudios aumentaría la calidad de su información(AU)

Brain activity has multiple attributes, including electrical, metabolic, hemodynamic, and hormonal. Modern methods for studying brain functions such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography), fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and MEG (Magnetoencephalogram) are widely used by scientists. However, the EEG is a tool used for research and diagnosis due to its low cost, simplicity of use, mobility and the possibility of long-term monitoring of acquisition. To detect and interpret the relevant characteristics of these signals, each process is described by its temporal (EEG) and spatial (fMRI) scale. The present research focuses on conducting a bibliographic review on the integration of multimodal EEG-fMRI data that favors assessing its importance for the development of fusion algorithms and their use in the Cuban context. For this, documents with high rates of citations in the literature were analyzed, where precursor authors of the topics under analysis stand out. Multimodal EEG-fMRI studies generate multiple temporal and spatial data with high value for evidence-based medicine. Their integration provides added value in the search for new diagnostic methods, applying data mining, Deep learning and fusion algorithms. This work highlights the existence of low temporal resolution of fMRI and, on the other hand, the low spatial resolution of EEG, so the integration of both studies would increase the quality of their information(AU)

Hallazgos electroencefalográficos compatibles con encefalopatía en pacientes ingresados por covid-19 / Electroencephalographic findings compatible with encephalopathy in patients admitted for COVID-19

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La covid-19 afecta principalmente al aparato respiratorio, sin embargo, también se ha descrito afectación tanto directa como indirecta en el sistema nervioso central y periférico, lo cual ocasiona una gran variedad de manifestaciones neurológicas, siendo la encefalopatía una de las más frecuentemente observadas. OBJETIVO: Se busca mostrar la utilidad del video-electroencefalograma (vEEG) en el diagnóstico de encefalopatía en pacientes ingresados por covid-19, así como su valor para determinar el pronóstico de estos pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo con 76 vEEG de 41 pacientes con covid-19 confirmada. Los estudios se han realizado entre los meses de marzo del 2020 y junio del 2021. Se estudió la gravedad de la enfermedad, así como sus características clínicas y neurológicas, el tratamiento farmacológico y los hallazgos electroencefalográficos según el grado de disfunción de la encefalopatía que desarrollaron estos pacientes. RESULTADOS: De los 41 pacientes, 12 (29 %) presentaron signos electroencefalográficos de disfunción cerebral leve, 15 (37 %) disfunción cerebral moderada y 14 (34 %) disfunción cerebral severa, los cuales se asociaron con una mayor mortalidad. CONCLUSIONES: En los 76 vEEG realizados a los 41 pacientes ingresados con encefalopatías asociadas con infección por covid-19, no se observó un patrón distinto a los descritos en encefalopatías de otras etiologías. El vEEG fue útil para confirmar la sospecha clínica de una disfunción cerebral en pacientes con encefalopatías asociadas con infección por covid-19 y para asignarle un grado de severidad, confirmando su beneficio como biomarcador diagnóstico y pronóstico.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 mainly affects the respiratory system; however, both direct and indirect involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system has also been described, causing a wide variety of neurological manifestations, with encephalopathy being one of the most frequently observed neurological manifestations. OBJECTIVE: With this article we intend to show the usefulness of vEEG in the diagnosis of encephalopathy in patients referred for COVID-19 who develop this neurological complication, as well as its value in determining the prognosis of these patients. METHODS: Retrospective observational study with 76 video-electroencephalograms of 41 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. The studies were performed during the months of March 2020 through June 2021. Disease severity, clinical and neurological features, pharmacological treatment and electroencephalographic indings were studied according to the degree of encephalopathy dysfunction these patients developed. RESULTS: Of the 41 patients, 12 (29 %) presented electroencephalographic signs of mild cerebral dysfunction, 15 (37 %) moderate cerebral dysfunction, and 14 (34 %) severe cerebral dysfunction, which were associated with higher mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In the 76 vEEG performed in the 41 patients admitted with encephalopathies associated with COVID-19 infection, no pattern different from that described in encephalopathies of other etiologies was observed. The vEEG was useful to confirm the clinical suspicion of brain dysfunction in patients with encephalopathies associated with COVID-19 infection and to assign a degree of severity, confirming its benefit as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.

