Serum Glucose and Potassium Ratio as Risk Factors for Cerebral Vasospasm after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Association of serum glucose/potassium index levels with poor long-term prognosis in patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

The glucose/potassium index (GPI) has been reported as a predictor biomarker of in-hospital complications in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association between GPI and functional outcome at 3-6 months after discharge in patients diagnosed with aSAH in a Peruvian referral hospital during 2018-2021.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort observational study with a secondary database in patients with aSAH during 2018-2021 in a Peruvian referral hospital. We evaluated the relationship between GPI values and motor functionality from 3 m to 6 months post-discharge, using a Poisson family generalized linear model with Log link function and robust variance according to categorization of good and poor outcome. We considered a value of p<0.05 as statistically significant. We used restricted cubic splines with five nodes to evaluate the linear correlation between the 2 main variables.

RESULTS

212 patients were included in the analysis. 21.1 % and 19.3 % had poor outcome at 3 and 6 months after discharge, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that GPI was not associated with poor outcome at 3 (RR=0.999; 95 %CI=0.979-1.018) or 6 months after discharge (RR=0.979; 95 %CI=0.979-1.020). On the other hand, Splines plots showed no correlation between GPI and modified Rankin.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the usefulness of GPI to prognosticate in-hospital complications, its association with functional outcome is inconclusive.

Risk Factors for Cerebral Vasospasm After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

Cerebral vasospasm (CV) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains one of the leading causes of high mortality and poor outcomes. Understanding the risk factors associated with CV is pivotal to improving patients' outcomes. We conducted an extensive search for analytical observational studies that analyzed the correlation between various variables and the likelihood of CV development among adult patients with SAH (age ≥ 18 years). Five scholar databases were used, namely, PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Relevant studies published between January 1st, 2016, and August 9th, 2023, were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was adopted to assess the risk of bias among included observational studies. A total of 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of the 24,958 patients with SAH who were identified, 6,761 patients had a subsequent CV (27.1%). Several statistically significant risk factors were reported across the literature. Younger age, female sex, smoking, alcohol intake, modified Fisher grade 3-4, higher Hunt and Hess grading, and the presence of multiple comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and history of stroke) were among the well-established risk factors for CV. Additionally, leukocytosis was consistently reported to be a significant predictor in multiple studies, providing compelling evidence for its association with CV. Even though single studies reported an association between CV and certain variables, further research is necessary to investigate the implications of these findings. These include arterial tortuosity, hypokalemia, potassium to glucose gradient, hypoalbuminemia, anemia, von Willebrand factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, use of desflurane, and hemodynamic stability. Overall, this systemic review provides a comprehensive summary of the current data that evaluates the potential risk factors for the development of CV after SAH. However, because of data heterogeneity, certain factors require further validation in their correlation with CV development. Larger-scale observational and clinical trials are mandatory to extensively investigate the significant predictors of CV to lay the scientific foundation for improving outcomes in susceptible patients with SAH.

Association between serum glucose potassium ratio and mortality in critically ill patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

The effect of serum glucose-to-potassium ratio (GPR) on cerebrovascular diseases has been previously validated. However, the value of the GPR in patients with severe intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) requiring ICU admission remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between the GPR and the clinical prognosis of critically ill patients with ICH. This study identified patients with severe ICH requiring ICU admission from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database and divided them into quartiles based on GPR levels. Outcomes included 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality rates. The association between the GPR and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with ICH was elucidated using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and restricted cubic splines. In total, 2018 patients (53.8% male), with a median age of 70 years, were enrolled in the study. The 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality rates were 23.9%, 30.1%, and 38.4%, respectively. Per multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, an elevated GPR was significantly associated with all-cause mortality. After adjusting for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, platelet count, and Glasgow Coma Scale, patients with an elevated GPR had a higher 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-1.42; P < 0.001), 90-day mortality (HR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.18-1.37; P < 0.001) and 1-year mortality (HR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.14-1.31; P < 0.001) when analyzed as a continuous variable. Furthermore, analysis using restricted cubic splines demonstrated a consistent and progressive escalation in the risk of all-cause mortality with an elevated GPR. The GPR was significantly associated with short- and long-term all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with ICH. This finding demonstrates that GPR may be useful in identifying patients with ICH at a high risk of all-cause mortality.

Modulating Coagulation via Bioinspired Mesoporous Calcium-Decorated Silica Nanoparticles for Efficient Fibrin Clot Formation

Blood clotting is vital for preventing bleeding after an injury. Hemostasis is a complex cascade involving numerous plasma proteins. Uncontrolled bleeding leads to mortality. The presence of Ca (calcium) activates and promotes the different phases in the coagulation cascade. Even nonbiological surfaces such as silicates may activate coagulation factor XII (FXII). This causes the clotting of the blood. The exceptional hemostatic ability of the mesoporous calcium-decorated silica nanoparticles (MCSNs) is achieved by stimulating the factors needed to form fibrin mesh, a durable clot, thereby establishing hemostasis. This may be used as a hemostatic agent during an accident surgical procedure and other bleeding-related trauma conditions. This study investigates the mechanistic activation of the coagulation cascade by MCSN through blood coagulation index, clotting time, and coagulation activation studies like PT and aPTT. Our finding demonstrates that MCSN induces platelet adhesion and RBC aggregation and activates thrombin generation through distinct pathways.

Serum glucose-potassium ratio predicts inhospital mortality in patients admitted to coronary care unit

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to determine the role of serum glucose-potassium ratio in predicting inhospital mortality in coronary care unit patients.

METHODS

This study used data from the MORtality in CORonary Care Units in Turkey study, a national, observational, multicenter study that included all patients admitted to coronary care units between September 1, 2022, and September 30, 2022. Statistical analyses assessed the independent predictors of mortality. Two models were created. Model 1 included age, history of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease. Model 2 included glucose-potassium ratio in addition to these variables. Multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed to compare Model 1 and Model 2 to identify if the glucose-potassium ratio is an independent predictor of inhospital mortality.

