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Dabrowski W, Siwicka-Gieroba D, Robba C, Bielacz M, Sołek-Pastuszka J, Kotfis K, Bohatyrewicz R, Jaroszyński A, Malbrain MLNG, Badenes R. Potentially Detrimental Effects of Hyperosmolality in Patients Treated for Traumatic Brain Injury. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4141. [PMID: 34575255 PMCID: PMC8467376 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperosmotic therapy is commonly used to treat intracranial hypertension in traumatic brain injury patients. Unfortunately, hyperosmolality also affects other organs. An increase in plasma osmolality may impair kidney, cardiac, and immune function, and increase blood-brain barrier permeability. These effects are related not only to the type of hyperosmotic agents, but also to the level of hyperosmolality. The commonly recommended osmolality of 320 mOsm/kg H2O seems to be the maximum level, although an increase in plasma osmolality above 310 mOsm/kg H2O may already induce cardiac and immune system disorders. The present review focuses on the adverse effects of hyperosmolality on the function of various organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Dabrowski
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Dorota Siwicka-Gieroba
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Chiara Robba
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy;
| | - Magdalena Bielacz
- Institute of Tourism and Recreation, State Vocational College of Szymon Szymonowicz, 22-400 Zamosc, Poland;
| | - Joanna Sołek-Pastuszka
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (J.S.-P.); (R.B.)
| | - Katarzyna Kotfis
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Therapy and Acute Intoxications, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Romuald Bohatyrewicz
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland; (J.S.-P.); (R.B.)
| | - Andrzej Jaroszyński
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Medical Science, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, 25-736 Kielce, Poland;
| | - Manu L. N. G. Malbrain
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
- International Fluid Academy, Dreef 3, 3360 Lovenjoel, Belgium
- Medical Department, AZ Jan Palfjin Hospital, Watersportlaan 5, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Rafael Badenes
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Hospital Clìnico Universitario de Valencia, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
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Schizodimos T, Soulountsi V, Iasonidou C, Kapravelos N. An overview of management of intracranial hypertension in the intensive care unit. J Anesth 2020; 34:741-757. [PMID: 32440802 PMCID: PMC7241587 DOI: 10.1007/s00540-020-02795-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Intracranial hypertension (IH) is a clinical condition commonly encountered in the intensive care unit, which requires immediate treatment. The maintenance of normal intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure in order to prevent secondary brain injury (SBI) is the central focus of management. SBI can be detected through clinical examination and invasive and non-invasive ICP monitoring. Progress in monitoring and understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of IH allows the implementation of targeted interventions in order to improve the outcome of these patients. Initially, general prophylactic measures such as patient's head elevation, fever control, adequate analgesia and sedation depth should be applied immediately to all patients with suspected IH. Based on specific indications and conditions, surgical resection of mass lesions and cerebrospinal fluid drainage should be considered as an initial treatment for lowering ICP. Hyperosmolar therapy (mannitol or hypertonic saline) represents the cornerstone of medical treatment of acute IH while hyperventilation should be limited to emergency management of life-threatening raised ICP. Therapeutic hypothermia could have a possible benefit on outcome. To control elevated ICP refractory to maximum standard medical and surgical treatment, at first, high-dose barbiturate administration and then decompressive craniectomy as a last step are recommended with unclear and probable benefit on outcomes, respectively. The therapeutic strategy should be based on a staircase approach and be individualized for each patient. Since most therapeutic interventions have an uncertain effect on neurological outcome and mortality, future research should focus on both studying the long-term benefits of current strategies and developing new ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Schizodimos
- 2nd Department of Intensive Care Medicine, George Papanikolaou General Hospital, G. Papanikolaou Avenue, 57010, Exochi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Vasiliki Soulountsi
- 1st Department of Intensive Care Medicine, George Papanikolaou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Iasonidou
- 2nd Department of Intensive Care Medicine, George Papanikolaou General Hospital, G. Papanikolaou Avenue, 57010, Exochi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikos Kapravelos
