Acute Risk Change: An Innovative Measure of Operative Adverse Events and Perioperative Team Performance

OBJECTIVES

Cardiac surgical risk models predict mortality preoperatively, whereas intensive care unit (ICU) models predict mortality postoperatively. Finding a large difference between the 2 (an acute risk change [ARC]) may reflect an alteration in the status of the patient related to the surgery. An adverse ARC was associated with morbidity and mortality in an Australian population. The aims of this study were to validate ARC in a UK population and to investigate the possible mechanisms behind ARC.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

Single, high-volume cardiothoracic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Data from 4,842 cardiac surgical patients were collected between 2013 and 2015.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

EuroSCORE was recalibrated to each preceding year's data. ARC was defined as postoperative minus preoperative percentage mortality risk. Association among ARC, morbidity, and mortality was tested. Cases with large adverse ARC (greater than +15%) were compared with cases with large favorable ARC (less than -10%) with regard to intraoperative adverse events, unmeasured patient risk factors, and postoperative events. Adverse ARC was associated with hospital mortality, ICU stay, ICU readmission, renal support, prolonged intubation and return to the operating room (p < 0.001). Intraoperative adverse events occurred in 23 of 33 patients with adverse ARC; however, only 2 of 17 patients with favorable ARC reported adverse events (p < 0.001). Unmeasured risk factors were present in 48% of patients in the adverse ARC group.

CONCLUSION

ARC is a readily available and sensitive marker that correlates strongly with morbidity and mortality. The use of ARC in local and national quality monitoring could identify areas for improvement of the quality of cardiac surgical care.

Sex and Stroke in Thrombolyzed Patients and Controls

Background and Purpose—

We hypothesized that any sex-related difference in outcome poststroke is explained by other prognostic factors and that the response to intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA) is equal in males and females after adjustment for such factors.

Methods—

We accessed an independent collection of randomized clinical trials—the VISTA (Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive). Data were preprocessed by selecting complete cases (n=8028) and matching females to males (coarsened exact matching, n=4575, 24.3% r-tPA). Outcome was assessed by the 7-point modified Rankin Scale (mRS) measured at 90 days after ischemic stroke. Relationship among variables was estimated by adjusted regression analysis.

Results—

In nonthrombolyzed patients, ordinal analysis of mRS adjusting for stroke- and sex-related prognostic factors suggested comparable outcomes for females and males (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–1.06). Females responded comparably to r-tPA as did males, irrespective of the outcome definition of mRS (ordinal: P Interaction =0.46, relative excess risk because of interaction=0). The number needed to treat was 6.8 and 11.2 for 1 female to achieve mRS score of 0 to 2 and 0 to 1, which was highly congruent with males. Analysis for a nonlinear variation of age-by-sex revealed a good outcome for females <45 years with significant disadvantage thereafter (mRS score of 0–2: P Interaction =0.004). No relationship between sex, r-tPA, and bleeding complications was evident.

Conclusions—

Functional outcome (mRS) without r-tPA was overall similar between the sexes, as was the response to r-tPA. Nonlinear sex-by-age interaction improved estimates of functional independence; this should be considered in sex-related studies in stroke.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging CO2 stress testing in adolescent postconcussion syndrome

OBJECT

A neuroimaging assessment tool to visualize global and regional impairments in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular responsiveness in individual patients with concussion remains elusive. Here the authors summarize the safety, feasibility, and results of brain CO2 stress testing in adolescents with postconcussion syndrome (PCS) and healthy controls.

METHODS

This study was approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Board at the University of Manitoba. Fifteen adolescents with PCS and 17 healthy control subjects underwent anatomical MRI, pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling MRI, and brain stress testing using controlled CO2 challenge and blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) MRI. Post hoc processing was performed using statistical parametric mapping to determine voxel-by-voxel regional resting CBF and cerebrovascular responsiveness of the brain to the CO2 stimulus (increase in BOLD signal) or the inverse (decrease in BOLD signal). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to compare voxel counts categorized by control (0) or PCS (1).

RESULTS

Studies were well tolerated without any serious adverse events. Anatomical MRI was normal in all study participants. No differences in CO2 stimuli were seen between the 2 participant groups. No group differences in global mean CBF were detected between PCS patients and healthy controls. Patient-specific differences in mean regional CBF and CO2 BOLD responsiveness were observed in all PCS patients. The ROC curve analysis for brain regions manifesting a voxel response greater than and less than the control atlas (that is, abnormal voxel counts) produced an area under the curve of 0.87 (p < 0.0001) and 0.80 (p = 0.0003), respectively, consistent with a clinically useful predictive model.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent PCS is associated with patient-specific abnormalities in regional mean CBF and BOLD cerebrovascular responsiveness that occur in the setting of normal global resting CBF. Future prospective studies are warranted to examine the utility of brain MRI CO2 stress testing in the longitudinal assessment of acute sports-related concussion and PCS.

