Fisher Scale Research Articles

Correlation between tomographic scales and vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

To determine the prevalence of sonographic vasospasm and delayed ischemic deficit in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, to evaluate the correlation between different tomographic scales and these complications, and to study prognostic factors in this group of patients. This was a prospective study of patients admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The prevalence of sonographic vasospasm and radiological delayed cerebral ischemia was analyzed, as was the correlation between different tomographic scales and these complications. A total of 57 patients were studied. Sixty percent of the patients developed sonographic vasospasm, which was significantly associated with delayed cerebral ischemia and mortality. The Claassen and Hijdra scales were better correlated with the development of cerebral vasospasm (areas under the curve of 0.78 and 0.68) than was Fisher's scale (0.62). Thirty-two patients (56.1%) developed cerebral infarction on CT; the significantly associated factors were poor clinical grade at admission (p = 0.04), sonographic vasospasm (p = 0.008) and severity of vasospasm (p = 0.015). Only the semiquantitative Hijdra scale was significantly correlated with the development of radiological delayed cerebral ischemia (p = 0.009). The patients who presented cerebral infarction had worse neurological evolution and higher mortality. This is the first study in our environment on the subject. The Claassen and Hijdra tomographic scales showed better prognostic performance than the Fisher scale for the development of cerebral vasospasm. The finding of sonographic vasospasm could be a noninvasive criterion for the early detection of delayed cerebral ischemia and neurological deterioration in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage: a rare complication after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary macroadenoma.

Postoperative (PO) complications after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) are rare when performed in pituitary referral centers. Partial hypopituitarism is more frequent and somewhat expected. Meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and visual deficits are unusual. Cerebrovascular complications, including cerebral vasospasm are rare, usually under-appreciated and not mentioned to the patient prior to the surgery. This is a report of a 51-year-old male with a non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma presenting with partial hypopituitarism and visual field loss. The patient was submitted to an uneventful TSS. On the first PO day, he developed a left palpebral ptosis with unequal pupils and impaired consciousness (12 points on Glasgow Coma Scale). CT scan revealed a perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) grade 1 according to the modified Fisher scale. High-dose dexamethasone (16 mg/day) was initiated and the patient became more alert (Glasgow 14). On the fifth PO day, due to progression of the neurological deficits (left III, IV, and VI cranial nerves palsy, ataxia, dysdiadochokinesia, right dysmetria, and dysarthria), a magnetic resonance angiography was obtained and revealed a recent mesencephalic infarct without evident vasospasm. Nevertheless, nimodipine 60 mg 4/4 h was initiated. No improvement was seen after 3 days of treatment. The patient was discharged and put on rehabilitation, returning to normal gait and balance after 7 months. This, therefore, is a case of an unexpected mesencephalic infarct probably due to vasospasm induced by minor SAH. Although exceptionally rare, informing the patient about this event prior to TSS is important due to its significant neurological impact. More data are needed considering preventive treatment with nimodipine as soon as SAH is detected after TSS and whether it would improve neurological outcomes. Whenever neurological deficits arise after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS), systemic infection, meningitis, electrolyte imbalance, and evident hemorrhage must be promptly investigated. Although rare, cerebral vasospasm (CVS) after TSS is associated with high morbidity and high mortality rates. Vigilance for vasospasm is necessary for patients undergoing TSS for pituitary adenoma, especially those with significant suprasellar extension. Informing this event to the patient prior to TSS is essential due to its significant morbidity and mortality. Post-TSS subarachnoid hemorrhage and hemiparesis may be important clues indicating CVS and infarction. There is limited evidence in the literature regarding post-TSS CVS surveillance and treatment strategies which could have an impact on clinical decisions.