RESULTS

In a study of 3,157 patients, the mortality rate was 4.3% (n=137). Age (p=0.002), female gender (p=0.004), mean blood pressure (p<0.001), serum creatinine (p<0.001), C-reactive protein (p=0.002), white blood cell (p=0.002), and glucose-potassium ratio (p<0.001) were identified as independent predictors of mortality through multivariate regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that Model 2 had a statistically higher area under the curve than Model 1 (area under the curve 0.842 vs area under the curve 0.835; p<0.001). A statistically significant correlation was found between the inhospital mortality and glucose-potassium ratio (OR 1.015, 95%CI 1.006-1.024, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the glucose-potassium ratio may be a significant predictor of inhospital mortality in coronary care unit patients.

Association between the serum glucose-to-potassium ratio and clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke patients after endovascular thrombectomy

Background and purpose

The baseline glucose-to-potassium ratio (GPR) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute brain injury and intracranial hemorrhage. However, the impact of serum GPR on clinical outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the GPR at admission and functional outcomes at 90 days after EVT.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our database for patients with acute ischemic stroke involving an anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion who received EVT between October 2019 and December 2021. The baseline serum GPR was measured after admission. The primary outcome was a 90-day poor outcome, which was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 3-6.

Results

A total of 273 patients (mean age, 70.9 ± 11.9 years; 161 men) were finally included for analyses. During the 90-day follow-up, 151 patients (55.3%) experienced an unfavorable outcome. After adjusting for demographic characteristics and other potential confounders, the increased GPR was significantly associated with a higher risk of a 90-day poor outcome (odds ratio, 1.852; 95% confidence interval, 1.276-2.688, p = 0.001). Similar results were observed when the GPR was analyzed as a categorical variable. In addition, the restricted cubic spline observed a positive and linear association between the GPR and poor outcomes at 90 days (p = 0.329 for linearity; p = 0.001 for linearity).

Conclusion

Our study found that ischemic stroke patients with the higher GPR at admission were more likely to have an unfavorable prognosis at 3 months, suggesting that GPR may be a potential prognostic biomarker for ischemic stroke after EVT.

System Inflammation Response Index and Serum Glucose-Potassium Ratio as Prognostic Indicators for Hemorrhagic Moyamoya Disease

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhagic moyamoya disease (HMMD) can result in poor outcomes. Serum biomarkers may play a significant role in predicting HMMD outcomes. This study retrospectively analyzed the correlation between serum biomarkers at the time of admission and outcomes for patients with HMMD.

METHODS

We evaluated 270 patients with HMMD admitted to Yijishan Hopital of Wannan Medical College between July 2017 and April 2023. The patients were categorized into 2 groups according to their modified Rankin Scale scores at 3 months after discharge. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the associations between biomarkers and clinical outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained to investigate the potential of the biomarkers for predicting prognosis.

RESULTS

Of the 270 patients analyzed, 96 (35.6%) had unfavorable outcomes. The potential predictors were identified using the univariate analysis. The subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) (odds ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.75-0.98, P = 0.028] and serum glucose to potassium ratio (GPR) (odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.38-0.76, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors of poor outcomes. The receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that patients with a higher SIRI (≥2.12) and GPR (≥1.75) levels were more likely to have unfavorable outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

An elevated GPR and SIRI at admission were associated with a poor clinical outcome at the 3-month follow-up for patients with HMMD. Therefore, these biomarkers could be considered in future management decisions for these patients.

Relationship between serum glucose-potassium ratio and 90-day outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke

Background

Recent studies have shown that the serum glucose-potassium ratio (GPR) upon admission is correlated with the prognosis of cerebrovascular disorders. Herein, we investigated the relationship between GPR and 90-day functional outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

Clinical data were collected from patients with AIS registered at the Stroke Center of Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. The relationship between the GPR and 90-day outcomes was analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, linear regression analyses, and subgroup analyses.

Results

A total of 1826 patients met the enrolment requirements. The number of patients with a glucose-to-potassium ratio greater than the median value increased proportionally with increases in the NIHSS at admission and the 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between GPR and 90-day negative prognosis (OR 1.34 [95%Cl, 1.17-1.54], P < 0.001). After adjusting for all confounding variables, the relationship between GPR and 90-day adverse prognosis was shown to be nonlinearly U-shaped, with an inflection point of the curve for GPR of 1.347. Two linear regression analyses were performed on the basis of the inflection points of the curves. The results of this analysis revealed a negative correlation between GPR and 90-day adverse outcomes at GPR<1.347 (OR 0.86 [95%CI,0.09-7.86], P = 0.897), as well as a positive correlation between GPR and 90-day adverse outcomes at GPR≥1.347 (OR1.52 [95%CI, 1.19-1.93], P = 0.001). Subgroup analyses verified that the association between GPR and 90-day poor prognosis still existed, regardless of whether the patient had a history of diabetes mellitus (DM). (with DM: OR 1.39 [ 95%Cl, 1.05-1.83], P = 0.001); without DM: OR 0.93 [ 95%Cl,0.56-1.55], P = 0.016).

Conclusions

GPR significantly correlated with poor prognosis at 90-days in patients with AIS. Early intervention and control of GPR are expected to enhance functional outcomes in patients with AIS.

