Quality of Life after Surgical Decompression for Space-Occupying Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction: Systematic Review

Exploring the Multifaceted Causes of Ischemic Stroke: A Narrative Review

Neurologists are well-versed with acute ischemic stroke, a serious public health concern. Effective acute stroke treatment is built on the rapid application of reperfusion therapy. This calls for prompt symptom recognition by the general population as well as emergency workers, proper referral to specialized stroke centers, and thorough examination and assessment by the on-site stroke team. The main goal of treatment for certain individuals is to restore blood flow to the ischemic penumbra by using intravenous thrombolysis and/or endovascular thrombectomy. Acute stroke patients must be hospitalized and continuously monitored for early neurological decline in order to avoid subsequent problems. After swiftly determining the stroke mechanism, patients can start the proper secondary preventative actions.

Long-term quality of life after decompressive craniectomy

Introduction

This study aims to assess the quality of life (QoL) in patients who have undergone decompressive craniectomy (DC) for any pathology that has caused life-threatening intracranial hypertension. Similarly, it aims to evaluate QoL perceived by caregivers or external informants. In addition to that, the last purpose is to determine which clinical or therapeutic factors could correlate with a better QoL.

Methods

A single-center cross-sectional study was designed. All patients over 18 years old who underwent a supratentorial DC at our department due to intracranial hypertension of any etiology, from January 2015 to December 2021, were retrospectively selected. Patients with incomplete follow-up (under 1 year from the event or those who died) or who declined to participate in the study were excluded. QoL was assessed with SF-36 and CAVIDACE scales. The correlation between clinical and therapeutic variables and SF-36 subscales was studied with Spearman's correlation and the Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results

A total of 55 consecutive patients were recruited: 22 patients had died, three were missed for follow-up, and 15 declined to participate, thus 15 subjects were finally included. The mean follow-up was 47 months (IQR 21.5-67.5). A significant reduction in the "role physical" and "role emotional" subscales of SF-36 was observed compared with the general population. According to caregivers, a significant reduction was assigned to the "physical wellbeing" and "rights" domains. The "physical functioning" score was poorer in women, older patients, those with dominant hemisphere disease, those who required tracheostomy, and those with poor outcomes in the modified Rankin scale. A strong correlation was found between the QoL index at the CAVIDACE scale and the SF-36 subscales "physical functioning" and "role physical".

Conclusion

Most patients and caregivers reported acceptable QoL after DC due to a life-threatening disease. A significant reduction in SF- 36 subscales scores "role limitation due to physical problems" and "role limitation due to emotional problems" was referred by patients. According to caregivers' QoL perception, only 25% of the survey's participants showed low scores in the QoL index of the CAVIDACE scale. Only 26.7% of the patients showed mood disorders.

Complications of Decompressive Craniectomy: A Case-Based Review

Background Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a frequently performed procedure to treat intracranial hypertension following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. DC is a salvage procedure that reduces mortality at the expense of severe disability and compromises the quality of life. The procedure is not without serious complications.

Methods We describe the complications following DC and its management in a case-based review in this article.

Results Complications after DC are classified as early or late complications based on the time of occurrence. Early complication includes hemorrhage, external cerebral herniation, wound complications, CSF leak/fistula, and seizures/epilepsy. Contusion expansion, new contralateral epidural, and subdural hematoma in the immediate postoperative period mandate surgical intervention. It is necessary to repeat non-contrast CT head at 24 hours and 48 hours following DC. Late complication includes subdural hygroma, hydrocephalus, syndrome of the trephined, bone resorption, and falls on the unprotected cranium. An early cranioplasty is an effective strategy to mitigate most of the late complications.

Conclusions DC can be associated with a number of complications. One should be aware of the possible complications, and timely intervention is required.

