Application of Quantitative Analysis of Diatoms in Lung Tissue for the Diagnosis of Drowning of Experimental Animals

Abstract

Objective To discuss the application value of diatom examination in lung tissue for the forensic diagnosis of drowning. Methods The experimental animals were divided randomly into drowning, postmortem submergence and dying on land group. Diatoms in lung tissue and drowning fluid were analyzed quantitatively by microwave digestion-vacuum filtration-automated scanning electron microscopy diatom examination method. The ratios of content of diatoms in lung tissue and drowning fluid （C_L/C_D ratio） were recorded. Results The C_L/C_D ratios of experimental rabbits in the drowning group （5.82±3.50） were much higher than that of postmortem submergence group （0.47±0.35）; the C_L/C_D ratios of different parts of the lung lobes of experimental pigs in the drowning group were higher than that of postmortem submergence group （P<0.05）; in seawater, brackish water, river fresh water and lake fresh water, the C_L/C_D ratios of experimental pigs in the drowning group were higher than that of postmortem submergence group （P<0.05）. In animal experiments, all the cases with C_L/C_D ratio >1.6 were from drowning group. Conclusion C_L/C_D ratio is an indicator with good application prospects in the diagnosis of drowning.

IMP3 promotes TNBC stem cell property through miRNA-34a regulation

OBJECTIVE

To explore the expression and function of insulin-like growth factor II (IGFII) mRNA binding protein (IMP3) in the Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

According to previously reported gene expression array, we found that IMP3 had significantly higher expression in the CD44+CD24-ESA+ cell cluster, tumor initiating cell or cancer stem cell (CSCs), compared to other tumor cells. Based on the GEO database (GEO accession No. GSE6883), we detected the mRNA levels of IMP 1,2 and 3 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) in CD44+CD24-ESA+ cell cluster and other breast tumor cell clusters. Besides, we measured IMP3 expression in microsphere of breast cancer, which exerted more significant tumor stem cell properties. The effects of IMP3 on breast cancer cell stem cell properties were studied by RNA interference and overexpression approaches in vitro. Furthermore, we predicted and identified microRNA, which could target and regulate IMP3 from bioinformatics analysis, and verified the interaction by luciferase assays and rescue experiments.

RESULTS

Previously reported data showed that IMP3 expression was significantly upregulated in CD44+CD24-ESA+ cell cluster from breast cancer tissues. Besides, we found IMP3 had higher expression in mesenchymal cells rather than epithelial cells, which was also significantly elevated in SUM159 and T49D cell lines cultured as microsphere rather than adherent cells or differentiated cells. CD44+CD24-ESA+ cell cluster proportion was significantly decreased after silencing IMP3 in SUM1315, and its ability to develop into microsphere was significantly inhibited. By re-expressing IMP3 in SUM315, we restored the self-renewal capacity and tumorigenesis potential of SUM315. Through relative predicting website, we found several miRNAs which could regulate IMP3. miR-34a with highest score was chosen for further analysis. Mimicking miR-34a significantly downregulated IMP3 expression and inhibited its ability to develop into microsphere, while overexpressing IMP3 could rescue this process.

CONCLUSIONS

IMP3 plays a vital role in maintaining stem cell properties of breast cancer cells, which could be regulated by mir-34a.

Role of GSPE in improving early cerebral vascular damage by inhibition of Profilin-1 expression in a ouabain-induced hypertension model

OBJECTIVE

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), as one of the most popular natural drug extracted from the grape, has been reported to improve endothelial function and arteriosclerosis. However, little is known about the influence of GSPE on hypertension and vascular remodeling. Profilin-1, an Actin-binding protein, is closely involved in the remodeling of large vessels in ouabain-induced hypertension. To date, there is no effective prevention or treatment in place for the high incidence of ischemic stroke associated with hypertension. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of GSPE via inhibition Profilin-1 in ischemic cerebral cortices of ouabain-hypertension rats and potentially provide a new target to prevent stroke associated with hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The blood pressure of male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was measured during a period of ouabain-induced hypertension. The expression of Profilin-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the cerebral cortex were determined by quantitative Real Time-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Histopathological and behavioral tests were also conducted.

