Dobutamine-induced high cardiac index did not prevent vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients: a randomized controlled pilot study

Twelve controversial questions in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Critical care management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains a major challenge. Despite the recent publication of guidelines from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and the Neurocritical Care Society, there are many controversial questions in the intensive care unit (ICU) management of this population. The authors provide an analysis of common issues in the ICU and provide guidance on the daily management of this specific population of neurocritical care patients.

Hemodynamic Management in the Prevention and Treatment of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

One of the most serious complications after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is delayed cerebral ischemia, the cause of which is multifactorial. Delayed cerebral ischemia considerably worsens neurological outcome and increases the risk of death. The targets of hemodynamic management of SAH have widely changed over the past 30 years. Hypovolemia and hypotension were favored prior to the era of early aneurysmal surgery but were subsequently replaced by the use of hypervolemia and hypertension. More recently, the concept of goal-directed therapy targeting euvolemia, with or without hypertension, is gaining preference. Despite the evolving concepts and the vast literature, fundamental questions related to hemodynamic optimization and its effects on cerebral perfusion and patient outcomes remain unanswered. In this review, we explain the rationale underlying the approaches to hemodynamic management and provide guidance on contemporary strategies related to fluid administration and blood pressure and cardiac output manipulation in the management of SAH.

Guidelines for the Neurocritical Care Management of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

The neurointensive care management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is one of the most critical components contributing to short-term and long-term patient outcomes. Previous recommendations for the medical management of aSAH comprehensively summarized the evidence based on consensus conference held in 2011. In this report, we provide updated recommendations based on appraisal of the literature using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology.

METHODS

The Population/Intervention/Comparator/Outcome (PICO) questions relevant to the medical management of aSAH were prioritized by consensus from the panel members. The panel used a custom-designed survey instrument to prioritize clinically relevant outcomes specific to each PICO question. To be included, the study design qualifying criteria were as follows: prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective or retrospective observational studies, case-control studies, case series with a sample larger than 20 patients, meta-analyses, restricted to human study participants. Panel members first screened titles and abstracts, and subsequently full text review of selected reports. Data were abstracted in duplicate from reports meeting inclusion criteria. Panelists used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Risk of Bias tool for assessment of RCTs and the "Risk of Bias In Nonrandomized Studies - of Interventions" tool for assessment of observational studies. The summary of the evidence for each PICO was presented to the full panel, and then the panel voted on the recommendations.

RESULTS

The initial search retrieved 15,107 unique publications, and 74 were included for data abstraction. Several RCTs were conducted to test pharmacological interventions, and we found that the quality of evidence for nonpharmacological questions was consistently poor. Five PICO questions were supported by strong recommendations, one PICO question was supported by conditional recommendations, and six PICO questions did not have sufficient evidence to provide a recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines provide recommendations for or against interventions proven to be effective, ineffective, or harmful in the medical management of patients with aSAH based on a rigorous review of the available literature. They also serve to highlight gaps in knowledge that should guide future research priorities. Despite improvements in the outcomes of patients with aSAH over time, many important clinical questions remain unanswered.

Hemodynamic management of acute brain injury caused by cerebrovascular diseases: a survey of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine

BACKGROUND

The optimal hemodynamic targets and management of patients with acute brain injury are not completely elucidated, but recent evidence points to important impact on clinical outcomes. We performed an international survey with the aim to investigate the practice in the hemodynamic targets, monitoring, and management of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

This survey was endorsed by the European Society of Intensive Care (ESICM). An electronic questionnaire of 76 questions divided in 4 sections (general information, AIS, ICH, SAH specific questions) was available between January 2022 to March 2022 on the ESICM website.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-four healthcare professionals from 36 different countries and at least 98 different institutions answered the survey. Routine echocardiography is routinely performed in 37% of responders in AIS, 34% in ICH and 38% in SAH. Cardiac output monitoring is used in less than 20% of cases by most of the responders. Cardiovascular complications are the main reason for using advanced hemodynamic monitoring, and norepinephrine is the most common drug used to increase arterial blood pressure. Most responders target fluid balance to neutral (62% in AIS, 59% in ICH,44% in SAH), and normal saline is the most common fluid used. Large variability was observed regarding the blood pressure targets.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemodynamic management and treatment in patients with acute brain injury from cerebrovascular diseases vary largely in clinical practice. Further research is required to provide clear guidelines to physicians for the hemodynamic optimization of this group of patients.

