Subarachnoid hemorrhage: neurointensive care and aneurysm repair

Inflammatory Response in Patients with Spontaneous Intracranial Hemorrhages

Mortality and disability rates in spontaneous intracranial hemorrhages remain high despite medical advances. In recent decades, much attention has been paid to neuroinflammation as a typical response to brain damage. Inflammation plays an important role in the acute and chronic phases of the disease. The relationship between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid cytokines, as well as the factors affecting their ratios, is currently not completely clear.

The objective was to study the inflammatory response to spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage.

Subjects and Methods. 59 patients aged 18 to 72 years (48 ± 6) were enrolled in the study. Patients were admitted to the intensive care unit after an episode of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage. The levels of interleukins in blood plasma were studied: 6, 8, 10, TNF-α, C-reactive protein,

blood leukocytes, and procalcitonin (by a semi-quantitative method). In the cerebrospinal fluid, the following parameters were evaluated: cytosis, protein, glucose, lactate, cytokines (6, 8, 10, TNF-α). Blood samples were collected on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 45.

Results. Systemic inflammatory response developed in all patients from the first day of acute brain injury. The most significant response was formed by glial brain cells which was confirmed by high levels of cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid, hundreds and thousands of times higher than blood levels of cytokines.

Conclusion. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are predictors of an unfavorable outcome.

Two Similar Cases of a Misdiagnosed Anterior Communicating Aneurysm Rupture

The misdiagnosis of a ruptured aneurysm directly endangers patient's life and health due to the high risk of rebleeding and its sequelae. In this paper, we present two uncommon cases of anterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture with a relatively small intracerebral bleeding, seemingly without a diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and a relatively mild clinical presentation. In these cases, the initial diagnosis failed, leading to missed aneurysmal ruptures. The atypical or mild clinical presentation, and the absence of SAH on computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or absent blood in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are all factors which could lead to a false or delayed diagnosis. Meticulous evaluation of patient's symptoms, CT, MRI scans, and CSF findings are mandatory. The possibility of a small blood clot without a diffuse SAH must be considered.

Evaluation of subacute subarachnoid haemorrhage detection using a magnetic resonance imaging sequence: Double inversion recovery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) especially at the subacute stage is still a challenging issue using the conventional imaging modalities. Here we evaluated the role of double inversion recovery (DIR) sequence of MRI compared with the conventional gradient-recalled echo (GRE)-T2*-W and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) sequences in the diagnosis of subacute SAH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted on 21 patients with SAH, which were diagnosed using CT scan at the initial step. In the third week after the injury (14-20 days), all patients underwent a brain MRI exam that included T2*-W, SWI, and DIR imaging sequences. All images were independently read by two radiologists, who were blinded to the clinical history of the patients. The presence or absence of SAH was reviewed and assessed in 6 anatomical regions.

RESULTS

On the DIR images, 20 patients were found to have at least one subarachnoid signal abnormality, while the SWI and T2*-W images identified SAH areas on 17 and 15 patients, respectively. The highest rate of inter-observer consensus by the DIR sequence was found in the interhemispheric fissure and perimesencephalic area (k = 1). Also, a highest rate of inter-observer consensus using SWI was found in the interhemispheric fissure and posterior fossa cistern area (k = 1). A weak agreement was found in frontal-parietal convexity using SWI (k = 0.447), and in posterior fossa cistern by the T2* sequence (k = 0.447).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the DIR sequence was more reliable at identifying signal abnormalities in subacute SAH patients than the T2*-W and SWI sequence, and is suggested as a promising imaging technique for detecting hemorrhagic areas without considering the anatomical distribution of SAH.

Using Cerebral Metabolites to Guide Precision Medicine for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Lactate and Pyruvate

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is one of the deadliest types of strokes with high rates of morbidity and permanent injury. Fluctuations in the levels of cerebral metabolites following SAH can be indicators of brain injury severity. Specifically, the changes in the levels of key metabolites involved in cellular metabolism, lactate and pyruvate, can be used as a biomarker for patient prognosis and tailor treatment to an individual’s needs. Here, clinical research is reviewed on the usefulness of cerebral lactate and pyruvate measurements as a predictive tool for SAH outcomes and their potential to guide a precision medicine approach to treatment.

Neurologic complications in children under five years with sickle cell disease

INTRODUCTION

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic diseases in the world affecting every organ. The major challenge in the medical care of children with SCD is preventing end-organ dysfunction, particularly the brain. Major neurologic complications in children less than five years with SCD include, but are not limited to, Silent cerebral infarct, cerebral sinus thrombosis, epilepsy, reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Recurrent headaches and migraine are not rare in children under five years with SCD. This review will focus on the neurologic complications and the description of the modifiable risk factors in children less than 5 years of age with emphasis on differences between high and low resource settings.