554: EVALUATION OF THE USE OF DANTROLENE FOR REFRACTORY SHIVERS WITHIN THE NEUROCRITICAL CARE UNIT

Introduction: Targeted temperature management (TTM) is frequently used for the prevention of secondary injury in subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. Shivering is common in patients undergoing TTM and causes detrimental effects on systemic oxygen consumption, brain tissue oxygenation and intracranial pressure. After standard of care for the management of shivering, limited data on the use of dantrolene has been reported with potential efficacy, although the prevalence of adverse events is unknown. The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dantrolene for refractory shivering in patients undergoing TTM. Methods: A retrospective review was completed of patients admitted to the neurocritical care unit that received continuous dantrolene for this indication. Data extracted included TTM modality, neurologic injury type with associated severity score, and bedside shivering assessment scale (BSAS) score 6 hrs before, during and 6 hrs after dantrolene. Also collected included dantrolene dose, duration, route and potential adverse effects related to dantrolene. Results: 30 patients met inclusion with 24 admitted for a neurologic injury of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage with median Hunt Hess score of 4 (IQR 3-4.25) and modified Fisher scale score of 3 (IQR 3-4). Appropriate initial dosing weight was utilized in 60% of patients and 93.3% underwent TTM using an Arctic SunTM. The median duration of dantrolene therapy was 3 days (IQR 1.25-4.75). BSAS decreased from 6 hrs prior to dantrolene with a median score of 2 (IQR 1-3) to 1 (IQR 0-2) and 0.5 (IQR 0-1) at 6 and 36 hrs post dantrolene. 43.3% of patients experienced an adverse event related to the dantrolene infusion. Infiltration and transaminitis were the most common, both accounting for 38.5% of events. Conclusions: Dantrolene use for refractory shivering exhibited a trend in decreasing BSAS signaling potential efficacy, though additional evaluation is needed to fully assess. A large portion of patients encountered an adverse event attributable to dantrolene. Based on this evidence, it is recommended that dantrolene be administered via only central venous catheter for refractory shivering and daily liver function panels should be monitored during administration to prevent infiltration and transaminitis.

The positive impact of cisternostomy with cisternal drainage on delayed hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BackgroundHydrocephalus is one of the major complications of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). In the acute setting, an external ventricular drain (EVD) is used for early management. A cisternal drain (CD) coupled with the micro-surgical opening of basal cisterns can be an alternative when the aneurysm is clipped. Chronic hydrocephalus after aSAH is managed with ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt, a procedure associated with a wide range of complications. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of micro-surgical opening of basal cisterns coupled with CD on the incidence of VP shunt, compared to patients treated with EVD.MethodsThe authors conducted a retrospective review of 89 consecutive cases of patients with aSAH treated surgically and endovascularly with either EVD or CD between January 2009 and September 2021. Patients were stratified into two groups: Group 1 included patients with EVD, Group 2 included patients with CD. Subgroup analysis with only patients treated surgically was also performed. We compared their baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes and shunting rates.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of epidemiological characteristics, WFNS score, Fisher scale, presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), acute hydrocephalus, postoperative meningitis or of clinical outcomes at last follow-up. Cisternostomy with CD (Group 2) was associated with a statistically significant reduction in VP-shunt compared with the use of an EVD (Group 1) (9.09% vs 53.78%; p < 0.001). This finding was confirmed in our subgroup analysis, as among patients with a surgical clipping, the rate of VP shunt was 43.7% for the EVD group and 9.5% for the CD group (p = 0.02).ConclusionsCisternostomy with CD may reduce the rate of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Cisternostomy allows the removal of subarachnoid blood, thereby reducing arachnoid inflammation and fibrosis. CD may enhance this effect, thus resulting in lower rates of chronic hydrocephalus.

Comparing radiographic scores for prediction of complications and outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Which performs best?

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality proceeding from the initial severity and following complications of aSAH. Various scores have been developed to predict these risks. We aimed to analyze the clinical value of different radiographic scores for prognostication of aSAH outcome. Initial computed tomography scans (≤48 h after ictus) of 745 aSAH cases treated between January 2003 and June 2016 were reviewed with regard to Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score (SEBES), and Claassen, Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI), Hijdra, original Graeb and Fisher scale scores. The primary endpoints were development of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), in-hospital mortality and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >3) at 6months after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Secondary endpoints included the different complications that can occur during aSAH. Clinically relevant cutoffs were defined using receiver-operating characteristic curves. The radiographic scores with the highest values for area under the curve (AUC) were included in the final multivariate analysis. The Hijdra sum score had the most accurate predictive value and independent associations with all primary endpoints: DCI (AUC0.678, adjusted odds ratio [aOR]2.83; p < 0.0001); in-hospital mortality (AUC0.704, aOR2.83; p < 0.0001) and unfavorable outcome (AUC0.726, aOR2.91; p < 0.0001). Multivariate analyses confirmed the independent predictive value of the radiographic scales for risk of decompressive craniectomy (SEBES and Fisher score), cerebral vasospasm (SEBES, BNI score and Fisher score) and shunt dependency (Hijdra ventricle score and Fisher score) after aSAH. Initial radiographic severity of aSAH was independently associated with occurrence of different complications during aSAH and the final outcome. The Hijdra sum score showed the highest diagnostic accuracy and robust predictive value for early detection of risk of DCI, in-hospital mortality and unfavorable outcome after aSAH.

