Brain contusion: morphology, pathogenesis, and treatment

Focal cerebral contusions can be dynamic and expansive, leading to a delayed neurological deterioration. In head \u96 injured patients, the rise in intracranial pressure (ICP), subsequent to uncontrollable swelling, is the only and the most frequent cause of death. Studies show that brain swelling, after traumatic brain injury (TBI), is caused by brain edema rather than cerebral blood volume (CBV). CBV is reduced in proportion to cerebral blood flow (CBF) reduction, following a severe TBI. Cerebrovascular damages, leading to subsequent reductions in regional CBF, may play an important role in secondary cell damages following TBI. The histological examination revealed the formation of microthrombosis in the contused area, extending from the center to the peripheral areas within 6 hours after injury. In the pericontusional zone and surrounding parenchyma, vasoresponsivity may be nearly three times normal, which suggests hypersensitivity to hyperventilation and other phenomena. Glutamate is the most widely distributed excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. However, when glutamate is present in excessive quantities, it may overactivate specific ion channels, especially the Nmethyl- D-aspartate channel. A shift of potassium into the extracellular space will result in rapid swelling of astrocytes, which absorb quantities of potassium to preserve ionic homeostasis. This process may cause rapid cytotoxic edema, which is probably, a major factor in causation of posttraumatic raised ICP. The presence of a focal contusion and primary or secondary ischemic events were the clinical features most strongly correlated with high dialysate of glutamate. Raised ICP was significantly more common, and outcome was worse in patients with high levels of glutamate. Contusion is a key factor in the development of blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability. BBB endures at least 7 days post TBI. [...]

Seeking process maturity with DSDM atern

It is important for an organization to know what capability/maturity of the process a chosen methodology could ensure. This paper is focused on DSDM Atern process maturity by CMMI. The goal is to assess DSDM Atern by CMMI-DEV version 1.3 and propose the improvements to reach CMMI maturity level 3. A capability profile ensured by DSDM Atern has been obtained. The appraisal results showed that DSDM Atern ensures CMMI maturity level 2. Constraints and problematic areas of DSDM Atern methodology were discovered. In order to reach CMMI level 3 some recommendations for DSDM Atern additions were developed

Induced mild hypothermia in children

The objective of this study was to measure outcomes and to determine the safety and effectiveness of mild induced hypothermia in children after traumatic and posthypoxic brain injury. Methods. Forty patients, following traumatic or posthypoxic brain injury, were involved in the study. Mean age was 10.7 ± 0.8 years. Median GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) was 6.0 (4-7) and mean PIM2 (Pediatric Index of Mortality) 14.6 ± 3.8 %. Results. GOS (Glasgow Outcome Scale) of 5 was assigned for 15 (37.5%) patients, GOS 4 for 14 (35.0%), GOS 3 for 7 (17.5%) and GOS 2 for 4 (10%) patients. The average GOS in patients after severe head trauma was 3.6 ± 0.9 points and in patients with posthypoxic brain injury 5 points, (p < 0.05). No life threatening complications occurred. Conclusion. Mild induced hypothermia can be safely used in pediatric patents after severe traumatic or posthypoxic brain injury. This method may be of benefit while improving outcomes in children