- 2nd Department of Intensive Care Medicine, George Papanikolaou General Hospital, G. Papanikolaou Avenue, 57010, Exochi, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Venkatasubba Rao CP, Bershad EM, Calvillo E, Maldonado N, Damani R, Mandayam S, Suarez JI. Real-time Noninvasive Monitoring of Intracranial Fluid Shifts During Dialysis Using Volumetric Integral Phase-Shift Spectroscopy (VIPS): A Proof-of-Concept Study. Neurocrit Care 2019; 28:117-126. [PMID: 28547320 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-017-0409-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral edema, which is associated with increased intracranial fluid, is often a complication of many acute neurological conditions. There is currently no accepted method for real-time monitoring of intracranial fluid volume at the bedside. We evaluated a novel noninvasive technique called "Volumetric Integral Phase-shift Spectroscopy (VIPS)" for detecting intracranial fluid shifts during hemodialysis. METHODS Subjects receiving scheduled hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease and without a history of major neurological conditions were enrolled. VIPS monitoring was performed during hemodialysis. Serum osmolarity, electrolytes, and cognitive function with mini-mental state examination (MMSE) were assessed. RESULTS Twenty-one monitoring sessions from 14 subjects (4 women), mean group age 50 (SD 12.6), were analyzed. The serum osmolarity decreased by a mean of 6.4 mOsm/L (SD 6.6) from pre- to post-dialysis and correlated with an increase in the VIPS edema index (E-Dex) of 9.7% (SD 12.9) (Pearson's correlation r = 0.46, p = 0.037). Of the individual determinants of serum osmolarity, changes in serum sodium level correlated best with the VIPS edema index (Pearson's correlation, r = 0.46, p = 0.034). MMSE scores did not change from pre- to post-dialysis. CONCLUSIONS We detected an increase in the VIPS edema index during hemodialysis that correlated with decreased serum osmolarity, mainly reflected by changes in serum sodium suggesting shifts in intracranial fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chethan P Venkatasubba Rao
- Department of Neurology, Section of Vascular Neurology and Neurocritical Care, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS, NB 122, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Eric M Bershad
- Department of Neurology, Section of Vascular Neurology and Neurocritical Care, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS, NB 122, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Eusebia Calvillo
- Department of Neurology, Section of Vascular Neurology and Neurocritical Care, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS, NB 122, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Nelson Maldonado
- Department of Neurology, Section of Vascular Neurology and Neurocritical Care, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS, NB 122, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rahul Damani
- Department of Neurology, Section of Vascular Neurology and Neurocritical Care, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS, NB 122, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sreedhar Mandayam
- Department of Nephrology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jose I Suarez
- Department of Neurology, Section of Vascular Neurology and Neurocritical Care, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS, NB 122, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Rhoney DH, Parker D. Considerations in Fluids and Electrolytes After Traumatic Brain Injury. Nutr Clin Pract 2016; 21:462-78. [PMID: 16998145 DOI: 10.1177/0115426506021005462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Appropriate fluid management of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents a challenge for many clinicians. Many of these patients may receive osmotic diuretics for the treatment of increased intracranial pressure or develop sodium disturbances, which act to alter fluid balance. However, establishment of fluid balance is extremely important for improving patient outcomes after neurologic injury. The use of hyperosmolar fluids, such as hypertonic saline, has gained significant interest because they are devoid of dehydrating properties and may have other beneficial properties for patients with TBI. Electrolyte derangements are also common after neurologic injury, with many having neurologic manifestations. In addition, the role of electrolyte abnormalities in the secondary neurologic injury cascade is being delineated and may offer a potential future therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise H Rhoney
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Jeon SB, Koh Y, Choi HA, Lee K. Critical care for patients with massive ischemic stroke. J Stroke 2014; 16:146-60. [PMID: 25328873 PMCID: PMC4200590 DOI: 10.5853/jos.2014.16.3.