RESULTS

Blood pressure elevation started at week 5 and reached clinical standards for hypertension at week 8. GSPE was proved to suppress Profilin-1 and VEGF levels through inhibition of Profilin-1-protein kinase B (AKT)-hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signal pathway and promote eNOS expression. Moreover, the histopathological and ethiological improvement was observed in GSPE over-expression and Profilin-1 inhibition groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We detected that GSPE could improve cerebral vascular damage through inhibiting Profilin-1 in an ouabain-induced hypertension model.

Muscle from grass- and grain-fed cattle differs energetically

Insufficient acidification results in dark, firm, and dry beef. While this defect is often indicative of a stress event antemortem, muscle tissue may change in response to feeding regime. Longissimus dorsi muscle samples from 10 grain-fed and 10 grass-fed market weight, angus-crossbred beef cattle were collected postmortem. Lower (P < .05) L* and a* values were recorded for steaks from grass-fed cattle. Higher (P < .05) ultimate pH values were noted in lean of grass-fed cattle compared to grain-fed cattle, yet differences in lactate, glycogen and glucose were not detected. Further, increased (P < .05) ultimate pH values and lower (P < .05) lactate accumulations were noted when samples from grass-fed cattle were subjected to an in vitro glycolysis system. Muscle from grass-fed beef possessed nearly two-fold more (P < .05) succinate dehydrogenase and (P < .001) myoglobin than that of grain-fed cattle. These data show lean from grass-fed beef has greater enzymes reflective of oxidative metabolism and suggest dark lean from grass-fed cattle may be a function of more oxidative metabolism rather than a stress-related event antemortem.

Zinc mediates resuscitation of lactic acid-injured Escherichia coli by relieving oxidative stress

AIMS

Lactic acid is a natural antimicrobial in food industry, and also exists in fermented food. It was reported that sublethally injured Escherichia coli could survive in acidic conditions. When conditions become advantageous, injured E. coli can restore physiological function, which is a potential threat in food industry. Recovery is a necessary step for discriminating injured bacteria, but the resuscitation mechanism of injured bacteria is still unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In our study, sublethal lactic acid treatment (pH 4·2, 60 min) posed oxidative stress on E. coli by decrease of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Zinc with low concentration (1·0 mmol l^-1 ) significantly increased the recovery ratio of injured E.coli induced by lactic acid. The recovery ratios of injured cell in minimal A medium (minA) with 1·0 mmol l^-1 zinc reached to that with 3·0 mmol l^-1 catalase (CAT). Conversely, the addition of zinc chelator N, N, N', N'-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) decreased the recovery ratio. Zinc accelerated resuscitation of injured E. coli by improving SOD activity, and decreasing ROS production. Deletion of sodC encoding Cu/ZnSOD, katE/katG encoding CAT or regulating gene rpoS significantly decreased the recovery ratio. Among all of the mutants in this study, ΔrpoS and ΔsodC showed the lowest recovery ratio, which means they played significant roles in the process of resuscitation.

CONCLUSION

We provided direct evidence that zinc mediated resuscitation of lactic acid-injured E. coli by relieving oxidative stress. Zinc can be used as a low-cost and effective agent to improve recovery ratio and detection efficiency of injured bacteria.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Antibacterial agents are a challenge for bacteria, but bacteria can survive as a sublethally injured state under stresses. Using injured E. coli induced by lactic acid as a model organism, we validated the significant role of zinc on resuscitation of injured cells.

