Intracerebral Pressure Research Articles

Lung tissue injury and hemodynamic effects of ventilations synchronized or unsynchronized to continuous chest compressions in a porcine cardiac arrest model

AimCompare lung injury and hemodynamic effects in synchronized ventilations (between two chest compressions) vs. unsynchronized ventilations during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a porcine model of cardiac arrest. MethodsTwenty pigs were randomized to either synchronized or unsynchronized group. Ventricular fibrillation was induced electrically and left for 1.5 minutes. Four minutes of basic chest compression:ventilation (30:2) CPR was followed by eight minutes of either synchronized or unsynchronized ventilations (10/min) during continuous compressions before defibrillation was attempted. Aortic, right atrial and intracerebral pressures, carotid and cerebral blood flow and cardiac output were measured. Airway monitoring included capnography and respiratory function monitor. Macro- and microscopic lung injuries were assessed post-mortem. ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups in any of the measured hemodynamic variables or inspiration time (0.4 vs. 1.0 s, p = 0.05). The synchronized ventilation group had lower median peak inspiratory airway pressure (57 vs. 94 cm H2O, p < 0.001), lower minute ventilation (3.7 vs. 9.4 l min−1, p < 0.001), lower pH (7.31 vs. 7.53, p < 0.001), higher pCO2 (5.2 vs. 2.5 kPa, p < 0.001) and lower pO2 (31.6 vs. 54.7 kPa, p < 0.001) compared to the unsynchronized group after 12 minutes of CPR. There was significant lung injury after CPR in both synchronized and unsynchronized groups. ConclusionSynchronized and unsynchronized ventilations resulted in similar hemodynamics and lung injury during continuous mechanical compressions of pigs in cardiac arrest. Animals that received unsynchronized ventilations with one second inspiration time at a rate of ten ventilations per minute were hyperventilated and hyperoxygenated.Institutional protocol number: FOTS, id 6948.

Animal Welfare Aspects in Planning and Conducting Experiments on Rodent Models of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is an acute life-threatening cerebrovascular disease with high socio-economic impact. The most frequent cause, the rupture of an intracerebral aneurysm, is accompanied by abrupt changes in intracerebral pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure and, consequently, cerebral blood flow. As aneurysms rupture spontaneously, monitoring of these parameters in patients is only possible with a time delay, upon hospitalization. To study alterations in cerebral perfusion immediately upon ictus, animal models are mandatory. This article addresses the points necessarily to be included in an animal project proposal according to EU directive 2010/63/EU for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and herewith offers an insight into animal welfare aspects of using rodent models for the investigation of cerebral perfusion after subarachnoid hemorrhage. It compares surgeries, model characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks of the most-frequently used rodent models-the endovascular perforation model and the prechiasmatic and single or double cisterna magna injection model. The topics of discussing anesthesia, advice on peri- and postanesthetic handling of animals, assessing the severity of suffering the animals undergo during the procedure according to EU directive 2010/63/EU and weighing the use of these in vivo models for experimental research ethically are also presented. In conclusion, rodent models of subarachnoid hemorrhage display pathophysiological characteristics, including changes of cerebral perfusion similar to the clinical situation, rendering the models suited to study the sequelae of the bleeding. A current problem is low standardization of the models, wherefore reporting according to the ARRIVE guidelines is highly recommended. Animal welfare aspects of rodent models of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Rodent models for investigation of cerebral perfusion after subarachnoid hemorrhage are compared regarding surgeries and model characteristics, and 3R measures are suggested. Anesthesia is discussed, and advice given on peri- and postanesthetic handling. Severity of suffering according to 2010/63/EU is assessed and use of these in vivo models weighed ethically.

Early changes in cerebral metabolism after perinatal hypoxia-ischemia: a study in normothermic and hypothermic piglets.

