Independent Predictor Of Unfavorable Outcome Research Articles

Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prognostic Parameter.

A non-convulsive status epilepticus (ncSE) is a potentially fatal complication for patients in neurointensive care. In patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), ncSE remains scarcely investigated. In this study, we aim to investigate the frequency and influence of non-convulsive status epilepticus on outcome in patients with SAH. We retrospectively analyzed data of consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and evaluated clinical, radiological, demographical and electroencephalogram (EEG) data. Outcome was assessed according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months and stratified into favorable (mRS 0-2) vs. unfavorable (mRS 3-6). We identified 171 patients with SAH, who received EEG between 01/2012 and 12/2020. ncSE was diagnosed in 19 patients (3.7%), only one of whom achieved favorable outcome. The multivariate regression analysis revealed four independent predictors of unfavorable outcome: presence of ncSE (p = 0.003; OR 24.1; 95 CI% 2.9-195.3), poor-grade SAH (p < 0.001; OR 14.0; 95 CI% 8.5-23.1), age (p < 0.001; OR 2.8; 95 CI% 1.6-4.6) and the presence of DIND (p < 0.003; OR 1.9; 95 CI% 1.2-3.1) as independent predictors for unfavorable outcome. According to our study, development of ncSE in patients suffering SAH might correlate with poor prognosis. Even when medical treatment is successful and no EEG abnormalities are detected, the long-term outcome remains poor.

Nationwide Treatment Outcomes of Patients With Multidrug/Rifampin-Resistant Tuberculosis in Korea, 2011-2017: A Retrospective Cohort Study (Korean TB-POST).

The treatment outcomes of patients with multidrug/rifampin-resistant (MDR/RR) tuberculosis (TB) are important indicators that reflect the current status of TB management and identify the key challenges encountered by TB control programs in a country. We retrospectively evaluated the treatment outcomes as well as predictors of unfavorable outcomes in patients with MDR/RR-TB notified from 2011 to 2017, using an integrated TB database. A total of 7,226 patients with MDR/RR-TB were included. The treatment success rate had significantly increased from 63.9% in 2011 to 75.1% in 2017 (P < 0.001). Among unfavorable outcomes, the proportion of patients who failed, were lost to follow up, and were not evaluated had gradually decreased (P < 0.001). In contrast, TB-related death rate was not significantly changed (P = 0.513), while the non-TB related death rate had increased from 3.2% in 2011 to 11.1% in 2017 (P < 0.001). Older age, male sex, immigrants, low household income, previous history of TB treatment, and comorbidities were independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Of the 5,308 patients who were successfully treated, recurrence occurred in 241 patients (4.5%) at a median 18.4 months (interquartile range, 9.2-32.4) after completion treatment. The treatment outcomes of patients with MDR/RR-TB has gradually improved but increasing deaths during treatment is an emerging challenge for MDR-TB control in Korea. Targeted and comprehensive care is needed for vulnerable patients such as the elderly, patients with comorbidities, and those with low household incomes.

Can machine learning of post-procedural cone-beam CT images in acute ischemic stroke improve the detection of 24-h hemorrhagic transformation? A preliminary study.

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Its early identification could help tailor AIS management. We hypothesize that machine learning (ML) applied to cone-beam computed tomography (CB-CT), immediately after EVT, improves performance in 24-h HT prediction. We prospectively enrolled AIS patients undergoing EVT, post-procedural CB-CT, and 24-h non-contrast CT (NCCT). Three raters independently analyzed imaging at four anatomic levels qualitatively and quantitatively selecting a region of interest (ROI) < 5 mm2. Each ROI was labeled as "hemorrhagic" or "non-hemorrhagic" depending on 24-h NCCT. For each level of CB-CT, Mean Hounsfield Unit (HU), minimum HU, maximum HU, and signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios were calculated, and the differential HU-ROI value was compared between both hemispheres. The number of anatomic levels affected was computed for lesion volume estimation. ML with the best validation performance for 24-h HT prediction was selected. One hundred seventy-two ROIs from affected hemispheres of 43 patients were extracted. Ninety-two ROIs were classified as unremarkable, whereas 5 as parenchymal contrast staining, 29 as ischemia, 7 as subarachnoid hemorrhages, and 39 as HT. The Bernoulli Naïve Bayes was the best ML classifier with a good performance for 24-h HT prediction (sensitivity = 1.00; specificity = 0.75; accuracy = 0.82), though precision was 0.60. ML demonstrates high-sensitivity but low-accuracy 24-h HT prediction in AIS. The automated CB-CT imaging evaluation resizes sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates of visual interpretation reported in the literature so far. A standardized quantitative interpretation of CB-CT may be warranted to overcome the inter-operator variability.

