Neurocritical care
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Many demographic and physiological variables have been associated with TBI outcomes. However, with small sample sizes, making spurious inferences is possible. This paper explores the effect of sample sizes on statistical relationships between patient variables (both physiological and demographic) and outcome. ⋯ Low power tests, generally achieved with small sample sizes, may produce misleading conclusions, especially when they are based only on p values and the dichotomized criteria of rejecting/not-rejecting the null hypothesis. We recommend reporting confidence intervals and effect sizes in a more complete and contextualized data analysis.
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Multicenter Study
Prevention of Hypoxemia During Apnea Testing: A Comparison of Oxygen Insufflation And Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
Apnea testing is an essential step in the clinical diagnosis of brain death. Current international guidelines recommend placement of an oxygen (O2) insufflation catheter into the endotracheal tube to prevent hypoxemia, but use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) valve may be more effective at limiting arterial partial pressure of O2 (PO2) reduction. ⋯ Both methods of O2 supplementation are associated with similar changes in arterial PO2 and PCO2. Performance of ABGs at regular intervals shortens apnea test duration and may avoid excessive pH reduction and consequent hemodynamic effects.
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Basilar artery occlusion can cause locked-in syndrome, which is characterized by quadriplegia, anarthria, and limited communication via eye movements. Here, we describe an uncommon stroke syndrome associated with endovascular recanalization of the top of the basilar artery: "reverse locked-in syndrome." ⋯ Since the patient's deficits were the exact opposite of those described in locked-in syndrome, we propose the term "reverse locked-in syndrome" to describe this neurological entity characterized by bilateral ptosis, non-reactive pupils, and ophthalmoplegia with preservation of consciousness and extremity motor function.
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Oral anticoagulant (OAT)-associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a life-threatening emergency for which prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) are considered first-line reversal agents. The only approved PCC in the USA for warfarin-associated ICH is non-activated PCC. Little data are available regarding the safety and effectiveness of factor VIII inhibitor bypassing activity (FEIBA) which is an activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC). The aim of this analysis was to assess the safety and effectiveness of FEIBA compared to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for reversal of OAT-associated ICH. ⋯ Administration of FEIBA does not appear to increase the risk of thrombotic events compared with FFP. FEIBA administration resulted in faster INR reversal with a trend toward shorter time to neurosurgical intervention. However, there was no difference in hematoma expansion, mortality or length of stay.
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The weaning target in tracheotomised patients is not extubation, but spontaneous breathing without the support of a ventilator. Overloading the respiratory pump during such spontaneous breathing trials is unfavorable, prolongs weaning time, and increases morbidity and mortality. The goal of this study was to evaluate the electrical activity of the diaphragm during a t-piece trial in non-communicative neurological patients and the comparison to clinical parameters of exhaustion. ⋯ Monitoring the electrical activity of the diaphragm in non-communicative neurological patients in prolonged weaning allows earlier detection of exhaustion than protocol-based parameters.