Utilidad del monitoreo continuo del electroencefalograma en el paciente crítico / Utility of continuous electroencephalogram monitoring in the critical patients

Introducción: El monitoreo continuo del Electroencefalograma, es la recogida simultánea de la actividad cerebral y la conducta clínica por un período de horas a días. Por el alto costo de la técnica aún no está muy difundida. Objetivos: Evaluar la utilidad del monitoreo electroencefalográfico continuo en el paciente crítico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y longitudinal en 118 sujetos mayores de 19 años ingresados en las unidades de terapia del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras; entre noviembre 2016 a octubre 2018 con indicación de un Electroencefalograma continuo. Se consideraron variables clínicas y electroencefalográficas: escala de Glasgow, ocurrencia de crisis, diagnóstico, estado al egreso, anormalidad del Electroencefalograma, descargas epileptiformes, sospecha de estatus epiléptico no convulsivo por electroencefalograma entre otras. Los datos se procesaron con test de Chi cuadrado, test de Mc Nemar y test t de student, se empleó un nivel de significación de p≤0.05. Resultados: 60 de los pacientes pertenecían al sexo femenino, la mediana de las edades fue 67,5 años. La escala de Glasgow mostró asociación significativa con el grado de anormalidad del electroencefalograma (p=0,001), es la arreactividad y la discontinuidad de la actividad de base predictores de pobre pronóstico. Se observaron descargas epileptiformes periódicas en 100 pacientes. Se definió estatus epiléptico no convulsivo en 56 sujetos (37,28 por ciento) y en 81 sujetos (68,64 por ciento) el resultado del electroencefalograma motivó una conducta médica. Conclusiones: El monitoreo continuo del electroencefalograma es útil en el diagnóstico y manejo del paciente con episodios no convulsivos, permite formular un pronóstico neurológico y orientó la conducta médica(AU)

Introduction: The continuous monitoring of the electroencephalogram is the simultaneous collection of brain activity and clinical behavior for a period of hours to days. Due to the high cost of the technique, it is not yet widely used. Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of continuous electroencephalographic monitoring in critically ill patients. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal study was carried out in 118 subjects over 19 years of age admitted to the therapy units at Hermanos Ameijeiras Surgical Clinical Hospital; from November 2016 to October 2018. They were indicated a continuous electroencephalogram. Clinical and electroencephalographic variables were considered, such as Glasgow scale, seizure occurrence, diagnosis, discharge status, electroencephalogram abnormality, epileptiform discharges, suspicion of nonconvulsive status epilepticus by electroencephalogram, among others. The data was processed with the Chi square test, the Mc Nemar test and the student's t test, using significance level of p≤0.05. Results: Sixty patients were female, the median age was 67.5 years. The Glasgow scale showed significant association with the degree of electroencephalogram abnormality (p=0.001). A reactivity and discontinuity of baseline activity are predictors of poor prognosis. Periodic epileptiform discharges were observed in 100 patients. Non-convulsive status epilepticus was defined in 56 subjects (37.28 percent) and in 81 subjects (68.64 percent) the result of the electroencephalogram motivated a medical procedure. Conclusions: The continuous monitoring of the electroencephalogram is useful in the diagnosis and management of patients with non-convulsive episodes, it allows formulating a neurological prognosis and guided medical conduct(AU)

EEG education in Brazil: a national survey of adult neurology residents / Educação em EEG no Brasil: uma pesquisa nacional com residentes de neurologia de adultos

