Balanced Fluid Versus Saline-Based Fluid in Post-operative Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: Acid-Base and Electrolytes Assessment

Background

Normal saline (NS) is a common fluid of choice in neurosurgery and neuro-intensive care unit (ICU), but it does not contain other electrolytes and has the potential to cause hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with prolonged infusion. These problems may be reduced with the availability of balanced fluid (BF), which becomes a more physiological isotonic solution with the presence of complete electrolyte content. This study aimed to compare the changes in electrolytes and acid-base between NS and BF (Sterofundin® ISO) therapy for post-operative severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients in neuro-ICU.

Methods

Sixty-six severe TBI patients who required emergency craniotomy or craniectomy and were planned for post-operative ventilation were randomised into NS (n = 33) and BF therapy groups (n = 33). The calculation of maintenance fluid given was based on the Holliday-Segar method. The electrolytes and acid-base parameters were assessed at an 8 h interval for 24 h. The data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

The NS group showed a significant lower base excess (-3.20 versus -1.35, P = 0.049), lower bicarbonate level (22.03 versus 23.48 mmol/L, P = 0.031), and more hyperchloremia (115.12 versus 111.74 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and hypokalemia (3.36 versus 3.70 mmol/L, P < 0.001) than the BF group at 24 h of therapy. The BF group showed a significantly higher level of calcium (1.97 versus 1.79 mmol/L, P = 0.003) and magnesium (0.94 versus 0.80 mmol/L, P < 0.001) than the NS group at 24 h of fluid therapy. No significant differences were found in pH, pCO₂, lactate, and sodium level.

Conclusion

BF therapy showed better effects in maintaining higher electrolyte parameters and reducing the trend toward hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis than the NS therapy during prolonged fluid therapy for postoperative TBI patients.

Nursing Management of Adults with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review

Effective nursing management strategies for adults with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) are still a remarkable issue and a difficult task for neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuronurses. A list of justified indications and scientific rationale for nursing management of these patients are continuously evolving. The objectives of the study are to analyze the pertinently available research and clinical studies that demonstrate the nursing management strategies for adults with STBI and to synthesize the available evidence based on the review. A comprehensive literature search was made in following databases such as Google Scholar, Cochrane, J-Gate, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect for retrieving the related studies. In the included studies, data were extracted and evaluated according to the objective. Narrative analysis was adopted to write this review. Patients with STBI have poor prognosis and require quality care for maximizing patients' survival. With a thorough knowledge and discernment of care of such patients, nurses can improve these patients' neurological outcomes.

A Method of Managing Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in the Absence of Intracranial Pressure Monitoring: The Imaging and Clinical Examination Protocol

The imaging and clinical examination (ICE) algorithm used in the Benchmark Evidence from South American Trials: Treatment of Intracranial Pressure (BEST TRIP) randomized controlled trial is the only prospectively investigated clinical protocol for traumatic brain injury management without intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. As the default literature standard, it warrants careful evaluation. We present the ICE protocol in detail and analyze the demographics, outcome, treatment intensity, frequency of intervention usage, and related adverse events in the ICE-protocol cohort. The 167 ICE protocol patients were young (median 29 years) with a median Glasgow Coma Scale motor score of 4 but with anisocoria or abnormal pupillary reactivity in 40%. This protocol produced outcomes not significantly different from those randomized to the monitor-based protocol (favorable 6-month extended Glasgow Outcome Score in 39%; 41% mortality rate). Agents commonly employed to treat suspected intracranial hypertension included low-/moderate-dose hypertonic saline (72%) and mannitol (57%), mild hyperventilation (adjusted partial pressure of carbon dioxide 30-35 mm Hg in 73%), and pressors to maintain cerebral perfusion (62%). High-dose hyperosmotics or barbiturates were uncommonly used. Adverse event incidence was low and comparable to the BEST TRIP monitored group. Although this protocol should produce similar/acceptable results under circumstances comparable to those in the trial, influences such as longer pre-hospital times and non-specialist transport personnel, plus an intensive care unit model of aggressive physician-intensive care by small groups of neurotrauma-focused intensivists, which differs from most high-resource models, support caution in expecting the same results in dissimilar settings. Finally, this protocol's ICP-titration approach to suspected intracranial hypertension (vs. crisis management for monitored ICP) warrants further study.

