Critical Analysis of Sedation and Analgesia in Severe Head Trauma / Análise crítica da sedação e analgesia no traumatismo craniano grave

Introduction Head injury is a direct determinant of morbidity, disability, and mortality in the young population. Sedatives and analgesics are commonly used in patients with brain injury to retrieve an ICP, CMRO2, and CBF, preserving the cerebral regulation system and self-avoiding hypotension. Objective The objective of this paper is to review on this topic, linking themain drugs, side effects, costs, anxiolytic properties, anticonvulsants, and correlating them with complacency and brain metabolism. Methods We perform a literature review using PubMed database, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, The Cochrane Database, Google Scholar, and Clinical trials.We selected papers from the period between 1958 and 2014, which totaled 254 papers. Of these, we selected 129 papers based on keywords, inclusion, and exclusion criteria. Evidence Review The volume of the brain decreases due to dislocation of the CBV out of the skull. The main sedatives and analgesics are propofol, midazolam, etomidate, ketamine, barbiturates, dexedetomedina, morphine, fentanyl, alfentanil, sulfenatil, and remifentanil. We hereby discuss the algorithm for a fast intubation sequence and the algorithm for intracranial hypertension treatment regarding the systematic sedation therapy. A range of sedatives and analgesic agents are available for sedation. Each class has its own positive and negative effects on neurotrauma patients. Conclusions The correct analysis of sedation and analgesia in neurotrauma, rapid sequence intubation, and management ofmedications in intracranial hypertension can lead to an ideal management of brain injury.

Introdução Traumatismo Craniano (TCE) é determinante direto na morbidade, incapacidade e mortalidade na população jovem. Sedativos e analgésicos são comumente usados em pacientes com lesão cerebral com o objetivo de recuperar PIC, CMRO2 e FBC, preservando o sistema de autorregulação cerebral, evitando hipotensão. Objetivo O objetivo deste trabalho é fazer uma revisão sobre este tema, correlacionando as principais drogas, efeitos colaterais, custos, propriedades ansiolíticas, anticonvulsivantes, correlacionando com complacência e metabolismo cerebral. Métodos Revisão da literatura utilizando base de dados PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, The Cochrane Detabase, Google Scholar, ensaios clínicos. Os trabalhos selecionados de 1958 a 2014. Somou-se 254 trabalhos. Foram selecionados 129, através de palavras-chave, inclusão e critérios de exclusão. Evidência Revisão O volume do cérebro é reduzido devido o deslocamento do volume cerebral. Os principais sedativos e analgésicos são: propofol, midazolam, etomidato, cetamina, barbitúricos, a dexmedetomidina, morfina, fentanil, alfentanil, sulfato, remifentanil. Discute-se algoritmo para a sequência rápida de intubação e algoritmo para tratamento de hipertensão intracraniana. Uma série de sedativos e analgésicos agentes estão disponíveis para sedação. Cada classe tem seu próprio efeitos positivos e negativos em pacientes no neurotrauma. Conclusões e Relevância O presente trabalho contribui com a análise correta da sedação e analgesia em neurotrauma, sequência rápida de intubação e administração de medicamentos para analgesia e sedação em hipertensão intracraniana, e um ideal manejo na lesão cerebral.

Noninvasive evaluation of intracranial hypertension? Is there a gold standard? / Avaliação não invasiva da hipertensão intracraniana? Existe um padrão-ouro?

Computed tomography is essential in head injuried patients for the detection of structural damage to the brain. However, the ability of CT scanning to predict the presence or absence of intracranial hypertension has been debated in the literature. Since the optic nerve is part of the central nervous system and in case of raised pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid its sheath inflates. Based in this hypothesis the authors reviewed the role of the optic nerve sheat diameter in diagnosis intracranial hypertension after traumatic brain injury. This non-invasive method is useful to predict the risk of intracranial hypertension and select patients to ICP monitoring, especially in those with normal CT scans.