AREAS COVERED

Neurologic complications of children under 5 years of age and the modifiable risk factors. The PUBMED database was searched using medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords for articles regarding neurologic complications in children under 5 years of age.

CONCLUSION

Neurologic complications in children under five years of age with SCD may be more frequent than currently reported, among which Silent cerebral infarct and cognitive impairment are the most common.

Polymorphism and plasma levels of apolipoprotein E and the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in a Chinese population: a case-control study

Background

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is the most common types of subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is a critical clinical problem with high morbidity, mortality, and economic impact. Recent studies have shown that APOE was a genetic risk factor of aSAH, however, the studies lack consistent conclusions and the evidence from Chinese Han population is rare.

Objective

To determine the relationship between APOE polymorphism and the incidence of aSAH in Chinese Fujian Han population and explore the possible mechanism of ApoE in the pathogenesis of aSAH.

Methods

A total of 131 patients newly diagnosed with aSAH were selected as aSAH group and 137 healthy subjects were selected as the control group. All the samples were analyzed for blood lipids and serum ApoE levels, and ApoE genotype was determined by a commercial chip and further confirmed with Sanger sequencing. An adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the effects of APOE polymorphism on the risk of aSAH.

Results

Compared with the controls, the serum TC, HDL-C and ApoA1 levels in aSAH were significantly lower: TC (4.52 ± 1.38 vs. 5.11 ± 0.86 mmol/L, P < 0.001), HDL-C (1.23 ± 0.46 vs. 1.44 ± 0.32 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and ApoA1 (1.20 ± 0.32 vs. 1.38 ± 0.25 g/L, P < 0.001). The distribution of ε2/ε3 genotype (19.08% vs. 9.49%, P = 0.038) and ε2 allele frequency (11.07% vs. 5.84%, P = 0.039) was significantly higher in aSAH than the healthy controls. The multivariate logistic regression identified that ApoE ε2 allele was independently associated with aSAH (OR = 2.083; and 95% CI = 1.045-4.153, P = 0.037). The serum ApoE in aSAH were significantly higher than controls (53.03 ± 24.64 vs. 45.06 ± 12.84 mg/L, P = 0.010).

Conclusion

APOE polymorphism might be associated with the incidence of aSAH in Chinese Fujian Han population. ApoE ε2 may be a risk factor for the incidence of aSAH, which may be related with the impacts of ApoE genotypes for the serum lipids, especially for the plasma levels of ApoE.

Comparison Between CTA and Digital Subtraction Angiography in the Diagnosis of Ruptured Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Computerized tomography angiography (CTA) is commonly used to diagnose ruptured cerebral aneurysms with sensitivities reported as high as 97% to 100%. Studies validating CTA accuracy in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are scarce and limited by small sample sizes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CTA in detecting intracranial aneurysms in the setting of SAH.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective cohort of 643 patients was reviewed. A total of 401 patients were identified whose diagnostic workup included both CTA and confirmatory digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Aneurysms missed by CTA but diagnosed by DSA were further stratified by size and location.

RESULTS

Three hundred and thirty aneurysms were detected by CTA while DSA detected a total of 431 aneurysms. False positive CTA results were seen for 24 aneurysms. DSA identified 125 aneurysms that were missed by CTA and 83.2% of those were <5 mm in diameter. The sensitivity of CTA was 57.6% for aneurysms smaller than 5 mm in size, and 45% for aneurysms originating from the internal carotid artery. The overall sensitivity of CTA in the setting of SAH was 70.7%.