Effect of inotropic agents on oxygenation and cerebral perfusion in acute brain injury

Introduction

Tissue hypoxia and insufficient energy delivery is one of the mechanisms behind the occurrence of several complications in acute brain injured patients. Several interventions can improve cerebral oxygenation; however, the effects of inotropic agents remain poorly characterized.

Methods

Retrospective analysis including patients suffering from acute brain injury and monitored with brain oxygen pressure (PbtO2) catheter, in whom inotropic agents were administered according to the decision of the treating physician's decision; PbtO2 values were collected before, 1 and 2 h after the initiation of therapy from the patient data monitoring system. PbtO2 “responders” were patients with a relative increase in PbtO2 from baseline values of at least 20%.

Results

A total of 35 patients were included in this study. Most of them (31/35, 89%) suffered from non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Compared with baseline values [20 (14–24) mmHg], PbtO2 did not significantly increase over time [19 (15–25) mmHg at 1 h and 19 (17–25) mmHg at 2 h, respectively; p = 0.052]. A total of 12/35 (34%) patients were PbtO2 “responders,” in particular if low PbtO2 was observed at baseline. A PbtO2 of 17 mmHg at baseline had a sensibility of 84% and a specificity of 91% to predict a PbtO2 responder. A significant direct correlation between changes in PbtO2 and cardiac output [r = 0.496 (95% CI 0.122 to 0.746), p = 0.01; n = 25] and a significant negative correlation between changes in PbtO2 and cerebral perfusion pressure [r = −0.389 (95% CI −0.681 to −0.010), p = 0.05] were observed.

Conclusions

In this study, inotropic administration significantly increased brain oxygenation in one third of brain injured patients, especially when tissue hypoxia was present at baseline. Future studies should highlight the role of inotropic agents in the management of tissue hypoxia in this setting.

Challenges in the hemodynamic management of acute nontraumatic neurological injuries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To appraise the evidence from the literature and suggest an integrated hemodynamic approach of early and delayed phases of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

RECENT FINDINGS

In AIS, the research aims to evaluate the optimal pressure control before, during and after the revascularization, to optimize the perfusion in the ischemic areas, minimizing the risk of hemorrhage or secondary damage to already infarcted areas. In the early phase of SAH, systemic pressure should be controlled to balance the risk of stroke, hypertension-related rebleeding, and maintenance of cerebral perfusion pressure. The late phase aims to minimize the risk of cerebral vasospasm by adapting systemic pressure and volemia to cerebral and systemic physiological hemodynamic targets. In the mild-to-moderate ICH, achieving SAP of less than 140 mmHg and greater than 110 mmHg may be considered as a beneficial target. Caution should be considered in lowering intensively SAP in severe ICH.

SUMMARY

In nontraumatic brain injuries, the hemodynamic management is strictly related to fluctuating physiology of these diseases, needing a strict control of pressure and flow variable to ensure both cerebral and systemic homeostasis.

