Neurocritical care
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In recent years, a multitude of clinical grading scales have been created to help identify patients at greater risk of poor outcome following ICH. We sought to validate and compare eight of the most frequently used ICH grading scales in a prospective cohort. ⋯ Though significant differences were minimal in our cohort, we showed the existing selection of ICH grading scales to be useful in stratifying patients according to risk of mortality and poor functional outcome. Continued validation and comparison in large prospective cohorts will bring the goal of a singular prognostic model for ICH closer to fruition.
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Craniotomy is potentially life-saving in selected patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Aside from specific scenarios (cerebellar hemorrhage with hydrocephalus, midline shift from an accessible lesion, etc.) the indications for surgical decompression are controversial. Based on the earlier work that aspirin and reduced platelet activity are associated with larger hemorrhage size and hemorrhage growth, we tested the hypothesis that aspirin or reduced platelet activity would be associated with increased odds of craniotomy, likely through hemorrhage growth. ⋯ After correction for ICH volume and location, aspirin use or reduced platelet activity was associated with similar increased odds for craniotomy.
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Comparative Study
Non-invasive methods of estimating intracranial pressure.
Non-invasive measurement of intracranial pressure can be invaluable in the management of critically ill patients. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to evaluate the different methods of measuring intracranial pressure. ⋯ In addition, multiple techniques of measuring the optic nerve and the optic nerve sheath diameter have been studied. Ultrasound measurements of the optic nerve sheath diameter and Doppler flow are especially promising and may be useful in selected settings.
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Comparative Study
Comparison between cerebral tissue oxygen tension and energy metabolism in experimental subdural hematoma.
An experimental swine model (n = 7) simulating an acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) was employed (1) to explore the relation between the brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO(2)) and the regional cerebral energy metabolism as obtained by microdialysis, and (2) to define the lowest level of PbtO(2) compatible with intact energy metabolism. ⋯ PbtO(2) monitoring accurately describes tissue oxygenation but does not disclose whether the oxygen delivery is sufficient for maintaining cerebral energy metabolism. Accordingly, it may not be possible to define a threshold level for PbtO(2) below which energy failure and permanent tissue damage occurs.
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Comparative Study
The association between proton pump inhibitor use and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
For many patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), initiation of acid suppression therapy is concordant with guidelines and has become standard of care in neurological intensive care units. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between type of acid suppression therapy and outcome following aneurysmal SAH. ⋯ Type of acid suppression therapy was not associated with DNDs or delayed infarction following aneurysmal SAH. However, PPI use was associated with poorer functional outcome. Further study of acid suppression therapy and PPI use following SAH is warranted.