ABSTRACT Background: In light of the established challenges of resident EEG education worldwide, we sought to better understand the current state of neurology resident EEG education in Brazil. Objective: To define Brazilian EEG practices including in-residency requirements for EEG training and competency. Methods: We assessed the perspectives of adult residents (PGY1-3) on EEG education and their level of confidence interpreting EEG with a 24-question online survey. Results: We analyzed 102 responses from 52 Brazilian neurology residency programs distributed in 14 states. There were 18 PGY1s, 45 PGY2s, and 39 PGY3s. Ninety-six percent of participants reported that learning how to read EEG during residency was very or extremely important. The most commonly reported barriers to EEG education were insufficient EEG exposure (70%) and ineffective didactics (46%). Residents believed that standard EEG lectures were the most efficient EEG teaching method followed by interpreting EEG with attendings' supervision. Roughly half of residents (45%) reported not being able to read EEG even with supervision, and approximately 70% of all participants did not feel confident writing an EEG report independently. Conclusion: Despite the well-established residency EEG education requirements recommended by the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (ABN), there seems to be a significant lack of comfort interpreting EEG among Brazilian adult neurology residents. We encourage Brazilian neurology residency leadership to re-evaluate the current EEG education system in order to ensure that residency programs are following EEG education requirements and to assess whether EEG benchmarks require modifications.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Diante dos desafios da educação em EEG estabelecidos em todo o mundo, buscamos compreender melhor o estado atual da educação em EEG durante a residência de neurologia no Brasil. Objetivo: Investigar práticas de EEG no Brasil, incluindo requisitos para treinamento e competência durante a residência de neurologia. Métodos: Avaliamos as perspectivas dos residentes (R1-3) de neurologia (adulto) sobre educação em EEG e nível de confiança ao interpretá-lo através de questionário online de 24 perguntas. Resultados: Foram analisadas 102 respostas de 52 programas de residência distribuídos em 14 estados. Dezoito R1s, 45 R2s e 39 R3s responderam à pesquisa. Noventa e seis por cento dos participantes relataram que aprender a ler EEG durante a residência é muito ou extremamente importante. As barreiras mais relatadas para educação em EEG foram exposição insuficiente ao EEG (70%) e didática ineficaz (46%). Os participantes apontaram aulas como método de ensino mais eficaz, seguido pela interpretação do EEG supervisionada pelos chefes. Aproximadamente metade dos residentes (45%) relatou não ser capaz de ler EEG mesmo com supervisão e cerca de 70% não se sente confiante para escrever um laudo de EEG de forma independente. Conclusões: Apesar dos requisitos estabelecidos pela Academia Brasileira de Neurologia (ABN) sobre ensino de EEG durante a residência, há significativa falta de confiança na sua interpretação pelos residentes de neurologia (adulto). Incentivamos as lideranças a reavaliar o sistema de educação para garantir que os programas de residência sigam requisitos de educação em EEG e se os benchmarks de EEG requerem modificações.

Oral dyspraxia in self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes: a comparative study with a control group / Dispraxia oral em epilepsia autolimitada com espículas centrotemporais: um estudo comparativo com grupo controle

