The Effect of Biomarkers and Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Determining Mortality in non-Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

GFAP and UCHL1 in Non-traumatic SAH: The Story thus Far. A Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

Non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with a high percentage of misdiagnosis and poor prognosis. Biomarkers could be useful in the identification, treatment/management guidance, and outcome improvement of SAH patients. The current systematic review aims to investigate the potential role of biomarkers GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein) and UCH-L1 (Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1) in the diagnosis and prognosis of non-traumatic SAH.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted from their inception through February 2023.

RESULTS

17 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The vast majority of the included studies (82%) were on GFAP. Most studies used blood and/or CSF samples and incorporated multiple measurements through the initial hospitalization days. The majority of identified studies reported significantly higher levels of GFAP and UCHL1 in SAH patients with poor outcomes. There was notable variation in the specimen type and the timing of sampling.

CONCLUSION

Quantification of GFAP and UCHL1 through the initial days of hospitalization shows promise in the prediction of SAH patient outcomes. Further research is nevertheless warranted to confirm these findings and further clarify the use of the two biomarkers in SAH diagnosis and the prediction of severity and secondary events.

Systemic Inflammation after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is one of the most severe neurological disorders, with a high mortality rate and severe disabling functional sequelae. Systemic inflammation following hemorrhagic stroke may play an important role in mediating intracranial and extracranial tissue damage. Previous studies showed that various systemic inflammatory biomarkers might be useful in predicting clinical outcomes. Anti-inflammatory treatment might be a promising therapeutic approach for improving the prognosis of patients with aSAH. This review summarizes the complicated interactions between the nervous system and the immune system.

The role of the astrocyte in subarachnoid hemorrhage and its therapeutic implications

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an important public health concern with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. SAH induces cell death, blood−brain barrier (BBB) damage, brain edema and oxidative stress. As the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system, astrocytes play an essential role in brain damage and recovery following SAH. This review describes astrocyte activation and polarization after SAH. Astrocytes mediate BBB disruption, glymphatic–lymphatic system dysfunction, oxidative stress, and cell death after SAH. Furthermore, astrocytes engage in abundant crosstalk with other brain cells, such as endothelial cells, neurons, pericytes, microglia and monocytes, after SAH. In addition, astrocytes also exert protective functions in SAH. Finally, we summarize evidence regarding therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating astrocyte function following SAH, which could provide some new leads for future translational therapy to alleviate damage after SAH.

Clinical Application of Microsurgery Using the Cerebellar Medulla Fissure Approach in Severe Ventricular Hemorrhage with Casting of the Fourth Ventricle and Its Influence on Neurological Recovery

Objective

To investigate the clinical application of microsurgery using the cerebellar medulla fissure approach in severe ventricular hemorrhage with casting of the fourth ventricle and its effect on neurological recovery.

Methods

A total of 80 patients with severe intraventricular hemorrhage accompanied by casting and dilation of the fourth ventricle who were admitted to the neurosurgery department between July 2019 and December 2020 were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 40 patients in each group. The drainage tube extubation time and length of hospital stay of the two groups were compared. The 3-day hematoma clearance of the two groups was observed. Postoperative consciousness was evaluated by GCS, and the patients' recovery was evaluated by GOS at three months. The activities of daily living (ADL) scores of the two groups were compared to evaluate patients' postoperative self-care ability. The incidence of postoperative complications in the two groups was collected. Independent risk factors for poor prognosis were analyzed by logistics regression.

Results

The postoperative hospitalization time and the drainage tube extubation time in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The ratio of hematoma clearance ≥90% in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Postoperative GCS scores and GOS scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group. The rate of postoperative complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The rate of good ADL grading in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Age and surgical method were independent risk factors for poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Microsurgery using the cerebellar medulla fissure approach can effectively improve the condition of severe ventricular hemorrhage with casting of the fourth ventricle and promote the recovery of patients' neurological function.