Glasgow Coma Scale Research Articles

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes In Patients With Premorbid Psychiatric Illness

ObjectiveIndividuals with psychiatric illnesses (PI) have increased rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Nonetheless, the influence of underlying PI on TBI outcomes is poorly understood. MethodsWe analyzed the medical records of 633 adult-severe TBI (sTBI) patients admitted to our institution between 2010-2021. We identified patients with premorbid PI (Psych(+) group, n=129) and a subset with only a substance use disorder (SUD(+) group, n=60) and compared them to patients without PI (Psych(-) group, n=480). Outcome measures included discharge Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), length of stay (LOS), in-hospital survival, and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E). ResultsThe Psych(+) group had increased in-hospital survival (69.8% v. 55.0%, P=0.003) and fewer patients with severe (3-8) discharge-GCS (28.7% v. 46.0%, P<0.001). The SUD(+) group had increased in-hospital survival (70.0% v. 55.0%, P=0.028) and fewer patients with severe discharge-GCS (28.3% v. 46.0%, P=0.009). However, the Psych(+) (21.0 v. 10.0 days, P<0.001) and SUD(+) (16.0 v. 10.0 days, P=0.011) groups had longer LOS. The Psych(+) group had a higher mean GOS-E at discharge (2.7 v. 2.4, P=0.004), six-months (3.8 v. 3.0, P=0.006) and one-year (3.4 v. 2.3, P=0.027). The SUD(+) group also had a higher mean GOS-E at discharge (2.8 v. 2.4, P=0.034), six months (3.8 v. 3.0, P=0.035), and one year (3.5 v. 2.3, P=0.008). Additionally, there were no significant differences in injury severity or CT scan findings. ConclusionsIndividuals with PI and SUD appeared to have better outcomes but more complicated hospital stays following sTBI. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms underlying these outcomes.

Outcomes after Traumatic Brain Injury with and Without Computed Tomography.

Our recent improved understanding of traumatic brain injury (TBI) comes largely from cohort studies of TBI patients with indication for computed tomography (CT). Using CT head as an inclusion criterion may overestimate poor outcomes after TBI with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 13-15. We aimed to compare outcomes after TBI in adults who had a head CT scan (with negative findings) versus those who had no CT when presenting to an emergency department. This was a secondary analysis of a trial that recruited adults with GCS = 13-15 after TBI in Vancouver, Canada. We included 493 participants (18-69 years, 54% female), after removing n = 19 with traumatic abnormalities on CT (intracranial and/or skull fracture). Outcomes were Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE), Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)-7 at 6 months post-injury. Over half (55%) of participants received a CT. At 6 months, 55% of participants with CT and 49% without CT had functional limitations on GOSE; 32% with CT and 33% without CT reported severe post-concussion symptoms (RPQ ≥16); 26% (with CT) and 28% (without CT) screened positive for depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10), and 25% (with CT) and 28% (without CT) screened positive for anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 8). In regression adjusted for personal variables, participants with CT had somewhat higher odds of worse functioning (ordinal GOSE; 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-2.0) but similar odds of severe post-concussion symptoms (1.1, 95% CI: 0.7-1.7), and depression (1.1, 95% CI: 0.7-1.7) and anxiety (1.0, 95% CI: 0.6-1.5) symptoms. Adults with and without head CT have mostly comparable outcomes from TBI with GCS = 13-15. Requiring CT by clinical indication for study entry may not create problematic selection bias for outcome research.

Head injuries in prehospital and Emergency Department settings: a prospective multicenter cross-sectional study in France

