Comparison of Intravenous Antihypertensives on Blood Pressure Control in Acute Neurovascular Emergencies: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Acute blood pressure (BP) management in neurologic patients is paramount. Different neurologic emergencies dictate various BP goals. There remains a lack of literature determining the optimal BP regimen regarding safety and efficacy. The objective of this study was to identify which intravenous antihypertensive is the most effective and safest for acute BP management in neurologic emergencies.

METHODS

Ovid EBM (Evidence Based Medicine) Reviews, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched from inception to August 2020. Randomized controlled trials or comparative observational studies that evaluated clevidipine, nicardipine, labetalol, esmolol, or nitroprusside for acute neurologic emergencies were included. Outcomes of interest included mortality, functional outcome, BP variability, time to goal BP, time within goal BP, incidence of hypotension, and need for rescue antihypertensives. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to evaluate the degree of certainty in the evidence available.

RESULTS

A total of 3878 titles and abstracts were screened, and 183 articles were selected for full-text review. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria; however, the significant heterogeneity and very low quality of studies precluded a meta-analysis. All studies included nicardipine. Five studies compared nicardipine with labetalol, three studies compared nicardipine with clevidipine, and two studies compared nicardipine with nitroprusside. Compared with labetalol, nicardipine appears to reach goal BP faster, have less BP variability, and need less rescue antihypertensives. Compared with clevidipine, nicardipine appears to reach goal BP goal slower. Lastly, nicardipine appears to be similar for BP-related outcomes when compared with nitroprusside; however, nitroprusside may be associated with increased mortality. The confidence in the evidence available for all the outcomes was deemed very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the very low quality of evidence, an optimal BP agent for the treatment of patients with neurologic emergencies was unable to be determined. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to compare the most promising agents.

Surgical Strategy for Sacral Tumor Resection

PURPOSE

This study aimed to present our experiences with a precise surgical strategy for sacrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study comprised a retrospective review of 16 patients (6 males and 10 females) who underwent sacrectomy from 2011 to 2019. The average age was 42.4 years old, and the mean follow-up period was 40.8 months. Clinical data, including age, sex, history, pathology, radiographs, surgical approaches, onset of recurrence, and prognosis, were analyzed.

RESULTS

The main preoperative symptom was non-specific local pain. Nine patients (56%) complained of bladder and bowel symptoms. All patients required spinopelvic reconstruction after sacrectomy. Three patients, one high, one middle, and one hemi-sacrectomy, underwent spinopelvic reconstruction. The pathology findings of tumors varied (chordoma, n=7; nerve sheath tumor, n=4; giant cell tumor, n=3, etc.). Adjuvant radiotherapy was performed for 5 patients, chemotherapy for three, and combined chemoradiotherapy for another three. Six patients (38%) reported postoperative motor weakness, and newly postoperative bladder and bowel symptoms occurred in 5 patients. Three patients (12%) experienced recurrence and expired.

CONCLUSION

In surgical resection of sacral tumors, the surgical approach depends on the size, location, extension, and pathology of the tumors. The recommended treatment option for sacral tumors is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. The level of root sacrifice is a predicting factor for postoperative neurologic functional impairment and the potential for morbidity. Pre-operative angiography and embolization are recommended to prevent excessive bleeding during surgery. Spinopelvic reconstruction must be considered following a total or high sacrectomy or sacroiliac joint removal.

Clevidipine use after first-line treatment failure for perioperative hypertension in neurosurgical patients: A single-center experience

Perioperative hypertension is a common occurrence in the neurosurgical population, where 60% to 90% of the patients require treatment for blood pressure (BP) control. Nicardipine and clevidipine have been commonly used in neurocritical settings. This retrospective, observational study assessed the effectivity of the administration of clevidipine after nicardipine treatment failure in neurosurgical patients.We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of adult patients who were admitted to our neurosurgical department and received clevidipine after nicardipine treatment failure for the control of BP. The primary effectivity outcome was the comparison of the percentage of time spent at targeted SBP goals during nicardipine and clevidipine administration, respectively.A total of 12 adult patients treated with clevidipine after nicardipine treatment failure and were included for data analysis. The median number of events that required dose-titration was 20.5 vs 17 during the administration of nicardipine and clevidipine, respectively (P = .534). The median percentage of time spent at targeted SBP goal was 76.2% during the administration of nicardipine and 93.4% during the administration of clevidipine (P = .123).Our study suggests that clevidipine could be an alternative effective drug with an acceptable benefit/risk ratio in the neurosurgical population that fails to achieve BP control with nicardipine treatment.

