Severe infections in neurocritical care

Effect of nursing care based on goal-oriented mind mapping model on the prognosis of patients with severe brain injury

The objective of this study was to observe the effect of nursing care based on goal-oriented mind-mapping on the prognosis of patients with severe brain injury. Clinical data of 116 patients with severe brain injury admitted to Qinghe County Central Hospital between March 2021 and August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the nursing mode the patients received, they were divided into an Observation group (n = 58, patients received nursing based on the goal-oriented mind mapping mode) and a Control group (n = 58, patients received routine care). Data on length of hospital stay, complications, functional recovery, cerebral oxygen metabolism, and quality of life scores of the 2 groups were collected and analyzed. The length of hospital stay of the Observation group was shorter than that of the Control group (P < .05). The total incidence of complications in the Observation group was lower than that in the Control group (P < .05). After intervention, neurological function, cerebral oxygen metabolism indicators, and quality of life of the 2 groups improved significantly compared with those before the intervention; furthermore, the neurological function and cerebral oxygen metabolism indexes of the Observation group were better than those of the Control group (P < .05). The nursing care based on goal-oriented mind-mapping model for patients with severe brain injury can effectively shorten the length of hospital stay, reduce the occurrence of prognostic complications, and improve the recovery of neurological and limb motor functions, and ultimately achieve the goal of improving the quality of life.

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Contributes to the Early Diagnosis of Mixed Infections in Central Nervous System

Central nervous system (CNS) infections represent a challenge due to the complexities associated with their diagnosis and treatment, resulting in a high incidence rate and mortality. Here, we presented a case of CNS mixed infection involving Candida and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), successfully diagnosed through macrogenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in China. A comprehensive review and discussion of previously reported cases were also provided. Our study emphasizes the critical role of early pathogen identification facilitated by mNGS, underscoring its significance. Notably, the integration of mNGS with traditional methods significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of CNS infections. This integrated approach has the potential to provide valuable insights for clinical practice, facilitating early diagnosis, allowing for treatment adjustments, and ultimately, improving the prognosis for patients with CNS infections.

Autonomic dysfunction as a predictor of infection in neurocritical care unit: a prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Infection in the neurocritical care unit ( NCCU) can cause significant mortality and morbidity. Autonomic nervous system plays an important role in defense against infection. Autonomic dysfunction causing inflammatory dysregulation can potentiate infection. We aimed to study the relationship between autonomic dysfunction and occurrence of infection in neurologically ill patients.

METHODS

Fifty one patients who were on mechanical ventilation were prospectively enrolled in this study. Autonomic dysfunction was measured for three consecutive days on admission to NCCU using Ansiscope. Patients were followed up for seven days to see the occurrence of infection. Infection was defined as per centre of disease control definition.

RESULTS

A total of 386 patients were screened for eligibility. 68 patients satisfied the eligibility criteria and 51 patients were finally included in the study. The incidence of infection was 74.5%. The commonest infection was pulmonary infection (38.8%) followed by urinary tract infection (33.3%), blood stream infection(14.8%), central nervous system infection (11.1%) and wound site infection (3.7%). The degree of autonomic dysfunction (AD) percentage was more in infection group (37.7% (25.2-49.7)) compared to non infection group (23.5% (18-33.5)) and maximal on day 3 (P = 0.02). Patients with increasing trend of AD% from day 1 to day 3 had the highest infection rates. The length of NCCU stay (20(10-23) days and mortality (42.1%) was higher in infection group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

AD assessment can be used as a tool to predict development of infection in NCCU. This can help triage and institute early investigation and treatment.