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant cerebral edema following ischemic stroke is life threatening, as it can cause inadequate blood flow and perfusion leading to irreversible tissue hypoxia and metabolic crisis. Increased intracranial pressure and brain shift can cause herniation syndrome and finally brain death. Multiple randomized clinical trials have shown that preemptive decompressive hemicraniectomy effectively reduces mortality and morbidity in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction. Another life-saving decompressive surgery is suboccipital craniectomy for patients with brainstem compression by edematous cerebellar infarction. In addition to decompressive surgery, cerebrospinal fluid drainage by ventriculostomy should be considered for patients with acute hydrocephalus following stroke. Medical treatment begins with sedation, analgesia, and general measures including ventilatory support, head elevation, maintaining a neutral neck position, and avoiding conditions associated with intracranial hypertension. Optimization of cerebral perfusion pressure and reduction of intracranial pressure should always be pursued simultaneously. Osmotherapy with mannitol is the standard treatment for intracranial hypertension, but hypertonic saline is also an effective alternative. Therapeutic hypothermia may also be considered for treatment of brain edema and intracranial hypertension, but its neuroprotective effects have not been demonstrated in stroke. Barbiturate coma therapy has been used to reduce metabolic demand, but has become less popular because of its systemic adverse effects. Furthermore, general medical care is critical because of the complex interactions between the brain and other organ systems. Some challenging aspects of critical care, including ventilator support, sedation and analgesia, and performing neurological examinations in the setting of a minimal stimulation protocol, are addressed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Beom Jeon
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Younsuck Koh
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - H Alex Choi
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kiwon Lee
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Abstract
Despite the fact that it has been used since the 1960s in diseases associated with brain edema and has been investigated in >150 publications on head injury, very little has been published on the outcome of osmotherapy. We can only speculate whether osmotherapy improves outcome, has no effect on outcome, or leads to worse outcome. Here we describe the action and potentially beneficial and adverse effects of the 2 most commonly used osmotic solutions, mannitol and hypertonic saline, and present some critical aspects of their use. There is a well-documented transient intracranial pressure (ICP)-reducing effect of osmotherapy, but an adverse rebound increase in ICP after its withdrawal has been discussed extensively in the literature and is an expected pathophysiological phenomenon. From side effects related to renal and pulmonary failure, electrolyte disturbances, and a rebound increase in ICP, osmotherapy can be negative for outcome, which may explain why we lack scientific support for its use. These drawbacks, and the fact that the most recent Cochrane meta-analyses of osmotherapy in brain edema and stroke could not find any beneficial effects on outcome, make routine use of osmotherapy in brain edema doubtful. Nevertheless, the use of osmotherapy as a temporary measure may be justified to acutely prevent brain stem compression until other measures, such as evacuation of space-occupying lesions or decompressive craniotomy, can be performed. This article is the Con part in a Pro-Con debate in the present journal on the general routine use of osmotherapy in brain edema.
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Rockswold GL, Solid CA, Paredes-Andrade E, Rockswold SB, Jancik JT, Quickel RR. Hypertonic saline and its effect on intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, and brain tissue oxygen. Neurosurgery 2010; 65:1035-41; discussion 1041-2. [PMID: 19934962 DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000359533.16214.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypertonic saline is emerging as a potentially effective single osmotic agent for control of acute elevations in intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by severe traumatic brain injury. This study examines its effect on ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO2). METHODS Twenty-five consecutive patients with severe traumatic brain injury who were treated with 23.4% NaCl for elevated ICP were evaluated. Bolt catheter probes were placed in the noninjured hemisphere, and hourly ICP, mean arterial pressure, CPP, and PbtO2 values were recorded. Thirty milliliters of 23.4% NaCl was infused over 15 minutes for intracranial hypertension, defined as ICP greater than 20 mm Hg. Twenty-one male patients and 4 female patients aged 16 to 64 years were included. The mean presenting Glasgow Coma Scale score was 5.7. RESULTS Mean pretreatment values included an ICP level of 25.9 mm Hg and a PbtO2 value of 32 mm Hg. The posttreatment ICP level was decreased by a mean of 8.3 mm Hg (P < 0.0001), and there was an improvement in PbtO2 of 3.1 mm Hg (P < 0.01). ICP of more than 31 mm Hg decreased by 14.2 mm Hg. Pretreatment CPP values of less than 70 mm Hg increased by a mean of 6 mm Hg (P < 0.0001). No complications occurred from this treatment, with the exception of electrolyte and chemistry abnormalities. At 6 months postinjury, the mortality rate was 28%, with 48% of patients achieving a favorable outcome by the dichotomized Glasgow Outcome Scale. CONCLUSION Hypertonic saline as a single osmotic agent decreased ICP while improving CPP and PbtO2 in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Patients with higher baseline ICP and lower CPP levels responded to hypertonic saline more significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaylan L Rockswold
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415, USA.