Blood Pressure-Attained Analysis of ATACH 2 Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We compared the rates of death or disability, defined by modified Rankin Scale score of 4 to 6, at 3 months in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage according to post-treatment systolic blood pressure (SBP)-attained status.

METHODS

We divided 1000 subjects with SBP ≥180 mm Hg who were randomized within 4.5 hours of symptom onset as follows: SBP <140 mm Hg achieved or not achieved within 2 hours; subjects in whom SBP <140 mm Hg was achieved within 2 hours were further divided: SBP <140 mm Hg for 21 to 22 hours (reduced and maintained) or SBP was ≥140 mm Hg for at least 2 hours during the period between 2 and 24 hours (reduced but not maintained).

RESULTS

Compared with subjects without reduction of SBP <140 mm Hg within 2 hours, subjects with reduction and maintenance of SBP <140 mm Hg within 2 hours had a similar rate of death or disability (relative risk of 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-1.29). The rates of neurological deterioration within 24 hours were significantly higher in reduced and maintained group (10.4%; relative risk, 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-3.62) and in reduced but not maintained group (11.5%; relative risk, 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-3.75) compared with reference group. The rates of cardiac-related adverse events within 7 days were higher among subjects with reduction and maintenance of SBP <140 mmHg compared to subjects without reduction (11.2% versus 6.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

No decline in death or disability but higher rates of neurological deterioration and cardiac-related adverse events were observed among intracerebral hemorrhage subjects with reduction with and without maintenance of intensive SBP goals.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01176565.

Nitric oxide donors (nitrates), L-arginine, or nitric oxide synthase inhibitors for acute stroke

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) has multiple effects that may be beneficial in acute stroke, including lowering blood pressure, and promoting reperfusion and cytoprotection. Some forms of nitric oxide synthase inhibition (NOS-I) may also be beneficial. However, high concentrations of NO are likely to be toxic to brain tissue. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 1998, and last updated in 2002.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety and efficacy of NO donors, L-arginine, and NOS-I in people with acute stroke.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched 6 February 2017), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2016), Embase (1980 to June 2016), ISI Science Citation Indexes (1981 to June 2016), Stroke Trials Registry (searched June 2016), International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) (searched June 2016), Clinical Trials registry (searched June 2016), and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (searched June 2016). Previously, we had contacted drug companies and researchers in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing nitric oxide donors, L-arginine, or NOS-I versus placebo or open control in people within one week of onset of confirmed stroke.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently applied the inclusion criteria, assessed trial quality and risk of bias, and extracted data. The review authors cross-checked data and resolved issues through discussion. We obtained published and unpublished data, as available. Data were reported as mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

We included five completed trials, involving 4197 participants; all tested transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), an NO donor. The assessed risk of bias was low across the included studies; one study was double-blind, one open-label and three were single-blind. All included studies had blinded outcome assessment. Overall, GTN did not improve the primary outcome of death or dependency at the end of trial (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) > 2, OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.10, 4195 participants, high-quality evidence). GTN did not improve secondary outcomes, including death (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.50) and quality of life (MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.15) at the end of trial overall (high-quality evidence). Systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP) was lower in people treated with GTN (MD -7.2 mmHg (95% CI -8.6 to -5.9) and MD -3.3 (95% CI -4.2 to -2.5) respectively) and heart rate was higher (MD 2.0 beats per minute (95% CI 1.1 to 2.9)). Headache was more common in those randomised to GTN (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.55 to 3.62). We did not find any trials assessing other nitrates, L-arginine, or NOS-I.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the use of NO donors, L-arginine or NOS-I in acute stroke, and only one drug (GTN) has been assessed. In people with acute stroke, GTN reduces blood pressure, increases heart rate and headache, but does not alter clinical outcome (all based on high-quality evidence).

