Age and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: why do older patients fare worse?

Predictors of in-hospital shunt-dependent hydrocephalus following rupture of cerebral aneurysms

The development of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus is a well-recognised complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, and negatively impacts on outcomes among survivors. This study aimed to identify early predictors of shunt dependency in a large administrative dataset of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patients. We reviewed the National Hospital Morbidity Database in Australia for the years 1998 to 2008 and investigated the incidence of ventricular shunt placement following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage admissions. Putative risk factors were evaluated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors of outcome. The following variables were considered: poor admission neurological grade; aneurysm location; intracerebral haemorrhage; intraventricular haemorrhage; acute hydrocephalus requiring the insertion of an external ventricular drain; surgical clipping; endovascular coiling; meningitis; and prolonged period of external ventricular drainage. A total of 10807 patients hospitalised for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage were identified. Among them, 701 (6.5%) required a permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedure during the same admission as the aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. On multivariate analysis, poor admission neurological grade, acute hydrocephalus, the presence of intraventricular haemorrhage, ruptured vertebral artery aneurysm, surgical clipping, endovascular coiling, meningitis, and a prolonged period of external ventricular drainage were significant predictors of shunt dependency. A patient with a ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm was unlikely to develop shunt dependency (odds ratio 0.58; 95% confidence interval 0.46-0.73; p < 0.001).

Predictors of shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

Chronic hydrocephalus is a common complication that can occur after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical risk factors that could predict the occurrence of shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus after aneurysmal SAH.

METHODS

Eighty-eight consecutive patients who underwent either surgery or transarterial endovascular embolization as a treatment for cerebral aneurysm within 72 h -after experiencing SAH from March 2005 to July 2006 were studied retrospectively to assess the risk factors that might predict shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus. Clinical and demographic factors were examined, including age, sex, initial admission mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), blood sugar level at admission, fever frequency, initial external ventricular drainage (EVD), Fisher grade, Hunt and Hess grade, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and treatment methods to define predictors of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. The length of hospital stay and modified Rankin scale recorded 6 months after SAH were also evaluated; these parameters were compared between the shunt-dependent and non-shunt-dependent groups.

RESULTS

Of the 88 patients, 22 (25%) underwent shunt placement to treat their chronic hydrocephalus. The average length of hospital stay was 33.9 days for the shunt-treated group and 14 days for the non-shunt-treated group. The non-shunt-treated group scored an average of 1.05 on the modified Rankin scale compared with 2.77 for the shunt-treated group. A univariate analysis revealed that several admission variables were associated with long-term shunt-dependent hydrocephalus: (1) increased age (p = 0.023); (2) initial admission MABP (p = 0.027); (3) a high Fisher grade (p = 0.031); (4) a poor admission Hunt and Hess grade (p = 0.030); (5) the presence of IVH (p = 0.029), and (6) initial EVD (p < 0.0001). The factor most commonly associated with shunt-dependent hydrocephalus over the course of hospital days was fever frequency (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic hydrocephalus after aneurysmal SAH has a multifactorial aetiology. Understanding the risk factors that predict the occurrence of chronic hydrocephalus may help neurosurgeons to expedite permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion, which could decrease both the cost and length of hospital stay and prevent further complications.

Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose—

Established predictors of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are large amounts of extravasated blood and poor clinical condition on admission. The predictive value of other factors is uncertain.

Methods—

We searched MEDLINE (1960–2012) for clinical, laboratory, and radiological predictors routinely available within 72 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The studies were categorized according to methodological quality. Crude data and effect estimates (odds ratio [OR], hazard ratios, and risk ratio) with 95% CI were extracted, (re-)calculated and pooled if possible. For every potential predictor we assessed all effect estimates on consistency (point estimates in equal direction) and clinical relevance (size and 95% CI).

Results—

Fifty-two studies on 33 potential predictors were included. There was strong evidence (≥3 high-quality studies) for a higher risk of delayed cerebral ischemia in smokers (pooled OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.4), and moderate evidence (2 high-quality studies) for an increased risk in patients with hyperglycemia (OR, 3.2; 1.8–5.8 and hazard ratios, 1.7; 1.1–2.5), hydrocephalus (OR, 1.3; 1.1–1.5 and OR, 2.6; 1.2–5.5), history of diabetes mellitus (pooled OR, 6.7; 1.7–26), and early systemic inflammatory response syndrome (pooled OR, 2.1; 1.4–3.3). Evidence was limited for increased risk in women (pooled OR, 1.3; 1.1–1.6) and in patients with history of hypertension (pooled OR, 1.5; 1.3–1.7). The evidence on initial loss of consciousness, history of migraine, previous use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, hypomagnesemia, low hemoglobin, or high blood flow on early transcranial Doppler was also limited.

Conclusions—

There is strong evidence that smoking is a predictor of delayed cerebral ischemia. For several other potential predictions the evidence is moderate, limited, or inconsistent.

An evaluation of the evidence that methamphetamine abuse causes cognitive decline in humans

Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most commonly abused illicit substances worldwide. Among other problems, abuse of the drug has been associated with reduced cognitive function across several domains. However, much of the literature has not attempted to differentiate cognitive difficulties caused by MA abuse from preexisting cognitive difficulties that are likely caused by other factors. Here, we address this question, evaluating evidence for a priori hypotheses pertaining to six lines of research: (a) animal studies; (b) cross-sectional human studies; (c) a twin study; (d) studies of changes in cognition with abstinence from MA; (e) studies of changes in brain structure and function with abstinence from MA; and (f) studies of the relationship between the severity of MA abuse and the extent of cognitive deficits observed. Overall the findings were mixed, with some support for a causal relationship between MA abuse and cognitive decline, and other findings suggesting that there is no relationship. The preponderance of the data, however, does support the possibility that MA abuse causes cognitive decline, of unknown duration, in at least some users of the drug. When averaged across individuals, this decline is likely to be mild in early-to-middle adulthood. However, moderator variables are likely to contribute to the presence and/or severity of cognitive decline exhibited by a given individual.

Symptomatic vasospasm in elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: comparison with nonelderly patients

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the influence of age on the occurrence of symptomatic vasospasm (SVS), we retrospectively compared 34 elderly (over 70 years) and 71 nonelderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2010, at our hospital 105 patients (Hunt and Kosnik grades I-IV) underwent aneurysm surgery within 72 h of the insult. They were divided into four groups based on their age (younger/older than 70 years) and treatment (aneurysmal clipping or coiling). In all patients, we used the same protocol, which included the delivery of intrathecal urokinase and intravenous fasudil chloride; in patients with angiographic evidence of vasospasm, we also injected fasudil chloride intra-arterially.

RESULTS

Among the elderly patients, 4.3% of those treated by clipping and 9.1% of those treated by coiling experienced SVS; the comparative incidence in younger patients was 6.5% and 4.0%, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.40). The ratio of ventriculo peritoneal (VP) shunts was higher in the elderly patients (p = 0.00007). The incidence of favorable treatment outcomes was significantly lower in elderly patients (p = 0.00004).