Value of Glycemic Indices for Delayed Cerebral Ischemia after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a severe complication following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), linked to poor functional outcomes and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays. Timely DCI diagnosis is crucial but remains challenging. Dysregulated blood glucose, commonly observed after aSAH, may impair the constant glucose supply that is vital for brain function, potentially contributing to DCI. This study aimed to assess whether glucose indices could help identify at-risk patients and improve DCI detection. This retrospective, single-center observational study examined 151 aSAH patients between 2016 and 2019. Additionally, 70 of these (46.4%) developed DCI and 81 did not (no-DCI). To determine the value of glycemic indices for DCI, they were analyzed separately in patients in the period before (pre-DCI) and after DCI (post-DCI). The time-weighted average glucose (TWAG, p = 0.024), mean blood glucose (p = 0.033), and novel time-unified dysglycemic rate (TUDR140, calculated as the ratio of dysglycemic to total periods within a glucose target range of 70-140 mg/dL, p = 0.042), showed significantly higher values in the pre-DCI period of the DCI group than in the no-DCI group. In the time-series analysis, significant increases in TWAG and TUDR140 were observed at the DCI onset. In conclusion, DCI patients showed elevated blood glucose levels before and a further increase at the DCI onset. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings, as this retrospective, single-center study cannot completely exclude confounders and limitations. In the future blood glucose indices might become valuable parameters in multiparametric models to identify patients at risk and detect DCI onset earlier.

Machine learning for the prediction of in-hospital mortality in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in intensive care unit

This study aimed to develop a machine learning (ML)-based tool for early and accurate prediction of in-hospital mortality risk in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) in the intensive care unit (ICU). We did a retrospective study in our study and identified cases of sICH from the MIMIC IV (n = 1486) and Zhejiang Hospital databases (n = 110). The model was constructed using features selected through LASSO regression. Among five well-known models, the selection of the best model was based on the area under the curve (AUC) in the validation cohort. We further analyzed calibration and decision curves to assess prediction results and visualized the impact of each variable on the model through SHapley Additive exPlanations. To facilitate accessibility, we also created a visual online calculation page for the model. The XGBoost exhibited high accuracy in both internal validation (AUC = 0.907) and external validation (AUC = 0.787) sets. Calibration curve and decision curve analyses showed that the model had no significant bias as well as being useful for supporting clinical decisions. XGBoost is an effective algorithm for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with sICH, indicating its potential significance in the development of early warning systems.

Association between admission serum potassium concentration and the island sign on cranial CT in HICH patients: a cross-sectional study

Objective

This study aimed to explore the correlation between serum potassium (K+) concentration upon admission and the presence of the Island Sign (IS) in cranial CT scans of patients diagnosed with Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage (HICH), including the potential presence of a non-linear relationship.

Methods

This investigation constituted a single-center cross-sectional study. We systematically gathered comprehensive general clinical characteristics, biological indicators, and imaging data from a cohort of 330 patients diagnosed with HICH. These patients received treatment within the neurosurgery department of Chongqing Emergency Medical Center during the period spanning from July 1, 2018, to July 7, 2023. Our primary objective was to scrutinize the potential connection between serum K+ concentration upon admission and the presence of the IS observed in cranial CT scans. To meticulously address this inquiry, we employed logistic regression modeling, thereby meticulously evaluating the correlation aforementioned. Moreover, in order to delve deeper into the intricacies of the relationship, we extended our analysis by employing a smoothed curve-fitting model to meticulously authenticate the potential non-linear interrelation between these two critical variables.

Results

In this investigation, a total of 330 patients diagnosed with HICH were ultimately enrolled, exhibiting an average age of 58.4 ± 13.1 years, comprising 238 (72.1%) males and 92 (27.9%) females. Among these participants, 118 individuals (35.7%) presented with the IS upon admission cranial CT scans, while 212 patients (64.3%) did not exhibit this characteristic. Upon comprehensive multifactorial adjustments, a non-linear association was uncovered between serum K+ concentration and the presence of IS. Notably, an inflection point was identified at approximately 3.54 mmol/L for serum K+ concentration. Prior to the patient's serum K+ concentration reaching around 3.54 mmol/L upon admission, a discernible trend was observed-every 0.1 mmol/L increment in serum K+ concentration was associated with an 8% decrease in the incidence of IS (OR: 0.914, 95% CI: 0.849-0.983, p = 0.015).

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore a negative association between reduced serum K+ concentration upon admission and the occurrence of the IS on cranial CT scans among patients diagnosed with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage. Furthermore, this negative correlation appears to manifest within the realm of a non-linear relationship. This study elucidates the potential significance of serum K+ concentration levels among patients with HICH, highlighting the role they play. Moreover, the maintenance of a physiological equilibrium in serum K+ concentrations emerges as a conceivable protective factor for individuals within the stroke population.

The utility of serum glucose potassium ratio as a predictive factor for haemorrhagic transformation, stroke recurrence, and mortality among ischemic stroke patients

Background and Objective

Glucose-Potassium Ratio (GPR) has emerged as a biomarker in several pathophysiological conditions. However, the association between GPR and long-term outcomes in stroke patients has not been investigated. Our study evaluated the applicability of baseline GPR as a predictive prognostic tool for clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke patients.

Methods

The multicenter retrospective cohort study included acute-subacute adult ischemic stroke patients who had their baseline serum GPR levels measured. Eligible patients were categorized into two sub-cohorts based on the baseline GPR levels (<1.67 vs. ≥ 1.67). The primary outcome was the incidence of 30-day hemorrhagic transformation, while stroke recurrence, and all-cause mortality within twelve months, were considered secondary.

Results

Among 4083 patients screened, 1047 were included in the current study. In comparison with GPR < 1.67 group, patients with ≥ 1.67 GPR had a significantly higher ratio of all-cause mortality within twelve months (aHR 2.07 [95 % CI 1.21-3.75] p = 0.01), and higher ratio of 30-day hemorrhagic transformation but failed to reach the statistical significance (aHR 1.60 [95 % CI 0.95-2.79], p = 0.08).

Conclusion

Overall, baseline GPR serum is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality within twelve months in patients with acute and subacute ischemic stroke. Further clinical studies are necessary to validate these findings.

A nomogram for predicting the risk of cerebral vasospasm after neurosurgical clipping in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Purpose

Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is a common complication that occurs after neurosurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms in patients with aSAH. This complication can lead to clinical deterioration and a poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to explore the risk factors for CVS in aSAH patients who have undergone neurosurgical clipping, develop a nomogram for CVS, and evaluate its performance.