Effects of sodium nitroprusside on mouse erythrocyte catalase activity and malondialdehyde status

There is controversy about the anti- or pro-oxidative effects of the nitric oxide (NO)-donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Hence, the activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) and the status of malondialdehyde (MDA) were investigated after a 2.5 mg/kg dose of SNP had been i.p. administered to different and comparable groups of mice (n = 48). The drug was administered at two different circadian times (1 and 13 h after light onset [HALO]). There were, irrespectively of sampling time, no significant differences in the means of CAT activity and MDA status between control and SNP-treated groups, no matter the treatment time. However, CAT activity was significantly (Student's t-test, p < 0.001) increased 1 h following SNP administration at 1 HALO, whereas the significant (p < 0.001) increase in the enzyme activity was found only 3 h after injection at 13 HALO. The drug dosing either at 1 or 13 HALO resulted in no significant differences of MDA status between control and treated groups regardless to the sampling time. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) detected a significant (F0.05(7,88)= 5.3; p < 0.0006) interaction between sampling time and treatment in mice injected at 1 HALO, suggesting the influence of treatment on sampling-time-related changes in CAT activity. However, ANOVA validated no interaction between the two factors in mice treated at 13 HALO, illustrating that the sampling-time differences in enzyme activity were greater. Furthermore, two-way ANOVA revealed no interaction in the variation of MDA status in animals treated either at 1 or 13 HALO. This study indicates that SNP significantly affected the anti-oxidant system.

Is total en bloc sacrectomy using a posterior-only approach feasible and safe for patients with malignant sacral tumors?

OBJECT In this study the authors' aim was to describe their experience with total en bloc sacrectomy using a posterioronly approach and to assess the outcome of patients with malignant sacral tumors who underwent this procedure at their center. METHODS The authors identified and retrospectively reviewed the records of 10 patients with malignant sacral tumors who underwent a total en bloc sacrectomy via a single posterior approach at their center. The pathological diagnosis was chordoma in 4 patients, chondrosarcoma in 1, osteosarcoma in 1, malignant schwannoma in 1, malignant giant cell tumor in 1, and Ewing's sarcoma in 2. Radiological examination revealed that the tumor involved S1-5 in 7 patients, S1-4 in 1, S1-3 in 1, and S1-2 in 1. RESULTS All 10 patients were stable during the perioperative period. The mean surgery duration was 282 minutes (range 250-310 minutes). The median estimated blood loss was 2595 ml (range 1500-3200 ml). All patients were followed up for 13-29 months (mean 22 months). Two patients had a local recurrence. Two patients died of disease, 1 patient was alive with disease, and 7 patients were alive without evidence of disease. Among the 8 surviving patients, 6 were able to walk without assistive devices, and 2 were able to walk with crutches. The total complication rate was 40% (4 of 10). Wound complications (deep infection and wound healing problems) occurred in 3 patients, and a distal deep vein thrombosis occurred in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS Total en bloc sacrectomy using a posterior-only approach is feasible and safe in selected patients and is an important procedure for the treatment of primary malignant tumor involving the entire sacrum or only the top portion.

Spinal tumor surgery: management and the avoidance of complications

BACKGROUND

Complication avoidance is paramount to the success of any surgical procedure. In the case of spine tumor surgery, the risk of complications is increased because of the primary disease process and the radiotherapy and chemotherapeutics used to treat the disease. If complications do occur, then life-saving adjuvant treatment must be delayed or withheld until the issue is resolved, potentially impacting overall disease control.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature and our own best practices to provide recommendations on complication avoidance as well as the management of complications that may occur. Appropriate workup of suspected complications and treatment algorithms are also discussed.

