Antiplatelet therapy, but not intravenous thrombolytic therapy, is associated with postoperative bleeding complications after decompressive craniectomy for stroke

The safety and efficacy of double microcatheter technique in small and tiny ruptured aneurysms: A single center study

OBJECTIVE

Double microcatheter technique (dMC) can be the alternative to Single microcatheter technique (sMC) for challenging cases, but there is lack of studies comparing dMC to sMC especifically for small ruptured aneurysms. Our objective was to compare the safety and efficacy of dMC to sMC in treating small (≤5 mm) and tiny (≤3 mm) ruptured aneurysms.

METHODS

This study focused on 91 out of 280 patients who had ruptured aneurysms and underwent either single or double microcatheter coil embolization. These patients were treated with either single or double microcatheter coil embolization. We divided the patients into two groups based on the procedural method and evaluated clinical features and outcomes. Subgroup analyses were conducted specifically for tiny aneurysms, comparing the two methods, and within the dMC group, we also examined whether the aneurysm was tiny or not. In addition, univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of coil packing density.

RESULTS

The mean values for most outcome measures in the dMC group were higher than those in the sMC group, but these differences did not reach statistical significance (coil packing density, 45.739% vs. 39.943%; procedural complication, 4.17% vs. 11.94%; recanalization, 8.3% vs. 10.45%; discharge discharge modified Rankin Scale (mRS), 1.83 vs. 1.97). The comparison between tiny aneurysms and other sizes within the dMC group did not reveal any significant differences in terms of worse outcomes or increased risk. The only factor that significantly influenced coil packing density in the univariate logistic regression analysis was the size of the aneurysm (OR 0.309, 95% CI 0.169-0.566, p=0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

The dMC proved to be a safe and viable alternative to the sMC for treating small ruptured aneurysms in challenging cases.

The effect of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies on clinical outcome of patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy: a systematic review

Objective

This systematic review aims to investigate a potential correlation between the administration of antiplatelets (APs) or anticoagulants (ACs) and perioperative complications, with a particular focus on hemorrhagic events, in patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy (DC). Additionally, the secondary objective is to assess the neurological outcomes in patients undergoing DC while taking APs/ACs, comparing them to patients not on APs/ACs.

Methods

The study utilized PubMed and Science Direct as primary online medical databases for the systematic review. Articles underwent screening based on title, abstract, and full-text review. Four studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for comprehensive analysis.

Results

Our findings suggest that the administration of APs/ACs in patients undergoing DC does not significantly impact functional outcomes. Notably, the occurrence of rebleeding within 6 months and other complications, including infections, appears to be less frequent in patients taking APs compared to those not taking APs/ACs.

Conclusion

Literature-derived data on the association between APs/ACs and DC presented considerable heterogeneity and insufficient volume for robust statistical analysis. Consequently, a definitive conclusion regarding the influence of suspending or continuing these therapies on complications and clinical outcomes cannot be confidently reached at present. To address this, a large-scale prospective study is warranted to gather substantial and precise data, facilitating a nuanced understanding of how to balance the risks and benefits associated with antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents in the context of decompressive craniectomy.

Early decompressive hemicraniectomy in thrombolyzed acute ischemic stroke patients from the international ENCHANTED trial

Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) can improve outcomes for patients with severe forms of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but the evidence is mainly derived from non-thrombolyzed patients. We aimed to determine the characteristics and outcomes of early DHC in thrombolyzed AIS participants of the international Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study (ENCHANTED). Post-hoc analyses of ENCHANTED, an international, partial-factorial, open, blinded outcome-assessed, controlled trial in 4557 thrombolysis-eligible AIS patients randomized to low- versus standard-dose intravenous alteplase (Arm A, n = 2350), intensive versus guideline-recommended blood pressure control (Arm B, n = 1280), or both (Arms A + B, n = 947). Logistic regression models were used to identify baseline variables associated with DHC, with inverse probability of treatment weights employed to eliminate baseline imbalances between those with and without DHC. Logistic regression was also used to determine associations of DHC and clinical outcomes of death/disability, major disability, and death (defined by scores 2-6, 3-5, and 6, respectively, on the modified Rankin scale) at 90 days post-randomization. There were 95 (2.1%) thrombolyzed AIS patients who underwent DHC, who were significantly younger, of non-Asian ethnicity, and more likely to have had prior lipid-lowering treatment and severe neurological impairment from large vessel occlusion than other patients. DHC patients were more likely to receive other management interventions and have poor functional outcomes than non-DHC patients, with no relation to different doses of intravenous alteplase. Compared to other thrombolyzed AIS patients, those who received DHC had a poor prognosis from more severe disease despite intensive in-hospital management.