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of CTA in the diagnosis of ruptured intracranial aneurysm may be lower than previously reported. CTA has a low sensitivity for aneurysms less than 5 mm in size, in locations adjacent to bony structures, and for those arising from small caliber parent vessels. It is our recommendation that CTA should be used with caution when used alone in the diagnosis of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Personalized Medicine in Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery: Precision Neurosurgical Management of Cerebral Aneurysms and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Cerebral aneurysms are common vascular lesions. Little is known about the pathogenesis of these lesions and the process by which they destabilize and progress to rupture. Treatment decisions are motivated by a desire to prevent rupture and the devastating morbidity and mortality associated with resulting subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). For patients presenting with SAH, urgent intervention is required to stabilize the lesion and prevent re-rupture. Those patients fortunate enough to survive a presenting SAH and subsequent securing of their aneurysm must still face a spectrum of secondary sequelae, which can include cerebral vasospasm, delayed ischemia, seizures, cerebral edema, hydrocephalus, and endocrinologic and catecholamine-induced systemic dysfunction in cardiac, pulmonary, and renal systems. Increased focus on understanding the pathophysiology and molecular characteristics of these secondary processes will enable the development of targeted therapeutics and novel diagnostics for improved patient selection in personalized medicine trials for SAH. In unruptured cerebral aneurysms, treatment decisions are less clear and currently based solely on treating larger lesions, using rigid aneurysm size cutoffs generalized from recent studies that are the subject of ongoing controversy. Further compounding this controversy is the fact that the vast majority of aneurysms that come to clinical attention at the time of a hemorrhagic presentation are of smaller size, suggesting that small aneurysms are indeed not benign lesions. As such, patient-specific biomarkers that better predict which aneurysms represent high-risk lesions that warrant clinical intervention are of vital importance. Recent advancements in genomic and proteomic technologies have enabled the identification of molecular characteristics that may prove useful in tracking aneurysm growth and progression and identifying targets for prophylactic therapeutic interventions. Novel quantitative neuroimaging technologies have also recently emerged, capable of non-invasive characterization of hemodynamic factors, inflammation, and structural changes in aneurysmal walls. The combined use of these quantitative neuroimaging and molecular-based approaches, called Radiogenomics, is a technique that holds great promise in better characterizing individual aneurysms. In the near future, these radiogenomic techniques may help improve quality of life and patient outcomes via patient-specific approaches to the treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms and personalized medical management of secondary processes following aneurysmal SAH.

Intensive care practices in brain death diagnosis and organ donation

We conducted a multicentre study of 1844 patients from 42 Spanish intensive care units, and analysed the clinical characteristics of brain death, the use of ancillary testing, and the clinical decisions taken after the diagnosis of brain death. The main cause of brain death was intracerebral haemorrhage (769/1844, 42%), followed by traumatic brain injury (343/1844, 19%) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (257/1844, 14%). The diagnosis of brain death was made rapidly (50% in the first 24 h). Of those patients who went on to die, the Glasgow Coma Scale on admission was ≤ 8/15 in 1146/1261 (91%) of patients with intracerebral haemorrhage, traumatic brain injury or anoxic encephalopathy; the Hunt and Hess Scale was 4-5 in 207/251 (83%) of patients following subarachnoid haemorrhage; and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was ≥ 15 in 114/129 (89%) of patients with strokes. Brain death was diagnosed exclusively by clinical examination in 92/1844 (5%) of cases. Electroencephalography was the most frequently used ancillary test (1303/1752, 70.7%), followed by transcranial Doppler (652/1752, 37%). Organ donation took place in 70% of patients (1291/1844), with medical unsuitability (267/553, 48%) and family refusal (244/553, 13%) the main reasons for loss of potential donors. All life-sustaining measures were withdrawn in 413/553 of non-donors (75%).

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating neurologic condition with a high mortality and long term neurological morbidity in 50% of survivors. In addition, SAH commonly affects young patients causing substantial loss of productive life years and resulting in significant long term healthcare costs. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of SAH is absolutely critical to earlier intervention, and delays in diagnosis can have devastating consequences. To avoid such delays in SAH diagnosis, the medical provider should recognize its signs and symptoms. Neuroimgaging, cerebrospinal fluid examination and angiography (invasive or non-invasive) facilitate early diagnosis of SAH. The purpose of this review is not to provide an exhaustive critique of the available literature, rather, it is to provide an overview that will better enable a provider to recognize and initiate the workup of patients with SAH.

Nanoparticles and stem cells - has targeted therapy for aneurysms finally arrived?

Until recently, endovascular management of intracranial aneurysms has focused on mechanical and hemodynamic aspects: characterizing aneurysm morphology by angiogram, mechanical obstruction by detachable coils, and flow diversion with endovascular stents. Although now common practice, these interventions only ward off aneurysm rupture. The source of the problem, disease of the vessel wall itself, remains. New imaging technology and treatment modalities, however, are offering great promise to the field. In this review, we outline several new developments in the recent literature and pose potential adaptations toward cerebral aneurysms using them. The incidence, presentation, and contemporary endovascular treatment for aneurysms are first reviewed to lay the groundwork for new adaptations. Nanoparticles, including ultrasmall supraparagmenetic iron oxide particles (USPIOs), are next explored as a novel mechanism of predicting aneurysm wall instability and as an agent themselves for aneurysm occlusion. Cellular transplant grafts, bone marrow-derived stem cells (BM-MSCs), and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are then investigated, with the role of cellular differentiation, chemokine secretion, and integration into the injured vascular wall receiving particular emphasis. Several promising translational papers are next discussed, with review of multiple studies that show benefit in aneurysm treatment and endovascular stenting using these agents as adjuncts. We next adapt these research findings into several potential applications we feel may be promising directions for the aspiring researcher. These new treatments may one day strengthen the arsenal of the endovascular neurosurgeon.