[Expression and significance of MAPK/ERK in the specimens and cells of epithelial ovarian cancer]

Objective: To detect phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2) protein expression in epithelial ovarian cancer and cell lines, and to examine the effects of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor AZD6244 on cell proliferation, apoptosis as well as cell cycle of ovarian cancer cells. To explore the function and significance of MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway in the development of ovarian cancer. Methods: (1) A total of 104 cases of patients with ovarian cancer who accepted the treatment of gynecological surgery and being confirmed by pathological examination in First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University from January 2004 to December 2013 were selected. The expressions of p-ERK1/2 protein were detected by immunohistochemistry in ovarian cancer specimens, and the relationship between the expressions of p-ERK1/2 and the clinical features of patients was analyzed. (2) p-ERK1/2 and other related proteins were determined by western blot in various ovarian cancer cells, including SKOV3, OV2008, C13, A2780S, A2780CP, OVCAR4, OVCAR5, OVCAR8 and CAOV3 treated with or without MEK inhibitor. The cellular proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of ovarian cancer cells after treatment with MEK inhibitor were analyzed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: (1) The immunohistochemical method showed that p-ERK1/2 between low grade serous carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma were not significantly higher expressed (P>0.05) . However, a lower level of the p-ERK1/2 expression were observed among high grade serous carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma and endometrioid carcinoma (all P<0.05) . There was no significant correlation between the protein expression of p-ERK1/2 and patients' age, pathological stage of surgery, and preoperative serum CA(125) level (P>0.05). (2) Western blot showed that the protein p-ERK1/2 was widely expressed in various ovarian cancer cell lines such as SKOV3, OV2008, C13, A2780S, A2780CP, OVCAR4, OVCAR5, OVCAR8 and CAOV3. After treatment with AZD6244 (5, 10 μmol/L), the level of p-ERK1/2 in OVCAR5 and OVCAR8 decreased significantly in dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we found a reduction of the expression level of cyclin D1, caspase-3 and appeared cleaved poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase (PARP) in OVCAR5 and OVCAR8, compared with control groups. MTT assays showed that OVCAR5, OVCAR8 and A2780S were differently inhibited in the dose-dependent manner after being treated with different concentrations of AZD6244 (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μmol/L, all P<0.05). Further tested by flow cytometry, the results showed that AZD6244 (5, 10 μmol/L) was able to induce the apoptosis of OVCAR5, OVCAR8 and A2780S, as well as G(0)/G(1) phase arrest, both in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Conclusions: As the main active and functional unit of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, p-ERK1/2 protein is expressed in both the tissues and various ovarian cancer cell lines. AZD6244 could down-regulated the expression of p-ERK1/2 in ovarian cancer cells, accompanied by the decreased proliferation and increased cell apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. In conclusion, MAPK/ERK signaling pathway might play a role in the development and progression of ovarian cancer, and may be provide a novel option for molecular targeted therapies of the disease.

CT of blunt splenic injuries: what the trauma team wants to know from the radiologist

Splenic injury is commonly encountered in severe blunt abdominal trauma. Technological improvements and the increasing availability of both diagnostic computed tomography (CT) and therapeutic splenic artery embolisation (SAE) are key factors in defining the high success rate of modern-day non-operative management (NOM) for blunt splenic injuries (BSIs). The Association for Surgery for Trauma (AAST) Organ Injury Scale (OIS) is commonly used by both radiologists and clinicians to stratify injury severity, traditionally based on the degree of parenchymal disruption seen on CT, and guide management. Its recent 2018 update takes splenic vascular injuries (i.e., active bleed, pseudoaneurysm, and traumatic arteriovenous fistulae) into consideration, the presence of which will indicate at least a grade IV (i.e., high-grade) injury. This is a reflection of the paradigm shift towards spleen conservation with regular use of SAE as the current standard of treatment. Prompted by the latest AAST OIS revision, which represents a more complete and current grading system, we present the spectrum of pertinent CT findings that the diagnostic radiologist should accurately identify and convey to the multidisciplinary trauma team (including the interventional radiologist). This review divides imaging findings based on the AAST OIS definitions and categorises them into (1) parenchymal and (2) vascular injuries. Features that may help in the detection of subtle BSIs are also described. Lastly, it touches on the key changes made to the new AAST OIS, substantiated by case illustrations.