Interventions for altering blood pressure in people with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Subarachnoid haemorrhage has an incidence of up to nine per 100,000 person-years. It carries a mortality of 30% to 45% and leaves 20% dependent in activities of daily living. The major causes of death or disability after the haemorrhage are delayed cerebral ischaemia and rebleeding. Interventions aimed at lowering blood pressure may reduce the risk of rebleeding, while the induction of hypertension may reduce the risk of delayed cerebral ischaemia. Despite the fact that medical alteration of blood pressure has been clinical practice for more than three decades, no previous systematic reviews have assessed the beneficial and harmful effects of altering blood pressure (induced hypertension or lowered blood pressure) in people with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of altering arterial blood pressure (induced hypertension or lowered blood pressure) in people with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following from inception to 8 September 2020 (Chinese databases to 27 January 2019): Cochrane Stroke Group Trials register; CENTRAL; MEDLINE; Embase; five other databases, and five trial registries. We screened reference lists of review articles and relevant randomised clinical trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials assessing the effects of inducing hypertension or lowering blood pressure in people with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage. We included trials irrespective of publication type, status, date, and language.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data. We assessed the risk of bias of all included trials to control for the risk of systematic errors. We performed trial sequential analysis to control for the risks of random errors. We also applied GRADE. Our primary outcomes were death from all causes and death or dependency. Our secondary outcomes were serious adverse events, quality of life, rebleeding, delayed cerebral ischaemia, and hydrocephalus. We assessed all outcomes closest to three months' follow-up (primary point of interest) and maximum follow-up.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three trials: two trials randomising 61 participants to induced hypertension versus no intervention, and one trial randomising 224 participants to lowered blood pressure versus placebo. All trials were at high risk of bias. The certainty of the evidence was very low for all outcomes. Induced hypertension versus control Two trials randomised participants to induced hypertension versus no intervention. Meta-analysis showed no evidence of a difference between induced hypertension versus no intervention on death from all causes (risk ratio (RR) 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57 to 4.42; P = 0.38; I² = 0%; 2 trials, 61 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Trial sequential analyses showed that we had insufficient information to confirm or reject our predefined relative risk reduction of 20% or more. Meta-analysis showed no evidence of a difference between induced hypertension versus no intervention on death or dependency (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.78 to 2.13; P = 0.33; I² = 0%; 2 trials, 61 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Trial sequential analyses showed that we had insufficient information to confirm or reject our predefined relative risk reduction of 20% or more. Meta-analysis showed no evidence of a difference between induced hypertension and control on serious adverse events (RR 2.24, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.99; P = 0.05; I² = 0%; 2 trials, 61 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Trial sequential analysis showed that we had insufficient information to confirm or reject our predefined relative risk reduction of 20% or more. One trial (41 participants) reported quality of life using the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. The induced hypertension group had a median of 47 points (interquartile range 35 to 55) and the no-intervention group had a median of 49 points (interquartile range 35 to 55). The certainty of evidence was very low. One trial (41 participants) reported rebleeding. Fisher's exact test (P = 1.0) showed no evidence of a difference between induced hypertension and no intervention on rebleeding. The certainty of evidence was very low. Trial sequential analysis showed that we had insufficient information to confirm or reject our predefined relative risk reduction of 20% or more. One trial (20 participants) reported delayed cerebral ischaemia. Fisher's exact test (P = 1.0) showed no evidence of a difference between induced hypertension and no intervention on delayed cerebral ischaemia. The certainty of the evidence was very low. Trial sequential analysis showed that we had insufficient information to confirm or reject our predefined relative risk reduction of 20% or more. None of the trials randomising participants to induced hypertension versus no intervention reported on hydrocephalus. No subgroup analyses could be conducted for trials randomising participants to induced hypertension versus no intervention. Lowered blood pressure versus control One trial randomised 224 participants to lowered blood pressure versus placebo. The trial only reported on death from all causes. Fisher's exact test (P = 0.058) showed no evidence of a difference between lowered blood pressure versus placebo on death from all causes. The certainty of evidence was very low.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current evidence, there is a lack of information needed to confirm or reject minimally important intervention effects on patient-important outcomes for both induced hypertension and lowered blood pressure. There is an urgent need for trials assessing the effects of altering blood pressure in people with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage. Such trials should use the SPIRIT statement for their design and the CONSORT statement for their reporting. Moreover, such trials should use methods allowing for blinded altering of blood pressure and report on patient-important outcomes such as mortality, rebleeding, delayed cerebral ischaemia, quality of life, hydrocephalus, and serious adverse events.

Mechanical ventilation in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: systematic review and recommendations

Objective

Mechanical ventilation (MV) has a complex interplay with the pathophysiology of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We aim to provide a review of the physiology of MV in patients with aSAH, give recommendations based on a systematic review of the literature, and highlight areas that still need investigation.

Data sources

PubMed was queried for publications with the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms “mechanical ventilation” and “aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage” published between January 1, 1990, and March 1, 2020. Bibliographies of returned articles were reviewed for additional publications of interest.

Study selection

Study inclusion criteria included English language manuscripts with the study population being aSAH patients and the exposure being MV. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational trials, retrospective trials, case-control studies, case reports, or physiologic studies. Topics and articles excluded included review articles, pediatric populations, non-aneurysmal etiologies of subarachnoid hemorrhage, mycotic and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, and articles regarding tracheostomies.

Data extraction

Articles were reviewed by one team member, and interpretation was verified by a second team member.

Data synthesis

Thirty-one articles met the inclusion criteria for this review.

Conclusions

We make recommendations on oxygenation, hypercapnia, PEEP, APRV, ARDS, and intracranial pressure monitoring.