CONCLUSION

Under our treatment protocol, patient age did not affect the incidence of SVS. Our protocol may be effective for the prevention of SVS after aneurysmal SAH regardless of patient age.

Effect of cisternal drainage on the shunt dependency following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Objective

Shunt-dependent chronic hydrocephalus (SDCH) is known to be a major complication associated with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Old age is known to be one of numerous factors related to the development of SDCH. This study investigated whether postoperative cisternal drainage affects the incidence of SDCH and clinical outcome in elderly patients with aSAH.

Methods

Fifty-nine patients participated in this study. All patients underwent aneurysmal clipping with cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. Clinical variables relevant to the study included age, sex, location of ruptured aneurysm, CT finding and clinical state on admission, clinical outcome, and CSF drainage. We first divided patients into two groups according to age (<70 years of age and ≥70 years of age) and compared the two groups. Secondly, we analyzed variables to find factors associated with SDCH in both groups (<70 years of age and ≥70 years of age).

Results

Of 59 patients, SDCH was observed in 20 patients (33.9 %), who underwent shunt placement for treatment of hydrocephalus. Forty seven percent of cases of acute hydrocephalus developed SDCH. In the elderly group (≥70 years of age), the duration and amount of CSF drainage did not affect the development of chronic hydrocephalus.

Conclusion

In elderly patients, although the incidence of SDCH was significantly higher, clinical outcome was acceptable. The duration and the amount of cisternal drainage did not seem to be related to subsequent development of chronic hydrocephalus within elderly patients aged 70 or older.

Age limit for surgical treatment of poor-grade patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: A project of the Chugoku-Shikoku division of the Japan neurosurgical society

Objective:

Management of elderly patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is an age-dependent difference in the outcome of poor-grade SAH after surgical obliteration of the aneurysm.

Methods:

Data were reviewed retrospectively for 156 patients with poor-grade aneurysmal SAH at multiple centers in Chugoku and Shikoku, Japan. Patients were divided into age groups of 65-74 and ≥75 years old. Factors influencing a favorable outcome at discharge (Glasgow Outcome Scale, good recovery or moderately disabled) were determined using multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results:

A favorable outcome at discharge was achieved in 37 of the 156 patients (23.7%). Advanced age (≥75 years old, P < 0.01), improvement of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Grade after admission (P = 0.02), Fisher grade (P < 0.001), and a low density area (LDA) associated with vasospasm on computed tomography (CT) (P < 0.01) were significantly associated with outcome. Multivariate analysis identified advanced age (≥75 years old, P = 0.01), Fisher group 4 (P = 0.002), and a new LDA associated with vasospasm on CT (P = 0.007) as predictors of a poor outcome in elderly patients with poor-grade SAH after surgical obliteration of the aneurysm. WFNS Grade V at admission (P = 0.052) was weakly associated with a poor outcome.

Conclusions:

Advanced age (≥75 years old), Fisher group 4, and LDA associated with vasospasm on CT were independent predictors of clinical outcome in elderly patients with poor-grade SAH. A favorable outcome in these patients occurred more frequently after Guglielmi detachable coil embolization than after surgical clipping, but without a significant difference.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in third and fourth decades of life

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare clinical characteristics of ruptured aneurysms in young adults, of the third and fourth decades of life, and to compare several clinical characteristics affecting the outcome of patients.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 1459 patients who underwent surgery and endovascular treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysms from June 1992 to December 2010 and compared clinical characteristics. We also reviewed pre-existing medical conditions and perioperative complications.

Results

Among 1459 patients, there were 21 patients (1.44%) in the third decade and 104 patients (7.13%) in the fourth decade of life. Within two age groups, 88 (70.4%) were male and 37 (29.6%) were female, a ratio of 2.37 : 1. In both groups, we observed the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysm with the most frequency (p=0.028). In general, favorable outcome was achieved in both age groups (90.5% and 81.7%, respectively). An initial univariate analysis showed Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, location of aneurysm, and rebleeding significantly associated with outcome after aneurysm rupture. Further, multivariate analysis demonstrated that only Hunt-Hess grade (grade 4-5) was a risk factor for the outcome (odds ratio=9.730, 95% confidence interval 2.069-45.756, p=0.004).

Conclusion

The incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was higher in the male population of the third and fourth decades of life. Aneurysms on the ACA were most frequently occurred in both age groups and the outcome of aneurysmal SAH among the third and fourth decades was favorable. Multivariate analysis revealed that high Hunt-Hess grade was a risk factor for patient's outcome.

Age-related trends in the treatment and outcomes of ruptured cerebral aneurysms: a study of the nationwide inpatient sample 2001-2009

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patient age substantially influences treatment decisions for ruptured cerebral aneurysms. It would be useful to understand national age-related trends of treatment techniques and outcomes in patients treated for ruptured cerebral aneurysm in the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we evaluated trends in treatment technique (clipping versus coiling) and discharge status of patients undergoing clipping or coiling of ruptured cerebral aneurysms between 2001 and 2009. Outcomes were evaluated in relation to 4 age strata: 1) younger than 50 years of age, 2) 50-64 years of age, 3) 65-79 years of age, and 4) patients 80 years or older. We compared outcomes between treatment groups for patients treated between 2001-2004 with those treated between 2005-2009.

RESULTS

A significant increase in the proportion of patients undergoing endovascular coiling between 2001 and 2009 was noted for all age groups (P < .0001). For both clipped and coiled patients, mortality and the proportion of patients discharged to long-term facilities increased with age. Overall mortality for patients clipped and coiled decreased modestly for all age groups, and overall proportions of patients discharged home increased modestly (P < .01) for all age groups except those older than 80 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Between 2001 and 2009, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of patients with ruptured aneurysms undergoing endovascular coiling rather than aneurysm clipping. This increase was more pronounced in older patients. Mortality from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage decreased during the past decade, regardless of aneurysm treatment technique.

Etiology of stroke and choice of models

Animal models of stroke contribute to the development of better stroke prevention and treatment through studies investigating the pathophysiology of different stroke subtypes and by testing promising treatments before trials in humans. There are two broad types of animal models: those in which stroke is induced through artificial means, modeling the consequences of a vascular insult but not the vascular pathology itself; and those in which strokes occur spontaneously. Most animal models of stroke are in rodents due to cost, ethical considerations, availability of standardized neurobehavioral assessments, and ease of physiological monitoring. While there are similarities in cerebrovascular anatomy and pathophysiology between rodents and humans, there are also important differences, including brain size, length and structure of perforating arteries, and gray to white matter ratio, which is substantially lower in humans. The wide range of rodent models of stroke includes models of global and focal ischemia, and of intracerebral and sub-arachnoid hemorrhage. The most widely studied model of spontaneous stroke is the spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rat, in which the predominant lesions are small subcortical infarcts resulting from a vascular pathology similar to human cerebral small vessel disease. Important limitations of animal models of stroke - they generally model only certain aspects of the disease and do not reflect the heterogeneity in severity, pathology and comorbidities of human stroke - and key methodological issues (especially the need for adequate sample size, randomization, and blinding in treatment trials) must be carefully considered for the successful translation of pathophysiological concepts and therapeutics from bench to bedside.