ABSTRACT Background: self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, previously considered benign focal childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes show clinical signs of involvement of Rolandic areas, mainly lower area, which may affect the planning and execution of motor sequences. Objective: This study aimed to evaluated oral praxis in children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes and compare to the age-matched control group. Methods: This was a descriptive study with 74 children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, with the classical forms according to International League Against Epilepsy, and between 4 and 15 years of age, selected from the child neurology outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, and 239 age-matched and educational level-matched (convenience sampling) control children. All children were submitted to the battery of oral volitional movements, which consisted of 44 tests for oral movement (tongue, lip, cheek, jaw, and palate) and 34 phonemes and consonant cluster tasks, with simple and sequenced oral movements. Results: The mean age and standard deviation (SD) of children with epilepsy was 9.08 years (SD 2.55) and of controls 9.61 years (SD 3.12). The results showed significant differences between the groups with a poorer performance of children with epilepsy compared to children without epilepsy in simple and particularly in sequenced movements. Conclusion: These findings can be attributed to the genetically determined immaturity of cortical structures related to motor planning in children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Epilepsia autolimitada com descarga centrotemporal, previamente designada por epilepsia benigna focal infantil com espículas centrotemporais, mostra sinais clínicos de envolvimento de áreas rolândicas, principalmente área inferior, que podem afetar o planejamento e a execução de sequências motoras. Objetivo: Este estudo visou avaliar a práxis oral em crianças com epilepsia autolimitada com espículas centrotemporais e comparar com o grupo de controle de mesma idade e grau de escolaridade. Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo descritivo, com 74 crianças com epilepsia autolimitada com espículas centrotemporais selecionadas no ambulatório de neurologia infantil do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil, e 239 crianças do grupo controle da mesma faixa etária e grau de escolaridade. Todas as crianças foram submetidas à bateria de tarefas de movimento oral volitivo, que inclui movimentos orais simples e sequenciados. Resultados: A idade média das crianças com epilepsia era de 9,08 anos (desvio padrão - DP 2,55) e dos controles 9,61 anos (DP 3,12). Os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas entre os grupos, com desempenho mais fraco das crianças com epilepsia em comparação ao das crianças saudáveis, em movimentos simples e particularmente em movimentos sequenciados. Conclusão: Esses resultados podem ser atribuídos à imaturidade geneticamente determinada das estruturas corticais relacionadas com o planejamento motor em crianças com epilepsia autolimitada com espículas centrotemporais.

Neuromonitoreo no invasivo en unidades de cuidados intensivos en Colombia / Non-invasive neuromonitoring in intensive care units in Colombia

Resumen | El monitoreo electroencefalográfico no invasivo continuo es una técnica indispensable en los pacientes neurológicos críticos, ya que muestra de forma directa e indirecta su actividad cerebral y permite relacionar los hallazgos con su estado clínico. Es muy sensible, aunque su especificidad es menor, por lo que puede demostrar la alteración del estado de conciencia sin aclarar su etiología. El uso del registro electroencefalográfico continuo en pacientes con alteraciones del estado de conciencia, convulsiones, o estado epiléptico convulsivo y no convulsivo, se ha incrementado en los últimos años porque permite obtener información en tiempo real de la función cerebral y de los cambios en el tiempo; además, facilita la detección de crisis epilépticas subclínicas y electrográficas, estas últimas de gran importancia, ya que no presentan correlación clínica. Los hallazgos del monitoreo permiten modificar el tratamiento farmacológico y anticonvulsivo, y constituyen una gran ventaja para el médico tratante en la toma de decisiones oportunas que redunden en la mejoría del pronóstico del paciente.

Abstract | Continuous non-invasive electroencephalographic monitoring is an essential technique for critical care patients as it shows directly and indirectly the patient's brain activity and makes it possible to relate it with findings in the clinical status. It is highly sensitive, although its specificity is lower, so they can show alterations of the state of consciousness without clarifying the etiology. Continuous electroencephalographic recording in patients with altered levels of consciousness, seizures, and convulsive and non-convulsive status epilepticus has been increasing in recent years as real-time feedback of the cerebral function shows evolution changes and allows for the identification of electric and subclinical epileptic seizures that are highly important since they do not have clinical correlations. These findings in electroencephalographic monitoring also help to modify pharmacological and antiseizure treatments. For practitioners, they are advantageous when making timely decisions that impact the prognosis of the patient.

