Prevalences of sleep-related breathing disorders and severity factors in chronic spinal cord injury and abled-bodied individuals undergoing rehabilitation: a comparative study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to discern distinguishing characteristics of sleep-related breathing disorders in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (CSCI) compared with participants without CSCI. Additionally, the study investigated factors associated with sleep-related breathing disorder severity. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of 123 individuals without CSCI, 40 tetraplegics, and 48 paraplegics who underwent attended or partially supervised full polysomnography for suspected sleep-related breathing disorders in a rehabilitation center. Polysomnographic, transcutaneous capnography, and clinical data were collected and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Among tetraplegics, apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 30 events/h (67.5%, P = .003), central apnea (17.5%, P = .007), and higher oxygen desaturation index (80.0%, P = .01) prevailed. Sleep-related hypoventilation was present in 15.4% of tetraplegics and 15.8% of paraplegics, compared with 3.2% in participants without CSCI (P = .05). In the group without CSCI and the paraplegic group, snoring and neck circumference were positively correlated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. A positive correlation between waist circumference and OSA severity was identified in all groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that loud snoring and waist circumference had the greatest impact on OSA severity. CONCLUSIONS: Severe OSA and central sleep apnea prevailed in tetraplegic participants. Sleep-related hypoventilation was more common in tetraplegics and paraplegics than in participants without CSCI. Loud snoring and waist circumference had an impact on OSA severity in all groups. We recommend the routine implementation of transcutaneous capnography in individuals with CSCI. We underscore the significance of conducting a comprehensive sleep assessment in the rehabilitation process for individuals with CSCI. CITATION: Souza Bastos P, Amaral TLD, Yehia HC, Tavares A. Prevalences of sleep-related breathing disorders and severity factors in chronic spinal cord injury and abled-bodied individuals undergoing rehabilitation: a comparative study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(7):1119-1129.

Post-thoracotomy paraplegia after oxidized cellulose spinal compression.

Post-thoracotomy paraplegia after non-aortic surgery is an extremely uncommon complication. A 56-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of progressive shortness of breath. Computed tomography revealed a locally advanced posterior mediastinal mass involving the ribs and the left neural foramina. Tumor excision with a left pneumonectomy was performed. Post-resection, bleeding was noted in the vicinity of the T4-T5 vertebral body, and the bleeding point was packed with oxidized cellulose gauze (Surgicel®). Postoperatively, the patient complained of bilateral leg numbness extending up to the T5 level, with bilateral paraplegia. An urgent laminectomy was performed, and we noted that the spinal cord was compressed by two masses of Surgicel® with blood clots measuring 1.5 × 1.5cm at T4 and T5 levels. The paraplegia did not improve despite the removal of the mass, sufficient decompression, and aggressive postoperative physiotherapy. Surgeons operating in fields close to the intervertebral foramen should be aware of the possible threat to the adjacent spinal canal as helpful hemostatic agents can become a preventable threat.

Protocol paper: kainic acid excitotoxicity-induced spinal cord injury paraplegia in Sprague-Dawley rats.

BACKGROUND: Excitotoxicity-induced in vivo injury models are vital to reflect the pathophysiological features of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in humans. The duration and concentration of chemical treatment controls the extent of neuronal cell damage. The extent of injury is explained in relation to locomotor and behavioural activity. Several SCI in vivo methods have been reported and studied extensively, particularly contusion, compression, and transection models. These models depict similar pathophysiology to that in humans but are extremely expensive (contusion) and require expertise (compression). Chemical excitotoxicity-induced SCI models are simple and easy while producing similar clinical manifestations. The kainic acid (KA) excitotoxicity model is a convenient, low-cost, and highly reproducible animal model of SCI in the laboratory. The basic impactor approximately cost between 10,000 and 20,000 USD, while the kainic acid only cost between 300 and 500 USD, which is quite cheap as compared to traditional SCI method. METHODS: In this study, 0.05 mM KA was administered at dose of 10 µL/100 g body weight, at a rate of 10 µL/min, to induce spinal injury by intra-spinal injection between the T12 and T13 thoracic vertebrae. In this protocol, detailed description of a dorsal laminectomy was explained to expose the spinal cord, following intra-spinal kainic acid administration at desired location. The dose, rate and technique to administer kainic acid were explained extensively to reflect a successful paraplegia and spinal cord injury in rats. The postoperative care and complication post injury of paraplegic laboratory animals were also explained, and necessary requirements to overcome these complications were also described to help researcher. RESULTS: This injury model produced impaired hind limb locomotor function with mild seizure. Hence this protocol will help researchers to induce spinal cord injury in laboratories at extremely low cost and also will help to determine the necessary supplies, methods for producing SCI in rats and treatments designed to mitigate post-injury impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Kainic acid intra-spinal injection at the concentration of 0.05 mM, and rate 10 µL/min, is an effective method create spinal injury in rats, however more potent concentrations of kainic acid need to be studied in order to create severe spinal injuries.