[A retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics and mortality risks in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis and cholangitis]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and explore the risk predictors on mortality in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis and cholangitis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of elderly patients hospitalized in the Second Medical Center of General Liberation Army Hospital for acute cholecystitis and cholangitis during 2000 to 2018. Clinical data and risk predictors on mortality were assessed. The patients were stratified into three groups based on age:Ⅰ (65-74 years old),Ⅱ (75-84 years old), and Ⅲ (≥85 years old). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of mortality. Results: A total of 574 patients were finally enrolled with the mean age 87.6 years including 191 in group Ⅰ, 167 in group Ⅱ, and 216 in group Ⅲ. The main cause of acute cholecystitis and cholangitis was gallstone (76.3%),and the main symptom was abdominal pain (62.9%),followed by chills(62.5%),fever(59.8%),jaundice (47.2%) and septic shock(26.3%). Cholecystitis was the most common diagnosis in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ,whereas it was cholangitis in group Ⅲ. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary/gallbladder drainage (PTBD/PTGD) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were administrated more frequently in groups Ⅲ. A total of 35 patients (6.1%) died during follow-up. Senior in age (OR=11.1),the Charlson comorbidity index (OR=19.5),cancers (OR=9.6),blood stream infections (OR=7.4),severity of cholecystitis and cholangitis (OR=4.2) were risk factors associated with mortality. Conclusions: Even in the elderly patients with acute cholecystitis and cholangitis,comorbidity is one of the main factors affecting clinical outcomes. Due to the poor performance, this group of population presents more severe disease and undergoes conservative treatment strategies.

GWAS Analysis Indicated Importance of NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Host Resistance Against Motile Aeromonas Septicemia Disease in Catfish

Motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) disease caused by a bacterial pathogen, Aeromonas hydrophila, is an emerging but severe disease of catfish. Genetic enhancement of disease resistance is considered to be effective to control the disease. To provide an insight into the genomic basis of MAS disease resistance, in this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL). A total of 1820 interspecific backcross catfish of 7 families were challenged with A. hydrophila, and 382 phenotypic extremes were selected for genotyping with the catfish 690 K SNP arrays. Three QTL on linkage group (LG) 2, 26 and 29 were identified to be significantly associated with MAS resistance. Within these regions, a total of 24 genes had known functions in immunity, 10 of which were involved in NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting the importance of NF-κB signaling pathway in MAS resistance. In addition, three suggestively significant QTL were identified on LG 11, 17, and 20. The limited numbers of QTL involved in MAS resistance suggests that marker-assisted selection may be a viable approach for catfish breeding.

Role of multi-modality functional imaging in differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose incidentaloma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of multi-modality functional imaging in differentiating malignant and benign thyroid ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) incidentaloma.

METHODS

This study included 87 patients with thyroid ¹⁸F-FDG incidentalomas detected by ¹⁸F-FDG- positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT) and diagnosed at surgery or biopsy, who received ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT, diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) and ultrasound elastography (USE). The metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and ultrasound elasticity scores of thyroid ¹⁸F-FDG incidentalomas were measured and compared in benign and malignant thyroid incidentalomas. The differences of malignant and benign thyroid incidentalomas were tested by χ² test, Fisher's exact test, t test, or Mann-Whitney U test. The diagnostic performance was evaluated and optimal cut-off values were determined in distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid incidentalomas by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

MTV, TLG and USE scores of malignant thyroid incidentalomas were significantly higher than benign; but ADC value was significantly lower. We defined the functional imaging parameters TLG < 2.48, ADC > 1.80 × 10^-3mm²/s, and USE score of 1 as markers of benign thyroid incidentalomas and each scored -1 point; TLG ≥ 2.48, ADC ≤ 1.80 × 10^-3mm²/s, and USE score of 4 as markers of malignancy and each scored 1 point. Combined multi-functional imaging parameters achieved the highest performance (84.6% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity) for distinguish malignant from benign thyroid incidentaloma with AUC 0.957 (95% CI 0.917, 0.997).