Evolution of neurological recovery during the first year after subarachnoid haemorrhage in a French university centre

INTRODUCTION

The evolution of neurological recovery during the first year after aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH) is poorly described.

PATIENTS

Patients with SAH in one university hospital from March the 1st 2010, to December 31st 2012, with a one-year follow-up.

METHOD

Evaluation was performed via phone call at 3, 6 and 12 months. Primary endpoint was poor neurological recovery (modified Rankin Scale 3-4-5-6), one year after SAH. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of lack of self-perceived previous health status recovery and incidence of cognitive disorders, one year after SAH. Risk factors of poor neurological recovery were retrieved with multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eleven patients were included and 208 had a complete follow-up. One hundred and twenty (57.7%) patients were female, 112 (53.8%) had a WFNS grade I-II-III. Seventy (33.6%) patients displayed one-year poor neurological outcome and risk factors of poor outcome were age, baseline Glasgow Coma Score ≤ 8, external ventricular drainage, intra-cranial hypertension and angiographic vasospasm. We observed an improvement in good outcome at 3 months [112 (53.8%) patients], 6 months [127 (61.1%) patients] and one-year [138 (66.3%) patients]. Fifty-nine (35.3%) patients recovered previous health status, 96 (57.5%) had persistent behaviour disorders, and 71 (42.5%) suffered from memory losses at one year.

DISCUSSION

Neurological recovery seems to improve over time. The same key complications should be targeted worldwide in SAH patients.

CONCLUSION

Neurological complications in the following of SAH should be actively treated in order to improve outcome. The early neuro-ICU phase remains a key determinant of long-term recovery.

Use of levosimendan in the treatment of cerebral vascular vasospasm: a case study

Despite the progress in the management of cerebral arterial aneurysms, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains the major cause of neurological disability. While SAH-related deaths usually occur as a result of brain impairment due to hemorrhage, permanent neurological deficits are caused by cerebral ischemia due to edema and spasm of cerebral arteries. Additionally, ~20%-30% of patients with SAH develop secondary cardiomyopathy; this phenomenon is known as neurogenic stress cardiomyopathy (NSC), which is associated with increased mortality and poor long-term prognosis. Levosimendan is a new inotropic drug that causes calcium sensitization of troponin C, thus increasing contraction force of myofilaments. The drug also causes opening of ATP-dependent potassium channels in vascular smooth muscles, which results in dilatation of veins and arteries, including cerebral arteries. To date, there have been several reports of levosimendan application in patients with SAH and neurogenic stress cardiomyopathy, and the effect of the drug on vasospasm has been previously advocated. This paper presents a case report of a 57-year-old patient with massive SAH, where levosimendan was used for reducing vasospasm.

Risk factors for early-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors related to ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP) in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. From January 2011 to December 2015, a single-center retrospective study including 200 SAH patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) ≥48 h was performed. The clinical data of these patients were collected and analyzed. The age range of the patients were 41-63 and 72 (36%) were male. The Glasgow coma scale score range was 5-15 and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II range was 31-52. One hundred and forty-eight (74%) patients had a World Federation of Neurosurgeons (WNFS) score ≥III. Aneurysm was secured with an endovascular coiling procedure in 168 (84%) patients and 94 (47%) patients presented VAP. Male gender (OR=2.25, 95%CI=1.15-4.45), use of mannitol (OR=3.02, 95%CI=1.53-5.94) and enteral feeding above 20 kcal·kg-1·day-1 (OR=2.90, 95%CI=1.26-6.67) after day 7 were independent factors for VAP. Patients with early-onset VAP had a longer duration of sedation (P=0.03), MV (P=0.001) and ICU length of stay (P=0.003) and a worse Glasgow Outcome Scale score (P<0.001), but did not have a higher death rate.

Medically induced hypertension, hypervolaemia and haemodilution for the treatment and prophylaxis of vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: systematic review

PURPOSE

Arterial vasospasm is a major cause of death and long-term disability following subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The use of medically induced hypertension, hypervolaemia and/or haemodilution is widely practiced for prophylaxis and treatment of vasospasm following SAH. We aimed to determine if the quality of available research is adequate to inform use of haemodynamic management strategies to prevent or treat vasospasm following SAH.

