Evaluation of hematological changes and immune response biomarkers as a prognostic factor in critical patients with COVID-19.

COVID-19 disease has been a challenge for health systems worldwide due to its high transmissibility, morbidity, and mortality. Severe COVID-19 is associated with an imbalance in the immune response, resulting in a cytokine storm and a hyperinflammation state. While hematological parameters correlate with prognosis in COVID patients, their predictive value has not been evaluated specifically among those severely ill. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the role of hematological and immune response biomarkers as a prognostic factor in critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit. From May 2020 to July 2021, a retrospective cohort study was conducted in a reference hospital in Manaus, which belongs to the Brazilian public health system. This study was carried out as single-center research. Clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed to evaluate the association with mortality. We also evaluated the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR). We gathered information from medical records, as well as from prescriptions and forms authorizing the use of antimicrobial medications. During the study period, 177 patients were included, with a mean age of 62.58 ± 14.39 years. The overall mortality rate was 61.6%. Age, mechanical ventilation (MV) requirement, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, high c-reactive protein level, NLR, and CLR showed a statistically significant association with mortality in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only MV (OR 35.687, 95% CI: 11.084-114.898, p< 0.001) and NLR (OR 1.026, 95% CI: 1.003-1.050, p = 0.028) remained statistically associated with the outcome of death (AUC = 0.8096). While the need for mechanical ventilation is a parameter observed throughout the hospital stay, the initial NLR can be a primary risk stratification tool to establish priorities and timely clinical intervention in patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the ICU.

Clinical and pharmacological factors associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 in a high complexity hospital in Manaus: A retrospective study.

COVID-19 is a contagious infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for more than 5 million deaths worldwide, and has been a significant challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Characterized by multiple manifestations, the most common symptoms are fever, cough, anosmia, ageusia, and myalgia. However, several organs can be affected in more severe cases, causing encephalitis, myocarditis, respiratory distress, hypercoagulable state, pulmonary embolism, and stroke. Despite efforts to identify appropriate clinical protocols for its management, there are still no fully effective therapies to prevent patient death. The objective of this study was to describe the demographic, clinical, and pharmacotherapeutic management characteristics employed in patients hospitalized for diagnosis of COVID-19, in addition to identifying predictive factors for mortality. This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study carried out in a reference hospital belonging to the Brazilian public health system, in Manaus, from March 2020 to July 2021. Data were obtained from analyzing medical records, physical and electronic forms, medical prescriptions, and antimicrobial use authorization forms. During the study period, 530 patients were included, 51.70% male, with a mean age of 58.74 ± 15.91 years. The overall mortality rate was 23.58%. The variables age, number of comorbidities, admission to the ICU, length of stay, oxygen saturation, serum aspartate transaminase, and use of mechanical ventilation showed a positive correlation with the mortality rate. Regarding pharmacological management, 88.49% of patients used corticosteroids, 86.79% used antimicrobials, 94.15% used anticoagulant therapy, and 3.77% used immunotherapy. Interestingly, two specific classes of antibiotics showed a positive correlation with the mortality rate: penicillins and glycopeptides. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, number of comorbidities, need for mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, and penicillin or glycopeptide antibiotics use were associated with mortality (AUC = 0.958).

Primary central nervous system tumors in Sergipe, Brazil: descriptive epidemiology between 2010 and 2018.

BACKGROUND: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a heterogeneous group with high morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiology of primary CNS tumors diagnosed in the state of Sergipe from 2010 to 2018. METHODS: We evaluated histopathological and immunohistochemical reports on primary CNS tumors diagnosed in Sergipe, Brazil, between 2010 and 2018 and collected data regarding age, sex, location, World Health Organization (WHO) classification and histology. RESULTS: Altogether, 861 primary CNS tumors were found. Tumors in brain locations occurred most frequently (50.8%; n=437). The neoplasms observed were most prevalent in the age range 45‒54 years (20.4%; n=176). Grade I tumors occurred most frequently, corresponding to 38.8% of the cases (n=38) in the age group of 0‒14 years, and 44.6% (n=340) in the population ≥15 years old. Between 0 and 14 years of age, other astrocytic tumors were the most prevalent (29.6%; n=29). In the age group between 15 and 34, gliomas were the most frequent (32.7%; n=54). Meningiomas predominated in the age group of 35 years and above, comprising 47.5% of cases (n=206) in the 35‒74 age group; and 61.2% (n=30) among patients over 75 years old. CONCLUSION: The epidemiology of primary CNS tumors in Sergipe between 2010 and 2018 is consistent with data in other current studies on the subject. Studies on the epidemiological evolution of these entities in Sergipe are needed.