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) after a perinatal insult is a dynamic process that evolves over time. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is standard treatment for severe to moderate HIE. There is a lack of evidence on the temporal change and interrelation of the underlying mechanisms that constitute HIE under normal and hypothermic conditions. We aimed to describe early changes in intracerebral metabolism after a hypoxic-ischemic insult in piglets treated with and without TH and in controls. Three devices were installed into the left hemisphere of 24 piglets: a probe measuring intracranial pressure, a probe measuring blood flow and oxygen tension, and a microdialysis catheter measuring lactate, glucose, glycerol, and pyruvate. After a standardized hypoxic ischemic insult, the piglets were randomized to either TH or normothermia. Glycerol, a marker of cell lysis, increased immediately after the insult in both groups. There was a secondary increase in glycerol in normothermic piglets but not in piglets treated with TH. Intracerebral pressure, blood flow, oxygen tension, and extracellular lactate remained stable during the secondary increase in glycerol. This exploratory study depicted the development of the pathophysiological mechanisms in the hours following a perinatal hypoxic-ischemic insult with and without TH and controls.

Arterial hypertension in acute stroke. Current therapeutical indications

Acute stroke (the first hours after its onset) is accompanied in over 70% of cases by rapid and significant increases in blood pressure, above normal values. The acute or reactive hypertensive response occurs both in patients with a history of hypertension and in normotensive patients. The greatly increased BP values, not controlled therapeutically, can be followed by the increase in the volume of the cerebral infarct and hemorrhagic transformation or the expansion of the hematoma and the increase in intracerebral pressure, respectively in ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. This paper especially refers to the therapeutic control of hypertension in various situations (conditions): 1. Laboratory emergencies; 2. Hospital treatment with out thrombolytics or thrombolysis; 3. Endovascular treatment in acute stroke; 4. BP control in hemorrhagic stroke; 5. Continuation or discontinuation of antihypertensive treatment. The updated recommendations for the treatment of HTN in acute stroke result from clinical studies and recommendations of the recent ESO and AHA/ASA Guidelines.

Lumbar puncture: considerations, procedure, and complications.

Lumbar puncture is an important technique used to obtain cerebrospinal fluid, administer medications, and monitor intracerebral pressure. As essential invasive approach to diagnosing and treating central nervous system disorders, clinicians should be familiar with lumbar puncture. This review includes the considerations, contraindications, procedures, and complications of lumbar puncture.

Congenital hydrocephalus in a trisomy 9p gained child: a case report

BackgroundHydrocephalus caused by excessive liquor production due to choroid plexus hyperplasia is a rare condition that may necessitate unusual treatment paradigms. It can be seen in trisomy 9p where coexisting congenital heart disease additionally may complicate the therapeutic approach as illustrated in the current case report.Case presentationAt 20 months of age, a Caucasian girl with trisomy 9 and family history of an older brother and twin sister having the same syndrome displayed sign of congenital hydrocephalus due to increasing head circumference. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlarged lateral ventricles and a prominent choroid plexus, and the girl was treated with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, which 2 days later had to be replaced with a ventriculoatrial shunt as cerebrospinal fluid formation greatly exceeded the ability of the patient’s abdominal absorptive capability. At 16 years of age, the patient was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and diminished ejection fraction. Some months later, she was admitted to the neurosurgical ward showing signs of shunt dysfunction due to a colloid cyst in the third ventricle. Cystic drainage through endoscopic puncture only helped temporarily. Revision of the shunt system showed occlusion of the ventricular drain, and replacement was merely temporary alleviating. Intracerebral pressure was significantly increased at around 30 mmHg, prompting externalization of the drain, and measurements revealed high cerebrospinal fluid production of 60–100 ml liquor per hour. Thus, endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation was performed bilaterally leading to an immediate decrease of daily cerebrospinal fluid formation to 20–30 ml liquor per hour, and these values where stabilized by pharmaceutical treatment with acetazolamide 100 mg/kg/day and furosemide 1 mg/kg/day. Subsequently a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed. Follow-up after 1 and 2 months displayed no signs of hydrocephalus or ascites.ConclusionsHigh cerebrospinal fluid volume load and coexisting heart disease in children with trisomy 9p may call for endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation and pharmacological therapy to diminish the daily cerebrospinal fluid production to volumes that allow proper ventriculoperitoneal shunting.