A tomografia de crânio é um exame fundamental para avaliação estrutural dos pacientes com traumatismo craniano. Entretanto, a capacidade da tomografia em predizer a ausência ou presença de hipertensão intracraniana é controversa. Como o nervo óptico é parte do sistema nervoso central, em situações de hipertensão intracraniana há aumento da bainha neural. Com base nessas hipóteses, os autores revisaram o papel da análise do diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico no diagnóstico de hipertensão intracraniana pós-traumatismo. Esse método não invasivo é útil para predizer os riscos de hipertensão intracraniana e selecionar os pacientes para monitorização da pressão intracraniana, principalmente naqueles com tomografia de crânio normal.

Terapia nutricional no traumatismo cranioencefálico grave / Nutrition therapy in severe head trauma patients

O objetivo do presente artigo é revisar a literatura e organizar os principais achados, gerando recomendações baseadas nas melhores evidências encontradas relativas à terapia nutricional nos casos de traumatismo cranioencefálico. O traumatismo cranioencefálico permanece uma patologia altamente letal, apesar dos avanços em seu diagnóstico e tratamento. Poucas intervenções terapêuticas tem se mostrado eficazes em melhorar este quadro. Há múltiplas alterações metabólicas e hidroeletrolíticas decorrentes do traumatismo cranioencefálico, caracterizadas por um estado hipermetabólico associado a um intense catabolismo, que levam a necessidades nutricionais específicas. Na literatura atual não há diretrizes específicas para terapia nutricional em pacientes vítimas de traumatismo cranioencefálico grave, mas há muitos dados interessantes e questões que estão sendo melhores estudadas, possibilitando um melhor direcionamento da terapia nutricional neste cenário. Além de avaliação e acompanhamento por uma equipe multiprofissional qualificada e treinada para estas questões, a introdução precoce do suporte nutricional, a utilização preferencial da via enteral com a infusão adequada de calorias, o uso de formulações adequadas e nutricionalmente equilibradas para cada caso específico, associadas a utilização de imunonutrientes específicos, melhor controle hidroeletrolítico e metabólico, além de melhor entendimento fisiopatológico e das consequências das próprias terapêuticas instituídas, parece modificar os desfechos destes casos.

This article reviews the literature, organizes the major findings, and generates the best evidence-based recommendations on nutrition therapy for head trauma patients. Despite recent advances in head trauma diagnosis and therapy, the mortality associated with this condition remains high. Few therapeutic interventions have been proven to effectively improve this condition. Head trauma causes multiple metabolic and electrolytic disorders; it is characterized by a hypermetabolic state that is associated with intensive catabolism, leading to specific nutritional needs. The current literature lacks specific guidelines for nutrition therapy in severe head trauma patients, although a substantial amount of data has been reported and relevant issues are currently being studied; these data may allow better nutrition therapy guidelines for these patients. In addition to a well-trained multi-disciplinary team, the following recommendations appear to improve outcomes: introducing nutrition therapy early; preferred enteral administration; appropriate energy intake; formulations that are tailored to specific patients, including appropriate nutrients; and strict electrolytic and metabolic monitoring. Understanding the pathophysiology and the consequences of therapy is fundamental.

Nutrition therapy in severe head trauma patients. / Terapia nutricional no traumatismo cranioencefálico grave.

This article reviews the literature, organizes the major findings, and generates the best evidence-based recommendations on nutrition therapy for head trauma patients. Despite recent advances in head trauma diagnosis and therapy, the mortality associated with this condition remains high. Few therapeutic interventions have been proven to effectively improve this condition. Head trauma causes multiple metabolic and electrolytic disorders; it is characterized by a hypermetabolic state that is associated with intensive catabolism, leading to specific nutritional needs. The current literature lacks specific guidelines for nutrition therapy in severe head trauma patients, although a substantial amount of data has been reported and relevant issues are currently being studied; these data may allow better nutrition therapy guidelines for these patients. In addition to a well-trained multi-disciplinary team, the following recommendations appear to improve outcomes: introducing nutrition therapy early; preferred enteral administration; appropriate energy intake; formulations that are tailored to specific patients, including appropriate nutrients; and strict electrolytic and metabolic monitoring. Understanding the pathophysiology and the consequences of therapy is fundamental.