Plasma Elevations of Extracellular Matrix Collagens Are Predictive of Unfavorable Outcome after Trauma

INTRODUCTION: The extracellular matrix is critical for intracellular communication, but the association between extracellular matrix integrity after trauma and clinical outcomes remains unexplored. Collagen type-6 alpha-3 chain (COL6A3) and collagen type-18 alpha-1 chain (COL18A1) are increased in patients’ plasma after hemorrhagic shock. We hypothesized that these increased concentrations of COL6A3 and COL18A1 are associated with adverse outcomes after severe injury. METHODS: Blood was collected from severely injured patients at a Level I trauma center as part of the COMBAT study. Plasma proteomics were performed using targeted liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Spearman correlations, Mann-Whitney tests, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze association among injury, COL6A3, and COL18A1 levels, and outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with greater shock (lower base excess) on emergency department (ED) arrival had higher ED COL18A1 and 24-hour COL6A3 (both Spearman R –0.28, p < 0.05). Independently of NISS and base excess, higher ED COL18A1 and higher 24-hour COL6A3 were each associated with fewer ICU- and ventilator-free days (all p < 0.05, Figure 1). The effect of 24-hour COL6A3 on ICU-free days and ventilator-free days was also independent of ED COL18A1 (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients who developed ARDS had higher 24-hour COL6A3 (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Plasma measures of COL18A1 on ED arrival and COL6A3 at 24 hours are independent predictors of unfavorable outcome after injury. These collagen chains in the plasma are indicators of extracellular matrix destruction, and further study is needed to elucidate their potential role in inflammomodulatory signaling that mediates adverse outcomes.

Elevated N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide at admission is associated with unfavorable outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Cardiac injury and dysfunction following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) negatively impact the neurological outcomes. This study aimed to determine the association between N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) levels at admission and neurological outcomes at six months in aSAH patients following endovascular treatment. Patients diagnosed with aSAH who underwent NT-pro BNP measurement at admission at our department between January 2018 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Neurological outcomes were evaluated based on the six-month modified Rankin Scale score. The associations between admission NT-pro BNP levels and neurological outcomes were investigated. In total, 471 patients were included in the analysis. The serum NT-pro BNP levels were significantly lower in patients with a favorable outcome than those with an unfavorable outcome. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of NT-pro BNP was 0.687. The optimal cutoff value of serum NT-pro BNP level as a predictor of unfavorable outcome was 253.4 pg/mL. Multivariate analysis revealed that admission NT-pro BNP level of >253.4 pg/mL was significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes. After propensity score-matching, admission NT-pro BNP level of >253.4 pg/mL was an independent predictor of unfavorable outcomes. Admission NT-pro BNP level added a slight value to other clinical variables for the prediction of unfavorable outcomes (0.877 vs 0.871 in AUC, respectively; p = 0.084). In conclusion, higher admission NT-pro BNP levels were independently associated with six-month unfavorable outcomes in aSAH patients treated with endovascular treatment. However, it added only minor prognostic value to clinical information alone.

Postoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio predicts unfavorable outcome of acute ischemic stroke patients who achieve complete reperfusion after thrombectomy.