Clinical characteristics and temporal profile of recovery in patients with favorable outcomes at 6 months after severe traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE Early withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment due to expected poor prognosis is responsible for the majority of in-house deaths in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). With increased focus on the decision and timing of withdrawal of care in patients with severe TBI, data on early neurological recovery in patients with a favorable outcome is needed to guide physicians and families. METHODS The authors reviewed prospectively collected data obtained in 1241 patients with head injury who were treated between 1986 and 2012. Patients with severe TBI, motor Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS) score < 6 on admission, and those who had favorable outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] score of 4 or 5, indicating moderate disability or good recovery) at 6 months were selected. Baseline demographic, clinical, and imaging data were analyzed. The time from injury to the first record of following commands (mGCS score of 6) after injury was recorded. The temporal profile of GOS scores from discharge to 6 months after the injury was also assessed. RESULTS The authors studied 218 patients (183 male and 35 female) with a mean age of 28.9 ± 11.2 years. The majority of patients were able to follow commands (mGCS score of 6) within the 1st week after injury (71.4%), with the highest percentage of patients in this group recovering on Day 1 (28.6%). Recovery to the point of following commands beyond 2 weeks after the injury was seen in 14.8% of patients, who experienced significantly longer durations of intracranial pressure monitoring (p = 0.001) and neuromuscular blockade (p < 0.001). In comparison with patients with moderate disability, patients with good recovery had a higher initial GCS score (p = 0.01), lower incidence of anisocoria at admission (p = 0.048), and a shorter ICU stay (p < 0.001) and total hospital stay (p < 0.001). There was considerable improvement in GOS scores from discharge to follow-up at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Up to 15% of patients with a favorable outcome after severe TBI may begin to follow commands beyond 2 weeks after the injury. These data caution against early withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in patients with severe TBI.

Hyperventilation Therapy for Control of Posttraumatic Intracranial Hypertension

During traumatic brain injury, intracranial hypertension (ICH) can become a life-threatening condition if it is not managed quickly and adequately. Physicians use therapeutic hyperventilation to reduce elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) by manipulating autoregulatory functions connected to cerebrovascular CO₂ reactivity. Inducing hypocapnia via hyperventilation reduces the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO₂), which incites vasoconstriction in the cerebral resistance arterioles. This constriction decrease cerebral blood flow, which reduces cerebral blood volume and, ultimately, decreases the patient’s ICP. The effects of therapeutic hyperventilation (HV) are transient, but the risks accompanying these changes in cerebral and systemic physiology must be carefully considered before the treatment can be deemed advisable. The most prominent criticism of this approach is the cited possibility of developing cerebral ischemia and tissue hypoxia. While it is true that certain measures, such as cerebral oxygenation monitoring, are needed to mitigate these dangerous conditions, using available evidence of potential poor outcomes associated with HV as justification to dismiss the implementation of therapeutic HV is debatable and remains a controversial subject among physicians. This review highlights various issues surrounding the use of HV as a means of controlling posttraumatic ICH, including indications for treatment, potential risks, and benefits, and a discussion of what techniques can be implemented to avoid adverse complications.

Computed tomography and clinical outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE

To study: (i) acute computed tomography (CT) characteristics and clinical outcome; (ii) clinical course and (iii) Corticosteroid Randomisation after Significant Head Injury acute calculator protocol (CRASH) model and clinical outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI).

METHODS

Initial CT (CT_i) and CT 24 hours post-trauma (CT₂₄) were evaluated according to Marshall and Rotterdam classifications. Rancho Los Amigos Cognitive Scale-Revised (RLAS-R) and Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) were assessed at three months and one year post-trauma. The prognostic value of the CRASH model was evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients were included. Marshall CT_i and CT₂₄ were significantly correlated with RLAS-R at three months. Rotterdam CT₂₄ was significantly correlated with GOSE at three months. RLAS-R and the GOSE improved significantly from three months to one year. CRASH predicted unfavourable outcome at six months for 81% of patients with bad outcome and for 85% of patients with favourable outcome according to GOSE at one year.

CONCLUSION

Neither CT nor CRASH yielded clinically useful predictions of outcome at one year post-injury. The study showed encouragingly many instances of significant recovery in this population of sTBI. The combination of lack of reliable prognostic indicators and favourable outcomes supports the case for intensive acute management and rehabilitation as the default protocol in the cases of sTBI.

Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema in Traumatic Brain Injury

A 29-year-old male admitted with severe traumatic brain injury following a road traffic accident was sedated and ventilated uneventfully for 72 h. On the fourth posttrauma day, after stopping sedation to assess readiness for extubation, he developed sudden onset desaturation; arterial blood gas showed severe diffusion defect with very low PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio following an episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure. The differential diagnoses and further management are discussed.