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy: not just delirium.

Sepsis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in intensive care units. Organ dysfunction is triggered by inflammatory insults and tissue hypoperfusion. The brain plays a pivotal role in sepsis, acting as both a mediator of the immune response and a target for the pathologic process. The measurement of brain dysfunction is difficult because there are no specific biomarkers of neuronal injury, and bedside evaluation of cognitive performance is difficult in an intensive care unit. Although sepsis-associated encephalopathy was described decades ago, it has only recently been subjected to scientific scrutiny and is not yet completely understood. The pathophysiology of sepsis-associated encephalopathy involves direct cellular damage to the brain, mitochondrial and endothelial dysfunction and disturbances in neurotransmission. This review describes the most recent findings in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of sepsis-associated encephalopathy and focuses on its many presentations.

Modulação da pressão intracraniana em um modelo experimental de hipertensão abdominal e lesão pulmonar aguda / Factors associated with variation in intracranial pressure in a model of intra-abdominal hypertension with acute lung injury

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de alterações hemodinâmicas, respiratórias e metabólicas sobre a pressão intracraniana em um modelo de lesão pulmonar aguda e síndrome compartimental abdominal. MÉTODOS: Oito porcos Agroceres foram submetidos, após a instrumentação, a cinco cenários clínicos: 1) estado basal com baixa pressão intra-abdominal e pulmão sadio; 2) pneumoperitôneo, com pressão intra-abdominal de 20 mm Hg; 3) lesão pulmonar aguda induzida por lavagem pulmonar e desativação de surfactante; 4) pneumoperitôneo com pressão intra-abdominal de 20 mm Hg na vigência de lesão pulmonar aguda e com PEEP baixo; e 5) PEEP ajustado a 27 cm H2O na vigência de pneumoperitôneo e lesão pulmonar aguda. Variáveis respiratórias e hemodinâmicas foram coletadas. Análise multivariada foi realizada buscando as variáveis associadas com elevação da pressão intracraniana nos cinco cenários estudados. RESULTADOS: Após a análise multivariada, nas situações não associadas com lesão pulmonar aguda apenas a pressão de platô das vias aéreas se correlacionou positivamente com a pressão intracraniana. Nos modelos associados com lesão pulmonar aguda, a pressão de platô de vias aéreas, a pressão arterial de CO2, o CO2 no final da expiração e a pressão venosa central se correlacionaram positivamente com incrementos da pressão intracraniana. CONCLUSÃO: Em um modelo de disfunção orgânica múltipla com situações clínicas associadas com aumento da pressão torácica e abdominal, o incremento da pressão intracraniana desencadeado pela elevação da pressão abdominal parece ser decorrente da piora da complacência do sistema respiratório e da redução do gradiente para drenagem venosa cerebral ocasionado pela elevação da pressão venosa central.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of hemodynamic, respiratory and metabolic changes on intracranial pressure in a model of acute lung injury and abdominal compartment syndrome. METHODS: Eight Agroceres pigs were submitted to five different clinical scenarios after instrumentation: 1) a baseline condition with low intra-abdominal pressure and healthy lungs; 2) pneumoperitoneum with 20 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure; 3) acute lung injury induced by pulmonary lavage with surfactant deactivation; 4) pneumoperitoneum with 20 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure with lung pulmonary injury and low positive end-expiratory pressure; and 5) 27 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure with pneumoperitoneum and acute lung injury. Respiratory and hemodynamic variables were collected. A multivariate analysis was conducted to search for variables associated with increased intracranial pressure in the five scenarios. RESULTS: Only plateau airway pressure showed a positive correlation with intracranial pressure in the multivariate analysis. In the models with acute lung injury, plateau airway pressure, CO2 arterial pressure, end tidal CO2 and central venous pressure were positively correlated with increased intracranial pressure. CONCLUSION: In a model of multiple organ dysfunction with associated clinical conditions causing increased intra-thoracic and abdominal pressure, increased intracranial pressure triggered by elevated intra-abdominal pressure is apparently caused by worsened respiratory system compliance and a reduced brain venous drainage gradient due to increased central venous pressure.