Outcome of decompressive craniectomy and hematoma evacuation treatment for spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage

Background: Patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage who had large hematomas, seriously edema and high intracerebral pressure showing a poor prognosis, with mortality rate is very high. Surgical decompressive craniectomy evacuation hematoma treatment (DCEH) effectively reduce high intracranial pressure. However, some studies show that have no overall benefit of functional outcome and mortality. Objective: To assess some prognostic factors and outcome of surgical decompressive craniectomy evacuation hematoma treatment (DCEH) for spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage. Subject and method: Observational study in 30 patients with supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage who were performed DCEH at Stroke Center - 108 Military Central Hospital from 1/2016 to 7/2020. Outcome was evaluated in the 6th months after stroke. Result and conclusion: The mean age in study was 55.8 ± 10.7 years, which age under 60 was 73.3%. The mortality rate after 6 months was 29.4% while the survival rate was 60%. Favourable outcome was shown in mRS range from 0 to 3, accounted for 33.3% compared with 66.7% in the unfavourable outcome group. Main factors which affected to the results were the volume of the hematoma, the midline compression, the damage of internal capsule, the level of blood in ventricles, the Graeb, ICH, and mICH scales.

Individualized blood pressure targets in the postoperative care of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Recent guidelines recommend targeting a systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 140 mm Hg in the early management of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The optimal SBP targets for ICH patients after hematoma evacuation (HE) remain unclear. Here, the authors aimed to define the optimal SBP range based on multimodal neuromonitoring data. Forty poor-grade ICH patients who had undergone HE and then monitoring of intracerebral pressure, brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO2), and cerebral metabolism (via cerebral microdialysis [CMD]) were prospectively included. Episodes of brain tissue hypoxia (BTH) (1-hour averaged PbtO2 < 20 mm Hg) and metabolic distress (CMD-lactate/pyruvate ratio [LPR] ≥ 40) were identified and linked to corresponding parameters of hemodynamic monitoring (SBP and cerebral perfusion pressure [CPP]). Multivariable regression analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations to identify associations between SBP levels, PbtO2, and brain metabolism. The mean patient age was 60 (range 51-66) years and the median [IQR] initial ICH volume was 47 [29-60] ml. In multivariable models adjusted for Glasgow Coma Scale score, probe location, ICH volume, and age, lower SBP was independently associated with a higher risk of BTH (≤ 120 mm Hg: adjusted OR 2.9, p = 0.007; 120-130 mm Hg: adj OR 2.4, p = 0.002; 130-140 mm Hg: adj OR 1.6, p = 0.017) compared to a reference range of 140-150 mm Hg at the level of the foramen interventriculare Monroi, which corresponded to a CPP of 70-80 mm Hg and SBP levels between 150 and 160 mm Hg at the heart level. After exclusion of episodes with mitochondrial dysfunction, SBP targets < 140 mm Hg were associated with higher odds of cerebral metabolic distress (≤ 130 mm Hg: OR 2.5, p = 0.041; 130-140 mm Hg: OR 2.3, p = 0.033). Patients with a modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 5 at neurological ICU discharge more often exhibited BTH than patients with better outcomes (51% vs 10%, p = 0.003). These data suggest that lower SPB and CPP levels are associated with a higher risk for BTH. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether a higher SPB target may prevent BTH and improve outcomes.

Incidence and determinants of acute kidney injury following Mannitol therapy

Background: Mannitol is a commonly used drug in general medicine and neuro medicine wards. Mannitol reduces intracerebral pressure by redistributing water from the brain parenchyma. Renal failure is cited as one of the most common side effects and concern over this often limits the use of Mannitol. This study is intended to find out whether the use of Mannitol, in the doses commonly used in our setting, is associated with derangement of renal function and if so what are its determinants. Materials and Methods: We did a prospective observational study on 151 consecutive patients. The duration of the study was for one year from January to December 2020. Mannitol was used in the usual dose of 100 ml of 20% solution 8 hourly. Acute kidney injury was diagnosed based on the KDIGO criteria. Results: The study population included 103 males (68%) and 48 females (32%). The age group ranged from 14 years to 98 years. A total of 42 patients (27.8%) developed acute kidney injury of which 26 were males (62%) and 16 were females (38%). By multiple regression analysis, age more than 65 years and diastolic blood pressure more than 100 mm of Hg were the two significant predictors for the occurrence of acute kidney injury. Conclusion: Mannitol is a safe drug that can be used to reduce intracerebral pressure, provided the dose of the drug is carefully monitored, especially in those with risk factors such as advanced age and high diastolic blood pressure. An equally important aspect is the early recognition of the renal impairment because stopping the drug will in most situations reverse the damage. Since any renal impairment, however small and short-lasting, can have adverse long-term effects, such insults must be avoided as far as possible.

