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.

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.

[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.

Evaluation of Admission Brain Computed Tomography Findings to Predict the Long-term Outcomes of Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury / Avaliação de achados em tomografia de crânio admissional para predizer o prognóstico a longo prazo de paciente com trauma cranioencefálico

Objective To evaluate the admission brain computed tomography (CT) scan findings in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) to predict long-term neurological outcomes. Materials and Methods Patients admitted to a tertiary emergency hospital between March 2017 and April 2018 who had suffered a TBI and had undergone a brain CT scan within 12 hours of the trauma were prospectively evaluated. All of the patients who were hospitalized for at least 24 hours were contacted by phone after 12 months to evaluate their neurological condition. Results We achieved a 12-month follow-up with 180 patients, most of them male (93.33%). The brain changes identified by CT, such as brain contusion (BC; p » 0.545), epidural hemorrhage (EDH; p » 0.968) and skull base fracture (SBF; p » 0.112) were not associated with worse neurological outcomes; however, subdural hemorrhage (SDH; p » 0.041), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH; p 0.001), brain swelling (BS; p 0.001), effacement of cortical sulci (ECS; p » 0.006), effacement of basal cisterns (EBC; p 0.001), depressed skull fracture (DSF; p » 0.017), and a brain midline shift > 5 mm (p » 0.028) were associated with worse outcomes. Conclusion Findings such as SAH, BS and DSF were independent predictors of worse neurological outcomes. The rate of 70% of patients lost to follow-up shows the difficulties of conducting long-term research in LMICs.

Objetivo Avaliar as variáveis de tomografia computadorizada (TC) cerebral admissional em pacientes com trauma cranioencefálico (TCE) em um país de baixa e média renda (PBMR) para prever os resultados neurológicos de longo prazo. Materiais e Métodos Foram avaliados prospectivamente pacientes admitidos em um hospital terciário de emergência entre março de 2017 e abril de 2018, que sofreram TCE e realizaram tomografia de crânio em até 12 horas após o trauma. Todos os pacientes que permaneceram internados por pelo menos 24 horas foram contatados por telefone após 12 meses para avaliação de sua condição neurológica. Resultados Conseguimos um acompanhamento de 12 meses com 180 pacientes, a maioria deles do sexo masculino (93,33%). As alterações cerebrais identificadas pela TC, como contusão cerebral (CC; p » 0,545), hemorragia peridural (HPD; p » 0,968) e fratura da base do crânio (FBC; p » 0,112) não foram associadas a piores desfechos neurológicos; no entanto, hemorragia subdural (HSD; p » 0,041), hemorragia subaracnóidea (HSA; p 0,001), edema cerebral (EC; p 0,001), apagamento de sulcos corticais (ASC; p » 0,006), apagamento de cisternas (AC; p 0,001), fratura craniana deprimida (FCD; p » 0,017) e desvio da linha média do cérebro > 5 mm (p » 0,028) foram associados a piores resultados. Conclusão Achados como HSA, EC e FCD foram preditores independentes de piores desfechos neurológicos. A taxa de perda de acompanhamento de 70% indica as dificuldades de se conduzir pesquisas de longo prazo em PBMRs.

Cortical stimulation of language fields under local anesthesia: optimizing removal of brain lesions adjacent to speech areas.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective when resecting benign brain lesions is to minimize risk of postoperative neurological deficits. We have assessed the safety and effectiveness of craniotomy under local anesthesia and monitored conscious sedation for the resection of lesions involving eloquent language cortex. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a consecutive series of 12 patients who underwent craniotomy under local anesthesia between 2001 and 2004. All patients had lesions close to the speech cortex. All resection was verified by post-operative imaging. Six subjects were male and 6 female, and were aged between 14 and 52 years. RESULTS: Lesions comprised 7 tumour lesions, 3 cavernomas and 1 dermoid cyst. Radiological gross total resection was achieved in 66% of patients while remaining cases had greater than 80% resection. Only one patient had a post-operative permanent deficit, whilst another had a transient post-operative deficit. All patients with uncontrollable epilepsy had good outcomes after surgery. None of our cases subsequently needed to be put under general anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Awake craniotomy with brain mapping is a safe technique and the "gold standard" for resection of lesions involving language areas.

Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Cohort Study with Paired Analysis / Monitorização da pressão intracraniana em pacientes vítimas de traumatismo craniencefálico grave: Um estudo coorte com análise pareada

Introduction Intracranial hypertension continues to be the most frequent cause of death in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thus, invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) is a very important tool in neurointensivism. However, there is controversy regarding ICP monitoring and prognosis. Objectives To evaluate whether there is a difference in mortality between patients with severe TBI who underwent invasive ICP monitoring compared with those who did not undergo such procedure. Methodology This is a unicentric study in the prospective cohort mode. A total of 316 patients with severe TBI were evaluated and, out of these 316 individuals, 35 were submitted to ICP monitoring. All clinical data were evaluated by the Tertiary Hospital Neurosurgery team in the city of São Paulo. Results Of the total cohort, 35 (11%) patients underwent ICP monitoring, while 281 did not. Comparing the 2 groups, there was no difference in terms of early mortality between patients who were submitted to monitoring and those who were not (34.3 versus 14.3%; p » 0.09); there was also no difference in terms of hospital mortality (40 versus 28.5%; p » 0.31) or intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (16.10 days, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.6­21.6; versus 20.60 days, 95%CI: 13.50­27.70; p » 0.31). Conclusions In this cohort, we did not identify differences in mortality or in duration of hospitalization between patients with ICP monitoring and those exclusively with clinical-radiological evaluation. However, further national co-operative studies of services using ICP monitoring are needed to achieve results with greater generalization power.

Introdução A hipertensão intracraniana continua a ser a causa mais frequente de morte em pacientes com traumatismo craniencefálico (TCE). Assim, a monitoração invasiva da pressão intracraniana (PIC) é uma ferramenta de grande importância em neurointensivismo. No entanto, há controvérsias em relação à monitorização da PIC e sua relação com o prognóstico. Objetivos Avaliar se há diferença de mortalidade entre pacientes com TCE grave submetidos à monitorização invasiva da PIC em comparação com aqueles não monitorizados. Metodologia Trata-se de um estudo unicêntrico no modo de coorte prospectiva. Foram avaliados 316 pacientes com TCE grave e, desses 316 indivíduos, 35 foram submetidos à monitorização da PIC. Todos os dados clínicos foram avaliados pela equipe de Neurocirurgia de Hospital Terciário na cidade de São Paulo. Resultados Da coorte total, 35 (11%) pacientes foram submetidos a monitorização da PIC, enquanto 281 não o foram. Comparando-se os 2 grupos, não houve diferença em termos de mortalidade precoce entre pacientes submetidos a monitorização e os que não foram submetidos (34,3 versus 14,3%; p » 0,09); não houve também diferença em termos de mortalidade hospitalar (40 versus 28,5%; p » 0,31) ou no tempo de internação na UTI (16,10 dias, intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 10,6­21,6 versus 20,60 dias, IC95%: 13,50­27,70; p » 0,31). Conclusões Nesta coorte, não identificamos diferença de mortalidade ou de duração de tempo de internação entre pacientes com monitorização da PIC e aqueles com avaliação exclusivamente clínicorradiológica. Fazem-se, no entanto, necessários mais estudos cooperativos nacionais dos serviços que utilizam a monitorização da PIC para obtenção de resultados com maior poder de generalização.

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.

New Technique Seeking Prophylaxis in the Displacement of Distal Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter ­ Case Report / Nova técnica buscando profilaxia no desacoplamento do cateter distal de derivação ventriculoperitoneal ­ Relato de caso

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a comorbidity treated in neurosurgical practice today with the ventriculoperitoneal derivation technique. However, despite its great safety and efficacy, this technique is susceptible to infrequent failures, such as displacement of the catheter leading to the need for reoperation. In the present article, we report a case involving a peritoneal catheter tip retropulsion for subcutaneous tissue in an obese patient with posterior correction using an extending connector to the distal catheter, without harming the drainage flow. In our case report, the patient went on without complications and without the occurrence of new displacement after 8 months of surgery. The results obtained by this technique supported the idea that this alternative construction minimizes the risk of displacement of the peritoneal tip catheter in obese patients and with high intra-abdominal pressure, helping to reduce the need for reoperations. In addition, the present case report supports the need for further studies and clinical trials on the subject.

A hipertensão intracraniana idiopática é uma comorbidade tratada na prática neurocirúrgica usualmente com técnica de derivação ventriculoperitoneal. No entanto, apesar de sua grande segurança e eficácia, a técnica é sujeita a falhas, pouco frequentes, como o desacoplamento do cateter, levando à necessidade de reoperação. Relatamos, no presente artigo, um caso de correção cirúrgica a partir de prolongamento do cateter distal com a utilização de conector extensor sem prejuízo ao fluxo de drenagem em paciente obeso acometido por recidiva de migração da ponta do cateter peritoneal para o tecido subcutâneo. Em nosso relato de caso, o paciente seguiu sem complicações e sem a ocorrência de novos desacoplamentos após 8 meses do ato operatório. Os resultados obtidos pelo estudo corroboram a necessidade de maiores investigações buscando o conhecimento da eficácia e segurança da técnica empregada buscando minimizar os riscos de migração da ponta do cateter peritoneal em pacientes obesos e de elevada pressão intra-abdominal, ajudando a diminuir a necessidade de reoperações.

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.

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.

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.

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 / 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.

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.