β-Blockers, Pneumonia, and Outcome After Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose—

Increased sympathetic drive after stroke is involved in the pathophysiology of several complications including poststroke immunudepression. β-Blocker (BB) therapy has been suggested to have neuroprotective properties and to decrease infectious complications after stroke. We aimed to examine the effects of random pre- and on-stroke BB exposure on mortality, functional outcome, and occurrence of pneumonia after ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Data including standard demographic and clinical variables as well as prestroke and on-stroke antihypertensive medication, incidence of pneumonia, functional outcome defined using modified Rankin Scale and mortality at 3 months were extracted from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive. For statistical analysis multivariable Poisson regression was used.

Results—

In total, 5212 patients were analyzed. A total of 1155 (22.2%) patients were treated with BB before stroke onset and 244 (4.7%) patients were newly started with BB in the acute phase of stroke. Mortality was 17.5%, favorable outcome (defined as modified Rankin Scale, 0–2) occurred in 58.2% and pneumonia in 8.2% of patients. Prestroke BB showed no association with mortality. On-stroke BB was associated with reduced mortality (adjusted risk ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.96). Neither prestroke BB nor on-stroke BB showed an association with functional outcome. Both prestroke and on-stroke BB were associated with reduced frequency of pneumonia (adjusted risk ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.6–0.98 and risk ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.95).

Conclusions—

In this large nonrandomized comparison, on-stroke BB was associated with reduced mortality. Prestroke and on-stroke BB were inversely associated with incidence of nosocomial pneumonia. Randomized trials investigating the potential of β-blockade in acute stroke may be warranted.

Treatment of poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Management of poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage is based on limited evidence from small single-center retrospective observational studies. The purpose of this study was to undertake a single-center randomized controlled feasibility trial comparing a strategy of early endovascular aneurysm treatment with treatment after neurologic recovery in this group of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with poor-grade SAH were randomized within 24 hours of admission to early treatment or treatment after neurologic recovery. If a patient was randomized to early treatment, the aneurysm was treated endovascularly within 24 hours of randomization. Recruitment rate, safety profile, and functional outcome at the time of discharge and at 6 months were assessed.

RESULTS

Fourteen of 51 patients screened were eligible for the trial. Of these 14, 8 patients were randomized (57%). All patients in the early coiling arm received treatment within 24 hours of randomization. There was no treatment-related complication. Overall, good outcome occurred in 25% of patients; the mortality rate was 75%. Patients in the early treatment arm (n = 5) had a good outcome rate of 20%, while those in treatment after neurologic recovery arm (n = 3) had a good outcome rate of 33.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

This was a feasibility study that demonstrated that recruitment and randomization for comparing management strategies in poor-grade SAH are feasible. The recruitment rate among eligible patients was encouraging (57%), though a number of patients had to be excluded due to ineligibility. A multicenter study is necessary to recruit the numbers required to compare the clinical outcomes of these management strategies.

THRIVE Score Predicts Ischemic Stroke Outcomes and Thrombolytic Hemorrhage Risk in VISTA

Background and Purpose—

In previous studies, the Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) score has shown broad utility, allowing prediction of clinical outcome, death, and risk of hemorrhage after tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment, irrespective of the type of acute stroke therapy applied to the patient.

Methods—

We used data from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive to further validate the THRIVE score in a large cohort of patients receiving tPA or no acute treatment, to confirm the relationship between THRIVE and hemorrhage after tPA, and to compare the THRIVE score with several other available outcome prediction scores.

Results—

The THRIVE score strongly predicts clinical outcome (odds ratio, 0.55 for good outcome [95% CI, 0.53–0.57]; P <0.001), mortality (odds ratio, 1.57 [95% confidence interval, 1.50–1.64]; P <0.001), and risk of intracerebral hemorrhage after tPA (odds ratio, 1.34 [95% confidence interval, 1.22–1.46]; P <0.001). The relationship between THRIVE score and outcome is not influenced by the independent relationship of tPA administration and outcome. In receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the THRIVE score was superior to several other available outcome prediction scores in the prediction of clinical outcome and mortality.