Real-Time Evaluation of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD) in Awake, Spontaneously Breathing Patients.

(1) Background: Reliable ultrasonographic measurements of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) to detect increased intracerebral pressure (ICP) has not been established in awake patients with continuous invasive ICP monitoring. Therefore, in this study, we included fully awake patients with and without raised ICP and correlated ONSD with continuously measured ICP values. (2) Methods: In a prospective study, intracranial pressure (ICP) was continuously measured in 25 patients with an intraparenchymatic P-tel probe. Ultrasonic measurements were carried out three times for each optic nerve in vertical and horizontal directions. ONSD measurements and ICP were correlated. Patients with ICP of 2.0–10.0 mmHg were compared with patients suffering from an ICP of 10.1–24.2 mmHg. (3) Results: In all patients, the ONSD vertical and horizontal measurement for both eyes correlated well with the ICP (Pearson R = 0.68–0.80). Both measurements yielded similar results (Bland-Altman: vertical bias: −0.09 mm, accuracy: ±0.66 mm; horizontal bias: −0.06 mm, accuracy: ±0.48 mm). For patients with an ICP of 2.0–10.0 mmHg compared to an ICP of 10.1–24.2, ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analyses showed that ONSD measurement accurately predicts elevated ICP (optimal cut-off value 5.05 mm, AUC of 0.91, sensitivity 92% and specificity 90%, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Ultrasonographic measurement of ONSD in awake, spontaneously breathing patients provides a valuable method to evaluate patients with suspected increased ICP. Additionally, it provides a potential tool for rapid assessment of ICP at the bedside and to identify patients at risk for a poor neurological outcome.

Secondary White Matter Injury and Therapeutic Targets After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is one of the special stroke subtypes with high mortality and mobility. Although the mortality of SAH has decreased by 50% over the past two decades due to advances in neurosurgery and management of neurocritical care, more than 70% of survivors suffer from varying degrees of neurological deficits and cognitive impairments, leaving a heavy burden on individuals, families, and the society. Recent studies have shown that white matter is vulnerable to SAH, and white matter injuries may be one of the causes of long-term neurological deficits caused by SAH. Attention has recently focused on the pivotal role of white matter injury in the pathophysiological processes after SAH, mainly related to mechanical damage caused by increased intracerebral pressure and the metabolic damage induced by blood degradation and hypoxia. In the present review, we sought to summarize the pathophysiology processes and mechanisms of white matter injury after SAH, with a view to providing new strategies for the prevention and treatment of long-term cognitive dysfunction after SAH.

Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model.

Despite advances in treatment over the last decades, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) continues to carry a high burden of morbidity and mortality, largely afflicting a fairly young population. Several animal models of SAH have been developed to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms behind SAH and to test pharmacological interventions. The pre-chiasmatic, single injection model in the rat presented in this article is an experimental model of SAH with a predetermined blood volume. Briefly, the animal is anesthetized, intubated, and kept under mechanical ventilation. Temperature is regulated with a heating pad. A catheter is placed in the tail artery, enabling continuous blood pressure measurement as well as blood sampling. The atlantooccipital membrane is incised and a catheter for pressure recording is placed in the cisterna magna to enable intracerebral pressure measurement. This catheter can also be used for intrathecal therapeutic interventions. The rat is placed in a stereotaxic frame, a burr hole is drilled anteriorly to the bregma, and a catheter is inserted through the burr hole and placed just anterior to the optic chiasm. Autologous blood (0.3 mL) is withdrawn from the tail catheter and manually injected. This results in a rise of intracerebral pressure and a decrease of cerebral blood flow. The animal is kept sedated for 30 min and given subcutaneous saline and analgesics. The animal is extubated and returned to its cage. The pre-chiasmatic model has a high reproducibility rate and limited variation between animals due to the pre-determined blood volume. It mimics SAH in humans making it a relevant model for SAH research.

