Neurocritical care
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Observational Study
The Utility of Serum Procalcitonin in Distinguishing Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome from Infection After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.
Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) occurs frequently after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). It is a clinical challenge to distinguish between SIRS and incipient infection. Procalcitonin (PCT) has been studied among general critical care patients as a biomarker for infection. We hypothesized that PCT could be useful to distinguish SIRS from sepsis in aSAH patients. ⋯ Procalcitonin of 0.2 ng/mL or greater was demonstrated to be very specific for sepsis among patients with aSAH. Further studies should validate this result and establish its clinical applicability.
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We hypothesized that the degree of preserved functional connectivity within the DMN during the first week after cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) would be associated with functional outcome at hospital discharge. ⋯ Among initially comatose CPA survivors with indeterminate prognosis, task-free fMRI demonstrated graded disruption of DMN connectivity, especially in those with bad outcomes. If confirmed, connectivity strength in the PC/PCC may provide a clinically useful prognostic marker for functional recovery after CPA.
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There is controversy whether asymptomatic vasospasm in other arteries should be concurrently treated (global treatment) in patients receiving targeted endovascular treatment [percutaneous-transluminal-angioplasty (PTA) and/or intra-arterial (IA) vasodilators] for focal symptomatic vasospasm. ⋯ High risk of new occurrence of ischemic symptoms in previously asymptomatic (and untreated) arterial distributions among patients receiving targeted treatment should be recognized. Further studies should evaluate the benefit of performing global endovascular treatment during the initial targeted endovascular treatment session.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of a Low, Fixed Dose and a High, Weight-Based Dose of Recombinant Factor VIIa in the Treatment of Warfarin-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage.
Recombinant activated Factor VII (rFVIIa) can be used for rapid INR normalization in patients with warfarin-associated intracranial hemorrhage (WA-ICH); however, the optimal dose to normalize INR has not been established. ⋯ A low, fixed dose of rFVIIa appears to be as effective as a high, weight-based dose in achieving INR normalization in patients with WA-ICH.
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The efficacy of administering single bolus doses of 14.6 or 23.4 % hypertonic saline (HTS) to treat refractory intracranial hypertension has been demonstrated in the literature and has emerged as an important therapeutic option in treating these patients. However, many institutions lack experience with this therapy and there are few published studies evaluating the safety of repeated bolus dosing of HTS. ⋯ Repeat bolus dosing of 14.6 or 23.4 % HTS appears to be relatively safe and effective for treating refractory intracranial hypertension assuming there is frequent electrolyte monitoring and concomitant fluid management.