Brazilian version of the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: After a traumatic brain injury, post-concussion symptoms are commonly reported by patients. Although common, these symptoms are difficult to diagnose and recognize. To date, no instruments evaluating post-concussion symptoms have been culturally translated or adapted to the Brazilian context. OBJECTIVE: To culturally adapt the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire for use in Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation was done in five steps: translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, evaluation by two expert committees and two pretests among adults in a target population. RESULTS: The semantic, idiomatic, cultural and experimental aspects of the adaptation were considered adequate. The content validity coefficient of the items regarding language clarity, pratical pertinence, relevance and dimensionality were considered adequate for evaluating the desired latent variable. Both pretests demonstrated that the instrument had satisfactory acceptability. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version, named Questionário Rivermead de Sintomas pós Concussionais (RPQ-Br), has been adapted, and is ready for use in the Brazilian context.

Primary central nervous system tumors in Sergipe, Brazil: descriptive epidemiology between 2010 and 2018 / Tumores primários do sistema nervoso central em Sergipe, Brasil: epidemiologia descritiva entre 2010 e 2018

ABSTRACT Background: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are a heterogeneous group with high morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To describe the epidemiology of primary CNS tumors diagnosed in the state of Sergipe from 2010 to 2018. Methods: We evaluated histopathological and immunohistochemical reports on primary CNS tumors diagnosed in Sergipe, Brazil, between 2010 and 2018 and collected data regarding age, sex, location, World Health Organization (WHO) classification and histology. Results: Altogether, 861 primary CNS tumors were found. Tumors in brain locations occurred most frequently (50.8%; n=437). The neoplasms observed were most prevalent in the age range 45‒54 years (20.4%; n=176). Grade I tumors occurred most frequently, corresponding to 38.8% of the cases (n=38) in the age group of 0‒14 years, and 44.6% (n=340) in the population ≥15 years old. Between 0 and 14 years of age, other astrocytic tumors were the most prevalent (29.6%; n=29). In the age group between 15 and 34, gliomas were the most frequent (32.7%; n=54). Meningiomas predominated in the age group of 35 years and above, comprising 47.5% of cases (n=206) in the 35‒74 age group; and 61.2% (n=30) among patients over 75 years old. Conclusion: The epidemiology of primary CNS tumors in Sergipe between 2010 and 2018 is consistent with data in other current studies on the subject. Studies on the epidemiological evolution of these entities in Sergipe are needed.

RESUMO Introdução: Os tumores do sistema nervoso central (SNC) são um grupo heterogêneo de entidades que apresenta significativa morbimortalidade. Objetivos: O presente estudo visa à descrição epidemiológica dos tumores primários do SNC com diagnóstico histopatológico no estado de Sergipe, Brasil, entre 2010 e 2018. Métodos: Foram avaliados laudos histopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos de tumores primários do SNC, diagnosticados entre 2010 e 2018, no estado de Sergipe. Os dados coletados foram descritos de acordo com as variáveis de idade, sexo, localização, classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e tipo histológico. Resultados: Foram encontrados 861 tumores primários do SNC. A localização cerebral foi a mais frequente (50,8%; n=437). As neoplasias observadas prevaleceram na faixa etária de 45 a 54 anos (20,4%; n=176). Os tumores grau I foram os mais frequentes, correspondendo a 38,8% dos casos (n=38) na faixa etária de 0‒14 anos e 44,6% (n=340) na população a partir de 15 anos de idade. Na faixa etária entre 0‒14 anos, o grupo histológico dos outros tumores astrocíticos foi o mais prevalente (29,6%; n=29). Na população entre 15‒34 anos, os gliomas foram os mais frequentes (32,7%; n=54). Os meningiomas predominaram nas faixas etárias a partir de 35 anos, com 47,5% dos casos (n=206) entre 35‒74 anos; e 61,2% (n=30) nos pacientes acima de 75 anos de idade. Conclusão: A descrição epidemiológica dos tumores primários do SNC em Sergipe, entre 2010 e 2018, é condizente com outros trabalhos atuais sobre o tema. Estudos voltados à evolução epidemiológica dessas entidades em Sergipe são necessários.