Protocol paper: kainic acid excitotoxicity-induced spinal cord injury paraplegia in Sprague-Dawley rats

BACKGROUND: Excitotoxicity-induced in vivo injury models are vital to reflect the pathophysiological features of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in humans. The duration and concentration of chemical treatment controls the extent of neuronal cell damage. The extent of injury is explained in relation to locomotor and behavioural activity. Several SCI in vivo methods have been reported and studied extensively, particularly contusion, compression, and transection models. These models depict similar pathophysiology to that in humans but are extremely expensive (contusion) and require expertise (compression). Chemical excitotoxicity-induced SCI models are simple and easy while producing similar clinical manifestations. The kainic acid (KA) excitotoxicity model is a convenient, low-cost, and highly reproducible animal model of SCI in the laboratory. The basic impactor approximately cost between 10,000 and 20,000 USD, while the kainic acid only cost between 300 and 500 USD, which is quite cheap as compared to traditional SCI method. METHODS: In this study, 0.05 mM KA was administered at dose of 10 µL/100 g body weight, at a rate of 10 µL/min, to induce spinal injury by intra-spinal injection between the T12 and T13 thoracic vertebrae. In this protocol, detailed description of a dorsal laminectomy was explained to expose the spinal cord, following intra-spinal kainic acid administration at desired location. The dose, rate and technique to administer kainic acid were explained extensively to reflect a successful paraplegia and spinal cord injury in rats. The postoperative care and complication post injury of paraplegic laboratory animals were also explained, and necessary requirements to overcome these complications were also described to help researcher. RESULTS: This injury model produced impaired hind limb locomotor function with mild seizure. Hence this protocol will help researchers to induce spinal cord injury in laboratories at extremely low cost and also will help to determine the necessary supplies, methods for producing SCI in rats and treatments designed to mitigate post-injury impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Kainic acid intra-spinal injection at the concentration of 0.05 mM, and rate 10 µL/min, is an effective method create spinal injury in rats, however more potent concentrations of kainic acid need to be studied in order to create severe spinal injuries.

Cirugía convencional del aneurisma tóraco-abdominal / Open surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Experience in 45 patients

BACKGROUND: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is an infrequent disease and demands a highly specialized and experienced management. Open repair (OR) is the gold standard but it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Paraplegia and renal failure are the most important complications. AIM: To report our results with OR treatment of TAAA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study including all patients with TAAA operated electively and consecutively by OR between 1983 and 2019. Main outcomes are operative mortality, renal and neurological morbidity, and long-term survival. RESULTS: We report 45 operated patients aged 33 to 84 years, 74% males. Aneurysm extension according to Crawford classification was I in 18%, II in 18 %, III in 36% and IV in 29%. Operative mortality was 4%. The frequency of paraplegia or paraparesis at discharge was 9%. No patient was discharged on hemodialysis. Survival at 5 and 10 years were 60% and 40% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: OR of TAAA is a complex procedure. Our results show perioperative mortality rates comparable to highly experienced centers. Although being a major procedure, OR remains an alternative to treat this serious condition.

Brake response time between male drivers with and without paraplegia: Association between sociodemographic, motor and neurological characteristics.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the brake response time of drivers with paraplegia (who use hand control) with drivers without paraplegia (who use their feet) in a virtual driving simulator brake test. Additionally, we aimed to predict and evaluate the association of virtual brake response time with sociodemographic, motor and cognitive variables.Methods: 40 male adult drivers, with paraplegia (n = 20, mean age 38.1 ± 3.6 years) and without paraplegia (n = 20, mean age 38.0 ± 5.8 years), with valid driver licenses, had their brake response time evaluated in an automatic transmission car simulator. Non-disabled drivers were tested with conventional foot controls, while paraplegic drivers used hand controls. Drivers with paraplegia performed simple, choice and go/no-go reaction time tests as neuropsychological evaluations. Student's t-test was used to examine the differences of driving simulator brake response time between groups. Pearson coefficient verified the correlation of driving simulator brake response time with years of driving, length of disability, handgrip strength and neuropsychological tests of the paraplegic drivers. A regression model was developed to describe the mean of driving simulator brake response time using the backward elimination method for model adjustment selecting the explanatory variables.Results: Differences of simulator brake response time between groups were not statistically significant (non-paraplegic drivers = 0.90 seconds; paraplegic drivers = 0.92 seconds, p > 0.05). Years of driving significantly correlates with brake response time of paraplegic driver (r= -58, p = 0.009). Linear regression analyses indicated that years of schooling and years of driving (explanatory variables) explained 60.2% of driving simulator brake response time for the drivers with paraplegia. Driving simulator brake response time showed no difference between drivers with and without paraplegia. Years of driving and schooling were the main predictors of braking performance in drivers with paraplegia measured in a driving simulator.

