Long COVID neuropsychological follow-up: Is cognitive rehabilitation relevant?

BACKGROUND: Duration of neuropsychological disorders caused by long COVID, and the variables that impact outcomes, are still largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To describe the cognitive profile of patients with long COVID post-participation in a neuropsychological rehabilitation program and subsequent reassessment and identify the factors that influence recovery. METHODS: 208 patients (mean age of 48.8 y.o.), mostly female, were reevaluated 25 months after their first COVID infection and 17 months after their initial evaluation. Patients underwent subjective assessment, Barrow Neurological Institute Screen for Higher Cerebral Functions (BNIS), Phonemic Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing Tests (NEUPSILIN) for executive functions, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and WHOQol-Bref. RESULTS: We noted a discrete improvement of neuropsychological symptoms 25 months after the acute stage of COVID-19; nonetheless, performance was not within the normative parameters of standardized neuropsychological testing. These results negatively impact QoL and corroborate patients' subjective assessments of cognitive issues experienced in daily life. Improvement was seen in those who participated in psychoeducational neuropsychological rehabilitation, had higher levels of education, and lower depression scores on the HADS. CONCLUSION: Our data reveal the persistence of long-term cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders in patients with long COVID. Neuropsychological rehabilitation is shown to be important, whether in-person or online.

Inhibitory Control of Adjacent Finger Movements while Performing a Modified Version of the Halstead Finger Tapping Test: Effects of Age, Education and Sex.

OBJECTIVE: Selective motor inhibition is known to decline with age. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of failures at inhibitory control of adjacent finger movements while performing a repetitive finger tapping task in young, middle-aged and older adults. Potential education and sex effects were also evaluated. METHODS: Kinematic recordings of adjacent finger movements were obtained on 107 healthy adults (ages 20-80) while they performed a modified version of the Halstead Finger Tapping Test (HTFF). Study participants were instructed to inhibit all finger movements while tapping with the index finger. RESULTS: Inability to inhibit adjacent finger movements while performing the task was infrequent in young adults (2.9% of individuals between 20 and 39 years of age) but increased with age (23.3% between the ages of 40 and 59; 31.0% between ages 60 and 80). Females and males did not differ in their inability to inhibit adjacent finger movements, but individuals with a college education showed a lower frequency of failure to inhibit adjacent finger movements (10.3%) compared to those with a high school education (28.6%). These findings were statistically significant only for the dominant hand. CONCLUSION: Selective motor inhibition failures are most common in the dominant hand and occur primarily in older healthy adults while performing the modified version of the HFTT. Monitoring selective motor inhibition failures may have diagnostic significance.

Vulnerabilidade e resposta social à pandemia de Covid-19 em territórios metropolitanos de São Paulo e da Baixada Santista, SP, Brasil / Vulnerabilidad y respuesta social a la pandemia de Covid-19 en territorios metropolitanos de São Paulo y de la Región de la Baixada Santista, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Vulnerability and social response to the Covid-19 pandemic in metropolitan territories of São Paulo and Baixada Santista, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Este artigo analisa a vulnerabilidade e o enfrentamento à pandemia de Covid-19 em 16 territórios metropolitanos de São Paulo e da Baixada Santista (São Paulo, Brasil), objetos de pesquisa participante desenvolvida por estudo de casos múltiplos, sob o referencial teórico da vulnerabilidade e dos direitos humanos, em 2020. As condições socioeconômicas são distintas entre os territórios. A vulnerabilidade à infecção e à doença pelo coronavírus é relacionada a fatores individuais, sociais e programáticos: informações, percepções e possibilidades de proteção; convivência familiar/interpessoal, moradia, trabalho e violência; e acesso a cuidados de saúde e programas sociais. As redes de solidariedade, formadas principalmente por associações comunitárias e movimentos sociais, enfocam superar a fome, gerar renda e acessar direitos. Para a resposta social, é fundamental reconhecer as necessidades específicas, as experiências potentes e a centralidade do caminhar conjunto de sujeitos e coletivos em cada território.(AU)

