Neurocritical care
-
Subjective scoring of pupil reactivity is a fundamental element of the neurological examination for which the pupillometer provides an objective measure. ⋯ Despite the strong emphasis placed on the traditional pupil examination, especially for patients with a neurological illness, there is limited interrater reliability for subjective scoring of pupillary assessments. Thus, the use of automated pupillometers should be examined as a potential method to increase the reliability of measuring of pupil reactivity.
-
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of continuous electroencephalogram (cEEG) during the first 48 h following cardiac arrest (CA) in patients treated with targeted temperature management (TTM). ⋯ cEEG can identify patients with poor outcome from the first hours following CA, with limited predictive value for good outcome. Epileptiform activity did not improve the prognostic accuracy of EEG, but seizures and generalized periodic discharges were associated with poor outcome even when developing on a benign EEG pattern.
-
Cardiac dysfunction may occur after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Although it is associated with poor outcome, the pathophysiological mechanism of this association remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between cardiac function and cerebral perfusion in patients with aSAH. ⋯ aSAH patients with cardiac dysfunction have decreased focal and global cerebral perfusion. Further studies should evaluate whether this relation is explained by a direct effect of cardiac dysfunction on cerebral circulation or by an external determinant, such as a hypercatecholaminergic or hypometabolic state, influencing both cardiac function and cerebral perfusion.
-
Early identification of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a major challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate whether quantitative EEG (qEEG) features can detect DCI prior to clinical or radiographic findings. ⋯ In this study, ADR and alpha variability could detect DCI development before ischemic changes on CT scan was apparent and before clinical deterioration was noted. Implementation of cEEG in aSAH patients can probably improve early detection of DCI.
-
Association of Extubation Failure and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Acute Neurologic Illness.
An association between extubation failure and neurologic and functional outcomes in patients with primary neurologic illness has not been investigated rigorously. We plan to conduct a retrospective chart review to study this association. ⋯ In patients with acute neurological illness, extubation failure is associated with longer ICU and hospital stays but does not impact hospital mortality. Patients with extubation failure may experience a worsening of their functional status over time.