Spinal cord stimulation improves motor function and gait in spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4): Clinical and neurophysiological evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders characterized by degeneration of the corticospinal tracts, coursing with progressive weakness and spasticity of the lower limbs. To date, there are no effective treatments for progressive deficits or disease-modifying therapy for those patients. We report encouraging results for spastic paraparesis after spinal cord stimulation. METHODS: A 51-year-old woman suffering from progressive weakness and spasticity in lower limbs related to hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 underwent spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and experienced also significant improvement in motor function. Maximum ballistic voluntary isometric contraction test, continuous passive motion test and gait analysis using a motion-capture system were performed in ON and OFF SCS conditions. Neurophysiologic assessment consisted of obtaining motor evoked potentials in both conditions. RESULTS: Presurgical Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale (SPRS) score was 26. One month after effective SCS was initiated, SPRS went down to 15. At 12 months follow up, she experienced substantial improvement in motor function and in gait performance, with SPRS scores 23 (OFF) and down to 20 (ON). There was an increased isometric muscle strength (knee extension, OFF: 41 N m; ON: 71 N m), lower knee extension and flexion torque values in continuous passive motion test (decrease in spastic tone) and improvement in gait (for example, step length increase). CONCLUSION: Despite being a case study, our findings suggest innovative lines of research for the treatment of spastic paraplegia.

[Open surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Experience in 45 patients]. / Cirugía convencional del aneurisma tóraco-abdominal.

BACKGROUND: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is an infrequent disease and demands a highly specialized and experienced management. Open repair (OR) is the gold standard but it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Paraplegia and renal failure are the most important complications. AIM: To report our results with OR treatment of TAAA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study including all patients with TAAA operated electively and consecutively by OR between 1983 and 2019. Main outcomes are operative mortality, renal and neurological morbidity, and long-term survival. RESULTS: We report 45 operated patients aged 33 to 84 years, 74% males. Aneurysm extension according to Crawford classification was I in 18%, II in 18 %, III in 36% and IV in 29%. Operative mortality was 4%. The frequency of paraplegia or paraparesis at discharge was 9%. No patient was discharged on hemodialysis. Survival at 5 and 10 years were 60% and 40% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: OR of TAAA is a complex procedure. Our results show perioperative mortality rates comparable to highly experienced centers. Although being a major procedure, OR remains an alternative to treat this serious condition.

Motor impairment in a rare form of spastic paraplegia (Spoan syndrome): a 10-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Spastic paraplegia, optic atrophy and neuropathy (Spoan syndrome) is an autosomal recessive disease with approximately 70 cases recorded in Brazil and Egypt. METHODS: This is a prospective longitudinal study performed with 47 patients affected with Spoan syndrome of seven communities of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil) to investigate changes in motor function based on comparative data obtained from a 10-year follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 47.21 ± 12.42 years old, and the mean age at loss of ambulation and hand function were 10.78 ± 5.55 and 33.58 ± 17.47 years old, respectively. Spearman's correlation analysis between the score on the Modified Barthel Index and the investigated variables evidenced statistical significance for age (p < 0.001) and right- and left-hand grip strength (p = 0.042 and p = 0.021, respectively). Statistical significance was not evidenced for the remainder of the variables, including age at onset of symptoms (p = 0.634), age at loss of ambulation (p = 0.664) and age at loss of hand function (p = 0.118). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis allows asserting that the participants exhibited slight dependence until age 35. The greatest losses occurred from ages 35 to 41, and starting at 50, practically all patients become completely dependent. These findings are relevant for determining the prognosis as well as suitable treatment, rehabilitation and assistive technology for these individuals.

Felinos paraplégicos e perfil de seus tutores: estudo retrospectivo de 15 casos / Paraplegic felines and the profile of their owners: a retrospective study of 15 cases / Felinos parapléjicos y perfil de sus tutores: estudio retrospectivo de 15 casos

Traumas são a segunda maior causa de morte em gatos, perdendo apenas para envenenamentos. No presente trabalho, 15 tutores de gatos paraplégicos responderam um questionário online. A causa de maior prevalência da paraplegia foi maus tratos (40%). A média de idade foi de 1 ano e 7 meses. Em média, os animais fazem/fizeram tratamento durante 11 meses, sendo que 26,7% só utilizou medicação anti-inflamatória e analgésica, enquanto dentre os demais, 27,3% foram submetidos à cirurgia, 72,7% fizeram acupuntura, 45,5% fisioterapia, 9% terapia celular e 9% outros. Entretanto, 33,3% dos tutores não observaram melhora. As doenças concomitantes mais predominantes foram constipação e retenção urinária (53,5%), e cistites recorrentes (40%), seguidas de escaras (33,3%), incontinência fecal e urinária (26,7%), dermatite de contato na região da fralda (6,7%) e necrose de cauda (6,7%). 40% dos tutores cogitaram ou foram instruídos a realizar a eutanásia, sendo que 16,7% optaram pelo procedimento. Apesar da paraplegia, 93,3% dos tutores consideram que seus animais apresentam boa qualidade de vida.