Este artículo analiza la vulnerabilidad y el enfrentamiento a la pandemia de Covid-19 en 16 territorios metropolitanos de São Paulo y de la Región de la Baixada Santista (São Paulo, Brasil), objetos de investigación participante, desarrollada por estudio de casos múltiples, bajo el referencial teórico de la vulnerabilidad y de los derechos humanos, en 2020. Las condiciones socioeconómicas son distintas entre los territorios. La vulnerabilidad a la infección y enfermedad por el coronavirus se relaciona a factores individuales, sociales y programáticos: informaciones, percepciones y posibilidades de protección; convivencia familiar/interpersonal, vivienda, trabajo y violencia; y acceso a cuidados de salud y programas sociales. Las redes de solidaridad, formadas principalmente por asociaciones comunitarias y movimientos sociales, se enfocan en superar el hambre, generar renta y tener acceso a derechos. Para la respuesta social, es fundamental reconocer las necesidades específicas, las experiencias potentes y la centralidad del caminar conjunto de sujetos y colectivos en cada territorio.(AU)

This paper analyzes vulnerability and the tackling of the Covid-19 pandemic in 16 metropolitan territories of São Paulo and Baixada Santista (State of São Paulo, Brazil), objects of a participatory research developed in 2020 through a multiple-case study, in light of the theoretical framework of vulnerability and human rights. Socioeconomic conditions are different between territories. Vulnerability to coronavirus infection and disease is related to individual, social and programmatic factors: information, perceptions and possibilities of protection; family/interpersonal coexistence, housing, work and violence; and access to healthcare and social programs. Solidarity networks, formed mainly by community associations and social movements, focus on overcoming hunger, generating income and accessing rights. For the social response, it is essential to recognize specific needs, powerful experiences and the centrality of the joint walk of individuals and collectives in each territory.(AU)

Kinematic recordings while performing a modified version of the Halstead Finger Tapping Test: Age, sex, and education effects.

Introduction: This study attempts to demonstrate that kinematic recordings of finger movements help explain the well-known effects of age, education, and sex on the Halstead Finger Tapping Test (HFTT). Method: High-speed kinematic recordings were obtained on 107 healthy adults (ages 21 to 80 years) while they performed a modified version of the Halstead Finger Tapping Test (HFTT). The number of "valid" taps and "invalid" taps (i.e., lever movements that did not produce an increase in the mechanical number count), tapping speed variability, "learning" and "fatigue" effects was obtained. Results: Previous age, education, and sex effects were replicated. Males had faster start and stop times when finger tapping and these measures correlated with the number of valid taps per 10 s. Educational level correlated with start times, not stop times. Age correlated only with the number of valid taps. Variability of tapping movements correlated with the number of invalid taps, but not valid taps. Females had more invalid taps than males. Fatigue and learning effects were independent of the person's age, education, and sex. Conclusion: Kinematic recordings of finger tapping help explain the well-known age, education, and sex effects on finger tapping speeds. A modified method of administrating the HFTT is also introduced to assess fatigue and learning effects while performing this task.

Vitamin d is related to gait recovery after total hip arthroplasty: A prospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between baseline serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and gait pattern in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Prospective study of patients with hip osteoarthritis undergoing primary THA between January 2012 and December 2013. Blood samples were collected on the day of hospital admission. Gait analyses were performed before surgery and 3 months postoperatively. Internal moments were captured. RESULTS: Major improvements were observed in gait data after THA. 25(OH)D levels correlated with change in peak extension (R=0.25, p=0.017) and peak power generation (R=0.25, p=0.04). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. In model 1, 25(OH)D and change in gait speed explained the variability of peak extension (R2=0.1, p=0.004). In model 2, only 25(OH)D explained the variability of peak power generation (R2=0.05, p=0.044). CONCLUSIONS: 25(OH)D levels were correlated with change in peak extension and peak power generation. The effect of 25(OH)D on change in gait variables after THA is modest.

Coorte Sarar: atividade de doença, capacidade funcional e dano radiológico em pacientes com artrite reumatoide submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e joelho / Sarar cohort: disease activity, functional capacity, and radiological damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty

RESUMOObjetivos:A coorte Sarar é composta por pacientes portadores de artrite reumatoide (AR) e artrite idiopática juvenil (AIJ) submetidos a artroplastias de quadril e joelho no hospital Sarah-Brasília. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar fatores clínicos e laboratoriais associados à atividade de doença, capacidade funcional e dano radiológico em pacientes com AR, participantes dessa coorte.Métodos:Estudo transversal, com coleta de dados em revisão de prontuário.Resultados:Foram incluídos 32 pacientes, com tempo médio de início da doença de 240 meses. Dezenove pacientes foram submetidos a ATJ e 17, a ATQ. Foi encontrada correlação positiva entre dose máxima de metotrexato (MTX) durante a evolução e Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) (R = -0,46, p = 0,011) e negativa com Simplified Erosion and Narrowing Score (SENS) (R = -0,58, p = 0,004). Valores de SENS foram maiores nos pacientes com fator reumatoide (FR) (p = 0,005) e anticorpo antipeptídeo cíclico citrulinado 3 (anti-CCP3) positivo (p = 0,044), nos com maiores títulos de FR (p = 0,037) e anti-CCP3 (p = 0,025) e menores nos pacientes com história familiar de AR (p = 0,009). Valores de HAQ foram maiores em pacientes mais idosos (p = 0,031). Na regressão linear múltipla, somente “dose máxima de MTX” e “história familiar” permaneceram com associação significativa com SENS (r2= 0,73, p < 0,001 para ambas as variáveis). No modelo que avaliou CDAI, apenas “dose máxima de MTX” permaneceu com associação significativa (r2 = 0,35, p = 0,016).Conclusão:Na coorte Sarar, fatores clínicos e laboratoriais estiveram relacionados à atividade de doença, capacidade funcional e dano radiológico, semelhantemente a estudos que avaliaram pacientes com menor tempo de doença.

ABSTRACTObjectives:The Sarar cohort consists of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis who underwent hip or knee arthroplasties at hospital SARAH-Brasília. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory factors associated with disease activity, functional capacity and radiological damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients, participants in this cohort.Methods:Cross-secal study, with data collection achieved from medical records review.Results:Thirty-two patients were included, with a mean time of disease onset of 240 months. Nineteen patients underwent total knee and 17 total hip arthroplasty. There was a positive correlation between maximum dose of methotrexate and Clinical Disease Activity Index (R = −0.46, p = 0.011), and a negative one with Simplified Erosion and Narrowing Score (R = −0.58, p= 0.004). Simplified Erosion and Narrowing Score values were higher in patients with rheumatoid factor (p = 0.005) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody 3 positivity (p = 0.044), in those with higher rheumatoid factor (p = 0.037) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody 3 (p = 0.025) titers, and lower in patients with family history of rheumatoid factor (p = 0.009). Health Assessment Questionnaire values were higher in older patients (p = 0.031). In multiple linear regression, only “maximum dose of methotrexate” and “family history” remained with significant association with Simplified Erosion and Narrowing Score (r2 = 0.73, p < 0.001 for both variables). In the model evaluating “Clinical Disease Activity Index” only “maximum dose of methotrexate” remained significantly associated (r2 = 0.35, p = 0.016).Conclusion:In the Sarar cohort, clinical and laboratory factors were related to disease activity, functional capacity and radiological damage, similar to studies evaluating patients with lower disease duration.

Sarar Cohort: disease activity, functional capacity, and radiological damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: The Sarar cohort consists of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who underwent hip or knee arthroplasties at hospital Sarah-Brasília. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory factors associated with disease activity, functional capacity and radiological damage in RA patients, participants in this cohort. METHODS: cross-sectional study, with data collection achieved from medical records review. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included, with a mean time of disease onset of 240 months. Nineteen patients underwenttotal knee (TKA) and 17 total hip (THA) arthroplasty. There was a positive correlation between maximum dose of methotrexate (MTX) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) (R = -0.46, p = 0.011), and a negative one with Simplified Erosion and Narrowing Score (SENS) (R = - 0.58, p = 0.004). SENS values were higher in patients with rheumatoid factor (RF) (p = 0.005) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody 3 (anti-CCP3) positivity (p = 0.044), in those with higher RF (p = 0.037) and anti-CCP3 (p = 0.025) titers, and lower in patients with family history of RA (p = 0.009). HAQ values were higher in older patients (p = 0.031). In multiple linear regression, only "maximum dose of MTX' and "family history" remained with significant association with SENS (r(2) = 0.73, p <0.001 for both variables). In the model evaluating CDAI only "maximum dose of MTX" remained significantly associated (r(2) = 0.35, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: In the Sarar cohort, clinical and laboratory factors were related to disease activity, functional capacity and radiological damage, similar to studies evaluating patients with lower disease duration.

