Lower Glasgow Coma Scale Score Research Articles

Outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit for complications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at a South African tertiary hospital - a 4-year retrospective review.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a major cause of maternal mortality and adverse outcomes. A previous study in the intensive care unit (ICU) at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa, in 2000 found 10.5% mortality among eclampsia patients. To describe the mortality and adverse neurological outcomes associated with HDP in a tertiary ICU, compare these with results from 2000 and describe factors associated therewith. The data of 85 patients admitted with HDP to ICU at King Edward VIII Hospital from 2010 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Mortality and adverse neurological outcome (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤14 on discharge from ICU) were assessed. Two sets of analyses were conducted. The first compared those alive on discharge from ICU with those who died in ICU. The second compared good neurological outcome with poor outcome (adverse neurological outcome, or death). The mortality was 11.6%, and overall, 9% had adverse neurological outcomes. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients with eclampsia in 2010 - 2013 (11.0%) and those in 2000 (10.5%) (p=0.9). Factors associated with mortality were: intra- or postpartum onset of seizures; twins; failure to perform operative delivery when indicated; lowest GCS score <10; failure to use magnesium sulphate when indicated; respiratory failure; and lower respiratory tract infections. Factors associated with poor outcomes (adverse neurological outcome, or death) were: parity (better outcomes in primiparous patients); time of antenatal onset of hypertension (worse if earlier onset); HIV infection; failure to perform operative delivery when indicated; lowest GCS score <10; failure to use magnesium sulphate when indicated; use of anticonvulsants other than magnesium sulphate or benzodiazepines in eclampsia. The lack of improvement in ICU eclampsia mortality demonstrates a need to develop and implement a protocol for HDP management. The study provides a comparison of present mortality among eclamptic patients with hyperensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) with the mortality of eclamptic patients described in an article from the year 2000. It further looks at adverse maternal outcomes, specifically adverse neurological outcomes.In addition, it analyses other factors that may affect outcomes in HDP patients. This information is useful in making recommendations in an attempt to improve the outcomes.

Morbidity and Mortality After Burr Hole Craniostomy Versus Craniotomy for Chronic Subdural Hematoma Evacuation: A Single-Center Experience

Chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs) are common neurosurgical pathological entities and typically occur after trauma in elderly patients. The 2 most commonly used strategies for treatment have included burr hole drainage and craniotomy with decompression. However, the choice of these procedures has remained controversial and has been primarily determined by surgeon preference. We designed a matched-cohort analysis to compare these 2 procedures and identify the risk factors associated with the postoperative outcomes. Thus, we compared the rates of reoperation and mortality for patients who had undergone craniotomy versus burr hole evacuation for cSDH. A retrospective review examining the data from 299 consecutive patients with cSHDs from 2002 to 2015 was performed. We compared the following endpoints between the 2 procedures: 30-day mortality, discharge to a skilled nursing facility, and the need for reoperation. We also compared the potential risk factors in the patients with different primary outcomes. Patients undergoing craniotomy had a decreased need for reoperation compared with patients treated with burr hole evacuation (7.5% vs. 15.7%; P= 0.044). Older age was associated with both increased disposition to a nursing facility and increased 30-day mortality in both groups. Increased 30-day mortality was associated with aspirin usage in patients who had undergone craniotomy and with warfarin (Coumadin) in patients who had undergone burr hole evacuation. Our study identified an increased need for reoperation for patients treated with burr hole evacuation compared with those undergoing craniotomy. Older age and low Glasgow coma scale scores were associated with worse outcomes in both groups. Certain methods of anticoagulation were also associated with worse outcomes, which varied between the 2 groups. We recommend that surgeons individualize the choice of procedure according to the specific patient characteristics with consideration of these findings.

Prediction of stroke (infarction) post tuberculous meningitis using biomarkers (CSF cytokines and interleukins)

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a devastating form of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2012),the annual incidence of tuberculosis is 8.7 million worldwide, of which the major brunt being borne by the developing countries. In India, the estimated mortality due to TBM is 1.5/100,000 population.8% of strokes in the young in India have been attributed to TB vasculopathy. Based on Modified British Research Council clinical criteria patients were categorized into 3 stages. Stage I: prodromal phase with no definite neurological symptoms, GCS 15/15. (12 patients) Stage II: slight or no clouding of sensorium and minor or no neurological deficits, GCS between11-14. (35 patients) Stage III: severe clouding of sensorium, focal neurological deficits, GCS ≤ 10.(33 patients) Interim analysis was done calculating the mean and SD. Total 80 samples were analyzed out of 96 (N=96; of which 16 expired). ELISA-Assay was run for all the samples. Development of infarction persists to be dreadful complication of tuberculosis meningitis. Patients with TBM having low Glasgow coma scale score on presentation and presence of exudates have a significantly high risk for development of infarction. Development of infarction was found to have significant disability as well as high mortality as compared to those without infarction.