Traumas are the second largest cause of death in cats, behind only for poisonings. In the present study, 15 owners of paraplegic cats answered an online questionnaire. The greatest prevalence of paraplegia was animal cruelty (40%). The mean age was 1 year and 7 months. On average, the animals treated for 11 months, with 26.7% only using anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, while among the others, 27.3% underwent surgery, 72.7% acupuncture, 45.5 % physiotherapy, 9% cell therapy and 9% others. However, 33.3% of the owners did not notice improvement. The most frequent concomitant diseases were constipation and urinary retention (53.5%), and recurrent cystitis (40%), followed by pressure sores (33.3%), fecal and urinary incontinence (26.7%), diaper dermatitis (6.7%) and tail necrosis (6.7%). 40% of the owners considered or were instructed to perform euthanasia, and 16.7% opted for the procedure. Despite paraplegia, 93.3% of the owners considered that their animals had a good quality of life.

Traumatismos son la segunda causa de muerte en gatos, perdiendo sólo para envenenamientos. En el presente trabajo, 15 tutores de gatos parapléjicos respondieron un cuestionario en línea. La causa de la mayor prevalencia de la paraplejia fue maltrato (40%). EI promedio de edad fue de 1 ano y 7 meses. En promedio, los animales hacen/han hecho un tratamiento durante 11 meses, siendo que el 26,7% sólo utilizó medicación antiinflamatoria y analgésica, mientras que los demás, el 27,3% fueron sometidos a la cirugía, el 72,7% hicieron acupuntura, 45,5 % fisioterapia, 9% terapia celular y 9% otros. Sin embargo, el 33,3% de los pacientes no observaron mejoría. Las enfermedades concomitantes más predominantes fueron constipación y retención de orina (53,5%), y cistitis recurrentes (40%), seguidas de escaras (33,3%), incontinencia fecal y urinaria (26,7%), dermatitis de contacto región del panal (6,7%) y necrosis de cola (6,7%). EI 40% de los tutores pensó o fue instruido para realizar una eutanasia, y el 16,7% optó por el procedimiento. A pesar de la paraplejia, el 93,3% de los derechos de autor en sus animales presentan buena calidad de vida.

Felinos paraplégicos e perfil de seus tutores: estudo retrospectivo de 15 casos / Paraplegic felines and the profile of their owners: a retrospective study of 15 cases / Felinos parapléjicos y perfil de sus tutores: estudio retrospectivo de 15 casos

Traumas são a segunda maior causa de morte em gatos, perdendo apenas para envenenamentos. No presente trabalho, 15 tutores de gatos paraplégicos responderam um questionário online. A causa de maior prevalência da paraplegia foi maus tratos (40%). A média de idade foi de 1 ano e 7 meses. Em média, os animais fazem/fizeram tratamento durante 11 meses, sendo que 26,7% só utilizou medicação anti-inflamatória e analgésica, enquanto dentre os demais, 27,3% foram submetidos à cirurgia, 72,7% fizeram acupuntura, 45,5% fisioterapia, 9% terapia celular e 9% outros. Entretanto, 33,3% dos tutores não observaram melhora. As doenças concomitantes mais predominantes foram constipação e retenção urinária (53,5%), e cistites recorrentes (40%), seguidas de escaras (33,3%), incontinência fecal e urinária (26,7%), dermatite de contato na região da fralda (6,7%) e necrose de cauda (6,7%). 40% dos tutores cogitaram ou foram instruídos a realizar a eutanásia, sendo que 16,7% optaram pelo procedimento. Apesar da paraplegia, 93,3% dos tutores consideram que seus animais apresentam boa qualidade de vida.(AU)