The evaluation of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) cases with saline injection method in video-EEG monitorization unit / Avaliação de casos de crises não epilépticas psicogênicas (CNEPs) pelo método de injeção de solução salina em unidade de monitoramento por vídeo-EEG

ABSTRACT Background: It has been reported that 10 to 30% of patients sent to epilepsy centers with a diagnosis of refractory epilepsy are diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES). A wide variety of provocative methods are used to assist PNES diagnosis. Objective: To investigate the effect of seizure induction on the diagnosis and prognosis of PNES. Methods: We retrospectively examined 91 patients with PNES complaints in our video-EEG laboratory. Intravenous saline was administered to all patients for induction of seizures. Results: Saline injection was performed in 91 patients referred to our EEG lab with PNES initial diagnosis, 57 of whom were female and 34 male. Saline injection triggered an attack in 82 patients (90%). Conclusions: In this study we have concluded that provocative methods are practical, cheap and, most of all, effective for patient diagnosis. In clinical practice, explaining the diagnosis is the first and most important step of the treatment, and careful patient-doctor communication has a positive impact on patient prognosis.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Há relatos de que 10 a 30% dos pacientes com epilepsia refratária enviados a centros de epilepsia são diagnosticados com crise não epiléptica psicogênica (CNEP). Uma ampla variedade de métodos provocativos é usada para auxiliar no diagnóstico de CNEP. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito da indução de convulsões no diagnóstico e no prognóstico de CNEP. Métodos: Examinamos 91 pacientes com queixas de CNEP em nosso laboratório de vídeo-EEG. Foi administrada solução salina intravenosa a todos os pacientes para indução de convulsões. Resultados: A injeção de solução salina foi realizada em 91 pacientes com diagnóstico inicial de CNEP encaminhados ao nosso laboratório de EEG, 57 dos quais eram mulheres e 34 homens. A injeção de solução salina desencadeou um ataque em 82 pacientes (90%). Conclusões: Neste estudo, concluímos que os métodos provocativos são práticos, baratos e, acima de tudo, eficazes para o diagnóstico de pacientes. Na prática clínica, a explicação do diagnóstico é a primeira e mais importante etapa do tratamento, e a comunicação cuidadosa entre médicos e pacientes tem um impacto positivo em seu prognóstico.

Alteración de señal periictal transitoria en resonancia magnética de encéfalo simulando lesión estructural: caso clínico / Reversible peri-ictal MRI signal changes mimicking structural lesion: case report

Resumen La presencia de alteraciones de señal en resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral durante o posterior a un evento epiléptico es cada vez más reconocida en la literatura. Los cambios de señal peri-ictales se considera que sería el resultado de edema cerebral localizado, defecto de la autorregulación cerebral y disrupción de la barrera hemato-encefálica que ocurre durante una crisis epiléptica sostenida. Reportamos el caso de un hombre de 62 años diagnosticado de un síndrome parietal de instalación subaguda cuyo estudio con RM de cerebro mostró una lesión tumefacta con edema cortico-subcortical de ubicación temporo-occipital derecha. El estudio con electroencefalograma mostró actividad ictal en la misma localización. Se inició terapia con fármacos anticonvulsivantes mostrando franca mejoría clínica y electrofisiológica. El control con RM diferido mostró resolución completa de las alteraciones descritas.

The presence seizure-induced signal changes on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been increasingly recognized in the literature. The reversible MRI changes in epileptic patients may be the result of a local brain swelling, a defect of cerebral autoregulation and a blood-brain barrier disruption during sustained epileptogenic activity. We report a 62 years old man diagnosed with a subacute right parietal syndrome. MRI shows a tumefactive lesion in right temporo-occipital lobes mimicking a structural lesion. Electroencephalogram (EEG) exhibits continuous ictal activity in the same region. Antiepileptic drugs were started achieving progressive electro-clinical improvement. Subsequent MRI showed remission of signal changes.

Electroencefalograma cuantitativo en la predicción precoz de la isquemia cerebral tardía en hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática: reporte de un caso / Quantitative electroencephalogram for prediction of delayed ischemia in subarachnoid haemorrhage: report of one case