Conclusions—

The THRIVE score is a simple-to-use tool to predict clinical outcome, mortality, and risk of hemorrhage after thrombolysis in patients with ischemic stroke. Despite its simplicity, the THRIVE score performs better than several other outcome prediction tools. A free Web calculator for the THRIVE score is available at http://www.thrivescore.org .

Does the cognitive measure Cog-4 show improvement among patients treated with thrombolysis after acute stroke?

BACKGROUND

Although the established measure of disability post stroke, the modified Rankin Scale emphasizes motor function and may underestimate the importance of cognitive impairment in more disabled patients. A subset of four items from the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale has been proposed to assess cognitive function after stroke (Cog-4), and to correlate with modified Rankin Scale. Items correspond to orientation, executive function, language, and inattention. We investigated responsiveness of Cog-4 to treatment with thrombolysis and whether it offers information that supplements modified Rankin Scale.

METHODS

We included 6268 patients from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive: 2734 received intravenous thrombolysis and 3534 were treated conservatively. We compared day 90 outcomes between treated and untreated groups, by modified Rankin Scale (illustrative) and by Cog-4 (primary measure) adjusting for age, baseline National Institutes of Health stroke scale, hemispheric lateralisation as well as baseline Cog-4 and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale excluding baseline Cog-4 separately. Analysis of Cog-4 was repeated within strata of 90 day modified Rankin Scale. Statistical analyses included proportional odds logistic regression and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test.

RESULTS

Modified Rankin Scale showed a difference between treatment groups of expected magnitude (odds ratio 1·56; 95% confidence interval 1·43-1·72; P < 0·001). After adjustment for imbalance in baseline prognostic factors, the distribution of Cog-4 scores at 90 days was better in thrombolysed patients compared with nonthrombolysed patients (odds ratio 1·31; 95% confidence interval 1·18-1·47; P = 0·006). However, Cog-4 analysis stratified by 90-day modified Rankin Scale was neutral between treatment groups (OR 1·01; 95% CI 0·90-1·14), and Cog-4 was not responsive to treatment group even within modified Rankin Scale categories 4 and 5 despite substantial cognitive deficits in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Although Cog-4 may be responsive to treatment effects, it does not provide additional information beyond modified Rankin Scale assessment.

Early warning of EUSIG-defined hypotensive events using a Bayesian Artificial Neural Network

BACKGROUND

Hypotension is recognized as a potentially damaging secondary insult after traumatic brain injury. Systems to give clinical teams some early warning of likely hypotensive instability could be added to the range of existing techniques used in the management of this group of patients. By using the Edinburgh University Secondary Insult Grades (EUSIG) definitions for -hypotension (systolic arterial pressure <90 mmHg OR mean arterial -pressure <70 mmHg) we collected a group of ∼2,000 events by analyzing the Brain-IT database. We then constructed a Bayesian Artificial Neural Network (an advanced statistical modeling technique) that is able to provide some early warning when trained on this previously collected demographic and physiological data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using EUSIG defined event data from the Brain-IT database, we identified a Bayesian artificial neural network (BANN) topology and constructed a series of datasets using a group of clinically guided input variables. This allowed us to train a BANN, which was then tested on an unseen set of patients from the Brain-IT database. The initial tests used a particularly harsh assessment criterion whereby a true positive prediction was only allowed if the BANN predicted an upcoming event to the exact minute. We have now developed the system to the point where it is about to be used in a two-stage Phase II clinical trial and we are also researching a more realistic assessment technique.

KEY RESULTS

We have constructed a BANN that is able to provide early warning to the clinicians based on a model that uses information from the physiological inputs; systolic and mean arterial pressure and heart rate; and demographic variables age and gender. We use 15-min SubWindows starting at 15 and 30 min before an event and process mean, slope and standard deviations. Based on 10 simulation runs, our current sensitivity is 36.25% (SE 1.31) with a specificity of 90.82% (SE 0.85). Initial results from a Phase I clinical study shows a model sensitivity of 40.95% (SE 6%) and specificity of 86.46% (SE 3%) Although this figure is low it is considered clinically useful for this dangerous condition, provided the false positive rate can be kept sufficiently low as to be practical in an intensive care environment.

CONCLUSION

We have shown that using advanced statistical modeling techniques can provide clinical teams with useful information that will assist clinical care.