Transcranial Doppler: A Useful Tool to Predict Brain Death Still Not Confirmed by Clinical Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing brain death (BD) with accuracy and urgency is of great importance because an early diagnosis may guide the clinical management, optimize hospital beds, and facilitate organ transplantation. The clinical diagnosis of nonreactive and irreversible coma can be confirmed with additional tests. Among the complimentary exams that may testify brain circulatory arrest, transcranial Doppler (TCD) can be an option. It is a real-time, bedside, inexpensive, noninvasive method that assesses cerebral blood flow. In patients with suspected BD, especially those who are under sedative drugs, early diagnosis is imperative. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of TCD in predicting BD. METHODS: One hundred consecutive comatose patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 5, owing to different etiologies, were included. TCD was performed in all patients. The TCD operator was blinded for clinical and neurologic data. This study is in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients with TCD-brain circulatory collapse were diagnosed later with BD. Of the 31 patients with brain circulatory activity, 8 (25.8%) were clinically brain dead and 23 (74.2%) were alive. TCD showing brain circulatory collapse had a sensitivity of 89.6%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 74.2%. CONCLUSION: TCD is highly specific (100%) and sensitive (89.6%) as a method to confirm the clinical diagnosis of BD, even in patients under sedation. The possibility of patients presenting with cerebral circulatory activity and clinical diagnosis of BD was demonstrated to occur.

Traumatic brain injury pharmacological treatment: recommendations.

This article presents the recommendations on the pharmacological treatment employed in traumatic brain injury (TBI) at the outpatient clinic of the Cognitive Rehabilitation after TBI Service of the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. A systematic assessment of the consensus reached in other countries, and of articles on TBI available in the PUBMED and LILACS medical databases, was carried out. We offer recommendations of pharmacological treatments in patients after TBI with different symptoms.

Traumatic brain injury pharmacological treatment: recommendations / Tratamento farmacológico do traumatismo cranioencefálico: recomendações

ABSTRACT This article presents the recommendations on the pharmacological treatment employed in traumatic brain injury (TBI) at the outpatient clinic of the Cognitive Rehabilitation after TBI Service of the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. A systematic assessment of the consensus reached in other countries, and of articles on TBI available in the PUBMED and LILACS medical databases, was carried out. We offer recommendations of pharmacological treatments in patients after TBI with different symptoms.

RESUMO Este artigo apresenta as recomendações sobre o tratamento farmacológico empregado para o traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) em pacientes ambulatoriais de Reabilitação Cognitiva pós-TCEno Serviço do HCFMUSP Foi realizada uma avaliação sistemática dos consensos publicados em outros países e dos artigos sobre TCE disponíveis nas bases de periódicos médicos como PUBMED e LILACS. Recomendamos tratamentos farmacológicos em pacientes pós-TCE com diferentes sintomas.

Current clinical approach to patients with disorders of consciousness.

In clinical practice, hospital admission of patients with altered level of consciousness, sleepy or in a non-responsive state is extremely common. This clinical condition requires an effective investigation and early treatment. Performing a focused and objective evaluation is critical, with quality history taking and physical examination capable to locate the lesion and define conducts. Imaging and laboratory exams have played an increasingly important role in supporting clinical research. In this review, the main types of changes in consciousness are discussed as well as the essential points that should be evaluated in the clinical management of these patients.