Disfunção intestinal em pacientes com lesão cerebral decorrente de acidente vascular cerebral e traumatismo craniencefálico: estudo retrospectivo de uma série de casos / Bowel dysfunction in patients with brain damage resulting from stroke and traumatic brain injury: a retrospective study of a case series / Disfuncción intestinal en pacientes con daño cerebral como resultado de una lesion cerebral traumática y accidente cerebrovascular: un estudio retrospectivo de una serie de casos

A disfunção intestinal é uma queixa comum entre pacientes com lesão cerebral decorrente de Acidente Vascular Cerebral e Traumatismo Craniencefálico. Este estudo objetivou pesquisar a prevalência da disfunção intestinal (incontinência anal e constipação intestinal) em pacientes com lesão cerebral decorrente de Acidente Vascular Cerebral e Traumatismo Craniencefálico, admitidos para reabilitação. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de uma série de casos, a partir da análise dos dados de 138 prontuários de pacientes internados no primeiro semestre de 2009. A prevalência de disfunção intestinal foi 41%, sendo 33 (24%) incontinência anal e 37 (27%) constipação intestinal. Comprometimento motor, auxílio locomoção, alterações de memória e comunicação estiveram associados à presença de incontinência anal. A prevalência de disfunção intestinal é alta nessa população, identificá-la precocemente, bem como os fatores relacionados, e promover a reeducação intestinal, poderá contribuir para melhora na qualidade de vida dessas pessoas.

Bowel dysfunction is a common complaint among patients with brain damage due to stroke and traumatic brain injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of bowel dysfunction (anal incontinence and intestinal constipation) in patients with brain damage due to stroke and traumatic brain injury admitted for rehabilitation. This is a retrospective case series study, based on the analysis of data from 138 charts of patients admitted in the first half of 2009. The prevalence of bowel dysfunction was 41%, with 33 (24%) cases of anal incontinence and 37 (27%) cases of intestinal constipation. Motor impairment, mobility aid, changes in memory and communication were associated with the presence of anal incontinence. The prevalence of bowel dysfunction is high in this population. Early identification of the symptoms and its related factors promoting bowel retraining, may help to improve the quality of life of patients with bowel dysfunction.

La disfunción del intestino es una queja común entre los pacientes con daño cerebral debido a una lesión cerebral traumática y accidente cerebrovascular. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la prevalencia de disfunción del intestino (incontinencia y constipación) en pacientes con daño cerebral debido a una lesión cerebral traumática y accidente cerebrovascular admitidos para la rehabilitación. Este es un estudio retrospectivo de una serie de casos a partir del análisis de los datos de 138 expedientes de los pacientes ingresados en el primer semestre de 2009. La prevalencia de disfunción del intestino fue de 41%, siendo 33 (24%) incontinencia anal y 37 (27%), constipación. El comprometimiento motor, ayuda a la movilidad, cambios en la memoria y la comunicación se asocian con la presencia de la incontinencia anal. La prevalencia de disfunción del intestino es alta en esta población, identificar en forma temprana los factores relacionados, y promover el reentrenamiento intestinal pueden ayudar a mejorar la calidad de sus vidas.

Incidência de infecções em artroplastias de quadril e joelho em pacientes com artrite reumatoide e osteoartrite / Incidence of infectious complications in hip and knee arthroplasties in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients

INTRODUÇÃO: A artrite reumatoide (AR) é uma das principais indicações de artroplastia total do quadril (ATQ) ou joelho (ATJ). Estudos internacionais indicam a AR como fator de risco para infecções de prótese. OBJETIVOS: Comparação entre pacientes com AR e osteoartrite (OA) de outras etiologias em relação à incidência de infecções de prótese, infecções incisionais e outras infecções sistêmicas pós-operatórias em ATQ e ATJ. MÉTODOS: Coorte retrospectiva, comparativa, de pacientes acompanhados após a realização de ATQ ou ATJ no Hospital SARAH-Brasília, no período entre 1996 e 2007. RESULTADOS: Setenta e cinco artroplastias em pacientes com AR foram identificadas, das quais 28 ATJ e 47 ATQ. Como controles, foram selecionadas 131 cirurgias em pacientes com OA, das quais 56 ATJ e 75 ATQ, de maneira aleatória e estratificada pela cirurgia e pelo gênero. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos de AR e OA no que diz respeito às taxas de infecções de prótese (respectivamente, ATJ 7,1% vs. 0% e ATQ 2,1% vs. 0%, ambos com P > 0,1), infecção incisional (ATJ 14,3 vs. 3,3% e ATQ 4,3 vs. 1,3%, ambos com P > 0,1) e infecção sistêmica (ATJ 7,1 vs. 3,6%, P = 0,92 e ATQ 4,3 vs. 10,7%, P > 0,1). Após regressão logística múltipla, não houve alteração dos resultados. CONCLUSÕES: A presença de AR não foi identificada como fator de risco para infecções perioperatórias em ATQ e ATJ em casuística do Hospital SARAH-Brasília, em comparação com o grupo de pacientes com OA primária ou secundária a doenças não inflamatórias. A baixa incidência de infecções em ambos os grupos pode explicar os nossos achados.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the major indications of total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasty. International studies have suggested that RA is a risk factor for prosthesis infections. OBJECTIVES: To compare patients with RA and patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of other etiologies with regard to the incidence of prosthesis, incisional, and other systemic postoperative infections in THA and TKA. METHODS: Retrospective, comparative cohort of patients followed up after undergoing THA or TKA at the Hospital SARAH-Brasília, from 1996 to 2007. RESULTS: Seventy-five arthroplasties (28 TKA and 47 THA) were identified in RA patients. As controls, 131 surgeries (56 TKA and 75 THA) in OA patients were randomly selected and stratified by surgery and gender. No significant difference was observed between the RA and OA groups regarding the rates of prosthesis infections (TKA 7.1% vs. 0% and THA 2.1% vs. 0%, respectively, both with P > 0.1), incisional infections (TKA 14.3% vs. 3.3% and THA 4.3 vs. 1.3%, respectively, both with P > 0.1), and systemic infections (TKA 7.1% vs. 3.6%, P = 0.92 and THA 4.3% vs. 10.7%, P > 0.1, respectively). After multiple logistic regression, the results did not change. CONCLUSIONS: RA was not identified as a risk factor for perioperative infections in THA and TKA in this case series of the Hospital SARAH-Brasília, as compared with the group of patients with primary OA or OA secondary to non-inflammatory diseases. The low incidence of infections in both groups may explain our findings.

Incidence of infectious complications in hip and knee arthroplasties in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the major indications of total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasty. International studies have suggested that RA is a risk factor for prosthesis infections. OBJECTIVES: To compare patients with RA and patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of other etiologies with regard to the incidence of prosthesis, incisional, and other systemic postoperative infections in THA and TKA. METHODS: Retrospective, comparative cohort of patients followed up after undergoing THA or TKA at the Hospital SARAH-Brasília, from 1996 to 2007. RESULTS: Seventy-five arthroplasties (28 TKA and 47 THA) were identified in RA patients. As controls, 131 surgeries (56 TKA and 75 THA) in OA patients were randomly selected and stratified by surgery and gender. No significant difference was observed between the RA and OA groups regarding the rates of prosthesis infections (TKA 7.1% vs. 0% and THA 2.1% vs. 0%, respectively, both with P > 0.1), incisional infections (TKA 14.3% vs. 3.3% and THA 4.3 vs. 1.3%, respectively, both with P > 0.1), and systemic infections (TKA 7.1% vs. 3.6%, P = 0.92 and THA 4.3% vs. 10.7%, P > 0.1, respectively). After multiple logistic regression, the results did not change. CONCLUSIONS: RA was not identified as a risk factor for perioperative infections in THA and TKA in this case series of the Hospital SARAH-Brasília, as compared with the group of patients with primary OA or OA secondary to non-inflammatory diseases. The low incidence of infections in both groups may explain our findings.

Incidência de síndrome dolorosa regional após cirurgia para descompressão do túnel do carpo: existe correlação com a técnica anestésica realizada? / Incidence of regional pain syndrome after carpal tunnel release: is there a correlation with the anesthetic technique? / Incidencia del síndrome doloroso regional posterior a la cirugía para la descompresión del túnel del carpo: ¿ existe una correlación con la técnica anestésica realizada?

