Neurocritical care
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Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) have become the first-line therapy for warfarin reversal in the setting of central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage. Randomized, controlled studies comparing agents for warfarin reversal excluded patients with international normalized ratio (INR) <2, yet INR values of 1.6-1.9 are also associated with poor outcomes. ⋯ The administration of low dose (15 units/kg) of 4F-PCC for urgent warfarin reversal in the setting of CNS hemorrhage was effective in correcting the INR in patients presenting with INR values of 1.6-1.9. Further assessment of low-dose PCC for urgent reversal of modest INR elevation is warranted.
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The use of antiplatelet or anticoagulants has previously been shown to increase hemorrhagic complications of ventricular catheterization. Although heparin use 24 h after ventriculostomy appears safe, the safety of heparin immediately (within 4 h) after ventriculostomy is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the safety of heparin immediately (within 4 h) after ventriculostomy in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients undergoing endovascular treatment. ⋯ Although heparin appears to be safe after 4 h, immediate heparinization (within 4 h) after ventriculostomy significantly increases the odds of tract hemorrhage. Additional time should be afforded between ventriculostomy and heparinization to avoid potentially devastating external ventricular drain tract hemorrhage. It is advisable to wait a sufficient time (at least 4 h) after ventriculostomy before embarking on endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms.
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The brain, due to intensive cellular processes and maintenance of electrochemical gradients, is heavily dependent on a constant supply of energy. Brain injury, and critical illness in general, induces a state of increased metabolism and catabolism, which has been proven to lead to poor outcomes. Of all the biochemical interventions undertaken in the ICU, providing nutritional support is perhaps one of the most undervalued, but potentially among the safest, and most effective interventions. ⋯ However, there are no such specific guidelines for the critically ill patient with neurological injury. Patients with primary or secondary neurological disorders are frequently undernourished, while data suggest this population would benefit from early and adequate nutritional support, although comprehensive clinical evidence is lacking. We review the joint recommendations from the Society for Critical Care Medicine and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, as they pertain to neurocritical care, and assess the recommendations for addressing nutrition in this patient population.
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Observational Study
Early-Onset Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Consequences in Cerebral Oxygenation and Outcome.
Early-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia (EOVAP) occurs frequently in severe traumatic brain-injured patients, but potential consequences on cerebral oxygenation and outcome have been poorly studied. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence, risk factors for, and consequences on cerebral oxygenation and outcome of EOVAP after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ EOVAP is frequent after a severe TBI (overall rate: 61%), with therapeutic hypothermia, severe thoracic lesion, and gastric aspiration as main risk factors. EOVAP had a negative impact on cerebral oxygenation measured by PbtO2 and was independently associated with unfavorable outcome at 1-year follow-up. This suggests that all precautions available should be taken to prevent EOVAP in this population.