RESULTS

Appropriate patient selection and a multidisciplinary workup are imperative in the setting of spinal tumors. Intraoperative complications may be avoided by employing proper surgical technique and an understanding of the pathological changes in anatomy. Major postoperative issues include wound complications and spinal reconstruction failure. Preoperative surgical planning must include postoperative reconstruction. Patients undergoing spinal tumor resection should be closely monitored for local tumor recurrence, recurrence along the biopsy tract, and for distant metastatic disease. Any suspected recurrence should be closely watched, biopsied if necessary, and promptly treated.

CONCLUSIONS

Because patients with spinal tumors are normally treated with a multidisciplinary approach, emphasis should be placed on the recognition of surgical complications beyond the surgical setting.

Interventions for deliberately altering blood pressure in acute stroke

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether blood pressure should be altered actively during the acute phase of stroke. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 1997, and previously updated in 2001 and 2008.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical effectiveness of altering blood pressure in people with acute stroke, and the effect of different vasoactive drugs on blood pressure in acute stroke.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched in February 2014), the Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews (CDSR) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 2), MEDLINE (Ovid) (1966 to May 2014), EMBASE (Ovid) (1974 to May 2014), Science Citation Index (ISI, Web of Science, 1981 to May 2014) and the Stroke Trials Registry (searched May 2014).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of interventions that aimed to alter blood pressure compared with control in participants within one week of acute ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently applied the inclusion criteria, assessed trial quality and extracted data. The review authors cross-checked data and resolved discrepancies by discussion to reach consensus. We obtained published and unpublished data where available.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 26 trials involving 17,011 participants (8497 participants were assigned active therapy and 8514 participants received placebo/control). Not all trials contributed to each outcome. Most data came from trials that had a wide time window for recruitment; four trials gave treatment within six hours and one trial within eight hours. The trials tested alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (A2AA), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARA), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), nitric oxide (NO) donors, thiazide-like diuretics, and target-driven blood pressure lowering. One trial tested phenylephrine.At 24 hours after randomisation oral ACEIs reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP, mean difference (MD) -8 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) -17 to 1) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, MD -3 mmHg, 95% CI -9 to 2), sublingual ACEIs reduced SBP (MD -12.00 mm Hg, 95% CI -26 to 2) and DBP (MD -2, 95%CI -10 to 6), oral ARA reduced SBP (MD -1 mm Hg, 95% CI -3 to 2) and DBP (MD -1 mm Hg, 95% CI -3 to 1), oral beta blockers reduced SBP (MD -14 mm Hg; 95% CI -27 to -1) and DBP (MD -1 mm Hg, 95% CI -9 to 7), intravenous (iv) beta blockers reduced SBP (MD -5 mm Hg, 95% CI -18 to 8) and DBP (-5 mm Hg, 95% CI -13 to 3), oral CCBs reduced SBP (MD -13 mmHg, 95% CI -43 to 17) and DBP (MD -6 mmHg, 95% CI -14 to 2), iv CCBs reduced SBP (MD -32 mmHg, 95% CI -65 to 1) and DBP (MD -13, 95% CI -31 to 6), NO donors reduced SBP (MD -12 mmHg, 95% CI -19 to -5) and DBP (MD -3, 95% CI -4 to -2) while phenylephrine, non-significantly increased SBP (MD 21 mmHg, 95% CI -13 to 55) and DBP (MD 1 mmHg, 95% CI -15 to 16).Blood pressure lowering did not reduce death or dependency either by drug class (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.05), stroke type (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.05) or time to treatment (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.05). Treatment within six hours of stroke appeared effective in reducing death or dependency (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.99) but not death (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.26) at the end of the trial. Although death or dependency did not differ between people who continued pre-stroke antihypertensive treatment versus those who stopped it temporarily (worse outcome with continuing treatment, OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.24), disability scores at the end of the trial were worse in participants randomised to continue treatment (Barthel Index, MD -3.2, 95% CI -5.8, -0.6).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence that lowering blood pressure during the acute phase of stroke improves functional outcome. It is reasonable to withhold blood pressure-lowering drugs until patients are medically and neurologically stable, and have suitable oral or enteral access, after which drugs can than be reintroduced. In people with acute stroke, CCBs, ACEI, ARA, beta blockers and NO donors each lower blood pressure while phenylephrine probably increases blood pressure. Further trials are needed to identify which people are most likely to benefit from early treatment, in particular whether treatment started very early is beneficial.