Early intensive versus minimally invasive approach to postoperative hemodynamic management after subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The results of previous studies suggest that early goal-directed fluid therapy (EGDT) reduces delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, but the effects of EGDT on clinical outcomes are still unclear. This study aimed to determine whether EGDT improves outcomes compared with standard less-invasive hemodynamic therapy.

METHODS

This study included 160 patients treated within 24 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage, randomized to receive either (1) EGDT guided by preload volume and cardiac output monitored by transpulmonary thermodilution (treatment group) or (2) standard therapy guided by fluid balance or central venous pressure, assisted by uncalibrated less-invasive cardiac output monitoring during hyperdynamic therapy in patients with clinical or radiological indications of DCI (control group). DCI determined by clinical or radiological findings and functional outcome determined by the modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months were compared between groups.

RESULTS

For all clinical grades combined, there were no significant differences in the rates of DCI (33% versus 42%; P=0.33) or modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 3 at 3 months (67% versus 57%; P=0.22) between the 2 groups. For patients with poor clinical grade, those who received EGDT had a significantly lower rate of DCI (5% versus 14%; P=0.036), modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 3 at 3 months (52% versus 36%; P=0.026), and shorter length of intensive care unit stay (14 versus 17 days; P=0.043) than those who received standard therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

EGDT is beneficial for reducing DCI and improving postoperative functional outcome in patients with poor clinical grade.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: UMIN000007509.

Developments on the horizon in the treatment of neurovascular problems

The field of Interventional Neuroradiology and Endovascular Neurosurgery has seen much technical advancement in the past two decades, which has brought the specialty from its infancy as an alternative therapy to the current standing as near standard of care for many complex neurovascular pathologies. This past year is no exception with flow diverting stents and stent retriever devices aiming to make their mark on advanced treatments for intracranial aneurysms and ischemic stroke, respectively. This review article will focus on the development of these technologies, current data supporting their advantages and limitations, and a brief expert opinion on where these technologies may take the field in the next few years.

Management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations

The natural history and optimal treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysm and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remains unknown. The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms is estimated to be between 1% and 5%. The annual risk of rupture for small aneurysms in the anterior circulation is low. Factors that are associated with increased risk of rupture include location of the aneurysm in the posterior circulation and size of the aneurysm greater than 7 mm in diameter. Management options of unruptured intracranial aneurysms include conservative management, endovascular, or surgical treatment. AVMs are estimated to have a prevalence of 1.4% to 4.3%. The annual risk of rupture of AVMs that did not present with hemorrhage is low at approximately 0.9% per year. Factors that increase the risk of rupture include hemorrhagic presentation, deep AVM location, or deep venous drainage associated with the AVM. The treatment options for AVM available include conservative management, microsurgery, endovascular treatment, radiosurgery, or a combination of methods.

A case of delayed spontaneous aneurismal rupture after ear surgery under general anesthesia

Many complications have been reported after ear surgery to treat chronic inflammation. These complications include facial nerve paralysis, perichondritis, injury of the dura or of the sigmoid sinus, cyst formation or mucocele in the healed mastoid cavity, and the recurrence of cholesteatoma, granulation tissue, or otorrhea. It might be believed that there could be no relation between ear surgery and spontaneous aneurysmal rupture, and only one other case of spontaneous aneurysmal rupture after ear surgery under general anesthesia has been previously reported in Korea. However, recently, the authors encountered a case of delayed spontaneous aneurysmal rupture 3 weeks after surgery. No problem was experienced during the operation, and it is suspected that an unidentified pre-existing aneurysm was responsible for the intracerebral hemorrhage.

Antihypertensives are administered selectively in emergency department patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

Elevated blood pressure is common in patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). American Heart Association guidelines do not specify a blood pressure target, but limited data suggest that systolic blood pressure (SBP)≥160 mmHg is associated with increased risk of rebleeding and neurologic decline. In a population-based study, we determined the frequency of antihypertensive therapy in emergency department (ED) patients with SAH and the proportion of those patients with SBP≥160 mmHg who received this therapy. In 2005, nontraumatic SAH cases were retrospectively ascertained at 16 hospitals in our region by screening for International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision diagnostic codes 430-436. Blood pressure was recorded at ED presentation and also before and after any treatment with antihypertensives. Hypotension was defined as SBP<100 mmHg. The Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test were used for comparisons. Our cohort comprised 82 patients with SAH presenting to an ED; 4 patients were excluded. The median age of the included patients was 54 years, 74.4% were female, 29.5% were black, and 31 (39.7%) had SBP≥160 mmHg. Antihypertensive therapy was given to 22 of 31 patients (70.9%) with SBP≥160 mmHg and to 4 of 47 patients (8.5%) with SBP<160 mmHg. No patients became hypotensive after receiving treatment. Age, sex, Glascow Coma Scale score, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score were similar between treated and untreated patients. In the absence of definitive evidence, current blood pressure management in local EDs appears reasonable. Further studies of blood pressure management in acute SAH are warranted.