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A síndrome dolorosa complexa regional (SDCR), anteriormente conhecida como distrofia simpático-reflexa, descreve um conjunto de sinais e sintomas que incluem dor, sudorese e instabilidade vasomotora. A dor geralmente é desencadeada por estímulo nocivo em um nervo periférico e se mostra desproporcional ao estímulo desencadeante. Seu aparecimento após cirurgia não é incomum, variando com a intervenção. Após descompressão do túnel do carpo (DTC), descreve-se incidência de 2,1 por cento a 5 por cento. O bloqueio simpático pode prevenir o aparecimento de SDCR, mas nenhum estudo validou essa técnica como prevenção da SCR após cirurgia para DTC. O objetivo do estudo foi definir a incidência de SDCR após cirurgia de DTC e sua relação com quatro técnicas de anestesia. MÉTODO: Os pacientes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente e receberam uma das técnicas: anestesia geral, anestesia venosa regional com lidocaína, anestesia venosa regional com lidocaína e clonidina ou bloqueio de plexo axilar. No pós-operatório, foram acompanhados por uma enfermeira que desconhecia a técnica utilizada, fazendo-se o seguimento pelo prontuário eletrônico até 6 meses depois da anestesia. Nesse período, foram pesquisados sinais e sintomas típicos de SDCR e, em caso positivo, instituiu-se o tratamento. Foi realizada avaliação descritiva, empregando-se o Qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 301 pacientes. Destes, 25 desenvolveram SDCR configurando uma incidência de 8,3 por cento. Não houve predominância entre as técnicas de anestesia. Foram pesquisados outros fatores como: tabagismo, profissão e outras doenças concomitantes e nenhum mostrou relação com o desenvolvimento de SDCR após DTC. CONCLUSÕES: A incidência de SDCR após cirurgia para DTC é de 8,3 por cento sem relação com as técnicas anestésicas estudadas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy refers to a set of signs and symptoms that include pain, increased sweating, and vasomotor instability. Pain is usually triggered by a noxious stimulus in a peripheral nerve, which is disproportionate to the triggering stimulus. Its development after surgery is not uncommon varying with the type of intervention. An incidence of 2.1 to 5 percent has been reported after carpal tunnel release (CTR). Sympathetic blockade may prevent the onset of CRPS. However, there is no study validating this technique to prevent CRPS after CTR. The objective of the present study was to define the incidence of CRPS after CTR and its relationship with four anesthetic techniques. METHODS: Patients were randomly distributed to undergo one of the following techniques: general anesthesia, regional intravenous anesthesia with lidocaine, regional intravenous anesthesia with lidocaine and clonidine, or axillary plexus block. Postoperatively, they were followed-up by a nurse who was unaware of the anesthetic technique used, and follow-up was done through electronic patient records for up to 6 months after the anesthesia. During this period signs and symptoms typical of CRPS were investigated and, if positive, treatment was instituted. A descriptive evaluation using the chi-square test was performed. RESULTS: Three-hundred and one patients were investigated. Twenty-five of them developed CRPS, an incidence of 8.3 percent. Predominance was not observed among the anesthetic techniques used. Other factors such as smoking, profession, and other concomitant diseases were also investigated, and none showed a relationship with the development of post-CTR CRPS. CONCLUSIONS: Complex regional pain syndrome has an incidence of 8.3 percent after CTR surgery without association with the anesthetic techniques investigated.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El síndrome doloroso complejo regional (SDCR), anteriormente conocido como distrofia simpático refleja, es un conjunto de señales y de síntomas que incluyen dolor, sudoresis e inestabilidad vasomotora. El dolor generalmente se desencadena por un estímulo nocivo en un nervio periférico, y no es proporcional al estímulo que lo desencadena. Su aparición después de la cirugía no es algo poco frecuente, variando con la intervención. Posteriormente a la descompresión del túnel del carpo (DTC), vemos una incidencia de 2,1-5 por ciento. El bloqueo simpático puede prevenir la aparición de SDCR. Pero ningún estudio ha refrendado esa técnica como prevención de la SCR después de una cirugía para DTC. El objetivo del estudio fue definir la incidencia de SDCR después de una cirugía de DTC y su relación con cuatro técnicas de anestesia. MÉTODO: Los pacientes se distribuyeron aleatoriamente y recibieron una de las siguientes técnicas: anestesia general, anestesia venosa regional con lidocaína, anestesia venosa regional con lidocaína y clonidina o bloqueo del plexo axilar. En el postoperatorio, estuvieron acompañados por una enfermera que no conocía la técnica utilizada, y se hizo el seguimiento por medio de los datos de la historia clínica electrónica hasta 6 meses después de la anestesia. En ese período, se investigaron las señales y los síntomas típicos de SDCR y en caso positivo, se inició el tratamiento. Fue realizada una evaluación descriptiva, usando el Xi-Cuadrado (Xi²). RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 301 pacientes. De ellos, 25 desarrollaron SDCR, configurando una incidencia de un 8,3 por ciento. No hubo una predominancia entre las técnicas de anestesia. Se investigaron otros factores, como el tabaquismo, la profesión y otras enfermedades concomitantes, y ningún caso se registró con relación al desarrollo de SDCR posterior a la DTC. CONCLUSIONES: La incidencia de SDCR después de la cirugía para DTC está en el umbral del 8,3 por ciento sin que exista una relación con las técnicas anestésicas estudiadas.