Dosing-time dependent oxidative effects of sodium nitroprusside in brain, kidney, and liver of mice

The purpose of this study was to investigate if the oxidative effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) are dosing-time dependent. Therefore, the variation of malondialdehyde (MDA) status was assessed after a single i.p. administration of SNP (2.5mgkg(-1) b.w.) or vehicle (9‰ NaCl) to different and comparable groups of mice (n=48) at two different circadian times (1 and 13h after light onset [HALO]). Brain, kidney, and liver tissues were excised over 36h, and their MDA contents were estimated at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36h after SNP administration.

RESULTS

indicated mean MDA level was not significantly changed in each investigated tissue compared with the control. In contrast, the mean MDA value varied among organs and was comparable in brain and liver but lower than in kidney. The data show SNP significantly (P<0.05) increases MDA status in both tissues and exerts time-dependent oxidative effects with the greatest toxicity coinciding with the beginning of the diurnal rest span (local time: 08:00h, i.e., at 1 HALO). The obtained results reveal SNP-induced oxidative damage (evidenced by MDA accumulation) varies according to both the dosing-time and the target organ.

En bloc hemisacrectomy and internal hemipelvectomy via the posterior approach

OBJECT

Traditionally, hemisacrectomy and internal hemipelvectomy procedures have required both an anterior and a posterior approach. A posterior-only approach has the potential to complete an en bloc tumor resection and spinopelvic reconstruction while reducing surgical morbidity.

METHODS

The authors describe 3 cases in which en bloc resection of the hemisacrum and ilium and subsequent lumbopelvic and pelvic ring reconstruction were performed from a posterior-only approach. Two more traditional anterior and posterior staged procedures are also included for comparison.

RESULTS

In all 3 cases, an oncologically appropriate surgery and spinopelvic reconstruction were performed through a posterior-only approach.

CONCLUSIONS

The advantage of a midline posterior approach is the ability to perform a lumbosacral reconstruction, necessary in cases in which the S-1 body is iatrogenically disrupted during tumor resection.

Nicardipine versus Sodium Nitroprusside for Postcardiac Surgery Hypertension: An Evaluation of Effectiveness and Postoperative Costs

Background

Postoperative hypertension after cardiac surgery is associated with substantial morbidity. Both sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and nicardipine (NIC) are effective in its management. Outcomes data for NIC and SNP in persons undergoing cardiac surgery are limited, and there are no data characterizing the influence of drug choice on postoperative costs.

Objective

Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of NIC versus SNP in the management of hypertension after cardiac surgery and evaluate the influence of drug choice on postoperative costs.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, cohort study using our hospital's financial and electronic medical records. Adults admitted to a cardiothoracic surgical intensive care unit after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or valve surgery who developed hypertension requiring ≥30 minutes of NIC or SNP were included. We evaluated drug effectiveness by assessing infusion rate stability, blood pressure and heart rate, and concomitant antihypertensive agent use. Activity-based postoperative costs were compared between study groups.

Results

One hundred twelve subjects were included (NIC = 72, SNP = 40). Hypertension-related demographics were balanced between the groups. NIC was associated with improved infusion rate stability that required fewer dose changes per hour (1.2 ± 1.6) versus SNP (1.7 ± 1.8) ( P = .004). Heart rates and blood pressures did not differ significantly. The number of antihypertensive medications used before and during the NIC or SNP infusions was the same. However, persons who were prescribed SNP required significantly more medications to manage blood pressure after infusions were discontinued ( P = .001). NIC use did not significantly increase postoperative cost. NIC use may be associated with cost increases in isolated CABG but with cost savings in isolated valve or combined CABG/valve surgeries; however, these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Blood pressure was equally controlled using NIC or SNP. NIC was associated with improved infusion rate stability. Despite a higher acquisition cost, NIC did not significantly influence postoperative costs. Larger, prospective cost-effective analyses in surgical subgroups are needed.