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease, with a mortality rate of 35%. Among patients who survive the initial bleeding, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality is delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Electroencephalography (EEG) can detect cerebral ischemia in the early stages. We report a 66-year-old female patient who consulted for ictal headache and impaired consciousness. On admission, she was confused, dysarthric, and with meningeal signs. Brain angio-CT showed SAH FISHER IV and an aneurysm of the left posterior cerebral artery. After excluding the aneurysm (by coiling), the patient recovered the altered consciousness. Continuous EEG monitoring was initiated. On the sixth day of follow up, she had a transient headache and apathy. The brain MRI showed low cerebral blood flow in the left frontotemporal area, without ischemic lesions. On the seventh day, she presented expression aphasia and right facial-brachial paresis. Angiography confirmed severe vasospasm in M1 and M2 segments bilaterally. Pharmacological angioplasty with nimodipine was performed, with an excellent radiological response, although not clinical. A second MRI was carried out on the eighth day, which showed a left insular infarction and generalized vasospasm. A second therapeutic angiography was performed; the patient persisted with aphasia and left central facial paresis. The quantitative EEG analysis performed retrospectively showed a generalized reduction in the spectral edge frequency 95 (SEF95; meaning slowing in the EEG signal) at the fourth day of follow up, three days earlier than the clinical and imaging diagnosis of DCI was established.

Enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob: experiencia de 5 años en un hospital terciario de Chile / Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, experience in 17 patients

Background: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a prion affection that typically produces a rapidly progressive dementia with different neurologic and extra-neurologic manifestations. Aim: To characterize clinical, imaging and electroencephalography findings in patients with a probable CJD. Patients and Methods: A case series study of patients admitted in the Neurology department at a public hospital, between 2014 and 2019. Demographic, clinical, imaging, and electroencephalographic data of patients with probable CJD were analyzed. Results: Seventeen patients aged 63 ± 11 years (53% women) with a probable CJD were gathered. The incidence was 4.7 cases/year per million inhabitants. Twenty four percent of patients had a family history of CJD. The median time between the onset of symptoms and the hospital admission was three months with a survival of four months. The most common clinical manifestations were an amnesic syndrome in 88%, myoclonus in 76%, frontal syndrome and ataxia in 71%. Brain MRI was abnormal in all patients. The preponderant finding was the involvement of the caudate nucleus in 82% of cases. In the EEG, 94% of patients had abnormalities. All had a theta-delta slowing as a base rhythm. The pseudo-periodic pattern was observed in the 29% and status epilepticus in 18%. Conclusions: In this group of patients we observed the heterogeneity of the clinical manifestations of the disease, the frequent imaging and electroencephalographic alterations and the short evolution time leading to death.

Síndrome de Lowe, enfermedad renal crónica y síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut / Lowe syndrome, chronic kidney disease and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome de Lowe o síndrome oculocerebrorenal es un trastorno multisistémico. Es una enfermedad rara e infrecuente. Objetivo: Exponer un caso clínico típico, con fracaso renal controlado sin método dialítico y que de manera tardía en su adolescencia se diagnostica con síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut. Presentación caso: Adolescente masculino de 18 años nacido de un embarazo sin riesgo y parto por cesárea, macrofeto. Desde el nacimiento, con diagnóstico perinatal de catarata congénita y evolutivamente glaucoma bilateral con tratamiento conservador. A partir del primer año de vida padece de acidosis tubular y síndrome de Fanconi con evolución a una enfermedad renal crónica. Relacionado todo con retraso del desarrollo psicomotor, discapacidad intelectual, estereotipias, síntomas obsesivos compulsivos y depresión. De manera tardía, a los 10 años tuvo inicio de crisis epilépticas de varios tipos con predominio de las tónicas durante el sueño y en vigilia, frecuentes, con electroencefalograma característico de síndrome Lennox-Gastaut. Tuvo atención interdisciplinaria y evolución clínica estable hasta la edad adulta cumplida. El estudio molecular de ADN materno y del niño confirmaron la mutación c2224_2226 del GTA (exón 19), delección de valina en la posición 742 del cromosoma X del OCRL 1, que ratifica el síndrome de Lowe. Conclusiones: El Síndrome de Lowe, es un trastorno multisistémico, ligado al cromosoma X y frecuente en varones. Clínicamente se caracteriza por alteraciones oftalmológicas, renales y neurológicas(AU)