Basal Cisternostomy - A Microsurgical Cerebro Spinal Fluid Let Out Procedure and Treatment Option in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury. Analysis of 40 Consecutive Head Injury Patients Operated with and without Bone Flap Replacement Following Cisternostomy in a Tertiary Care Centre in India

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is considered the gold standard blanket surgical procedure for all medically intractable cerebral oedema in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). It's only proven fact is that it reduces Intra Cerebral Pressure (ICP) by providing space for the oedematous brain. Attempts are being made to find additional or alternative procedures to improve outcomes in TBI. Basal Cisternostomy is one such technique proposed to bring such a change in world literature. To analyse the validity of Basal Cisternostomy in TBI patients. A total of 40 patients who underwent Basal Cisternostomy (BC) in TBI admitted in the senior author's unit between January 2016 and April 2019 were analysed retrospectively. All surgeries were performed by single surgeon with microsurgical expertise. Outcome was assessed according to Glasgow outcome scale (GOS). Results were analysed using SPSS software. In severe TBI, Basal Cisternostomy group showed 77.8% favourable outcome while Decompressive Craniectomy in addition to Basal Cisternostomy group showed 72.7% only. While favourable GOS was seen in 82% (33/40), the unfavourable outcome was noticed in 12.5% (5/40) and death in 5% (2/40) in this series. Hydrocephalus was seen in 12.5% (5/40). Patients operated earlier from the time of injury showed better results than those who got operated later irrespective of severity of neurological status. ICU stay and hospital stay duration and its validity could not be assessed. Basal Cisternostomy is an effective procedure in Traumatic Brain Injury patients that not only improves outcome but also reduces the need for Decompressive Craniectomy as a blanket procedure and thus avoiding its associated complications.

A Post Hoc Analysis of Osmotherapy Use in the Erythropoietin in Traumatic Brain Injury Study-Associations With Acute Kidney Injury and Mortality.

Mannitol and hypertonic saline are used to treat raised intracerebral pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury, but their possible effects on kidney function and mortality are unknown. A post hoc analysis of the erythropoietin trial in traumatic brain injury (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00987454) including daily data on mannitol and hypertonic saline use. Twenty-nine university-affiliated teaching hospitals in seven countries. A total of 568 patients treated in the ICU for 48 hours without acute kidney injury of whom 43 (7%) received mannitol and 170 (29%) hypertonic saline. None. We categorized acute kidney injury stage according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome classification and defined acute kidney injury as any Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome stage-based changes from the admission creatinine. We tested associations between early (first 2 d) mannitol and hypertonic saline and time to acute kidney injury up to ICU discharge and death up to 180 days with Cox regression analysis. Subsequently, acute kidney injury developed more often in patients receiving mannitol (35% vs 10%; p < 0.001) and hypertonic saline (23% vs 10%; p < 0.001). On competing risk analysis including factors associated with acute kidney injury, mannitol (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.3; p = 0.01), but not hypertonic saline (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.9-2.8; p = 0.08), was independently associated with time to acute kidney injury. In a Cox model for predicting time to death, both the use of mannitol (hazard ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-4.1; p = 0.03) and hypertonic saline (hazard ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.02-3.2; p = 0.04) were associated with time to death. In this post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial, the early use of mannitol, but not hypertonic saline, was independently associated with an increase in acute kidney injury. Our findings suggest the need to further evaluate the use and choice of osmotherapy in traumatic brain injury.

Non-traumatic non-aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: Single institutional experience

Aim: Despite the advanced diagnostic methods we use today, the rate of negative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is 15% in patients diagnosed with subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH), and these types of hemorrhages are named as non-aneurysmal (NASAH). Various factors such as inadequate interpretation of the beginning angiography, vasospasm, thrombosis, intra-cerebral hematoma pressure may cause DSA to be negative. This study aims to determine the causes of bleeding in patients who were suffered from NASAH.Materials and Methods: The study evaluated 664 patients with SAH from 2010 to 2016. DSA was performed on these patients within the first 3 or 6 hours. Sixty-seven patients with DSA negative were included in the study group. The patients were divided into three groups as perimesencephalic subarachnoidal hemorrhage (PMSAH), non-perimesencephalic subarachnoidal hemorrhage (nPMSAH), CT negative subarachnoidal hemorrhage (CT negative SAH). These three groups were evaluated based on age, gender, Glascow coma scale (GCS), World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade, Hunt and Hess Classification and Fisher’s scale, hospitalization time duration, complications and computerized tomography (CT), and cervical and cranial MRI was performed on patients without correlation between DSA results if needed.Results: Of the 664 patients diagnosed with SAH, 67 (10.09%) had NASAH. Statistically significant differences were found between CT Negative SAH and PMSAH and CT Negative SAH and nPMSAH in terms of the variables of GCS during hospital admission and total duration of hospitalization. Statistically significant differences were found between CT Negative SAH and PMSAH and nPMSAH in terms of the variables of GCS during hospital discharge. There were statistically significant differences between the types in terms of WFNS Classification, Hunt and Hess Classification and Fisher’s Scala.Conclusion: We believe that this study will contribute to the literature about the necessity of performing additional radiologic imaging during clinical follow-up since belated diagnosis in patients with NASAH may increase mortality.

