Neurological research
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Neurological research · Oct 2010
Cilostazol attenuates cerebral vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Cerebral vasospasm is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3, is a peripheral vasodilator, an anti-inflammatory, and causes antiplatelet aggregation. We investigated these effects on cerebral vasospasm after rat SAH. ⋯ This work demonstrates that cilostazol attenuates cerebral vasospasm after SAH in rat, possibly in part due to the anti-inflammatory effect.
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Neurological research · Sep 2010
Neuroform stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms: a 5 year single-center experience and follow-up.
Wide-necked and fusiform aneurysms still remain a therapeutic challenge both surgically and endovascularly. The authors report their clinical experience and 5 year follow-up results using Neuroform stent, as an adjunct in the treatment of wide-necked and fusiform aneurysms. ⋯ In treating complex intracranial aneurysms, the Neuroform stent-assisted coiling is a secure and effective technique.
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Neurological research · Sep 2010
High ICP as trigger of proinflammatory IL-6 cytokine activation in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
There is a rising debate about the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) such as intracranial hypertension (intracranial pressure, ICP >20 mmHg). This study aimed to analyse the origin of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in respect to ICP and cerebral metabolism in SAH patients. ⋯ Intracranial hypertension is associated with a strong activation of the inflammatory cascade in the brain and systemic circulation, and might be underestimated as proinflammmatory trigger in the pathogenesis of complications after SAH. Future therapies targeting anti-inflammatory response in plasma may help to reduce the inflammatory cascade responsible for development of intracranial hypertension.
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Neurological research · Sep 2010
Impact of platelet transfusion on hematoma expansion in patients receiving antiplatelet agents before intracerebral hemorrhage.
Patients receiving antiplatelet medications are reported to be at increased risk for hematoma enlargement and worse clinical outcomes following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). While platelet transfusions are frequently administered to counteract qualitative platelet defects in the setting of ICH, conclusive evidence in support of this therapeutic strategy is lacking. In fact, platelet transfusions may be associated with adverse effects, and represent a finite resource. We sought to determine the clinical efficacy of platelet transfusion and its impact on systemic complications following ICH in a cohort of patients receiving antiplatelet medications. ⋯ This study suggests that platelet administration does not reduce the frequency of hematoma expansion in ICH patients receiving antiplatelet medications. This lack of efficacy may relate to transfusion timing, as a significant proportion of hematoma expansion occurs within 6 hours post-ictus. Additionally, the increased rates of hematoma expansion in the clopidogrel cohort may relate to its prolonged half-life. A larger, prospective study is warranted.
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Neurological research · Jul 2010
ReviewDiagnosis and management of Rosai-Dorfman disease involving the central nervous system.
Rosai-Dorfman disease is a benign non-neoplastic proliferative disorder of histiocytes originally described in the cervical lymph nodes. Extranodal sites were later recognized, and by 1990, they were shown to represent over 40% of cases; however, central nervous system involvement is still considered rare. We review the literature, which shows a steady increase in reports of Rosai-Dorfman disease involving the brain and/or spine. ⋯ Rosai-Dorfman disease involving the central nervous system appears to be more common than previously thought and may well assume a more prominent place in the differential diagnoses of dural-based lesions. Expert awareness of the characteristic histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the disease is required for accurate diagnosis.