Methods

Patients with aSAH who underwent neurosurgical clipping in the Department of Neurosurgery from January 2018 to January 2023 were selected as the subjects of this research. The clinical data of these patients were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was employed to identify the independent risk factors of CVS. A clinical prediction model in the form of a nomogram for CVS was developed using the R programming language and subsequently evaluated for its performance and quality.

Results

A total of 156 patients with aSAH were included in the analysis, comprising 109 patients in the training set and 47 patients in the validation set. In the training cohort, 27 patients (24.77%) developed CVS after neurosurgical clipping, while in the validation cohort, 15 patients (31.91%) experienced CVS. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, Hcy, WBC, glucose/potassium ratio, aneurysm location, and modified Fisher grade were independent risk factors for CVS. The nomogram exhibited excellent discriminative performance in both the training set (AUC = 0.885) and the validation set (AUC = 0.906).

Conclusion

CVS was a prevalent complication following neurosurgical clipping in patients with aSAH, with a highly intricate pathogenesis and pathophysiological course. Early prediction of CVS represented a significant challenge in clinical practice. In this study, age, Hcy, WBC, glucose/potassium ratio, aneurysm location, and modified Fisher grade emerged as independent risk factors for CVS. The resulting nomogram demonstrated substantial predictive value.

Impact of human serum albumin level on symptomatic cerebral vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of human serum albumin (HSA) levels on symptomatic cerebral vasospasm (SCVS) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records. SCVS was defined as the development of a new neurological deterioration when the cause was considered to be ischemia attributable to vasospasm after other possible causes of worsening had been excluded. The aSAH patients were divided into two groups: those with SCVS (group 1) and those without SCVS (group 2). The HSA level data on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day after admission was collected. Multivariate logistical regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed to evaluate the ability of HSA level to predict the development of SCVS.

RESULTS

A total of 270 patients were included in our study, of which 74 (27.4%) developed SCVS. The average and lowest HSA levels were lower in group 1 (P < 0.001). In univariate logistic regression, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and average and lowest HSA levels were associated with SCVS. After adjustment for age, CT Fisher grade, Hunt-Hess grade, and WFNS grade, both the average and lowest HSA levels remained independent predictors of SCVS (P < 0.001). The CT Fisher grade was confirmed to be an independent predictor of SCVS across each model. ROC analysis revealed that the lowest HSA level was a better predictor for SCVS than average HSA level and CT Fisher grade.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians are encouraged to measure HSA levels for the first 3 days after admission to predict the occurrence of SCVS after aSAH.

Study of certain easily available biochemical markers in prognostication in severe traumatic brain injury requiring surgery

Background

This study aimed to identify easily available prognostic factors in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients undergoing craniotomy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics (age, sex, Glasgow coma scale score, cause of TBI, and oral antithrombotic drug use), laboratory parameters (hemoglobin, sodium, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio, and glucose-potassium [GP] ratio), and neuroradiological findings of 132 patients who underwent craniotomy for severe TBI in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: Those with fatal clinical outcomes and those with non-fatal clinical outcomes, and compared between the two groups.

Results

The patients comprised 79 (59.8%) male and 53 (40.2%) female patients. Their mean age was 67 ± 17 years (range, 16-94 years). Computed tomography revealed acute subdural hematoma in 108 (81.8%) patients, acute epidural hematoma in 31 (23.5%), traumatic brain contusion in 39 (29.5%), and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage in 62 (47.0%). All 132 patients underwent craniotomy, and 41 eventually died. There were significant differences in the D-dimer, GP ratio, and optic nerve sheath diameter between the groups (all P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed elevated GP ratio and D-dimer were associated with the death group (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively). A GP ratio of >42 was the optimal cutoff value for the prediction of a fatal outcome of TBI (sensitivity, 85.4%; specificity, 51.1%).

Conclusion

The GP ratio and D-dimer were significantly associated with poor outcomes of TBI. A GP ratio of >42 could be a predictor of a fatal outcome of TBI.

Biomarkers in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A short review

Poor outcomes of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) can be the result of the initial catastrophic event or the many acute or delayed neurological complications. Recent evidence suggests that some molecules play a critical role in both events, through some unknown pathways involved. Understanding the role of these molecules in these events could allow to improve diagnostic accuracy, guide management, and prevent long-term disability in aSAH. Here we present the studies on aSAH biomarkers present in current medical literature, highlighting their roles and main results.

Could the serum glucose/potassium ratio offer an early reliable predictor of life-threatening events in acute methylxanthine intoxication?

Methylxanthines are widely used to manage pulmonary disorders, particularly in developing countries. Methylxanthines are unsafe due to their narrow therapeutic index and associated morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed to investigate the role of glucose/potassium ratio as a substantially useful early predictor of life-threatening events (LTEs) in the form of cardiovascular and neurological complications among methylxanthine users. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records of patients diagnosed with acute methylxanthine intoxications and presented to an Egyptian Poison Control Center for 2 years. A total of 366 patients were enrolled. Of them, 59 patients (16.1%) were complicated with LTEs. The most frequent serious arrhythmia was T wave inversion (45.6% of patients with LTEs). Laboratory investigations that could significantly predict LTEs were the random blood glucose and potassium levels, glucose/potassium ratio, pH, liver transaminases, HCO3 level, hemoglobin, and platelet count (P < 0.05). The glucose/potassium ratio was the best predictor of LTEs (odds ratio = 2.92, and 95% confidence interval = 2.02-4.23). With an excellent area under the curve (0.906) and at a cutoff of 2.44, that ratio could correctly classify the patients based on their risk of LTEs with an overall accuracy of 73% (sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 70%). The current study endorsed an important, feasible, and easily obtainable ratio that could predictor stratify the patients according to severity and risk of LTEs, which guides the decision-making and prioritizes the treatment lines in methylxanthine intoxicated patients.