Acute postoperative neurological deterioration associated with surgery for ruptured intracranial aneurysm: incidence, predictors, and outcomes

OBJECT

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) results in significant morbidity and mortality, even among patients who reach medical attention in good neurological condition. Many patients have neurological decline in the perioperative period, which contributes to long-term outcomes. The focus of this study is to characterize the incidence of, characteristics predictive of, and outcomes associated with acute postoperative neurological deterioration in patients undergoing surgery for ruptured intracranial aneurysm.

METHODS

The Intraoperative Hypothermia for Aneurysm Surgery Trial (IHAST) was a multicenter randomized clinical trial that enrolled 1001 patients and assesssed the efficacy of hypothermia as neuroprotection during surgery to secure a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. All patients had a radiographically confirmed SAH, were classified as World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Grade I-III immediately prior to surgery, and underwent surgery to secure the ruptured aneurysm within 14 days of SAH. Neurological assessment with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was performed preoperatively, at 24 and 72 hours postoperatively, and at time of discharge. The primary outcome variable was a dichotomized scoring based on an IHAST version of the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) in which a score of 1 represents a good outcome and a score > 1 a poor outcome, as assessed at 90-days' follow-up. Data from IHAST were analyzed for occurrence of a postoperative neurological deterioration. Preoperative and intraoperative variables were assessed for associations with occurrence of postoperative neurological deterioration. Differences in baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative variables and in outcomes between patients with and without postoperative neurological deterioration were compared with Fisher exact tests. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare variables reported as means. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates associated with occurrence of postoperative deficit.

RESULTS

Acute postoperative neurological deterioration was observed in 42.6% of the patients. New focal motor deficit accounted for 65% of postoperative neurological deterioration, while 60% was accounted for using the NIHSS total score change and 51% by Glasgow Coma Scale score change. Factors significantly associated with occurrence of postoperative neurological deterioration included: age, Fisher grade on admission, occurrence of a procedure prior to aneurysm surgery (ventriculostomy), timing of surgery, systolic blood pressure during surgery, ST segment depression during surgery, history of abnormality in cardiac valve function, use of intentional hypotension during surgery, duration of anterior cerebral artery occlusion, intraoperative blood loss, and difficulty of aneurysm exposure. Of the 426 patients with postoperative neurological deterioration at 24 hours after surgery, only 46.2% had a good outcome (GOS score of 1) at 3 months, while 77.7% of those without postoperative neurological deterioration at 24 hours had a good outcome (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Neurological injury incurred perioperatively or in the acute postoperative period accounts for a large percentage of poor outcomes in patients with good admission WFNS grades undergoing surgery for aneurysmal SAH. Avoiding surgical factors associated with postoperative neurological deterioration and directing investigative efforts at developing improved neuroprotection for use in aneurysm surgery may significantly improve long-term neurological outcomes in patients with SAH.

Guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/american Stroke Association

PURPOSE

The aim of this guideline is to present current and comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS

A formal literature search of MEDLINE (November 1, 2006, through May 1, 2010) was performed. Data were synthesized with the use of evidence tables. Writing group members met by teleconference to discuss data-derived recommendations. The American Heart Association Stroke Council's Levels of Evidence grading algorithm was used to grade each recommendation. The guideline draft was reviewed by 7 expert peer reviewers and by the members of the Stroke Council Leadership and Manuscript Oversight Committees. It is intended that this guideline be fully updated every 3 years.

RESULTS

Evidence-based guidelines are presented for the care of patients presenting with aSAH. The focus of the guideline was subdivided into incidence, risk factors, prevention, natural history and outcome, diagnosis, prevention of rebleeding, surgical and endovascular repair of ruptured aneurysms, systems of care, anesthetic management during repair, management of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia, management of hydrocephalus, management of seizures, and management of medical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

aSAH is a serious medical condition in which outcome can be dramatically impacted by early, aggressive, expert care. The guidelines offer a framework for goal-directed treatment of the patient with aSAH.

External ventricular drainage for intraventricular hemorrhage

Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for only 10% to 15% of all strokes; however, it is associated with devastating outcomes. Extension of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) into the ventricles or intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) has been consistently demonstrated as an independent predictor of poor outcome. In most circumstances the increased intracranial pressure and acute hydrocephalus caused by ICH is managed by placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD). We present a systematic review of the literature on the topic of EVD in the setting of IVH hemorrhage, articulating the scope of the problem and prognostic factors, clinical indications, surgical adjuncts, and other management issues.

Elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Coils but also clips

The ageing of the population in good health or without severe morbidity expose them to the occurrence of a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and requires effective management. Currently, the pertinence of cerebral aneurysm treatment by clipping or coiling is accepted for patients in the 8th or 9th decade of life, and the risk of postoperative morbidity induced by our therapeutic alternative must be carefully assessed. In these decades, the female/male sex ratio for aneurysmal SAH was greater in female who had a 1.6 times higher ratio than in male. The initial clinical status did not appear worse with age despite the frequent severity of bleeding observed on CT scan probably due to the large subarachnoid space. The aneurysm distribution and size were similar to those classically reported in the global population. The endovascular (EV) coiling appears as the first option with a favorable outcome rate estimated at 48% to 63%. Nevertheless, the benefit of EV coiling compared to microsurgical clipping for treatment of ruptured aneurysm in the elderly has not been demonstrated in a large randomized study. This is the reason why the vascular section of the French Society of Neurosurgery developed a prospective and randomized study of the aneurysmal SAH (PHRC 2007-042/HP) on the elderly patients.

Incidence of ventricular shunt placement for hydrocephalus with clipping versus coiling for ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database: 2002 to 2007

BACKGROUND

Few studies have compared the incidence of ventricular shunt placement for hydrocephalus after clipping versus coiling of cerebral aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to compare, on a national level, the incidence of ventricular shunt placement after clipping versus coiling of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms.

METHODS

Hospitalizations for clipping and coiling of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms from 2002 to 2007 were collected from the NIS by cross-matching International Classification of Diseases-9 codes for diagnoses of subarachnoid hemorrhage or unruptured cerebral aneurysm with procedure codes for clipping or coiling. The incidence of ventricular shunt placement for hydrocephalus after clipping and coiling was compared using generalized linear models with generalized estimating equations (GEE) to adjust for patient- and hospital-specific factors and correlation between admissions.

