Effects of dexamethasone in primary supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage

Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage in adults: a literature overview

BACKGROUND

A large number of reports have analysed epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnostics and options for medical and surgical treatment of intracerebral haemorrhage. Nevertheless, management still remains controversial. The purpose of the present review is to summarise the clinical data and derive a current updated management concept as a result.

METHODS

The analysis was based on a Medline search to November 2006 for the term "intracerebral haemorrhage" (ICH). The clinical query functions were optimised for aetiology, diagnosis and therapy to limit the results. A total of 103 articles were found eligible for review.

FINDINGS

Race, age and sex influence the occurrence of ICH. Moreover, hypertension and alcohol consumption are the paramount risk factors. The most frequent pathophysiological mechanism of ICH seems to be a degenerative vessel wall change and, in consequence, rupture of small penetrating arteries and arterioles of 50-200 microm in diameter. The symptomatology depends on the size of ICH, possible rebleeding and the occurrence of hydrocephalus or seizures. The outcome is worse with concomitant occurrence of intraventricular haemorrhage. Treatment with recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) within four hours after the onset of ICH limits the growth of haematoma, reduces mortality and improves functional outcome. Minimally invasive surgery tends to improve functional outcome.

CONCLUSION

A systematic knowledge of currently available data on epidemiology, pathogenesis and symptomatology, the use of diagnostics and the different conservative and surgical treatment options can lead to a balanced management strategy for patients with ICH.

Does early medical intervention have a role in the management of intracerebral haemorrhage?

INTRODUCTION

An increasing amount of research is now being directed towards the medical treatment of patients who have suffered an intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Despite this, no routine drug treatment to date has been shown to be unequivocally effective in unselected patients.

TREATMENTS/DISCUSSION

Approaches to treatment are based upon our understanding of the pathophysiological sequelae following ICH. Strategies to reduce haematoma growth, subsequent oedema formation and perihaematoma ischaemia are key targets for further research. Whether these therapies become valuable tools for the future is as yet unclear. Until then, the mainstay of the medical management of ICH remains individualised care.

CONCLUSIONS

There is now a pressing need for large prospective randomised controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of pharmacological therapies for this condition.

REPRINT

Purpose— The aim of this statement is to present current and comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods— A formal literature search of Medline was performed through the end date of August 2006. The results of this search were complemented by additional articles on related issues known to the writing committee. Data were synthesized with the use of evidence tables. The American Heart Association Stroke Council’s Levels of Evidence grading algorithm was used to grade each recommendation. Prerelease review of the draft guideline was performed by 5 expert peer reviewers and by the members of the Stroke Council Leadership Committee. It is intended that this guideline be fully updated in 3 years’ time.

Results— Evidence-based guidelines are presented for the diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage, the management of increased arterial blood pressure and intracranial pressure, the treatment of medical complications of intracerebral hemorrhage, and the prevention of recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage. Recent trials of recombinant factor VII to slow initial bleeding are discussed. Recommendations for various surgical approaches for treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage are presented. Finally, withdrawal-of-care and end-of-life issues in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage are examined.

Antiedema therapy in ischemic stroke

Life-threatening, space-occupying brain edema occurs in up to 10% of patients with supratentorial infarcts and is traditionally associated with a high mortality rate of up to 80%. Management of these patients is currently being changed to an earlier and more aggressive treatment regimen. Early surgical decompression has recently been proven effective to reduce mortality and increase the number of patients with a favorable outcome in randomized controlled trials and is now the "antiedema" therapy of first choice for patients with large middle cerebral artery infarction aged 60 years or younger. Several medical treatment strategies have been proposed to control brain edema and reduce intracranial pressure, including different osmotherapeutics, hyperventilation, tromethamine, hypothermia, and barbiturate coma. None of these treatments is supported by level 1 evidence of efficacy in clinical trials, and some of them may even be detrimental. Preliminary results on hypothermia for space-occupying hemispheric infarction are encouraging, but far from definitive.

Advances in the care of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which comprises 15 percent to 30 percent of all strokes, has an estimated incidence of 37,000 cases per year. One third of patients are actively bleeding when they present to the emergency department, and hematoma growth during the first hours after ICH onset is thought to be a prime determinant of clinical deterioration. Inflammation, as opposed to ischemia, also negatively affects patient condition. Recombinant activated factor VII is emerging as a potential first-line therapy, especially in warfarin-associated hemorrhage. Corticosteroid therapy is not supported by contemporary studies or by current management guidelines. Aggressive blood pressure reduction is under investigation. Surgical intervention has shown no statistically significant benefit over medical management for patients with ICH in general, although subgroup analysis in a large randomized trial suggested potential benefits from surgery for patients with lobar ICH. Not long ago, ICH was considered virtually untreatable. Diligent efforts in both bench and clinical research are generating hope for patients who experience this catastrophic event.