METHODS

Individual searches of the following databases were conducted: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and OpenSIGLE. Pertinent randomised clinical trials and cohort studies comparing any element or combination thereof: medically induced hypertension, hypervolaemia, and haemodilution were included. Data were extracted using standardised proformas and risk of bias assessed using a domain-based risk of bias assessment tool.

RESULTS

348 study reports were identified by our literature search. Eight studies were included, three of which examined both volume expansion and medically induced hypertension. Three randomised clinical trials and two cohort studies examining prophylactic volume expansion were included. Two trials of prophylactic medically induced hypertension and two cohort studies were included. One trial and one cohort study of medically induced hypertension for treatment of established vasospasm was included. These trials demonstrated no significant difference in any of the clinical outcome measures studied. No trials of blood transfusion were included.

CONCLUSIONS

There is currently insufficient evidence to determine the efficacy or non-efficacy of intravenous volume expansion, medically induced hypertension or blood transfusion for the treatment or prophylaxis of vasospasm following SAH. All of these approaches have been associated with adverse events, of unclear incidence. The current evidence base therefore cannot be used to reliably inform clinical practice. This is a priority for further research.

Speckle tracking analysis allows sensitive detection of stress cardiomyopathy in severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

PURPOSE

Stress cardiomyopathy is a common life-threatening complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We hypothesized that left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain alterations assessed with speckle tracking could identify early systolic function impairment.

METHODS

This was an observational single-center prospective pilot controlled study conducted in a neuro-intensive care unit. Forty-six patients with severe SAH with a World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade (WFNS) ≥ III were included. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed on day 1, day 3, and day 7 after the patient's admission. A cardiologist blinded to the patient's management analyzed the LV global longitudinal strain (GLS). The control group comprised normal subjects matched according to gender and age.

RESULTS

On day 1 median (25th-75th percentile) GLS was clearly impaired in SAH patients compared to controls [-16.7 (-18.7/-13.7) % versus -20 (-22/-19) %, p < 0.0001], whereas LVEF was preserved [65 (59-70) %]. GLS was severely impaired in patients with a WFNS score of V versus III-IV [-15.6 (-16.9/-12.3) % versus -17.8 (-20.6/-15.8) %, p = 0.008]. Seventeen (37 %) patients had a severe GLS alteration (>- 16 %). In these patients, GLS improved from day 1 [-12.4 (-14.8/-10.9) %] to last evaluation [-16.2 (-19/-14.6) %, p = 0.0007] in agreement with the natural evolution of stress cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of LV GLS assessment, we demonstrated for the first time that myocardial alteration compatible with a stress cardiomyopathy is detectable in up to 37 % of patients with severe SAH while LVEF is preserved. GLS could be used for sensitive detection of stress cardiomyopathy. This is critical because cardiac impairment remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after SAH.

Delayed cerebral ischaemia prevention and treatment after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: a systematic review

: The leading cause of morbidity and mortality after surviving the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI). We present an update of recent literature on the current status of prevention and treatment strategies for DCI after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. A systematic literature search of three databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Embase) was performed. Human clinical trials assessing treatment strategies, published in the last 5 yr, were included based on full-text analysis. Study data were extracted using tables depicting study type, sample size, and outcome variables. We identified 49 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. Clazosentan, magnesium, and simvastatin have been tested in large high-quality trials but failed to show a beneficial effect. Cilostazol, eicosapentaenoic acid, erythropoietin, heparin, and methylprednisolone yield promising results in smaller, non-randomized or retrospective studies and warrant further investigation. Topical application of nicardipine via implants after clipping has been shown to reduce clinical and angiographic vasospasm. Methods to improve subarachnoid blood clearance have been established, but their effect on outcome remains unclear. Haemodynamic management of DCI is evolving towards euvolaemic hypertension. Endovascular rescue therapies, such as percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty and intra-arterial spasmolysis, are able to resolve angiographic vasospasm, but their effect on outcome needs to be proved. Many novel therapies for preventing and treating DCI after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage have been assessed, with variable results. Limitations of the study designs often preclude definite statements. Current evidence does not support prophylactic use of clazosentan, magnesium, or simvastatin. Many strategies remain to be tested in larger randomized controlled trials.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This systematic review was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews.

PROSPERO

CRD42015019817.