PurposeOnly approximately half of anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients receiving endovascular treatment (EVT) have a favorable outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the association of dynamic inflammatory markers (i.e., neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios, NLR, measured at different times after EVT) as well as other potential influencing factors with unfavorable outcome among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who achieved complete reperfusion after EVT.MethodsPatients treated with EVT for LVO between January 2019 to December 2021 were prospectively enrolled. Complete reperfusion was defined as modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) grade 3. A modified Rankin scale at 90 days (mRS90) of 3–6 was defined as unfavorable outcome (i.e., futile reperfusion). A logistic regression analysis was performed with unfavorable outcome as a dependent variable. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were then used to determine the diagnostic values of NLR and other relevant factors.Results170 patients with complete reperfusion (mTICI 3) were included in this study. Unfavorable outcome was observed in 70 (41.2%). Higher NLR within 24h (p=0.017) and at 3-7d (p=0.008) after EVT were an independent risk factors for unfavorable outcome at 3 months. In addition, older age, higher NIHSS scores, poor collaterals, and general anesthesia were independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes. When accounting for NLR, the diagnostic efficiency improved compared to conventional characteristics.ConclusionOur findings suggest that advanced age, increased stroke severity, poor collaterals, general anesthesia, and NLR are independent predictors for an unfavorable clinical outcome following complete reperfusion after EVT. Neuroinflammation may merit particular attention in future studies.

Cortisol as an Independent Predictor of Unfavorable Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.

Most cases of COVID-19 are non-severe, but some patients require urgent hospital care. In the past, it has been established that adrenal hyperactivity predicts poorer prognosis in severely ill patients. We wanted to verify if cortisol levels can be tied to clinical outcomes and the degree of inflammation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We recruited 180 adult patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19. The group was divided into smaller subgroups based on the glucocorticoid treatment status; the subgroups were evaluated in three separate time points. The assessment involved hormonal function (cortisol, ACTH), inflammatory markers, and occurrence of the pre-selected endpoints (death, hospitalization ≥10 days, non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygenation, mechanical ventilation, vasopressors). In the evaluated group, 121 patients showed signs of abnormal adrenal function. There was a clear correlation between cortisol and IL-6 concentrations in all three time points regardless of glucocorticoid treatment. A total of 71.1% of patients displaying abnormal cortisol production met the preselected endpoints. Our analysis showed that a cutoff cortisol concentration prognosing endpoint occurrence could be set at 15.45 μg/dL for patients not treated with glucocorticoids. Cortisol concentration can be seen as an independent prognostic factor for unfavorable outcomes in selected adults hospitalized with COVID-19.

Impact of Seizures and Status Epilepticus on Outcome in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the association between seizures as divided by timing and type (seizures or status epilepticus) and outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).MethodsAll consecutive patients with aSAH admitted to the neurocritical care unit of the University Hospital Zurich between 2016 and 2020 were included. Seizure type and frequency were extracted from electronic patient files.ResultsOut of 245 patients, 76 experienced acute symptomatic seizures, with 39 experiencing seizures at onset, 18 experiencing acute seizures, and 19 experiencing acute nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). Multivariate analysis revealed that acute symptomatic NCSE was an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome (odds ratio 14.20, 95% confidence interval 1.74–116.17, p = 0.013) after correction for age, Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, and delayed cerebral ischemia. Subgroup analysis showed a significant association of all seizures/NCSE with higher Fisher grade (p < 0.001 for acute symptomatic seizures/NCSE, p = 0.031 for remote symptomatic seizures). However, although acute seizures/NCSE (p = 0.750 and 0.060 for acute seizures/NCSE respectively) were not associated with unfavorable outcome in patients with a high Hunt-Hess grade, they were significantly associated with unfavorable outcome in patients with a low Hunt-Hess grade (p = 0.019 and p < 0.001 for acute seizures/NCSE, respectively).ConclusionsAcute symptomatic NCSE independently predicts unfavorable outcome after aSAH. Seizures and NCSE are associated with unfavorable outcome, particularly in patients with a low Hunt-Hess grade. We propose that NCSE and the ictal or postictal reduction of Glasgow Coma Scale may hamper close clinical evaluation for signs of delayed cerebral ischemia, and thus possibly leading to delayed diagnosis and therapy thereof in patients with a low Hunt-Hess grade.