Comparison between angioplasty using compliant and noncompliant balloons for treatment of cerebral vasospasm associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Considerable controversy exists regarding the choice of balloon used for performing angioplasty as treatment of cerebral vasospasm associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of compliant and noncompliant balloons on angiographic and clinical outcomes among patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage-related cerebral vasospasm.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with cerebral vasospasm who underwent balloon angioplasty were included. Patient characteristics, rate of angiographic recurrence, and occurrence of cerebral infarcts in the affected vessel distribution were compared between arteries treated using different balloons.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients underwent a first-time angioplasty using compliant (n = 34) or noncompliant (n = 51) balloons. At admission, patients were classified Hunt and Hess grade I to III (n = 20) and Hunt and Hess grade IV to V (n = 10). Fisher grades in patients were I (n = 1), II (n = 3), III (n = 20), and IV (n = 6). No significant differences in the rate of angiographic recurrence (32% vs 53%; P = .14), need for repeat angioplasty (21% vs 20%; P = .97), and occurrence of cerebral infarcts in the affected arterial distribution (21% vs 10% P = .39) were observed with compliant and noncompliant balloons, respectively. Independent of the balloon type, a significant reduction in the need for repeat angioplasty was observed when the initial angioplasty resulted in a normal or supranormal diameter compared with a subnormal diameter (63.5% vs 36.5%; P = .01).

CONCLUSION

No clear difference was observed between compliant and noncompliant balloons for therapeutic angioplasty in preventing angiographic recurrence or the need for repeat angioplasty in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage-related cerebral vasospasm. An immediate normal or supranormal vessel diameter after the first-time angioplasty resulted in a significant reduction in the need for repeat angioplasty.

Estimation of aneurysm wall stresses created by treatment with a shape memory polymer foam device

In this study, compliant latex thin-walled aneurysm models are fabricated to investigate the effects of expansion of shape memory polymer foam. A simplified cylindrical model is selected for the in-vitro aneurysm, which is a simplification of a real, saccular aneurysm. The studies are performed by crimping shape memory polymer foams, originally 6 and 8 mm in diameter, and monitoring the resulting deformation when deployed into 4-mm-diameter thin-walled latex tubes. The deformations of the latex tubes are used as inputs to physical, analytical, and computational models to estimate the circumferential stresses. Using the results of the stress analysis in the latex aneurysm model, a computational model of the human aneurysm is developed by changing the geometry and material properties. The model is then used to predict the stresses that would develop in a human aneurysm. The experimental, simulation, and analytical results suggest that shape memory polymer foams have potential of being a safe treatment for intracranial saccular aneurysms. In particular, this work suggests oversized shape memory foams may be used to better fill the entire aneurysm cavity while generating stresses below the aneurysm wall breaking stresses.

Depressed sympathovagal balance predicts mortality in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to investigate the role of sympathovagal balance in predicting inhospital mortality by assessing power spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) among patients with nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in an emergency department (ED).

METHODS

A cohort of 132 adult patients with spontaneous SAH in an ED was prospectively enrolled. A continuous 10-minute electrocardiography for off-line power spectral analysis of the HRV was recorded. Using the inhospital mortality, the patients were classified into 2 groups: nonsurvivors (n=38) and survivors (n=94). The HRV measures were compared between these 2 groups of patients.

RESULTS

Having compared the various measurements, the very low-frequency component, low-frequency component, normalized low-frequency component (LF%), and low-/high-frequency component ratio (LF/HF) were significantly lower, whereas the normalized high-frequency component was significantly higher among the nonsurvivors than among the survivors. A multiple logistic regression model identified LF/HF (odds ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-3.97; P=.013) and LF% (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.88; P<.001) as independent variables that were able to predict inhospital mortality for patients with SAH in an ED. The receiver operating characteristic area for LF/HF in predicting inhospital mortality was 0.957 (95% CI, 0.914-1.000; P<.001), and the best cutoff points was 0.8 (sensitivity, 92.1%; specificity, 90.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Power spectral analysis of the HRV is able to predict inhospital mortality for patients after SAH in an ED. A tilt in the sympathovagal balance toward depressed sympathovagal balance, as indicated by HRV analysis, might contribute to the poor outcome among these patients.