Incidence of regional pain syndrome after carpal tunnel release. Is there a correlation with the anesthetic technique?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy refers to a set of signs and symptoms that include pain, increased sweating, and vasomotor instability. Pain is usually triggered by a noxious stimulus in a peripheral nerve, which is disproportionate to the triggering stimulus. Its development after surgery is not uncommon varying with the type of intervention. An incidence of 2.1 to 5% has been reported after carpal tunnel release (CTR). Sympathetic blockade may prevent the onset of CRPS. However, there is no study validating this technique to prevent CRPS after CTR. The objective of the present study was to define the incidence of CRPS after CTR and its relationship with four anesthetic techniques. METHODS: Patients were randomly distributed to undergo one of the following techniques: general anesthesia, regional intravenous anesthesia with lidocaine, regional intravenous anesthesia with lidocaine and clonidine, or axillary plexus block. Postoperatively, they were followed-up by a nurse who was unaware of the anesthetic technique used, and follow-up was done through electronic patient records for up to 6 months after the anesthesia. During this period signs and symptoms typical of CRPS were investigated and, if positive, treatment was instituted. A descriptive evaluation using the chi-square test was performed. RESULTS: Three-hundred and one patients were investigated. Twenty-five of them developed CRPS, an incidence of 8.3%. Predominance was not observed among the anesthetic techniques used. Other factors such as smoking, profession, and other concomitant diseases were also investigated, and none showed a relationship with the development of post-CTR CRPS. CONCLUSIONS: Complex regional pain syndrome has an incidence of 8.3% after CTR surgery without association with the anesthetic techniques investigated.

Effect of isolated anticonvulsant drug use and associated to midazolam as pre-anesthetic medication on the Bispectral Index (BIS) in patients with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently receive drugs for the treatment of concomitant diseases, such as seizures. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine with hypnotic action most often used as pre-anesthetic medication and its drug interactions in patients with CP are unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of midazolam as pre-anesthetic drug on the BIS of patients with CP undergoing chronic treatment with anticonvulsant agents. METHOD: Three groups of patients were assessed: CP without anticonvulsant treatment, CP undergoing treatment with anticonvulsant and a group with no disease and no medication use (control group). On the day before the surgery, with the patients conscious and in dorsal decubitus, the BIS monitor was placed and the basal BIS values were recorded. On the following day, 40 minutes before the surgery, the patients received 0.6 mg*kg(-1) of midazolam orally. Before the start of the anesthetic procedure, the same procedure for BIS recording was carried out after midazolam administration. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were studied - 39 patients from the Control Group (CG) and 68 with a diagnosis of CP. Among these, 17 used anticonvulsant drugs. Regarding the mean BIS value after the midazolam administration, there was no difference between patients from the CG and those in the CP group that did not take anticonvulsant drugs, whereas the ones who took anticonvulsants exhibited a difference (p = 0.003). The possibility of decrease in the BIS after midazolam use increases according to the number of anticonvulsant drugs used by the patient. CONCLUSIONS: The chronic use of anticonvulsants associated to oral midazolam as pre-anesthetic medication can lead to the decrease in the BIS values, which configures deep level of hypnosis.

Ação do anticonvulsivante isolado e associado ao midazolam como medicação pré-anestésica sobre o índice bispectral (BIS) em pacientes com paralisa cerebral / Effect of isolated anticonvulsant drug use and associated to midazolam as pre-anesthetic medication on the bispectral index (BIS) in patients with cerebral palsy