RESULTS

Of 10,899 ruptured aneurysm patients (6593 clipping, 4306 coiling), clipping had a similar incidence of ventricular shunt placement (9.3%) compared to coiling (10.5%) (odds ratio = 0.984; 95% confidence interval = 0.85, -1.14; P value = 0.833 after adjustment for patient-specific and hospital-specific factors). Likewise, of 9686 unruptured aneurysm patients (4483 clipping, 5203 coiling), clipping had similar incidence of ventricular shunt placement (0.4%) compared to coiling (0.5%) (odds ratio = 0.763; 95% confidence interval = 0.37, -1.58; P value = 0.465 after adjustment for patient-specific and hospital-specific factors). Predictors of shunt placement in ruptured aneurysm patients were age, comorbidity score, admission type, payer, and hospital aneurysm volume. Predictors of shunt placement in unruptured aneurysm patients were comorbidity score and admission type.

CONCLUSIONS

In an observational study, clipping and coiling of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms are associated with similar incidences of ventricular shunt placement for hydrocephalus.

Age-related complications following endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The factors that led us to do the research for this paper was a desire to see if elderly patients did as well as non-elderly patients during endovascular intracranial aneurysm treatment. By doing this research, we could better stratify the most appropriate treatment for each patient with an aneurysm. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the incidence of procedural complications was greater in the elderly, defined as patients older than 65 years of age, compared with nonelderly patients undergoing elective endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed in patients undergoing elective endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms between 2000 and 2010 at 1 institution. "Minor complications" were defined as those resulting in minimal or no loss of function that resolved before dismissal; "major complications" were complications that resulted in loss of function or complications that required a subsequent invasive therapy. Major complications were further stratified into those with and without neurologic disability, defined as an mRS score of >3. T tests and χ(2) analyses were used to compare groups.

RESULTS

Three hundred fifty-five patients underwent 394 endovascular procedures treating 75 aneurysm recurrences and 319 untreated aneurysms. One hundred eight (30%) were elderly. There was no significant difference in the rate of complications in the elderly compared with the nonelderly (33% versus 26%, respectively; P = .18). Major complications were significantly more prevalent in the elderly than in the nonelderly (17% versus 7.4%, respectively, P = .004). Major complications with neurologic disability were also significantly more prevalent in the elderly compared with the nonelderly (8.2% versus 1.8%, respectively, P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Major functional complications were markedly more common in the elderly compared with the nonelderly.

Predicting the lack of development of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are typically kept in the intensive care unit to be monitored for signs of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Identifying patients at lower risk for DCI could have a positive financial impact by allowing earlier transfer from the intensive care unit.

METHODS

We analyzed 307 consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Demographic, clinical, and neuroimaging data were recorded. The relationship with absent DCI was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

DCI did not develop in 169 patients (57.9%). Among factors at admission, age 68 years or older (P=0.0003; OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.66-6.39), World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) I to III at presentation (P=0.0003; OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.57-4.79), WFNS I to III at worst (P=0.0003; OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.48-3.87), WFNS I to III after resuscitation (P=0.0006; OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.56-5.32), modified Fisher grade 1 to 2 (P=0.0021; OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.37-4.47), absence of intracranial hematoma (P=0.0042; OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.29-4.01), and aneurysm in the posterior circulation (P=0.025; OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.07-2.87) were associated with absence of DCI. On multivariate analysis, a model including age 68 years or older, WFNS I to III at presentation and a modified Fisher grade 1 to 2 were independently predictive of the absence of DCI, with a specificity of 100% and a positive predictive value of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose a new model that can reliably identify patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage who are at very low risk for DCI. These patients could be candidates for early transfer to the general ward.

Endovascular treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients: single-center report

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The optimal management of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms remains controversial in elderly populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate technical results and clinical outcomes in a single center of consecutive elderly patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with endovascular embolization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between May 2003 and February 2010, 96 patients older than 70 years (men, 16 patients; women, 80 patients; mean age, 73 years) with 122 saccular unruptured intracranial aneurysms were treated in our hospital with an endovascular approach. The endovascular procedures and technique, angiographic follow-up, and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Successful embolizations without complications were completed in 95.9%. Five patients had procedure-related events, including thromboembolism in 1 patient, aneurysm perforation during the procedure in 1, and 3 postoperative transient minor symptoms (headache, otalgia, and trigeminal pain) in 3. The degree of occlusion of the treated aneurysm was complete in 46.7%; there was a small neck remnant in 40.9% and residual filling in 12.2%. Imaging (MR angiography) follow-up was performed in 68.7% of the patients. The mean follow-up duration was 19.4 months (range, 5-57 months). Fifty-five patients (93.9%) showed no interval change of the residual neck. Four (6%) demonstrated recanalizations, all of which were successfully recoiled.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in patients older than 70 years of age appears to be safe. Favorable outcomes with low morbidities may replace surgery or conservative treatment as an active management alternative.

Lower Incidence of Transcranial Doppler and Symptomatic Vasospasm After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Aneurysm Clipping in the Elderly Patient?

BACKGROUND:

Vasospasm is the major cause of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. It is well known that the vasoreactivity decreases with advancing age, but it is not well investigated in a large patient cohort whether, as a consequence, the incidence of vasospasm is lower in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate whether transcranial Doppler vasospasm, delayed ischemic neurological deficits, and vasospasm-associated ischemic lesions are less frequent in older patients.

METHODS:

Seven hundred fifty-eight patients who suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage were included in this study. Clinical presentation, Hunt and Hess score, Fisher grade, incidence of vasospasm, neurological deficits and ischemic lesions on radiographic imaging, transcranial Doppler blood flow velocities, medical complications, and outcome were registered.

RESULTS:

Four hundred seventy-eight patients &lt; 60 years of age and 280 patients ≥ 60 years of age were identified; 55.2% of the younger and 25.7% of the older age group developed post-hemorrhagic vasospasm (P &lt; .001). Older patients developed less vasospasm (P = .00), fewer neurological deficits (P &lt; .001), and fewer ischemic lesions on computed tomography imaging (P = .06). On the other hand, older patients had significantly worse outcomes than younger patients (P = .01) and more frequently died of medical complications (P = .01).

CONCLUSION:

Vasospasm, delayed ischemic neurological deficits, and vasospasm-associated ischemic lesions are more likely to occur in patients &lt; 60 years of age than in older patients. The lower incidence of vasospasm and vasospasm-related ischemia in the elderly patient does not translate into better outcome because of the higher rate of fatal medical complications in patients ≥ 60 years of age.

Treatment Outcome of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Patients Aged 70 Years and Older

BACKGROUND:

The incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage is increasing, especially in the elderly as life expectancy increases. Aggressive treatment of aneurysms in the elderly is usually avoided because of a presumed poor prognosis.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of treatment in patients older than 70 years old.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective chart review of 150 patients aged 70 years and older who were treated at Jefferson Hospital from 2004 to 2009. Data including World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade and Hunt and Hess classification, specific management components, and treatment outcome on discharge were analyzed.

