Hiponatremia y traumatismo craneoencefálico, una asociación importante. Reporte de caso / Hyponatremia and traumatic brain injury, an important association. Case report

Introducción: La hiponatremia se encuentra asociada aproximadamente con el 10% de los pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico, su baja frecuencia y la intuición clínica de esta relación la hace importante en el presente informe de caso. Objetivo: Describir la asociación de la hiponatremia con el traumatismo craneoen-cefálico con la finalidad de mejorar la comprensión de esta relación en el personal de salud y promover la implementación de estrategias de diagnóstico y manejo más efectivas basadas en predicciones bioquímicas y anatómicas actualizadas. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino, adulto joven, con antecedentes de dos traumatismos craneoencefálicos, con hiponatremia sérica severa y síntomas persistentes de mareo y cefalea, tratado con diuréticos de asa y cloruro de sodio vía oral, con mejoría posterior al vigésimo día de hospitalización. Discusión: Ciertas alteraciones neurológicas con manifestación clínica evidente, se presentan por bajos niveles de sodio sérico, o por causas anatómicas y fisioló-gicas diferentes. Se ha demostrado una relación causal con mecanismo fisiopato-lógico no bien descrito sobre la hiponatremia y el traumatismo craneoencefálico. Conclusión: Es crucial tener una vigilancia meticulosa en pacientes con hipona-tremia severa, aunque presenten pocos síntomas clínicos (considerando antece-dentes como el traumatismo craneoencefálico en la anamnesis inicial y de segui-miento) como en este caso. Además, se destaca la necesidad de investigar las vías metabólicas que podrían verse afectadas por traumatismos craneoencefálicos, y que podrían tener un impacto directo en los niveles de sodio en sangre.

Introduction: Hyponatremia is found to be associated with approximately 10% of patients with traumatic brain injury. Despite its low frequency, the clinical intuition regarding this relationship underscores its significance in this case report. Objective: Describe the association between hyponatremia and traumatic brain in-jury, aiming to enhance healthcare professionals' understanding of this correlation and to advocate for the implementation of more effective diagnostic and manage-ment strategies based on updated biochemical and anatomical predictions. Case Presentation: A young adult male patient with a history of two traumatic brain injuries, severe serum hyponatremia, and persistent symptoms of dizziness and headache, treated with loop diuretics and oral sodium chloride, exhibited improvement after twenty days of hospitalization. Discussion: Certain neurological alterations with evident clinical manifestation are characterized by low levels of serum sodium, possibly stemming from distinct ana-tomical and physiological causes. A causal relationship with a poorly described pathophysiological mechanism between hyponatremia and traumatic brain injury has been suggested. Conclusion: Meticulous monitoring is imperative for patients with severe hypona-tremia, even when clinical symptoms are minimal, as observed in this case. Fur-thermore, emphasis is placed on the need to investigate metabolic pathways that may be affected by traumatic brain injuries, potentially exerting a direct impact on blood sodium levels.

Características Clínicas y Terapéuticas de los Pacientes que Ingresan por Trauma Craneoencefálico en el Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid. 2022 - 2023

Introducción: El trauma craneoencefálico (TCE) se define como una patología caracterizada por la alteración cerebral secundaria a una lesión traumática en la región de la cabeza, con la presencia de alteración de la consciencia y/o amnesia debido al trauma, cambios neurológicos, neurofisiológicos, con posibles fracturas de cráneo o lesiones intra craneanas atribuibles al trauma. Metodología: Es un estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo en pacientes que sufrieron TCE internados en el servicio de neurocirugía en el Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid durante el periodo de marzo de 2022 a febrero de 2023. Resultados: Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que predomina el sexo masculino (78%) sobre el femenino (22%) en pacientes con TCE. Las causas de lesión más comunes fueron caídas de sus pies (27%), caídas de altura (25%) y colisión de moto/automóvil (20%). Las presentaciones clínicas más comunes fueron pérdida de consciencia (49%), amnesia/desorientación (19%) y cefalea (10%). Conclusión: El seguimiento promedio de los pacientes con TCE fue de 16 días. El género masculino fue el más frecuente, con mayor proporción en la edad media y adulta mayor. La etiología principalmente fue por caídas, manifestándose comúnmente por perdida del estado de alerta, y teniendo hallazgos múltiples en la tomografía cerebral. La mayoría de los pacientes se les dio manejo conservador. (provisto por Infomedic International)

Introduction: Cranioencephalic trauma (TBI) is defined as a pathology characterized by cerebral alteration secondary to traumatic injury in the head region, with the presence of altered consciousness and/or amnesia due to trauma, neurological, neurophysiological changes, with possible skull fractures or intracranial lesions attributable to trauma. Methodology: This is an observational, descriptive, prospective study in patients who suffered TBI hospitalized in the neurosurgery service at the Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid during the period from March 2022 to February 2023. Results: The results of this study showed a predominance of male (78%) over female (22%) patients with TBI. The most common causes of injury were falls from their feet (27%), falls from height (25%) and motorcycle/automobile collision (20%). The most common clinical presentations were loss of consciousness (49%), amnesia/disorientation (19%) and headache (10%). Conclusion: The average follow-up of patients with TBI was 16 days. The male gender was the most frequent, with a higher proportion in middle age and older adults. The etiology was mainly due to falls, commonly manifested by loss of alertness, and multiple findings in brain tomography. Most patients were managed conservatively. (provided by Infomedic International)

Temperature management in acute brain injury: A narrative review.