Serum sulfonylurea receptor-1 as a biomarker of clinical severity and prognosis in patients with traumatic brain injury

BackgroundSulfonylurea receptor-1 (Sur1) plays an important role in acute brain injury. We determine whether serum Sur1 concentrations are associated with traumatic severity and clinical outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). MethodsSerum Sur1 concentrations were measured in 100 healthy controls and 138 patients with moderate to severe TBI. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and Rotterdam computed tomography (CT) classification were recorded to assess traumatic severity. Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score of 1–3 at posttraumatic 3 months was defined as an unfavorable outcome. ResultsSerum Sur1 concentrations were markedly higher in patients than in controls. Serum Sur1 concentrations of patients were highly correlated with GCS score, Rotterdam CT classification and GOS score. Patients with unfavorable outcome displayed markedly higher serum Sur1 concentrations than those presenting with favorable outcome. Under receiver operating characteristic curve, serum Sur1 concentrations significantly distinguished patients at risk of unfavorable outcome. Serum Sur1 emerged as an independent predictor for unfavorable outcome. ConclusionsRising serum Sur1 concentrations are highly correlated with traumatic severity and are independently associated with poor prognosis after TBI, indicating that serum Sur1 may have the potential to be a useful prognostic biomarker of TBI.

High Level of the Fibrin Degradation Products at Admission Predicts Parenchymal Hematoma and Unfavorable Outcome of Ischemic Stroke After Intravenous Thrombolysis.

Background and PurposeWe aim to investigate whether the higher admission fibrin degradation products (FDPs) levels are associated with parenchymal hematomas (PHs) and unfavorable outcome after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT).MethodsConsecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with IVT were studied. The FDP level was obtained on admission. PH was evaluated 24 h after treatment. The unfavorable outcome was defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale >2. The multivariable linear stepwise regression was used to assess independent factors associated with the log-transformed FDP (lgFDP). The receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) curve analysis was used to determine the predictive value of the FDP level for PH and unfavorable outcome. The logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors for PH and unfavorable outcome. The mediation analyses were performed to investigate associations among the FDP level, PH, and outcome.ResultsA total of 181 patients were included in the final analyses [median age, 73 (63–79) years; 102 (56.4%) males; and the median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, 8 (5–15)]. The lgFDP was independently associated with age (B = 0.011, 95% CI 0.006–0.015, p < 0.001) and the baseline NIHSS score (B = 0.016, 95% CI 0.008–0.025, p < 0.001). The FDP was positively associated with PH [odds ratio (OR) 1.034, 95% CI 1.000–1.069; p = 0.047]. According to the ROC analysis, the best discriminating factor for unfavorable outcome was the FDP ≥3.085 μg/ml. The FDP ≥3.085 μg/ml was an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome (OR 7.086, 95% CI 2.818–17.822; p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that the association of the FDP ≥3.085 μg/ml with unfavorable outcome was not mediated by PH (p = 0.161).ConclusionThe admission FDP levels can predict PH and unfavorable outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke after IVT. PH does not mediate the effect of the FDP level on the outcome.

Cortisol as an Independent Predictor of Unfavorable Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Cortisol as an Independent Predictor of Unfavorable Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Computed Tomography Texture Analysis of Carotid Plaque as Predictor of Unfavorable Outcome after Carotid Artery Stenting: A Preliminary Study

