Search for clinical and neurophysiological prognostic patterns of brain coma outcomes in children.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible predictive values of clinical examinations combined with the recordings of electroencephalography and brainstem auditory-evoked potentials in traumatic coma of pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 43 children in coma with severe acute head trauma were included in the study. They were investigated and treated in pediatric intensive care unit using standard evaluation and treatment protocol. Evaluation of coma was performed using Glasgow Coma Scale. Electroencephalography for 35 patients and brainstem auditory-evoked potentials for 24 patients were recorded. RESULTS: Glasgow coma scale statistic pool median was equal to 4 points as measured in presence of brain edema, meanwhile it was 6 as measured in absence of edema. In case of supratentorial damage, median duration of consciousness recovery was 10 days. In absence of above-mentioned supratentorial damage, recovery of the consciousness was earlier - median was 5 days. Determined duration of artificial lung ventilation was statistically significantly shorter for those who had edema (P=0.048). In 20 patients (57% of all cases), constant or alternating slow wave activity was observed during the first electroencephalographic recording. In other cases, "alpha coma" or low amplitude of arrhythmic activity and local slowing activity corresponding to brain damage seen on computerized tomography were recorded. For 24 patients, brainstem auditory-evoked potentials were recorded. In 9 cases, they were abnormal; in these cases, the consciousness of the patients recovered after 44 days or did not recover. CONCLUSIONS: Glasgow coma scale results alone may have limited prognostic value in absence of other objective neurophysiologic investigation data concerning the coma outcome in children. Prognosis may be worse if pathological brainstem auditory-evoked potentials correlate with pathological dynamic changes in electroencephalography and brain lesions, diagnosed during computerized tomography scan.

[Evaluation of the functional brain state in comatose children]. / Vaiku funkcines smegenu bukles ivertinimas istikus smegenu komai.

This article reviews scientific literature data of the last decade and analyses the possibilities to evaluate functional brain state in comatose children. Observations after the development of coma, its short-term and long-term outcomes show that when duration of coma is over 30 days, the chances to regain consciousness and autonomy are decreased. Coma of hypoxic origin has more complicated course, and its prognosis is worse compared to the one of a traumatic origin. Vegetative condition is observed more frequently as a consequence of hypoxic brain damage. Survival in vegetative condition without recovery of consciousness raises medical, psychological, social, and patient care problems. The article reviews different methodical approaches for the evaluation of functional brain state. Various methods of brain bioelectric evaluation are analyzed, including routine and qualitative methods of electroencephalography, possibilities of its spectral analysis and evoked potentials of various types. The results of the observation that evaluate the changes of brain structure and neurophysiological parameters are reviewed. The analysis of 48 articles draws a conclusion that the most objective criteria for evaluation the prognosis of coma can be achieved while following the clinical condition of the patient in parallel with the brain neuroimaging studies and evaluation of neurophysiological parameters, such as electroencephalography spectral analysis and evoked potentials of brainstem and cortex. The best evaluation of the functional brain state and prognosis of coma can be achieved with repeatable investigations during coma development and comparison of the results of several parameters.

[Severe pediatric head injury: is there any optimal solution?]. / Sunki vaiku galvos smegenu trauma. Ar yra optimalus gydymo budas?

Traumatic brain injury in children is a worldwide problem. The incidence of trauma cases is increasing over the world, and in Lithuania it is several times higher than in the most developed European countries. The article reviews data about the most modern means of managing pediatric traumatic brain injury. The role of prehospital care, emphasizing on airway management, adequate ventilation, oxygenation, and perfusion in order to preclude secondary brain injury, which begins straight after trauma, is being noted. Establishing trauma system and patient's treatment in pediatric trauma centers, where child gets urgent and sufficient help, reduces mortality and improves outcomes. Pediatric patient's triage using patient's status scoring and trauma scoring systems is recommended. The role of intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure is crucial. Immediate management of intracranial pressure reduces mortality and improves outcomes. Techniques of intracranial pressure monitoring and management strategies of intracranial hypertension, their advantages and possible disadvantages are described.