Spreading Depolarization as a Therapeutic Target in Severe Ischemic Stroke: Physiological and Pharmacological Strategies

Background: Spreading depolarization (SD) occurs nearly ubiquitously in malignant hemispheric stroke (MHS) and is strongly implicated in edema progression and lesion expansion. Due to this high burden of SD after infarct, it is of great interest whether SD in MHS patients can be mitigated by physiologic or pharmacologic means and whether this intervention improves clinical outcomes. Here we describe the association between physiological variables and risk of SD in MHS patients who had undergone decompressive craniectomy and present an initial case of using ketamine to target SD in MHS. Methods: We recorded SD using subdural electrodes and time-linked with continuous physiological recordings in five subjects. We assessed physiologic variables in time bins preceding SD compared to those with no SD. Results: Using multivariable logistic regression, we found that increased ETCO2 (OR 0.772, 95% CI 0.655–0.910) and DBP (OR 0.958, 95% CI 0.941–0.991) were protective against SD, while elevated temperature (OR 2.048, 95% CI 1.442–2.909) and WBC (OR 1.113, 95% CI 1.081–1.922) were associated with increased risk of SD. In a subject with recurrent SD, ketamine at a dose of 2 mg/kg/h was found to completely inhibit SD. Conclusion: Fluctuations in physiological variables can be associated with risk of SD after MHS. Ketamine was also found to completely inhibit SD in one subject. These data suggest that use of physiological optimization strategies and/or pharmacologic therapy could inhibit SD in MHS patients, and thereby limit edema and infarct progression. Clinical trials using individualized approaches to target this novel mechanism are warranted.

Long-Term Results of Neurological Outcome, Quality of Life, and Cosmetic Outcome After Cranioplastic Surgery: A Single Center Study of 202 Patients

Objective: An increased interest in the surgical procedures of decompressive craniectomy (DC) and subsequent cranioplasty (CP) has emerged during the last decades with specific focus on mortality and complication rates. The aim of the present study was to evaluate long-term neurological and cosmetic outcomes as well as Quality of Life (QoL) after CP surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of CP patients treated at our institution between 2004 and 2014 and performed a follow-up examination, with evaluation of neurological outcome using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), QoL (SF-36 and EQ-5D-3L). Furthermore, the cosmetic results after CP were analyzed. Results: A total of 202 CP-patients were included in the present study. The main indications for DC and subsequent CP were space-occupying cerebral ischemia (32%), traumatic brain injury (TBI, 26%), intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage (32%) and infection (10%). During a mean follow-up period of 91.9 months 46/42.6% of patients had a favorable neurological outcome (mRS ≤ 3/GOS ≥ 4). Patients with ischemia had a significant worse outcome (mRS 4.3 ± 1.5) compared with patients after TBI (3.1 ± 2.3) and infectious diseases requiring CP (2.4 ± 2.3). The QoL analysis showed that <1/3rd of patients (31.2%) had a good QoL (SF-36) with a mean EQ-5D-VAS of 59 ± 26. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant worse QoL of ischemia patients compared to other groups whereas multivariate regression analysis showed no other factors which may had an impact on the QoL. The majority (86.5%) of patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result after CP and regression analysis showed no significant factors associated with unfavorable outcomes. Conclusion: Long-term outcome and QoL after CP were significantly influenced by the medical condition requiring DC. Early detection and evaluation of QoL after CP may improve the patient's outcome due to an immediate initiation of targeted therapies (e.g., occupational- or physiotherapy).

European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines on the management of space-occupying brain infarction

