Acta neurochirurgica. Supplement
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Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2011
ReviewComparison of different preclinical models of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating type of stroke. It is characterized by spontaneous bleeding in brain parenchyma and is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Presently, there is neither an effective therapy to increase survival after intracerebral hemorrhage nor a treatment to improve the quality of life for survivors. ⋯ The "balloon" method has also been used to mimic ICH for study. In this summary, we intend to provide a comparative overview of the technical methods, aspects, and pathologic findings of these types of ICH models. We will also focus on the similarities and differences among these rodent models, achievements in technical aspects of the ICH model, and discuss important aspects in selecting relevant models for study.
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Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialLong term intrathecal infusion of opiates for treatment of failed back surgery syndrome.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) is a multidimensional painful condition and its treatment remains a challenge for the surgeons. Prolonged intrathecal infusion of opiates for treatment of noncancer pain also remains a controversial issue. The authors present a prospective study about the long-term treatment of 30 patients with nonmalignant pain treated with intrathecal infusion of morphine from February, 1996 to May, 2004. ⋯ There was improvement of the quality of life measured by SF-36 (30.8-49.6) and in all dimensions of the Treatment of Pain Survey, except for working capacity. The follow-up period ranged from 18 to 98 months (mean = 46.7 months). It was concluded that intrathecal infusion of morphine is a useful and safe tool for long-term treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain.
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Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2011
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialClinical trial of nicardipine prolonged-release implants for preventing cerebral vasospasm: multicenter cooperative study in Tokyo.
since October 1999, nicardipine pellets (NP) have been used to prevent vasospasm in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We started a multicenter cooperative study on Jan 1, 2007, and 136 patients in six hospitals were enrolled to this trial in 2 years. The incidence of cerebral vasospasm and outcome were examined in these patients. ⋯ the incidence of cerebral vasospasm in this multicenter trial is similar to that of our first trial performed in a single center.
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Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains to be a devastating disease with high mortality and morbidity. Two major areas are becoming the focus of the research interest of SAH: these are cerebral vasospasm (CVS) and early brain injury (EBI). This mini review will provide a broad summary of the major advances in experimental SAH during the last 3 years. ⋯ Inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the pathophysiology of both CVS and EBI. Apoptosis, a major component of EBI after SAH, also underlie the etiology of CVS. Since we recognize now that CVS and EBI are the two major contributors to the significant mortality and morbidity associated with SAH, ongoing research will continue to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological pathways and treatment strategies targeting both CVS and EBI may be more successful and improve outcome of patients with SAH.
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Acta Neurochir. Suppl. · Jan 2011
Clinical TrialIntravascular hypothermia for acute hemorrhagic stroke: a pilot study.
The use of intravascular hypothermia in the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke is currently still being researched. The exact therapeutic properties and effect of hypothermia on the natural progression of the disease are not known, and a only small number of papers has been published with results from these studies. Mild hypothermia at 34°C was induced in six patients with hemorrhagic stroke in the first 48 h after presentation, using an intravascular catheter placed in the inferior vena cava. ⋯ The patients were then followed up using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) for 6 months and 1 year. There was a statistically significant improvement at 6 months and 1 year follow-up using the mRS score in the hypothermia group, indicating a possible beneficial effect of early therapeutic hypothermia in the management of acute hemorrhagic stroke. However, a larger study is needed in order to confirm our finding.