Effectiveness of nicardipine for blood pressure control in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness and safety of nicardipine infusion for controlling blood pressure in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 52 patients with SAH and treated with nicardipine infusion for blood pressure control in a 29 months period. The mean blood pressure of pre-injection, bolus injection and continuous injection period were compared. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nicardipine for each Fisher grade, for different dose of continuous nicardipine infusion, and for the subgroups of systolic blood pressure.

RESULTS

The blood pressure measurement showed that the mean systolic blood pressure / diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) in continuous injection period (120.9/63.0 mmHg) was significantly lower than pre-injection period (145.6/80.3 mmHg) and bolus injection period (134.2/71.3 mmHg), and these were statistically significant (p < 0.001). In each subgroups of Fisher grade and different dose, SBP/DBP also decreased after the use of nicardipine. These were statistically significant (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in effectiveness between subgroups (p > 0.05). Furthermore, controlling blood pressure was more effective when injecting higher dose of nicardipine in higher SBP group rather than injecting lower dose in lower SBP group, and it also was statistically significant (p < 0.05). During the infusion, hypotension and cardiogenic problems were transiently combined in five cases. However, patients recovered without any complications.

CONCLUSION

Nicardipine is an effective and safe agent for controlling acutely elevated blood pressure after SAH. A more systemic study with larger patients population will provide significant results and will bring solid evidence on effectiveness of nicardipine in SAH.

Guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/american Stroke Association

PURPOSE

The aim of this guideline is to present current and comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS

A formal literature search of MEDLINE (November 1, 2006, through May 1, 2010) was performed. Data were synthesized with the use of evidence tables. Writing group members met by teleconference to discuss data-derived recommendations. The American Heart Association Stroke Council's Levels of Evidence grading algorithm was used to grade each recommendation. The guideline draft was reviewed by 7 expert peer reviewers and by the members of the Stroke Council Leadership and Manuscript Oversight Committees. It is intended that this guideline be fully updated every 3 years.

RESULTS

Evidence-based guidelines are presented for the care of patients presenting with aSAH. The focus of the guideline was subdivided into incidence, risk factors, prevention, natural history and outcome, diagnosis, prevention of rebleeding, surgical and endovascular repair of ruptured aneurysms, systems of care, anesthetic management during repair, management of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia, management of hydrocephalus, management of seizures, and management of medical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

aSAH is a serious medical condition in which outcome can be dramatically impacted by early, aggressive, expert care. The guidelines offer a framework for goal-directed treatment of the patient with aSAH.

Low-back pain as the presenting sign in a patient with a giant, sacral cellular schwannoma: 10-year follow-up

Giant sacral tumors present unique challenges to surgeons because there is no established consensus regarding the best treatment options. The authors report on the care of and outcome in a patient presenting with low-back pain only, who underwent preoperative biopsy sampling and subsequent embolization of the feeding vessels of a giant, sacral cellular schwannoma. The main procedure was performed via a combined posterior-anterior approach with complete microsurgical removal of the tumor, without the use of instrumentation, bracing, or adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy. At the 10-year follow-up, no evidence of residual tumor, recurrence, or instability was recognizable. Giant, sacral cellular schwannomas can be aggressively completely removed without any significant morbidity, achieving long-term control of the disease.

Sacral tumor resection and the impact on pelvic incidence

Object

Pelvic incidence (PI) directly regulates lumbar lordosis and is a key determinant of sagittal spinal balance in normal and diseased states. Pelvic incidence is defined as the angle between the line perpendicular to the S-1 endplate at its midpoint and the line connecting this point to a line bisecting the center of the femoral heads. It reflects an anatomical value that increases with growth during childhood but remains constant in adulthood. It is not altered by changes in patient position or after traditional lumbosacral spinal surgery. There are only 2 reports of PI being altered in adults, both in cases of sacral fractures resulting in lumbopelvic dissociation and sacroiliac (SI) joint instability. En bloc sacral amputation and sacrectomy are surgical techniques used for resection of certain bony malignancies of the sacrum. High, mid, and low sacral amputations result in preservation of some or the entire SI joint. Total sacrectomy results in complete disruption of the SI joint. The purpose of this study was to determine if PI is altered as a result of total or subtotal sacral resection.