Sex-related differences in symptom presentation of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Background: In patients with myocardial infarction, atypical symptoms at onset have been demonstrated in women. We aimed to investigate the presence of sex-related differences in symptom presentation in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment. Methods: We assessed symptoms on admission to hospital in 343 patients with aSAH in this retrospective single-center cohort-study. Univariate statistical analysis was performed by comparing sexes including the whole study population and subgroups (dichotomized using Fisher scale 1-2 vs. 3-4, WFNS grade 1-3 vs. 4-5, and anterior vs. posterior circulation aneurysms, respectively). Results: The majority of patients was female (63.6%, n=218, vs. 36.4%, n=125), the mean age 57.4 years (standard deviation (SD) 13.3) with older women compared to men (59.2, SD 13.8, vs. 54.4, SD 11.6; p=0.003). Anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms were most common (30.9%, n=106), predominantly in men (43.2%, n=54, vs. 23.9%, n=52; p=0.0002), whereas posterior communicating artery (PcomA) aneurysms were more frequent in women (19.3%, n=42, vs. 8.8%, n=11; p=0.005). Exercise-induced headache was more often reported by men (10.4%, n=13, vs. 5%, n=11; p=0.04) in all patients as well as in the subgroup of WFNS 1-3. Anisocoria was more frequent in women within the subgroup of severely impaired consciousness (WFNS 4-5; 25.3%, n=22, vs. 10.7%, n=6; p=0.032). For all other symptoms, there was no evidence for sex-specific differences in the whole study group as well as in subgroups. Conclusion: Our results show no evidence for relevant sex-related differences in symptom presentation at onset in aSAH patients. Women presenting with an acute onset anisocoria should be screened even more carefully for an underlying ruptured Pcom aneurysm.

The elevation of different myocardial biomarkers on admission is associated with disease features and different outcomes in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Test of different myocardial biomarkers is commonly arranged in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We sought to figure out whether different myocardial biomarkers' elevation is related to characteristics of ruptured aneurysms and patients' clinical outcomes. Patients with aSAH admitted in the Neurosurgery Department of West China Hospital from September 2019 to March 2020 were screened. Those who have one clear responsible aneurysm and met inclusion criteria were included. Clinical characteristics, site and size of the aneurysm, modified Fisher scale, troponin T (TPN-T), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and myoglobin (Myo) levels at admission, clinical outcomes (3-month mRS) were collected and compared. The study included 124 patients. After multivariate logistic regression, Hunt & Hess grade (per unit grade, OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.14–2.49), the size of ruptured aneurysm (equal to or more than 7 mm, OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.32–7.10) was highly predictive of myocardial biomarker elevation. All three biomarkers (TPN-T, CK-MB, Myo) were associated with unfavorable prognoses. Higher mortality (37.2% vs. 18.6%, P = 0.036) and a lower rate of good outcomes (41.9% vs. 71.2%, P = 0.003) were observed in patients with any positive myocardial biomarkers at admission. The clinical outcomes of patients with positive troponin T and negative creatine kinase MB were especially unfavorable. Our study demonstrates that the degree of neurological injury and size of ruptured aneurysm are strong predictors of myocardial biomarkers elevation, the site of ruptured aneurysm may not be associated with heart injury after SAH. The outcomes of patients with different combinations of abnormal biomarker levels may have significant differences and deserve further study.

The Role of VASOGRADE as a Simple Grading Scale to Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Functional Outcome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

The VASOGRADE is a simple aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) grading scale that combines the modified Fisher scale (mFisher) and the World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) grading system, allowing the stratification of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) risk. However, the VASOGRADE accuracy in predicting functional outcomes is still to be determined. We retrospectively evaluated a multiethnic cohort of consecutive patients with aSAH admitted to a high-volume center in Brazil from January 2016 to January 2019. Patients were classified according to the severity of the clinical presentation (WFNS), the amount of blood in the initial head computerized tomography (mFisher) scan, and the VASOGRADE (green, yellow, red). The primary outcome was to detect DCI-related cerebral infarction, and the secondary outcome was the functional outcome at hospital discharge according to the modified Rankin scale (mRs). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed. A total of 212 patients (71.7% female, mean age 52.7 ± 12.8) were included. Sixty-nine patients were classified as VASOGRADE-Green (32.5%), 98 patients as VASOGRADE-Yellow (46.9%), and 45 patients as VASOGRADE-Red (20.6%). DCI-related infarction was present in 39 patients (18.9%). The proportions of patients in the VASOGRADE-Green, VASOGRADE-Yellow, and VASOGRADE-Red categories with DCI-related infarction were 7.7, 61.5, and 30.8%, respectively. After a multivariable analysis including age, sex, aneurysm location, and the VASOGRADE classification as variables, both VASOGRADE-Yellow and VASOGRADE-Red were independently associated with DCI-related infarction (odds ratio [OR] 7.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.13-27.8, and OR 8.07, 95% CI 2.03-32.11, respectively) and unfavorable outcome (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.33-13.03, and OR 25.57, 95% CI 4.45-147.1, respectively). The VASOGRADE discrimination performance for DCI-related infarction (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) was 0.67 ± 0.04 (95% CI 0.58-0.75; p = 0.001). VASOGRADE-Red had 97.5% specificity for predicting an unfavorable mRs score at discharge (95% CI 92.8-99.5%). Conversely, VASOGRADE-Green had an excellent specificity for predicting favorable outcome at discharge (mRs score 0-2, 95% CI 82.6-95.5%). In conclusion, in a multiethnic cohort of patients with aSAH, VASOGRADE-Green predicted the absence of DCI and good clinical outcome at discharge with very high specificity, and patients in this category might be selected for early intensive care unit (ICU) discharge, minimizing costs and medical complications associated with prolonged hospital stay. On the other hand, patients categorized as VASOGRADE-Yellow and VASOGRADE-Red were at the highest risk for DCI. They should, therefore, be selected as a priority for care in high-volume aSAH centers, being aggressively monitored for DCI at the ICU. Such stratification methods are crucial, especially in countries with low financial resources and high health care services demand.