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Gaohua L, Kimura H. Simulation of propofol anaesthesia for intracranial decompression using brain hypothermia treatment. Theor Biol Med Model 2007; 4:46. [PMID: 18045501 PMCID: PMC2217543 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4682-4-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2007] [Accepted: 11/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although propofol is commonly used for general anaesthesia of normothermic patients in clinical practice, little information is available in the literature regarding the use of propofol anaesthesia for intracranial decompression using brain hypothermia treatment. A novel propofol anaesthesia scheme is proposed that should promote such clinical application and improve understanding of the principles of using propofol anaesthesia for hypothermic intracranial decompression. Methods Theoretical analysis was carried out using a previously-developed integrative model of the thermoregulatory, hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic subsystems. Propofol kinetics is described using a framework similar to that of this model and combined with the thermoregulation subsystem through the pharmacodynamic relationship between the blood propofol concentration and the thermoregulatory threshold. A propofol anaesthesia scheme for hypothermic intracranial decompression was simulated using the integrative model. Results Compared to the empirical anaesthesia scheme, the proposed anaesthesia scheme can reduce the required propofol dosage by more than 18%. Conclusion The integrative model of the thermoregulatory, hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic subsystems is effective in analyzing the use of propofol anaesthesia for hypothermic intracranial decompression. This propofol infusion scheme appears to be more appropriate for clinical application than the empirical one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gaohua
- Bio-Mimetic Control Research Center, The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) Nagoya, 463-0003, Japan.
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Gaohua L, Maekawa T, Kimura H. An integrated model of thermodynamic–hemodynamic–pharmacokinetic system and its application on decoupling control of intracranial temperature and pressure in brain hypothermia treatment. J Theor Biol 2006; 242:16-31. [PMID: 16524597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2006.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2005] [Revised: 01/25/2006] [Accepted: 01/26/2006] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Brain hypothermia treatment (BHT) is an intensive care characterized by simultaneous managements of various vital signs, such as intracranial temperature (ICT) and pressure (ICP), of the severe neuropatient. Medical treatments including therapeutic ambient cooling and diuresis are separately carried out based on the experience of the medical staff involved in the clinical management of various pathophysiological processes, such as thermodynamics, hemodynamics and pharmacokinetics. However, no special attention has been paid to the interactions among these subsystems in therapeutic hypothermia because of the lack of theoretical knowledge. Therefore, quantitative analyses using an integrated model of various physiological processes and their interactions are of pressing need. In the present paper, we propose a general compartmental model to describe the pathophysiological processes of the three aforementioned dynamics, on account of the dynamical analogy of temperature, pressure and concentration. The model is verified by the agreement of model-based simulation results with clinical evidence. Based on responses of the integrated model to various stimuli, a transfer function matrix is identified to linearly approximate the characteristic interrelationships between medical treatments (ambient cooling and diuresis) and the vital signs (ICT and ICP). Then a controller that decouples ambient cooling and diuresis is proposed for efficient management of ICT and ICP, enhancement of hypothermic decompression and reduction of diuretic dosage. Decoupling control simulation indicates that ICT and ICP of the integrated model, representing a patient under BHT, can be simultaneously regulated by a single PID controller for ambient cooling and another for diuresis. The proposed decoupler effectively establishes hypothermic decompression, reduces the dosage of diuretic and improves ICP management. Theoretical analyses of the integrated model and decoupling control of ICT and ICP provide insights into the intensive care of various pathophysiological processes in patients undergoing BHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gaohua
- Biological Control Systems Laboratory, Bio-Mimetic Control Research Center, RIKEN (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research), 2271-130 Anagahora, Shimoshidami, Moriyama-ku, Nagoya 463-0003, Japan.