Mannitol for acute stroke

BACKGROUND

Mannitol is an osmotic agent and a free radical scavenger which might decrease oedema and tissue damage in stroke.

OBJECTIVES

To test whether treatment with mannitol reduces short and long-term case fatality and dependency after acute ischaemic stroke or intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (searched December 2006), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2007), the Chinese Stroke Trials Register (searched November 2006), the China Biological Medicine Database (searched December 2006) and the Latin-American database LILACS (1982 to December 2006). We also searched the database of Masters and PhD degree theses at Sao Paulo University (searched January 2007), and neurology and neurosurgery conference proceedings in Brazil from 1965 to 2006. In an effort to identify further published, ongoing and unpublished studies we searched reference lists and contacted authors of published trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials comparing mannitol with placebo or open control in patients with acute ischaemic stroke or non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials, assessed quality, extracted data, and performed the data analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

Three small trials, involving 226 participants, were included. One trial included patients with presumed ischaemic stroke without computerised tomography (CT) verification, and the other two trials included patients with CT-verified ICH. Data on the primary outcome measure (death and dependency) were not available in any of the trials. Death and disability could be calculated in the larger ICH trial without differences between the mannitol and control groups. Case fatality was not reported in the trial of ischaemic stroke. Case fatality did not differ between the mannitol and control groups in the ICH trials. Adverse events were either not found or not reported. The change in clinical condition was reported in two trials, and the proportion of those with worsening or not improving condition did not differ significantly between mannitol-treated patients and controls. Based on these three trials neither beneficial nor harmful effects of mannitol could be proved. Although no statistically significant differences were found between the mannitol-treated and control groups, the confidence intervals for the treatment effect estimates were wide and included both clinically significant benefits and clinically significant harms as possibilities.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently not enough evidence to support the routine use of mannitol in acute stroke patients. Further trials are needed to confirm or refute whether mannitol is beneficial in acute stroke.

Guidelines for the Management of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Adults

PURPOSE

The aim of this statement is to present current and comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS

A formal literature search of Medline was performed through the end date of August 2006. The results of this search were complemented by additional articles on related issues known to the writing committee. Data were synthesized with the use of evidence tables. The American Heart Association Stroke Council's Levels of Evidence grading algorithm was used to grade each recommendation. Prerelease review of the draft guideline was performed by 5 expert peer reviewers and by the members of the Stroke Council Leadership Committee. It is intended that this guideline be fully updated in 3 years' time.

RESULTS

Evidence-based guidelines are presented for the diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage, the management of increased arterial blood pressure and intracranial pressure, the treatment of medical complications of intracerebral hemorrhage, and the prevention of recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage. Recent trials of recombinant factor VII to slow initial bleeding are discussed. Recommendations for various surgical approaches for treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage are presented. Finally, withdrawal-of-care and end-of-life issues in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage are examined.

Brain edema after intracerebral hemorrhage: mechanisms, treatment options, management strategies, and operative indications

Primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with a high mortality rate and severe morbidity. The treatment of choice is still controversial, given that data from several clinical trials have not provided convincing evidence to support the efficacy of surgical clot removal. Favoring early clot removal is evidence that the limited release of specific neurotoxins associated with the breakdown products of hemoglobin underlies secondary brain injury. Attention has therefore shifted to perilesional brain injury, especially brain edema, as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in patients with ICH. In this review the authors address current understanding of the causes of edema formation following ICH and the treatment options, which are mostly supportive in nature.

Advances in the management of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with the highest mortality of all cerebrovascular events, and most survivors never regain functional independence. Many clinicians believe that effective therapies are lacking for patients who have ICH; however, this perception is changing in light of new data on the pathophysiology and treatment of this disorder, in particular, research establishing the role of medical therapies to promote hematoma stabilization. This article discusses the basic principles of management of ICH, including initial stabilization, the prevention of hematoma growth, treatment of complications, and identification of the underlying etiology. In addition, minimally invasive surgery to reduce clot size is discussed, with the goal of preserving neurologic function through reduction in parenchymal damage from edema formation.