In-hospital complication-related risk factors for discharge and 90-day outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage after surgical clipping and endovascular coiling: a propensity score-matched analysis.

More than 10 years have passed since the two best-known clinical trials of ruptured aneurysms (International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial [ISAT] and Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial [BRAT]) indicated that endovascular coiling (EC) was superior to surgical clipping (SC). However, in recent years, the development of surgical techniques has greatly improved; thus, it is necessary to reanalyze the impact of the differences in treatment modalities on the prognosis of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The authors retrospectively reviewed all aSAH patients admitted to their institution between January 2015 and December 2020. The functional outcomes at discharge and 90 days after discharge were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). In-hospital complications, hospital charges, and risk factors derived from multivariate logistic regression were analyzed in the SC and EC groups after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate each independent predictor's prediction ability between treatment groups. A total of 844 aSAH patients were included. After PSM to control for sex, aneurysm location, Hunt and Hess grade, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade, modified Fisher Scale grade, and current smoking and alcohol abuse status, 329 patients who underwent SC were compared with 329 patients who underwent EC. Patients who underwent SC had higher incidences of unfavorable discharge and 90-day outcomes (46.5% vs 33.1%, p < 0.001; and 19.6% vs 13.8%, p = 0.046, respectively), delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) (31.3% vs 20.1%, p = 0.001), intracranial infection (20.1% vs 1.2%, p < 0.001), anemia (42.2% vs 17.6%, p < 0.001), hypoproteinemia (46.2% vs 21.6%, p < 0.001), and pneumonia (33.4% vs 24.9%, p = 0.016); but a lower incidence of urinary tract infection (1.2% vs 5.2%, p = 0.004) and lower median hospital charges ($12,285 [IQR $10,399-$15,569] vs $23,656 [IQR $18,816-$30,025], p < 0.001). A positive correlation between the number of in-hospital complications and total hospital charges was indicated in the SC (r = 0.498, p < 0.001) and EC (r = 0.411, p < 0.001) groups. The occurrence of pneumonia and DCI, WFNS grade IV or V, and age were common independent risk factors for unfavorable outcomes at discharge and 90 days after discharge in both treatment modalities. EC shows advantages in discharge and 90-day outcomes, in-hospital complications, and the number of risk factors but increases the economic cost on patients during their hospital stay. Severe in-hospital complications such as pneumonia and DCI may have a long-lasting impact on the prognosis of patients.

Higher Levels of Admission N-Terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide are Associated with Delayed Cerebral Ischemia Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) greatly influences the prognosis of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We aimed to determine whether higher levels of admission N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) were related to neurogenic cardiac injury and predicted DCI occurrence in patients with aSAH. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with aSAH between January 2018 and April 2021 in our department. Patients with admission NT-pro BNP were included for analysis. The associations between admission NT-pro BNP levels and admission cardiac troponin T levels and electrocardiogram characteristics, as well as the incidence of DCI, were investigated. A total of 415 patients with aSAH were included, among whom DCI occurred in 53 (12.8%). The admission NT-pro BNP levels were positively correlated with the cardiac troponin T levels and were significantly higher in patients with abnormal electrocardiogram characteristics. The admission log NT-pro BNP levels were higher in patients with DCI than in those without DCI. Multivariable analysis revealed that admission log NT-pro BNP levels and modified Fisher scale were independent predictors of the incidence of DCI. Compared with the modified Fisher scale alone (area under the curve = 0.739), combining the modified Fisher scale with admission NT-pro BNP (area under the curve = 0.794) significantly improved the prediction accuracy for DCI (p < 0.001). Higher admission levels of NT-pro BNP correlated with neurogenic cardiac injury and predicted the occurrence of DCI in patients with aSAH. A combination of the modified Fisher scale and admission NT-pro BNP significantly improved the prediction accuracy for DCI.

