Neurocritical care
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Subdural hematomas are not infrequent among patients with hematologic disorders as they are prone to thrombocytopenia from their disease and chemotherapy. However, rarely these patients can also have leukemic involvement of the subdural space. ⋯ Myeloid sarcoma can mimic subdural hematoma both clinically and radiologically. It should be considered when a patient with a prior leukemia and no antecedent trauma presents with an extra-axial lesion.
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The aim of this study is to review and summarize the relevant literature regarding pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods of prophylaxis against gastrointestinal (GI) stress ulceration, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill patients. Stress ulcers are a known complication of a variety of critical illnesses. The literature regarding epidemiology and management of stress ulcers and complications thereof, is vast and mostly encompasses patients in medical and surgical intensive care units. ⋯ There is a paucity of high-level evidence studies that apply to the neurocritical care population. From this study, it is concluded that stress ulcer prophylaxis among critically ill neurologic and neurosurgical patients is important in preventing ulcer-related GI hemorrhage that contributes to both morbidity and mortality. Further, prospective trials are needed to elucidate which methods of prophylaxis are most appropriate and efficacious for specific illnesses in this population.
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Advanced hemodynamic monitoring is necessary for many patients with acute brain and/or spinal cord injury. Optimizing cerebral and systemic physiology requires multi-organ system function monitoring. ⋯ These include transpulmonary thermodilution, arterial pressure pulse contour, and waveform analysis and bedside critical care ultrasound. A thorough understanding of hemodynamics and of the available monitoring modalities is an essential skill for the neurointensivist.
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Comparative Study
Early platelet transfusion improves platelet activity and may improve outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage.
In patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), reduced platelet activity on admission predicts hemorrhage growth and poor outcomes. We tested the hypotheses that platelet transfusion improves measured platelet activity. Further, we hypothesized that earlier treatment in patients at high risk for hemorrhage growth and poor outcome would reduce follow-up hemorrhage size and poor clinical outcomes. ⋯ In patients at high risk for hemorrhage growth and poor outcome, early platelet transfusion improved platelet activity assay results and was associated with smaller final hemorrhage size and more independence at 3 months.
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Autonomic dysfunction after stroke is common and relates to unfavorable outcome. The pathophysiology of autonomic impairment after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown. This study examined the relationship between intraventricular hemorrhage extension (IVH) and autonomic dysregulation after ICH. ⋯ Hematoma extension to the third and fourth ventricle seems to cause profound autonomic dysregulation, possibly contributing to poor outcome. Patients with IVH in this location should be monitored vigorously to prevent and treat complications of autonomic failure.