RESULTS:

One hundred ten patients had aneurysms coiled, 9 patients had aneurysms clipped, 11 patients had aneurysms that were not treated, and 20 patients had no visible aneurysms. Overall, increased World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grades correlated strongly with poor clinical outcome. Statistical tests indicate that patients who died (mean, 78.8, n = 35) or who went into rehabilitation (mean, 76.5, n = 81) were significantly older than patients who were discharged home (mean, 73.1, n = 20). However, day of presentation after initial symptom(s) of subarachnoid hemorrhage and placement of ventriculoperitoneal shunt also influenced clinical outcome. Patients who had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt were more likely to go into rehabilitation than patients who did not, and patients without a ventriculoperitoneal shunt were more likely to die.

CONCLUSION:

Older age should not preclude a patient from aneurysm treatment. Factors such as low Hunt and Hess or World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grades, earlier presentation to the hospital after initial symptoms, early shunting, prompt interventions, and tailored postoperative management can result in favorable clinical outcomes.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage in old patients in Chongqing China

BACKGROUND

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a disorder with high mortality in central nervous system, especially in old population. Misdiagnosis and poor outcome frequently occur in old patients with SAH. This research is to investigate the demographic characteristics, clinical features, neuroimaging data, and the outcome of the old patients (≥60 of age) with SAH.

METHODS

The data was from both neurosurgical and neurology departments of two hospitals in Chongqing, China, from October 2007 to March 2009. One hundred and seventy eight patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: the elderly group (≥60 of age) and the non-elderly group (≥18 but <60 of age). The condition on admission was assessed by Hunt-Hess grade (H-H) and the Glasgow scales of coma (GCS). Findings on computerized tomography (CT) were measured by Fisher grades. The outcome after 3 months was evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Statistic analysis was managed by Chi-square test and t-test.

FINDINGS

Compared to the non-elderly group, the clinical conditions on admission in the elderly group was worse, with lower average scores of GCS, higher Fisher grades, systolic blood pressure, and percentage of the H-H IV and V. Some preexisting medical conditions with the old such as arterial hypertension, pulmonary diseases, and diabetes mellitus were worsening. During the clinical course, the elderly group had the following characteristics: the incidence of rebleeding, asymptomatic vasospasm, hydrocephalus, and other severe medical complications were all higher, while the percentage of early surgery was lower. The outcome after 3 months was poorer in the elderly.

CONCLUSIONS

It is indicated that the elderly patients with SAH have poorer clinical conditions, much lower ratio of early surgery and higher incidence of rebleeding. Together, these factors contribute to a poorer short-term outcome after SAH.

The impact of endovascular management on the outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the elderly in eastern Finland

BACKGROUND

The International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) concluded that "there is currently no reason to doubt that the reduction of dependent survival or death after endovascular coiling seen in all patients in the ISAT cohort should not be valid in the elderly". We feel that this generalization requires further investigation to assess its validity.

METHODS

We studied the impact of treatment era and independent risk factors for outcome in 179 consecutive elderly (> or =70 years) aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients admitted to Kuopio University Hospital either between 1983 and 1992 (Era I, n = 56), prior to the introduction of endovascular management, or between 1995 and 2004 (Era II, n = 123) when the endovascular treatment was established at our institute. Altogether 150 patients underwent occlusive aneurysm treatment, 47 clipping in the Era I as against 49 clipping, 49 endovascular therapy, and five combination therapy in the Era II.

RESULTS

The 12-month survival (n = 179) did not improve from the Era I to the Era II. The proportion of good outcome (GOS IV-V) after occlusive therapy (n = 150) was equal in the Era I and Era II (n = 27/47; 57% vs. n = 56/103; 54%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of poor outcome were age, poor grade (Hunt&Hess IV-V), hydrocephalus, hypertension, and intraventricular hemorrhage, but not the mode of occlusive therapy (microsurgical vs. endovascular)

CONCLUSION

Clinical severity of the SAH was the most significant predictor of outcome. Integration of coil treatment in clinical practice has not improved the overall outcome of aSAH in the elderly at our institute.

Interaction of neurovascular protection of erythropoietin with age, sepsis, and statin therapy following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Object

In a previous randomized controlled trial, the authors demonstrated that acute erythropoietin (EPO) therapy reduced severe vasospasm and delayed ischemic deficits (DIDs) following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the potential interaction of neurovascular protection by EPO with age, sepsis, and concurrent statin therapy.

Methods

The clinical events of 80 adults older than 18 years and with < 72 hours of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, who were randomized to receive 30,000 U of intravenous EPO-β or placebo every 48 hours for a total of 3 doses, were analyzed by stratification according to age (< or ≥ 60 years), sepsis, or concomitant statin therapy. End points in the trial included cerebral vasospasm and impaired autoregulation on transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, DIDs, and unfavorable outcome at discharge and at 6 months measured with the modified Rankin Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale. Analyses were performed using the t-test and/or ANOVA for repeated measurements.

Results

Younger patients (< 60 years old) or those without sepsis obtained benefits from EPO by a reduction in vasospasm, impaired autoregulation, and unfavorable outcome at discharge. Compared with nonseptic patients taking EPO, those with sepsis taking EPO had a lower absolute reticulocyte count (nonsepsis vs sepsis, 143.5 vs. 105.8 × 109/L on Day 6; p = 0.01), suggesting sepsis impaired both hematopoiesis and neurovascular protection by EPO. In the EPO group, none of the statin users suffered DIDs (p = 0.078), implying statins may potentiate neuroprotection by EPO.

Conclusions

Erythropoietin-related neurovascular protection appears to be attenuated by old age and sepsis and enhanced by statins, an important finding for designing Phase III trials.

Interdisciplinary treatment of ruptured cerebral aneurysms in elderly patients

Object

The aim of the study was to assess postprocedural neurological deterioration and outcome in patients older than 70 years of age in whom treatment was managed in an interdisciplinary context.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal study included all patients 70 years of age or older treated for ruptured cerebral aneurysm over 10 years (June 1997–June 2007). The population was composed of 64 patients. The neurovascular interdisciplinary team jointly discussed the early obliteration procedure for each aneurysm. Neurological deterioration during the postprocedural 2 months and outcome at 6 months were assessed during consultation according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) as follows: favorable (mRS score ≤ 2) and unfavorable (mRS score > 2).

Results

Aneurysm sac obliteration was performed by microvascular clipping in 34 patients (53.1%) and by endovascular coiling in 30 (46.9%). Postprocedural neurological deterioration occurred in 30 patients (46.9%), related to ischemia in 19 (29.7%), rebleeding in 1 (1.6%), and hydrocephalus in 10 (15.6%). At 6 months, the outcome was favorable in 39 patients (60.9%). By multivariate regression logistic analysis, the independent factors associated with unfavorable outcome were age exceeding 75 years (p = 0.005), poor initial grade (p < 0.0001), and the occurrence of ischemia (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The baseline characteristics of SAH in the elderly were only slightly different from those in younger patients. In the elderly, the interdisciplinary approach may be considered useful to decrease the ischemic consequences.