BackgroundHead injuries are the leading cause of trauma in Emergency Departments (EDs). Recent studies have shown epidemiological changes in patients consulting ED for head injuries. The main objective of this study was to describe the profile of head injury patients consulting in the EDs in France and assess i) head injury severity across age groups; ii) the delay between the occurrence of head injury and ED arrival; iii) factors associated with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).MethodsThis cross-sectional study collected patient data over a three-day period in March 2023. All adult patients (≥ 18 years old) admitted to the ED with a head injury (defined as a trauma to the head) were included. TBI severity was classified according to patients’ initial Glasgow Coma Scale score in the ED: severe (3–8); moderate (9 -12); mild (13–15); and simple head trauma in the absence of transient or persistent neurological symptoms.ResultsAmong the 71 participating EDs, 26,008 patients visited EDs and a total of 1070 patients (4.1%, IC 95 3.9—4.4) presented a head injury were included in the study, with a median age of 68.5 [37–85] years old. Most of the patients (66.7%) were referred to ED after a call to the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD). The median time from head injury to ED visit was 2 h [1.0 – 5.5]. Ground-level falls were the leading cause of head injury (60.3%). Most of patient presented a simple head trauma (n = 715, 66.8%) followed by mild TBI (n = 337, 31.5%). CT head scans were performed for 636 patients (59.6%), of which 58 were positive. Traumatic ICH prevalence was 5.4% (95% CI: 4.1–6.9) and three patients (0.3%) required an urgent neurosurgical intervention. Neither preinjury anticoagulant (p = 0.97) nor antiplatelet (p = 0.93) use was associated with an increased risk of traumatic ICH.ConclusionsOne head injury patient out of two presenting in the ED is aged over 65 years. Patients referred by EMD were more likely to visit ED promptly. The majority of older patients underwent a head CT scan and preinjury anticoagulant use was not associated with increased risk of traumatic ICH.

Novel risk scoring model to assess the need for venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with acute myocarditis

Abstract Background Some patients with acute myocarditis unpredictably deteriorate into a fulminant form and their prognosis is poor. However, it is uncertain which acute myocarditis patients are likely to exacerbate and even require venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Objectives This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the need for VA-ECMO in patients with acute myocarditis and to develop a predictive model. Methods This retrospective study included 841 patients from seven hospitals in Korea with biopsy-proven or clinically suspected acute myocarditis. Logistic regression was performed to identify clinical characteristics of patients who required VA-ECMO and to construct a scoring system that can predict the need for VA-ECMO. Results Among the study population, 217 (25.8%) patients underwent VA-ECMO. The study population was divided into training (N=621) and testing (N=220) cohorts according to participating center. The final predictive model of VA-ECMO insertion derived from the training cohort included the following: initial mean blood pressure &amp;lt;65mmHg, cardiac arrest, Glasgow Coma Scale ≤12, platelet &amp;lt;100×103/mL, pulmonary congestion on chest X-ray, QRS interval ≥120ms, left or right bundle branch block, and left ventricular ejection fraction &amp;lt;40%. Using this predictive model, a β-coefficient-weighted Korean Acute Myocarditis (KAM) score was developed. The VA-ECMO insertion rate increased with increasing KAM score (odds ratio 1.683, 95% confidence interval 1.529-1.853, P&amp;lt;0.001). External validation of the predictive model and KAM score using the testing cohort showed excellent discriminant ability (areas under the curve of 0.945 and 0.921, respectively). Furthermore, at a KAM score of 8 or higher, which was the cut-off KAM score to predict the need for VA-ECMO, patients without VA-ECMO tended to have higher in-hospital mortality than patients who needed VA-ECMO. Conclusions A risk scoring system based on simple clinical and laboratory parameters at initial presentation could predict the need for VA-ECMO and clinical course in patients with acute myocarditis.Graphic Abstract

Effect of early tranexamic acid treatment on fatigue in patients with mild traumatic brain injury: data from the CRASH-3 clinical trial

Background Each year world-wide about 65 million people sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Fatigue is a common and distressing symptom after mTBI. We examine the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on fatigue in patients with mTBI using data from the CRASH-3 trial. Methods The CRASH-3 trial randomised 9,202 patients with traumatic brain injury and no significant extracranial bleeding to receive TXA or placebo within 3 hours of injury. The primary outcome was death from head injury within 28 days of injury. The methods and results are presented elsewhere. Fatigue was recorded as “None”, “Moderate” or “Extreme.” This study examines the effect of TXA on extreme fatigue in the 2,632 patients with mTBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score≥13). Our analyses were not prespecified. Results Our study primary outcome, extreme fatigue, was reported for 10 (0.8%) of 1,328 patients receiving TXA and 19 (1.5%) of 1,288 patients receiving placebo (risk ratio [RR]=0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-1.09). Death within 28 days of injury was reported for 34 (2.6%) of 1,328 patients receiving TXA versus 47 (3.6%) of 1,288 patients receiving placebo (RR=0.70, 95% CI 0.45-1.08). Among patients allocated to TXA, 44 (3.3%) patients either died or reported extreme fatigue versus 66 (5.1%) patients among those allocated to placebo (RR=0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.94). This composite outcome is disproportionately influenced by deaths which account for 74% (81 from 110) of events. Conclusions We found no evidence that tranexamic acid reduces fatigue in patients with mTBI. Given, 1) our analyses were not prespecified, 2) our outcome measure is not based on a validated fatigue severity scale, and 3) TBI patients can suffer from hospital-induced delirium, which hinders clinician assessment, these results need to be replicated in another study. Registration ISRCTN (ISRCTN15088122, 19/07/2011), ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01402882, 26/07/2011), EudraCT (2011-003669-14, 25/07/2011), Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR20121000441277, 30/10/2012).