Space-occupying brain oedema is a potentially life-threatening complication in the first days after large hemispheric or cerebellar infarction. Several treatment strategies for this complication are available, but the size and quality of the scientific evidence on which these strategies are based vary considerably. The aim of this Guideline document is to assist physicians in their management decisions when treating patients with space-occupying hemispheric or cerebellar infarction. These Guidelines were developed based on the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) standard operating procedure and followed the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A working group identified 13 relevant questions, performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the literature, assessed the quality of the available evidence, and wrote evidence-based recommendations. An expert consensus statement was provided if not enough evidence was available to provide recommendations based on the GRADE approach. We found high-quality evidence to recommend surgical decompression to reduce the risk of death and to increase the chance of a favourable outcome in adult patients aged up to and including 60 years with space-occupying hemispheric infarction who can be treated within 48 hours of stroke onset, and low-quality evidence to support this treatment in older patients. There is continued uncertainty about the benefit and risks of surgical decompression in patients with space-occupying hemispheric infarction if this is done after the first 48 hours. There is also continued uncertainty about the selection of patients with space-occupying cerebellar infarction for surgical decompression or drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. These Guidelines further provide details on the management of specific subgroups of patients with space-occupying hemispheric infarction, on the value of monitoring of intracranial pressure, and on the benefits and risks of medical treatment options. We encourage new high-quality studies assessing the risks and benefits of different treatment strategies for patients with space-occupying brain infarction.

Circular RNA circ_HECTD1 regulates cell injury after cerebral infarction by miR-27a-3p/FSTL1 axis

Cerebral infarction is a common cerebrovascular disease caused by neural cell injury, with high mortality worldwide. Circular RNAs HECT domain E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase 1 (circ_HECTD1) has been reported to be related to the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-caused neuronal damage in cerebral ischemia. This study is designed to explore the role and mechanism of circ_HECTD1 in OGD/R-induced cell injury in cerebral ischemia. Circ_HECTD1, microRNA-27a-3p (miR-27a-3p), and Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) level were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The localization of circ_HECTD1 was analyzed by subcellular fractionation assay. Cell proliferative ability and apoptosis were assessed by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and flow cytometry assays. The protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax), Cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), and FSTL1 were examined by western blot assay. The binding relationship between miR-27a-3p and circ_HECTD1 or FSTL1 was predicted by starbase 3.0 then verified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Circ_HECTD1 and FSTL1 were highly expressed, and miR-27a-3p was decreased in OGD/R-treated HT22 cells. Moreover, circ_HECTD1 knockdown could boost cell proliferative ability and repress apoptosis in OGD/R-triggered HT22 cells in vitro. Mechanical analysis discovered that circ_HECTD1 could regulate FSTL1 expression by sponging miR-27a-3p. Circ_HECTD1 deficiency could mitigate OGD/R-induced HT22 cell damage by modulating the miR-27a-3p/FSTL1 axis, providing a promising therapeutic target for cerebral infarction treatment.

Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for Large Hemispheric Strokes

Large hemispheric infarcts occur in up to 10% of all ischemic strokes and can cause devastating disability. Significant research and clinical efforts have been made in hopes of mitigating the morbidity and mortality of this disease. Areas of interest include identifying predictors of malignant edema, optimizing medical and surgical techniques, selecting the patient population that would benefit most from decompressive hemicraniectomy, and studying the impact on quality of life of those who survive. Decompressive surgery can be a life-saving measure, and here we discuss the most up-to-date literature and provide a review on the surgical management of large hemispheric ischemic strokes.

Surgical Decompression for Space-Occupying Hemispheric Infarction: A Systematic Review and Individual Patient Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Importance

In patients with space-occupying hemispheric infarction, surgical decompression reduces the risk of death and increases the chance of a favorable outcome. Uncertainties, however, still remain about the benefit of this treatment for specific patient groups.

Objective

To assess whether surgical decompression for space-occupying hemispheric infarction is associated with a reduced risk of death and an increased chance of favorable outcomes, as well as whether this association is modified by patient characteristics.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Stroke Trials Registry were searched from database inception to October 9, 2019, for English-language articles that reported on the results of randomized clinical trials of surgical decompression vs conservative treatment in patients with space-occupying hemispheric infarction.

Study Selection

Published and unpublished randomized clinical trials comparing surgical decompression with medical treatment alone were selected.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Patient-level data were extracted from the trial databases according to a predefined protocol and statistical analysis plan. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline and the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias were used. One-stage, mixed-effect logistic regression modeling was used for all analyses.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≤3) at 1 year after stroke. Secondary outcomes included death, reasonable (mRS score ≤4) and excellent (mRS score ≤2) outcomes at 6 months and 1 year, and an ordinal shift analysis across all levels of the mRS. Variables for subgroup analyses were age, sex, presence of aphasia, stroke severity, time to randomization, and involved vascular territories.