Donor conversion rates depend on the assessment tools used in the evaluation of potential organ donors

Purpose

It is desirable to identify a potential organ donor (POD) as early as possible to achieve a donor conversion rate (DCR) as high as possible which is defined as the actual number of organ donors divided by the number of patients who are regarded as a potential organ donor. The DCR is calculated with different assessment tools to identify a POD. Obviously, with different assessment tools, one may calculate different DCRs, which make comparison difficult. Our aim was to determine which assessment tool can be used for a realistic estimation of a POD pool and how they compare to each other with regard to DCR.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with a subarachnoid haemorrhage, traumatic brain injury or intracerebral haemorrhage. We applied three different assessment tools on this cohort of patients.

Results

We identified a cohort of 564 patients diagnosed with a subarachnoid haemorrhage, traumatic brain injury or intracerebral haemorrhage of whom 179/564 (31.7%) died. After applying the three different assessment tools the number of patients, before exclusion of medical reasons or age, was 76 for the IBD-FOUR definition, 104 patients for the IBD-GCS definition and 107 patients based on the OPTN definition of imminent neurological death. We noted the highest DCR (36.5%) in the IBD-FOUR definition.

Conclusion

The definition of imminent brain death based on the FOUR-score is the most practical tool to identify patients with a realistic chance to become brain dead and therefore to identify the patients most likely to become POD.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage in a 13-year-old girl

At 5:20 pm, a local flight team was activated to respond for an interfacility transfer of a 13-year-old girl with a subarachnoid hemorrhage. In the history obtained, the patient's parents noted that she had not been feeling well for the past several days. She had been complaining of intermittent dizziness and a persistent headache. Until the onset of these prodromal events, she had been active with no medical history. That afternoon, the child was playing with her friends at the school playground. As the group was walking home, they noticed that the patient was not with them. They subsequently returned and found her lying face-down in the bushes, unresponsive, with agonal respirations.

Subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage due to ruptured aneurysm after combined spinal-epidural anesthesia

A patient received combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for a scheduled total knee arthroplasty. After an injection of spinal anesthetic and ephedrine due to a decrease in blood pressure, the patient developed a severe headache. The patient did not respond to verbal command at the completion of the operation. A brain CT scan revealed massive subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhages, and a CT angiogram showed a ruptured aneurysm. Severe headaches should not be overlooked in an uncontrolled hypertensive patient during spinal anesthesia because it may imply an intracranial and intraventricular hemorrhage due to the rupture of a hidden aneurysm.

Subsequent bilateral thalamic haemorrhage

Simultaneous or subsequent bilateral thalamic haemorrhage is rare, and most reported cases are from Asian countries. An 80-year-old white Cuban man, with a history of arterial hypertension, suffered sudden onset of right hemiparesis. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a left posteromedial thalamic haemorrhage. Two days later his condition suddenly deteriorated: blood pressure was 220/105 mm Hg, he was stuporous and tetraplegic, respiration was ataxic, and his gaze was fixed and deviated downward and inward. CT scan showed haemorrhages in both thalami, extending to the ventricles. 32 h later the patient died. There are few previous publications of simultaneous or subsequent bilateral thalamic haemorrhages and this is the first report involving a Hispanic patient. Prognosis in patients with bilateral thalamic haemorrhage is poor, and the mechanism underlying the development of subsequent and symmetrical bleeding is not clear.

Renal dysfunction as an independent predictor of outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a single-center cohort study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Acute kidney injury occurs in 1% to 25% of critically ill patients with small increases in creatinine adversely affecting outcome. We sought to determine the burden of acute kidney injury in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and whether this dysfunction affects outcome.

METHODS

Between 1996 and 2008, 787 consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were enrolled in our prospective database. Demographics, serum creatinine levels, and discharge modified Rankin scores were recorded, and changes in creatinine clearance were calculated. A multiple logistic regression was performed using known predictors for poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in addition to burden of contrast-enhanced imaging and change in creatinine clearance.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-nine (23.1%) patients were at risk for renal failure during their hospitalization. In a multivariate model, those patients who developed risk for renal failure were twice as likely to have a poor 3-month outcome (OR, 2.01; P=0.021). Survival curves comparing those not at risk, those at risk (increasing severity classes Risk, Injury, and Failure, and the 2 outcome classes Loss and End-Stage Kidney Disease [RIFLE] R), and those with renal injury or failure (RIFLE I and F) demonstrated that risk of death increases significantly as one progresses through the RIFLE classes (log rank, P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large, consecutive series of prospectively enrolled patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, we demonstrate, using the newly defined RIFLE classification for risk of renal failure, that even seemingly insignificant decreases in creatinine clearance are associated with significantly worse 3-month outcomes. This study highlights the importance of close surveillance of renal function and stresses the value of renal hygiene in the aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage population.