Temperature management has been used in patients with acute brain injury resulting from different conditions, such as post-cardiac arrest hypoxic-ischaemic insult, acute ischaemic stroke, and severe traumatic brain injury. However, current evidence offers inconsistent and often contradictory results regarding the clinical benefit of this therapeutic strategy on mortality and functional outcomes. Current guidelines have focused mainly on active prevention and treatment of fever, while therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has fallen into disuse, although doubts persist as to its effectiveness according to the method of application and appropriate patient selection. This narrative review presents the most relevant clinical evidence on the effects of TH in patients with acute neurological damage, and the pathophysiological concepts supporting its use.

Fatigue in patients with acquired brain damage.

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

Comparison of effectiveness between different interventions in postconcussive symptoms in adolescents and young people: a literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, concussion considers a problem of great magnitude, adolescents and young people being the population at risk, since it is in the process of maturation. Our goal has been to compare the effectiveness of different interventions (exercise therapy, vestibular rehabilitation and rest) in adolescents and young people with concussion. DEVELOPMENT: A bibliographic search was carried out in the main databases. Once the inclusion/exclusion criteria and the PEDro methodological scale were applied, 6 articles were reviewed. The results support the use of exercise and vestibular rehabilitation in the initial stages to reduce post-concussion symptoms. According to most authors, therapeutic physical exercise and vestibular rehabilitation report greater benefits, although a protocol that unifies assessment scales, study variables and analysis parameters would be needed to be able to make the inference in the target population. CONCLUSIóN: From the moment of hospital discharge, the combined application of exercise and vestibular rehabilitation could be the best option to reduce post-concussion symptoms.

Conocimiento de enfermería en el traumatismo craneoencefálico grave y monitorización de la presión intracraneal

Introducción: El traumatismo craneoencefálico grave es una importante causa de mortalidad e incapacidades en todo el mundo, y la causa más común es el traumatismo cerrado; algunos lo consideran una "epidemia silenciosa". La monitorización de la presión intracraneal, su adecuado registro, y la correcta interpretación de los valores, permiten un diagnóstico y un tratamiento precoz, sin llegar a la hipertensión intracraneal. Objetivo: Identificar el nivel de conocimiento de enfermería en el traumatismo craneoencefálico grave y monitorización de la presión intracraneal. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico observacional, descriptivo y transversal, de desarrollo tecnológico, en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, en el período de enero de 2022 a julio de 2023. El universo estuvo conformado por los 62 enfermeros a los que fueron aplicados el criterio de inclusión (voluntad de participar en el estudio) y de exclusión (enfermeros de estancia transitoria). Se utilizaron la planilla de recolección de datos y un cuestionario. Resultados: El mayor porciento de los enfermeros estudiados fue asistencial a pie de cama; entre los años de experiencia prevaleció de 0-1 año, y las edades de 20-29 años. La aplicación del cuestionario exploró el estado de conocimientos en el nivel Bajo. En la etapa de diagnóstico se constató la necesidad de fortalecer los conocimientos de enfermería en el actuar del paciente con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave y monitorización de la presión intracraneal. Conclusiones: Se diagnosticó la necesidad de fortalecer los conocimientos para el afrontamiento de los cuidados con el paciente con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave.

Introduction: Severe traumatic brain injury is an important cause of mortality and disability worldwide and the most common cause is blunt trauma; some consider it a "silent epidemic." The monitoring of intracranial pressure, its adequate recording, and the correct interpretation of the values allow early diagnosis and treatment, without reaching intracranial hypertension. Objective: To identify the level of nursing knowledge on severe traumatic brain injury and intracranial pressure monitoring. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional analytical study of technological development was carried out in the Intensive Care Unit of the Clinical Surgical University Hospital Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernandez, in the period from January 2022 to July 2023. The universe was made up of the 62 nurses to whom the inclusion criteria (the willingness to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (temporary stay nurses) were applied. The data collection form and a questionnaire were used. Results: The highest percentage of the nurses studied provided care at the bedside; among the years of experiences prevailed from 0-1 year and ages were 20-29 years. The application of the questionnaire explored the level of knowledge at the Low level. In the diagnosis stage, the need to strengthen nursing knowledge on the actions of patient with severe traumatic brain injury and intracranial pressure monitoring was confirmed. Conclusions: It was diagnosed the need to strengthen knowledge to cope with care for patients with traumatic brain injury.