Glibenclamide in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Glibenclamide has been shown to improve outcomes in cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The authors sought to evaluate glibenclamide's impact on mortality and functional outcomes of patients with aneurysmal SAH (aSAH). Patients with radiologically confirmed aSAH, aged 18 to 70 years, who presented to the hospital within 96 hours of ictus were randomly allocated to receive 5 mg of oral glibenclamide for 21 days or placebo, in a modified intention-to-treat analysis. Outcomes were mortality and functional status at discharge and 6 months, evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A total of 78 patients were randomized and allocated to glibenclamide (n = 38) or placebo (n = 40). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The mean patient age was 53.1 years, and the majority of patients were female (75.6%). The median Hunt and Hess, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), and modified Fisher scale (mFS) scores were 3 (IQR 2-4), 3 (IQR 3-4), and 3 (IQR 1-4), respectively. Glibenclamide did not improve the functional outcome (mRS) after 6 months (ordinal analysis, unadjusted common OR 0.66 [95% CI 0.29-1.48], adjusted common OR 1.25 [95% CI 0.46-3.37]). Similar results were found for analyses considering the dichotomized 6-month mRS score (favorable score 0-2), as well as for the secondary outcomes of discharge mRS score (either ordinal or dichotomized), mortality, and delayed cerebral ischemia. Hypoglycemia was more frequently observed in the glibenclamide group (5.3%). In this study, glibenclamide was not associated with better functional outcomes after aSAH. Mortality and delayed cerebral ischemia rates were also similar compared with placebo.

External ventricular drain use is associated with functional outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

PurposeExternal ventricular drains (EVD) are commonly used in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients and can be life-saving by diverting cerebrospinal fluid. However, the overall relationship between EVD use and outcome is poorly understood.MethodsIn an exploratory analysis of an aSAH patient cohort, we examined EVD use in relation to modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at hospital discharge and at 6 months (unfavorable outcome = mRS > 2) using univariable and multivariable analyses.ResultsEVDs were placed in 31 of 56 (55.4%) patients and more often in women than men (66.7% vs 35.0%, p = 0.022) despite similar rates of hydrocephalus. Women had greater ICU [18 (13.5–25) vs 11.5 (6.5–18.5) days, p = 0.014] and hospital lengths of stay (LOS) [20.5 (16.5–34) vs 13.5 (10.5–27) days, p = 0.015] than men and greater mRS at discharge [4 (3–5) vs 3 (2–3.5), p = 0.011] although mRS at 6 months was similar. Patients with EVDs had longer ICU and hospital LOS and greater mRS at discharge [5 (3–6) vs 2 (2–3), p < 0.001] and at 6 months [4 (2–6) vs 1 (0–2), p = 0.001] than those without an EVD. In multivariable models, EVD use was associated with unfavorable 6-month outcome accounting for age, sex, and admission modified Fisher scale, but not in models adjusting for Hunt and Hess scale and World Federation of Neurological Surgeons scale.ConclusionIn an aSAH cohort, the use of EVDs was associated with female sex and longer LOS, and may be linked to functional outcomes at discharge and at 6 months, although these associations warrant further investigation.

C-Terminal Proarginine Vasopressin is Associated with Disease Outcome and Mortality, but not with Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in Critically Ill Patients with an Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Cohort Study

BackgroundAneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is an important indication for intensive care unit admission and may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. We assessed the ability of C-terminal proarginine vasopressin (CT-proAVP) to predict disease outcome, mortality, and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) in critically ill patients with aSAH compared with the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) score and Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) model.MethodsC-terminal proarginine vasopressin was collected on admission in this single-center, prospective, observational cohort study. The primary aim was to investigate the relationship between CT-proAVP and poor functional outcome at 1 year (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 1–3) in a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for WFNS and APACHE IV scores. Secondary aims were mortality and DCI. The multivariable logistic regression model for DCI was also adjusted for the modified Fisher scale.ResultsIn 100 patients, the median CT-proAVP level was 24.9 pmol/L (interquartile range 11.5–53.8); 45 patients had a poor 1-year functional outcome, 19 patients died within 30 days, 25 patients died within 1 year, and DCI occurred in 28 patients. Receiver operating characteristics curves revealed high accuracy for CT-proAVP to identify patients with poor 1-year functional outcome (area under the curve [AUC] 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–0.92, p < 0.001), 30-day mortality (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.76–0.93, p < 0.001), and 1-year mortality (AUC 0.79, 95% CI 0.69–0.89, p < 0.001). CT-proAVP had a low AUC for identifying patients with DCI (AUC 0.67, 95% CI 0.55–0.79, p 0.008). CT-proAVP ≥ 24.9 pmo/L proved to be a significant predictor for poor 1-year functional outcome (odds ratio [OR] 8.04, 95% CI 2.97–21.75, p < 0.001), and CT-proAVP ≥ 29.1 pmol/L and ≥ 27.7 pmol/L were significant predictors for 30-day and 1-year mortality (OR 9.31, 95% CI 1.55–56.07, p 0.015 and OR 5.15, 95% CI 1.48–17.93, p 0.010) in multivariable models with WFNS and APACHE IV scores. CT-proAVP ≥ 29.5 pmol/L was not a significant predictor for DCI in a multivariable model adjusted for the modified Fisher scale (p = 0.061).ConclusionsC-terminal proarginine vasopressin was able to predict poor functional outcome and mortality in critically ill patients with aSAH. Its prognostic ability to predict DCI was low.Trial RegistrationNederlands Trial Register: NTR4118.