Performance of bedside transpulmonary thermodilution monitoring for goal-directed hemodynamic management after subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Early goal-directed hemodynamic therapy is of particular importance for adequate cerebral circulation of patients with vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage but is often precluded by the invasiveness of established cardiac output determination using a pulmonary artery catheter. This study was undertaken to validate the usefulness of less invasive goal-directed hemodynamic monitoring by transpulmonary thermodilution technique in patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

METHODS

One hundred sixteen patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage who underwent surgical clipping within 24 hours of ictus were investigated. Validation of transpulmonary thermodilution-derived intermittent/continuous cardiac output and cardiac preload (global end diastolic volume) were compared with pulmonary artery catheter-derived reference cardiac output and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure or central venous pressure in 16 patients diagnosed with vasospasm. In a subsequent trial of 100 consecutive cases, clinical results between the new and standard management paradigms were compared.

RESULTS

Transpulmonary thermodilution-derived intermittent cardiac output and transpulmonary thermodilution-derived continuous cardiac output showed close agreement to catheter-derived reference cardiac output with high correlation (r=0.85 and 0.77) and low percentage error (13.5% and 18.0%). Fluid responsiveness to defined volume loading was predicted better with global end diastolic volume than with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and central venous pressure for larger receiver operating characteristic curve area. Patients receiving early goal-directed management by transpulmonary thermodilution experienced reduced frequencies of vasospasm and cardiopulmonary complications compared with those managed with standard therapy (P<0.05), whereas their functional outcomes at 3 months were not different (P=0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Goal-directed hemodynamic management guided by transpulmonary thermodilution appears to have a therapeutic advantage for optimizing the prognosis of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage with vasospasm over conventional methods.

[General management in intensive care of patient with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage]

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a neurologic emergency and often a neurologic catastrophe. Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage is characterized by the extravasation of blood into the spaces covering the central nervous system. The leading cause of SAH is rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, which accounts for about 80-85% of cases. Mortality and morbidity can be reduced if SAH is treated urgently. Sudden, explosive headache is a cardinal but nonspecific feature in the diagnosis of SAH; computered tomography (CT) scanning is mandatory in all the patients with symp toms that are suggestive of SAH. Catheter angiography for detecting aneurysms is gradually being replaced by CT angiography. Diagnosing SAH can be challenging and treatment is complex, sophisticated and multidisciplinary. Reble eding is the most imminent danger, which must be prevented by endovascular occlusion with detachable coils (coiling) or by surgical clipping of the aneurysm; the risk of delayed cerebral ischemia is reduced with nimodipine and avoiding hypovolemia; hydrocephalus can be treated by ventricular drainage. Intensive care plays a more important role in the management of SAH than in any other neurological disorder. Excellence in neurologic diagnosis, in operative neurosurgery or neuroradiologic procedures must be accompanied by excellence in Intensive Care. This review emphasizes treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, surgical and endovascular therapeutic options and the current state of treatment of major complications such as rebleeding, cerebral vasospasm and acute hydrocephalus.

Hemodynamic effects of recombinant human erythropoietin on the central nervous system after subarachnoid hemorrhage: reduction of microcirculatory impairment and functional deficits in a rabbit model

OBJECT

The authors investigated the hemodynamic effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rabbits.

METHODS

The authors used male New Zealand White rabbits in this study divided into the following groups: SAH plus saline (16 rabbits), SAH plus low-dose rhEPO (16 rabbits; 1500 IU/kg on Day 0 and 500 IU/kg on Days 2 and 4), SAH plus high-dose rhEPO (10 rabbits; 1500 IU/kg on Days 0, 2, 4, and 6), and sham (6 rabbits). Computed tomography perfusion studies and CT angiography were performed for 1 hour after SAH on Day 0, and once each on Days 2, 4, 7, 9, and 16 after SAH. Assessments of neurological function and tissue histology were also performed.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was significantly lower after rhEPO treatment (12%) than after saline treatment (44%) (p < 0.05). Neurological outcomes in the low-dose and high-dose rhEPO groups were better than in the saline group after SAH (p < 0.05), and the cerebral blood flow in the high-dose rhEPO group was greater than that in the saline group (p < 0.05). The mean transit time was significantly lower on Days 2 and 4 in the low-dose and high-dose rhEPO groups than in the saline group, but increased significantly on Day 7 in both groups (p < 0.05). The hematocrit increased significantly from baseline values in the high-dose and low-dose rhEPO groups on Days 4 and 7, respectively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with rhEPO after experimental SAH is associated with improved cerebral blood flow and microcirculatory flow as reflected by lower mean transit times. Improved tissue perfusion correlated with reduced mortality and improved neurological outcomes. Further investigation of the impact of increasing hematocrit on hemodynamic changes is needed.