The Effectiveness of Corticosteroid Usage in Complex Therapy for Severe Sepsis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Cases of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

BACKGROUND

Severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) is an important issue in contemporary medicine and treatment strategies are still in need of improvement. The most dangerous complications of STBI are multiple organ failure and severe sepsis. As many as 80% of STBI patients with multiple organ failure have acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The need for better treatment strategies for STBI has led to investigations of the positive therapeutic effects of corticosteroids (CS). About 10 to 15 years ago research showed the inexpediency of CS in STBI therapy, but there were also contradictory findings showing their effectiveness. STBI is frequently followed by severe sepsis, which is not usually treated with CS. No scientific papers investigated the usage or non-usage of CS in patients with STBI followed by severe sepsis and ARDS.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of CS usage on treatment results in patients with STBI followed by severe sepsis and ARDS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved an analysis of the treatment results in 267 patients with STBI followed by severe sepsis and ARDS, who were treated with and without CS.

RESULTS

The study showed that patients' mortality decreased 1.24 times with CS use (500 mg/day of Solu-Medrol® for three days, followed by dose reduction by one-half every 3 days). Patients who took CS survived longer than patients without this treatment. The duration mechanical ventilation was shorter in patients who were treated with CS compared to the other group.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research into CS use is needed to improve treatment strategies for STBI followed by severe sepsis and ARDS.

Diffuse Axonal Injury: Epidemiology, Outcome and Associated Risk Factors

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI), a type of traumatic injury, is known for its severe consequences. However, there are few studies describing the outcomes of DAI and the risk factors associated with it. This study aimed to describe the outcome for patients with a primary diagnosis of DAI 6 months after trauma and to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with mortality and dependence at this time point. Seventy-eight patients with DAI were recruited from July 2013 to February 2014 in a prospective cohort study. Patient outcome was analyzed using the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E) within 6 months of the traumatic injury. The mean Injury Severity Score was 35.0 (SD = 11.9), and the mean New Injury Severity Score (NISS) was 46.2 (SD = 15.9). Mild DAI was observed in 44.9% of the patients and severe DAI in 35.9%. Six months after trauma, 30.8% of the patients had died, and 45.1% had shown full recovery according to the GOS-E. In the logistic regression model, the severity variables - DAI with hypoxia, as measured by peripheral oxygen saturation, and hypotension with NISS value - had a statistically significant association with patient mortality; on the other hand, severity of DAI and length of hospital stay were the only significant predictors for dependence. Therefore, severity of DAI emerged as a risk factor for both mortality and dependence.

Severity of experimental traumatic brain injury modulates changes in concentrations of cerebral free amino acids

In this study, concentrations of free amino acids (FAA) and amino group containing compounds (AGCC) following graded diffuse traumatic brain injury (mild TBI, mTBI; severe TBI, sTBI) were evaluated. After 6, 12, 24, 48 and 120 hr aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu), asparagine (Asn), serine (Ser), glutamine (Gln), histidine (His), glycine (Gly), threonine (Thr), citrulline (Cit), arginine (Arg), alanine (Ala), taurine (Tau), γ‐aminobutyrate (GABA), tyrosine (Tyr), S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), l‐cystathionine (l‐Cystat), valine (Val), methionine (Met), tryptophane (Trp), phenylalanine (Phe), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), ornithine (Orn), lysine (Lys), plus N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) were determined in whole brain extracts (n = 6 rats at each time for both TBI levels). Sham‐operated animals (n = 6) were used as controls. Results demonstrated that mTBI caused modest, transient changes in NAA, Asp, GABA, Gly, Arg. Following sTBI, animals showed profound, long‐lasting modifications of Glu, Gln, NAA, Asp, GABA, Ser, Gly, Ala, Arg, Citr, Tau, Met, SAH, l‐Cystat, Tyr and Phe. Increase in Glu and Gln, depletion of NAA and Asp increase, suggested a link between NAA hydrolysis and excitotoxicity after sTBI. Additionally, sTBI rats showed net imbalances of the Glu‐Gln/GABA cycle between neurons and astrocytes, and of the methyl‐cycle (demonstrated by decrease in Met, and increase in SAH and l‐Cystat), throughout the post‐injury period. Besides evidencing new potential targets for novel pharmacological treatments, these results suggest that the force acting on the brain tissue at the time of the impact is the main determinant of the reactions ignited and involving amino acid metabolism.