Relationship between prehospital clinical status intracranial pressure and outcomes in pediatric patients with severe head trauma

Introduction: The prehospital phase of the management of pediatric severe traumatic brain injury may have a direct influence on the results. Objective: To evaluate the influence of prehospital variables on intracranial pressure and the results in pediatric patients with severe TBI. Method: A descriptive study of 41 pediatric patients who were admitted to the medical emergency department and later admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit due to severe head trauma was carried out between January 2003 and December 2018. Results: children aged 5-17 years predominate, and the highest number of cases were received between 0-3h at the neurotrauma center. Of the 41 cases, 27 arrived with a non-expedited airway and hypoxia was verified upon arrival by pulse oximetry. A correlation was observed between arterial hypotension on admission and elevated intracranial pressure in 9 of 15 children (60%) and in the deceased (40%). Discussion: Clinical conditions, oxygenation, arterial hypotension, and treatment in the prehospital phase may influence the state of intracranial pressure and other intracranial variables in pediatric patients with severe head injury.

Introducción: La fase prehospitalaria del manejo del traumatismo craneoencefálico grave pediátrico puede tener una influencia directa en los resultados. Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia de variables prehospitalarias sobre la presión intracraneal y los resultados en pacientes pediátricos con TCE grave. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de 41 pacientes pediátricos que ingresaron al servicio de urgencias médicas y posteriormente ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos por traumatismo craneoencefálico severo entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2018. Resultados: predominan los niños de 5 a 17 años, y el mayor número de casos se recibieron entre las 0-3h en el centro de neurotrauma. De los 41 casos, 27 llegaron con vía aérea no acelerada y se verificó hipoxia al llegar mediante oximetría de pulso. Se observó correlación entre hipotensión arterial al ingreso y presión intracraneal elevada en 9 de 15 niños (60%) y en los fallecidos (40%). Discusión: Las condiciones clínicas, la oxigenación, la hipotensión arterial y el tratamiento en la fase prehospitalaria pueden influir en el estado de la presión intracraneal y otras variables intracraneales en pacientes pediátricos con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave.

Prevalencia de hipofunción vestibular en el vértigo postural paroxístico benigno post traumatismo craneoencefálico / Prevalence of vestibular hypofunction in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo after head trauma

Introducción: El traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) puede generar vértigo, mareo e inestabilidad. Posibles causas otorrinolaringológicas son el vértigo postural paroxístico benigno (VPPB) que constituye el diagnóstico más frecuente, y la hipofunción vestibular. Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia de hipofunción vestibular en un grupo de pacientes con VPPB asociado a TCE. Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con VPPB asociado a TCE que requirieron maniobra de reposición (MRP) entre los años 2017 y 2021. La información clínica, características clínico-demográficas, hallazgos en pruebas de función vestibular y número de MRP fueron evaluados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 48 pacientes con una edad promedio de 60,8 ± 16,5 años, siendo un 52% mujeres. La prevalencia de pacientes con paresia vestibular concomitante correspondió al 35,4%. Al comparar al grupo con y sin paresia se observó: (1) en el grupo con paresia fue, significativamente, más frecuente presentar contusión cerebral asociada, 47,1% vs 12,9%; (2) el sexo masculino fue, significativamente, más frecuente en el grupo con paresia, 70,59% vs 35,5%; (3) en ambos grupos, la mediana de MRP fue 1. Conclusión: La presencia de paresia vestibular en pacientes con VPPB secundario a TCE, no es un hallazgo infrecuente, en nuestro estudio, correspondió a un 35,4%, siendo este más frecuente en hombres. Adicionalmente, la contusión cerebral asociada es más frecuente en el grupo con paresia.

Introduction: Head trauma can generate vertigo, dizziness and instability. Possible otorhinolaryngologic causes are benign paroxysmal postural vertigo (BPPV), which is the most frequent diagnosis, and vestibular hypofunction. Aim: To describe the prevalence of vestibular hypofunction in a group of patients with BPPV associated with head trauma. We studied the clinical characteristics, vestibular function test findings and the number of (PRM). Material and Method: Retrospective study of patients with BPPV associated with head trauma who underwent particle repositioning maneuvers (PRM) during the years 2017 to 2021. Clinical characteristics, vestibular function test findings and the number of PRM were evaluated. Results: 48 patents were included. The mean age was 60.8 ± 16.5 years old, 52% were women. The prevalence of patients with concomitant vestibular paresis was 35.4%. When comparing the groups with and without paresis the following was observed: (1) associated brain contusions were significatively more frequent in the paresis group, 47.1% vs 12.9%; (2) male sex was significatively more frequent in the paresis group, 70.59% vs 35.5%; (3) in both groups, the median of needed PRM was 1. Conclusion: The presence of vestibular paresis in patients with BPPV secondary to head trauma is not an infrequent finding. In our study, its prevalence was 35.4%, being significatively more frequent in men. Also, associated brain contusions were significatively more frequent in the paresis group.