DELAYED VISUAL DEFICITS AND MONOCULAR BLINDNESS AFTER ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT OF LARGE AND GIANT PARAOPHTHALMIC ANEURYSMS

OBJECTIVE

Paraophthalmic aneurysms may exert mass effect on the optic apparatus. Although surgical clipping and endovascular coiling of these aneurysms can be complicated by immediate postoperative visual deterioration, endovascular coil embolization has the unique risk of visual complications later (&gt;24 h) in the perioperative period.

METHODS

Six patients with a delayed onset of vision loss after technically successful coil embolization of paraophthalmic region aneurysms were identified. All available clinical, angiographic, and cross sectional imaging for these patients, in addition to histopathological data, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Six patients who underwent endovascular treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms at our institutions developed delayed postoperative visual decline. Four were treated with combination hydrogel-coated and bare platinum coils, one with hydrogel-coated coils, and one with bare platinum coils. Three patients presented with some degree of visual impairment caused by their aneurysms. Catheter angiography performed after the visual decline revealed no etiology in any of the cases. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in all patients and was unremarkable in two. At follow-up, two had improved, three remained unchanged, and one patient died before any follow-up assessment of her vision.

CONCLUSION

Both acute and delayed visual disturbances can present after the endovascular treatment of carotid artery paraophthalmic aneurysms. Delayed visual deterioration can be observed up to 35 days after embolization. Although the cause is still undefined, it is likely that the more delayed visual deterioration can be attributed to progression of mass effect and/or perianeurysmal inflammatory change. Our case series raises the possibility that this phenomenon may be more likely with HydroCoil (HydroCoil Embolic System; MicroVention, Aliso Viejo, CA). This possibility should be taken into account by neurointerventionists when selecting a coil type to treat large paraophthalmic aneurysms.

Developments in the management of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most frequent life- threatening, hereditary disease. ADPKD is more common than sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, Down's syndrome, and Huntington's disease combined. ADPKD is a multisystemic disorder characterized by the progressive development of renal cysts and marked renal enlargement. Structural and functional renal deterioration occurs in ADPKD patients and is the fourth leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in adults. Aside from the renal manifestations, extrarenal structural abnormalities, such as liver cysts, cardiovascular abnormalities, and intracranial aneurysms may lead to morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have identified prognostic factors for progressive renal impairment including gender, race, age, proteinuria, hematuria, hypertension and increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Early diagnosis and better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease provides the opportunity to aggressivly treat hypertension with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and thereby potentially reduce LVMI, prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and slow progression of the renal disease.

Statin treatment of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the evidence for use of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) for the prevention and management of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

DATA SOURCES

Literature searches were conducted using MEDLINE (1966-July 2007) and the Cochrane Database (2007, Issue 2). Search terms included HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, statins, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and vasospasm. Other data sources were identified from select bibliographies.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All controlled trials evaluating statins for the prevention and management of cerebral vasospasm after aSAH and published in the English language were included for review. Clinical and surrogate markers for cerebral vasospasm and outcomes were assessed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Cerebral vasospasm, which may occur after aSAH, is associated with serious morbidity and significant mortality. Evidence suggests that statins have noteworthy biochemical effects through inhibition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and superoxide production and up-regulation and activation of endothelial nitric oxidase synthase and nitric oxidase production via inhibition of geranylgeranylation of RhoA and Rac1 guanosine triphosphatases. Researchers have proposed that these effects may have a role in preventing or reducing vasospasm after aSAH. One matched control study and 3 placebo-controlled trials (1 with an additional post hoc analysis) have described use of statins for the prevention and management of cerebral vasospasm after aSAH. These data focused on differing primary endpoints; however, reductions in clinical vasospasm and middle cerebral artery transcranial doppler velocity, improved functional outcomes, enhanced autoregulation indices incidence, improvements in duration and time of impaired cerebral autoregulation, and reductions in rescue therapy have been reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data suggest that statins may be a reasonable treatment option for the prevention and management of cerebral vasospasm after aSAH. However, results from large, well-controlled trials have not been published.