Association of a younger age with an increased risk of angiographic and symptomatic vasospasms following subarachnoid hemorrhage

Object

Vasospasm is a leading cause of morbidity and death following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It is important to predict which patients are at risk for vasospasm so that interventions can be made. There are several potential risk factors for vasospasm, one of which is age. However, the effect of age on vasospasm, particularly symptomatic vasospasm, remains controversial.

Methods

Three hundred ninety-one patients were retrospectively identified from a prospective observational database of patients with SAH who had been admitted to a single center. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, and cerebral angiograms obtained at admission and between 5 and 10 days later were compared. The relationship between age and angiographic and symptomatic vasospasms was examined using logistic regression techniques.

Results

Mild (86 patients), moderate (69 patients), severe (56 patients), and no angiographic vasospasms (180 patients) were documented by comparing admission and follow-up angiograms in each patient. Symptomatic vasospasm was identified in 69 patients (17.6%). Angiographic vasospasm was more frequent as age decreased. Except in patients < 30 years old, the frequency of symptomatic vasospasm also increased with decreasing age (p = 0.0001). After adjusting for variables known to be associated with vasospasm, an advanced age was associated with a reduced incidence of any angiographic vasospasm (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.97), severe angiographic vasospasm (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95–0.98), and symptomatic vasospasm (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–0.99).

Conclusions

Results in this study show that a younger age is associated with an increased incidence of angiographic and symptomatic vasospasm.

Neurointensive care is justified in elderly patients with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage--an outcome and secondary insults study

PURPOSE

The aim was to study the outcome and the occurrence of secondary brain insults in elderly patients with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in comparison to younger patients.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients with severe SAH requiring a ventriculostomy and management at the neurointensive care unit with at least 120 h of multimodality monitoring data during the first 240 h following SAH were included. Data were continuously recorded for intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and temperature. Secondary insult levels were defined and quantified as percent of good monitoring time at insult level. Outcome according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale was evaluated at 6 months after the SAH. Age-dependent differences in occurrence of secondary insults and clinical characteristics were analyzed with multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Good recovery or moderate disability was achieved in 24.1% of the elderly and in 42.9% of the younger patients. The frequency of severe disability was 41.4% in the elderly and 37.1% in the younger patients. The occurrence of ICP insults was lower and the occurrence of hypertensive, hypotensive, and hypoxemic insults were higher in the elderly patients.

CONCLUSIONS

An independent outcome was achieved in a substantial proportion of the elderly with severe SAH, and the proportion of severe disability was not greater than among the younger patients, which justifies neurointensive care also in elderly patients. The occurrence of secondary insults was age dependent. Future studies of multimodality monitoring may provide age-specific secondary insult levels necessary for a tailored neurointensive care specific for elderly patients with severe SAH.

Risk of stroke with temporary arterial occlusion in patients undergoing craniotomy for cerebral aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to elucidate the technical and patient-specific risk factors for postoperative ischemia in patients undergoing temporary arterial occlusion (TAO) during the surgical repair of their aneurysms.

METHODS

Eighty-nine consecutive patients in whom TAO was performed during surgical repair of an aneurysm were retrospectively analyzed. The demographics of the patients were analyzed with respect to age, Hunt and Hess grade on admission, Fisher grade of hemorrhage, aneurysm characteristics, timing of surgery, duration of temporary occlusion, and number of temporary occlusive episodes. Outcome was analyzed at the 3-month follow-up, along with the occurrence of symptomatic and radiological stroke.

RESULTS

In overall, twenty-seven patients (29.3%) had radiologic ischemia attributable to TAO and fifteen patients (16.3%) had symptomatic ischemia attributable to TAO. Older age and poor clinical grade were associated with poor clinical outcome. There was a significantly higher rate of symptomatic ischemia in patients who underwent early surgery (p = 0.007). The incidence of ischemia was significantly higher in patients with TAO longer than 10 minutes (p = 0.01). In addition, patients who underwent repeated TAO, which allowed reperfusion, had a lower incidence of ischemia than those who underwent single TAO lasting for more than 10 minutes (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Duration of occlusion is the only variable that needs to be considered when assessing the risk of postoperative ischemic complication in patients who undergo temporary vascular occlusion. Attention must be paid to the patient's age, grade of hemorrhage, and the timing of surgery. In addition, patients undergoing dissection when brief periods of temporary occlusion are performed may benefit more from intermittent reperfusion than continuous clip application. With careful planning, the use of TAO is a safe technique when used for periods of less than 10 minutes.

Acute systemic erythropoietin therapy to reduce delayed ischemic deficits following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Object

Delayed ischemic deficits (DIDs), a major source of disability following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), are usually associated with severe cerebral vasospasm and impaired autoregulation. Systemic erythropoietin (EPO) therapy has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective properties acting via EPO receptors on cerebrovascular endothelia and ischemic neurons. In this trial, the authors explored the potential neuroprotective effects of acute EPO therapy following aSAH.

Methods

Within 72 hours of aSAH, 80 patients (age range 24–82 years) were randomized to receive intravenous EPO (30,000 U) or placebo every 48 hours for a total of 90,000 U. Primary end points were the incidence, duration, and severity of vasospasm and impaired autoregulation on transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Secondary end points were incidence of DIDs and outcome at discharge and at 6 months.

Results

Randomization characteristics were balanced except for age, with the EPO group being older (mean age 59.6 vs 53.3 years, p = 0.034). No differences were demonstrated in the incidence of vasospasm and adverse events; however, patients receiving EPO had a decreased incidence of severe vasospasm from 27.5 to 7.5% (p = 0.037), reduced DIDs with new cerebral infarcts from 40.0 to 7.5% (p = 0.001), a shortened duration of impaired autoregulation (ipsilateral side, p < 0.001), and more favorable outcome at discharge (favorable Glasgow Outcome Scale score, p = 0.039). Among the 71 survivors, the EPO group had fewer deficits measured with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (median Score 2 vs 6, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

This preliminary study showed that EPO seemed to reduce delayed cerebral ischemia following aSAH via decreasing severity of vasospasm and shortening impaired autoregulation.

Predicting the outcome of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage using machine learning techniques

BACKGROUND

Outcome prediction for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) helps guide care and compare global management strategies. Logistic regression models for outcome prediction may be cumbersome to apply in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To use machine learning techniques to build a model of outcome prediction that makes the knowledge discovered from the data explicit and communicable to domain experts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A derivation cohort (n = 441) of nonselected SAH cases was analyzed using different classification algorithms to generate decision trees and decision rules. Algorithms used were C4.5, fast decision tree learner, partial decision trees, repeated incremental pruning to produce error reduction, nearest neighbor with generalization, and ripple down rule learner. Outcome was dichotomized in favorable [Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) = I-II] and poor (GOS = III-V). An independent cohort (n = 193) was used for validation. An exploratory questionnaire was given to potential users (specialist doctors) to gather their opinion on the classifier and its usability in clinical routine.