Current clinical approach to patients with disorders of consciousness / Abordagem clínica atual do paciente com distúrbios de consciência

Summary In clinical practice, hospital admission of patients with altered level of consciousness, sleepy or in a non-responsive state is extremely common. This clinical condition requires an effective investigation and early treatment. Performing a focused and objective evaluation is critical, with quality history taking and physical examination capable to locate the lesion and define conducts. Imaging and laboratory exams have played an increasingly important role in supporting clinical research. In this review, the main types of changes in consciousness are discussed as well as the essential points that should be evaluated in the clinical management of these patients.

Resumo Abordagem Na prática clínica é extremamente comum a admissão hospitalar de pacientes com nível de consciência alterado, sonolentos ou em estado não responsivo. Essa condição clínica demanda uma investigação eficaz e um tratamento precoce. É fundamental a realização de uma avaliação focada e objetiva, com a realização de anamnese e exame físico de qualidade para localizar a lesão e definir condutas. Exames de imagem e laboratoriais têm desempenhado papéis cada vez mais relevantes no suporte à investigação clínica. Nesta revisão, são discutidos os principais tipos de alterações de consciência e os pontos imprescindíveis que devem ser avaliados na abordagem clínica desses pacientes.

Computed tomography angiography for detection of middle meningeal artery lesions associated with acute epidural hematomas.

BACKGROUND: The natural history of traumatic aneurysms of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) is not well known, but patients with these lesions are more likely to have delayed bleeds. In this paper, we described a series of patients with epidural hematoma who underwent angiotomography (CTA) for MMA vascular lesion diagnosis. METHODS: Eleven patients admitted to our emergency unit with small acute epidural hematoma were prospectively studied. All patients with temporal acute epidural hematomas underwent CTA and cerebral angiogram at our institution for diagnosis of posttraumatic lesions of middle meningeal artery. The findings of angiotomography and digital angiography were reviewed by radiologist and angiographers, respectively, to ensure that the lesions were readily diagnosed without knowing the results of angiotomography and to compare CTA findings with standard angiogram. RESULTS: The causes of head injury were traffic accidents, falls, and aggression. Three of these patients presented traumatic MMA pseudoaneurysm. CT angiography was able to diagnose all of them, with dimensions ranging from 1.5 to 2.8 mm. Conventional angiography confirmed the findings of CT angiography, and the lesions presented with similar dimensions at both methods. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that angiotomography can be a useful technique for diagnosis of vascular lesion associated with small epidural hematoma.

Hemodinâmica encefálica avaliada pela tomografia computadorizada com estudo de perfusão em doentes com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico submetidos à craniectomia descompressiva com duroplastia / Hemodynamic changes evaluated by CT perfusion in patients with malignant ischemic stroke submitted to decompressive craniectomy

Introdução e Objetivos: A craniectomia descompressiva com duroplastia (CDD) reduz a mortalidade e melhora o prognóstico funcional em doentes com acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico (AVEi) hemisférico e proporciona a redução da pressão intracraniana. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre sua repercussão na hemodinâmica cerebral. O objetivo do presente trabalho é o de avaliar com a tomografia computadorizada com estudo de perfusão (TCP) as alterações hemodinâmicas nos doentes com AVEi após a CDD e identificar possíveis marcadores prognósticos substitutos. Métodos: Foram avaliados 27 doentes com AVEi com indicação de CDD. Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos da TCP estudados no período pré-operatório e em até 24h após a cirurgia foram: duração média de trânsito (DMT), volume sanguíneo encefálico (VSE) e fluxo sanguíneo encefálico (FSE). O desfecho primário utilizado foi a melhora ou a ausência de melhora hemodinâmica. Os desfechos secundários foram a escala de Rankin modificada em seis meses, dicotomizada como favorável (0-3) ou desfavorável (4-6); casos fatais em um mês e em seis meses. Resultados: 18 (70,3%) doentes eram do sexo feminino e 12 (44,4%) tinham idade superior a 55 anos. Houve melhora da DMT (queda de 8,74 para 8,24, p=0,01) e tendência a melhora do FSE (aumento de 22,37 para 25,26, p=0,06) após a CDD. Não houve diferença estatística em relação ao VSC (aumento de 2,14 para 2,26, p=0,33). A idade superior a 55 anos foi o preditor independente de prognóstico desfavorável (p=0,03) e a DMT pré-operatória, foi preditora hemodinâmica para mortalidade em seis meses (8,20 vs 9,23, p=0,04). Conclusões: A craniectomia descompressiva com expansão dural determinou melhora hemodinâmica na maioria dos doentes com AVEi hemisférico. A DTM préoperatória é um bom marcador substituto para a possibilidade de óbito em seis meses.