Progressive hemorrhagic injury after severe traumatic brain injury: effect of hemoglobin transfusion thresholds

OBJECT There is limited literature available to guide transfusion practices for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recent studies have shown that maintaining a higher hemoglobin threshold after severe TBI offers no clinical benefit. The present study aimed to determine if a higher transfusion threshold was independently associated with an increased risk of progressive hemorrhagic injury (PHI), thereby contributing to higher rates of morbidity and mortality. METHODS The authors performed a secondary analysis of data obtained from a recently performed randomized clinical trial studying the effects of erythropoietin and blood transfusions on neurological recovery after severe TBI. Assigned hemoglobin thresholds (10 g/dl vs 7 g/dl) were maintained with packed red blood cell transfusions during the acute phase after injury. PHI was defined as the presence of new or enlarging intracranial hematomas on CT as long as 10 days after injury. A severe PHI was defined as an event that required an escalation of medical management or surgical intervention. Clinical and imaging parameters and transfusion thresholds were used in a multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for PHI. RESULTS Among 200 patients enrolled in the trial, PHI was detected in 61 patients (30.5%). The majority of patients with PHI had a new, delayed contusion (n = 29) or an increase in contusion size (n = 15). The mean time interval between injury and identification of PHI was 17.2 ± 15.8 hours. The adjusted risk of severe PHI was 2.3 times higher for patients with a transfusion threshold of 10 g/dl (95% confidence interval 1.1-4.7; p = 0.02). Diffuse brain injury was associated with a lower risk of PHI events, whereas higher initial intracranial pressure increased the risk of PHI (p < 0.001). PHI was associated with a longer median length of stay in the intensive care unit (18.3 vs 14.4 days, respectively; p = 0.04) and poorer Glasgow Outcome Scale scores (42.9% vs 25.5%, respectively; p = 0.02) at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS A higher transfusion threshold of 10 g/dl after severe TBI increased the risk of severe PHI events. These results indicate the potential adverse effect of using a higher hemoglobin transfusion threshold after severe TBI.

Serum biomarkers as predictors of long-term outcome in severe traumatic brain injury: analysis from a randomized placebo-controlled Phase II clinical trial

OBJECTIVE There has been increased interest in the potential importance of biochemical parameters as predictors of outcome in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). METHODS Of 107 patients with sTBI (age 18-65 years with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4-8 presenting within 8 hours after injury) who were randomized for a placebo-controlled Phase II trial of progesterone with or without hypothermia, the authors serially analyzed serum biomarkers (S100-B, glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], neuron-specific enolase [NSE], tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 [IL-6], estrogen [Eg], and progesterone [Pg]). This analysis was performed using the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique at admission and 7 days later for 86 patients, irrespective of assigned group. The long-term predictive values of serum biomarkers for dichotomized Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score, functional independence measure, and survival status at 6 and 12 months were analyzed using an adjusted binary logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS A favorable GOS score (4-5) at 1 year was predicted by higher admission IL-6 (above 108.36 pg/ml; area under the curve [AUC] 0.69, sensitivity 52%, and specificity 78.6%) and Day 7 Pg levels (above 3.15 ng/ml; AUC 0.79, sensitivity 70%, and specificity 92.9%). An unfavorable GOS score (1-3) at 1 year was predicted by higher Day 7 GFAP levels (above 9.50 ng/ml; AUC 0.82, sensitivity 78.6%, and specificity 82.4%). Survivors at 1 year had significantly higher Day 7 Pg levels (above 3.15 ng/ml; AUC 0.78, sensitivity 66.7%, and specificity 90.9%). Nonsurvivors at 1 year had significantly higher Day 7 GFAP serum levels (above 11.14 ng/ml; AUC 0.81, sensitivity 81.8%, and specificity 88.9%) and Day 7 IL-6 serum levels (above 71.26 pg/ml; AUC 0.87, sensitivity 81.8%, and specificity 87%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of outcome at 1 year were serum levels of Day 7 Pg (favorable GOS-OR 3.24, CI 1.5-7, p = 0.003; and favorable survival-OR 2, CI 1.2-3.5, p = 0.01); admission IL-6 (favorable GOS-OR 1.04, CI 1.00-1.08, p = 0.04); and Day 7 GFAP (unfavorable GOS-OR 0.79, CI 0.65-0.95, p = 0.01; and unfavorable survival-OR 0.80, CI 0.66-0.96, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Serial Pg, GFAP, and IL-6 monitoring could aid in prognosticating outcomes in patients with acute sTBI. A cause and effect relationship or a mere association of these biomarkers to outcome needs to be further studied for better understanding of the pathophysiology of sTBI and for choosing potential therapeutic targets. Clinical trial registration no.: CTRI/2009/091/000893 ( http://www.ctri.nic.in ).

Brain tissue partial pressure of oxygen predicts the outcome of severe traumatic brain injury under mild hypothermia treatment

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance and changes of brain tissue partial pressure of oxygen (PbtO2) in the course of mild hypothermia treatment (MHT) for treating severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI).

METHODS

There were 68 cases with sTBI undergoing MHT. PbtO2, intracranial pressure (ICP), jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2), and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were continuously monitored, and clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale score.