Early warning of EUSIG-defined hypotensive events using a Bayesian Artificial Neural Network

BACKGROUND

Hypotension is recognized as a potentially damaging secondary insult after traumatic brain injury. Systems to give clinical teams some early warning of likely hypotensive instability could be added to the range of existing techniques used in the management of this group of patients. By using the Edinburgh University Secondary Insult Grades (EUSIG) definitions for -hypotension (systolic arterial pressure <90 mmHg OR mean arterial -pressure <70 mmHg) we collected a group of ∼2,000 events by analyzing the Brain-IT database. We then constructed a Bayesian Artificial Neural Network (an advanced statistical modeling technique) that is able to provide some early warning when trained on this previously collected demographic and physiological data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using EUSIG defined event data from the Brain-IT database, we identified a Bayesian artificial neural network (BANN) topology and constructed a series of datasets using a group of clinically guided input variables. This allowed us to train a BANN, which was then tested on an unseen set of patients from the Brain-IT database. The initial tests used a particularly harsh assessment criterion whereby a true positive prediction was only allowed if the BANN predicted an upcoming event to the exact minute. We have now developed the system to the point where it is about to be used in a two-stage Phase II clinical trial and we are also researching a more realistic assessment technique.

KEY RESULTS

We have constructed a BANN that is able to provide early warning to the clinicians based on a model that uses information from the physiological inputs; systolic and mean arterial pressure and heart rate; and demographic variables age and gender. We use 15-min SubWindows starting at 15 and 30 min before an event and process mean, slope and standard deviations. Based on 10 simulation runs, our current sensitivity is 36.25% (SE 1.31) with a specificity of 90.82% (SE 0.85). Initial results from a Phase I clinical study shows a model sensitivity of 40.95% (SE 6%) and specificity of 86.46% (SE 3%) Although this figure is low it is considered clinically useful for this dangerous condition, provided the false positive rate can be kept sufficiently low as to be practical in an intensive care environment.

CONCLUSION

We have shown that using advanced statistical modeling techniques can provide clinical teams with useful information that will assist clinical care.

Trigger characteristics of EUSIG-defined hypotensive events

BACKGROUND

Hypotension is a recognized -secondary insult after traumatic brain injury (TBI). There are many definitions of hypotension, an often cited example being the Brain Trauma Foundation's current (2007) "Guidelines for the Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury," which defines hypotension as systolic pressure <90 mmHg. However, this same document declares "The importance of mean arterial pressure, as opposed to systolic pressure should also be stressed, …." Our work shows that when using the Edinburgh University Secondary Insult Grades (EUSIG) definitions, which require monitoring of both systolic and mean arterial pressures, that most hypotensive events are in fact triggered by a breach of the mean arterial level of 70 mmHg. We suggest that close monitoring of mean arterial pressure would enable clinical teams to avoid more potentially damaging hypotensive events.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An analysis of 100 patients from the Brain-IT database was performed. Using the EUSIG definitions, 2,081 events can be obtained by analyzing the systolic and mean blood pressures on a minute by minute basis. A software program was written to identify and classify the trigger pattern for each event. A categorical analysis of these triggering patterns has been carried out.

KEY RESULTS

Our analysis shows that most events are triggered by a drop in mean arterial pressure. In fact a large number of events (91%) occur where the mean arterial pressure is below the threshold limits whereas the systolic pressure does not cross the 90 mmHg limit at all.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that more emphasis should be placed on closely monitoring mean arterial pressure as well as systolic pressure when trying to guard against hypotensive problems in traumatically brain injured patients. In future work we will study the underlying physiological mechanisms and attempt to further classify concomitant conditions that may be contributing to the onset of a hypotensive event.

Endovascular treatment of anterior communicating artery aneurysms: results of clinical and radiological outcome in Newcastle

The results of endovascular management of anterior communicating artery aneurysms (ACoAA) using Guglielmi Detachable Coils (GDC) are presented. We detail the clinical and radiological features, and postoperative clinical and radiological outcome in a consecutive series of patients. We have prospectively collected comprehensive data on our patients with SAH since 1989. This study reports on patients admitted between January 1990 and December 1998, and focuses on 30 patients who had their ACoAA endovascularly treated. An independent observer (TE) carried out long-term follow-up in January 2002. Statistical analysis was performed to study the relationship between clinical factors, the radiological morphology of aneurysms and the long-term outcome. The age ranged from 25 to 74 years (median: 54) and endovascularly treated ACoAA were more common in women, 19 (63%) compared with men, 11 (37%). Seventy-seven per cent were in good grade (WFNS 1 & 2) before treatment. Three patients rebled before treatment. The aneurysms were less than 10 mm in maximal diameter in 27/30 patients. The follow-up period was from 1 to 53 months (mean 32.5, median 36.6 months). Excellent outcome was recorded for 11 patients (36.7%), good in seven patients (23.3%), fair in three patients (10%) and poor in four cases (13.3%). Five patients had died (mortality 16.7%). Favourable outcome was achieved in younger patients, women, and in those who presented in grades 1 and 2. The long-term radiological follow-up revealed residual necks in 13 patients. Only one has required retreatment and no rebleed has occurred in 3-6 years. This study reports a contemporary experience with the endovascular management of ACoAA. Long-term stability of the coil and good outcome is demonstrated. Endovascular treatment using GDC is an efficient technique for treating acutely ruptured ACoAA with little additional morbidity. The clinical and radiological results are comparable with those in the literature.

