Neurocritical care
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Transcranial Doppler (TCD) can detect the cerebral circulation arrest (CCA) in brain death. TCD is highly specific, but less sensitive because of false-negatives accounting for up to 10%. The aim of the study was to explore the diagnostic accuracy of TCD and to determine whether it can be augmented by strategies such as the insonation of the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and sequential examinations. ⋯ The addition of insonation of the cervical ICA and of the siphon increased sensitivity of TCD. Nevertheless, a CCA flow patterns may appear later on those segments. Serial examinations, may be needed in those cases.
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There are few predictors of acute lung injury (ALI) or the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We hypothesized that cardiac troponin I, which is associated with cardiovascular morbidity, would also predict ALI. ⋯ Troponin I is associated with the development of ALI after SAH.
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Clinical Trial
Feasibility of a continuous computerized monitoring of cerebral autoregulation in neurointensive care.
In order to monitor cerebral autoregulation status, a software package was developed to calculate a cerebral autoregulation index (pressure reactivity index, PRx). The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the application of this methodology is feasible and useful in the clinical setting. ⋯ Our study demonstrates that a daily bedside measure of cerebral autoregulation is feasible. PRx values can support clinicians in the identification of a targeted CPP in patients suffering from different intracranial pathologies and requiring an intensive monitoring.
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The placement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion devices requires an appropriate technical expertise associated with proper surgical training in order to minimize undue complications. This study sought to review a single institution's experience with placement of external ventricular drains (EVD) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts as performed by neurosurgeons with procedure-specific training. ⋯ The placement of intraventricular catheters by neurosurgeons remains a relatively safe and effective procedure that is associated with infrequent rates of symptomatic hemorrhage and infection.
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Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the Western World and is a condition seen by Neurologists, General Physicians and Primary Care Physicians. Neurogenic pulmonary edema can complicate the management of large strokes and cerebral hemorrhage. While the principles of management of this type of pulmonary edema are similar to the more common cardiogenic pulmonary edema, placing a patient in the prone position may be a helpful maneuver facilitating recovery. ⋯ This technique of prone positioning for ventilation is of importance to physicians who manage stroke and its complications.