Introduction: Lowe syndrome or oculocerebrorenal syndrome is a multisystemic disorder. It's a rare and uncommon disease. Objective: Show a typical clinical case, with controlled renal failure without dialytic method and that late in the adolescence is diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Case presentation: 18-year-old male adolescent born of a risk-free pregnancy and cesarean delivery, with macrosomia. From birth, he had a perinatal diagnosis of congenital cataract and evolutionarily bilateral glaucoma with conservative treatment. From the first year of life he suffers from tubular acidosis and Fanconi syndrome with an evolution to chronic kidney disease. All of these were related to delayed psychomotor development, intellectual disability, stereotypies, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and depression. Lately, at 10 years old, epileptic seizures of various types with predominance of tonic ones during sleep and wakefulness began; they were frequent, with characteristic electroencephalogram of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. He had interdisciplinary care and stable clinical evolution into adulthood. The molecular study of the mother and child DNA confirmed the c2224_2226 mutation of GTA (exon 19), valine deletion at position 742 of the X chromosome of OCRL 1, which ratifies Lowe syndrome. Conclusion: Lowe Syndrome is a multisystemic disorder, linked to the X chromosome and common in males. Clinically, it is characterized by ophthalmological, renal and neurological alterations(AU)

Analyzing the influencing factors of sports fatigue based on algorithm / Análise dos fatores que influenciam a fadiga esportiva baseada em algoritimki / La tecnología de retroalimentación biológica basada en algoritmos

ABSTRACT Objective: This paper discusses the monitoring method of exercise fatigue and analyzes the influencing factors of exercise fatigue. Methods: Based on the feature extraction method of the fatigue image signal, a series of changes caused by exercise fatigue are analyzed by the biofeedback technique. SVM algorithm and neural network model are used to identify the fatigue state of motion. Characteristics of electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) during fatigue. Results: When sports fatigue occurred, the composite index of bio-feedback technology shows a decrease in HRV index and increases in HRV time-domain indicators, frequency-domain indicators, and SAa values. Conclusions: It has a high degree of systematization. The proposed method is non-invasive and has practical application value. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Objetivo: este artigo discute o método de monitoramento da fadiga do exercício e analisa os fatores que influenciam a fadiga do exercício. Métodos: Com base no método de extração de características do sinal da imagem da fadiga, uma série de alterações causadas pela fadiga do exercício são analisadas pela técnica de biofeedback. O algoritmo SVM e o modelo de rede neural são usados para identificar o estado de fadiga do movimento. Características do eletroencefalograma (EEG) e eletromiografia (EMG) durante a fadiga. Resultados: Quando a fadiga esportiva ocorreu, o índice composto da tecnologia de bio-feedback mostra uma diminuição no índice de VFC e aumentos nos indicadores de VFC no domínio do tempo, indicadores no domínio da frequência e valores SAa. Conclusões: Possui alto grau de sistematização. O método proposto é não invasivo e tem valor de aplicação prática. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos- investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Este artículo analiza el método de seguimiento de la fatiga por ejercicio y analiza los factores que influyen en la fatiga por ejercicio. Métodos: Basado en el método de extracción de características de la señal de la imagen de fatiga, se analizan una serie de cambios causados por la fatiga del ejercicio mediante la técnica de biorretroalimentación. El algoritmo SVM y el modelo de red neuronal se utilizan para identificar el estado de movimiento de fatiga. Características del electroencefalograma (EEG) y electromiografía (EMG) durante la fatiga. Resultados: cuando se produjo la fatiga deportiva, el índice compuesto de la tecnología de bio-retroalimentación muestra una disminución en el índice de HRV y aumentos en los indicadores de dominio de tiempo de HRV, indicadores de dominio de frecuencia y valores de SAa. Conclusiones: Tiene un alto grado de sistematización. El método propuesto no es invasivo y tiene un valor de aplicación práctica. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos- investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.