Troponin and non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage

Introduction: Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating event, with a mortality of up to 50%. Acute cardiac dysfunction is common after such an event, and it is known to have a negative impact on the outcome of these patients. Cardiac troponin release occurs frequently after SAH and represents an early biomarker for neurogenic cardiac dysfunction.&#x0D; Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of a raised troponin value on the outcome of SAH patients.&#x0D; Methods: This is a prospective observational study held between 2014-2017 at the University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest. Data on clinical admission status, high-sensitivity troponin I, ECG and echocardiographic evaluation results, ICU length of stay and in-hospital mortality rate. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametrical Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests. The results were considered significant at p&lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results: A total of 335 consecutive patients with non-traumatic SAH were admitted during the study period. 92 of them were excluded and 243 were analyzed, 203 with aneurysmal SAH and 40 with non-aneurysmal, non-traumatic SAH. High-sensitivity troponin I reached its peak level 48 to 72 hours after SAH and was higher in patients with aneurysmal SAH. For all SAH patients, its median and peak values on days 1 and 2 were correlated with the ICU length of stay and inversely correlated with in-hospital length of stay. For the first 3 days, the median and maximum troponin values are higher in patients who died compared with those who survived and were discharged home (p-value &lt; 0.001). Predictors of an elevated troponin on day 1 are loss of consciousness at ictus, a high Hunt and Hess and Fisher Scale grade, intraventricular haemorrhage and cerebral midline shift.&#x0D; Conclusions: The release of cardiac troponin is a valuable marker of neurogenic cardiac dysfunction in the first 3 days after SAH. The study replicates other data in the literature and highlights the association between SAH severity, early troponin elevation and in-hospital death.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) represents a small portion of cerebrovascular disease but a disproportionally large percentage of the morbidity and mortality. The overall prognosis depends on the volume of the initial bleeding, rebleeding, and the degree of delayed cerebral ischemia. The presence of cardiac manifestations and neurogenic pulmonary edema at the initial presentation indicates a higher degree of severity and systemic complications. This review covers the pathophysiology, stabilization and assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and disposition and outcomes of SAH. Figures show common saccular aneurysm locations, a noncontrast head computed tomographic scan of an SAH, an angiogram and surgical clipping of a broad-based anterior communicating aneurysm, and a three-dimensional reconstruction angiogram of a complex anterior communicating aneurysm with additional imaging of endoscopic stent-assisted coiling of the same aneurysm. Tables list the natural history of unruptured aneurysms and the annual risk of rupture, common clinical features and syndromes related to aneurysm location, the World Federation of Neurologic Surgeons grading system, the Hunt and Hess grading systems, and the Fisher scale. This review contains 4 highly rendered figures, 5 tables, and 144 references. Key words: aneurysm rupture, cerebral aneurysm, cerebral vasospasm, Fisher scale, Glasgow Coma Scale assessment, Hunt and Hess grading criteria, subarachnoid hemorrhage, World Federation of Neurologic Surgeons grading scale Key Advances CT angiography is an emerging technology that has the diagnostic advantage of being non-invasive. The diagnostic accuracy of CTA varies widely and when compared to the standard digital subtraction angiography (DSA) the sensitivity and specificity range from 77% to 100% and 87%-100% respectively. The 2012 AHA guidelines and the 2011 Neurocritical care society (NCS) consensus guidelines recommend that from the time of symptom onset to securing of the aneurysm, the blood pressure be controlled with a titratable agent with a goal systolic blood pressure of less than 160mmHg or a MAP of less than 110mmHg. Cardiac abnormalities are common following acute SAH. Subendocardial ischemia may result from autonomic stimulation from the brain and circulating catecholamine surge, resulting in an abnormal ECG in 50% to 100% of patients with SAH in the acute phase depending on severity. The International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial ISAT was a landmark study that looked at aSAH repair comparing surgical clipping with endoscopic coiling and demonstrated a mortality benefit with coiling in the right patient population.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) represents a small portion of cerebrovascular disease but a disproportionally large percentage of the morbidity and mortality. The overall prognosis depends on the volume of the initial bleeding, rebleeding, and the degree of delayed cerebral ischemia. The presence of cardiac manifestations and neurogenic pulmonary edema at the initial presentation indicates a higher degree of severity and systemic complications. This review covers the pathophysiology, stabilization and assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and disposition and outcomes of SAH. Figures show common saccular aneurysm locations, a noncontrast head computed tomographic scan of an SAH, an angiogram and surgical clipping of a broad-based anterior communicating aneurysm, and a three-dimensional reconstruction angiogram of a complex anterior communicating aneurysm with additional imaging of endoscopic stent-assisted coiling of the same aneurysm. Tables list the natural history of unruptured aneurysms and the annual risk of rupture, common clinical features and syndromes related to aneurysm location, the World Federation of Neurologic Surgeons grading system, the Hunt and Hess grading systems, and the Fisher scale. This review contains 4 highly rendered figures, 5 tables, and 144 references. Key words: aneurysm rupture, cerebral aneurysm, cerebral vasospasm, Fisher scale, Glasgow Coma Scale assessment, Hunt and Hess grading criteria, subarachnoid hemorrhage, World Federation of Neurologic Surgeons grading scale

