Neurocritical care
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Timely intensive care unit (ICU) admission for patients with encephalitis is associated with better prognosis. Therefore, our aim was to create a risk score predicting ICU admission in adults with encephalitis, which could aid in optimal management and resource allocation. ⋯ ICU admission is common in patients with encephalitis, regardless of etiology. Our risk score, encompassing neurologic and systemic factors, may aid physicians in decisions regarding intensity of care for adult patients with encephalitis upon hospital admission.
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Cerebral edema is a common, potentially life-threatening complication in critically ill patients with acute brain injury. However, uncertainty remains regarding best monitoring and treatment strategies, which may result in wide practice variations. ⋯ Cerebral edema monitoring and management strategies vary. Features associated with practice variations include both practitioner and institutional characteristics. We provide a foundation for understanding practice patterns that is crucial for informing educational initiatives, standardizing guidelines, and conducting future trials.
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Patients with severe acute brain injury have a high risk of a poor clinical outcome due to primary and secondary brain injury. Ketamine reportedly inhibits cortical spreading depolarization, an electrophysiological phenomenon that has been associated with secondary brain injury, making ketamine potentially attractive for patients with severe acute brain injury. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the current literature regarding ketamine for patients with severe acute brain injury. ⋯ The level of evidence regarding the effects of ketamine on functional outcome and serious adverse events in patients with severe acute brain injury is very low. Ketamine may markedly, modestly, or not at all affect these outcomes. Large randomized clinical trials at low risk of bias are needed.
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We developed a noninvasive biomarker to quantify the rate of ventricular blood clearance in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and extension to the ventricles-intraventricular hemorrhage. ⋯ In conclusion, vFA and vMD may serve as biomarkers for VBV status.