Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
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Clinical Trial
The effect of caffeine on dilated cerebral circulation and on diagnostic CO2 reactivity testing.
Reduction of cerebral blood flow by caffeine has been shown in multiple studies. However, the effect of this substance on pathologically dilated cerebral vessels is not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of caffeine on an already dilated cerebral circulation and specify if these vessels are still able to constrict as a consequence of caffeine stimulation. ⋯ Despite significant reactive vasodilatation in the brain microcirculation, caffeine is still able to act as a competitive antagonist of CO(2) on cerebral microvessels. The fact that caffeine may decrease CBF despite significant pathological vasodilatation offers the possibility of therapeutic manipulation in patients with traumatic vasoparalysis. For routine clinical testing of CO(2) reactivity it is not necessary to insist on pre-test dietary restrictions.
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Aneurysms are seen rarely at the P2-P3 junction of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). P2-P3 junction aneurysm surgery is challenging. Here, a successful clipping of a large P2-P3 junction aneurysm via a subtemporal approach is reported. ⋯ Coil embolization has been suggested as the treatment of choice but PCA aneurysms are also good candidates for microsurgical clipping. The subtemporal approach is simple and safe in experienced hands. P2-P3 junction PCA aneurysms can be successfully clipped via the subtemporal approach without excessive brain retraction, resection of brain tissue or disruption of surface veins.
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In the past 5 years cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) management has become mainstream in the treatment of severe head injuries. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons guidelines (2000) suggest that CPP should be maintained at least 70 mmHg; however, there is still debate about optimal CPP level. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of three widely used therapies: intracranial pressure (ICP)-targeted therapy, CPP-targeted therapy with CPP > 70 mmHg, and modified CPP-targeted therapy with CPP > 60 mmHg. ⋯ Highest intake/output ratio, amount of vasopressor used, and pulmonary complication rates were seen in group CPP patients. Group mCPP patients showed the best clinical outcome and lowest complication rate. Though CPP-targeted therapy is the most recommended therapeutic protocol, our data showed that the outcome is as good in the mCPP-targeted group with CPP > 60 mmHg as in the CPP-targeted group, but complications are fewer in the mCPP group.