Factors associated with variation in intracranial pressure in a model of intra-abdominal hypertension with acute lung injury. / Modulação da pressão intracraniana em um modelo experimental de hipertensão abdominal e lesão pulmonar aguda.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of hemodynamic, respiratory and metabolic changes on intracranial pressure in a model of acute lung injury and abdominal compartment syndrome. METHODS: Eight Agroceres pigs were submitted to five different clinical scenarios after instrumentation: 1) a baseline condition with low intra-abdominal pressure and healthy lungs; 2) pneumoperitoneum with 20 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure; 3) acute lung injury induced by pulmonary lavage with surfactant deactivation; 4) pneumoperitoneum with 20 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure with lung pulmonary injury and low positive end-expiratory pressure; and 5) 27 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure with pneumoperitoneum and acute lung injury. Respiratory and hemodynamic variables were collected. A multivariate analysis was conducted to search for variables associated with increased intracranial pressure in the five scenarios. RESULTS: Only plateau airway pressure showed a positive correlation with intracranial pressure in the multivariate analysis. In the models with acute lung injury, plateau airway pressure, CO2 arterial pressure, end tidal CO2 and central venous pressure were positively correlated with increased intracranial pressure. CONCLUSION: In a model of multiple organ dysfunction with associated clinical conditions causing increased intra-thoracic and abdominal pressure, increased intracranial pressure triggered by elevated intra-abdominal pressure is apparently caused by worsened respiratory system compliance and a reduced brain venous drainage gradient due to increased central venous pressure.

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy: not just delirium

Sepsis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in intensive care units. Organ dysfunction is triggered by inflammatory insults and tissue hypoperfusion. The brain plays a pivotal role in sepsis, acting as both a mediator of the immune response and a target for the pathologic process. The measurement of brain dysfunction is difficult because there are no specific biomarkers of neuronal injury, and bedside evaluation of cognitive performance is difficult in an intensive care unit. Although sepsis-associated encephalopathy was described decades ago, it has only recently been subjected to scientific scrutiny and is not yet completely understood. The pathophysiology of sepsis-associated encephalopathy involves direct cellular damage to the brain, mitochondrial and endothelial dysfunction and disturbances in neurotransmission. This review describes the most recent findings in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of sepsis-associated encephalopathy and focuses on its many presentations.

Cardiopulmonary effects of matching positive end-expiratory pressure to abdominal pressure in concomitant abdominal hypertension and acute lung injury.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) equalization to intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in an experimental model of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and acute lung injury (ALI). METHODS: Eight anesthetized pigs were submitted to IAH of 20 mm Hg with a carbon dioxide insufflator for 30 minutes and then submitted to lung lavage with saline and Tween (2.5%). Pressure x volume curves of the respiratory system were performed by a low flow method during IAH and ALI, and PEEP was subsequently adjusted to 27 cm . H2O for 30 minutes. RESULTS: IAH decreases pulmonary and respiratory system static compliances and increases airway resistance, alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, and respiratory dead space. The presence of concomitant ALI exacerbates these findings. PEEP identical to AP moderately improved oxygenation and respiratory mechanics; however, an important decline in stroke index and right ventricle ejection fraction was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous IAH and ALI produce important impairments in the respiratory physiology. PEEP equalization to AP may improve the respiratory performance, nevertheless with a secondary hemodynamic derangement.