Hypopituitarism after traumatic brain injury in adults: Clinical guidelines of the neuroendocrinology area of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN).

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with hypopituitarism with a variable incidence, depending on the time and methods used to diagnosis, and on factors related to the trauma, such as its severity, its anatomical location and the drugs used in the acute phase. The pituitary gland can be damaged directly by the impact or secondary to factors such as ischemia, inflammation, excitotoxicity or immunity. In acute phases ACTH deficiency is the most relevant, since failure to detect and treat it can compromise the patient's life. Clinical manifestations are typical of each hormone deficient axes, although the combination hypopituitarism-trauma has been associated with cognitive deterioration, worse metabolic profile and greater impairment of quality of life. One of the clinical challenges is to determine which patients benefit from a systematic hormonal evaluation, and therefore from hormone replacement, and what is the appropriate time to do so and the most suitable diagnostic methods.

Evolução clínica e sobrevida de pacientes vítimas de traumatismo cranioencefálico / Clinical evolution and survival of patients victims of head trauma / Evolución clínica y supervivencia de pacientes víctimas de trauma cerebral

Introdução: Trauma cranioencefálico é causa importante de morbimortalidade e incapacidades, principalmente em indivíduos com idade inferior a 45 anos. Doenças neurológicas possuem um processo de recuperação lenta, requerem internação prolongada e, consequentemente, predispõem os pacientes a complicações. Objetivo: Descrever a evolução clínica e a sobrevida de pacientes vítimas de traumatismo crânioencefálico internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Método: Estudo transversal com delineamento descritivo e abordagem quantitativa. Resultados: No período do estudo, foram internadas 33 pessoas diagnosticadas com traumatismo cranioencefálico numa Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neurológica Adulta de um hospital de ensino no Noroeste Paulista. Em relação ao perfil, 75,7% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino e a faixa etária predominante de 31 a 59 anos (51,5%). Quanto à causa do trauma, o principal motivo foi a queda, com valor equivalente a 57,58%. Quanto à classificação da lesão, 57,58% foram traumas graves e 66,67% receberam tratamento cirúrgico. O tempo médio de permanência na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva foi superior a 7 dias (42,4%). Sobre a evolução clínica, 42,42% necessitaram de cateter para monitoração da pressão intracraniana, 63,64% foram submetidos à ventilação mecânica invasiva e 78,79% fizeram uso de drogas vasoativas sendo a mais utilizada a Noradrenalina em 67,65% dos casos, seguida do Nitroprussiato de sódio (Nipride®) em 17,65% e a Vasopressina em 14,70%, associada a Noradrenalina. Complicações ocorreram em 54,5% dos pacientes, sendo mais frequente a pneumonia, com 47,83%. O desfecho clínico foi a alta hospitalar para 75,76%, enquanto 12% apresentaram sequelas neurológicas. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes necessitou de monitoração da pressão intracraniana, ventilação mecânica e drogas vasoativas. Por ocasião da alta hospitalar, se observou uma pequena porcentagem de pacientes com sequelas neurológicas, reforçando a importância, expertise e competência da equipe multiprofissional no trabalho assistencial em unidades de neurointensivismo.

Introduction: Cranioencephalic trauma is an important cause of morbidity, mortality and disability, especially in individuals under the age of 45. Neurological diseases have a slow recovery process, require prolonged hospitalization and, consequently, predispose patients to complications. Objective: To describe the clinical evolution and survival of patients suffering from traumatic brain injury admitted to an Intensive Care Unit. Method: Cross-sectional study with a descriptive design and quantitative approach. Results: During the study period, 33 people diagnosed with traumatic brain injury were admitted to an Adult Neurological Intensive Care Unit of a teaching hospital in the Northwest of São Paulo. Regarding the profile, 75.7% of patients were male and the predominant age range was 31 to 59 years old (51.5%). As for the cause of the trauma, the main reason was the fall, with a value equivalent to 57.58%. Regarding the classification of the injury, 57.58% were severe traumas and 66.67% received surgical treatment. The average length of stay in the Intensive Care Unit was more than 7 days (42.4%). Regarding clinical evolution, 42.42% required an catheter to monitor intracranial pressure, 63.64% underwent invasive mechanical ventilation and 78.79% used vasoactive drugs, with Noradrenaline being the most used in 67.65% of cases, followed by sodium nitroprusside (Nipride®) in 17.65% and vasopressin in 14.70%, associated with noradrenaline. Complications occurred in 54.5% of patients, with pneumonia being the most common, with 47.83%. The clinical outcome was hospital discharge for 75.76%, while 12% had neurological sequelae. Conclusion: Most patients required intracranial pressure monitoring, mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs. At the time of hospital discharge, a small percentage of patients with neurological sequelae were observed, reinforcing the importance, expertise and competence of the multidisciplinary team in care work in neurointensive care units