Results

Data from 488 patients from 7 trials from 6 countries were available for analysis. The risk of bias was considered low to moderate for 6 studies. Surgical decompression was associated with a decreased chance of death (adjusted odds ratio, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.10-0.24) and increased chance of a favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.55-5.60), without evidence of heterogeneity of treatment effect across any of the prespecified subgroups. Too few patients were treated later than 48 hours after stroke onset to allow reliable conclusions in this subgroup, and the reported proportions of elderly patients reaching a favorable outcome differed considerably among studies.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results suggest that the benefit of surgical decompression for space-occupying hemispheric infarction is consistent across a wide range of patients. The benefit of surgery after day 2 and in elderly patients remains uncertain.

Effectiveness and Safety of Pressure Dressings on Reducing Subdural Effusion After Decompressive Craniectomy

OBJECTIVE

Decompressive craniectomy as a treatment is often used in the rescue treatment of critically ill patients in neurosurgery; however, there are many complications after this operation. Subdural effusion is a common complication after decompressive craniectomy. Once it occurs, it can cause further problems for the patient. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the safety and effectiveness of pressure dressings for subdural effusion after decompressive craniectomy.

METHODS

Patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy in our hospital from January 2016 to January 2021 were included in this study, and all patients were followed up for 6 months or more. After the operation, the patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received a pressure dressing or a traditional dressing. Subdural effusion, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, hydrocephalus and other complications were compared between the two groups, and the differences in hospital duration, cost and prognosis between the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 123 patients were included in this study. Among them, 62 patients chose pressure dressings, and 61 patients chose traditional dressings. The incidence of subdural effusion in the pressure dressing group was significantly lower than that in the traditional dressing group (P<0.05). There was no difference between the two groups in cerebrospinal fluid leakage and hydrocephalus (P > 0.05). In addition, the length of hospital stay and the total cost in the pressure dressing group were significantly lower (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pressure dressing can effectively reduce the occurrence of subdural effusion after decompressive craniectomy, and it does not increase the occurrence of other cerebrospinal fluid-related complications.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy in ischemic stroke

Malignant hemispheric stroke (MHS) is a life-threatening event, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHS) is the treatment of choice to relieve the emerging space-occupying brain edema. This review details the pathophysiological and scientific background, considerations for clinical decision making, surgical treatment and impact on the patients' outcome. Although surgery reduces mortality significantly, the probability for unfavorable outcome is still high in selected cases. While former randomized controlled studies aimed for the prevention of the primary cause, the current research focuses on the treatment and prevention of secondary neurological injury.

Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant stroke: Quality of life and caregiver's burden in a real-world setting

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Decompressive hemicraniectomy is a life-saving procedure for the treatment of space-occupying middle cerebral artery infarctions (malignant stroke); however, patients may survive severely disabled. Comprehensive data on long-term sequelae outside randomized controlled trials are scarce.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the survival rates, quality of life, ability to perform activities of daily living, and caregiver burden of 61 patients (aged from 37 to 83) who had previously undergone decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant stroke between 2012 and 2017.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was higher among patients older than 60 years than among younger patients (71.0 % vs 36.7 %, p = 0.007; odds ratio 4.222, 95 % confidence interval 1.443-12.355). The mean survival time was 37.9 ± 6.0 months for 19 survivors of the younger group and 22.6 ± 5.7 months for 9 survivors of the older group. Among the 28 surviving patients, 22 (78.6 %) were interviewed, and we found that age was a determining factor for functional outcome (Barthel indices of 65.7 ± 10.6 for younger patients vs 48.0 ± 9.3 for older patients, p < 0.001), but not for quality of life. The caregiver burden was significantly correlated (R = -0.53, p < 0.01) with the severity of disability and age (R = 0.544, p = 0.011) of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that the degree of impairment, as well as caregiver burden, is higher in patients older than 60 years than in younger patients.