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os pacientes com paralisia cerebral (PC) frequentemente usam fármacos para tratamento de doenças concomitantes, como convulsões. O midazolam é o hipnótico mais utilizado como medicação pré-anestésica e suas interações medicamentosas nos pacientes com PC são desconhecidas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o midazolam como medicação pré-anestésica no BIS dos pacientes com PC em uso crônico de anticonvulsivantes. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados três grupos de pacientes: PC sem uso de anticonvulsivantes, PC em uso de anticonvulsivante e outro grupo sem doença e sem uso de medicações (Grupo Controle). Na véspera da cirurgia, com os pacientes despertos e em decúbito dorsal, foi colocado o monitor do BIS e foram registrados os valores basais do BIS. No dia seguinte, 40 minutos antes da cirurgia, os pacientes receberam 0,6 mg.kg-1 de midazolam por via oral. Antes do início da anestesia, foi realizado o mesmo procedimento para registro do BIS, após o uso do midazolam. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 107 pacientes - 39 pacientes do Grupo Controle e 68 com diagnóstico de PC. Desses, 17 faziam uso de anticonvulsivante. Com relação ao valor médio de BIS após o uso do midazolam, não houve diferença entres os pacientes do Grupo Controle e do Grupo PC que não tomavam anticonvulsivante, enquanto entre os pacientes que faziam uso de anticonvulsivantes houve diferença (p = 0,003). A possibilidade de diminuição do BIS após o uso do midazolam aumenta de acordo com o número de anticonvulsivantes usados pelo paciente. CONCLUSÕES: O uso crônico de anticonvulsivante associado ao midazolam via oral como medicação pré-anestésica pode levar à diminuição dos valores de BIS, configurando níveis profundos de hipnose.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently receive drugs for the treatment of concomitant diseases, such as seizures. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine with hypnotic action most often used as pre-anesthetic medication and its drug interactions in patients with CP are unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of midazolam as pre-anesthetic drug on the BIS of patients with CP undergoing chronic treatment with anticonvulsant agents. METHOD: Three groups of patients were assessed: CP without anticonvulsant treatment, CP undergoing treatment with anticonvulsant and a group with no disease and no medication use (control group). On the day before the surgery, with the patients conscious and in dorsal decubitus, the BIS monitor was placed and the basal BIS values were recorded. On the following day, 40 minutes before the surgery, the patients received 0.6 mg.kg-1 of midazolam orally. Before the start of the anesthetic procedure, the same procedure for BIS recording was carried out after midazolam administration. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were studied - 39 patients from the Control Group (CG) and 68 with a diagnosis of CP. Among these, 17 used anticonvulsant drugs. Regarding the mean BIS value after the midazolam administration, there was no difference between patients from the CG and those in the CP group that did not take anticonvulsant drugs, whereas the ones who took anticonvulsants exhibited a difference (p = 0.003). The possibility of decrease in the BIS after midazolam use increases according to the number of anticonvulsant drugs used by the patient. CONCLUSIONS: The chronic use of anticonvulsants associated to oral midazolam as pre-anesthetic medication can lead to the decrease in the BIS values, which configures deep level of hypnosis.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Los pacientes con parálisis cerebral (PC), a menudo usan fármacos para el tratamiento de enfermedades concomitantes, como las convulsiones. El midazolam es el hipnótico más utilizado como medicación preanestésica y no se conocen sus interacciones medicamentosas en los pacientes con PC. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el midazolam como medicación preanestésica en el BIS de los pacientes con PC en uso crónico de antiepilépticos. MÉTODO: Se evaluaron tres grupos de pacientes: PC sin uso de antiepilépticos, PC en uso de antiepiléptico y otro grupo sin enfermedad y sin uso de medicaciones (grupo control). En la víspera de la cirugía, con los pacientes despiertos y en decúbito dorsal, fue colocado el monitor del BIS y se registraron los valores basales del BIS. Al día siguiente, 40 minutos antes de la cirugía, los pacientes recibieron 0,6 mg.kg-1 de midazolam por vía oral. Antes del inicio de la anestesia fue realizado el mismo procedimiento para registro del BIS, después del uso del midazolam. RESULTADOS: Fueron estudiados 107 pacientes, 39 pacientes del grupo control y 68 con diagnóstico de PC. De ellos, 17 usaban antiepilépticos. Con relación al valor promedio de BIS después del uso del midazolam, no hubo diferencia entres los pacientes del grupo control y del grupo PC que no tomaban antiepiléptico, mientras que los pacientes que usaban antiepilépticos fueron diferentes (p = 0,003). La posibilidad de disminución del BIS después del uso del midazolam, aumenta de acuerdo con el número de antiepiléptico usado por el paciente. CONCLUSIONES: El uso crónico de antiepiléptico asociado al midazolam vía oral como medicación preanestésica, puede conllevar a la disminución de los valores de BIS configurando niveles profundos de hipnosis.

Computerized procedure for analyzing hand kinematics with a peg-moving task (Sarah-Pegworks).

This article describes Sarah-Pegworks, a computerized procedure for analyzing hand kinematics based on the peg-moving task. The procedure, developed in Visual Basic 6 programming language, includes (1) processing raw data from an infrared motion-tracking system, (2) identifying movement components, and (3) analyzing and presenting hand kinematic information in numerical and graphic outputs. Fifty-five normal adults set the parameters relative to filtering and movement identification. A case was presented to illustrate the clinical value of this procedure.