CONCLUSIONS

Functional imaging might help to distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid ¹⁸F-FDG incidentalomas, and combined multi-functional imaging parameters could improve it.

Variations in carbon source-sink relationships in subalpine fir across elevational gradients

Cold-adapted trees display acclimation in both carbon source and carbon sink capacity to low-temperature stress at their upper elevational range limits. Hence a balanced carbon source-sink capacity might be required for their persistence and survival at the elevational tree limits. The present study examined the spatial dynamics of carbon source-sink relationship in subalpine fir (Abies fargesii) trees along elevational gradients in the northern slope of the temperate region and in the southern slope of the subtropics in terms of climate in the Qinling Mountain range, north-central China. The results showed that non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in both the source and sink tissues increased with the increase in elevation. The ratio of carbon source-sink displayed a consistent decreasing trend with the increase in elevation and during growing season, showing that it was lowest at a ratio of 2.93 in the northern slope and at a ratio of 2.61 in the southern slope at the upper distribution elevations in the late growing season. Such variations of carbon source-sink ratio might be attributable to the balance between carbon source and sink activities, which changed seasonally across the elevational distribution range. We concluded that a ratio of carbon source-sink of at least 2.6 might be essential for subalpine fir trees to persist at their upper range limits. Therefore, a sufficient source-sink ratio and a balanced source-sink relationship might be required for subalpine fir trees to survive and develop at their upper elevational distribution limits.

Λp correlated production from low energy K−12C interactions by AMADEUS

The main steps for the analysis of the Λp correlated production in low-energy K− captures on Carbon nuclei, performed by the AMADEUS collaboration, are presented. The goal is to perform the first comprehensive study of the K− absorption on two, three and four nucleons, exploiting the lowmomentum K−s (pK ~ 127 MeV/c) produced at the DAΦNE collider, and to measure the low-energy cross sections and branching ratios of the K− multinucleon absorption processes in both the Λp and Σ0p channels. An integrated luminosity of 1.74 fb−1 collected during the KLOE 2004/2005 data campaign is analysed by reconstructing the Λp final state.

Spectroscopy of kaonic atoms at DAFNE and J-PARC

The interaction of antikaons (K−) with nucleons and nuclei in the low-energy regime represents a very active research field in hadron physics. A unique and rather direct experimental access to the antikaon-nucleon scattering lengths is provided by precision X-ray spectroscopy of transitions in low-lying states in the lightest kaonic atoms (i.e. kaonic hydrogen and deuterium). In the SIDDHARTA experiment at the electron-positron collider DAFNE of LNFINFN we measured the most precise values of the strong interaction observables in conic hydrogen. The strong interaction on the 1s ground state of the electromagnetically bound K-p atom causes an energy shift and broadening of the 1s state. SIDDHARTA will extend the spectroscopy to kaonic deuterium to get access to the antikaon-neutron interaction and thus the isospin dependent scattering lengths. At J-PARC a kaon beam is used in a complementary experiment with a different setup for spectroscopy of kaonic deuterium atoms. The talk will give an overview of the of the upcoming experiments SIDDHARTA and the complementary experiment at J-PARC.Furthermore, the implications of the experiments for the theory of low-energy strong interaction with strangeness will be discussed.

[Case series and clinical analysis of 14 cases of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS), also known as Asherson's syndrome, is a special subtype of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) characterized by multiple intravascular thrombosis involving multiple organs systems or tissues simultaneously or continuously, high titer antiphospholipid antibodies and high mortality rate. This article's aims was to analyze the clinical manifestation, laboratory examination and treatment therapy of CAPS for the purpose of improving the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of the disease in clinical practice.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis and descriptive statistics were applied to the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of 14 CAPS cases from APS Shanghai Database (APS-SH) with catastrophic antiphospholipid.