RESULTS

Of 68 patients with sTBI, PbtO2, SjvO2, and CPP were obviously increased, but decreased ICP level was observed throughout the MHT. PbtO2 and ICP were negatively linearly correlated, while there was a positive linear correlation between PbtO2 and SjvO2. Monitoring CPP and SjvO2 was performed under normal circumstances, and a large proportion of patients were detected with low PbtO2. Decreased PbtO2 was also found after MHT.

CONCLUSION

Continuous PbtO2 monitoring could be introduced to evaluate the condition of regional cerebral oxygen metabolism, thereby guiding the clinical treatment and predicting the outcome.

Decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury patients with fixed dilated pupils

OBJECTIVE

The outcome of decompressive craniectomy (DC) for severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) patients with fixed dilated pupils (FDPs) is not clear. The objective of this study was to validate the outcome of DC in sTBI patients with FDPs.

PATIENTS

We retrospectively collected data from 207 sTBI patients with FDPs during the time period of May 4, 2003-October 22, 2013: DC group (n=166) and conservative care (CC) group (n=41).

MEASUREMENTS

Outcomes that were used as indicators in this study were mortality and favorable outcome. The analysis was based on the Glasgow Outcome Scale recorded at 6 months after trauma.

RESULTS

A total of 49.28% patients died (39.76% [DC group] vs 87.80% [CC group]). The mean increased intracranial pressure values after admission before operation were 36.20±7.55 mmHg in the DC group and 35.59±8.18 mmHg in the CC group. After performing DC, the mean ICP value was 14.38±2.60 mmHg. Approximately, 34.34% sTBI patients with FDPs in the DC group gained favorable scores and none of the patients in the CC group gained favorable scores.

CONCLUSION

We found that DC plays a therapeutic role in sTBI patients with FDPs, and it is particularly important to reduce intracranial pressure as soon as possible after trauma. For the patients undergoing DC, favorable outcome and low mortality could be achieved.

The value of intraoperative intracranial pressure monitoring for predicting re-operation using salvage decompressive craniectomy after craniotomy in patients with traumatic mass lesions

BACKGROUND

The risk factors of predicting the need for postoperative decompressive craniectomy due to intracranial hypertension after primary craniotomy remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the value of intraoperative intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in predicting re-operation using salvage decompressive craniectomy (SDC).

METHODS

From January 2008 to October 2014, we retrospectively reviewed 284 patients with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) who underwent craniotomy for mass lesion evacuation without intraoperative brain swelling. Intraoperative ICP was documented at the time of initial craniotomy and then again after the dura was sutured. SDC was used when postoperative ICP was continually higher than 25 mmHg for 1 h without a downward trend. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to both initial demographic and radiographic features to identify risk factors of SDC requirement.

RESULTS

Of 284, 41 (14.4%) patients who underwent SDC had a higher Initial ICP than those who didn't (38.1 ± 9.2 vs. 29.3 ± 8.1 mmHg, P < 0.001), but there was no difference in ICP after the dura was sutured. The factors which have significant effects on SDC are higher initial ICP [odds ratio (OR): 1.100, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.052-1.151, P < 0.001], older age (OR: 1.039, 95% CI: 1.002-1.077, P = 0.039), combined lesions (OR: 3.329, 95% CI: 1.199-9.244, P = 0.021) and early hypotension (OR: 2.524, 95% CI: 1.107-5.756, P = 0.028). The area under the curve of multivariate regression model was 0.771.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of re-operation using SDC after craniotomy was 14.4%. The independent risk factors of SDC requirement are initial ICP, age, early hypotension and combined lesions.

Technique of Stepwise Intracranial Decompression Combined with External Ventricular Drainage Catheters Improves the Prognosis of Acute Post-Traumatic Cerebral Hemispheric Brain Swelling Patients

BACKGROUND

Acute post-traumatic cerebral hemispheric brain swelling (ACHS) is a serious disorder that occurs after traumatic brain injury, and it often requires immediate treatment. The aim of our clinical study was to assess the effects of stepwise intracranial decompression combined with external ventricular drainage (EVD) catheters on the prognosis of ACHS patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on 172 cases of severe craniocerebral trauma patients with ACHS. The patients were divided into two groups: unilateral stepwise standard large trauma craniectomy (S-SLTC) combined with EVD catheter implants (n = 86) and unilateral routine frontal temporal parietal SLTC (control group, n = 86).