Risk profile of decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant stroke after revascularization treatment

OBJECTIVE

Revascularization by pharmacological and/or endovascular treatment is an effective therapy for acute ischemic stroke caused by artery occlusion. In the context of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMI), decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) can be life-saving. However, its effectiveness and safety after revascularization have not been thoroughly assessed. This retrospective study aimed to determine the risk profile of pre-surgical revascularization treatment (RT) for subsequent DHC.

METHODS

A total of 152 consecutive patients treated by DHC after MMI were identified between 2012 and 2015. After elimination of cases with previous stroke and cases pre-treated with antiplatelets or anticoagulants (increased postoperative bleeding), twenty-four out of fifty patients (n = 24/50, 48%) received pre-surgical revascularization treatment by intravenous thrombolysis (TL), mechanical thrombectomy (MT) or a combination of both. Demographic data was compared alongside perioperative, postoperative complications (intra-/extracerebral hemorrhage, revision surgery due to hemorrhage or infection, and overall mortality) and economic parameters.

RESULTS

Comparing patients with and without prior RT, there was no statistically significant difference in duration of surgery (RT: 83 [57-116] min vs. no-RT: 96 [69-119] min, p = 0.308), intraoperative blood loss (RT: 300 [225-375] ml vs. no-RT: 300 [250-400] ml, p = 0.763), intraoperative transfusion requirement (RT: 12.5% vs. no-RT: 26.9%, p = 0.294), or need for volume substitution (RT: 1300 [1200-1400] ml vs. no-RT: 1200 [1100-1400] ml, p = 0.359). The rate of postoperative complications was also comparable in both groups, including intra-/extracerebral hemorrhage, revision due to hemorrhage or infections, and mortality (p = 0.814, p = 0.520, p = 0.697, and p = 0.769). Health economic parameters were not affected (ventilation time: RT: 309 [12-527] hrs. vs. no-RT: 444 [171-605] hrs., p = 0.120, length of stay: RT: 23 [13-32] days vs. no-RT: 28 [19-41], p = 0.156, and stay costs: RT: 27768 [13044-60,248] € vs. no-RT: 35422 [21225-49,585] €, p = 0.312).

CONCLUSION

DHC for patients with MMI who previously received revascularization therapy appears to be safe and not associated with a higher complication rate or increased health economic burden.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy in ischemic stroke

Malignant hemispheric stroke (MHS) is a life-threatening event, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHS) is the treatment of choice to relieve the emerging space-occupying brain edema. This review details the pathophysiological and scientific background, considerations for clinical decision making, surgical treatment and impact on the patients' outcome. Although surgery reduces mortality significantly, the probability for unfavorable outcome is still high in selected cases. While former randomized controlled studies aimed for the prevention of the primary cause, the current research focuses on the treatment and prevention of secondary neurological injury.

Decompressive craniectomy for acute ischemic stroke

Malignant stroke occurs in a subgroup of patients suffering from ischemic cerebral infarction and is characterized by neurological deterioration due to progressive edema, raised intracranial pressure, and cerebral herniation. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical technique aiming to open the “closed box” represented by the non-expandable skull in cases of refractory intracranial hypertension. It is a valuable modality in the armamentarium to treat patients with malignant stroke: the life-saving effect has been proven for both supratentorial and infratentorial DC in virtually all age groups. This leaves physicians with the difficult task to decide who will require early or preemptive surgery and who might benefit from postponing surgery until clear evidence of deterioration evolves. Together with the patient’s relatives, physicians also have to ascertain whether the patient will have acceptable disability and quality of life in his or her presumed perception, based on preoperative predictions. This complex decision-making process can only be managed with interdisciplinary efforts and should be supported by continued research in the age of personalized medicine.

Challenges in the Anesthetic and Intensive Care Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a devastating condition with high morbidity and mortality. In the past 2 decades, the treatment of AIS has been revolutionized by the introduction of several interventions supported by class I evidence-care on a stroke unit, intravenous tissue plasminogen activator within 4.5 hours of stroke onset, aspirin commenced within 48 hours of stroke onset, and decompressive craniectomy for supratentorial malignant hemispheric cerebral infarction. There is new class I evidence also demonstrating benefits of endovascular therapy on functional outcomes in those with anterior circulation stroke. In addition, the importance of the careful management of key systemic physiological variables, including oxygenation, blood pressure, temperature, and serum glucose, has been appreciated. In line with this, the role of anesthesiologists and intensivists in managing AIS has increased. This review highlights the main challenges in the endovascular and intensive care management of AIS that, in part, result from the paucity of research focused on these areas. It also provides guidelines for the management of AIS based upon current evidence, and identifies areas for further research.