Intracerebral haemorrhage: an often neglected medical emergency

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is the deadliest form of stroke, carrying a mortality rate between 30% and 55%, increasing to 67% in patients on oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT). Despite its relevant incidence, the treatment of ICH has been until recently a largely neglected item, addressed by only a few trials. Early treatment of ICH in non-anticoagulated patients with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVII) has been demonstrated to be able to limit the growth of the haematoma, but such a promising result requires further confirmations. In ICH patients receiving OAT a prompt reversal of the anticoagulant effect should be warranted in order to reduce the consequences of this dreadful adverse event. In clinical practice, however, just a small proportion of anticoagulated patients receive this treatment, probably because of the fear of thromboembolic complications. It is now time to check our way of thinking about ICH, regarding and treating it as a compelling medical emergency.

AE. Hemorrhagic stroke in children

Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for approximately half of stroke in childhood. Unlike arterial ischemic stroke, there are no consensus guidelines to assist in the evaluation and treatment of these children. This article reviews the literature on the evaluation, treatment, etiology, and neurologic outcome of hemorrhagic stroke in children. Important differences between pediatric and adult hemorrhage are highlighted, as treatment guidelines for adults may not be applicable in all cases. Required future research and potential therapies are also discussed.

Dexamethasone treatment modulates aquaporin-4 expression after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

This study investigated whether dexamethasone (DEX) treatment could regulate the expression of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The results demonstrated that DEX significantly reduced AQP4 mRNA level in the perihematomal area compared with control group, but it increased the level in the brain area surrounding the third ventricle at day 1 post-ICH. There was no difference in AQP4 protein levels between DEX group and control group at the two above-mentioned brain regions at day 1 after ICH. The changes in AQP4 protein induced by DEX were marked at day 3 following surgery and still lasted at day 5 post-ICH, which were accompanied by a reduction of brain edema. Our results demonstrated that the expression of AQP4 protein after ICH was region-specific, time-dependent, and also indicated that DEX-induced cerebral edema clearance was correlated with the regulation of AQP4 expression in different brain regions.

[Recommendations of the European Stroke Initiative for the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage]

This article summarises the recommendations for the management of managing patients with intracerebral haemorrhage published in 2006 by the European Stroke Initiative (EUSI) on behalf of the European Stroke Council (ESC), the European Neurological Society (ENS), and the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS).

Nosocomial infections in neurocritical care

Development of nosocomial infections is a commonly encountered problem for critically ill patients. Approximately half of all nosocomial pneumonias in the neurointensive care unit (NICU) are associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia. Prompt diagnosis with appropriate specimen analysis is required in order to prevent increased morbidity. Catheter-related blood stream infection imposes financial as well as medical implications. Multifaceted interventions are helpful to ensure adherence with evidence-based infection control guidelines. Urosepsis occurs in approximately 16% of patients. Colonized patients without evidence of infection do not require treatment, but the indwelling catheter should be changed. NICU patients have increased risk of developing cerebrospinal fluid infection due to frequent placement of external ventricular drains. The incidence of ventriculostomy-related meningitis or ventriculitis is approximately 8%. It is unclear whether the duration of ventricular catheter has any relationship with the risk of infection. Patients often receive multiple antibiotics, leading to an increased risk of developing Clostridium difficile colitis, which needs prompt diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Current Updates in Perioperative Management of Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Spontaneous ICH remains a formidable disease that continues to disable and kill the majority of its victims. Treatment of the disease continues to be controversial and without any proved success, such as improvement in the disease mortality or the resulting disability in survivors. Primary prevention is the most effective medical intervention. Nevertheless, as the population continues to age and patients remain undertreated for hypertension, the incidence of ICH likely will increase, resulting in significant socioeconomic impact on society in the coming years. It is imperative that more research be conducted to improve treatment and outcomes of patients who have ICH. Unlike ischemic stokes or other causes of hemorrhagic stroke, such as SAH, where major advancement of treatment has led to improved outcomes, the increased incidence of ICH has not been matched with any considerable improvement in treatment. This burden to improve therapeutic interventions for patients who have ICH should be shared by all neurosurgeons, stroke neurologists, and critical care physicians who care for these patients on a regular basis. It is hoped that early diagnosis and resuscitation, prevention of hematoma growth, selective surgery or minimally invasive clot evacuation, and judicious critical care and rehabilitation will combine to lessen the burden of this disease.

