Neurocritical care
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Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a well-known complication of acute brain injury. Neurogenic stunned myocardium (NSM) occurs clinically in a significant subset of patients with NPE. A 49-year-old woman developed refractory cerebral vasospasm requiring angioplasty following a subarachnoid hemorrhage. ⋯ A 56-year-old woman developed NPE during complicated coil embolization of an internal carotid artery aneurysm. Cardiac function was normal, and the NPE resolved with a brief period of mechanical ventilation and diuresis. The delayed appearance of NSM and NPE during endovascular therapy in these patients implies a degree of risk for sympathetically mediated cardiopulmonary dysfunction during complex intracranial endovascular procedures.
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We evaluated the effect of induced hypothermia on biochemical parameters in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. ⋯ Hypothermia of 33 degrees for 48-72 hours does not appear to increase the risk for coagulopathy and infections, although hypothermic patients exhibited significant increments in inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and white blood counts after rewarming.
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Use of hypertonic saline (HTS) is gaining acceptance in the neurosciences critical care unit (NCCU) based on its efficacy in reducing cerebral edema and its favorable hemodynamic profile. In the NCCU, unfamiliarity with the use of HTS may result in implementation difficulties. We report our initial experience using HTS, its ability to achieve a hypernatremic state, and adverse effects. ⋯ The use of HTS for cerebral edema requires intensive efforts by the medical team to rapidly achieve and maintain a hypernatremic state. The continuous infusion of HTS was used safely.
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Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is being increasingly used in patients with chronic neuromuscular disorders, but the optimal ventilation mode remains unknown. We compared physiological short-term effects of assist/controlled ventilation (ACV) and two pressure-limited modes (pressure-support ventilation [PSV] and assist pressure-controlled ventilation [ACPV]) in patients with neuromuscular disease who needed NIV. ⋯ In chronic, stable patients with neuromuscular disease, both noninvasive ACV, ACPV, and PSV had similar effects on alveolar ventilation and respiratory muscle unloading, despite some differences in the pattern of breathing and percentage of triggered cycles.
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To describe a technique for the induction of hypothermia and its complications for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. ⋯ Surface cooling for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke can be performed rapidly with early neuromuscular paralysis. Advanced age and prolonged hypothermia may be associated with an increased risk of complications.