POSITION PAPER OF THE CATALAN SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY ABOUT HEPATIC ELASTOGRAPHY 2022

After almost 20 years using transient elastography (TE) for the non-invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis, its use has been extended to population screening, evaluation of steatosis and complications of cirrhosis. For this reason, the "Catalan Society of Digestology" commissioned a group of experts to update the first Document carried out in 2011.The working group (8 doctors and 4 nurses) prepared a panel of questions based on the online survey "Hepatic Elastography in Catalonia 2022" following the PICO structure and the Delphi method.The answers are presented with the level of evidence, the degree of recommendation and the final consensus after being evaluated by 2 external reviewers.TE uses the simplest and most reliable elastographic method to quantify liver fibrosis, assess steatosis, and determine the risk of complications in patients with cirrhosis.Copyright © 2022 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved

Cerebrospinal fluid markers before and after shunting in patients with secondary and idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The aim of this study was to explore biochemical changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) induced by shunt surgery and the relationship between these changes and clinical improvement.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We measured clinical symptoms and analysed lumbar CSF for protein content, neurodegeneration and neurotransmission markers in patients with secondary (SNPH, n = 17) and idiopathic NPH (INPH, n = 18) before and 3 months after shunt surgery. Patients were divided into groups according to whether or not there was improvement in clinical symptoms after surgery.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Preoperatively, the only pathological findings were elevated neurofilament protein (NFL), significantly more so in the SNPH patients than in the INPH patients, and elevated albumin content. Higher levels of NFL correlated with worse gait, balance, wakefulness and neuropsychological performance. Preoperatively, no differences were seen in any of the CSF biomarkers between patients that improved after surgery and those that did not improve. Postoperatively, a greater improvement in gait and balance performance correlated with a more pronounced reduction in NFL. Levels of albumin, albumin ratio, neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal peptide and ganglioside GD3 increased significantly after shunting in both groups. In addition, Gamma amino butyric acid increased significantly in SNPH and tau in INPH.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We conclude that a number of biochemical changes occur after shunt surgery, but there are no marked differences between the SNPH and INPH patients. The results indicate that NFL may be a marker that can predict a surgically reversible state in NPH.</p

Brain death and postmortem organ donation: Report of a questionnaire from the CENTER-TBI study

Background: We aimed to investigate the extent of the agreement on practices around brain death and postmortem organ donation. Methods: Investigators from 67 Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) study centers completed several questionnaires (response rate: 99%). Results: Regarding practices around brain death, we found agreement on the clinical evaluation (prerequisites and neurological assessment) for brain death determination (BDD) in 100% of the centers. However, ancillary tests were required for BDD in 64% of the centers. BDD for nondonor patients was deemed mandatory in 18% of the centers before withdrawing life-sustaining measures (LSM). Also, practices around postmortem organ donation varied. Organ donation after circulatory arrest was forbidden in 45% of the centers. When withdrawal of LSM was contemplated, in 67% of centers the patients with a ventricular drain in situ had this removed, either sometimes or all of the time. Conclusions: This study showed both agreement and some regional differences regarding practices around brain death and postmortem organ donation. We hope our results help quantify and understand potential differences, and provide impetus for current dialogs toward further harmonization of practices around brain death and postmortem organ donation

Multiplicity of cerebrospinal fluid functions: New challenges in health and disease