Background and Objectives: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) reduces the mortality and improves the functional outcome in patients with malignant cerebral infarction (MCI). This procedure causes a decrease of the intracranial pressure, however, little is known about its impact in brain hemodynamics. Therefore, our goal is to study through CT perfusion the hemodynamics changes that may occur in patients with MCI after the DC. Methods: 27 patients with MCI treated with DC were studied. The CT perfusion hemodynamic parameters - the mean transit time (MTT), the cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) - were evaluated preoperatively and within the first 24 hours after the DC. The primary outcome measure was improvement or lack of improvement in cerebral hemodynamics. Secondary outcomes were the modified Rankin scale in 6 months, classified as favorable (0-3) and unfavorable (4-6); and, fatal cases at 1 month and 6 months. Results: 18 (70.3%) patients were female and 12 (44.4%) were older than 55 years. There was improvement of MTT (decrease from 8.74 to 8.24, p = 0.01) and a trend towards improvement of the CBF (increase from 22.37 to 25.26, p = 0.06) after DC. There was no statistical difference in the CBV before and after DC (increase from 2.14 to 2.26, p = 0.33). Patients over 55 years had poorer prognosis (p=0.03) and preoperative MTT was an independent hemodynamic predictor of mortality at 6 months (8.20 vs 9.23, p=0.04). Conclusions: DC improved cerebral hemodynamics in most patients with malignant ischemic stroke. Preoperative MTT seems to be a good marker for case fatality in 6 months.

Continuous ventricular cerebrospinal fluid drainage with intracranial pressure monitoring for management of posttraumatic diffuse brain swelling.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular drainage has played an important role in the management of traumatic brain-injured patients. The aim of the present study was describe outcomes in a series of 57 patients with diffuse brain swelling underwent to intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. METHOD: Fifty-eight patients with diffuse posttraumatic brain swelling, were evaluated prospectively. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of patients varied from 4 to 12. Patients groups divided according to GCS and age. Patient neurological assessment was classified as favorable, unfavorable, and death. RESULTS: Mechanisms of injury were vehicle accidents in 72.4% and falls in 15.6%. 54% of patients had GCS scores between 6 and 8. There were no statistical differences, regarding outcome, between groups separated by age. In the adults group (n=47), 44.7% evolved favorably. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a poor prognosis in patients with brain swelling. We believe that continuous ventricular CSF drainage with ICP monitoring is a simple method as an adjunct in the management of these patients.

Continuous ventricular cerebrospinal fluid drainage with intracranial pressure monitoring for management of posttraumatic diffuse brain swelling / Drenagem contínua de líquido cefalorraquidiano com monitoração intermitente de pressão intracraniana em pacientes com tumefação cerebral difusa pós-traumática

BACKGROUND: Ventricular drainage has played an important role in the management of traumatic brain-injured patients. The aim of the present study was describe outcomes in a series of 57 patients with diffuse brain swelling underwent to intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. METHOD: Fifty-eight patients with diffuse posttraumatic brain swelling, were evaluated prospectively. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of patients varied from 4 to 12. Patients groups divided according to GCS and age. Patient neurological assessment was classified as favorable, unfavorable, and death. RESULTS: Mechanisms of injury were vehicle accidents in 72.4 percent and falls in 15.6 percent. 54 percent of patients had GCS scores between 6 and 8. There were no statistical differences, regarding outcome, between groups separated by age. In the adults group (n=47), 44.7 percent evolved favorably. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a poor prognosis in patients with brain swelling. We believe that continuous ventricular CSF drainage with ICP monitoring is a simple method as an adjunct in the management of these patients.