Traumas are the second largest cause of death in cats, behind only for poisonings. In the present study, 15 owners of paraplegic cats answered an online questionnaire. The greatest prevalence of paraplegia was animal cruelty (40%). The mean age was 1 year and 7 months. On average, the animals treated for 11 months, with 26.7% only using anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, while among the others, 27.3% underwent surgery, 72.7% acupuncture, 45.5 % physiotherapy, 9% cell therapy and 9% others. However, 33.3% of the owners did not notice improvement. The most frequent concomitant diseases were constipation and urinary retention (53.5%), and recurrent cystitis (40%), followed by pressure sores (33.3%), fecal and urinary incontinence (26.7%), diaper dermatitis (6.7%) and tail necrosis (6.7%). 40% of the owners considered or were instructed to perform euthanasia, and 16.7% opted for the procedure. Despite paraplegia, 93.3% of the owners considered that their animals had a good quality of life.(AU)

Traumatismos son la segunda causa de muerte en gatos, perdiendo sólo para envenenamientos. En el presente trabajo, 15 tutores de gatos parapléjicos respondieron un cuestionario en línea. La causa de la mayor prevalencia de la paraplejia fue maltrato (40%). EI promedio de edad fue de 1 ano y 7 meses. En promedio, los animales hacen/han hecho un tratamiento durante 11 meses, siendo que el 26,7% sólo utilizó medicación antiinflamatoria y analgésica, mientras que los demás, el 27,3% fueron sometidos a la cirugía, el 72,7% hicieron acupuntura, 45,5 % fisioterapia, 9% terapia celular y 9% otros. Sin embargo, el 33,3% de los pacientes no observaron mejoría. Las enfermedades concomitantes más predominantes fueron constipación y retención de orina (53,5%), y cistitis recurrentes (40%), seguidas de escaras (33,3%), incontinencia fecal y urinaria (26,7%), dermatitis de contacto región del panal (6,7%) y necrosis de cola (6,7%). EI 40% de los tutores pensó o fue instruido para realizar una eutanasia, y el 16,7% optó por el procedimiento. A pesar de la paraplejia, el 93,3% de los derechos de autor en sus animales presentan buena calidad de vida.(AU)

Tratamento simultâneo de úlceras de pressão sacral e isquiática com retalho único: apresentação de um caso / Simultaneous treatment of sacral and ischial pressure ulcers with a single flap: case presentation

Úlceras de pressão são alterações da integridade da pele e tecidos subjacentes, causadas por pressão, mais usualmente sobre proeminências ósseas, especialmente em áreas desprovidas de sensibilidade, levando à necrose e ulceração. Dados da literatura internacional estimam que 3 a 14% dos pacientes hospitalizados desenvolvem úlceras de pressão. Descrevemos a correção simultânea de úlceras sacral e isquiática extensas em paciente paraplégico jovem utilizando retalho fasciomiocutâneo de glúteo máximo e de face posterior da coxa.

Pressure ulcers are alterations of the integrity of the skin and underlying tissues, caused by pressure, more commonly on bony prominences, especially in areas devoid of sensitivity, which lead to necrosis and ulceration. Data from the international literature estimate that 3­14% of hospitalized patients develop pressure ulcers. We herein describe the simultaneous correction of extensive sacral and ischial ulcers in a young paraplegic patient, using a gluteus maximus fasciomyocutaneous flap from the posterior aspect of the thigh.

Fechamento de hemicorporectomia com utilização do retalho subtotal unilateral da coxa: relato de caso / Closure of hemicorporectomy using a subtotal unilateral tight flap: a case report

A hemicorporectomia ou amputação translombar foi primeiramente descrita em 1950 por Kredel como método curativo para neoplasia localmente avançada de pelve. Trata-se de um procedimento cirúrgico extenso, que quando bem indicado é capaz de prover a cura oncológica, além de possibilitar a melhora clínica e de qualidade de vida. Os autores apresentam o relato de caso de um paciente de 34 anos, com carcinoma espinocelular em úlcera de pressão crônica, acometendo períneo, glúteo e coxa posterior à direita. O paciente foi submetido à hemicorporectomia com reconstrução utilizando retalho subtotal da coxa esquerda. Observou-se boa evolução no pós-operatório e a utilização do retalho subtotal da coxa para fechamento da hemicorporectomia se mostrou como método seguro, eficiente e de técnica reprodutível.

Hemicorporectomy or translumbar amputation was first described in 1950 by Kredel to treat locally advanced pelvic neoplasia. This extensive surgical procedure can achieve oncological cure and improve clinical status and quality of life. The authors present a case report of a 34-yearold patient with squamous cell carcinoma in a chronic pressure ulcer affecting the right perineum, gluteus, and posterior thigh. The patient underwent hemicorporectomy with reconstructive surgery using a partial-thickness flap of the left thigh. The postoperative course was good, and the use of a partial-thickness flap of the thigh to close the hemicorporectomy proved to be safe, efficient, and reproducible.