Diagnosis and management of acute ischaemic stroke

Acute ischaemic stroke is a major public health priority and will become increasingly relevant to neurologists of the future. The cornerstone of effective stroke care continues to be timely reperfusion treatment. This requires early recognition of symptoms by the public and first responders, triage to an appropriate stroke centre and efficient assessment and investigation by the attending stroke team. The aim of treatment is to achieve recanalisation and reperfusion of the ischaemic penumbra with intravenous thrombolysis and/or endovascular thrombectomy in appropriately selected patients. All patients should be admitted directly to an acute stroke unit for close monitoring for early neurological deterioration and prevention of secondary complications. Prompt investigation of the mechanism of stroke allows patients to start appropriate secondary preventative treatment. Future objectives include improving accessibility to endovascular thrombectomy, using advanced imaging to extend therapeutic windows and developing neuroprotective agents to prevent secondary neuronal damage.

Management of the Patient with Malignant Hemispheric Stroke

Malignant hemispheric stroke occurs in 10% of ischemic strokes and has one of the highest mortality and morbidity rates. This stroke, also known as malignant middle cerebral artery stroke, may cause ischemia to an entire hemisphere causing edema, herniation, and death. A collaborative interdisciplinary team approach is needed to manage these complex stroke patients. The nurse plays a vital role in bedside management and support of the patient and family through this complex course of care. This article discusses malignant middle cerebral artery stroke pathophysiology, techniques to predict patients at risk for herniation, collaborative care strategies, and nursing care.

Health related quality of life in stroke patients and risk factors associated with patients for return to work

To clarify dynamic change of quality of life (QOL) in patients with stroke after treatment, and to explore the predictors associated with return to work (RTW) within 48 weeks.Patients diagnosed with stroke were enrolled. All patients enrolled were asked to fill in the Short Form 36 Health Survey. For patients with stroke, SF-36 questionnaires were measured repeatedly 4 weeks after treatment. We used phone call to find out if the patient was RTW. The investigation time was 48 weeks.Patients with stroke had lower scores in terms of physiological dimensions, such as physical functional, role limitations due to physical problems, and general health (P < .001). While patients with strokes scored significantly lower in all mental dimensions including vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health (P < .001). After 4-weeks treatment, we found that, except for bodily pain, scores in dimensions like physical functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, and general health had increased significantly (P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, and the result showed that older age (P = .04) and singleness (P = .03) were risk factors associated with QOL improvement in stroke patients after treatment. Outcomes of stroke patients within 48 weeks were explored. The results showed that 108 out of 136 patients RTW within 48 weeks. Average days it took for patients with cerebral infarction to return to work were 77 ± 79, significantly less than patients with cerebral hemorrhage (206 ± 159 days) and patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (117 ± 113 days, P < .001). Multivariate analysis indicated that only QOL improvement (P = .04) and subtype of stroke (P = .01) were independent factors associated with RTW within 48 weeks.QOL of stroke patients was significantly reduced. After treatments, the physiological quality of stroke patients increased, but the psychological quality remained low. In addition, patients with cerebral hemorrhage and patients with no significant improvement in QOL are independent risk factors for RTW. Therefore, for this subgroup of the population, early diagnosis, close follow-up and monitor of the psychological state should be provided to avoid the occurrence of adverse events.

Attitudes of Nurses Toward Disability and Treatment in Space-Occupying Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke

BACKGROUND

Attitudes toward the degree of acceptable disability and the importance of aphasia are critical in deciding on decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) in space-occupying middle cerebral artery stroke (SOS). The attitudes of nurses deserve strong attention, because of their close interaction with patients during acute stroke treatment.