Novel biomarkers are advocated to manage carotid plaques. Therefore, we aimed to test the association between textural features of carotid plaque at computed tomography angiography (CTA) and unfavorable outcome after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Between January 2010 and January 2021, were selected 172 patients (median age, 77 years; 112/172, 65% men) who underwent CAS with CTA of the supra-aortic vessels performed within prior 6 months. Standard descriptors of the density histogram were derived by open-source software automated analysis obtained by CTA plaque segmentation. Multiple logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the area under the ROC (AUC) were used to identify potential prognostic variables and to assess the model performance for predicting unfavorable outcome (periprocedural death or myocardial infarction and any ipsilateral acute neurological event). Unfavorable outcome occurred in 17/172 (10%) patients (median age, 79 years; 12/17, 70% men). Kurtosis was an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome (odds ratio, 0.79; confidence interval, 0.65–0.97; p = 0.029). The predictive model for unfavorable outcome including CTA textural features outperformed the model without textural features (AUC 0.789 vs. 0.695, p = 0.004). In patients with stenotic carotid plaque, kurtosis derived by CTA density histogram analysis is an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome after CAS.

Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Determinants of Surgically Treated Depressed Skull Fracture in Addis Ababa University Neurosurgical Teaching Hospitals: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study

Depressed skull fracture is one of the most common neurosurgical emergencies in Ethiopia. The clinical outcome after surgical management and what factors predict the outcome are not well studied. Our study aimed to assess the outcome and identify predictors of the outcome in surgically treated adult patients. A prospective, multicenter, observational study was undertaken on 197 cases, at 4 selected neurosurgical teaching hospitals in Ethiopia. Relevant data were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (IBM, Armonk, New York, USA). The outcome was assessed by the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale. Multivariate analysis was done to identify independent predictors of the outcome. The outcome was favorable in 81.2%. The mean age was 27. The mode of injury was violence in 79.7%. Motor deficit witnessed in 24.4%. Based on the Glasgow Coma Scale, 92.2% of patients had mild traumatic brain injury. Associated intracranial lesions were identified in 87.3%. The median hospital stay was 4.7 days. Reoperation and mortality rates were 4.1% and 0.5%, respectively. Five factors were statistically significant independent predictors of unfavorable outcome in multivariate analysis: motor deficit (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 13.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.13-46.17, P= 0.000), Glasgow Coma Scale ≤13 (AOR 10.36, 95% CI: 1.93-55.56, P= 0.006), pneumocephalus (AOR 12.93, 95% CI: 3.12-53.52, P= 0.000), hospital stay for ≥3 days (AOR 4.39, 95% CI: 1.18-16.3, P= 0.027), and reoperation (AOR 6.92, 95% CI: 1.09-43.97, P= 0.04). The overall outcome was favorable. The presence of motor deficit, postresuscitation Glasgow Coma Scale ≤13, pneumocephalus, reoperation, and hospital stays for ≥3 days were independent predictors of an unfavorable outcome.

Frailty syndrome as an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Purpose To assess the prevalence of frailty in the preoperative period and to evaluate its effect on the risk of complications and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods 387 patients undergoing preoperative management for elective primary CABG were recruited in the study. The study cohort was divided into three groups depending on the “Age is no disqualification” scores suggesting the presence or absence of frailty and the presence of prefrailty. Demographic and clinical data were collected for each patient, including surgery data, pre- and postoperative treatment, intra- and postoperative complications and outcomes of CABG. Statistical analysis was performed using the commercially available software package IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0.0. Results 74 (19%) patients had frailty, while 225 (58%) patients were diagnosed with prefrailty and 88 (23%) patients did not have any signs of frailty. All three groups had significant age differences, patients without frailty – 56 [63–67] years old, prefrailty group – 59 [65–69] years old, patients with frailty – 62 [66–72] years old, p=0,003. Patients with frailty or prefrailty more often suffered from diabetes mellitus (patients without frailty – 14,8%, prefrailty group – 25,8% and frailty group – 36,5%, p=0,006), atrial fibrillation or flutter (16,7%, 14,3% and 35,6%, respectively, p=0,05) and cerebral atherosclerosis (45,5%, 62,2% and 60,8%, respectively, p=0,02). Three groups were comparable in main clinical and demographic parameters. There were no significant differences found in the incidence of infections (3,4%, 2,2% and 4%, respectively, p=0,655) and haemorrhagic complications (1,2%, 1% and 0,5%, respectively, p=0,680). Patients with frailty or prefrailty in the intra- and early postoperative period after CABG had significantly higher incidence of low output syndrome (1,2%, 7,6% and 13,5%, respectively, p=0,01, OR 8,5, 95% CI, 1,1–63,5) and postoperative atrial fibrillation or flutter (5,7%, 16% and 12,2%, respectively, p=0,04, OR 2,9, 95% CI, 1,1–7,5). The incidence of myocardial infarction in the intra- and early postoperative period after CABG did not differ significantly between the groups (0%, 0,5% and 1,5%, respectively, p=0,476) as well as the incidence of stroke (2,3%, 1,8% and 4,1%, respectively, p=0,523). Patients with frailty and prefrailty had significantly higher cerebrovascular and cardiovascular mortality compared to those without frailty (1%, 0% and 5,4%, respectively, p=0,04, OR 2,6, 95% CI, 1,1–5,9). Conclusion Almost 19% of patients referred to CABG suffered from frailty. The presence of prefrailty or frailty increases the risk of death in the early postoperative period after CABG. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Federal State Budgetary Institution “Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases”, Kemerovo, Russian Federation