Lysis of intracerebral hematoma with stereotactically implanted tissue plasminogen activator polymers in a rabbit model

OBJECT

Currently no adequate surgical treatment exists for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Implantable polymers can be used effectively to deliver therapeutic agents to the local site of the pathological process, thus reducing adverse systemic effects. The authors report the use of stereotactically implanted polymers loaded with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to induce lysis of ICH in a rabbit model.

METHODS

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVAc) polymers were loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA) only or with BSA plus tPA. In vitro pharmacokinetic (three polymers) and thrombolysis (12 polymers) studies were performed. For the in vivo study, 12 rabbits were fixed in a stereotactic frame, and 0.2 ml of clotted autologous blood was injected into the right frontal lobe parenchyma. After 20 minutes, control BSA polymers were stereotactically implanted at the hemorrhage site in six rabbits, and experimental BSA plus tPA polymers were implanted in six rabbits. Animals were killed at 3 days, and blood clot volume was assessed. The pharmacokinetic study showed release of 146 ng of tPA over 3 days. The tPA activity correlated with in vitro thrombolysis. In the in vivo study, the six animals treated with tPA polymers had a mean (+/- standard error of the mean [SEM]) thrombus volume of 1.43 +/- 0.29 mm3 at 3 days, whereas the six animals treated with blank (BSA-only) polymers had a mean (+/- SEM) thrombus volume of 19.99 +/- 3.74 mm3 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ethylene vinyl acetate polymers release tPA over the course of 3 days. Stereotactic implantation of tPA-loaded EVAc polymers significantly reduced ICH volume. Polymers loaded with tPA may be useful clinically for lysis of ICH without the side effects of systemic administration of tPA.

Perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in acute intracerebral hemorrhage at baseline and during the 1st and 2nd week: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ischemic penumbra has been suggested as a contributing mechanism to secondary neuronal injury in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Preliminary data suggest the presence of perihematomal hypoperfusion within the first hours after acute ICH. Our objective was to elucidate perfusion changes in the perihematomal region over time using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

Two perfusion-weighted MRIs were studied prospectively in 18 ICH patients. All patients had an acute perfusion-weighted MRI within 24 h of the onset of symptoms (time 0); 11 patients had a follow-up study on day 7 (time 1), and 7 patients on days 10-14 (time 2). The region of interest (ROI) was placed over the penumbral area, on high-intensity FLAIR and perfusion overlapping map imaging. Clinical data were assessed at baseline (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) and on day 90 (Canadian Scale, modified Rankin Scale).

RESULTS

The average hematoma volume was 56 (9-140) ml; 10 were located deeply, and 8 were lobar. When we compared the perfusion changes (mean transit time prolongation) in the perihematomal area (lesion ROI) relative to itself over time, we found significant differences only between times 0 and 2 (p = 0.05). There were also significant differences in mean transit time between the lesion ROI and the contralateral mirror ROI in the baseline study (p = 0.001), with a trend to significance for time 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm the presence of hypoperfusion around an acute ICH and demonstrate that this change disappears completely after the first week. These data suggest that further evaluation of this feature of acute ICH is warranted, as its confirmation may lead to modifications in the current therapeutic approach.

Recommendations for the Management of Intracranial Haemorrhage – Part I: Spontaneous Intracerebral Haemorrhage

This article represents the recommendations for the management of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage of the European Stroke Initiative (EUSI). These recommendations are endorsed by the 3 European societies which are represented in the EUSI: the European Stroke Council, the European Neurological Society and the European Federation of Neurological Societies.

15d-Prostaglandin J2 activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, promotes expression of catalase, and reduces inflammation, behavioral dysfunction, and neuronal loss after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of various gene products that are essential in lipid and glucose metabolism, as well as that of the peroxisome-enriched antioxidant enzyme, catalase. Activation of PPARgamma is linked to anti-inflammatory activities and is beneficial for cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about its role in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). 15-Deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) acts as a physiologic agonist for PPARgamma. In this study, we found that injection of 15d-PGJ2 into the locus of striatal hematoma increased PPARgamma-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) binding activity and the expression of catalase messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein in the perihemorrhagic area. Additionally, 15d-PGJ2 significantly reduced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and prevented neutrophil infiltration measured by myeloperoxidase (MPO) immunoassay, and also reduced cell apoptosis measured by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). In addition, 15d-PGJ2 reduced behavioral dysfunction produced by the ICH. Altogether, our findings indicate that injection of 15d-PGJ2 at the onset of ICH is associated with activation of PPARgamma and elevation of catalase expression, suppression of NF-kappaB activity, and restricted neutrophil infiltration. All these events predicted reduced behavioral deficit and neuronal damage.