Predicting High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy Failure in Patients With Acute Hypoxaemic Respiratory Failure Using Machine Learning: Model Development and External Validation.

To develop and validate a prediction model for high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) failure in patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF). AHRF accounts for a major proportion of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and is associated with high mortality. HFNC is a non-invasive respiratory support technique that can improve patient oxygenation. However, HFNC failure, defined as the need for escalation to invasive mechanical ventilation, can lead to delayed intubation, prolonged mechanical ventilation and increased risk of mortality. Timely and accurate prediction of HFNC failure has important clinical implications. Machine learning (ML) can improve clinical prediction. Multicentre observational study. This study analysed 581 patients from an academic medical centre in Boston and 180 patients from Guangzhou, China treated with HFNC for AHRF. The Boston dataset was randomly divided into a training set (90%, n = 522) and an internal validation set (10%, n = 59), and the model was externally validated using the Guangzhou dataset (n = 180). A random forest (RF)-based feature selection method was used to identify predictive factors. Nine machine learning algorithms were selected to build the predictive model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and performance evaluation parameters were used to evaluate the models. The final model included 38 features selected using the RF method, with additional input from clinical specialists. Models based on ensemble learning outperformed other models (internal validation AUC: 0.83; external validation AUC: 0.75). Important predictors of HFNC failure include Glasgow Coma Scale scores and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, albumin levels measured during HFNC treatment, ROX index at ICU admission and sepsis. This study developed an interpretable ML model that accurately predicts the risk of HFNC failure in patients with AHRF. Clinicians and nurses can use ML models for early risk assessment and decision support in AHRF patients receiving HFNC. TRIPOD checklist for prediction model studies was followed in this study. Patients were involved in the sample of the study.

Readmission and mortality during the first year after an acute stroke: A prospective cohort study from Cameroon.

Hospital readmission after discharge for stroke is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of data on the burden of stroke readmission in most sub-Saharan African countries. We aimed to determine the rate, reasons and predictors of hospital readmission and the mortality rate within 12 months of discharge among stroke survivors in Cameroon. This prospective cohort included patients who survived hospitalization for an acute stroke and who were discharged from two referral hospitals in the capital city of Cameroon between January 2013 and December 2013.We performed logistic regression analysis to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with readmission within 1 year of discharge and causes of readmission. Of the 254 consecutive patients admitted for acute stroke, 198 were discharged alive. There were 107 (54%) males, and their mean age (SD) was 61.7 (13.9) years (range: 10 to 95 years). A total of 30 (15.2%) patients were readmitted following discharge from the index admission over a mean follow-up time of 286.9 (127.6) days. Of these, 14 (46.7%) were discharged and 16 (53.3%) died after readmission. Thirty percent (30%) of readmissions occurred within the first month. The most frequent causes of readmissions were infections (30%) and recurrent stroke (26.7%). Factors associated with readmission in bivariate analysis were initial admission temperature > 37.5°C (risk ratio [RR]: 1.3, p = 0.021) and initial admission Glasgow Coma Score < 14 (RR: p = 1.23, p = 0.019). After stratified adjustment for age and sex, temperature > 37.5°C (adjusted RR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1-1.7, p = 0.036) and GCS <14 (adjusted RR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1-1.6, p = 0.041) were associated with readmission. Readmission after discharge for stroke was common with nearly one third occurring within the first month and more than half dying following readmission. The most common causes of readmission were infections and recurrent stroke.