RESULT

No significant differences in age, sex, or pre-operative Glasgow Coma Scale score were observed between groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the ipsilateral subdural effusion incidence rates between the S-SLTC + EVD treatment group and the routine SLTC group. However, the incidence rates of intraoperative acute encephalocele and contralateral epidural and subdural hematoma in the S-SLTC + EVD group were significantly lower than those in the SLTC group (17.4 and 3.5 vs. 37.2 and 23.3%, respectively). The mean intracranial pressure (ICP) values of patients in the S-SLTC + EVD group were also lower than those in the SLTC group at days 1 through 7 (P  < 0.05). A positive neurological outcome [Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score 4-5, 50.0%] and decreased mortality (15.1%) was observed in the S-SLTC + EVD group compared to the neurological outcome (GOS score 4-5, 33.8%; 36.0%) in the SLTC group (P  < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that S-SLTC + EVD is more effective for controlling ICP, improving neurological outcome, and decreasing mortality rate compared with routine SLTC.

Interrelation between Neuroendocrine Disturbances and Medical Complications Encountered during Rehabilitation after TBI

Traumatic brain injury is not a discrete event but an unfolding sequence of damage to the central nervous system. Not only the acute phase but also the subacute and chronic period after injury, i.e., during inpatient rehabilitation, is characterized by multiple neurotransmitter alterations, cellular dysfunction, and medical complications causing additional secondary injury. Neuroendocrine disturbances also influence neurological outcome and are easily overlooked as they often present with diffuse symptoms such as fatigue, depression, poor concentration, or a decline in overall cognitive function; these are also typical sequelae of traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, neurological complications such as hydrocephalus, epilepsy, fatigue, disorders of consciousness, paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, or psychiatric-behavioural symptoms may mask and/or complicate the diagnosis of neuroendocrine disturbances, delay appropriate treatment and impede neurorehabilitation. The present review seeks to examine the interrelation between neuroendocrine disturbances with neurological complications frequently encountered after moderate to severe TBI during rehabilitation. Common neuroendocrine disturbances and medical complications and their clinical implications are discussed.

Right Median Nerve Electrical Stimulation for Acute Traumatic Coma Patients

The right median nerve as a peripheral portal to the central nervous system can be electrically stimulated to help coma arousal after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present study set out to examine the efficacy and safety of right median nerve electrical stimulation (RMNS) in a cohort of 437 comatose patients after severe TBI from August 2005 to December 2011. The patients were enrolled 2 weeks after their injury and assigned to the RMNS group (n=221) receiving electrical stimulation for 2 weeks or the control group (n = 216) treated by standard management according to the date of birth in the month. The baseline data were similar. After the 2-week treatment, the RMNS-treated patients demonstrated a more rapid increase of the mean Glasgow Coma Score, although statistical significance was not reached (8.43 ± 4.98 vs. 7.47 ± 5.37, p = 0.0532). The follow-up data at 6-month post-injury showed a significantly higher proportion of patients who regained consciousness (59.8% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.0073). There was a lower proportion of vegetative persons in the RMNS group than in the control group (17.6% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.0012). For persons regaining consciousness, the functional independence measurement (FIM) score was higher among the RMNS group patients (91.45 ± 8.65 vs. 76.23 ± 11.02, p < 0.001). There were no unique complications associated with the RMNS treatment. The current study, although with some limitations, showed that RMNS may serve as an easy, effective, and noninvasive technique to promote the recovery of traumatic coma in the early phase.

Clinical outcome and cost effectiveness of early tracheostomy in isolated severe head injury patients

Background:

Early tracheostomy (ET) has been shown to be effective in reducing complications associated with prolong mechanical ventilation. The study was carried out to evaluate the role of ET in reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, ICU-related morbidities, and its overall effect on outcome, in patients with isolated severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods:

This 7-year review included 100 ICU patients with isolated severe TBI requiring mechanical ventilation. ET was defined as tracheostomy within 7 days of TBI, and prolonged endotracheal intubation (EI) as EI exceeding 7 days of TBI. Of 100 patients, 49 underwent ET and 51 remained on prolong EI for ventilation. All patients were comparable in term of age and initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). We evaluated groups regarding clinical outcome in terms of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), ICU stay, and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS).

Results:

The frequency of VAP was higher in EI group relative to ET group (63% vs. 45%, P value 0.09). ET group showed significantly less ventilator days (10 days vs. 13 days, P value 0.031), ICU stay (11 days vs. 13 days, P value 0.030), complication rate (14% vs. 18%), and mortality (8.2% vs. 17.6%). Clinical outcome assessed on the basis of GOS was also better in the ET group. Total inpatient cost was also considerably less (USD $8027) in the ET group compared with the EI group (USD $9961).

Conclusions:

In patients with severe TBI, ET decreases total days of ventilation and ICU stay, and is associated with a decrease in the frequency of VAP. ET should be considered in severe head injury patients requiring prolong ventilatory support.

Moderate hypothermia treatment in adult patients with severe traumatic brain injury: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of moderate hypothermia treatment (MHT) in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) compared to normothermia management.