Treatment of cerebral edema

BACKGROUND

Cerebral edema is a potentially devastating complication of various acute neurologic disorders. Its successful treatment may save lives and preserve neurologic function.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Different pathophysiological mechanisms are responsible for the formation of cytotoxic and vasogenic edema. Yet, these 2 types of edema often coexist and their treatment tends to overlap, with the exception of corticosteroids, which should be only used to ameliorate vasogenic edema. Currently available to control brain swelling include osmotic agents (with emphasis on mannitol and hypertonic saline solutions), corticosteroids, hyperventilation, sedation (propofol, barbiturates), neuromuscular paralysis, hypothermia, and surgical interventions. This article discusses the indications, advantages, and limitations of each treatment modality following an evidence-based approach.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapy for brain edema remains largely empirical. More research aimed at enhancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of cerebral edema is needed to identify new and more effective forms of treatment.

Modern treatment options for intracerebral hemorrhage

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating neurological event with a 30-day mortality of approximately 40%. Recent research provides new insights into the pathophysiology of ICH-associated edema, with potential molecular and cellular targets for future therapy. Neuroimaging techniques such as gradient echo MRI are yielding insights into cerebral microbleeds and the microangiopathies associated with hypertension and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Recent literature provides new medical treatment strategies for fever, acute hypertension, and perihematomal edema, and methods of reducing intracranial pressure. Two randomized controlled trials have provided crucial evidence regarding surgical and medical intervention for acute ICH intervention. Recombinant factor VIIa appears to lessen growth of ICH when administered within 4 hours of ictus. Further study of potential efficacy and safety is underway in an international phase III trial. In addition, the Surgical Trial in Intracerebral Hemorrhage reported results from an international randomized trial of 1033 patients who did not show benefit for surgical evacuation of ICH, compared with medical therapy alone. Less invasive surgical methods for hematoma evacuation, studied previously over the past decade, continue to be investigated.

Therapy of Severe Ischemic Stroke: Breaking the Conventional Thinking

Large hemispheric infarcts must be recognized in the emergency department as a life-threatening condition that requires prompt and massive intervention. After stabilization of the airway, breathing, and circulation, the initial diagnostic work-up and transfer to a neurointensive care unit should not be delayed. Today several new therapeutic options can be offered. Surgical decompression seems to be effective in lowering increased intracranial pressure, preventing transtentorial herniation and reducing mortality in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction. Another option may be therapeutic hypothermia, which has been found to be neuroprotective in animal models, as well as in clinical studies after cardiac arrest. Experience in stroke patients suggest that hypothermia may offer a new approach for the treatment of acute cerebral ischemia.

Decompressive craniectomy with clot evacuation in large hemispheric hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

Decompressive hemicraniectomy in large hemispheric infarctions has been reported to lower mortality and improve the unfavorable outcomes. Hematoma volume is a powerful predictor of 30-day mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Hematoma volume adds to intracranial volume and may lead to life-threatening elevation of intracranial pressure.

METHODS

Records of 12 consecutive patients with hypertensive ICH treated with decompressive hemicraniectomy were reviewed. The data collected included Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission and before surgery, ICH volume, ICH score, and a clinical grading scale for ICH that accurately risk-stratifies patients regarding 30-day mortality. Outcome was assessed as immediate mortality and modified Rankin Score (mRS) at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 12 patients with decompressive hemicraniectomy, 11 (92%) survived to discharge; of those 11, 6 (54.5%) had good functional outcome, defined as a mRS of 0 to 3 (mean follow-up: 17.13 months; range: 2-39 months). The mean age was 49.8 years (range: 19-76 years). Three of the 7 patients with pupillary abnormalities made a good recovery; of the 11 patients with intraventricular extensions (IVEs), 7 made a good recovery. The clinical finding (which was present in all 3 patients with mRS equal to 5 and which was not present in patients with mRS less than 5) was abnormal occulocephalic reflex. Of the 10 patients with an ICH score of 3, 9 (90%) survived to discharge, 4 (44%) had good functional outcome (mRS: 1-3). Hematoma volume was 60 cm3 or greater in eight patients, four (50%) of whom had good functional outcome (mRS: 0-3).

CONCLUSION

Decompressive hemicraniectomy with hematoma evacuation is life-saving and improves unfavorable outcomes in a select group of young patients with large right hemispherical ICH.