The Role of the Glucose Potassium Ratio in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become a worldwide public health issue, raising concerns about which tool might be useful to guide initial management at hospital admission, especially to decide whether the patient would benefit from an opportune surgical intervention. Recently, the glucose-to-potassium ratio has more accurate predictive values than other biomarkers and is useful for its simplicity to obtain. To correlate each biomarker with the outcome for every patient with TBI.

Methods

The analysis included patients treated in a single institution between 2020 and 2021, diagnosed with mild TBI that required neurosurgery, moderate or severe TBI. Blood samples were obtained at admission, and the glucose-to-potassium ratio was calculated retrospectively. Then, these values and other variables were compared with the outcome at 6 and 12 months. Extracranial lesions that directly contributed to the outcome, a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3 and below, hemodynamic instability, and cardiac arrest were exclusion criteria.

Results

Forty-seven patients who reached the criteria were examined, 35 (74%) had a favorable outcome and 12 (26%) a poor one. The only biomarker significantly related to the outcome was the glucose-to-potassium ratio in both the bivariate and multivariate analysis (p=0.04; odds ratio, 8.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-69.6).

Conclusion

An increase in the glucose-to-potassium ratio was the only biomarker associated with poor outcomes and increased mortality.

Clinical Burden of Angiographic Vasospasm and Its Complications After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Angiographic vasospasm (VSP), the narrowing of intracranial arteries, is a complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and often results in delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and cerebral infarction. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the clinical burden of angiographic VSP and its related complications (DCI and cerebral infarction) after aSAH.

METHODS

Systematic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were conducted (in January 2021) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies reporting clinical outcomes of angiographic VSP and its related complications after aSAH. Study outcomes included measures of functional status (modified Rankin Scale [mRS], Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS], extended Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS-E], modified Barthel Index, or the modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), cognitive status (Montreal Cognitive Assessment or the Mini Mental State Exam), clinical events (rebleeding), and mortality. Study selection, data extraction, and qualitative analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Of 5704 abstracts reviewed, 110 studies were selected: 20 comparative and 39 regression-based studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, 51 descriptive studies were excluded. Most studies (51) were observational and conducted in a single country (53). The occurrence of angiographic VSP and its related complications after aSAH resulted in significantly poorer functional outcomes in three of nine comparative and 11 of 13 regression-based studies, measured by the mRS, and in five of six comparative and eight of nine regression-based studies, measured by the GOS and GOS-E. Angiographic VSP and its related complications were significantly associated with poor cognitive status in all five regression-based studies. Numerically or significantly higher mortality rates in patients with versus those without angiographic VSP and its related complications were reported in five of ten comparative studies and in eight of nine regression-based studies. Six studies looked at specific VSP populations (e.g., by severity or timing of VSP).

CONCLUSION

Patients with angiographic VSP and its related complications often had poor functional, neurological, and cognitive outcomes and reduced odds of survival both in hospital and at follow-up. We estimate that angiographic VSP and its related complications, DCI and cerebral infarction, lead to an approximately threefold higher odds of poor functional and cognitive outcomes, and about a twofold increase in the odds of death.

The prognostic value of hyperglycemia in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Recent studies have demonstrated that hyperglycemia may result in a poor prognosis following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, the association between hyperglycemia and the clinical outcome of aSAH has not been clearly established thus far. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between hyperglycemia and the development of aSAH. We completed a literature search in four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) up to November 1, 2021, including all eligible studies investigating the prognostic value of hyperglycemia in patients with aSAH. We performed a quality assessment of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association of hyperglycemia in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A total of 35 studies with 11,519 patients were finally included in the meta-analysis. Nineteen studies reported the association between hyperglycemia and poor outcome, 12 studies reported the association between hyperglycemia and all-cause mortality, 7 studies reported the association between hyperglycemia and cerebral vasospasm, and 9 studies reported the association between hyperglycemia and cerebral infarction. The pooled data of these studies suggested that hyperglycemia was significantly associated with poor functional outcomes (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.42; P < 0.00001; I² = 83%), all-cause mortality (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P = 0.0006; I² = 89%), cerebral vasospasm (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02; P = 0.0002; I² = 35%), and cerebral infarction (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.09-1.23; P < 0.00001; I² = 10%) in aSAH patients. These findings suggested that assessing for hyperglycemia at admission may help clinicians to identify critically ill patients and complete patient stratification early, which may achieve better management and improve the prognosis of patients with aSAH.

Clinical relevance of glucose metrics during the early brain injury period after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: An opportunity for continuous glucose monitoring

Hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia and higher glucose variability during the Early Brain Injury (EBI) period of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) have been associated with poor clinical outcome. However, it is unclear whether these associations are due to direct glucose-driven injury or if hyperglycaemia simply acts as a marker of initial severity. Actually, strict glucose control with intensive insulin therapy has not been demonstrated as an effective strategy for improving clinical outcomes after aSAH. Currently published studies describing an association between hyperglycaemia and prognosis in aSAH patients have been based on isolated glucose measurements and did not incorporate comprehensive dynamic evaluations, such as those derived from subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring devices (CMG). Arguably, a more accurate knowledge on glycaemic patterns during the acute phase of aSAH could increase our understanding of the relevance of glycaemia as a prognostic factor in this disease as well as to underpin its contribution to secondary focal and diffuse brain injury. Herein, we have summarized the available evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic relevance of glucose metrics during the acute phase of cerebrovascular diseases, focusing in the EBI period after aSAH. Overall, obtaining a more precise scope of acute longitudinal glucose profiles could eventually be useful for improving glucose management protocols in the setting of acute aSAH and to advance toward a more personalized management of aSAH patients during the EBI phase.