RESULTS

The best classifier was obtained with the C4.5 algorithm. It uses only two attributes [World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) and Fisher's scale] and leads to a simple decision tree. The accuracy of the classifier [area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.84; confidence interval (CI) = 0.80-0.88] is similar to that obtained by a logistic regression model (AUC = 0.86; CI = 0.83-0.89) derived from the same data and is considered better fit for clinical use.

Prediction of ventriculoperitoneal shunt dependency in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECT

Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage treated using external ventricular drainage due to obstructive hydrocephalus commonly remain shunt-dependent. Based on identified risk factors for external ventricular drain (EVD) challenge failure, the authors sought to determine the likelihood that a patient will require a permanent shunt.

METHODS

The authors reviewed 89 consecutive cases of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage with obstructive hydrocephalus for parameters associated with EVD challenge failure and permanent shunt requirement. Significant parameters were combined in a discriminant function analysis to create a failure risk index (FRI). Linear regression analysis was performed correlating the FRI with the actual rate of shunt dependency.

RESULTS

Patients requiring a permanent shunt had: a larger third ventricular diameter (7.0 vs 5.4 mm; p = 0.02) and a higher Hunt and Hess grade (3 vs 2; p = 0.02) at the time of admission; and a larger third ventricular diameter (6.6 vs 5.2 mm; p = 0.04), a larger bicaudate diameter (31.9 vs 30.2 mm; p = 0.03), and higher CSF protein levels (76.5 vs 40.3 mg/dl; p < 0.0001) at the onset of EVD challenge. These patients were also more likely to be female (p = 0.01) and have a posterior circulation location of their aneurysm (p = 0.01). The FRI score was calculated based on a weighted combination of the above parameters. Linear regression analysis between FRI values and the percentage of patients who required a permanent shunt had a correlation coefficient of 91%; the risk of a permanent shunt requirement increased linearly with a rising FRI score.

CONCLUSIONS

An FRI score created by discriminant function analysis can predict whether or not a permanent shunt is required, even if separate factors are not in agreement with each other or show a weak correlation when considered separately. An increased FRI score was strongly and linearly correlated with the risk of EVD challenge failure. A prospective study is necessary to validate the FRI.

Distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms: treatment and outcome analysis of 501 patients

OBJECTIVE

This study presents the combined experience of two Finnish neurosurgical centers in the treatment of 501 consecutive patients with distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms. Our aim was to compare treatment outcomes of these lesions with intracranial aneurysms in general and to identify factors predicting the outcome.

METHODS

We analyzed the clinical and radiological data of all 501 patients and focused on the 427 patients treated between 1980 and 2005, the era of microsurgery and computed tomographic imaging. No patients were lost to follow-up. We compared treatment and outcome of ruptured DACA aneurysms (n = 277) with all consecutive ruptured aneurysms from the Kuopio Cerebral Aneurysm Database (n = 2243) and used multivariate analysis to identify factors predicting 1-year outcome.

RESULTS

DACA aneurysms accounted for 6% of all intracranial aneurysms. They were smaller (median, 6 versus 8 mm), more frequently associated with multiple aneurysms (35 versus 18%), and presented more often with intracerebral hematomas (53 versus 26%) than ruptured aneurysms in general. Their microsurgical treatment showed the same complication rates (treatment morbidity, 15%; treatment mortality, 0.4%) as for other ruptured aneurysms. At 1 year after subarachnoid hemorrhage, they had similar favorable outcome (Glasgow Coma Scale score >or=4) as other ruptured aneurysms (74 versus 69%), but their mortality rate was lower (13 versus 24%). Factors predicting unfavorable outcome for ruptured DACA aneurysms were advanced age, Hunt and Hess grade greater than or equal to III, rebleeding before treatment, intracerebral hematoma, intraventricular hemorrhage, and severe preoperative hydrocephalus.

CONCLUSION

Despite their specific features, with modern treatment methods, ruptured DACA aneurysms have the same favorable outcome and lower mortality at 1 year as ruptured aneurysms in general.

Comparisons of risk-adjusted clinical outcomes for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage across eight teaching hospitals in Japan

OBJECTIVES

To assess predictive value of patient characteristics and severity of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) patients for clinical outcomes, and thereby estimate risk-adjusted clinical outcomes and compare the outcomes across hospitals.

METHODS

We selected 256 aneurysmal SAH patients from eight teaching hospitals in Japan. The clinical outcomes of patients at the time of discharge were assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for the GOS status at the time of discharge. The risk-adjusted proportion of patients with a favourable GOS outcome was then estimated for each facility and compared across hospitals.

RESULTS

The logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age (P < 0.001), patients with good World Federations of Neurological Surgeons grade at admission (P < 0.001) and absence of chronic renal failure or ischaemic heart disease as a comorbid condition (P < 0.001) were identified as significant predictors for favourable GOS outcome at the time of discharge among aneurysmal SAH patients (C statistic = 0.88). We found that one hospital had significantly better outcomes than the others.

CONCLUSION

After comparison of risk-adjusted values across hospitals, the clinical management methods of the hospital that showed the best performance were examined and shared among providers.

A polymorphic variant of the endoglin gene is associated with increased risk for intracranial aneurysms in a Korean population

BACKGROUND

Endoglin is a component of the transforming growth factor-beta receptor complex and is predominantly expressed on the cell surface of endothelial cells. It plays an important role in vascular growth and development. There have been conflicting reports on whether a polymorphic variant, in the endoglin gene, is associated with risk for IAs. In this study, we investigated whether polymorphisms of the endoglin gene are associated with the development of cerebral aneurysms in a Korean population.

METHODS

This was a hospital-based, case-control study conducted at the Chonnam University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea. The study population consisted of 342 patients who had been treated for intracranial aneurysm and 253 healthy, hospital-based controls. Two polymorphic loci were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The well-known in/del in intron 7 of the endoglin gene and the rs1800956 coding nonsynonymous SNP were amplified by PCR and analyzed by MADGE or the pyrosequencing system.

RESULTS

The endoglin insertion polymorphism was not associated with IAs in comparisons between cases and controls (OR, 0.11 [95% CI, 0.79-1.57] vs OR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.50-1.56]). An association was found with rs1800956 in the heterozygous type (OR, 1.71); however, the association was not evident for the homozygous type. These differences were statistically significant. In addition, the C allele was significantly associated with an increased risk for IAs (OR, 1.73).

CONCLUSION

The rs1800956 (G/C transversion with D366H substitution, National Center for Biotechnology Information SNP database) of endoglin may play an important role in the pathogenesis of IAs in the Korean population. However, the in/del of intron 7 was not associated with an increased risk for IAs, which is consistent with the findings of previous reports.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in young adults: a gender comparison study

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is uncommon in young adults. The aim of this study was to compare clinical characteristics of ruptured aneurysms between males and females in the third or fourth decade of life. We retrospectively investigated 301 patients who underwent surgery for ruptured cerebral aneurysms over 6 years. Among them, 53 patients were aged between 20-39 years. Clinical characteristics and related variables were compared between genders. In general, there was a favorable outcome in either gender (84.9%). There was a higher incidence of multiplicity and intraoperative rupture in females, as well as a significant difference in aneurysm location between genders (p=0.030, p=0.014, and p=0.027 respectively). Overall outcome was not different between the two groups. These results suggest that aneurysm formation may differ between genders.