METHODS

PubMed, Medline, Springer, Elsevier Science Direct, Cochrane Library and Google scholar were searched up to December 2012. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the mortality and clinical neurological outcome of the adult patients with sTBI were collected and calculated in a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model. Summary effect estimates were stratified by study design and ethnicity. Egger's regression asymmetry tests were utilized for detecting the publication bias.

RESULTS

The overall estimates showed that MHT could reduce the mortality (hypothermia vs. normothermia, RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.73-1.01, p = 0.06) and unfavourable clinical neurological outcomes (RR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.95-1.53, p = 0.12) for traumatic brain injured patients without statistical significance. Moreover, the further stratification sub-group analysis indicated that MHT presented a significant reduction (RR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.44-0.83, p = 0.002) of mortality compared to the normothermia management in an Asian population. Surprisingly, American patients treated with moderate hypothermia showed an increasing mortality (RR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.83-1.39, p = 0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

MHT may be effective in reducing death and unfavourable clinical neurological outcomes, but this finding is not statistically significant, except for decreasing the mortality in Asian patients.

Factors prognosticating the outcome of decompressive craniectomy in severe traumatic brain injury: A Malaysian experience

Objective:

The objective of this prospective cohort study was to analyse the characteristics of severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in a regional trauma centre Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) along with its impact of various prognostic factors post Decompressive Craniectomy (DC).

Materials and Methods:

Duration of the study was of 13 months in HKL. 110 consecutive patients undergoing DC and remained in our centre were recruited. They were then analysed categorically with standard analytical software.

Results:

Age group have highest range between 12-30 category with male preponderance. Common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident involving motorcyclist. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant in referral area (P = 0.006). In clinical evaluation statistically significant was the motor score (P = 0.040), pupillary state (P = 0.010), blood pressure stability (P = 0.013) and evidence of Diabetes Insipidus (P < 0.001). In biochemical status the significant statistics included evidence of coagulopathy (P < 0.001), evidence of acidosis (P = 0.003) and evidence of hypoxia (P = 0.030). In Radiological sector, significant univariate analysis proved in location of the subdural clot (P < 0.010), location of the contusion (P = 0.045), site of existence of both type of clots (P = 0.031) and the evidence of edema (P = 0.041). The timing of injury was noted to be significant as well (P = 0.061). In the post operative care was, there were significance in the overall stability in intensive care (P < 0.001), the stability of blood pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, pulse rates and oxygen saturation (all P < 0.001)seen individually, post operative ICP monitoring in the immediate (P = 0.002), within 24 hours (P < 0.001) and within 24-48 hours (P < 0.001) period, along with post operative pupillary size (P < 0.001) and motor score (P < 0.001). Post operatively, radiologically significant statistics included evidence of midline shift post operatively in the CT scan (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression with stepwise likelihood ratio (LR) method concluded that hypoxia post operatively (P = 0.152), the unmaintained Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP) (P = 0.007) and unstable blood pressure (BP) (P = <0.001). Poor outcome noted 10.2 times higher in post operative hypoxia [OR10.184; 95% CI: 0.424, 244.495]. Odds of having poor outcome if CPP unmaintained was 13.8 times higher [OR: 13.754; CI: 2.050, 92.301]. Highest predictor of poor outcome was the unstable BP, 32 times higher [OR 31.600; CI: 4.530, 220440].

Conclusion:

Our series represent both urban and rural population, noted to be the largest series in severe TBI in this region. Severe head injury accounts for significant proportion of neurosurgical admissions, resources with its impact on socio-economic concerns to a growing population like Malaysia. This study concludes that the predictors of outcome in severe TBI post DC were postoperative hypoxia, unmaintained cerebral perfusion pressure and unstable blood pressure as independent predictors of poor outcome. Key words: Decompressive craniectomy, prognostication of decompressive craniectomy, prognostication of severe head injury, prognostication of traumatic brain injury, severe head injury, severe traumatic brain injury, traumatic brain injury.

Mindful Creativity Scale (MCS): Validation of a German version of the Langer Mindfulness Scale with patients with severe TBI and controls

BACKGROUND

Mindfulness may have an impact on the recovery process in patients who have suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). In order to make an instrument for measuring mindfulness within the German speaking clinical community available, a short, easily usable scale and a cross-cultural adaptation is needed.

OBJECTIVES

To validate the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS) with German-speaking patients with severe TBI and their relatives (healthy controls).

RESEARCH DESIGN

In a prospective cohort study of patients with severe TBI, test-re-test interviews were carried out at 6-month intervals.

SAMPLE

A total of 225 participants responded to the first survey and 230 completed the second survey.

MEASURES

LMS, self-report questions on personality, openness and attention, as well as health and clinical evaluations (including cognitive and behavioural assessments).