The Effect of Preoperative Antiplatelet Therapy on Hemorrhagic Complications after Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective

Traditionally, it is generally recommended that antiplatelet agent should be discontinued before surgery. However, decompressive craniectomy (DC) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is performed emergently in most cases. Therefore, DC cannot be delayed to the time when the effect of antiplatelet agent on bleeding tendency dissipates. In this study, we evaluated the effect of preinjury antiplatelet therapy on hemorrhagic complications after emergent DC in patients with TBI.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated patients with TBI who underwent emergent DC between 2006 and 2015. The patients were separated into two groups according to the use of preinjury antiplatelet agent: group 1 (patients taking antiplatelet agent) and group 2 (patients not taking antiplatelet agent). The rate of hemorrhagic complications (postoperative epidural or subdural hemorrhage, newly developed, or progression of preexisting contusion or intracerebral hemorrhage within the field of DC) and the rate of reoperation within 7 days after DC were compared between two groups.

Results

During the study period, DC was performed in 90 patients. Of them, 19 patients were taking antiplatelet agent before TBI. The rate of hemorrhagic complications was 52.6% (10/19) in group 1 and 46.5% (33/71) in group 2 (p=0.633). The rate of reoperation was 36.8% (7/19) in group 1 and 36.6% (26/71) in group 2 (p=0.986). No statistical difference was found between two groups.

Conclusion

Preinjury antiplatelet therapy did not influence the rate of hemorrhagic complications and reoperation after DC. Emergent DC in patients with TBI should not be delayed because of preinjury antiplatelet therapy.

Complications Associated with Decompressive Craniectomy: A Systematic Review

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been used for many years in the management of patients with elevated intracranial pressure and cerebral edema. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the clinical and cost effectiveness of DC in trauma and stroke. While DC has demonstrable efficacy in saving life, it is accompanied by a myriad of non-trivial complications that have been inadequately highlighted in prospective clinical trials. Missing from our current understanding is a comprehensive analysis of all potential complications associated with DC. Here, we review the available literature, we tabulate all reported complications, and we calculate their frequency for specific indications. Of over 1500 records initially identified, a final total of 142 eligible records were included in our comprehensive analysis. We identified numerous complications related to DC that have not been systematically reviewed. Complications were of three major types: (1) Hemorrhagic (2) Infectious/Inflammatory, and (3) Disturbances of the CSF compartment. Complications associated with cranioplasty fell under similar major types, with additional complications relating to the bone flap. Overall, one of every ten patients undergoing DC may suffer a complication necessitating additional medical and/or neurosurgical intervention. While DC has received increased attention as a potential therapeutic option in a variety of situations, like any surgical procedure, DC is not without risk. Neurologists and neurosurgeons must be aware of all the potential complications of DC in order to properly advise their patients.

Decompressive Hemicraniectomy in a South American Population--Morbidity and Outcomes Analysis

BACKGROUND

Malignant cerebral artery strokes have a poor prognosis, with nearly 80% of mortality in some series despite intensive care. After a large randomized trial, decompressive hemicraniectomy has been performed more often in stroke patients. Here, we describe patients in a tertiary teaching hospital in Brazil, emphasizing the impact of age on outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of patients, with malignant strokes which received a decompressive hemicraniectomy, from paper and electronic medical records, from January 2010 to December 2013 was divided into two groups according to age.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 60 patients. The overall mortality was higher among patients older than 60 yrs (67% vs. 41%; p = 0.039), whose group also had a worse outcome (76% with mRS 5 or 6) at 90 days (OR 3.91 CI95% 1.30-11.74), whereas only 24% had mRS of 0-4 (p = 0.015). All patients who presented with sepsis died (p = 0.003). The incidence of pulmonary infection was very high in the elderly group (76%) with significant intergroup differences (p = 0.027, OR 8.32 CI95% 0.70-98.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients present more commonly with infections, more disabilities and a higher mortality, highlighting very poor results in elderly population. These results should be proved with a South American trial, and if confirmed, it can impact on future decisions regarding decompressive craniectomy for acute ischemic stroke in our region.

Hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction: current status and future directions

Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction is a life-threatening sub-type of ischemic stroke that may only be survived at the expense of permanent disability. Decompressive hemicraniectomy is an effective surgical therapy to reduce mortality and improve functional outcome without promoting most severe disability. Evidence derives from three European randomized controlled trials in patients up to 60 years. The recently finished DEcompressive Surgery for the Treatment of malignant INfarction of the middle cerebral arterY - II trial gives now high-level evidence for the effectiveness of decompressive hemicraniectomy in patients older than 60 years. Nevertheless, pressing issues persist that need to be answered in future clinical trials, e.g. the acceptable degree of disability in survivors of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction, the importance of aphasia, and the best timing for decompressive hemicraniectomy. This review provides an overview of the current diagnosis and treatment of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction with a focus on decompressive hemicraniectomy and outlines future perspectives.