Simulating the methodological bias in the ATLS classification of hypovolemic shock: a critical reappraisal of the base deficit renaissance

BackgroundThe Advanced Trauma Life Support classification (ATLS) of hypovolemic shock is a widely used teaching and treatment reference in emergency medicine, but oversimplifies clinical reality. A decade ago, a landmark study compared vital parameters to base deficit (BD) in trauma patients. The investigators concluded that BD had higher accuracy to detect the need for early blood product administration. BD was subsequently introduced in the ATLS shock classification and has since been widely accepted as a laboratory standard for hypovolemia. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a methodological bias may have inadvertently contributed to the study’s results and interpretation.MethodsIn the current study, we replicate the original study by simulating a cohort of trauma patients with randomly generated data and applying the same methodological strategies. First, a predefined correlation between all predictor variables (vital parameters and BD) and outcome variable (transfusion) was set at 0.55. Then, in accordance with the methods of the original study we created a composite of ATLS parameters (highest class amongst heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and Glasgow Coma Scale) and compared it with BD for resulting transfusion quantity. Given the preset correlations between predictors and outcome, no predictor should exhibit a stronger association unless influenced by methodological bias.ResultsApplying the original imbalanced grouping and composite allocation strategies caused a systematic overestimation of shock class for traditional ATLS parameters, favoring the association between BD and transfusion. This effect persisted when the correlation between BD and transfusion was set substantially worse (rho = 0.3) than the correlation between ATLS parameters and transfusion (rho = 0.8).ConclusionsIn this fully reproducible simulation, we confirm the inadvertent presence of methodological bias. It is physiologically reasonable to include a metabolic parameter to classify hypovolemic shock, but more evidence is needed to support widespread and preferred use of BD.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Introduction Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a novel technique recently under investigation with intention to improve outcomes in traumatic brain injury (TBI). It increases the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood and tissues by inhaling pure oxygen in an environment pressurized to at least 1.4 times normal atmospheric pressure (ATM) at sea level. The rationale behind the use of HBOT in TBI is its potential to mitigate the secondary brain injury cascade initiated by the primary mechanical trauma. Tissue damage and neuroinflammation secondary to intricate and complex cellular biochemical processes are expected to be counteracted by increased oxygen availability during HBOT, which reduces oxidative stress and improves neuroplasticity. Materials and Methods All patients, except whose legal guardians denied informed consent, with moderate TBI presenting to the neurotrauma center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India, were included within the study period of June 2022 to July 2023. Patient allocation was randomized into two arms: namely, treatment and control arm. Simple randomization was done using randomization mobile app, RRApp. Each patient received standard of care per the Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines. Patients randomized under the treatment arm additionally received adjuvant HBOT sessions. One session daily for 10 consecutive days. Session duration was for 60 minutes each at 1.4 ATM. The primary objective of the study was to compare the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) at discharge and 3-month post-TBI Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) among patients in the treatment arm (those who received adjuvant HBOT) with those in the control arm (those who received only standard of care). Results The mean GCS (±standard deviation [SD]) at discharge in the treatment arm was 14.37 (±00.51) with a median of 14 and a range of 14 to 15. Comparatively, the mean GCS (±SD) at discharge in the control arm was 13.40 (±00.84) with a median of 13 and a range of 12 to 15. The difference between the two arms was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). GOS-E at 3 months postinjury for the treatment arm was 7.62 ± 00.51 (mean ± SD) with a median of 8 (range: 7–8). For the control arm, GOS-E at 3 months postinjury was 6.40 ± 1.50 (mean ± SD) with a median of 7 (range: 4–8). The difference between the two arms was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion The current study concludes that early adjuvant HBOT using 1.4 ATM with one session of one-hour daily for 10 days among adults sustaining moderate TBI significantly improves GCS at 10 days. Early adjuvant HBOT is also associated with significantly improved GOS-E at 3 months postinjury compared to standard of care alone.

Reduced glutathione attenuates pediatric sepsis-associated encephalopathy by inhibiting inflammatory cytokine release and mitigating lipid peroxidation-induced brain injury.

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a severe complication of sepsis. Reduced glutathione (GSH) has antioxidant properties and is used as a neuroprotective agent in some studies. However, research on the application of exogenous GSH in the treatment of SAE is limited. This study aimed to determine the effects of exogenous GSH in pediatric SAE patients and mice. We evaluated clinical parameters, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress before and after GSH treatment. The clinical trials demonstrated that GSH treatment improved brain damage markers (S-100 beta protein, brain fatty acid-binding protein), increased neurological status scores (Glasgow coma scale), and reduced Pediatric Risk of Mortality III scores in children with SAE. GSH treatment also significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α) and decreased lipid peroxidation (superoxide dismutase). Additionally, GSH reduced lipid peroxidation resulting from abnormal lipid metabolism, as indicated by the levels of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3, and glutathione peroxidase 4. In-vivo experiments showed that the neuroprotective effect of GSH was dose-dependent, with better effects observed at medium and high doses. Furthermore, GSH alleviated brain damage, suppressed the release of inflammatory factors, and inhibited lipid peroxidation in SAE mice. The animal experiments also showed that GSH reduces lipid peroxidation through the 15-lipoxygenase/phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 pathway. Our study suggests that exogenous GSH has neuroprotective effects in pediatric SAE. These findings provide a basis for the potential use of GSH as a therapeutic method for SAE.