RESULTS

On the basis of factor analysis, principal component analysis and item response analysis, the initial 21-items were reduced to six items. The resulting unidimensional scale showed high internal consistency (α = 0.82) and good test-re-test reliability (intra-class correlation for total score = 0.46). External validity was confirmed for the entire sample.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that the German short form of the original LMS (MCS) is a valid and reliable measure of mindful creativity.

A novel, ultrasensitive assay for tau: potential for assessing traumatic brain injury in tissues and biofluids

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a cause of death and disability and can lead to tauopathy-related dementia at an early age. Pathologically, TBI results in axonal injury that is coupled to tau hyperphosphorylation, leading to microtubule instability and tau-mediated neurodegeneration. This suggests that the forms of this protein might serve as neuroinjury-related biomarkers for diagnosis of injury severity and prognosis of the neurological damage prior to clinical expression. We initially determined whether we could detect tau in body fluids using a highly sensitive assay. We used a novel immunoassay, enhanced immunoassay using multi-arrayed fiberoptics (EIMAF) either alone or in combination with rolling circle amplification (a-EIMAF) for the detection of total (T) and phosphorylated (P) tau proteins from brains and biofluids (blood, CSF) of rodents following controlled cortical impact (CCI) and human patients post severe TBI (sTBI). This assay technology for tau is the most sensitive to date with a detection limit of approximately 100 ag/mL for either T-tau and P-tau. In the rodent models, T-tau and P-tau levels in brain and blood increased following CCI during the acute phase and remained high during the chronic phase (30 d). In human CSF samples, T-tau and P-tau increased during the sampling period (5-6 d). T-tau and P-tau in human serum rose during the acute phase and decreased during the chronic stage but was still detectable beyond six months post sTBI. Thus, EIMAF has the potential for assessing both the severity of the proximal injury and the prognosis using easily accessible samples.

Association of ICP, CPP, CT findings and S-100B and NSE in severe traumatic head injury. Prognostic value of the biomarkers

OBJECTIVE

The association was studied of intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) on S-100B and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). The relationship was explored between biomarkers, ICP, CPP, CT-scan classifications and the clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected prospectively and consecutively in 48 patients with Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 8, age 15-70 years. NSE and S-100B were analysed during 5 consecutive days. The initial and follow-up CT-scans were classified according to the Marshall, Rotterdam and Morris-Marshall classifications. Outcome was evaluated with extended Glasgow outcome scale at 3 months.

RESULTS

Maximal ICP and minimal CPP correlated with S-100B and NSE levels. Complex relations between biomarkers and CT classifications were observed. S-100B bulk release (AUC = 0.8333, p = 0.0009), and NSE at 72 hours (AUC = 0.8476, p = 0.0045) had the highest prediction power of mortality. Combining Morris-Marshall score and S-100B bulk release improved the prediction of clinical outcome (AUC = 0.8929, p = 0.0008).

CONCLUSION

Biomarker levels are associated with ICP and CPP and reflect different aspects of brain injury as evaluated by CT-scan. The biomarkers might predict mortality. There are several pitfalls influencing the interpretation of biomarker data in respect to ICP, CPP, CT-findings and clinical outcome.

Factors associated with hemispheric hypodensity after subdural hematoma following abusive head trauma in children

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a unique form of pediatric TBI with increased mortality and neurologic sequelae. Hemispheric hypodensity (HH) in association with subdural blood after AHT has been described. Though risk factors for HH are not understood, we hypothesized that risk factors could be identified. We retrospectively enrolled children under 5 years with TBI secondary to AHT (child advocacy diagnosis) who had undergone initial and interval brain imaging. Records were interrogated for prearrival and in-hospital physiologic and radiographic findings. HH was determined by a blinded observer. Twenty-four children were enrolled and 13 developed HH. HH was not significantly associated with age, initial Glascow Coma Scale, or mortality. Pediatric Intensity Level of Therapy (PILOT) scores (p=0.01) and daily maximal intracranial pressure (ICPmax; p=0.037) were higher in HH. Hypoxia, hypotension, cardiopulmonary arrest, need for blood transfusion, and daily blood glucoses tended to be greater in HH. Whereas all children with HH had acute subdural hematoma (SBH), many children without HH also had subdural blood; the presence of skull fracture was more likely in the children who did not develop HH (p=0.04), but no other intracranial radiographic pattern of injury was associated with HH. Surgical intervention did not appear to protect against development of HH. A variety of insults associated with ischemia, including intracranial hypertension, ICP-directed therapies, hypoxia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest, occurred in the children who developed HH. Given the morbidity and mortality of this condition, larger studies to identify mechanisms leading to the development of HH and mitigating clinical approaches are warranted.