Advanced monitoring of systemic hemodynamics in critically ill patients with acute brain injury

Hemodynamic monitoring is widely used in critical care; however, the impact of such intervention in patients with acute brain injury (ABI) remains unclear. Using PubMed, a systematic review was performed (1966-August 2013), and 118 studies were included. Data were extracted using the PICO approach. The evidence was classified, and recommendations were developed according to the GRADE system. Electrocardiography and invasive monitoring of arterial blood pressure should be the minimal hemodynamic monitoring required in unstable or at-risk patients in the intensive care unit. Advanced hemodynamic monitoring (i.e., assessment of preload, afterload, cardiac output, and global systemic perfusion) could help establish goals that take into account cerebral blood flow and oxygenation, which vary depending on diagnosis and disease stage. Choice of techniques for assessing preload, afterload, cardiac output, and global systemic perfusion should be guided by specific evidence and local expertise. Hemodynamic monitoring is important and has specific indications among ABI patients. Further data are necessary to understand its potential for therapeutic interventions and prognostication.

Rescue therapy for refractory vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia remain to be the common causes of increased morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The majority of clinical vasospasm responds to hemodynamic augmentation and direct vascular intervention; however, a percentage of patients continue to have symptoms and neurological decline. Despite suboptimal evidence, clinicians have several options in treating refractory vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), including cerebral blood flow enhancement, intra-arterial manipulations, and intra-arterial and intrathecal infusions. This review addresses standard treatments as well as emerging novel therapies aimed at improving cerebral perfusion and ameliorating the neurologic deterioration associated with vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia.

Effect of triple-h prophylaxis on global end-diastolic volume and clinical outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Although prophylactic triple-H therapy has been used in a number of institutions globally to prevent delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), limited evidence is available for the effectiveness of triple-H therapy on hemodynamic variables. Recent studies have suggested an association between low global end-diastolic volume index (GEDI), measured using a transpulmonary thermodilution method, and DCI onset. The current study aimed at assessing the effects of prophylactic triple-H therapy on GEDI.

METHODS

This prospective multicenter study included aneurysmal SAH patients admitted to 9 hospitals in Japan. The decision to administer prophylactic triple-H therapy and the management protocols were left to the physician in charge (physician-directed therapy) of each participating institution. The primary endpoints were the changes in the hemodynamic variables as analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model.

RESULTS

Of 178 patients, 62 (34.8 %) received prophylactic triple-H therapy and 116 (65.2 %) did not. DCI was observed in 35 patients (19.7 %), with no significant difference between the two groups [15 (24.2 %) vs. 20 (17.2 %), p = 0.27]. Although a greater amount of fluid (p < 0.001) and a higher mean arterial pressure (p = 0.005) were observed in the triple-H group, no significant difference was observed between the groups in GEDI (p = 0.81) or cardiac output (p = 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Physician-directed prophylactic triple-H administration was not associated with improved clinical outcomes or quantitative hemodynamic indicators for intravascular volume. Further, GEDI-directed intervention studies are warranted to better define management algorithms for SAH patients with the aim of preventing DCI.

The effect of tracheotomy on drug consumption in patients with acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: an observational study

Background

Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are common in intensive care units (ICU). In patients with aSAH, sedation is used as a neuroprotective measure in order to secure adequate cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). Compared with the use of an endotracheal tube, a tracheotomy has the advantage of securing the airway at a much lower level of distress, and aSAH patients can often be awakened more rapidly. Little is known about the impact of tracheotomy on the consumption of sedative/analgesic and vasoactive drugs and the maintenance of CPP within defined limits in aSAH patients.

Methods

We conducted an observational study of aSAH patients who underwent percutaneous tracheotomy. A prospective registry of patient data was supplemented with retrospective retrievals from medical records. Sedative, analgesic and vasoactive drug doses were registered for 3 days prior to and after percutaneous tracheotomy, respectively. Blood pressure, CPP, and the mode of mechanical ventilation were registered 24 h prior to and after tracheotomy.