Evaluation of GFAP/UCH-L1 biomarkers for computed tomography exclusion in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)

IntroductionMild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents a major public health concern and affects millions of people worldwide every year. Diagnosis mainly relies on clinical criteria and computed tomography (CT) scans. GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) and UCH-L1 (ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase-L1) have been recently studied as potential biomarkers of mTBI. This study retrospectively evaluated the possible use of these combined biomarkers as negative predictors for excluding brain injuries in patients with suspected mTBI in the emergency department.MethodsAdult patients (n = 130) enrolled at Tor Vergata University Hospital (Rome, Italy), consecutively registered at the triage of the emergency department between October 2022 and January 2023, with non-penetrating TBI and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13–15, were considered. All eligible patients underwent intracranial CT scans and blood tests, within 12 h after trauma, for GFAP and UCH-L1 serum concentrations.ResultsIntracranial CT detected injuries in only seven patients (5%); GFAP and UCH-L1 tested positive in 96 patients and negative in 34 patients (74% vs. 26%). Combined biomarkers had a sensitivity equal to 1.00 (95% CI 0.64-1.00) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 1.00 (0.99-1.00) in mTBI diagnosis with a negative CT.ConclusionsCombined laboratory tests for GFAP and UCH-L1 biomarkers might play a potential clinical role in avoiding unnecessary head CT scans after mTBI in emergency departments.

Identifying Patients at Increased Risk for Poor Outcomes Among Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients: The IPOGRO Risk Model

Background: A subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an aneurysmal rupture (aSAH) is a serious condition with severe neurological consequences. The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) classification is a reliable predictor of death and long-term disability in patients with aSAH. Poor-grade neurological conditions on admission in aSAH (PG-aSAH) are often linked to high mortality rates and unfavorable outcomes. However, more than one-third of patients with PG-aSAH may recover and have good functional outcomes if aggressive treatment is provided. We developed a risk model called Identifying POor GRade Outcomes (IPOGRO) to predict 6-month mRS outcomes in PG-aSAH patients as a secondary analysis of a previously published study. Methods: All consecutive patients in poor-grade neurological conditions (WFNS IV-V) admitted to our institute from 2010 to 2020 due to aSAH were considered. Clinical and neuroradiological parameters were employed in the univariable analysis to evaluate the relationship with a 6-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Then, a multivariable multinomial regression model was performed to predict 6-month outcomes. Results: 149 patients with PG-aSAH were included. Most patients were surgically treated, with only 33.6% being endovascularly treated. The 6-month mRS score was significantly associated with clinical parameters on admission, such as lowered Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), leukocytosis, hyperglycemia, raised Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), greater Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II score), increased initial serum Lactic Acid (LA) levels, and the need for Norepinephrine (NE) administration. Neuroradiological parameters on the initial CT scan showed a significant association with a worsening 6-month mRS. The IPOGRO risk model analysis showed an association between a WFNS V on admission and a poor outcome (mRS 4-5), while raised SBP was associated with mortality. Conclusions: Our IPOGRO risk model indicates that PG-aSAH patients with higher SBP at admission had an increased risk of death at 6-month follow-up, whereas patients with WFNS grade V at admission had an increased risk of poor outcome but not mortality.

Iodine-Based Dual-Energy Computed Tomography After Mechanical Thrombectomy Predicts Secondary Neurologic Decline from Cerebral Edema After Severe Stroke.