Prevalencia de dolor de hombro y sus factores asociados en lesionados medulares parapléjicos usuarios de silla de ruedas / Shoulder pain prevalence and associated factors in spinal cord-injured paraplegic wheelchair users

INTRODUCCIÓN: la prevalencia de dolor de hombro en pacientes parapléjicos usuarios de silla de ruedas es elevada. existe consenso en que el uso de la silla de ruedas manual es un factor importante en el origen de este dolor. no existen estudios en Chile acerca del tema. OBJETIVO: determinar la prevalencia y factores asociados a dolor de hombro en personas con paraplejia secundaria a lesión medular traumática, usuarios de sillas de ruedas, describiendo también las características del dolor. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo transversal en personas adultas con paraplejia secundaria a lesión medular traumática, que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. previo consentimiento informado, se les aplicó un cuestionario ISCIPDS:B, enfocado a dolor de hombro. además de preguntar qué tipo de silla de ruedas utilizan, tiempo de autopropulsión, uso de guantes de propulsión y ocupación previa a la lesión medular. se recuperaron datos de registros en ficha clínica para identificar sexo, edad, fecha del accidente, ASIA impairment scale (AIS) y nivel neurológico de la lesión. RESULTADOS: 59 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. de ellos, el 61% de ellos refirió dolor en hombro (s). no hubo una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el dolor en el hombro y la edad, tiempo de evolución de lesión medular, AIS, nivel de lesión neurológica, tipo de silla de ruedas ni el tiempo de uso de la silla de ruedas manual. hubo una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre uso de guantes de propulsión y el dolor de hombro. la afectación bilateral es más frecuente que unilateral. el dolor promedio fue de NRS 5,6. la duración fue referida principalmente como constante, mayor a 1 hora pero menor a 24 horas. la mayor intensidad de dolor se reportó como vespertina. CONCLUSIONES: la prevalencia de dolor de hombro en pacientes chilenos con paraplejia secundaria a lesión medular traumática es alta. es necesaria mayor investigación para determinar si los hallazgos de este estudio se extrapolan a la población general con lesión medular traumática.

INTRODUCCIÓN: the prevalence of shoulder pain in paraplegic patients using wheelchair is high. there is consensus that the use of manual wheelchair is an important factor in the origin of this pain. there are no studies in Chile about this. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence and factors associated with shoulder pain in paraplegic patients for traumatism with spinal cord injury (SCI) wheelchair users, also describing the characteristics of pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: descriptive transversal study in adults paraplegic patients for traumatism with SCI, who met inclusion criteria. an ISCIPDS:B questionnaire was previously informed, focused on shoulder pain, also asking what kind of wheelchair is being used, time of propulsion, use of propulsion gloves, and if it was being used before the spinal cord injury. further clinical record data were retrieved to identify gender, age, date of accident, ASIA, and neurological injury level. RESULTS: 59 patients met the inclusion criteria, 61% of them reported shoulder pain. there was no statistically significant association between shoulder pain and age, duration of SCI, ASIA, neurological level of injury, type of wheelchair, nor usage time of the manual wheelchair. there was a statistically significant association between the use of gloves propulsion and shoulder pain. bilateral involvement is more often. the average pain was NRS 5.6. the duration was mainly referred as a constant greater than 1hour but less than 24hours. the greater intensity of pain was reported during the evening. CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of shoulder pain in chilean paraplegic for spinal cord traumatic injury is high. more research is needed to determine whether the findings of this study are extrapolated to the general population.

Successful Reinnervation of the Diaphragm After Intercostal to Phrenic Nerve Neurotization in Patients With High Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective in this study was to extend diaphragmatic pacing therapy to include paraplegic patients with high cervical spinal cord injuries between C3 and C5. INTRODUCTION: Diaphragmatic pacing has been used in patients experiencing ventilator-dependent respiratory failure due to spinal cord injury as a means to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical ventilation. However, this technique relies on intact phrenic nerve function. Recently, phrenic nerve reconstruction with intercostal nerve grafting has expanded the indications for diaphragmatic pacing. Our study aimed to evaluate early outcomes and efficacy of intercostal nerve transfer in diaphragmatic pacing. METHODS: Four ventilator-dependent patients with high cervical spinal cord injuries were selected for this study. Each patient demonstrated absence of phrenic nerve function via external neck stimulation and laparoscopic diaphragm mapping. Each patient underwent intercostal to phrenic nerve grafting with implantation of a phrenic nerve pacer. The patients were followed, and ventilator dependence was reassessed at 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: Our primary outcome was measured by the amount of time our patients tolerated off the ventilator per day. We found that all 4 patients have tolerated paced breathing independent of mechanical ventilation, with 1 patient achieving 24 hours of tracheostomy collar. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, intercostal to phrenic nerve transfer seems to be a promising approach in reducing or eliminating ventilator support in patients with C3 to C5 high spinal cord injury.