This review integrates eight aspects of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulatory dynamics: formation rate, pressure, flow, volume, turnover rate, composition, recycling and reabsorption. Novel ways to modulate CSF formation emanate from recent analyses of choroid plexus transcription factors (E2F5), ion transporters (NaHCO3 cotransport), transport enzymes (isoforms of carbonic anhydrase), aquaporin 1 regulation, and plasticity of receptors for fluid-regulating neuropeptides. A greater appreciation of CSF pressure (CSFP) is being generated by fresh insights on peptidergic regulatory servomechanisms, the role of dysfunctional ependyma and circumventricular organs in causing congenital hydrocephalus, and the clinical use of algorithms to delineate CSFP waveforms for diagnostic and prognostic utility. Increasing attention focuses on CSF flow: how it impacts cerebral metabolism and hemodynamics, neural stem cell progression in the subventricular zone, and catabolite/peptide clearance from the CNS. The pathophysiological significance of changes in CSF volume is assessed from the respective viewpoints of hemodynamics (choroid plexus blood flow and pulsatility), hydrodynamics (choroidal hypo- and hypersecretion) and neuroendocrine factors (i.e., coordinated regulation by atrial natriuretic peptide, arginine vasopressin and basic fibroblast growth factor). In aging, normal pressure hydrocephalus and Alzheimer's disease, the expanding CSF space reduces the CSF turnover rate, thus compromising the CSF sink action to clear harmful metabolites (e.g., amyloid) from the CNS. Dwindling CSF dynamics greatly harms the interstitial environment of neurons. Accordingly the altered CSF composition in neurodegenerative diseases and senescence, because of adverse effects on neural processes and cognition, needs more effective clinical management. CSF recycling between subarachnoid space, brain and ventricles promotes interstitial fluid (ISF) convection with both trophic and excretory benefits. Finally, CSF reabsorption via multiple pathways (olfactory and spinal arachnoidal bulk flow) is likely complemented by fluid clearance across capillary walls (aquaporin 4) and arachnoid villi when CSFP and fluid retention are markedly elevated. A model is presented that links CSF and ISF homeostasis to coordinated fluxes of water and solutes at both the blood-CSF and blood-brain transport interfaces

Variation in neurosurgical management of traumatic brain injury

Background: Neurosurgical management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is challenging, with only low-quality evidence. We aimed to explore differences in neurosurgical strategies for TBI across Europe. Methods: A survey was sent to 68 centers participating in the Collaborative European Neurotrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) study. The questionnaire contained 21 questions, including the decision when to operate (or not) on traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and intracerebral hematoma (ICH), and when to perform a decompressive craniectomy (DC) in raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Results: The survey was completed by 68 centers (100%). On average, 10 neurosurgeons work in each trauma center. In all centers, a neurosurgeon was available within 30 min. Forty percent of responders reported a thickness or volume threshold for evacuation of an ASDH. Most responders (78%) decide on a primary DC in evacuating an ASDH during the operation, when swelling is present. For ICH, 3% would perform an evacuation directly to prevent secondary deterioration and 66% only in case of clinical deterioration. Most respondents (91%) reported to consider a DC for refractory high ICP. The reported cut-off ICP for DC in refractory high ICP, however, differed: 60% uses 25 mmHg, 18% 30 mmHg, and 17% 20 mmHg. Treatment strategies varied substantially between regions, specifically for the threshold for ASDH surgery and DC for refractory raised ICP. Also within center variation was present: 31% reported variation within the hospital for inserting an ICP monitor and 43% for evacuating mass lesions. Conclusion: Despite a homogeneous organization, considerable practice variation exists of neurosurgical strategies for TBI in Europe. These results provide an incentive for comparative effectiveness research to determine elements of effective neurosurgical care

Actualizaciones en los métodos de monitorización cerebral regional en los pacientes neurocríticos: presión tisular de oxígeno, microdiálisis cerebral y técnicas de espectroscopía por infrarrojos