Treatment of intracerebral haemorrhage

Apart from management in a specialised stroke or neurological intensive care unit, until very recently no specific therapies improved outcome after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). In a recent phase II trial, recombinant activated factor VII (eptacog alfa) reduced haematoma expansion, mortality, and disability when given within 4 h of ICH onset; a phase III trial (the FAST trial) is now in progress. Ventilatory support, blood-pressure reduction, intracranial-pressure monitoring, osmotherapy, fever control, seizure prophylaxis, and nutritional supplementation are the cornerstones of supportive care in intensive care units. Ventricular drainage should be considered in all stuporous or comatose patients with intraventricular haemorrhage and acute hydrocephalus. Given the lack of benefit seen in a the recent STICH trial, emergency surgical evacuation within 72 h of onset should be reserved for patients with large (>3 cm) cerebellar haemorrhages, or those with large lobar haemorrhages, substantial mass effect, and rapidly deteriorating condition.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurs from the rupture of small vessels into the brain parenchyma and accounts for approximately 10% of all strokes in the United States, and carries with it a significantly high morbidity and mortality.

SUMMARY

This article reviews the course and management of ICH. The most common chronic vascular diseases that lead to ICH are chronic hypertension and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Additional factors that predispose to ICH include vascular malformations, chronic alcohol use, hypocholesterolemia, and use of anticoagulant medications. The understanding of mechanisms leading to ICH has advanced significantly, but questions regarding site predilection and timing of spontaneous hemorrhage still remain. Management in the acute setting is first focused on reducing hematoma expansion. Although no specific therapy has yet been proven effective, promising agents, particularly recombinant Factor VIIa, are on the horizon. Subsequent care is focused on controlling hemostasis, hemodynamics, and intracranial pressure in efforts to minimize secondary brain injury.

CONCLUSION

The morbidity and mortality associated with ICH remain high despite recent advances in our understanding of the clinical course of ICH. Novel preventive and acute treatment therapies are needed and may be on the horizon.

Corticosteroids for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and primary intracerebral haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids, particularly dexamethasone, are commonly used for treatments in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and primary intracerebral haemorrhage (PICH) despite the lack of evidence.

OBJECTIVES

This review aimed: (1) to determine whether corticosteroid therapy reduces the proportion of patients who die or have a poor outcome at one to six months after the onset of SAH or PICH; (2) to determine whether corticosteroid therapy reduces the frequency of delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI) in patients with SAH; (3) to determine the frequency of adverse effects of corticosteroid therapy in patients with SAH or PICH within six months of the onset of the event.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched November 2003). In addition, we searched MEDLINE (1966 to March 2004) and EMBASE (1980 to March 2004), and searched reference lists of relevant studies identified. We also made an attempt to identify any relevant ongoing and published or unpublished studies by contacting trialists and pharmaceutical companies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We sought to identify all randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials of corticosteroid therapy, in patients with SAH or PICH, that have a placebo or standard strategy arm as control. Patients of any age and either gender with clinically (bed-side) diagnosed PICH and cerebrospinal fluid documented SAH were included in the analysis. The data were analysed both separately and combined for computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/autopsy/angiography verified patients.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data extracted from eligible clinical trials included: (1) death and poor outcome (death, severe disability, or vegetative state) within the first one to six months of the event onset (primary outcomes); (2) development of delayed cerebral ischaemia (as defined by the trialists) in patients with SAH; and (3) adverse effects of the treatment during the scheduled treatment or follow-up period (secondary outcomes). A pooled estimate of the effect size was computed, and the test for heterogeneity between trial results was carried out using The Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager software, RevMan 4.2. Intention-to-treat analysis was carried out whenever possible.

MAIN RESULTS

Eight trials that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were identified, with a total of 256 randomised patients in three SAH trials, and 206 patients in five PICH trials. The studies differed substantially with regard to the study populations and drugs, and methodological quality. The number of patients allocated to either hydrocortisone or fludrocortisone acetate treatment in patients with SAH, or to dexamethasone treatment in patients with PICH, was too small to make any definitive conclusions (confidence intervals were wide for any of the outcome estimates).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there is no evidence of a beneficial or adverse effect of corticosteroids in patients with either SAH or PICH. Confidence intervals are wide and include clinically significant effects in both directions.

Glucocorticoid therapy in neurologic critical care

BACKGROUND

The pivotal role of inflammation and edema across the spectrum of central nervous system injury has driven extensive investigation into the therapeutic potential of glucocorticoids.

OBJECTIVE

To review the experimental and clinical data relating to the efficacy and adverse effects of glucocorticoids in conditions encountered in critical neurologic and neurosurgical illness.

