Neurocritical care
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Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are being increasingly utilized in hospitalized patients as alternatives to centrally inserted central venous catheters (CICVCs). However, concern exists over the risk of PICC-related large vein thrombosis (PRLVT). The incidence rate and significance of symptomatic PRLVT in critically ill patients admitted to the neurological intensive care unit (ICU) is not known. ⋯ Symptomatic PRLVT is not uncommon in critically ill patients admitted to the neurological ICU. Future research should focus on indentifying modifiable risk factors for PRLVT and on comparing major cumulative complication rates between PICCs and CICVCs.
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Hypovolemia is common after subarachnoid hemorrhage, and fluid imbalance negatively affects clinical outcome. Standard bedside volume measures fail to adequately assess fluid status after subarachnoid hemorrhage. ⋯ These studies highlight that fluid status is often affected and difficult to assess after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Both non-invasive and invasive monitors may be used to more accurately define volume status.
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Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte imbalance seen in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, occurring in one-third to one-half of patients. Hyponatremia may be caused by cerebral salt wasting and by the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone or a combination of both. Limited data are available describing hyponatremia treatment in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. ⋯ Seven appropriate articles were identified as followed: three testing fludrocortisone, two hydrocortisone, and one each for hypertonic saline and 5% albumin. Data quality for treatment efficacy and safety were moderate for corticosteroid studies and low or very low for hypertonic saline and 5% albumin. Available data, although limited, support early treatment with corticosteroids to limit hyponatremia, with fludrocortisone causing fewer side effects.
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An electronic literature search through August 2010 was performed to obtain articles describing fever incidence, impact, and treatment in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. A total of 24 original research studies evaluating fever in SAH were identified, with studies evaluating fever and outcome, temperature control strategies, and shivering. Fever during acute hospitalization for subarachnoid hemorrhage was consistently linked with worsened outcome and increased mortality. Antipyretic medications, surface cooling, and intravascular cooling may all reduce temperatures in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage; however, benefits from cooling may be offset by negative consequences from shivering.