Neurocritical care
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Frequency of imaging markers (FIM) has been identified as an independent predictor of hematoma expansion in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but its impact on clinical outcome of ICH is yet to be determined. The aim of the present study was to investigate this association. ⋯ The metric of FIM is associated with 3-month poor outcome after ICH. The novel indicator that helps identify patients who are likely within the 6-h time window at risk for worse outcome would be a valuable addition to the clinical management of ICH.
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Today, invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) measurement remains the standard, but its invasiveness limits availability. Here, we evaluate a novel ultrasound-based optic nerve sheath parameter called the deformability index (DI) and its ability to assess ICP noninvasively. Furthermore, we ask whether combining DI with optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), a more established parameter, results in increased diagnostic ability, as compared to using ONSD alone. ⋯ Combining ONSD with DI holds the potential of increasing the ability of optic nerve sheath parameters in the noninvasive assessment of ICP, compared to using ONSD alone, and further study of DI is warranted.
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Neuromonitoring devices are often used in traumatic brain injury. The objective of this report is to raise awareness concerning variations in optimal cerebral perfusion pressure (CPPopt) determination using exploratory information provided by two neuromonitoring monitors that are part of research programs (Moberg CNS Monitor and RAUMED NeuroSmart LogO). ⋯ These wide variations recorded in the same patient are worrisome and reiterate the importance of understanding and standardizing the methodology and algorithms behind commercial neuromonitoring devices prior to incorporating them in clinical use.
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Observational Study
Prospective Observational Study of Volatile Sedation with Sevoflurane After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Using the Sedaconda Anesthetic Conserving Device.
Volatile sedation is still used with caution in patients with acute brain injury because of safety concerns. We analyzed the effects of sevoflurane sedation on systemic and cerebral parameters measured by multimodal neuromonitoring in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) with normal baseline intracranial pressure (ICP). ⋯ Sevoflurane appears to be a feasible alternative to intravenous sedation in patients with aSAH without intracranial hypertension, as our study did not show negative effects on ICP, cerebral oxygenation, or brain metabolism. Nevertheless, the risk of a decrease of MAP leading to a consecutive CPP decrease should be considered.
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We performed an analysis of a large intensive care unit electronic database to provide preliminary estimates of various blood pressure parameters in patients with acute stroke receiving intravenous (IV) antihypertensive medication and determine the relationship with in-hospital outcomes. ⋯ We found that SBP fluctuations were associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with acute stroke. IV antihypertensive medication reduced SBP but did not reduce SBP fluctuations in this observational study. Our results highlight the need for optimizing therapeutic interventions to reduce SBP fluctuations in patients with acute stroke.