DATA SOURCE

Search of MEDLINE and Cochrane databases, manual review of article bibliographies.

DATA SYNTHESIS AND CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of glucocorticoids is well established in ameliorating edema associated with brain tumors and in improving outcome in subsets of patients with bacterial meningitis. Despite frequently encouraging experimental results, clinical trials of glucocorticoids in ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury have not shown a definite therapeutic effect. The evidence supporting glucocorticoid therapy for spinal cord injury is controversial; however methylprednisolone continues to be widely employed in this setting.

Emerging medical and surgical management strategies in the evaluation and treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for approximately 10% of all strokes and causes high morbidity and mortality. Rupture of the small perforating vessels of the cerebral arteries is caused by chronic hypertension, which induces pathologic changes in the small vessels and accounts for most cases of ICH; however, amyloid angiopathy and other secondary causes are being seen more frequently with the increasing age of the population. Recent computed tomographic studies have revealed that ICH is a dynamic process with up to one third of initial hemorrhages expanding within the first several hours of ictus. Secondary injury is believed to result from the development of cerebral edema and the release of specific neurotoxins associated with the breakdown products of hemoglobin. Treatment is primarily supportive. Surgical evacuation is the treatment of choice for patients with neurologic deterioration from infratentorial hematomas. Randomized trials comparing surgical evacuation to medical management have shown no benefit of surgical removal of supratentorial hemorrhages. New strategies focusing on early hemostasis, improved critical care management, and less invasive surgical techniques for clot evacuation are promising to decrease secondary neurologic injury. We review the pathophysiology of ICH, its medical management, and new treatment strategies for improving patient outcome.

[Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages]

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 8-15% of all cases of stroke and among patients receiving oral anticoagulants this number increases up to 40%. Mortality and morbidity are considerably higher in patients with ICH compared to patients with ischemic stroke. Large randomized controlled trials provide only little evidence for therapeutic strategies in patients with spontaneous ICH. In this review we summarize the available data and give recommendations on the management of spontaneous ICH.

Cerebral pathophysiology and critical care neurology: basic hemodynamic principles, cerebral perfusion, and intracranial pressure

Pediatric neurologic intensive care differs from standard pediatric intensive care in two important respects. First, the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of problems related to disorders of cerebral perfusion and intracranial pressure (ICP) are central to nearly all of pediatric neurologic and neurosurgical intensive care. Second, various clinical problems normally encountered in the intensive care unit (ICU) have additional implications when associated with neurologic disease. Regardless of the cause, treatment should be undertaken as expeditiously as possible and should be based on the principles of resuscitation, reducing the volume of the intracranial contents, and reassessment. This chapter aims to outline some basic principles underlying the diagnosis and management of elevated ICP in children.

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a review

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) is a blood clot that arises in the brain parenchyma in the absence of trauma or surgery. This entity accounts for 10 to 15% of all strokes and is associated with a higher mortality rate than either ischemic stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Common causes include hypertension, amyloid angiopathy, coagulopathy, vascular anomalies, tumors, and various drugs. Hypertension, however, remains the single greatest modifiable risk factor for SICH. Computerized tomography scanning is the initial diagnostic modality of choice in SICH, and angiography should be considered in all cases except those involving older patients with preexisting hypertension in thalamic, putaminal, or cerebellar hemorrhage. Medical management includes venous thrombosis prophylaxis, gastric cytoprotection, and aggressive rehabilitation. Anticonvulsant agents should be prescribed in supratentorial SICH, whereas the management of hypertension is controversial.

To date, nine prospective randomized controlled studies have been conducted to compare surgical and medical management of SICH. Although definitive evidence favoring surgical intervention is lacking, there is good theoretical rationale for early surgical intervention. Surgery should be considered in patients with moderate to large lobar or basal ganglia hemorrhages and those suffering progressive neurological deterioration. Elderly patients in whom the Glasgow Coma Scale score is less than 5, those with brainstem hemorrhages, and those with small hemorrhages do not typically benefit from surgery. Patients with cerebellar hemorrhages larger than 3 cm, those with brainstem compression and hydrocephalus, or those exhibiting neurological deterioration should undergo surgical evacuation of the clot. It is hoped that the forthcoming results of the International Surgical Trial in IntraCerebral Hemorrhage will help formulate evidence-based recommendations regarding the role of surgery in SICH.

Edema after intracerebral hemorrhage: correlations with coagulation parameters and treatment

OBJECT

Development of edema is known to contribute to poor outcome after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Recent research has identified thrombin as a key mediator in the development of edema in animal models; however, little has been published correlating the coagulation cascade and edema in humans.