Variability in pupil size estimation

BACKGROUND

The clinical estimation of pupil size and reactivity is central to the neurological assessment of patients, particularly those with or at risk of neurological damage. Health care professionals who examine pupils have differing levels of skill and training, yet their recordings are passed along the patient care pathway and can influence care decisions. The aim of this study was to determine if any statistical differences existed in the estimation of pupil size by different groups of health care professionals.

METHODS

A total of 102 health care professionals working in the critical care environment were asked to estimate and record the pupil size of a series of 12 artificial eyes with varying pupil diameter and iris colour. All estimations were performed indoors under ambient lighting conditions.

RESULTS

Our results established a statistically significant difference between staff groups in the estimation of pupil size.

CONCLUSION

The demonstrated variability in pupil size estimation may not be clinically significant. However, it remains desirable to have consistency of measurement throughout the patient care pathway.

Intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalus after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: results from the STICH trial

INTRODUCTION

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), either independent of or as an extension of intracranial bleed, is thought to carry a grave prognosis. Although the effect of IVH on outcome in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage has been extensively reviewed in the literature, reports of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in similar situations have been infrequent. The association of hydrocephalus in such situations and its influence on outcome is also uncertain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

As a sub-analysis of data obtained through the international Surgical Trial in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (STICH), the impact of IVH, with or without the presence of hydrocephalus, on outcome in patients with spontaneous ICH was analyzed. CT scans of randomized patients were examined for IVH and/or hydrocephalus. Other characteristics of hematoma were evaluated to see if they influenced outcome, as defined by the STICH protocol.

RESULTS

Favorable outcomes were more frequent when IVH was absent (31.4% vs. 15.1%; p < 0.00001). The presence of hydrocephalus lowered the likelihood of favorable outcome still further to 11.5% (p = 0.031). In patients with IVH, early surgical intervention had a more favorable outcome (17.8%) compared to initial conservative management (12.4%) (p = 0.141).

CONCLUSION

The presence of IVH and hydrocephalus are independent predictors of poor outcome in spontaneous ICH. Early surgery is of some benefit in those with IVH.

Comparison of image quality, diagnostic confidence and interobserver variability in contrast enhanced MR angiography and 2D time of flight angiography in evaluation of carotid stenosis

The aim of this study was to compare image quality, level of diagnostic confidence and interobserver agreement in assessment of carotid stenosis with contrast enhanced MR angiography (CE MRA) in comparison with 2D time of flight MR angiography (2D TOF MRA). 60 carotid arteries in 30 patients were examined by three observers. Image quality and diagnostic confidence were assessed on the basis of a visual analogue scale. Interobserver variability was assessed with the help of intraclass correlation coefficient. Median values on the visual analogue scale for image quality and diagnostic confidence were higher for CE MRA compared with 2D TOF MRA for all three observers. Higher intraclass correlation values were recorded for interobserver variability for CE MRA compared with 2D TOF MRA both for visual estimation of carotid stenosis as well as for measurement of carotid stenosis on the basis of North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) and European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST) criteria. CE MRA provides better image quality, higher level of diagnostic confidence and more interobserver agreement compared with 2D TOF MRA.

Effect of awake Carotid Endarterectomy under local anaesthesia on peri-operative blood pressure: blood pressure is normalised when carotid stenosis is treated under local anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Carotid Endarterectomy can be performed under local, regional or general anaesthesia. One of the most important effects of the type of anaesthetic used is on the systemic blood pressure. Although variations in blood pressure during and following carotid endarterectomy have been studied previously, the effects of awake carotid endarterectomy under local anaesthesia on blood pressure and its comparison with similar procedures under similar types of anaesthesia have not.

METHODS

Peri-operative blood pressure measurements were collected from the records of 25 consecutive patients for each of the following five procedures; Carotid Endarterectomy under general anaesthesia (CEAGA), Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion under general anaesthesia (ACDF), Cerebral Angiography under local anaesthesia (ANG), Carotid Endarterectomy patients under local anaesthesia who were symptomatic (CEALAS) and Carotid Endarterectomy patients under local anaesthesia who were asymptomatic (CEALAA). The recordings were then analysed to find out if there were any clinically significant variations in peri-operative blood pressure.