METHODS

This is a multicenter survey among 627 nurses from 132 hospitals in Germany. Questions address the acceptance of disability, importance of aphasia, and the preferred treatment in the hypothetical case of SOS.

RESULTS

Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 1 and 2 were considered acceptable by the majority of all respondents (89.7%). A mRS of 3, 4, and 5 was considered acceptable by 60.0, 15.5, and 1.6%, respectively. DHC was indicated as the treatment of choice in 31.4%. Every third participant considered the presence of aphasia important for treatment decision (33.3%). Older respondents more often refrained from DHC, irrespective of the presence of aphasia (dominant hemisphere p = 0.001, non-dominant hemisphere p = 0.004). Differences regarding acceptable disability and treatment decision were dependent on age, sex, and having relatives with stroke.

CONCLUSION

Most German nurses indicate moderately severe disability after SOS not to be acceptable, without emphasizing the presence of aphasia. The results call for greater scientific efforts in order to find reliable predictors for outcome after SOS.

Complications of Decompressive Craniectomy

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) has become the definitive surgical procedure to manage medically intractable rise in intracranial pressure due to stroke and traumatic brain injury. With incoming evidence from recent multi-centric randomized controlled trials to support its use, we could expect a significant rise in the number of patients who undergo this procedure. Although one would argue that the procedure reduces mortality only at the expense of increasing the proportion of the severely disabled, what is not contested is that patients face the risk of a large number of complications after the operation and that can further compromise the quality of life. Decompressive craniectomy (DC), which is designed to overcome the space constraints of the Monro Kellie doctrine, perturbs the cerebral blood, and CSF flow dynamics. Resultant complications occur days to months after the surgical procedure in a time pattern that can be anticipated with advantage in managing them. New or expanding hematomas that occur within the first few days can be life-threatening and we recommend CT scans at 24 and 48 h postoperatively to detect them. Surgeons should also be mindful of the myriad manifestations of peculiar complications like the syndrome of the trephined and neurological deterioration due to paradoxical herniation which may occur many months after the decompression. A sufficiently large frontotemporoparietal craniectomy, 15 cm in diameter, increases the effectiveness of the procedure and reduces chances of external cerebral herniation. An early cranioplasty, as soon as the brain is lax, appears to be a reasonable choice to mitigate many of the late complications. Complications, their causes, consequences, and measures to manage them are described in this chapter.

Attitudes of Patients and Relatives Toward Disability and Treatment in Malignant MCA Infarction

BACKGROUND

Attitudes among patients and relatives toward the degree of acceptable disability and the importance of aphasia are critical in deciding on decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) in malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMI). However, most MMI patients are not able to communicate their will. Furthermore, attitudes of healthy individuals and relatives may not correspond to those of stroke patients.

METHODS

This is a multicenter survey among 355 patients and 199 relatives during treatment for acute minor or moderate severe ischemic stroke in Germany. Questions address the acceptance of disability, importance of aphasia, and the preferred treatment in the hypothetical case of future MMI.

RESULTS

mRS scores of 2 or better were considered acceptable by the majority of all respondents (72.9-88.1%). A mRS of 3, 4, and 5 was considered acceptable by 56.0, 24.5, and 6.8%, respectively. Except for a mRS of 1, relatives indicated each grade of disability significantly more often acceptable than patients. Differences regarding acceptable disability and treatment decision were depending on family status, housing situation, need of care, and disability. The presence of aphasia was considered important for treatment decision by both patients (46.5%) and relatives (39.2%). Older respondents more often refrained from DHC (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In Germany, there is substantial heterogeneity in patients and relatives regarding acceptable disability, aphasia, and treatment decision in the hypothetical case of MMI. Relatives significantly overestimate the degree of disability that is acceptable to stroke patients. Further studies are warranted to determine whether differences in attitudes impact on the decision to undergo DHC.

A Retrospective Cohort Study to Assess Patient and Physician Reported Outcome Measures After Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke

Introduction

Decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction is known to reduce mortality. However, there are on-going concerns in terms of the quality of life in survivors. We aimed to examine the correlation between patient and physician reported outcome measures in decompressive hemicraniectomy.