INTRODUÇÃO: Monitoração da pressão intracraniana (PIC) tem desempenhado um papel importante nos pacientes com lesão cerebral difusa traumática. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever os resultados de uma série de 57 pacientes com tumefação cerebral difusa submetidos à monitoração da PIC. MÉTODO: Cinquenta e oito pacientes com lesão axonal difusa foram avaliados prospectivamente. Na Escala de Coma de Glasgow (GCS) os escores variaram de 4 a 12. Os grupos de pacientes, foram divididos de acordo com a GCS e a idade. Avaliação neurológica tardia foi classificada como favorável, desfavorável, e da morte. RESULTADOS: Mecanismos de lesão predominantes foram os acidentes de veículos em 72,4 por cento e quedas em 15,6 por cento; 54 por cento dos pacientes tiveram escores GCS entre 6 e 8. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos separados por idade. No grupo de adultos (n=47), 44,7 por cento evoluíram favoravelmente. CONCLUSÃO: As lesões difusas tipo III apresentam resultados funcionais desfavoráveis. Acreditamos que a monitoração intermitente de PIC com drenagem de líquido cefalorraquidiano seja um método simples e aplicável no apoio ao tratamento destes pacientes.

Tratamento cirúrgico no acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico: afinal, o que há de evidências? / Surgical treatment of spontaneous cerebral hematoma: are there any evidence?

Mais da metade dos pacientes com hematoma cerebral espontâneo evolui desfavoravelmente. O controleinadequado da pressão arterial sistêmica é uma das principais causas para esse quadro dramático.Várias pesquisas clínicas visando ao controle da expansão do hematoma têm se mostrado satisfatórias,entretanto pouco houve de avanço no tratamento cirúrgico dessas condições. Há inúmeras variáveisque devem ser avaliadas em um paciente com hematoma intraparenquimatoso espontâneo, e esta revisão visa sistematizar o tratamento cirúrgico baseado em evidências.

More than half of patients with spontaneous cerebral hematoma have a poor outcome. The inadequatecontrol of the systemic blood pressure is one of the main causes for this dramatic picture. Several clinical researches seeking the control of the hematoma expansion have shown satisfactory findings, however, little progress was demonstrated in the surgical treatment of those conditions. There are countless variables that should be appraised in a patient with spontaneous cerebral hematoma, and this review intends to systematize the surgical treatment based on evidences.

[The pathophysiological mechanisms following traumatic brain injury]. / Mecanismos de lesão cerebral no traumatismo cranioencefálico.

Traumatic brain injury is the main cause of death and disability in children and adults in Western Countries. The definitive brain injury is a consequence of pathophysiological mechanisms that begin at the moment of an accident and may extend for days or weeks. Traumatic brain injury may be classified as diffuse or focal. These two mechanisms are commonly associated in a patient, however one is generally predominant. Therefore knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms of brain injury in head trauma is important to establish the therapeutic, clinical and surgical measures. In this paper the authors present a critical review of the literature on the pathophysiological principles of traumatic brain injury.

Tratamento cirúrgico de emergência no acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico. Afinal, o que há de evidências? / Surgical treatment of acute cerebral infarction. What are the evidences?

Contexto: O manuseio dos pacientes com infarto cerebral isquêmico inclui várias abordagens de tratamento. O tratamento cirúrgico é raramente necessário, entretanto os médicos gerais, neurologistas e neurocirurgiões devem estar atentos para essa possibilidade. Objetivo: Esta revisão visa sistematizar o tratamento cirúrgico com base em evidências nos acidentes vasculares isquêmicos. Conclusões: Apesar da crescente pesquisa envolvendo os acidentes vasculares, a taxa de mortalidade após a tentativa de tratamento cirúrgico pouco se tem alterado nas últimas décadas. Questões como quando ou a quem indicar uma craniectomia descompressiva no infarto isquêmico hemisférico são motivos de controvérsias no âmbito neurocirúrgico, e os dados da literatura são pouco esclarecedores.