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Could Predict Outcome in Patients Presenting with Acute Limb Ischemia.

Introduction: Acute limb ischemia (ALI), classified according to Rutherford’s classification (RC), is a vascular emergency burdened by high rates of mortality and morbidity. The need of new and different prognostic values for ALI has emerged, and, among all, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proven as a strong outcome predictor in vascular disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of preoperative NLR in predicting clinical outcomes in patients presenting acute limb ischemia. Material and Methods: A single-center retrospective study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2019. Demographic and clinical characteristics, procedural technical aspects, postoperative and early (up to 30-day) outcomes were recorded. All enrolled patients were categorized into low- and high-NLR at baseline, using a cut-off value of 5. Study outcomes were 30-day all-cause mortality and amputation rates. Results: A total of 177 ALI patients were included in the final analysis (6 RC I, 44 RC IIA, 108 RC IIB, and 19 RC III), 115 males (65%), mean age 78.9 ± 10.4 years. Mean NLR at hospital presentation was 6.65 ± 6.75 (range 0.5–35.4), 108 (61.1%) patients presented a low-NLR, 69 (38.9%) a high-NLR. Immediate technical success was achieved in 90.1% of cases. At 30 days, freedom from amputation and freedom from death rates were 87.1% and 83.6%, respectively. At the univariate analysis, amputation (p < 0.0001, OR: 9.65, 95%CI: 3.7–25.19), mortality (p = 0.0001, OR: 9.88, 95%CI: 3.19–30.57), and cumulative event rates (p < 0.001, OR: 14.45, 95%CI: 6.1–34.21), were significantly different between the two groups according to NLR value. Multivariate analysis showed that a high baseline NLR value was an independent predictor of unfavorable outcomes in all enrolled patients. Consistently, at ROC analysis, a preoperative NLR > 5 was strongly associated with all outcome occurrences. Conclusion: Preoperative NLR value seems to be strongly related to ALI outcomes in this unselected population. The largest series should be evaluated to confirm present results.

Demographics, Clinical profile, Causes and Outcome of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Neurosurgical Unit in Manipal Teaching Hospital of Western Nepal