FINDINGS

There is a significant and consistent difference when the pre-operative value was compared with the 4 hour and 24 hour post-operative recordings between the local and general anaesthetic groups for carotid endarterectomy. Carotid endarterectomy reduces the systolic and diastolic blood pressures post-operatively when performed under local anaesthesia and only the diastolic pressure was reduced when performed under general anaesthesia.

CONCLUSION

The study provides evidence about the effect of carotid endarterectomy on the systemic blood pressure and its variations when performed under different types of anaesthesia. There is significant post-operative reduction in both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure values and the intraoperative fluctuation is minimal when local anaesthesia is used. Further studies are required to find out how this affects the long-term blood pressure and clinical outcome of the patient.

Adoptive transfer of costimulated T cells induces lymphocytosis in patients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma following CD34+-selected hematopoietic cell transplantation

We explored the feasibility and toxicity of administering escalating doses of anti-CD3/CD28 ex vivo costimulated T cells as a therapeutic adjunct for patients with relapsed, refractory, or chemotherapy-resistant, aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) following high-dose chemotherapy and CD34+-selected hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Sixteen patients had infusions on day 14 after HCT of autologous T cells that had been stimulated using beads coated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies. At baseline, the subjects had severe quantitative and functional T-cell impairments. The culture procedure partially reversed impaired cytokine responsiveness in T cells in vitro and in vivo. Transient dose-dependent infusion toxicities were observed. There was a rapid reconstitution of lymphocytes; however, there were persistent defects in CD4 T cells. Most interestingly, 5 patients had a delayed lymphocytosis between day 30 and day 120 after HCT. Maximal clinical responses included 5 patients with a complete response (CR), 7 patients with a partial response (PR), and 4 patients with stable disease. At a median follow-up of 33 months (range, 26-60 months), 5 patients are alive with stable or relapsed disease and 3 patients remain in CR. In conclusion, this phase 1 trial demonstrates that adoptive transfer of autologous costimulated T cells (1) is feasible in heavily pretreated patients with advanced NHL, (2) is associated with a rapid recovery of lymphocyte counts, (3) reverses cytokine activation deficits in vitro, and (4) is associated with delayed lymphocytosis in a subset of patients.

A review of the literature on women's views on their maternity care in the community in the UK

OBJECTIVES

to review the UK literature relating to women's views on community-based maternity care between 1970 and 1998.

DESIGN

UK research studies examining community-based maternity care were identified by searching several electronic databases using defined search terms. Data extraction was carried out by two or more independent reviewers using a pro-forma. Findings are summarised in this paper.

FINDINGS

a total of 624 papers were retrieved and 241 met inclusion criteria. Only 40 papers included some form of comparison group. Examples from more recent and relevant papers focusing on women's views of their maternity care are described and discussed. Women expressed high levels of satisfaction with care. However, there are serious gaps in the research evidence. CONCLUSION AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: most of the papers included in the review were descriptive and few studies were of a size and quality to enable findings to be generalised to other groups and settings. More information is needed on the care process. There is a need for research studies to examine consumer views where different groups of women experience different care processes.

Serum concentration of adhesion molecules in patients with delayed ischaemic neurological deficit after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: the immunoglobulin and selectin superfamilies

OBJECTIVES

Adhesion molecules are involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischaemia and may play a part in the pathophysiology of delayed ischaemic neurological deficit (DIND) after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. It was hypothesised that after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, adhesion molecules may play a part in the pathophysiology of DIND as reflected by significantly altered serum concentrations in patients with and without DIND.

METHODS

In a prospective study, mean serum concentrations of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, PECAM, and E, P, and L-selectin were compared between patients without (n=23) and with (n=13) DIND in patients with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grades 1 or 2 subarachnoid haemorrhage. Serum was sampled from patients within 2 days of haemorrhage and on alternate days until discharge. Concentrations of adhesion molecules were measured by standard procedures using commercially available enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assays.