Methods

The authors reviewed a series of 42 consecutive patients treated at The Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2004 and 2009 for sacral tumors with en bloc resection. The authors evaluated immediate pre- and postoperative images for modified pelvic incidence (mPI) using the L-5 inferior endplate, as the patients undergoing a total sacrectomy are missing the S-1 endplate postoperatively. The authors compared the results of total versus subtotal sacrectomies.

Results

Twenty-two patients had appropriate images to measure pre- and postoperative mPI; 17 patients had high, mid, or low sacral amputations with sparing of some or the entire SI joint, and 5 patients underwent a total sacrectomy, with complete SI disarticulation. The mean change in mPI was statistically different (p < 0.001) for patients undergoing subtotal versus those undergoing total sacrectomy (1.6° ± 0.9° vs 13.6° ± 4.9° [± SD]). There was no difference between patients who underwent a high sacral amputation (partial SI resection, mean 1.6°) and mid or low sacral amputation (SI completely intact, mean 1.6°).

Conclusions

The PI is altered during total sacrectomy due to complete disarticulation of the SI joint and discontinuity of the spine and pelvis, but it is not changed if any of the joint is preserved. Changes in PI influence spinopelvic balance and may have postoperative clinical importance. Thus, the authors encourage attention to spinopelvic alignment during lumbopelvic reconstruction and fixation after tumor resection. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the change in PI on sagittal balance, pain, and ambulation after total sacrectomy.

Stability of Sodium Nitroprusside and Sodium Thiosulfate 1:10 Intravenous Admixture

PURPOSE: Thiosulfate has been shown to reduce the risk of cyanide toxicity during nitroprusside administration. Admixtures containing both agents may provide a safe and effective alternative to more expensive agents used to reduce blood pressure in the critically ill patient. This study determined the physical and chemical stability of a 1:10 nitroprusside:thiosulfate admixture, stored up to 48 hours. The economic consequences of a shift toward using thiosulfate and nitroprusside, and away from higher cost alternatives, are considered. METHODS: Seven samples of 50 mg nitroprusside and 500 mg thiosulfate were prepared and stored away from light, at room temperature, and in a refrigerator prepared in D5W and NS. Each sample was analyzed via a novel high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method at time 0, 8, 24, and 48 hours. The method was tested and passed specifications for linearity, reproducibility, and accuracy. A visual inspection by 9 licensed pharmacists was used to demonstrate physical stability. A cost evaluation comparing nitroprusside and thiosulfate to alternative agents was completed. RESULTS: The concentration of both nitroprusside and thiosulfate remain greater than 95% of the initial concentration through 48 hours. Physical compatibility was confirmed in all samples tested through 72 hours. CONCLUSION: The combination of nitroprusside and thiosulfate is chemically and physically stable as a single compounded dose for up to 48 hours when stored at room temperature and protected from light. The admixture represents an inexpensive option to other higher cost alternatives such as nicardipine or clevidipine.

Current and future treatment considerations in the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a type of hemorrhagic stroke that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Although guidelines have been published to help direct the care of these patients, there is insufficient quality literature regarding the medical and pharmacological management of patients with aSAH. Treatment is divided into 3 categories: supportive therapy, prevention of complications, and treatment of complications. There are numerous pharmacological therapies that are targeted at prevention and treatment of the neurological and medical complications that may arise. Rebleeding, hydrocephalus, cerebral vasospasm, and seizures are the most common neurological complications while the most common medical complications include hyponatremia, pulmonary edema, cardiac arrhythmias, neurogenic stunned myocardium, fever, anemia, infection, hyperglycemia, and venous thromboembolism. Risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathophysiology, as well as initial management, prevention, and treatment of complications will be the focus of this discussion.