Patients with severe stroke are at high risk of secondary neurologic decline (ND) from the development of malignant cerebral edema (MCE). However, early infarcts are hard to diagnose on conventional head computed tomography (CT). We hypothesize that high-energy (190keV) virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI) from dual-energy CT (DECT) imaging enables earlier detection of ND from MCE. Consecutive patients with severe stroke with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores > 15 and DECT within 10h of mechanical thrombectomy from May 2020 to March 2022 were included. We excluded patients with parenchymal hematoma type 2 transformation. Retrospective analysis of clinical and novel variables included the VMI Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS), total iodine content, and VMI infarct volume. The primary outcome was secondary ND, defined using a composite outcome variable of clinical worsening (increase in NIHSS score ≥ 4 or decrease in Glasgow Coma Scale score > 2) or malignant radiographical edema (midline shift ≥ 5mm at the level of the septum pellucidum). Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon's test were used for univariate analysis. Logistic regression was used to develop prediction models for categorical outcomes. Eighty-four patients with severe stroke with a median age of 67.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 57-78) years and an NIHSS score of 22 (IQR 18-25) were included. Twenty-nine patients had ND. The VMI ASPECTS, total iodine content, and VMI infarct volume were associated with ND. The VMI ASPECTS, VMI infarct volume, and total iodine content were predictors of ND after adjusting for age, sex, initial NIHSS score, and tissue plasminogen activator administration, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.691 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.572-0.810), 0.877 (95% CI 0.800-0.954), and 0.845 (95% CI 0.750-0.940). By including all three predictors, the model achieved an AUROC of 0.903 (95% CI 0.84-0.97) and was cross-validated by the leave one out method, with an AUROC of 0.827. The VMI ASPECTS and VMI infarct volume from DECT are superior to the conventional CT ASPECTS and are novel predictors for secondary ND due to MCE after severe stroke. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04189471.

Acute Traumatic Coma Awakening Induced by Median Nerve Electrical Stimulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is widely recognized as a major cause of death and disability. Optimizing recovery from coma is a priority for improving patient prognosis. Recently, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that median nerve electrical stimulation (MNES) may be a potential approach for comatose patients awakening with TBI, although the results of these studies are not consistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the MNES on recovery from coma in patients with TBI based on data from randomized controlled trials. The PubMed, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure electronic databases were systematically searched from their inception to July 2023 using specific keywords. The χ2 test and I2 test were used to evaluate the heterogeneity across these studies. The mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and relative risk (RR) with 95% CIs were adopted to analyze the continuous outcomes and binary outcomes, respectively. A total of 1831 patients from 18 studies were included in this meta-analysis. There were significant differences in the proportions of patients who regained consciousness between the MNES group and the control group after treatment (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.18-1.56; P < 0.001) and at 6 months after injury (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.16-1.47; P < 0.001). MNES significantly improved the Glasgow Coma Scale score (mean difference 2.38, 95% CI 1.78-2.98; P < 0.001). Furthermore, no significant differences in complications between the two groups of patients were observed, including pneumonitis (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.72-1.03; P = 0.107), seizures (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.49-3.10; P = 0.651), or gastric hemorrhage (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.60-1.93; P = 0.795).The results of the present study indicate that patients with TBI in the MNES group recovered from coma more rapidly after treatment and at 6months after injury. These results suggest that MNES is an effective approach for coma awakening after TBI.

Outcome Predictor of Spontaneous Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage Management

Background: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) is responsible for higher morbidity and mortality rates than ischemic stroke. Although SICH is less common than ischemic stroke. Identifying the predictors of outcome after spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage is crucial for a clinical decision-making framework and implementing efficient therapeutic measures. Aims: The study aimed to analyze the clinical profile, assess the outcome, and identify the outcome prognosticators after supratentorial SICH in the Neurosurgery Department of a tertiary care hospital in the southeastern part of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study included 183 patients with computerized tomography (CT) evidence of supratentorial SICH above 18 years of age from the Department of Neurosurgery of Chittagong Medical College Hospital between September 2021 and February 2023.The variables analyzed were age, sex, comorbidities, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score on admission, radiological features, treatment modality and outcome at 90-day. Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score was used to assess the outcome. GOS score 4-5 was considered good outcome and GOS score 1-3 was considered as poor outcome. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.9±14.4 years and 52.5% were male. The 90-day mortality rate was 50.8% and 55.2% patients had poor outcomes. On bivariate analysis, higher age, comorbid CKD state, low GCS score, higher hematoma volume, midline shift, hydrocephalus and intraventricular hematoma (IVH) were associated with poor outcome. Independent predictors of poor outcome included a higher baseline age (OR: 1.07, 95% CI:1.02-1.11, p=0.002), lower GCS on admission (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39- 0.76, p&lt;0.001), and medical management (OR = 30.56, 95% CI = 7.15-130.69, P &lt;0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, SICH is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Higher age, low GCS on admission and medical management independently predicted poor outcome in the present study. Patients with a lower age, higher GCS on admission and who were managed surgically were more likely to have a good outcome. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2024; 13(2): 96-103

Thrombocytopenia as a Prognostic Marker in Patients with Acute Encephalitis at a Tertiary Care Center in Northern India.