Vasospasm probability index: a combination of transcranial doppler velocities, cerebral blood flow, and clinical risk factors to predict cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECT

The goal in this study was to create an index (vasospasm probability index [VPI]) to improve diagnostic accuracy for vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

Seven hundred ninety-five patients in whom aneurysmal SAH was demonstrated by computed tomography, and in whom one or more intracranial aneurysms had been diagnosed, underwent transcranial Doppler (TCD) studies between April 1998 and January 2000. In 154 patients angiography was performed within 24 hours of the TCD examination, and in 75 133Xe cerebral blood flow (CBF) studies were obtained the same day. Seven cases were excluded because of a limited sonographic window. Forty-one women (60.3%) and 27 men (39.7%) between the ages of 35 and 84 years (58.0 +/- 13.2 years [mean +/- standard deviation]) were included. Clinical characteristics analyzed included age, sex, Hunt and Hess grade, Fisher grade, days after SAH, day of treatment, type of treatment (coil embolization, surgical clip occlusion, or conservative treatment), smoking history, and hypertension history. Lindegaard ratios and spasm indexes (TCD velocities/hemispheric CBF) were calculated bilaterally. Digital subtraction angiography images were measured at specific points of interest. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and global accuracy of the different tests were calculated. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the possible predictive factors, and the coefficients of the logistic regression were integrated to create the VPI.

RESULTS

In 18 patients (26.5%) symptomatic vasospasm was diagnosed, and 33 (48.5%) had angiographic evidence of vasospasm. For TCD velocities above 120 cm/second at the middle cerebral artery, the global accuracy was 81.1% for the diagnosis of clinical vasospasm and 77.2% for angiographic vasospasm. For a Lindegaard ratio higher than 3.0, the accuracy was 85% for clinical vasospasm and 83.2% for angiographic vasospasm. A spasm index higher than 3.5 had an accuracy of 82.0% for the diagnosis of clinical vasospasm and 81.6% for angiographic vasospasm. The selected model for estimation of clinical vasospasm included Fisher grade, Hunt and Hess grade, and spasm index. The VPI had a global accuracy of 92.9% for clinical vasospasm detection. For diagnosis of angiographic vasospasm, the model included Fisher grade, Hunt and Hess grade, and Lindegaard ratio. The VPI achieved a global accuracy of 89.9% for angiographic vasospasm detection.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of TCD velocities, Lindegaard ratio, and spasm index independently is of limited value for the diagnosis of clinical and angiographic vasospasm. The combination of predictive factors associated with the development of vasospasm in the new index reported here has a significantly superior accuracy compared with the independent tests and may become a valuable tool for the clinician to evaluate the individual probability of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH.

Intraventricular hemorrhage from ruptured aneurysm: clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes in a large, prospective, multicenter study population

OBJECT

In this study the authors analyzed the relationship of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) to in-hospital complications and clinical outcome in a large population of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

Data from 3539 patients with aneurysmal SAH were evaluated, and these data were obtained from four prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of tirilazad that had been conducted between 1991 and 1997. Clinical characteristics, in-hospital complications, and outcome at 3 months post-SAH (Glasgow Outcome Scale score) were analyzed with regard to the presence or absence of IVH.

RESULTS

Patients with SAH and IVH differ in demographic and admission characteristics from those with SAH but without IVH and are more likely to suffer in-hospital complications and a worse outcome at 3 months post-SAH.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of IVH in patients with SAH has an important predictive value with regard to these aspects.

External ventricular drainage response in poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: effect on preoperative grading and prognosis

INTRODUCTION

The importance of preoperative response to external ventricular drainage (EVD) for treatment of acute hydrocephalus (HCP) following poor grade (Hunt & Hess grade IV or V) aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has not been clearly defined. The effect of EVD response on preoperative grade and prognosis is described.

METHODS

Fifty-nine poor grade patients had an EVD placed preoperatively and underwent definitive aneurysm treatment between September 1996 and March 2002. Patients improving > or = one Hunt and Hess grade were considered responders. Case-control comparisons were completed for each responder, based on clinical grade; the pre-EVD grade and the post-EVD (response) grade were used to generate two independent control cohorts. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship of 12-month modified Rankin disability score (mRS) to clinical grade.

RESULTS

Nineteen (32%) responders were identified, and were less likely Grade V (p < 0.05), and more often had smaller (<13 mm, p < 0.01) and posterior circulation (p < 0.03) aneurysms. The frequency of favorable outcome (mRS < or= 3) was greater in responders than non-responders (68% vs. 28%, p < 0.001). Responders had a similar incidence of favorable outcome as response-grade controls (74%), and a higher incidence of favorable outcome than pre-EVD controls (47%). Regression analysis identified the post-EVD grade, but not the pre-EVD grade, as significantly predictive of long-term outcome (p < 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Long-term outcomes in poor grade patients who improve after EVD placement are similar to patients with lower grade hemorrhages. When an EVD is placed preoperatively in a poor grade aSAH patient, the neurological status after EVD determines the clinical grade.

Outcomes studies in cerebrovascular neurosurgery

✓Successfully measuring cerebrovascular neurosurgery outcomes requires an appreciation of the current state-of-the-art epidemiological instruments, their specific relevance to surgical treatments and the underlying pathological entity, and ultimately the right set of questions for the next generation of studies. In this paper the authors address these questions with specific attention to measurement targets, individual modeling scales, and types of studies, all within a conceptual framework for specific disease models in their current state of outcomes modeling in cerebrovascular neurosurgery.

Relation between size of aneurysms and risk of rebleeding in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Few risk factors have been identified for rebleeding in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage. We studied whether size of aneurysm after rupture is a risk factor for rebleeding. Since intracranial aneurysms develop during life and may therefore be larger at an older age, we also assessed whether age confounds a relation between size and rebleeding.

METHODS

We studied all patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage admitted between 1995 and 2000. Since 1995 CT-angiography is obtained in all patients on admission. Patients were followed until rebleeding, operation, discharge or death. For the relation between size and risk of rebleeding we used Cox proportional hazards modelling.

RESULTS

We included 354 patients. Rebleeding occurred in 22 (30%) of the 73 patients with a large (>10 mm) aneurysm, and in 68 (24%) of the 281 patients with a small (< or =10 mm) aneurysm (hazard ratio for large aneurysms 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-2.6)). Within the first three days rebleeding occurred in 14 (19.2%) patients with a large aneurysm and in 25 (8.9%) patients with a small aneurysm (hazard ratio 2.4 (95% CI 1.2-4.5)). After adjustment for age, all hazard ratios remained essentially the same.

CONCLUSION

Patients with large aneurysms have a higher risk for rebleeding, in particular within the first three days after the initial haemorrhage. This increased risk is independent of age.