Associação independente do tabagismo aos eventos cardíacos pós-operatórios e à mortalidade em 30 dias / Independent association of smoking with postoperative cardiac events and thirty-day mortality

FUNDAMENTO: Há poucos estudos que demonstrem a associação do tabagismo, como fator de risco independente, aos eventos cardíacos pós-operatórios. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação do tabagismo, como variável independente, às complicações cardiovasculares pós-operatórias e à mortalidade em 30 dias em operações não cardíacas. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se coorte retrospectiva de um hospital geral, na qual foram incluídos 1.072 pacientes estratificados em tabagistas atuais (n = 265), ex-tabagistas (n = 335) e não tabagistas (n = 472). Esses três grupos foram analisados para os desfechos cardiovasculares combinados no pós-operatório (infarto, edema pulmonar, arritmia com instabilidade hemodinâmica, angina instável e morte cardíaca) e mortalidade em 30 dias. Utilizaram-se o teste qui-quadrado e a regressão logística, considerando p < 0,05 como significante. RESULTADOS: Quando se compararam tabagistas atuais e ex-tabagistas aos não tabagistas, os desfechos cardiovasculares combinados no pós-operatório e a mortalidade em 30 dias foram respectivamente: 71 (6,6 por cento) e 34 (3,2 por cento). Os tabagistas atuais e ex-tabagistas apresentaram 53 (8,8 por cento) eventos cardíacos combinados, enquanto os não tabagistas, 18 (3,8 por cento), p = 0,002. Em relação à mortalidade, tabagistas atuais e ex-tabagistas apresentaram 26 (4,3 por cento), enquanto os não tabagistas, 8 (1,7 por cento), p = 0,024. Na análise multivariada, faixa etária, cirurgia de emergência, insuficiência cardíaca, sobrecarga ventricular esquerda, revascularização do miocárdio e extrassístole ventricular associaram-se independentemente aos eventos cardiovasculares perioperatórios, enquanto faixa etária, cirurgia de emergência, insuficiência cardíaca, alterações laboratoriais, história de hepatopatia, operações por neoplasia e tabagismo se associaram à mortalidade em 30 dias no pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: O tabagismo atual associou-se de forma independente à mortalidade em 30 dias em operações ...

BACKGROUND: Few studies have demonstrated the association of smoking, as an independent risk factor, with postoperative cardiac events. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of smoking, as an independent variable, with postoperative cardiovascular complications and 30-day mortality in noncardiac surgeries. METHODS: A retrospective cohort from a general hospital was studied, which included 1,072 patients stratified as current smokers (n=265), ex-smokers (n=335) and nonsmokers (n=472). These three groups were analyzed regarding the combined cardiovascular outcomes in the postoperative period (infarction, pulmonary edema, arrhythmia with hemodynamic instability, unstable angina and cardiac death) and 30-day mortality. The Chi-square test and logistic regression were used, considering a p value < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: When current smokers are compared to ex-smokers and nonsmokers, the combined cardiovascular outcomes in the postoperative period and the 30-day mortality were, respectively: 71 (6.6 percent) and 34 (3.2 percent). The current smokers and ex-smokers presented 53 (8.8 percent) combined cardiac events, whereas the nonsmokers presented 18 (3.8 percent), with p = 0.002. Regarding mortality, current smokers and ex-smokers presented 26 (4.3 percent), whereas nonsmokers presented 8 (1.7 percent), p = 0.024. At the multivariate analysis, age range, emergency surgery, heart failure, left ventricular overload, myocardial revascularization and ventricular extrasystoles were independently associated with perioperative cardiovascular events, whereas age range, emergency surgery, heart failure, laboratory alterations, history of hepatopathy, surgeries due to neoplasia and smoking were associated with 30-day mortality in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Current smoking was independently associated with 30-day mortality in high-risk noncardiac surgeries, but not to postoperative cardiac events.