The association between serum glucose to potassium ratio on admission and short-term mortality in ischemic stroke patients

High serum glucose to potassium ratio (GPR) at admission is implicated for a poor outcome in acute brain injury, acute intracranial hemorrhage, and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, the relationship between GPR and the outcome of ischemic stroke (IS) remains unknown. In all, 784 IS patients from a large emergency Norwegian cohort were included for secondary analysis. The exposure and outcome were GPR at baseline and all-cause mortality within 30 days after the first admission. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the risk of 30-day mortality based on GPR levels. In addition, we examined whether there was a nonlinear relationship between admission GPR and 30-day mortality using two-piecewise linear regression with a smoothing function and threshold level analysis. The results of multivariable regression analysis showed that GPR at baseline was positively associated with the 30-day mortality (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.12, 3.61) after adjusting for potential confounders (age, gender, department, serum sodium, serum albumin, serum-magnesium, hypertension, heart failure, chronic renal failure, and pneumonia). When GPR was translated to a categorical variable, the ORs and 95% CIs in the tertiles 2 to 3 versus the tertile 1 were 1.24 (0.60, 2.56) and 2.15 (1.09, 4.24), respectively (P for trend = 0.0188). Moreover, the results of the two-piecewise linear regression and curve fitting revealed a linear relationship between GPR and 30-day mortality. In IS patients, GPR is positively correlated with 30-day mortality, and the relationship between them is linear. The GPR at admission may be a promising predictor for the short-term outcome in IS patients.

Plasma aldosterone concentration is associated with white matter lesions in patients with primary aldosteronism

PURPOSE

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most frequent form of secondary hypertension. Hypertension is a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. White matter lesions (WMLs) are linked to vascular risk factors, which increase the risk of dementia. We aimed to analyze the association of PA-related parameters and WMLs in patients with PA.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with PA in the Hypertension Center of the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 1, 2011 to April 1, 2021. We analyzed the relationship between plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR), serum potassium, and WMLs.

RESULTS

We enrolled 138 patients with WMLs and matched these to controls without WMLs at a 1:4 ratio. Among the analytic sample (N = 711) with ages ranging from 30 to 64 years, 69% were male. In the logistic regression analysis, PAC, PRA and serum potassium were treated as continuous variables. The results showed that PAC (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01, 1.06, P = 0.008) was positively associated with the risk of WMLs, and serum potassium (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.16, 0.44, P < 0.001) was inversely associated with the risk of WMLs. PRA (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.68, 1.08, P = 0.384) was not associated with the risk of WMLs after adjusting for confounders. The results of restricted cubic splines showed the dose-response association between increasing PAC, ARR, decreasing serum potassium, and the risk of WMLs. We also divided PAC, ARR and serum potassium into two groups according to the result of restricted cubic splines. After adjusting for confounders, patients who were in Q2 (≥23.12 ng/dl) of PAC (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.36, 3.15), Q2 (≥56.81 (ng/dl per ng/ml*h) of ARR (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.22, 2.72) and Q2 (≤3.58 mmol/l) of serum potassium (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.95, 4.50) had a significantly higher risk of WMLs than their counterparts. In stratified analyses, there was no evidence of subgroup heterogeneity regarding the change in the risk of WMLs (P > 0.05 for interaction for all).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that the PAC and serum potassium were related to the risk of WMLs in patients with PA. In particular, PAC ≥23.12 ng/dl significantly increased the risk of WMLs in patients with PA.

The Predictor Potential Role of the Glucose to Potassium Ratio in the Diagnostic Differentiation of Massive and Non-Massive Pulmonary Embolism

Objective

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the main causes of death and has a course as massive (MPE) or non-massive (NMPE). The study investigates the indicator potential of Glucose to Potassium ratio (GPR) in the differential diagnosis of MPE and NMPE.

Materials and Methods

The study was designed as a retrospective cross-sectional clinical cohort in patients with PE. A total of 111 participants enrolled in the research separating two groups: MPE (n:54) and NMPE (n:67). The GPR was calculated by dividing serum glucose by potassium levels and its results were compared with D-Dimer, Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP), and C-Reactive Protein Test (CRP).

Results

D-Dimer was measured as 6.5 ± 5.7 µg/L in the MPE and found higher than the NMPE (3.9 ± 5.2 µg/L) (P = .019). CRP (100 ± 83.5 to 30.9 ± 42.7 mg/L; P = .0001) and PAP (49.5 ± 11.9 to 34.8 ± 7.3 mmHg; P = .0001) were found increased in the MPE. GPR strongly increased in the MPE (30.7 ± 7.5 to 24.9 ± 4.3; P = .0003) in line with CRP, D-Dimer and PAP. GPR showed a stronger diagnostic value (AUC: 0.733; P = .00001; Sensitivity:72%; Spesifity:70%; Cut-off: 26.5). PAP and GPR showed significant efficiency on occurrence of the MPE according to the binary logistic regression.

Conclusion

The GPR, as a novel and cheap marker, can be useful for diagnostic differentiation of MPE from NMPE, but weaker than PAP and better than D-dimer.

Type of Study and Level of Evidence

Level-II, Retrospective clinical cohort study.