Management of acute intracranial and intraventricular hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Acute intracranial hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage are devastating disorders. The goal of this review is to familiarize clinicians with recent information pertaining to the acute care of intracranial hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed search and review of the relevant medical literature.

SUMMARY

The management of intracranial hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage is complex. Effective treatment should include strategies designed to reduce hematoma expansion and limit the medical consequences of intracranial hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage. At present, there are a number of new approaches to treatment that may reduce mortality and improve clinical outcomes. Clinicians should recognize that patients with large hematomas may make a substantial recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with intracranial hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage should be cared for in an intensive care unit. New therapies designed to stabilize hematoma growth and reduce hematoma burden may improve outcomes.

Feasibility and safety of en bloc resection for primary spine tumors: a systematic review by the Spine Oncology Study Group

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the general feasibility and safety of en bloc resection for primary spine tumors by analyzing (1) the effect of incisional biopsy performed before definitive en bloc resection and (2) the rate of achievement of disease-free margins, morbidity, mortality, and health resource utilization.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The feasibility of en bloc resection is determined by careful surgical and oncologic staging, and a key step in this process is obtaining a tissue diagnosis. There is currently good evidence to support the premise that the best chance for surgical cure in primary tumors of the spine is by en bloc resection with disease-free margins; however, the early morbidity of these procedures begs the question of whether they are justified.

METHODS

A formal systematic review with search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases was undertaken. Included reports described patients with low grade malignant spine tumors, the method of staging and surgical resection, and the complications. Two blinded, independent reviewers used a standardized study selection worksheet.

RESULTS

About 89 articles were identified, with 8 selected after excluding small case series and studies that included other pathologies (e.g., metastatic disease). Weinstein, Boriani, Biagini staging accurately predicted the attainment of wide or marginal en bloc resection in 88% of cases. There was a clear increase in tumor recurrence when intralesional procedures were performed before the definitive en bloc resection. Tumor recurrence significantly shortened patient survival. Surgical complication rates ranged from 13% to 56% and mortality ranged from 0% to 7.7%.

CONCLUSION

(1) Incisional biopsy or intralesional resection significantly increases the risk of local recurrence, therefore, transcutaneous computed tomography-guided trocar biopsy is recommended. When there is a suspicion of primary spine tumor, the surgeon who performs the definitive surgery should ideally perform or direct the biopsy procedure. (2) En bloc resection is achievable if staging determines that it is feasible. The adverse event profile of these surgeries is high even at experienced centers. Therefore, experienced, multidisciplinary teams should perform these surgeries. (3) Grade of Recommendation can be "strong recommendation, low-quality evidence."

A multicenter comparison of outcomes associated with intravenous nitroprusside and nicardipine treatment among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

No clinical data exist to compare outcomes between patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) treated with different intravenous antihypertensive agents. This study was performed to compare outcomes among patients with ICH who were treated with intravenous infusion of different antihypertensive medications during the first 24 hours after admission.

METHODS

We analyzed one-year data (2005-2006) from the Premier database which is a nationally representative hospital discharge database containing data pertaining to admissions in the United States. We compared discharge outcomes, length of stay, and cost of hospitalization between groups of patients who were treated using either intravenous nicardipine or nitroprusside infusion. Chi-square and ANOVA were used for univariate analysis. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to adjust for baseline risk of mortality between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 12,767 admissions with primary diagnosis of ICH were identified. Nicardipine was administered in 926 patients (7.3%) and nitroprusside was administered in 530 (4.3%) patients. There was no difference in baseline disease severity or risk of mortality among patients who were administered nicardipine or nitroprusside. After adjustment for baseline risk of mortality, the risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.7, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.3-2.2) was higher among patients treated with nitroprusside compared with nicardipine. The risk of in-hospital mortality was also higher after adjustment for baseline risk of mortality and hospital characteristics in patients treated with nitroprusside (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.1). After exclusion of patients who died during hospitalization, there was no difference in length of stay and total hospital cost in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Use of nicardipine compared with nitroprusside infusion during the first 24 h after ICH may be associated with reduced risk of in-hospital mortality without any increase in the hospitalization cost or length of stay.