Acute encephalitis (AE) is associated with a high burden of mortality and permanent disability and has a spectrum of underlying etiologies. The prognosis of encephalitis is difficult and almost all the patients seem to be at a high risk of poor outcomes. A number of physiological changes take place during encephalitis and have been evaluated for their prognostic value. Platelet count, which has been recognized as a surrogate prognostic marker in various viral illnesses, has recently been recognized to have a prognostic value in AE too. In the present study, we attempted to study the role of thrombocytopenia in the prognosis of AE. Total of 98 cases based on clinical, cerebrospinal fluid, and radiological profiles consistent with the diagnosis of AE were enrolled in the study. A clinical profile was noted, and platelet count was assessed. Thrombocytopenia was defined as platelet count <150,000/mm3. Platelet count 100,000-150,000, 50,000-99,999, and <50,000/mm3 were considered mild, moderate, and severe thrombocytopenia. The underlying etiology was explored, and patients were followed till discharge/outcome. The outcome was noted in terms of the Modified Rankin score (MRS). MRS 0-2 was considered good, 3-4 fair, and 5-6 as poor outcome. The mean age of patients was 34.06 ± 18.76 years. Majority of patients were women (54.1%). Prevalence of thrombocytopenia was 75.5%. A total of 34 (45.9%) had mild, 30 (40.5%) had moderate, and 10 (13.5%) had severe thrombocytopenia. Acute viral encephalitis (unclassified) was the most common etiology (33.7%), followed by scrub meningoencephalitis (24.5%) and Japanese encephalitis (12.2%), respectively. Good, fair, and poor outcomes were noted in 48 (49%), 21 (21.4%), and 29 (29.6%) cases. On univariate analysis, no significant association of poor outcome was seen with age, sex, duration of fever, and mechanical ventilation need (P > 0.05). Low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), splenomegaly, low platelet count, and Japanese encephalitis virus/scrub typhus etiologies were found to be significantly associated with poor outcomes (P < 0.05). Thrombocytopenia compared to normal platelet count and severe thrombocytopenia compared to mild and moderate thrombocytopenia were significantly associated with poor outcomes (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, GCS <8 (odds ratio [OR] =4.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.56-13.20) and thrombocytopenia (OR = 11.92; 95% CI = 1.38-103.32) emerged as independent predictors of poor outcome. The findings of the study showed that low GCS and thrombocytopenia could be used as predictors of poor outcomes in AE cases.

Development and validation of a risk prediction model for feeding intolerance in neurocritical patients with enteral nutrition.

This study collects and analyzes clinical data on enteral nutrition therapy in neurocritical patients, develops and validates a feeding intolerance (FI) risk prediction model, and provides a theoretical basis for screening patients with high risk of feeding intolerance (FI) and delivering personalized care. A convenience sampling method was employed to select 300 patients who were admitted to a tertiary hospital in China for early enteral nutrition therapy in the neurointensive care unit between April 2022 and December 2022. Independent risk factors for FI were identified using univariate and logistic regression analyses. A prediction model was established, and the goodness of fit and discriminant validity of the model were evaluated. The incidence of FI in neurocritical patients receiving enteral nutrition was 71%. Logistic regression analysis identified age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, mechanical ventilation, feeding via the nasogastric tube route, hyperglycemia, and low serum albumin as independent risk factors for the development of FI (p < 0.05). The predictive formula for FI risk was established as follows: Logit p = -14.737 + 1.184 × mechanical ventilation +2.309 × feeding route +1.650 × age + 1.336 × GCS tertile (6-8 points) + 1.696 × GCS tertile (3-5 points) + 1.753 × APACHE II score + 1.683 × blood glucose value +1.954 × serum albumin concentration. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed χ2 = 9.622, p = 0.293, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.941 (95% confidence interval: 0.912-0.970, p < 0.001). The optimal critical value was 0.767, with a sensitivity of 85.9%, a specificity of 90.8%, and a Youden index of 0.715. The early enteral nutrition FI risk prediction model developed in this study demonstrated good predictive ability. This model can serve as a valuable reference for effectively assessing the risk of FI in neurocritical patients, thereby enhancing clinical outcomes.