Introducción: El trauma craneoencefálico es una causa importante de morbilidad, mortalidad y discapacidad, especialmente en individuos menores de 45 años. Las enfermedades neurológicas tienen un proceso de recuperación lento, requieren hospitalización prolongada y, en consecuencia, predisponen a los pacientes a sufrir complicaciones. Objetivo: Describir la evolución clínica y supervivencia de pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico ingresados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Método: Estudio transversal con diseño descriptivo y enfoque cuantitativo. Resultados: Durante el período de estudio, 33 personas diagnosticadas con lesión cerebral traumática fueron internadas en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neurológicos de Adultos de un hospital universitario del Noroeste de São Paulo. En cuanto al perfil, el 75,7% de los pacientes fueron del sexo masculino y el rango de edad predominante fue de 31 a 59 años (51,5%). En cuanto a la causa del traumatismo, el motivo principal fue la caída, con un valor equivalente al 57,58%. En cuanto a la clasificación de la lesión, el 57,58% fueron traumatismos graves y el 66,67% recibió tratamiento quirúrgico. La estancia media en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos fue superior a 7 días (42,4%). En cuanto a la evolución clínica, el 42,42% requirió catéter para monitorizar la presión intracraneal, el 63,64% recibió ventilación mecánica invasiva y el 78,79% utilizó fármacos vasoactivos, siendo la noradrenalina la más utilizada en el 67,65% de los casos, seguida del nitroprusiato de sodio (Nipride®) en 17,65% y vasopresina en 14,70%, asociada a noradrenalina. Las complicaciones ocurrieron en el 54,5% de los pacientes, siendo la neumonía la más común, con el 47,83%. El resultado clínico fue el alta hospitalaria para el 75,76%, mientras que el 12% tuvo secuelas neurológicas. Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes requirieron monitorización de la presión intracraneal, ventilación mecánica y fármacos vasoactivos. Al momento del alta hospitalaria se observó un pequeño porcentaje de pacientes con secuelas neurológicas, lo que refuerza la importancia, experiencia y competencia del equipo multidisciplinario en el trabajo asistencial en las unidades de cuidados neurointensivos

Ecografía de nervio óptico para estimar hipertensión intracraneal en pacientes adultos con neurotrauma / Optic Nerve Ultrasound to Estimate Intracranial Hypertension in Adult Patients with Neurotrauma

Introducción: El neurotrauma es una condición que puede dar paso a una hipertensión intracraneana, situación que es muy grave. Los métodos diagnósticos de elección son los invasivos, aun así, los no invasivos y entre ellos la ecografía del nervio óptico, ofrecen muchísimas ventajas. Objetivo: Describir elementos esenciales de la ecografía de nervio óptico como método para diagnosticar hipertensión intracraneal en pacientes adultos con neurotrauma. Métodos: Se hizo una revisión de la literatura más reciente sin restricción lingüística o geográfica en las bases de datos PubMed y SciELO, se usaron términos afines al tema del artículo y se realizó una valoración crítica sobre la bibliografía consultada. Resultados: La literatura disponible sobre la ecografía del nervio óptico en la determinación de la hipertensión intracraneal es abundante y la mayoría apunta a sus beneficios como método no invasivo. La principal debilidad del mismo es que no es capaz de dar un valor exacto y esto se debe a que el valor normal del diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico por cada persona puede variar significativamente. La proporción directa entre el diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico y la presión intracraneal es un hecho que ningún autor intenta invalidar. Conclusiones: La ecografía del nervio óptico es un método seguro, accesible económicamente, no invasivo, fácil de usar y con un valor predictivo confiable para determinar la hipertensión intracraneal(AU)

Introduction: Neurotrauma is a condition that can lead to intracranial hypertension, which is a very serious situation. The diagnostic methods of choice are the invasive ones, even so, the non-invasive ones offer many advantages, the ultrasound of the optic nerve is among them. Objective: To describe essential elements of optic nerve ultrasound as a method to diagnose intracranial hypertension in adult patients with neurotrauma. Methods: A review of the most recent literature was made without linguistic or geographical restrictions in databases such as PubMed and SciELO, terms related to the theme of the manuscript were used. A critical assessment of the consulted bibliography was made. Results: The available literature on optic nerve ultrasound in the determination of intracranial hypertension is abundant and most points to the benefits as a non-invasive method. However, its main weakness lies in the fact that it is not capable of giving an exact value, due to the fact that the normal value of the diameter of the optic nerve sheath for each person can vary significantly. The direct relationship between optic nerve sheath diameter and intracranial pressure is a fact that no author attempts to invalidate. Conclusions: Optic nerve ultrasound is a safe, affordable, non-invasive, easy-to-use method with a reliable predictive value to determine intracranial hypertension(AU)