Background: This research article aims to evaluate the demographic variables, clinical profile, causes and outcome determinants of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (SICH) in a population of Western Nepal. The study represents the cases of SICH reported from Manipal Teaching Hospital, a tertiary center at Gandaki province of Western Nepal.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Retrospective data collection and analysis were done with consecutive cases of SICH admitted to our center between January 2018 and March 2019. The variables analyzed include age, gender, chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, history of tobacco abuse, alcohol abuse, Glasgow coma score (GCS) on admission, radiological(CT scan) findings, treatment modality, an outcome at 6 months period, etc. Modified Rankin score (mRS) was used to assess the outcome at discharge and after six months. &#x0D; Results: Our study group of 237 patients included 171 males and 66 females and the mean age of presentation was 64.02 years. The study group included 121 patients (51.1%) who were previously diagnosed with systemic arterial hypertension and 15 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The most frequent locations of hematoma were basal ganglia (n=127), lobar (n=94), intraventricular hemorrhage (n=69), cerebellar (n=15) and brainstem (n=11). The mean volume of the blood clot on admission was 25.97 ml. surgical evacuation of hematoma and decompression through craniotomy was done in 52 (21.9%) patients. Independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes includes the variables like headache (p=0.007), aphasia (p=0.017), mean GCS score (p=0.00) and motor GCS score (p=0.00); CT finding of intraventricular extension of hemorrhage (p=0.00), midline shift (p=0.00), intracerebral blood volume (p=0.00); and surgery (p=0.007).&#x0D; Conclusion: ICH predominantly affects a younger population in Nepal in comparison to the Western world. The variables include clinical features like headache, aphasia, pupillary size and reaction, mean GCS score and motor GCS score; CT finding of intraventricular extension of hemorrhage, midline shift, intracerebral blood volume; and surgery were the predictors of an unfavorable outcome. On binary logistic regression, the ICH score was the most consistent predictor of unfavorable outcomes in terms of MRS (OR 2.236, p=0.002).

Impact of Repeated Clot Retrieval Attempts on Infarct Growth and Outcome After Ischemic Stroke.

To determine whether the association between increasing number of clot retrieval attempts (CRA) and unfavorable outcome is due to an increase in emboli to new territory (ENT) and greater infarct growth (IG) in successfully recanalized patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). Data were extracted from 2 pooled multicentric prospective registries of consecutive patients with anterior AIS-LVO treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) between January 2016 and 2019. Patients with pretreatment and 24-hour posttreatment diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) achieving successful recanalization, defined as expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Scale score of 2B, 2C, or 3, were included. ENT were assessed and IG was measured by voxel-based segmentation after DWI coregistration. Associations between number of CRA, ENT, IG, and 3-month outcome were analyzed. Four hundred nineteen patients achieving successful recanalization were included. ENT occurrence was strongly correlated with increasing CRA (ρ = 0.73, p = 10-4). In multivariable linear analysis, IG was independently associated with CRA (β = 1.6 per retrieval attempt, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-9.74, p = 0.03) and ENT (β = 2.7 [95% CI 1.21-4.1], p = 0.03). Unfavorable functional outcome (3-month modified Rankin Scale score >2) increased with each additional CRA. IG was an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome (odds ratio 1.05 [95% CI 1.02-1.07] per 1-mL IG increase, p = 10-4) in binary logistic regression analysis. Increasing number of CRA in acute stroke is correlated with an increased ENT rate and increased IG volume, affecting functional outcome even when successful recanalization is achieved. This study provides Class II evidence that, for patients with acute stroke undergoing successful recanalization, an increasing number of CRA is associated with poorer functional outcome.

SARS-CoV-2 viral load in nasopharyngeal swabs is not an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome

The aim was to assess the ability of nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 viral load at first patient’s hospital evaluation to predict unfavorable outcomes. We conducted a prospective cohort study including 321 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 through RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs. Quantitative Synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA cycle threshold values were used to calculate the viral load in log10 copies/mL. Disease severity at the end of follow up was categorized into mild, moderate, and severe. Primary endpoint was a composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or death (n = 85, 26.4%). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 viral load over the second quartile (≥ 7.35 log10 copies/mL, p = 0.003) and second tertile (≥ 8.27 log10 copies/mL, p = 0.01) were associated to unfavorable outcome in the unadjusted logistic regression analysis. However, in the final multivariable analysis, viral load was not independently associated with an unfavorable outcome. Five predictors were independently associated with increased odds of ICU admission and/or death: age ≥ 70 years, SpO2, neutrophils > 7.5 × 103/µL, lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 300 U/L, and C-reactive protein ≥ 100 mg/L. In summary, nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 viral load on admission is generally high in patients with COVID-19, regardless of illness severity, but it cannot be used as an independent predictor of unfavorable clinical outcome.