Localization of the hydrogen sulfide and oxytocin systems at the depth of the sulci in a porcine model of acute subdural hematoma.

In the porcine model discussed in this review, the acute subdural hematoma was induced by subdural injection of autologous blood over the left parietal cortex, which led to a transient elevation of the intracerebral pressure, measured by bilateral neuromonitoring. The hematoma-induced brain injury was associated with albumin extravasation, oxidative stress, reactive astrogliosis and microglial activation in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Further proteins and injury markers were validated to be used for immunohistochemistry of porcine brain tissue. The cerebral expression patterns of oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, cystathionine-γ-lyase and cystathionine-β-synthase were particularly interesting: these four proteins all co-localized at the base of the sulci, where pressure-induced brain injury elicits maximum stress. In this context, the pig is a very relevant translational model in contrast to the rodent brain. The structure of the porcine brain is very similar to the human: the presence of gyri and sulci (gyrencephalic brain), white matter to grey matter proportion and tentorium cerebelli. Thus, pressure-induced injury in the porcine brain, unlike in the rodent brain, is reflective of the human pathophysiology.

Extensively drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens in the neurocritical intensive care unit.

Abrupt increase of multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant, and pandrug-resistant bacteria may complicate the course, management, and costs of neurocritical patients and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. No data exists regarding risk factors for colonization by gram-negative pathogens in neurocritical patients. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors associated with colonization by multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant, and pandrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria in neurocritical patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a neurointensive care unit over a period of 3years. We included adult neurocritical patients admitted for more than 48h. We analyzed several factors including both anamnestic factors and admission diagnosis. Four hundred twenty neurocritical patients were retrospectively enrolled. Seventy-three patients developed colonization by multidrug-resistant and 53 by extensively drug-resistant gram negative pathogens. Logistic regression identified intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) as the strongest predictor for both multidrug-resistant (AUC 0.877; 95% CI 0.841-0.913) and extensively drug-resistant (AUC 0.839 0.787-0.892) gram negative pathogens. In addition, external ventricular drainage and intracerebral pressure monitoring catheter were risk factors for XDR. Survival analysis revealed that MDR bacteria colonization happens earlier (log-rank test p= 0.017). Optimization of healthcare strategies is required in order to reduce patients' length of stay to prevent multi- and extensively-drug gram-negative colonizations. Indeed, an early external ventricular drainage and intracerebral pressure monitoring catheter removal is deemed necessary as soon as clinically appropriate.

Cardiorespiratory effects of perioperative positioning techniques

The supine position is still the most frequently used type of positioning during surgical procedures. Positions other than the supine position lead to physiological alterations that have a relevant influence on the course of anesthesia and surgery. As a matter of principle, hemodynamic stability is at risk because venous blood is pooled in the lower positioned body parts. In addition, head down positions (Trendelenburg position) may lead to an impairment of respiratory function by reducing lung volumes as well as lung compliance. Upright positions (beach chair position) are characterized by arelative hypovolemia accompanied by areduction of mean arterial pressure, cardiac output and stroke volume, whereas pulmonary functions remain unchanged. Some severe adverse events have been described in the literature (e.g. intraoperative apoplexy, postoperative blindness). The pathophysiological principles and effects of hemodynamic alterations as well as potential strategies to avoid complications are presented and discussed in this lead article. Head down positions, especially the Trendelenburg position, cause arelative (intrathoracic) hypervolemia and an increase in cardiac preload that is usually well-tolerated in patients without heart problems; however, the Trendelenburg position, especially if combined with acapnoperitoneum, significantly impairs pulmonary function, can have anegative effect on intracerebral pressure and may reduce blood flow of intra-abdominal organs. The pathophysiological intraoperative changes caused by Trendelenburg positioning are described and approaches suitable for risk reduction are discussed. The prone position and lateral decubitus position have little influence on the intraoperative homeostasis. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing discussion concerning the efficacy of a15° left lateral position during caesarean section, which is also discussed in a separate section of this review.