Leukocytosis and C-Reactive Protein May Predict Development of Secondary Cerebral Vasospasm in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background and Objectives: Secondary cerebral vasospasm (CV) with subsequent delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains an unpredictable pathology. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the association between inflammatory parameters, white blood cell (WBC) count, and C-reactive protein plasma levels (CRP) and the occurrence of secondary CV in patients with aSAH. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 201 Intensive Care Unit patients in Riga East University Hospital with aSAH were retrospectively reviewed in a 24-month period. WBC count and CRP values were observed at admission to the hospital and on the third day. According to the inclusion criteria, 117 (48 males) participants were enrolled for further analysis, with average age of 56 ± 15 years (mean ± SD). In total, secondary CV was diagnosed in 21.4% of cases, and DCI in 22.4% of cases. The patients were classified into three groups: SAH-CV group (n = 25), SAH-DCI group (n = 12), and SAH or control group (n = 80), for comparative analysis. Results: We found that SAH-CV patients demonstrated notably higher inflammatory parameters compared to controls: WBC 13.2 ± 3.3 × 10⁹/L vs. 11.2 ± 3.7 × 10⁹/L; p = 0.01 and CRP median 9.3 mg/L vs. 1.9 mg/L; p < 0.001, respectively. We found that the odds of developing CV increased by 5% for each CRP increase of 1 mg/L at admission (OR, 1.05; CI, 1.014–1.087; p = 0.006). Concomitantly, the odds increased by 16% for every rise in WBC count of 1 × 10⁹/L (OR, 1.16; CI, 1.02–1.32; p = 0.02). WBC count was associated with the occurrence of CV with 96% sensitivity and 40% specificity, with a cut off level of 10.015 × 10⁹/L and AUC 0.683; p = 0.006. CRP displayed 54% sensitivity and 90% specificity with a cut off value of 8.9 mg/L and AUC 0.751; p < 0.001. Moreover, higher values of inflammatory parameters at admission correlated with a longer stay in ICU (r = 0.3, p = 0.002 for WBC count and r = 0.305, p = 0.002 for CRP values), and poor outcome (death) was significantly associated with higher CRP values at admission and on the third day (16.1. vs. 2.2. and 57.4. vs. 11.1, p < 0.001, respectively). Higher mortality was detected in SAH-CV patients (32%) compared to controls (6.3%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Inflammatory parameters such as WBC count and CRP values at admission might be helpful to predict the development of secondary CV.

Directly Cooling Gut Prevents Mortality in the Rat Model of Reboa Management of Lethal Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a lifesaving technique for the management of lethal torso hemorrhage. Its benefit, however, must be weighed against the lethal distal organ ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). This study uses a novel direct gut cooling technique to manage the distal organ IRI.

METHODS

A rat lethal hemorrhage model was established by bleeding of 50% of the estimated total blood volume via inferior vena cava. A novel TransRectal Intra-Colon (TRIC) temperature management device was positioned in the descending colon either to maintain intra-colon temperature at 37°C or 12°C. The upper body temperature was maintained at as close to 37°C as possible in both groups. A 2F Fogarty balloon catheter was inserted via the femoral artery into the descending thoracic aorta for the implementation of REBOA. After REBOA, the balloon was deflated, and the shed blood was returned. The temperature managements were continued for additional 180 to 270 min during the post-REBOA period.

RESULTS

All rats subjected to REBOA management of lethal hemorrhage at 37°C had severe histopathological gut and abdominal organ IRI, severe functional deficits, and died within 24 h with 100% mortality. By contrast, directly cooling the colon to 10°C to 12°C with the novel TRIC device abolished mortality, and dramatically improved ABG parameters, prevented the abdominal organ injury, and reduced the functional deficits during the 7-day post-REBOA period.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct trans-rectal colon cooling during REBOA management of lethal hemorrhage offers extraordinary functional improvement and amazing tissue protection, and abolishes mortality.

Associations between C-reactive protein and white blood cell count, occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia and poor outcome following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This review and meta-analysis investigated associations of systemic inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) with occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and poor functional outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Pubmed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched until November 30, 2019, selecting prospective and retrospective studies of patients with spontaneous SAH due to ruptured aneurysm. Outcome measures were occurrence of DCI, defined as new focal neurological deficit or a deterioration of consciousness; and/or a new infarct on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging that was not visible initially. Occurrence of poor functional outcome at follow-up were measured by modified Rankin Scale or Glasgow outcomes scale. Fifteen studies analyzing data of 3268 patients with aSAH were included. Meta-analysis revealed early increase in CRP was significantly associated with higher risk of occurrence of DCI (pooled OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.10-1.54; P = 0.002), whereas not with poor functional outcome (pooled OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.04, P = 0.052). No significant associations between early increase in WBC and DCI (pooled OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.95-1.34; P = 0.179) were observed, whereas increase in WBC was significantly associated with increased risk of poor functional outcome (pooled OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07-1.28, P = 0.001). Early increase in blood CRP appears to correlate with DCI after SAH, while increase in WBC correlates with poor functional outcome. However, strong conclusion cannot be made due to the small study number, between-study heterogeneity and suspicion of uncontrolled factors. Whether early phase CRP and WBC may serve as prognostic markers for aSAH needs more investigation.

Serum glucose and potassium ratio as a predictive factor for prognosis of acute intracerebral hemorrhage

Objective

The serum glucose/potassium ratio (GPR) is a potential prognostic predictor for acute brain injury-related diseases. We calculated the serum GPR in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and explored its prognostic value for long-term prognoses and ICH severity.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study consecutively included 92 patients with ICH and 92 healthy controls. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, and hematoma volume were used to assess severity. A modified Rankin Scale score > 2 at 90 days post-stroke was defined as a poor outcome.

Results

The serum GPR was significantly higher in patients than controls. The serum GPR was weakly correlated with the NIHSS score, GCS score, and hematoma volume. The serum GPR, GCS score, and hematoma volume were independently associated with poor outcomes. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the serum GPR remarkably discriminated patients at risk of poor outcomes at 90 days. The serum GPR significantly improved the prognostic predictive capability of hematoma volume and tended to increase that of the GCS score.

Conclusion

Serum GPR is an easily obtained clinical variable for predicting clinical outcomes after ICH.

Association of Plasma Glucose to Potassium Ratio and Mortality After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objectives: Hyperglycemia and hypokalemia are common problems in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The aim of this study was to determine whether the plasma glucose to potassium ratio (GPR) predicts mortality due to aSAH. Methods: We prospectively recruited aSAH patients and healthy controls between March 2007 and May 2017. Clinical outcomes included mortality and poor outcome (modified Rankin scale score of 3-6) after 3 months. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the association between plasma GPR and 3-month mortality in aSAH patients. Results: A total of 553 patients were recruited, and the mortality rate was 11%. The GPR was significantly elevated in aSAH patients compared with controls, in patients with a poor outcome than with a good outcome and in non-survivals than in survivals. Multivariable analysis showed that the plasma GPR was an independent factor associated with 3-month mortality. The area under the curve of the GPR was 0.747 in predicting 3-month mortality. Conclusion: The plasma GPR on admission has potential as a predictor of 3-month mortality in patients with aSAH.