Prevalence of Postoperative Unfavorable Outcome and Associated Factors in Patients with Appendicitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PurposeAppendicitis is surgical emergency that might need removal of the inflamed appendix. Unless treated, appendicular abscess, perforation, and even death might be the unfavorable outcomes. Hence, this study was aimed to investigate the unfavorable outcomes and associated factors among appendicitis operated patients.Patients and MethodsA total of 300 patients who operated for appendicitis from September 1 2019 to August 30 2020 were studied using a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data were collected by using a checklist. Epi-data and SPSS version 25 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify independent factors. A p<0.05 was used to set the statistical significance of factors.ResultsAmong 300 patients who were operated for acute appendicitis, 36 (12%) developed unfavorable outcomes. Though one death because of sepsis was recorded, wound infection was the main postoperative disorder. Female (AOR=0.49; 95% CI: 0.13–0.074), living outside the hospital setting (AOR= 0.49; 95% CI: 0.13–0.074), duration of illness before arrival at the hospital (1–3 days (AOR= 1.67; 95% CI: 1.34–8.37) and ≥4 days (AOR=5.38; 95% CI: 1.63–7.69)), more than 3 days hospital stay (AOR= 3.21; 95% CI: 2.06–8.10), and mass in the right lower quadrant (AOR= 6.01; 95% CI: 2.11–14.50) were the independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes of appendicitis treatment.ConclusionIn this study, unfavorable outcome of acute appendicitis was high. More than one-tenth of appendicitis cases developed unfavorable outcomes. Living outside the hospital setting area, long duration of illness before arrival at the Hospital, more than 3 days hospital stay, and mass in the right lower quadrant were the risk factors, while females were less likely to have unfavorable outcomes of appendicitis. Therefore, closely working with patients who have abdominal pain and increasing their awareness about acute appendicitis will improve the operation outcome.

Volumetric Analysis of Malignant Middle Cerebral Infarction (MMI): Infarction Volume Before Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for MMI is Associated With Poor Consciousness

Objective In patients with malignant middle cerebral infarction (MMI), early decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is well-known to reduce mortality and improve clinical outcome. Nevertheless, its effectiveness in clinical outcomes has only been confirmed by defining outcomes in terms of the modified Rankin scale (mRS), and many studies have already suggested that survival with severe dependency, such as mRS 4 or 5, is not acceptable. However, several other important domains are closely related to quality of life, such as consciousness or cognition, and these are not directly measured in the mRS. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify significant factors associated with poor consciousness, such as minimally conscious state (MCS) or vegetative state (VS) in patients undergoing DHC to treat MMI. Methods Between January 2011 and December 2017, 22 patients who survived from MMI after DHC and had more than 6 months of follow-up were enrolled our study. Clinical outcomes 6 months after DHC were measured, and the patients were divided into two groups based on their level of consciousness. Preserved consciousness was categorized as a favorable outcome, while poor consciousness such as MCS or VS constituted an unfavorable outcome. Clinical and radiological variables using volumetric measurement were analyzed to identify factors that were significantly associated with unfavorable outcome. Results Of the entire cohort, eight patients (36.36%) were placed in the unfavorable outcome (MCS or VS) 6 months after DHC to treat MMI. In univariate and multivariate logistic analysis, only infarction volume in the preoperative CT was a significant independent predictor of unfavorable outcome (odds ratio: 1.021, 95% confidence interval: 1.001–1.042, p = 0.023). Conclusions The present study suggested that defining unfavorable outcome based on level of consciousness to reflect quality of life should be considered. We identified infarction volume as a significant predictor of poor consciousness. Keywords: Decompressive craniectomy; MCA infarction; Outcome; Consciousness; mRS.