RESULTS

There were non-significant differences in serum concentrations of ICAM-1 (290.8 ng/ml v 238.4 ng/ml, p=0.0525), VCAM-1 (553.2 ng/ml v 425.8 ng/ml, p=0.053), and PECAM (22.0 ng/ml v 21.0 ng/ml, p=0.56) between patients without and with DIND respectively. The E-selectin concentration between the two patient groups (44.0 ng/ml v 37.4 ng/ml, p=0.33) was similar. The P-selectin concentration, however, was significantly higher in patients with DIND compared with those patients without DIND (149.5 ng/ml v 112.9 ng/ml, p=0.039). By contrast, serum L-selectin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with DIND (633.8 ng/ml v 897.9 ng/ml, p=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Of all the adhesion molecules examined in this study, P and L-selectin are involved in the pathophysiology of DIND after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Continuous monitoring of ICP and CPP following ICH and its relationship to clinical, radiological and surgical parameters

Sixty-two patients with a spontaneous supratentorial haemorrhage had continuous Intracranial Pressure (ICP) and Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP) monitoring. In addition to the recordings of physiological data their past medical history, presenting neurological state, Computed Tomograph (CT) findings, daily Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and outcome were noted. The mean age was 57.6 years (sd 13.3). Onset of recording, after ictus was at a mean of 32.6 hours (sd 26.0). Average length of recording was 62.0 hours (sd 39.8). Thirty-one patients had evacuation of haematoma, 6 insertion of External Ventricular Drain (EVD). Preoperative measures of ICP were significantly related to delayed neurological deterioration, death within three days and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at neurosurgical discharge. No such relationships existed with preoperative measures of CPP and neither ICP nor CPP was related to outcome at 6 months. Post-operative measures of both ICP and CPP demonstrated a significant relationship with death within three days of ictus and GOS at neurosurgical discharge. Again no relationship existed with these parameters and outcome at six months. Surgical evacuation of haematoma acted to significantly reduce ICP and improve CPP. Given that these factors seem to be related to deterioration, death and early outcome, it would seem that surgery could play a role in reducing mortality and improving outcome following Intra cerebral Haemorrhage (ICH).

The selectin superfamily: the role of selectin adhesion molecules in delayed cerebral ischaemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

Cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion injury may be exacerbated by leukocyte recruitment and activation. Adhesion molecules play a pivotal role in leukocyte recruitment. We report a prospective study of the potential role of the selectin family of adhesion molecules (E-, P- and L-selectin) in delayed cerebral ischaemia (DID) following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. In patients with good grade SAH, we have compared serum concentrations of E-, P- and L-selectin, between patients who do, and do not develop delayed cerebral ischaemia. There was no difference in E-selectin concentration between the two groups (44.0 ng/ml vs. 37.4 ng/ml). Serum P-selectin concentration was significantly higher in patients with DID compared to those patients without DID (149.5 ng/ml vs. 112.9 ng/ml, p = 0.039). Serum L-selectin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with DID (633.8 ng/ml vs 897.9 ng/ml, p = 0.013). We conclude that P- and L-selectin are involved in the pathogenesis of DID following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. The results of this study do not elucidate the exact role of each selectin in DID.

Surgery in intracerebral hemorrhage. The uncertainty continues

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 10% to 20% of stroke but carries the highest rates of mortality and morbidity of all stroke subtypes. Current treatment, however, is varied and haphazard. The most recent Cochrane systematic review refers to 4 prospective, randomized controlled trials. We present a further meta-analysis to include 3 new trials. In addition, we review the trials of Chen et al and McKissock et al and discuss aspects of their quality that, we believe, prevent their inclusion in modern day meta-analysis.

METHODS

Literature databases and articles were searched from 1966 to October 1999. Using the end points of death and dependency, the results of the 7 identified randomized trials were expressed as odds ratios. All available data were then analyzed with meta-analysis techniques. Analysis of relevant subsets of trials was also carried out.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of all 7 trials shows a trend toward a higher chance of death and dependency after surgery (OR 1.20; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.74). Meta-analysis was also carried out after exclusion of the Chen and McKissock trials for reasons discussed in the text. This meta-analysis suggests a benefit from surgery, with a reduction in the chances of death and dependency after surgical treatment by a factor of 0.63 (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.35 to 1.14).

CONCLUSIONS

When meta-analysis is restricted to modern-day, post-CT, well-constructed, balanced trials, a trend for surgery to reduce the chances of death and dependency is found. Perhaps, then, in the modern era of CT, good neuroanesthesia, intensive care, and the operating microscope, surgery has a role in the treatment of supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage. The results of a large, multicenter, randomized controlled trial are urgently needed, and the ongoing International Surgical Trial of Intracerebral Hemorrhage should fulfill this objective.

Predicting place of discharge from hospital for patients with a stroke or hip fracture on admission

OBJECTIVES

To determine the predictive power of patient and service characteristics on place of discharge following hospital admission for an acute stroke and for hip fracture.