Patients and methods

We analyzed outcomes in 21 patients who underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant MCA infarction between September 2003 and August 2013 within a regional health system. Patient and physician reported outcome measures were collected at follow-up. These were Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) Version 3, modified Rankin Scale (mRS), National Hospital Seizure Severity Scale, Headache Impact Test and Patient Health Questionnaire for depression.

Results

There was a good correlation between physician and patient reported outcome measures. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between mRS and structured SIS Version 3 was -0.887 (p < 0.001); with unstructured SIS results, the correlation coefficient was -0.663 (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant correlation between life worth and modified Rankin Scale: r = -0.3383 (p = 0.087).

Discussion

Our findings of a statistically significant correlation between mRS and SIS have not previously been reported in patients with this condition. These findings provide further information to inform patient and next of kin discussions regarding outcomes from decompressive hemicraniectomy in malignant MCA infarction.

Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for Stroke in Older Adults: A Review

Malignant cerebral edema is a potential consequence of large territory cerebral infarction, as the resultant elevation in intracranial pressure may progress to transtentorial herniation, brainstem compression, and death. In appropriate patients, decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) reduces mortality without increasing the risk of severe disability. However, as the foundational DHC randomized, controlled trials excluded patients greater than 60 years of age, the appropriateness of DHC in older adults remains controversial. Recent clinical trials among elderly participants, including DESTINY II, reported that DHC reduces mortality, but may leave patients with substantial morbidity. Nationwide analyses have demonstrated generalizability of such data. However, what constitutes an acceptable outcome - the perspective on quality of life after survival with substantial disability - varies between clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Consequently, quality of life measures are being increasingly incorporated into stroke research. This review summarizes the impact of DHC in space-occupying cerebral infarction, and the influence of patient age on postoperative survival, functional capacity, and quality of life-all key factors in the clinical decision process. Ultimately, these data underscore the inherent complexity in balancing scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient and family preference when pursuing hemicraniectomy among the elderly.

Palliative Care and Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

The mission of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association includes increasing access to high-quality, evidence-based care that improves patient outcomes such as health-related quality of life and is consistent with the patients’ values, preferences, and goals. Awareness of and access to palliative care interventions align with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association mission. The purposes of this policy statement are to provide background on the importance of palliative care as it pertains to patients with advanced cardiovascular disease and stroke and their families and to make recommendations for policy decisions. Palliative care, defined as patient- and family-centered care that optimizes health-related quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering, should be integrated into the care of all patients with advanced cardiovascular disease and stroke early in the disease trajectory. Palliative care focuses on communication, shared decision making about treatment options, advance care planning, and attention to physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological distress with inclusion of the patient’s family and care system. Our policy recommendations address the following: reimbursement for comprehensive delivery of palliative care services for patients with advanced cardiovascular disease and stroke; strong payer-provider relationships that involve data sharing to identify patients in need of palliative care, identification of better care and payment models, and establishment of quality standards and outcome measurements; healthcare system policies for the provision of comprehensive palliative care services during hospitalization, including goals of care, treatment decisions, needs of family caregivers, and transition to other care settings; and health professional education in palliative care as part of licensure requirements.

Early decompressive craniectomy for malignant cerebral infarction: Meta-analysis and clinical decision algorithm