METHODS

In this retrospective clinical study of 80 patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH, the authors sought to identify factors associated with edema development and outcome, including lesion imaging parameters, anticoagulant use, international normalized ratio and platelet count on hospital admission, and treatment with mannitol and steroid medications. A multivariate model was used to identify edema volume, use of mannitol, elevated blood glucose, and the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage as predictors of poor outcome at the time patients were discharged from the hospital. The authors developed a quadratic model for predicting edema volume against time by using a random coefficients model, and found that edema peaks between Days 5 and 6 after onset of ICH. The volume of the hemorrhage and the platelet count correlated significantly with edema volume within the first 24 hours post-ICH in the multiple regression analysis (p < 0.0001, r2 = 0.75). Edema growth during the first 5 days post-ICH also correlated with the platelet count, with an increasing platelet count associated with an increasing growth of edema (p = 0.0013).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors propose that factors released from activated platelets at the site of hemorrhage, for example vascular endothelial growth factor, may interact with thrombin to increase vascular permeability and contribute to the development of edema.

Drug therapy of neurovascular disease

Recent advances in the prevention and pharmacotherapy of cerebrovascular disease have provided more favorable clinical outcomes. For the treatment of an acute ischemic stroke, the early use of thrombolytic agents can reduce the degree of brain damage while improving functional outcomes. However, trials evaluating various classes of other neuroprotective agents have not shown benefit to date. For the prevention of second stroke, the use of antiplatelet drugs, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors with a diuretic have shown benefit in reducing new events. In patients with underlying heart disease or atrial fibrillation, warfarin appears to be the drug of choice in preventing stroke. Early treatment of hemorrhagic stroke with calcium channel blockers can improve the functional outcome. Innovative therapies are now available for the treatment of migraine and vascular dementia. Primary prevention of stroke remains the optimal therapeutic strategy and includes treatment of systemic hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.

Current intracerebral haemorrhage management

Primary intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) refers to spontaneous bleeding from intraparenchymal vessels. It accounts for 10-20% of all strokes, with higher incidence rates amongst African and Asian populations. The major risk factors are hypertension and age. In addition to focal neurological findings, patients may present with symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure. The diagnosis of ICH can only be made through neuro-imaging. A CT scan is presently standard, although MRI is increasingly important in the evaluation of acute cerebrovascular disease. A significant proportion of intracerebral haematomas expand in the first hours post-ictus and this is often associated with clinical worsening. There is evidence that the peri-haematomal region is compromised in ICH. This tissue is oedematous, although the precise pathogenesis is controversial. An association between elevated arterial pressure and haematoma expansion has been reported. Although current guidelines recommend conservative management of arterial pressure in ICH, an acute blood pressure lowering trial is overdue. ICH is associated with a high early mortality rate, although a significant number of survivors make a functional recovery. Current medical management is primarily aimed at prevention of complications including pneumonia and peripheral venous thromboembolism. Elevated intracranial pressure may be treated medically or surgically. Although the latter definitively lowers elevated intracranial pressure, the optimal patient selection criteria are not clear. Aggressive treatment of hypertension is essential in the primary and secondary prevention of ICH.

Ultra-early hemostatic therapy for intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) causes higher morbidity and mortality than other forms of stroke and has no proven effective treatment. Hematoma volume is a powerful predictor of outcome after ICH.

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

Historically, ICH bleeding was considered to be a monophasic event that stopped quickly as a result of clotting and tamponade by surrounding brain tissue. More recently, prospective and retrospective CT-based studies have demonstrated that hematoma growth occurs in up to 38% of patients initially scanned within 3 hours of onset and in 16% scanned between 3 and 6 hours, even in the absence of coagulopathy. Progressive bleeding of this type has been associated with contrast extravasation on CT angiography and poor outcome after early (<4 hours) surgical clot evacuation. On the basis of these observations, it is plausible that ultra-early hemostatic therapy given in the emergency setting might reduce ICH volume in some patients and improve outcome. Among candidate agents for this indication, the most promising is recombinant activated factor VIIa, which promotes local hemostasis at sites of vascular injury in both coagulopathic and normal patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultra-early hemostatic therapy, given within 3 to 4 hours of onset, may potentially arrest ongoing bleeding and minimize hematoma growth after ICH. Given the current lack of effective therapy for ICH, clinical trials testing this treatment approach are justified.