Measuring Readiness for Self-Directed Learning in Medical Undergraduates.

PurposeTo measure the readiness for self-directed learning in medical students for the evaluation of self-directed learning in the study population.Materials and MethodsThe survey was conducted in undergraduate students. The instrument used was Fisher’s readiness scale comprising of self-management, desire for learning, and self-control domains. The data were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U-test and bivariate and partial correlations. The results were compared with the reported ones.ResultsTotal students surveyed were 300. Of these, 96 responded - 73 (76%) of preclinical and 23 (24%) of clinical classes. The mean readiness score was 124. The mean domains’ scores for self-management, desire for learning, and self-control were 38, 38, and 48, respectively. The preclinical group had a mean score of 122 for readiness, 37 for self-management and desire for learning each, and 48 for self-control. The clinical group’s scores were 129, 40, and 49, respectively. Preclinical and clinical groups differed significantly in self-management domain (P = 0.03). The difference was not significant in desire for learning (P = 0.08), self-control domains (P = 0.40) and readiness score (P = 0.12). The domains of self-control and desire for learning had a positive correlation if self-management was controlled, and self-control and self-management had a positive correlation if desire for learning was controlled (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe measurement of readiness for self-directed learning helps in knowing the true value of self-directed learning in a particular setting. Relatively lower scores in our study mean self-directed learning alone cannot be relied upon to achieve optimum students’ learning. There is also a need for implementing strategies that will help students in improving their readiness for independent learning.

Transcranial duplex sonography in assessing microsurgical treatment outcome for patients with ruptured cerebral artery aneurysms

Study objective. To determine the role of transcranial duplex sonography measurements in prognosing the risk of adverse outcome in patients with nontraumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage.Materials and Methods. In 2010–2020 413 patients admitted to N. V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine of Moscow Healthcare Department with aneurysmatic subarachnoid haemorrhage were enrolled into the study, including 201 males (48.7 %) and 212 females (51.3 %). Mean age was 51 ± 12 years. All patients were treated surgically (aneurysm clipping). Patients’ status on admission and before surgery was evaluated according to Hunt and Hess scoring system. Transcranial duplex sonography was conducted in all patients on admission, before surgical treatment and on a daily basis after aneurysm clipping (up to the 10th day after aneurysm rupture, 2,612 examinations in total). The degree of angiospasm in middle cerebral artery, Lindegaard ratio and the presence of diffuse angiospasm in all arteries of Willis circle were assessed according to a previously described classification system. Brain computed tomography scans were used to determine the extent of subarachnoid haemorrhage according to C. M. Fisher scale and volume of ischemic lesions in areas supplied by middle cerebral artery. Outcomes were rated according to Glasgow Outcome Scale. Study sample was divided into two groups according to outcome. Group 1: adverse outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 1–3). Group 2: favorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 4–5). Binary logistic regression was applied to reveal risk factors for adverse outcome. To define long-term treatment outcome 104 patients (68 females, 36 males) were examined using neurologic scoring systems: Modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, Mini-Mental State Exam, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.Results. Favorable outcome (group 2) was ascertained in 221 (53.5 %), unfavorable outcome (group 1) – in 192 (46.5 %) patients. The following independent risk factors for unfavorable outcome were detected: angiospasm in middle cerebral artery before surgery, severe angiospasm in middle cerebral artery and diffuse angiospasm. According to univariate analysis, daily increase in middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity by 51.6 cm / s was associated with adverse outcome either. Binary logistic regression model was able to predict unfavorable outcome with sensitivity 88.5 %, specificity 76.0 %. Daily increase in middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity by 58.7 cm / s was associated with Modified Rankin Scale increase by 1 point. Angiospasm proved to be strongly connected with cognitive and self-care ability impairment on follow-up.Conclusion. Ultrasonic signs of angiospasm in patients with aneurysmatic subarachnoid haemorrhage are independent predictors of adverse outcome and long-term results worsening.

