BackgroundHemipelvectomy is a major orthopedic surgical procedure indicated in specific situations. Although many studies discuss surgical techniques for hemipelvectomy, few studies have presented survival data, especially in underdeveloped countries. Additionally, there is limited information on anesthesia for orthopedic oncologic surgeries. The primary aim of this study was to determine the survival rate after hemipelvectomy, and the secondary aims were to evaluate anesthesia and perioperative care associated with hemipelvectomy and determine the influence of the surgical technique (external hemipelvectomy [amputation] or internal hemipelvectomy [limb sparing surgery]) on anesthesia and perioperative care in Brazil.MethodsThis retrospective case series collected data from 35 adult patients who underwent hemipelvectomy between 2000 and 2013. Survival rates after surgery were determined, and group comparisons were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test. Mantel–Cox test and multiple linear regression analysis with stepwise forward selection were performed for univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively.ResultsMean survival time was 32.8 ± 4.6 months and 5-year survival rate was 27 %. Of the 35 patients, 23 patients (65.7 %) underwent external hemipelvectomy and 12 patients (34.3 %) underwent internal hemipelvectomy. The survival rate was significantly higher in patients with bone tumors than in those with soft tissue sarcomas (P = 0.024). The 5-year cumulative probability of survival was significantly lower in patients who underwent external hemipelvectomy than in those who underwent internal hemipelvectomy (P = 0.043). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, only advanced disease stage (3 and 4) was identified as a significant independent predictor of reduced survival (P = 0.0003). Balanced general anesthesia combined with epidural block was the most frequent anesthesia technique. Median intraoperative crystalloid volume and red blood cell transfusions were 3500 mL and 2 units, respectively.ConclusionsOverall mean survival time after hemipelvectomy was 32.8 months. Advanced disease stage might be independently associated with reduced survival. Smaller amounts of fluids and transfusions were administered and time to discharge was shorter. Acute and chronic pain as well as wound complications are still important challenges in hemipelvectomy.

To date, no specific diagnostic criteria for sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) have been established. We studied 33 pediatric patients with sepsis prospectively and evaluated the level of consciousness, the presence of delirium, electroencephalographic (EEG) findings, and plasma levels of neuron-specific enolase and S100-calcium-binding protein-B. A presumptive diagnosis of SAE was primarily considered in the presence of a decreased level of consciousness and/or delirium (clinical criteria), but specific EEG abnormalities were also considered (EEG criteria). The time course of the biomarkers was compared between groups with and without clinical or EEG criteria. The Functional Status Scale (FSS) was assessed at admission, discharge, and 3–6 months post-discharge. Clinical criteria were identified in 75.8% of patients, EEG criteria in 26.9%, both in 23.1%, and none in 23.1%. Biomarkers did not differ between groups. Three patients had an abnormal FSS at discharge, but no one on follow-up. A definitive diagnostic pattern for SAE remained unclear. Clinical criteria should be the basis for diagnosis, but sedation may be a significant confounder, also affecting EEG interpretation. The role of biomarkers requires a better definition. The diagnosis of SAE in pediatric patients remains a major challenge. New consensual diagnostic definitions and mainly prognostic studies are needed.

Introdução: A síndrome de desmielinização osmótica é uma condição neurológica rara causada pelo dano à bainha de mielina dos neurônios, com difícil manejo do distúrbio do sódio em paciente com diabetes insípidus. Relato do caso: Adolescente do sexo feminino, 14 anos, com diabetes insípidus secundária a disgerminoma do sistema nervoso central, com hiponatremia  grave (sódio 103 mEq/L). Cinco dias após a correção rápida do sódio, apresentou coma (Escala de Glasgow:11), disfagia, mutismo e tetraparesia. Os achados na ressonância nuclear magnética craniana foram compatíveis com diagnóstico de mielinólise extrapontina. Vinte e cinco dias após a internação no Centro de Tratamento Intensivo, a paciente  encontrava-se lúcida, orientada, deambulando sem dificuldade, alimentando-se por via oral, sem engasgos, ainda com discreta diminuição de força nos membros superiores e comunicação verbal pouco lentificada. A ressonância nuclear magnética após três meses mostrou atrofia dos núcleos da base, comprovando lesão celular grave. Conclusão: A desmielinização osmótica pode apresentar-se com formas clínicas leves ou assintomáticas, até sequelas motoras graves e morte. Não existe tratamento específico, o que ressalta a importância do diagnóstico precoce e do manejo adequado do distúrbio do sódio, assim como controle rigoroso dos seus níveis séricos.