RESULTS

Of the 14 CAPS patients, 12 cases satisfied the 2003 CAPS Classification Criteria accepted in the 10th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibody, and were diagnosed as definite APS and 2 cases were diagnosed as probable CAPS. Three cases were categorized as primary APS and 11 as APS secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Infection was mostly commonly seen before the onset of CAPS, followed by SLE activity and surgery. Among the involved organs, systems and tissues, brain and lung were most commonly affected sites of arterial thrombosis while peripheral vein was most commonly affected in venous thrombosis events among the clinical events. Triple positivity of anticardiolipin antibody (aCL), anti-β2 glyeoprotein I antibody (aβ2GPI), lupus anticoagulant (LA) were detected in 54.55% of the patients. Thrombocytopenia and decreased hemoglobin were frequently seen in the CAPS patients, and the majority proved to be hemolytic anemia. Of all the cases, 6 ended with death. The triple therapy strategy (anticoagulants, glucocorticoid, intravenous immunoglobulin and/or plasma exchange) could help to improve prognosis, cyclophosphamide and rituximab might benefit the patients with other comorbidities such as SLE and micro-angiopathic hemolytic anemia (MHA).

CONCLUSION

CAPS patients suffer from life-threatening acute multiple small vessel thrombosis with high titer of antiphospholipid antibody, potentially leading to multiple organ failure and a poor prognosis, thus early diagnosis and sufficient treatment are critical to prevent the progression of disease and improve the prognosis.

Using two-sex life tables to determine fitness parameters of four Bactrocera species (Diptera: Tephritidae) reared on a semi-artificial diet

Fruit flies in the genus Bactrocera are global, economically important pests of agricultural food crops. However, basic life history information about these pests, which is vital for designing more effective control methods, is currently lacking. Artificial diets can be used as a suitable replacement for natural host plants for rearing fruit flies under laboratory conditions, and this study reports on the two-sex life-table parameters of four Bactrocera species (Bactrocera correcta, Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera cucurbitae, and Bactrocera tau) reared on a semi-artificial diet comprising corn flour, banana, sodium benzoate, yeast, sucrose, winding paper, hydrochloric acid and water. The results indicated that the larval development period of B. correcta (6.81 ± 0.65 days) was significantly longer than those of the other species. The fecundity of B. dorsalis (593.60 eggs female-1) was highest among the four species. There were no differences in intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) among the four species. The gross reproductive rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R0) of B. dorsalis were higher than those of the other species, and the mean generation time (T) of B. cucurbitae (42.08 ± 1.21 h) was longer than that of the other species. We conclude that the semi-artificial diet was most suitable for rearing B. dorsalis, due to its shorter development time and higher fecundity. These results will be useful for future studies of fruit fly management.

Risk Factors Associated with the Outcome of Post-Traumatic Hydrocephalus

Background and Aim:

Post-traumatic hydrocephalus is a common complication that arises after head injury. However, risk factors associated with the outcome of post-traumatic hydrocephalus have seldom been addressed. Therefore, we performed this clinical study to analyze the risk factors affecting the outcome of post-traumatic hydrocephalus in patients with head injuries.

Methods:

A total of 116 post-traumatic hydrocephalus patients, admitted in our hospital between March 2012 and October 2017 were reviewed. The related factors assessed were age, gender, Glasgow Coma Score on admission, platelet count, plasma fibrinogen levels, D-dimer concentration, subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hygroma, cerebral hernia, cisterna ambiens, decompressive craniectomy, cranioplasty, ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation, intracranial infection, and duration of comatous state. The patient outcomes after 6 months of treatment were evaluated by the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Risk factors for the outcome of post-traumatic hydrocephalus were evaluated by applying logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Poor outcome was observed in 66.4% of the patients (77/116). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the disappearance of cisterna ambiens, the long duration of comatous state (>2 months), the high levels of plasma fibrinogen, and the ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation were related to adverse outcomes (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The disappearance of cisterna ambiens, the prolonged duration of comatous state (>2 months), the high plasma fibrinogen levels are the most important factors affecting the outcome of post-traumatic hydrocephalus, and the ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation is the most critical predictor of the outcome of post-traumatic hydrocephalus.