Fluid therapy and traumatic brain injury: A narrative review.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important health and social problem. The mechanism of damage of this entity could be divided into two phases: (1) a primary acute injury because of the traumatic event; and (2) a secondary injury due to the hypotension and hypoxia generated by the previous lesion, which leads to ischemia and necrosis of neural cells. Cerebral edema is one of the most important prognosis markers observed in TBI. In the early stages of TBI, the cerebrospinal fluid compensates the cerebral edema. However, if edema increases, this mechanism fails, increasing intracranial pressure. To avoid this chain effect, several treatments are applied in the clinical practice, including elevation of the head of the bed, maintenance of normothermia, pain and sedation drugs, mechanical ventilation, neuromuscular blockade, controlled hyperventilation, and fluid therapy (FT). The goal of FT is to improve the circulatory system to avoid the lack of oxygen to organs. Therefore, rapid and early infusion of large volumes of crystalloids is performed in clinical practice to restore blood volume and blood pressure. Despite the relevance of FT in the early management of TBI, there are few clinical trials regarding which solution is better to apply. The aim of this study is to provide a narrative review about the role of the different types of FT used in the daily clinical practice on the management of TBI. To achieve this objective, a physiopathological approach to this entity will be also performed, summarizing why the different types of FT are used.

Current status and outlook for the management of intracranial hypertension after traumatic brain injury: decompressive craniectomy, therapeutic hypothermia, and barbiturates.

INTRODUCTION: Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) has been associated with poor neurological outcomes and increased mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traditionally, ICP-lowering therapies are administered using an escalating approach, with more aggressive options reserved for patients showing no response to first-tier interventions, or with refractory intracranial hypertension. DEVELOPMENT: The therapeutic value and the appropriate timing for the use of rescue treatments for intracranial hypertension have been a subject of constant debate in literature. In this review, we discuss the main management options for refractory intracranial hypertension after severe TBI in adults. We intend to conduct an in-depth revision of the most representative randomised controlled trials on the different rescue treatments, including decompressive craniectomy, therapeutic hypothermia, and barbiturates. We also discuss future perspectives for these management options. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence appears to show that mortality can be reduced when rescue interventions are used as last-tier therapy; however, this benefit comes at the cost of severe disability. The decision of whether to perform these interventions should always be patient-centred and made on an individual basis. The development and integration of different physiological variables through multimodality monitoring is of the utmost importance to provide more robust prognostic information to patients facing these challenging decisions.

Sinking bone flap due to overdrainage of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. A case report and review of the literature.

The widespread use of decompressive craniectomy and subsequent cranioplasty has led to a better understanding of its complications. However, cases of a sunken bone flap have hardly ever been described. We present the eighth case reported up to date and perform a review of the literature of this sporadic complication. A 40-year-old Caucasian male suffered a traumatic brain injury that required a decompressive craniectomy. One month after initial trauma autologous cranioplasty was performed. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was also placed. Neurological status progressively improved but his therapist noted cognitive status decline 8 months later. Follow-up computed tomography showed a progressive sinking bone flap. The patient underwent bone flap removal and a custom-made calcium phosphate-based implant was inserted, leading to symptoms resolution. Bone resorption has been described as the main cause of sinking bone flap following cranioplasty. This entity may manifest with symptoms of overdrainage in patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunt devices.