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Gaohua L, Kimura H. A mathematical model of intracranial pressure dynamics for brain hypothermia treatment. J Theor Biol 2006; 238:882-900. [PMID: 16098539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2005.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2005] [Revised: 06/28/2005] [Accepted: 06/30/2005] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Brain hypothermia treatment is used as a neuroprotectant to decompress the elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) in acute neuropatients. However, a quantitative relationship between decompression and brain hypothermia is still unclear, this makes medical treatment difficult and ineffective. The objective of this paper is to develop a general mathematical model integrating hemodynamics and biothermal dynamics to enable a quantitative prediction of transient responses of elevated ICP to ambient cooling temperature. The model consists of a lumped-parameter compartmental representation of the body, and is based on two mechanisms of temperature dependence encountered in hypothermia, i.e. the van't Hoff's effect of metabolism and the Arrhenius' effect of capillary filtration. Model parameters are taken from the literature. The model is verified by comparing the simulation results to population-averaged data and clinical evidence of brain hypothermia treatment. It is possible to assign special model inputs to mimic clinical maneuvers, and to adjust model parameters to simulate pathophysiological states of intracranial hypertension. Characteristics of elevated ICP are quantitatively estimated by using linear approximation of step response with respect to ambient cooling temperature. Gain of about 4.9 mmHg degrees C(-1), dead time of about 1.0 h and a time constant of about 9.8h are estimated for the hypothermic decompression. Based on the estimated characteristics, a feedback control of elevated ICP is introduced in a simulated intracranial hypertension of vasogenic brain edema. Simulation results suggest the possibility of an automatic control of the elevated ICP in brain hypothermia treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gaohua
- Bio-Mimetic Control Research Center, Biological Control Systems Laboratory, RIKEN, The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, 2271-130 Anagahora, Shimoshidami, Nagoya 463-0003, Japan.
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Abstract
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with a person dying every 3 minutes of a stroke. Massive ischemic stroke accounts for 10% to 20% of ischemic strokes, has traditionally been associated with a high mortality and morbidity, and requires a unique management strategy. Recent advances in management, fueled by an increased understanding of the pathophysiology, may help decrease mortality and improve outcomes. Rapid access to reperfusion therapies remains the most critical element of stroke care and the cornerstone of therapy. This article focuses on newer therapies, including osmotic therapy, hypothermia, maintained normothermia, strict glycemic control, induced hypertension, and hemicraniectomy, all of which show promise for reducing mortality and improving functional outcome. These interventions have become integrated into neurologic intensive care units around the world. They are complicated, require a high level of expertise, and carry a significant learning curve. In order for these new management techniques to be effective, an expedited, aggressive, meticulous, and potentially prolonged medical management approach is needed. To accomplish this there is a growing need for focused specialists in the areas of neurointensive care and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Palestrant
- Neurological Institute, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Abstract
Coma is a nonspecific sign of widespread central nervous system impairment resulting from various metabolic and structural etiologies. The rapid recognition of this neurologic emergency and results from the history, physical examination, and early investigative studies are key to the identification and treatment of its underlying cause. The prognosis for recovery depends greatly on the underlying etiology as well as on its optimal treatment, which seeks to preserve neurologic function and maximize the potential for recovery by reversing the primary cause of brain injury, if known, and preventing secondary brain injury from anoxia, ischemia, hypoglycemia, cerebral edema, seizures, infections, and electrolyte and temperature disturbances. Brain death must be diagnosed with similar care and precision, and families approached compassionately about the diagnosis and their decisions regarding organ donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Michelson
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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