[Melanocytoma and meningeal melanocytosis, similar but different lesions]. / Melanocitoma y melanomatosis meníngea, lesiones similares pero diferentes.

BACKGROUND: Meningeal melanomatosis is an extra-axial well-encapsulated malignant tumour with diffuse meningeal growth and dark coloration (due to high melanin contents), while meningeal melanocytoma is the focalized benign variant. Melanocytic lesions may be secondary to melanoma or be histologically benign, however, their diffuse nature makes them impossible to cure. Melanocytosis is a diffuse tumour that can form solitary extra-axial tumours, which invades the parenchyma and presents signs of malignancy with increased mitosis and Ki67, observed in 1 to 6% of immunopathological exams. Melanoma of the leptomeninges, presents signs of malignancy with anaplastic cells, which cluster in fascicles of melanin in the cytoplasm, with more than 3 atypical mitoses per field and Ki67 presenting in more than 6% of the immunopathological fields analysed. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a patient with long-term meningeal melanomatosis, with progressive neurologic deficit and characteristic radiologic features, and another case of meningeal melanocytoma. CONCLUSIONS: Benign melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system must be treated aggressively in the early phases with strict follow-up to avoid progression to advanced phases that do not respond to any treatment method. Unfortunately, the prognosis for malignant melanocytic lesions is very poor irrespective of the method of treatment given.

[Marjolin's ulcer. A 10 year experience in a diabetic foot unit]. / Úlcera de Marjolin: experiencia de 10 años en una unidad de pie diabético.

BACKGROUND: Marjolin's ulcer is defined as the appearance of a neoplasm within a chronic wound. The most common histological type is squamous. A total of 2 cases treated in our hospital are presented. CLINICAL CASE: Case 1. A 71 year old man who presented with redness and suppuration from the wounds he had in his right foot after an electric shock 40 years earlier. The radiology showed involvement of the 4° and 5° metatarsal. Supracondylar amputation was performed, showing a well-differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma. CASE 2: A 56 year old male, paraplegic for 20 years. He was treated due to an infected right heel ulcer, with partial improvement, but the ulcers persisted. Biopsy was performed, reporting as epidermoid carcinoma. Infracondylar amputation was performed. The diagnosis was a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma infiltrating the dermis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Marjolin's ulcer is 1.3-2.2% of all ulcers. Diagnosis is difficult, so biopsy is recommended on any suspicious lesion or ulcer that has received conservative treatment for one month without improvement, although this time limit is not clear. The treatment is the surgery. Local excision with a margin of an inch is enough. If the ulcer is extensive, amputation is required. Survival is estimated between 66 and 80% at 2 years, with recurrence rates of 23%. Unfavourable factors are poor tumour differentiation and metástasis, appearing in 20% of cases.

Embarazo en pacientes con lesión medular / Pregnancy in patients with spinal cord injury

ANTECEDENTES: Las gestaciones en pacientes con daño medular representan un reto para la obstetricia. Las complicaciones más frecuentes son las infecciones de las vías respiratorias y de las vías urinarias, y la más grave la hiperreflexia autonómica. El parto vaginal es posible en lesiones por debajo de T5, pero por encima de ese nivel, la imposibilidad de percibir las contracciones, de identificar el trabajo de parto y realizar pujos lleva a la necesidad de una cesárea programada. OBJETIVO: Exponer nuestra experiencia y revisar el manejo más adecuado de la embarazada parapléjica. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo en el periodo 2003-2014. Hubo 10 pacientes con 24 gestaciones: 6 abortos espontáneos, un 1 aborto inducido, quedando para el análisis 17 gestaciones (1 embarazo gemelar). La evaluación es independiente a la etiología o localización de la lesión. Se analiza las complicaciones perinatales y maternas. Resultados: La edad media fue 33 años. La edad gestacional media al parto fue 37 semanas: 12 de término (70,59%), 4 de pretérmino (23,53%) y una desconocida (5,88%). Hubo 10 cesáreas (58,82%) y 7 partos vaginales (41,18%). Peso medio neonatal de 2940 g, ninguno con retraso de crecimiento intrauterino. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestra experiencia muestra una alta tasa de prematuridad y de cesáreas, pero con buenos resultados maternos y perinatales, que hace permisible que estas pacientes puedan cumplir su deseo genésico, superando su discapacidad.