El resultado final de los pacientes que han presentado un traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) depende de las lesiones primarias, pero también, y en gran medida, de las lesiones secundarias. El diagnóstico de un gran número de lesiones secundarias, y en especial de la isquemia cerebral, se centra en la monitorización simultánea de diversas variables encefálicas y sistémicas. En el momento actual, la monitorización continua de la presión intracraneal (PIC) se considera una medida indispensable en el manejo de los pacientes con un TCE grave que presentan cualquier tipo de lesión intracraneal. Sin embargo, la información que ofrece esta variable es insuficiente para diagnosticar los complejos procesos fisiopatológicos que caracterizan a las lesiones neurotraumáticas. Por ello, cada vez es más frecuente complementar la neuromonitorización de los pacientes con un TCE con métodos de estimación del flujo sanguíneo cerebral (FSC) como el Doppler transcraneal o las técnicas de oximetría yugular. Sin embargo, en el momento actual y en la cabecera del paciente, el conocimiento de la repercusión de las lesiones tisulares y de las medidas terapéuticas sobre el metabolismo cerebral requiere un acceso directo al parénquima encefálico. En esta revisión nos centraremos en tres métodos de monitorización cerebral ¿regional¿: la presión tisular de oxígeno, la microdiálisis cerebral y las técnicas transcutáneas de espectroscopía por infrarrojos. En cada caso se expondrán los fundamentos del método en cuestión, los valores de referencia de los parámetros monitorizados y una serie de recomendaciones sobre cómo pueden interpretarse sus resultados a la luz de los conocimientos actuales.El resultado final de los pacientes que han presentado un traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) depende de las lesiones primarias, pero también, y en gran medida, de las lesiones secundarias. El diagnóstico de un gran número de lesiones secundarias, y en especial de la isquemia cerebral, se centra en la monitorización simultánea de diversas variables encefálicas y sistémicas. En el momento actual, la monitorización continua de la presión intracraneal (PIC) se considera una medida indispensable en el manejo de los pacientes con un TCE grave que presentan cualquier tipo de lesión intracraneal. Sin embargo, la información que ofrece esta variable es insuficiente para diagnosticar los complejos procesos fisiopatológicos que caracterizan a las lesiones neurotraumáticas. Por ello, cada vez es más frecuente complementar la neuromonitorización de los pacientes con un TCE con métodos de estimación del flujo sanguíneo cerebral (FSC) como el Doppler transcraneal o las técnicas de oximetría yugular. Sin embargo, en el momento actual y en la cabecera del paciente, el conocimiento de la repercusión de las lesiones tisulares y de las medidas terapéuticas sobre el metabolismo cerebral requiere un acceso directo al parénquima encefálico. En esta revisión nos centraremos en tres métodos de monitorización cerebral ¿regional¿: la presión tisular de oxígeno, la microdiálisis cerebral y las técnicas transcutáneas de espectroscopía por infrarrojos. En cada caso se expondrán los fundamentos del método en cuestión, los valores de referencia de los parámetros monitorizados y una serie de recomendaciones sobre cómo pueden interpretarse sus resultados a la luz de los conocimientos actuales

Pupilometría por infrarrojos. Descripción y fundamentos de la técnica y su aplicación en la monitorización no invasiva del paciente neurocrítico

Resumen: Introducción: La exploración de las pupilas constituye una parte fundamental de la exploración neurológica. El tamaño y la reactividad a la luz de ambas pupilas deben registrarse de forma individual y periódica, dado que una alteración en estos parámetros puede constituir el único signo detectable de deterioro neurológico en determinados pacientes. Sin embargo, existe una gran variabilidad intra-observadores e inter-observadores al analizar estos parámetros, debido a la influencia de una serie de factores tales como la variabilidad en la luz ambiental, la agudeza visual y experiencia del propio observador, intensidad del estímulo luminoso y el método utilizado para dirigir este estímulo.En los últimos años las cámaras digitales han incorporado dispositivos de infrarrojos que han permitido desarrollar equipos digitales portátiles y de fácil manejo, que permiten realizar estudios repetidos y no invasivos del tamaño y reactividad pupilar a la luz con un método objetivo, accesible y económico. Desarrollo: El objetivo de esta revisión es describir los fundamentos de la pupilometría por infrarrojos y discutir sus posibles aplicaciones en la monitorización del paciente neurocrítico. En esta revisión también se incluyen una serie de recomendaciones metodológicas a considerar en la exploración de las pupilas. Conclusiones: La posibilidad de evaluar los cambios en la reactividad pupilar de forma precoz, objetiva y quasi-continua aporta un nuevo método de monitorización no invasivo que podría mejorar el factor predictivo del deterioro neurológico y monitorizar el estado neurológico a la cabecera del paciente, evitando así exámenes innecesarios y permitiendo intervenciones terapéuticas precoces. Abstract: Introduction: Pupil assessment is a fundamental part of the neurological examination. Size and reactivity to light of each pupil should be recorded periodically since changes in these parameters may represent the only detectable sign of neurological deterioration in some patients. However, there is great intraobserver and interobserver variability in pupil examination due to the influence of many factors, such as the difference in ambient lighting, the visual acuity and experience of the examiner, the intensity of the luminous stimulus, and the method used to direct this stimulus.In recent years, digital cameras have incorporated infrared devices allowing the development of user-friendly portable devices that permit repeated, non-invasive examinations of pupil size and its reactivity to light with an objective, accessible and inexpensive method. Development: The purpose of this review is to describe the fundamentals of infrared pupillometry and discuss potential applications in the monitoring of neurocritical patients. We also present some recommendations in the routine assessment of pupils in neurocritical patients. Conclusions: The possibility of evaluating the changes in pupil reactivity in an early, objective and almost continuous way provides a new non-invasive monitoring method. This method could improve the predictive factor of neurological deterioration and the bedside monitoring of the neurological state of the patient, avoiding unnecessary examinations and enabling early therapeutic intervention. Palabras clave: Neuromonitorización, Neuroworsening, Pupilas, Pupilometría infrarroja, Pupilómetro, Valoración pupilar, Keywords: Infrared pupillometry, Neuro-monitoring, Neuro-deterioration, Pupillometer, Pupil assessment, Pupil