Analysis of risk factors of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning

Objective:

To analyze the risk factors of delayed encephalopathy in patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) and to investigate the clinical significance and clinical value.

Methods:

The baseline data from 68 patients admitted in the 981st Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force were collected, including sex, age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), history of smoking/drinking, history of DEACMP. Laboratory examination records including cranial CT/MRI, cervical vascular color ultrasonography, cardiac color ultrasonography, blood biochemical markers, blood routine, and blood coagulation function were also collected. Additionally, patients were followed-up visited at 1 month and 6 months. Patients were divided into either the DEACMP group or the NDEACMP group according to the occurrence of DEACMP. The risk factors of DEACMP were identified by univariate and logistic regression analyses. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of each index were compared by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results:

Among the 68 patients, 13 patients suffered from DEACMP with an incidence of 19.1%. Univariate analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences in patients’ age, blood glucose, blood glucose/potassium, GCS scores, abnormal cranial CT/MRI, and coma time more than 4 h (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that B, SE, Wald, df, P, Exp (B) of GCS score were -0.489, 0.208, 5.55, 1, 0.018 and 0.634, respectively. Overall, GCS score is correlated with DEACMP’s occurrence. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity, specificity, and the AUC of GCS scores were 0.769, 0.873 and 0.843, respectively. The AUC of the indices in descending order are: GCS score, blood glucose, blood glucose/potassium and age.

Conclusion:

GCS score, blood glucose, blood glucose/potassium, and age are useful predictive factors for the occurrence of DEACMP. Among these, GCS score is the most significant predictive factor.

Risk Factors for Cerebral Vasospasm in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Population-Based Study of 8346 Patients

BACKGROUND

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that there was a lack of consensus regarding risk factors for cerebral vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors associated with increased likelihood of cerebral vasospasm after aSAH using the largest, all-payer, inpatient database in the United States.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016) was queried using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes to identify patients (age ≥18 years) treated (coiling or clipping) for aSAH. Exposure variables included demographics, comorbidities, location and clinical grade of aSAH, treatment type, and laboratory anomalies. Multivariable analysis was conducted to identify factors independently associated with cerebral vasospasm (ICD-10 code I67.84).

RESULTS

The rate of vasospasm was 28.1% in 8346 patients with treated aSAH. In multivariable analysis, vasospasm risk was inversely proportional to age (P < 0.001). Substance abuse, particularly tobacco smoking and cocaine, was associated with vasospasm (P < 0.05). Advanced SAH severity (Hunt and Hess grade ≥2) approximately doubled risk of vasospasm (P < 0.001). Poor hemodynamic status, including anemia (odds ratio [OR], 1.8), hypovolemia (OR, 1.6), and hypotension (OR, 1.4), was correlated with vasospasm. Laboratory abnormalities, including leukocytosis (OR, 1.3), hyponatremia (OR, 1.4), and hypokalemia (OR, 1.3), were associated with vasospasm (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the first nationwide analysis of cerebral vasospasm, risk factors included younger age, female sex, smoking history, hemodynamic compromise, and clinical severity of aSAH. Recently proposed biomarkers, including leukocytosis and hypokalemia, were supported by our findings. This study may assist risk stratification and earlier detection of vasospasm.

Assessment of serum glucose/potassium ratio as a predictor for delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome of carbon monoxide poisoning

INTRODUCTION

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a crucial cause of delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome (DNS). However, most biomarkers are not satisfactory for the prediction of DNS caused by CO poisoning. Thus, we evaluated the adequacy of the serum glucose/potassium (GLU/K) ratio, which may be an easy, quick, and readily available parameter that can be used in the emergency department for predicting DNS.

METHODS

We evaluated 281 patients who were admitted to our emergency department between January 2012 and December 2018. The patients were divided into two groups: DNS (+) and DNS (-). The GLU/K was compared for the groups.

RESULTS

Glucose, blood urea nitrogen, carboxyhemoglobin, and GLU/K ratios of patients in the DNS (+) group were statistically significantly higher than those patients in DNS (-) group (140 ± 34 vs. 110 ± 24, p < 0.001; 17.58 ± 6.14 vs. 14.27 ± 5.08, p = 0.003; 29 ± 5.1 vs. 18.9 ± 7.6, p < 0.001; and 38.35 ± 10.11 vs. 28.65 ± 6.53, p < 0.001, respectively). The area under the curve for GLU/K to predict DNS was measured as 0.791, and 35.9 as a cut-off value had 63.6% sensitivity and 89.6% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

DNS development in CO poisoning is a serious and feared complication. We suggest that the GLU/K ratio has a high potential as a rapid, easy preliminary marker for the exclusion of patients who will not subsequently develop DNS.

Usefulness of serum glucose and potassium ratio as a predictor for 30-day death among patients with severe traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Serum glucose and potassium ratio (GPR) was recently found to be related to outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. This retrospectively study was to investigate the association of serum GPR with mortality in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI).

METHODS

Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed of isolated sTBI patients admitted within 12 h after trauma between January 2014 and January 2019. We analyzed relationships between admission serum GPR and post-traumatic 30-day mortality in addition to admission Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores. Discriminative ability was evaluated using area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

A total of 146 patients, of whom 37 (25.3%) died within 30 days following trauma, were included. Admission serum GPR emerged as an independent predictor for 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 5.256; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.111-14.856) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 4.822; 95% CI, 1.157-12.870), with an AUC of 0.777 (95% CI, 0.693-0.835), which was equivalent to that of GCS scores (AUC, 0.831; 95% CI, 0.760-0.888; P = 0.179). There was a significant correlation between admission serum GPR and GCS scores (r² = 0.293).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum GPR in cases of sTBI is substantially associated with trauma severity and 30-day mortality. Therefore, the potential value of serum GPR for predicting short-term mortality of sTBI patients is favorable.