BACKGROUND: The pregnancies in patients with spinal cord injury represent a challenge for obstetrics. The most common complications are infections of the respiratory and urinary tract, and the most severe is the autonomic hyperreflexia. Vaginal delivery is possible in lesions below T5, but above that level the inability to perceive contractions, to identify labor and perform straining leads to the need for a scheduled cesarean. OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience and review the most appropriate management of paraplegic pregnant. Methods: Retrospective study in the period 2003-2014. There were 10 patients with 24 pregnancies: 6 spontaneous abortions, 1 induced abortion, leaving 17 for analysis pregnancies (one twin pregnancy). The evaluation is independent of the etiology or location of the lesion. Perinatal and maternal complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 33 years. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks: 12 to term (70.59%), 4 preterm deliveries (23.53%) and one unknow. There were 10 cesarean sections (58.82%) and 7 vaginal deliveries (41.18%). Average birth weight of 2940 g, none with intrauterine growth restriction. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience shows a high rate of prematurity and cesarean section, but with good maternal and perinatal outcomes, which makes it permissible for these patients can fulfill their procreative desire, overcoming his disability.

Enteral nutrition feeding alters antioxidant activity in unstimulated whole saliva composition of patients with neurological disorders.

Patients with neurological disorders have an increased risk of oral and systemic diseases due to compromised oral hygiene. If patients lose the ability to swallow and chew food as a result of their disorder, enteral nutrition is often utilized. However, this type of feeding may modify salivary antioxidant defenses, resulting in increased oxidative damage and the emergence of various diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of enteral nutrition on biochemical parameters in the unstimulated whole saliva composition of patients with neurological disorders. For this, enzymatic (superoxide dismutase - SOD; glutathione peroxidase - GPx) and non-enzymatic (uric acid; ferric ion reducing antioxidant power - FRAP) antioxidant activity, as well as a marker for oxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS) were analyzed. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from 12 patients with neurological disorders and tube-feeding (tube-fed group - TFG), 15 patients with neurological disorders and normal feeding via the mouth (non-tube-fed group - NTFG), and 12 volunteers without neurological disorders (control group - CG). The daily oral hygiene procedures of TFG and NTFG patients were similar and dental care was provided monthly by the same institution's dentist. All patients exhibited adequate oral health conditions. The salivary levels of FRAP, uric acid, SOD, GPx, TBARS, and total protein were compared between studied groups. FRAP was increased (p<0.05) in the NTFG (4,651 ± 192.5 mmol/mL) and the TFG (4,743 ± 116.7 mmol/mL) when compared with the CG (1,844 ± 343.8 mmol/mL). GPx values were lower (p<0.05) in the NTGF (8.24 ± 1.09 mmol/min/mg) and the TFG (8.37 ± 1.60 mmol/min/mg) than in the CG (15.30 ± 2.61 mmol/min/mg). Uric acid in the TFG (1.57 ± 0.23 mg/dL) was significantly lower than in the NTFG (2.34 ± 0.20mg/dL) and the CG (3.49 ± 0.21 mg/dL). Protein was significantly lower in the TFG (5.35 ± 0.27 g/dL) than in the NTFG (7.22 ± 0.57 g/dL) and the CG (7.86 ± 0.54 g/dL). There was no difference in the salivary flow rate and SOD between groups. Enteral nutrition in patients with neurological disorders was associated with lower oxidative damage, resulting in increased salivary antioxidant capacity. These results emphasize the importance of oral care for this population to prevent oral and systemic diseases.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein, matrix-metalloproteinase-8 and carotid atherosclerosis in spinal cord injured subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Previous reports have indicated that subjects with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) exhibit increased cardiovascular risk compared to able-bodied individuals. This study investigated the relationship between plasmatic oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) levels and vascular remodeling in SCI subjects and the role of physical activity in this regard. METHODS: We studied 42 men with chronic (≥2 years) SCI [18 sedentary (S-SCI) and 24 physically active (PA-SCI)] and 16 able-bodied men by clinical, anthropometric, laboratory, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) analysis. All enrolled subjects were normotensive, non-diabetics, non-smokers and normolipemic. Plasmatic OxLDL, MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Carotid IMT, IMT/diameter ratio and OxLDL levels of PA-SCI and able-bodied subjects were statistically similar. Conversely, S-SCI subjects exhibited higher IMT, IMT/diameter ratio and OxLDL levels compared to PA-SCI (p < 0.01, p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively) and able-bodied (p < 0.001 for all) individuals. Results of bivariate correlation analysis including all injured subjects showed that carotid IMT and IMT/diameter ratio only correlated with OxLDL, MMP-8 and MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratio. Further stepwise regression analysis adjusted for the presence or not of physical activity and age showed that OxLDL was associated with carotid IMT and IMT/diameter ratio, while MMP-8 was associated with IMT/diameter ratio in SCI individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Plasmatic OxLDL and MMP-8 levels are associated with carotid atherosclerosis and there is an interaction among physical inactivity, atherosclerosis and OxLDL in SCI individuals.