BACKGROUND

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an aggressive life-saving surgical intervention for patients with malignant cerebral infarction (MCI). However, DC remains inconsistently and infrequently utilized, primarily due to enduring concern that increased survival occurs only at the cost of poor functional outcome. Our aim was to clarify the role of DC performed within 48 hours (early DC) for patients with MCI, including patients aged >60 years.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of all available randomized controlled trials comparing early DC to best medical care for MCI. Studies were identified through literature searches of electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. We employed a Mantel-Haenszel fixed effects model to assess treatment effect on dichotomized modified Rankin Scale (mRS) outcomes at 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 289 patients from 6 randomized controlled trials comparing early DC to best medical care were included. Early DC resulted in an increased rate of excellent outcomes, defined as mRS ≤2 (relative risk [RR] 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-7.82, p = 0.047), and favorable outcomes, defined as mRS ≤3 (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.25-3.40, p = 0.005). Early DC also increased the rate of survival with unfavorable outcomes, defined as mRS 4-5 (RR 3.03, 95% CI 1.98-4.65, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Early DC increases the rate of excellent outcomes, i.e., functional independence, in addition to favorable and unfavorable outcomes; however, these findings must be interpreted within the context of patients' goals of care. We have developed a clinical decision algorithm that incorporates goals of care, which may guide consideration of early DC for MCI in clinical practice.

Role of decompressive hemicraniectomy in extensive middle cerebral artery strokes: a meta-analysis of randomised trials

BACKGROUND

Prognosis for patients with 'malignant' or space-occupying oedema post middle cerebral artery infarct remains poor despite maximal medical therapy delivered in the intensive care setting.

AIM

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the value of surgical decompression versus medical management alone in patients suffering from malignant middle cerebral artery infarct.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Web of Science. Original data was abstracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

The overall OR for mRS 6 (death) at 6 months for decompressive surgery as compared with standard medical management revealed a statistically significant reduction with OR of 0.19 (95% CI: 0.10-0.37). The frequency of patients with mRS 2, 3 and 5 outcomes was higher in the decompressive surgery cohort; however, these outcomes did not reach statistical significance. On the other hand, the number of patients with a mRS score of 4 was significantly higher in the decompressive surgery cohort with an OR of 3.29 (95% CI: 1.76-6.13). The overall OR for mRS 6 (death) at 12 months for decompressive surgery as compared with standard medical management revealed a statistically significant reduction with OR of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.10-0.29). The frequency of patients with mRS 3 and 5 outcomes was higher in the decompressive surgery cohort; however, these outcomes did not reach statistical significance. On the other hand, the number of patients with a mRS score of 4 was significantly higher in the decompressive surgery cohort with an OR of 4.43 (95% CI: 2.27-8.66). In the long run it was also observed that the number of patients with a mRS score of 2 was significantly higher in the decompressive surgery cohort an OR of 4.51 (95% CI: 1.06-19.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results imply that surgical intervention decreased mortality of patients with fatal middle cerebral artery infarct at the expense of increasing the proportion suffering from substantial disability at the conclusion of follow up.

Quality of life after surgical decompression for a space-occupying middle cerebral artery infarct: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

In patients with a space-occupying middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarct surgical decompression reduces the risk of death, but increases the chance of survival with severe disability. We assessed quality of life (QoL), symptoms of depression, and caregiver burden at long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Patients treated in two academic centres between 2007 and 2012 were included. Follow-up was at least six months. Patients and caregivers were interviewed separately. QoL was assessed with a visual analogue scale and the 36-item Short-Form health survey (SF-36); depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; and caregiver burden with the Caregiver Strain Index.

RESULTS

Twenty five patients were enrolled, of whom seven had an infarct in the dominant hemisphere. After a median follow-up of 26 months (IQR 11-46) the median SF-36 mental component score was 54.4 (IQR 45-60), indicating a mental QoL comparable to that in the general population. The median SF-36 physical component score was 32.7 (IQR 22-38), indicating a worse physical QoL. Dominance of the hemisphere did not influence QoL. 79 % of patients and 65 % of caregivers would, in retrospect, again choose for surgery. 26 % of patients had signs of depression and 64 % of caregivers were substantially burdened in their daily life.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental QoL after surgical decompression for space-occupying MCA infarct is comparable to that in the general population, whereas physical QoL is worse. Dominance of the hemisphere did not influence QoL. The majority of caregivers experience substantial burden. Most patients and caregivers stand by their decision for hemicraniectomy.