Infrared pupillometry. Basic principles and their application in the non-invasive monitoring of neurocritical patients

Introduction: Pupil assessment is a fundamental part of the neurological examination. Size and reactivity to light of each pupil should be recorded periodically since changes in these parameters may represent the only detectable sign of neurological deterioration in some patients. However, there is great intraobserver and interobserver variability in pupil examination due to the influence of many factors, such as the difference in ambient lighting, the visual acuity and experience of the examiner, the intensity of the luminous stimulus, and the method used to direct this stimulus.In recent years, digital cameras have incorporated infrared devices allowing the development of user-friendly portable devices that permit repeated, non-invasive examinations of pupil size and its reactivity to light with an objective, accessible and inexpensive method. Development: The purpose of this review is to describe the fundamentals of infrared pupillometry and discuss potential applications in the monitoring of neurocritical patients. We also present some recommendations in the routine assessment of pupils in neurocritical patients. Conclusions: The possibility of evaluating the changes in pupil reactivity in an early, objective and almost continuous way provides a new non-invasive monitoring method. This method could improve the predictive factor of neurological deterioration and the bedside monitoring of the neurological state of the patient, avoiding unnecessary examinations and enabling early therapeutic intervention. Resumen: Introducción: La exploración de las pupilas constituye una parte fundamental de la exploración neurológica. El tamaño y la reactividad a la luz de ambas pupilas deben registrarse de forma individual y periódica, dado que una alteración en estos parámetros puede constituir el único signo detectable de deterioro neurológico en determinados pacientes. Sin embargo, existe una gran variabilidad intra-observadores e inter-observadores al analizar estos parámetros, debido a la influencia de una serie de factores tales como la variabilidad en la luz ambiental, la agudeza visual y experiencia del propio observador, intensidad del estímulo luminoso y el método utilizado para dirigir este estímulo.En los últimos años las cámaras digitales han incorporado dispositivos de infrarrojos que han permitido desarrollar equipos digitales portátiles y de fácil manejo, que permiten realizar estudios repetidos y no invasivos del tamaño y reactividad pupilar a la luz con un método objetivo, accesible y económico. Desarrollo: El objetivo de esta revisión es describir los fundamentos de la pupilometría por infrarrojos y discutir sus posibles aplicaciones en la monitorización del paciente neurocrítico. En esta revisión también se incluyen una serie de recomendaciones metodológicas a considerar en la exploración de las pupilas. Conclusiones: La posibilidad de evaluar los cambios en la reactividad pupilar de forma precoz, objetiva y quasi-continua aporta un nuevo método de monitorización no invasivo que podría mejorar el factor predictivo del deterioro neurológico y monitorizar el estado neurológico a la cabecera del paciente, evitando así exámenes innecesarios y permitiendo intervenciones terapéuticas precoces. Keywords: Infrared pupillometry, Neuro-monitoring, Neuro-deterioration, Pupillometer, Pupil assessment, Pupils, Palabras clave: Neuromonitorización, Neuroworsening, Pupilas, Pupilometría infrarroja, Pupilómetro, Valoración pupila