[Independent association of smoking with postoperative cardiac events and thirty-day mortality]. / Associação independente do tabagismo aos eventos cardíacos pós-operatórios e à mortalidade em 30 dias.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have demonstrated the association of smoking, as an independent risk factor, with postoperative cardiac events. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of smoking, as an independent variable, with postoperative cardiovascular complications and 30-day mortality in noncardiac surgeries. METHODS: A retrospective cohort from a general hospital was studied, which included 1,072 patients stratified as current smokers (n=265), ex-smokers (n=335) and nonsmokers (n=472). These three groups were analyzed regarding the combined cardiovascular outcomes in the postoperative period (infarction, pulmonary edema, arrhythmia with hemodynamic instability, unstable angina and cardiac death) and 30-day mortality. The Chi-square test and logistic regression were used, considering a p value < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: When current smokers are compared to ex-smokers and nonsmokers, the combined cardiovascular outcomes in the postoperative period and the 30-day mortality were, respectively: 71 (6.6%) and 34 (3.2%). The current smokers and ex-smokers presented 53 (8.8%) combined cardiac events, whereas the nonsmokers presented 18 (3.8%), with p = 0.002. Regarding mortality, current smokers and ex-smokers presented 26 (4.3%), whereas nonsmokers presented 8 (1.7%), p = 0.024. At the multivariate analysis, age range, emergency surgery, heart failure, left ventricular overload, myocardial revascularization and ventricular extrasystoles were independently associated with perioperative cardiovascular events, whereas age range, emergency surgery, heart failure, laboratory alterations, history of hepatopathy, surgeries due to neoplasia and smoking were associated with 30-day mortality in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Current smoking was independently associated with 30-day mortality in high-risk noncardiac surgeries, but not to postoperative cardiac events.

Preoperative laboratory evaluation of patients aged over 40 years undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Although it is generally agreed that a medical history and physical examination should be obtained as part of preoperative evaluation, there is still substantial controversy about the additional benefits of preoperative screening tests. The objective of the present study was to determine the percentage of abnormalities on laboratory tests among a population that underwent non-cardiac surgery and to correlate these tests with changes in preoperative evaluation management. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, carried out in a University Hospital. METHODS: 991 patients aged over 40 years undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery from July 1997 to January 2000 were studied. Blood cell count, serum sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine, prothrombin, thrombin and partial thromboplastin time, electrocardiogram and chest X-ray were evaluated. RESULTS: Out of the 957 electrocardiograms performed, some type of abnormality was found in 504 cases (50.9%) and, among the 646 chest X-rays requested, 271 (42.0%) displayed alterations. Laboratory tests showed abnormal values ranging from 5.1% (prothrombin time) to 41.0% (hematocrit). Increased percentages of abnormal tests with increasing patient age were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were substantial numbers of screening test abnormalities in preoperative evaluations, these results seldom interfered in patient management.

Preoperative laboratory evaluation of patients aged over 40 years undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Embora seja consenso que uma anamnese e um exame clínico devam ser realizados como parte da avaliação pré-operatória, ainda há grande controvérsia a respeito dos benefícios adicionais de exames subsidiários de rastreamento na avaliação pré-operatória. Neste estudo objetivamos determinar a porcentagem de exames subsidiários alterados em uma população que foi submetida a cirurgia não-cardíaca e correlacionamos as anormalidades observadas nestes exames com mudanças realizadas nas condutas pré-operatórias. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal desenvolvido em Hospital Universitário. MÉTODOS: 991 pacientes com mais de 40 anos, que foram submetidos a operações não-cardíacas eletivas de julho de 1997 a janeiro de 2000 foram estudados. Foram avaliados o hemograma, as dosagens séricas de sódio, potássio, uréia e creatinina, os tempos de protrombina, trombina e tromboplastina parcial ativada, o eletrocardiograma e a radiografia de tórax. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 957 eletrocardiogramas realizados, alguma alteração foi observada em 504 (50,9%) casos e, dentre as 646 radiografias de tórax feitas, 271 (42,0%) apresentaram alterações. As porcentagens de exames de laboratório alterados variaram de 5,1% (tempo de protrombina) a 41,0% (hematócrito). Observamos, também, um aumento na porcentagem de exames alterados em pacientes mais idosos. CONCLUSÕES: Embora um grande número de exames subsidiários alterados seja observado na avaliação pré-operatória, estes resultados raramente interferem na conduta dos pacientes.