Preoperative scale proposal based on clinical outcome for elderly patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms undergoing microsurgery

Introduction Life expectancy in individuals has increased in recent years. There is no consensus in the literature on the best treatment for a ruptured aneurysm in the elderly (> 60 years), but some places only have microsurgery as a therapeutic strategy. This work aims to develop a prognostic scale for ruptured intracranial aneurysms in the elderly. Material and Methods Two thousand five hundred thirty patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were retrospectively evaluated in the last ten years, and 550 of them were elderly. We developed a prognostic scale from the analysis of medical records, clinical and tomographic features that had statistical significance. Glasgow Coma Outcome (GOS) was the outcome of interest and p value < 0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results Five hundred fifty patients were evaluated, and the comorbidities that were independent variables for poor prognosis were smoking and arterial hypertension; clinical variables were Hunt-Hess, modified Rankin and Glasgow Coma Scale; tomographic was Fisher scale. Poor outcome was defined as GOS ≤ 3. Poor surgical outcomes were more remarkable in the high-risk factor categories, being 6.41 times higher among individuals who had 3 to 4 risk factors and 8.80 times higher among individuals with 5 to 6 risk factors. Conclusion In some vascular neurosurgery services worldwide, microsurgery is the only therapeutic option. This scale aimed at the elderly patient individualizes the treatment and can predict the clinical outcome in ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Relevance of presenting risks of frailty, sarcopaenia and osteopaenia to outcomes from aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

IntroductionAneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a condition with significant morbidity and mortality. Traditional markers of aSAH have established their utility in the prediction of aSAH outcomes while frailty markers have been validated in other surgical specialties. We aimed to compare the predictive value of frailty indices and markers of sarcopaenia and osteopaenia, against the traditional markers for aSAH outcomes.MethodsAn observational study in a tertiary neurosurgical unit on 51 consecutive patients with ruptured aSAH was performed. The best performing marker in predicting the modified Rankin scale (mRS) on discharge was selected and an appropriate threshold for the definition of frail and non-frail was derived. We compared various frailty indices (modified frailty index 11, and 5, and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program score [NSQIP]) and markers of sarcopaenia and osteopaenia (temporalis [TMT] and zygoma thickness), against traditional markers (age, World Federation of Neurological Surgery and modified Fisher scale [MFS]) for aSAH outcomes. Univariable and multivariable analysis was then performed for various inpatient and long-term outcomes.ResultsTMT was the best performing marker in our cohort with an AUC of 0.82, Somers’ D statistic of 0.63 and Tau statistic 0.25. Of the frailty scores, the NSQIP performed the best (AUC 0.69), at levels comparable to traditional markers of aSAH, such as MFS (AUC 0.68). The threshold of 5.5 mm in TMT thickness was found to have a specificity of 0.93, sensitivity of 0.51, positive predictive value of 0.95 and negative predictive value of 0.42. After multivariate analysis, patients with TMT ≥ 5.5 mm (defined as non-frail), were less likely to experience delayed cerebral ischaemia (OR 0.11 [0.01 – 0.93], p = 0.042), any complications (OR 0.20 [0.06 – 0.069], p = 0.011), and had a larger proportion of favourable mRS on discharge (95.0% vs. 58.1%, p = 0.024) and at 3-months (95.0% vs. 64.5%, p = 0.048). However, the gap between unfavourable and favourable mRS was insignificant at the comparison of 1-year outcomes.ConclusionTMT, as a marker of sarcopaenia, correlated well with the presenting status, and outcomes of aSAH. Frailty, as defined by NSQIP, performed at levels equivalent to aSAH scores of clinical relevance, suggesting that, in patients presenting with acute brain injury, both non-neurological and neurological factors were complementary in the determination of eventual clinical outcomes. Further validation of these markers, in addition to exploration of other relevant frailty indices, may help to better prognosticate aSAH outcomes and allow for a precision medicine approach to decision making and optimization of best outcomes.