External validation of the Glasgow Coma Scale-Pupils in patients with severe head injury. / Validación externa de la Escala de Coma de Glasgow con valoración pupilar en pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the ability of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, the GCS Pupils (GCS-P) score, and the Pupil Reactivity Score (PRS) to predict mortality in patients with severe head injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all patients with severe head injury and initial GCS scores of 8 or lower on initial evaluation for whom records included pupil dilation information and clinical course after admission to intensive care units of participating hospitals. We assessed the ability of each of the 3 scores (GCS, GCS-P, and PRS) to predict mortality using discrimination analysis. Discrimination was estimated by calculating the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and 95% CIs. RESULTS: A total of 1551 patients with severe head injury and pupil dilation records were studied. The mean age was 50 years, 1190 (76.7%) were males, and 592 (38.2%) died. No pupil dilation was observed in 905 patients (58.3%), 362 (23.3%) had unilateral mydriasis, and 284 (18.3%) had bilateral mydriasis. The GCS-P score was significantly better at predicting mortality, with an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.74-0.79), versus 0.69 (95% CI, 0.67-0.72) for the GCS, and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.72-0.77) for the PRS. As the GCS-P score decreased, mortality increased. CONCLUSION: The GCS-P was more useful than the GCS for predicting death after severe head injury.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la capacidad para predecir la mortalidad hospitalaria de la Escala de Coma de Glasgow con valoración pupilar (GCS-P) comparado con la Escala de Coma de Glasgow (GCS) y con la escala de reactividad pupilar (PRS) en pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) grave. METODO: Análisis retrospectivo de cohortes de todos los pacientes con TCE, puntuación en la GCS # 8 en la atención inicial, datos de exploración pupilar inicial y del desenlace hospitalario ingresados en las unidades de cuidados intensivos participantes. Se determinó la capacidad predictiva de mortalidad de la GCS, PRS y la GCS-P mediante un análisis de discriminación. La discriminación se analizó empleando curvas operativas del receptor (COR), el área bajo la curva (ABC) y su intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 1.551 pacientes con TCE grave y datos sobre exploración pupilar. La edad media fue de 50 años, 1.190 (76,7%) eran hombres, y hubo 592 (38,2%) defunciones. Hubo 905 (58,3%) pacientes sin alteraciones pupilares, 362 (23,3%) con midriasis unilateral y 284 (18,3%) pacientes con midriasis bilateral. El análisis del ABCCOR para predecir la mortalidad hospitalaria mostró de forma significativa una mejor capacidad predictiva del GCS-P con ABC = 0,77 (IC 95% 0,74-0,79) respecto al GCS con ABC = 0,69 (IC 95% 0,67-0,72). La reactividad pupilar mostró un ABC = 0,75 (IC 95% 0,72-0,77). Se observó un incremento de mortalidad con la disminución del GCS-P. CONCLUSIONES: La escala GCS-P presentó mejor rendimiento que la GCS para predecir mortalidad en el TCE grave.

Atlanto-occipital dislocation with concomitant severe traumatic brain injury: A retrospective study at a level 1 trauma center.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) is a life-threatening injury. Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with increased mortality in AOD patients, a detailed individual analysis of these patients is lacking in the literature. METHODS: Patients ≥16 years old who were diagnosed of AOD with concomitant severe TBI from 2010 to 2020 were included in this retrospective study. We examined the epidemiology, injury mechanisms, associated injuries, and outcomes of these patients. RESULTS: Eight patients were included. Six patients died before any intervention could be performed, and two patients underwent an occipito-cervical fixation, showing a notorious neurologic improvement on follow-up. Cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) was a strong predictor of subsequent death. CT signs of diffuse axonal injury (DAI) were present in most patients and were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in survivors. Although TBI was not the main cause of death, it was responsible for the delayed neurological improvement and deferred stabilization. The average sensitivity of the different used methodologies for AOD diagnosis ranged from 0.50 to 1.00, being the Basion Dens Interval (BDI) and the Condyle-C1 interval (CCI) sum the most reliable criteria. Non-survivors tended to show greater distraction measurements. The high incidence of condylar avulsion fractures suggests that their visualization on the initial CT study should heighten the suspicion for AOD. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that patients with AOD and concomitant severe TBI might be salvageable patients. In those who survive beyond the first hospital days and show neurological improvement, surgical treatment should be performed as they can achieve an important neurologic recovery.

[Implementation of a pediatric unit of acquired brain injury in subacute phase in the public health system. Epidemiological, clinical and initial evolution characteristics of the patients attended]. / Implantación de una unidad pediátrica de daño cerebral adquirido en fase subaguda en el sistema público de salud. Características epidemiológicas, clínicas y de evolución inicial de los pacientes atendidos.

INTRODUCTION: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is defined as a neurological injury, acutely occurred, at some point in life causing impairment or loss of functional capacity. In 2019, a specific document was created by the Ombudsman pointing out the relevance of attention to this entity in the pediatric age. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The process of creation and the casuistry of care of one of the first comprehensive care units for subacute ACD in pediatric age within the public health system is presented. RESULTS: Different clinical guidelines have been prepared on the admission and care process within the unit, both for patients and their relatives. Twenty-four patients ≤18 years old, admitted to the subacute phase ACD unit from November 2019 to July 2021, 12 coming from the Community of Madrid, were attended. The median age was 6.97 years. Traumatic mechanism was the most frequent, with iatrogenic causes predominating, followed by precipitation and vehicle-related accidents. On admission to the unit, 8 maintained a minimally conscious/vegetative state. The collaboration of up to 14 different specialists was required due to the complexity of the patients. The overall evolution was favorable in 23 cases, with sequelae in all of them. CONCLUSION: The creation of units specialized in pediatric ACD care with specific action protocols and coordinated trans- and multidisciplinary work is of vital importance.