Prognostic factors of chronic subdural hematomas in two reference university teaching hospitals in the city of Yaounde

ObjectivesDespite the good prognosis of surgical treatment of chronic subdural hematomas, there are some early deaths, recurrences and post-operative complications. The objective of this study is to analyze the prognostic factors of chronic subdural hematomas in two reference university teaching hospitals in the city of Yaounde. MethodThree hundred and ten cases of chronic subdural hematomas were diagnosed on 3788 patients hospitalized in the neurosurgery departments of two reference university teaching hospitals in the city of Yaounde from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2021 (7 years). The authors collected data from patients in whom surgical treatment was performed and assessed their prognosis with regard to the rate of early and late recurrence, mortality rate and postoperative complications and associated factors. ResultsData from 284 patients were analyzed. The mortality rate was 6.7 % and the recurrence rate was 3.2 % in early postoperative period and 4.5 % after a follow-up of 3–24 months. Prognostic factors for death were age greater than or equal to 80 years (p value = 0.034) and presence of cortico-subcortical atrophy (p value = 0.003). The main recurrence factors were age greater than or equal to 70 years and compartmentalization of the hematoma. ConclusionChronic subdural hematomas are generally of good prognosis when the Glasgow coma score on admission is good and adequate management is carried out as soon as possible. Advanced age, lesions such as cortico-subcortical atrophy and compartmentalization of the hematoma are all factors that predispose to recurrence or early mortality. Those groups of patients should therefore benefit from a closer follow-up in post-operative period.

Surgical Management of Penetrating Carotid Artery Injury: Preoperative Level of Consciousness Does Matter.

The optimal surgical management of penetrating carotid artery injuries (PCAI) remains controversial. This study aimed to examine the association between operative techniques for PCAI and the incidence of stroke. This retrospective cohort study used the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2016-2021) database. We included patients (≥16 years old) with severe penetrating injuries to the common or internal carotid arteries (CCA/ICA) who underwent one of the following operative procedures: primary suture repair, ligation, and arterial reconstruction with a graft. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with cluster-adjusted robust standard errors was performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for postoperative stroke stratified by the initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). A total of 429 patients were included (329 underwent primary suture repair, 82 underwent ligation, and 81 underwent arterial reconstruction with a graft). The median age was 31 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 24-43) and median GCS on arrival was 11 (IQR: 3-15). On multivariate analysis after adjusting for potential confounders, ligation of CCA/ICA was significantly associated with increased odds of stroke in patients with initial GCS ≥9 (AOR: 4.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-16.58, p=0.029), whereas there was no significant association in patients with GCS <9 (AOR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.28-2.11, p=0.37). No significant association was identified between arterial reconstruction with a graft and stroke, irrespective of the initial GCS. The study findings suggest that the preoperative level of consciousness may help in planning operative strategies for PCAI. In patients with an initial GCS ≥ 9, definitive repair of the CCA/ICA, including arterial reconstruction with a graft, should be pursued instead of ligation.

Risk Factors and Outcome of Acute Kidney Injury in Children with Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Background: Children with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) suffer from several complications. Among them acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the grave complications. Objectives: To determine the risk factors for development of AKI in children (age &lt;15 years) with DKA and observe the outcome of these children. Method: An observational study was done in Department of Paediatrics, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2019 to December 2020. During study period, we observed all children with DKA who developed AKI. Data of clinical and biological variables were taken from hospital records and analysed. The parameters of children with AKI were compared with children with DKA who did not develop AKI. Then outcome of the children with AKI were measured. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 23. Results: Among 73 children with DKA, 16 (21.9%) children developed AKI. Children were divided into two groups, DKA with AKI and DKA without AKI. No statistically significant differences were found in demographic features of children in both groups. We observed that, delay in initiation of treatment, low Glasgow Coma Scale (score- &lt;8), haemodynamic failure, severe acidosis and sepsis were significant risk factors of developing AKI. Out of 16 children with AKI, 9(56.2%) patients needed peritoneal dialysis and 7(43.7%) responded to fluid resuscitation. Complete resolution occurred in 13(81.2%). Total mortality in DKA children was 13(17.8%). Among them 84.6% children died due to AKI. Conclusions: This study documented that 21.9% of children with DKA developed AKI. Among them mortality was 84.5%. BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2023; VOL 47 (1) : 30-33