Results

Between January 2001 and June 2009, 902 aSAH patients were admitted to our hospital; 74 (8%) were deeply comatose/dying upon arrival. The ruptured aneurysm was repaired in 828 patients (surgical repair 50%) and percutaneous tracheotomy was performed 182 times in 178 patients (59 men and 119 women). This subpopulation (178 of 828 patients) was significantly older (56 vs. 53 years) and presented with a more severe Hunt & Hess grade (p < 0.001). Percutaneous tracheotomy caused a marked decline in mean daily consumption of the analgesics/sedatives fentanyl, midazolam, and propofol, as well as the vasoactive drugs noradrenaline and dopamine. These declines were statistically and clinically significant. The mean CPP was 76 mmHg (SD 8.6) the day before and 79 mmHg (SD 9.6) 24 h after percutaneous tracheotomy. After percutaneous tracheotomy, mechanical ventilatory support could be reduced to a patient-controlled ventilatory support mode in a significant number of patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Percutaneous tracheotomy in aSAH patients is a swift procedure with low risk that is associated with a significant decline in the consumption of sedative/analgesic and vasoactive drugs while clinical surveillance parameters remain stable or improve.

Cerebral Vasospasm in Critically III Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Does the Evidence Support the Ever-Growing List of Potential Pharmacotherapy Interventions?

The occurrence of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a significant event resulting in decreased cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery. Prevention and treatment of cerebral vasospasm is vital to avert neurological damage and reduced functional outcomes. A variety of pharmacotherapy interventions for the prevention and treatment of cerebral vasospasm have been evaluated. Unfortunately, very few large randomized trials exist to date, making it difficult to make clear recommendations regarding the efficacy and safety of most pharmacologic interventions. Considerable debate exists regarding the efficacy and safety of hypervolemia, hemodilution, and hypertension (triple-H therapy), and the implementation of each component varies substantially amongst institutions. There is a new focus on euvolemic-induced hypertension as a potentially preferred mechanism of hemodynamic augmentation. Nimodipine is the one pharmacologic intervention that has demonstrated favorable effects on patient outcomes and should be routinely administered unless contraindications are present. Intravenous nicardipine may offer an alternative to oral nimodipine. The addition of high-dose magnesium or statin therapy has shown promise, but results of ongoing large prospective studies are needed before they can be routinely recommended. Tirilazad and clazosentan offer new pharmacologic mechanisms, but clinical outcome results from prospective randomized studies have largely been unfavorable. Locally administered pharmacotherapy provides a targeted approach to the treatment of cerebral vasospasm. However, the paucity of data makes it challenging to determine the most appropriate therapy and implementation strategy. Further studies are needed for most pharmacologic therapies to determine whether meaningful efficacy exists.

Effects of tight computerized glucose control on neurological outcome in severely brain injured patients: a multicenter sub-group analysis of the randomized-controlled open-label CGAO-REA study

Introduction

Hyperglycemia is a marker of poor prognosis in severe brain injuries. There is currently little data regarding the effects of intensive insulin therapy (IIT) on neurological recovery.

Methods

A sub-group analysis of the randomized-controlled CGAO-REA study (NCT01002482) in surgical intensive care units (ICU) of two university hospitals. Patients with severe brain injury, with an expected ICU length of stay ≥48 hours were included. Patients were randomized between a conventional glucose management group (blood glucose target between 5.5 and 9 mmol.L⁻¹) and an IIT group (blood glucose target between 4.4 and 6 mmol.L⁻¹). The primary outcome was the day-90 neurological outcome evaluated with the Glasgow outcome scale.

Results

A total of 188 patients were included in this analysis. In total 98 (52%) patients were randomized in the control group and 90 (48%) in the IIT group. The mean Glasgow coma score at baseline was 7 (±4). Patients in the IIT group received more insulin (130 (68 to 251) IU versus 74 (13 to 165) IU in the control group, P = 0.01), had a significantly lower morning blood glucose level (5.9 (5.1 to 6.7) mmol.L⁻¹ versus 6.5 (5.6 to 7.2) mmol.L⁻¹, P <0.001) in the first 5 days after ICU admission. The IIT group experienced more episodes of hypoglycemia (P <0.0001). In the IIT group 24 (26.6%) patients had a favorable neurological outcome (good recovery or moderate disability) compared to 31 (31.6%) in the control group (P = 0.4). There were no differences in day-28 mortality. The occurrence of hypoglycemia did not influence the outcome.

Conclusions

In this sub-group analysis of a large multicenter randomized trial, IIT did not appear to alter the day-90 neurological outcome or ICU morbidity in severe brain injured patients or ICU morbidity.

Treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage from intracranial aneurysm rupture presents with sudden severe headache. Initial treatment focuses on airway management, blood pressure control, and extraventricular drain for hydrocephalus. After identifying the aneurysm, they may be clipped surgically or endovascularly coiled. Nimodipine is administered to maintain a euvolemic state and prevent delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Patients may receive anticonvulsants. Monitoring includes serial neurologic assessments, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, computed tomography perfusion, and angiographic studies. Treatment includes augmentation of blood pressure and cardiac output, cerebral angioplasty, and intra-arterial infusions of vasodilators. Although early mortality is high, about one half of survivors recover with little disability.

Implementation of an evidence-based extubation readiness bundle in 499 brain-injured patients. a before-after evaluation of a quality improvement project

RATIONALE

Mechanical ventilation is associated with morbidity in patients with brain injury.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of an extubation readiness bundle to decrease ventilator time in patients with brain injury.

METHODS

Before-after design in two intensive care units (ICUs) in one university hospital. Brain-injured patients ventilated more than 24 hours were evaluated during two phases (a 3-yr control phase followed by a 22-mo intervention phase). Bundle components were protective ventilation, early enteral nutrition, standardization of antibiotherapy for hospital-acquired pneumonia, and systematic approach to extubation. The primary endpoint was the duration of mechanical ventilation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 299 and 200 patients, respectively, were analyzed in the control and the intervention phases of this before-after study. The intervention phase was associated with lower tidal volume (P < 0.01), higher positive end-expiratory pressure (P < 0.01), and higher enteral intake in the first 7 days (P = 0.01). The duration of mechanical ventilation was 14.9 ± 11.7 days in the control phase and 12.6 ± 10.3 days in the intervention phase (P = 0.02). The hazard ratio for extubation was 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.57; P = 0.02) in the intervention phase. Adjusted hazard ratio was 1.40 (95% CI, 1.12-1.76; P < 0.01) in multivariate analysis and 1.34 (95% CI, 1.03-1.74; P = 0.02) in propensity score-adjusted analysis. ICU-free days at Day 90 increased from 50 ± 33 in the control phase to 57 ± 29 in the intervention phase (P < 0.01). Mortality at Day 90 was 28.4% in the control phase and 23.5% in the intervention phase (P = 0.22).

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of an evidence-based extubation readiness bundle was associated with a reduction in the duration of ventilation in patients with brain injury.

Impaired blood dendritic cell numbers and functions after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Previous Presentation

Portions of this study were presented at the Annual Congress of Société Française d’Anesthésie et de Réanimation in Paris, September 2012.

Background

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are promising therapy for the prevention of nosocomial infections in critical ill patients. We aimed to analyze the TLR-reactivity of circulating dendritic cells (DC) as assessed by cytokine production after an ex vivo challenge with TLR agonists in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients.

Methods and Findings

A single-center prospective observational study took place in one intensive care unit of a teaching hospital. Blood samples were harvested on days 2, 5 and 10 in 21 severe SAH patients requiring mechanical ventilation and 17 healthy controls. DC production of cytokines (Tumour Necrosis Factor, TNF-α; Interleukin, IL-12; and Interferon, IFN-α) was assessed by intracellular immunostaining on TLR-3, 4, 7/8 and 9 stimulations. SAH patients had decreased numbers of blood myeloid (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) on days 2, 5 and 10. Compared with the healthy controls, the frequency of mDCs producing TNF-α after TLR-3 stimulation was decreased in the SAH patients. The frequency of myeloid DCs producing IL-12 after TLR-3 and 4 stimulations was also decreased in the SAH patients. In contrast, the mDCs response to TLR-7/8 was not impaired in the SAH patients. The frequency of pDCs producing TNF-α⁺ and IFN-α⁺ on TLR-7/8 stimulation were reduced at all of the tested times in the SAH patients, whereas reactivity to TLR-9 was preserved. On day 2, the pDCs from non-survivor patients (n = 8) had a decreased ability to produce IFN-α on TLR-9 stimulation compared with the survivors.

Conclusions

These data suggest functional abnormalities of circulating pDCs and mDCs that could be important for immunomodulation after SAH.

[Delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: prevention, diagnostics and therapy]

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is the second most important impacting factor for functional outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) following the initial severity of the bleeding. In contrast to the initial SAH severity the presence and consequences of DCI can be managed with prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. The previous notion of treatment of angiographically observed vasospasm has not been shown to be successful.This article covers prevention, monitoring and therapeutic concepts for patients with SAH with emphasis on the efficacy for DCI and current and ongoing research projects.