METHODS

Prospective cohort of 440 acute stroke and 572 hip fracture patients aged 65 years or over admitted from home to six district general hospitals and associated community hospitals, three in the North and three in the South of England.

RESULTS

Age, marital status, living arrangements, mental health status at admission, pre-admission self-rated disability, pre-admission use of home-care services, post-admission staff assessments of functional dependency as measured by Barthel Index and of confusion as measured by the modified Crichton Royal Behavioural Rating Scale and nursing staffs' expectation of place of discharge are all significantly related to place of discharge for stroke and hip fracture participants. Logistic regression correctly predicted discharge destination for 87% of stroke patients from data available at time of admission and 83% of hip fracture patients. Of the 30% of stroke patients discharged to an institution, the model correctly predicted 73%. However, of the 19% of hip fracture patients discharged to an institution, only 28% were correctly predicted.

CONCLUSIONS

Data about older patients admitted to hospital with an acute condition should be routinely collected by hospital staff to inform clinical management and to permit risk-adjusted audit.

Outcomes following acute hospital care for stroke or hip fracture: how useful is an assessment of anxiety or depression for older people?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between severe life events and mental health outcomes following acute hospital care for older patients with acute stroke or fractured neck of femur.

DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal survey of stroke and hip fracture patients admitted to hospital from admission to 6-month follow-up.

SETTING

Six district general hospitals, three in the North and three in the South of England.

PARTICIPANTS

642 patients admitted to hospital with an acute stroke (268) or hip fracture (374) resident in a private household at 6 months follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, cognitive items of the Survey Psychiatric Assessment Scale, Clackmannan Disability Scale, Severe Life Events Inventory, Wenger Social Support Network Typology.

RESULTS

47% of 6-month survivors of stroke or hip fracture resident in private households had a possible psychiatric illness: dementia (13%), anxiety or depression (41%). 57% had severe or very severe disability and 48% experienced additional life events (17% two or more) after hospital admission. Severe disability was strongly associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety (p < 0.0005) or depression (p < 0.0001). Social contact was associated with a lower prevalence of anxiety (p < 0.01) or depression (p < 0.0001) and social support network type was strongly associated with depression (p < 0.001) but not anxiety (p = 0.096). Number of severe life events was associated with anxiety (p < 0.001) but not depression (p = 0.058).

CONCLUSION

Disability is probably a more robust outcome measure than assessments of mental health for older people in uncontrolled studies.

Are older people satisfied with discharge information?

In this article we report the views of older discharged patients who have had a stroke or have fractured the neck of their femur on the information they were given about their condition and treatment while in hospital. Structured face-to-face interviews carried out 10 days after discharge contained some open-ended questions. Responses to a question on information were coded according to whether they were indicative of satisfaction. These responses were also analysed qualitatively to identify themes: 41% reported satisfaction with information and 40% dissatisfaction. The responses of the remaining 19% could not be coded either way. Views indicative of dissatisfaction were more likely to be expressed by subjects with the poorest outcomes and those who had experienced most ward moves. All staff should be vigilant in ensuring that information is always clearly conveyed to the most frail patients.

Prolonging life at home: what is the cost?

This paper describes one of the first attempts at an economic evaluation of a community care initiative for elderly mentally infirm people and their carers. It is demonstrated that community support provided mainly through an innovative Family Support Unit (FSU) is almost three times more costly than that which would otherwise be provided. However, FSU support results in prolonged life at home for elderly mentally infirm people, thus saving costly long-term care beds. If life at home is preferable to long-term care, FSU care can be judged cost effective. However, regarding implementation of such schemes, cash-limited local authorities appear to be forced to take on schemes which, despite being cost effective when taking a broad range of resources into account, cost more than they save as far as the local authority itself is concerned.

Factors influencing the feeding of first-born infants

Influences on the choice and use of an infant feeding method by primigravidae were studied from late pregnancy until six months after delivery. Data were collected by home interviews and postal questionnaires, and from hospital case-notes. Three-quarters of the women had chosen a method before their first hospital visit and most adhered to their choice. Mothers named midwives and health visitors more often than other health professionals as appropriate for discussions about feeding. However, there was little evidence of the influence of health professionals apart from an association between hospital feeding practices and duration of breast feeding. The major influences on mothers were socio-cultural. Findings suggest that breast feeding can be encouraged by a wide dissemination of information, by enabling mothers to discuss feeding with their preferred professional, by respecting an early choice of method, and by encouraging demand feeding which should begin soon after delivery.