Teoría de la Mente en pacientes Traumatizados Craneoencefálico

Antecedentes: Uno de los impedimentos más importantes en los traumatismos craneoencefálicos (TEC), revistan en las dificultades de interacción social, la Teoría de la Mente (ToM) es un factor fundamental de la cognición social, que permite una interacción satisfactoria del sujeto. Objetivo: Observar la capacidad de ToM en pacientes TEC moderado o severo, y su relación con dominios neurocognitivos. Método: Pacientes diagnosticados con TEC moderado o severo, evaluados neuropsicológicamente, edad 16 y 45 años, se aplicaron Test de la Mirada (TdlM) e Historias Extrañas (HT). Resultados: Se encontraron correlaciones entre TdlM y HT con memoria y funciones ejecutivas. Pacientes lesionados izquierdos, rinden significativamenie menos en HT. Conclusiones: Pacientes con TEC moderado o grave tienen una disminución de la capacidad de ToM. Existe una relación entre memoria episódica y ToM, podría deberse a que esta última requiere información a experiencias pasadas. Durante la infancia la ToM depende de la memoria episódica, pero cuando ambas se desarrollan adecuadamente, son independientes. Existe una relación entre funciones ejecutivas y ToM. Ambos constructos están vinculados en la infancia, pero luego comienzan a ser más independientes. Sin embargo, la ToM igualmente va a requerir de las funciones ejecutivas.

Background: One of the most important impediments in traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are the difficulties of social and family interaction. The Theory of Mind (ToM) is a fundamental factor of social cognition, which allows a satisfactory interaction of the individual with his environment. Objetive: To observe the ability of ToM in moderate or severe TBI patients, and its relationship with neurocognitive domains. Methods: Outpatients with diagnosis of moderate or severe TBI, evaluated neuropsychologically, age between 16 and 45 years, were applied Eyes Test (ET) and the Hinting task (HT). Results: Correlations were found between ET and HT with memory and executive functions. Injured left, perform significantly less in HT Patients with moderate or severe TBI have a decrease in ToM capacity. Conclusions: There is a relationship between episodic memory and ToM, which could be due to the latter 's need to request information from past experiences through episodic memory. During childhood ToM depends on episodic memory, but when both are achieved and developed properly, they are independent. There is a relationship between executive functions and ToM. Both constructs are linked in childhood, but then they begin to be more independent. However, ToM tasks will also require executive functions.

Rehabilitation of social cognition impairment after traumatic brain injury: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Many studies have described the presence of difficulty processing and generating social behaviour in patients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These difficulties in social cognition (SC) deteriorate personal relationships in the family, at work, or in the community. However, therapeutic programmes aiming to improve SC continue to be an outstanding issue in clinical practice. We performed a systematic review of the existing literature on the recovery of SC in patients with TBI, assessing the methodological quality of the included studies and the therapeutic effectiveness of the rehabilitation strategies used. DEVELOPMENT: We performed a bibliographic search of papers published before June 2018 in the Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Of the 198 potentially relevant articles, 10 met our eligibility criteria. Two of the authors independently and blindly assessed the methodological quality of these studies using the PEDro scale. CONCLUSIONS: The articles included in this systematic review essentially studied the effect of different interventions aimed at the rehabilitation of SC in patients with chronic TBIs. The analysis showed adequate methodological quality and an acceptable level of evidence. Future research should analyse the effect of these interventions in patients with TBIs in the sub- and post-acute phases.

Factores que afectan la participación social de adultos con traumatismo craneoencefálico: una revisión sistemática / Factors Affecting Social Participation in Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Objetivo La participación social es el acto de involucrarse en actividades que proporcionan interacciones con otras personas, y puede verse afectada en personas que han sufrido un traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE). Este trabajo propone identificar qué factores influyen en dicha afectación. Método. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de artículos disponibles en PubMed, EBSCO y SCOPUS, publicados desde 2010 hasta 2020. Resultados. Los artículos revisados concuerdan que la participación social de los pacientes adultos con TCE se ve afectada por las siguientes variables: síntomas depresivos, edad, nivel educativo, alteraciones cognitivas y calidad de vida. Finalmente, se observó que la evaluación de la participación social está focalizada en la frecuencia con que los pacientes realizan actividades sociales y no indagan en la satisfacción personal con el nivel de participación.

Objective. Social participation is the act of getting involved in activities that provide interactions with other people and can be impaired in individuals who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aims to identify which factors influence social participation after TBI. Method. A systematic review of articles available in PubMed, EBSCO, and SCOPUS, published from 2010 to 2020 was conducted. Results. Revised articles conclude that social participation in adult patients with TBI is affected by the following variables: depressive symptoms, age, educational level, cognitive impairment, and quality of life. Finally, the focus of the assessment of social participation was the frequency with patients carrying out social activities and not the personal satisfaction with their level of participation.