Silent intracerebral hydatid cyst presenting with atypical neurologic deficits

Hydatid disease is a scarce parasitic infection seen in 2% of all cases. Considered as one of the most geographically widespread zoonoses in the world, this disease is highly endemic in eastern countries. Intracerebral hydatid cyst has been identified as one of the most common manifestations encountered with patients usually come with symptoms indicating increased intracerebral pressure. Surgical therapy remains as first line of therapy. To report a case of silent intracerebral hydatid cyst with atypical neurologic deficits A 65 year-old female admitted to outpatient department with chief complaint of chronic neck and right arm pain since 6 months prior. She denied headache, weakness, any visual field nor sight disturbance. Neurological examinations were unremarkable. During routine brain CT however, a mass was found which expanded within right frontal lobe until corona radiate (fig. 1). MR spectroscopy done after that showed both Lactate and Succinate peak with no elevated Cholin or Cholin/Certain ratio, suggesting a hydatid cyst (fig. 2 and 3). She denied any contact with possible infection source. Due to the nature of her symptoms, she was opted for conservative treatment with close monitoring of her disease's progression. She was given gabapentin 100 mg three times daily and eperisone 50 mg twice daily. Currently she has minimal symptoms and function well. Frontal brain cysts may exhibit very subtle neurological deficits, as such physicians need to be meticulous. Surgical removal of the cyst still remains as mainstay treatment; nevertheless, conservative treatment may be considered if the latter is yet possible to be done.

MeningiSSS: A New Predictive Score to Support Decision on Invasive Procedures to Monitor or Manage the Intracerebral Pressure in Children with Bacterial Meningitis

BackgroundKnowing the individual child’s risk is highly useful when deciding on treatment strategies, especially when deciding on invasive procedures. In this study, we aimed to develop a new predictive score for children with bacterial meningitis and compare this with existing predictive scores and individual risk factors.MethodsWe developed the Meningitis Swedish Survival Score (MeningiSSS) based on a previous systematic review of risk factors. From this, we selected risk factors identified in moderate-to-high-quality studies that could be assessed at admission to the hospital. Using data acquired from medical records of 101 children with bacterial meningitis, we tested the overall capabilities of the MeningiSSS compared with four existing predictive scores using a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis to assert the area under the curve (AUC). Finally, we tested all predictive scores at their cut-off levels using a Chi-square test. As outcome, we used a small number of predefined outcomes; in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, occurrence of neurological disabilities at discharge defined as Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale category two to five, any type of complications occurring during the hospital stay, use of intensive care, and use of invasive procedures to monitor or manage the intracerebral pressure.ResultsFor identifying children later undergoing invasive procedures to monitor or manage the intracerebral pressure, the MeningiSSS excelled in the ROC-analysis (AUC = 0.90) and also was the only predictive score able to identify all cases at its cut-off level (25 vs 0%, p < 0.01). For intensive care, the MeningiSSS (AUC = 0.79) and the Simple Luanda Scale (AUC = 0.75) had the best results in the ROC-analysis, whereas others performed less well (AUC ≤ 0.65). Finally, while none of the scores’ results were significantly associated with complications, an elevated score on the MeningiSSS (AUC = 0.70), Niklasson Scale (AUC = 0.72), and the Herson–Todd Scale (AUC = 0.79) was all associated with death.ConclusionsThe MeningiSSS outperformed existing predictive scores at identifying children later having to undergo invasive procedures to monitor or manage the intracerebral pressure in children with bacterial meningitis. Our results need further external validation before use in clinical practice. Thus, the MeningiSSS could potentially be helpful when making difficult decisions concerning intracerebral pressure management.