Clinical investigation on the risk factors for prognosis in patients with septic shock

To study the risk factors of prognosis in patients with septic shock, and to provide a reliable evidence to evaluate severity. A retrospective analysis was conducted. The data of 185 patients with septic shock admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from March 2016 to December 2018 were enrolled. Routine blood test, blood biochemistry, blood gas analysis, myoglobin (Myo), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), blood lactic acid (Lac), procalcitonin (PCT) and ratio of C-reactive protein and albumin (CRP/ALB) of patients on the day of septic shock diagnosis were collected. Glasgow coma scale (GCS), quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and multiple organ dysfunction score (MODS) as well as the time from hospitalization to septic shock and duration of mechanical ventilation were recorded. The patients were divided into death group and survival group according to whether they survived or not on 28 days. According to Myo level, the patients were divided into two groups: Myo elevation group (Myo > 98 μg/L) and Myo normal group (Myo ≤ 98 μg/L). Patients with Myo elevation were divided into survival subgroup and death subgroup according to the prognosis of 28 days. The clinical data were compared among the groups, and the influencing factors of prognosis in septic shock patients were screened by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. 185 patients were all enrolled in the final analysis, there were 106 deaths and 79 survivors on 28 days, 154 patients with elevated Myo and 31 patients with normal Myo. (1) Compared with the patients with septic shock in the survival group, the death group had older patients, increased qSOFA, APACHE II, MODS scores and blood Myo, Lac, PCT levels, faster heart rate, decreased GCS score, and shorter time from hospitalization to septic shock and duration of mechanical ventilation. However, there was no significant difference in cTnI or CRP/Alb between the two groups. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.037, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.010-1.065, P = 0.007], heart rate (OR = 1.020, 95%CI was 1.003-1.037, P = 0.023), qSOFA score (OR = 2.839, 95%CI was 1.321-6.102, P = 0.008), Myo (OR = 1.492, 95%CI was 1.088-2.045, P = 0.013), time from hospitalization to septic shock (OR = 0.938, 95%CI was 0.898-0.980, P = 0.004) and duration of mechanical ventilation (OR = 0.936, 95%CI was 0.899-0.975, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for prognosis in patients with septic shock. (2) Compared with Myo normal group, the Myo elevation group had higher 28-day mortality [61.0% (94/154) vs. 38.7% (12/31), χ2 = 5.259, P = 0.022]. Compared with the survival patients with elevated Myo, the death patients were older, and had higher PCT and qSOFA score, faster heart rate, lower GCS score, and shorter time from hospitalization to septic shock and duration of mechanical ventilation. But there was no significant difference in CRP/Alb between the two groups. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that qSOFA score (OR = 2.796, 95%CI was 1.270-6.153, P = 0.011), time from hospitalization to septic shock (OR = 0.925, 95%CI was 0.884-0.967, P = 0.001) and duration of mechanical ventilation (OR = 0.931, 95%CI was 0.884-0.980, P = 0.006) were independent risk factors for the prognosis in the septic shock patients with elevated blood Myo. Age, heart rate, qSOFA score, Myo, time from hospitalization to septic shock, duration of mechanical ventilation were independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients with septic shock. The 28-day mortality in patients with elevated blood Myo was significantly higher than that in those with normal blood Myo. The qSOFA score, time from hospitalization to septic shock and duration of mechanical ventilation were independent risk factors for the prognosis of septic shock patients with elevated blood Myo.

Time to and Possible Risk Factors for Recurrence after Burr-hole Drainage of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Subanalysis of the cSDH-Drain Randomized Controlled Trial

The randomized controlled Chronic Subdural Hematoma (cSDH)-Drain-Trial showed comparable recurrence rates after placing a subperiosteal drain (SPD) or a subdural drain (SDD) for surgically drained cSDH, although SDD was associated with higher rates of infection and iatrogenic brain injury. This subanalysis examines the time to recurrence and possible risk factors for recurrence after burr-hole drainage of cSDH and placement of a SPD compared with a SDD. We included 220 patients from the preceding cSDH-Drain-Trial. Time to recurrence was compared within the 2 groups using a univariate Cox proportional hazards model. Apart from intraoperative brain expansion (iBE), defined by residual hematoma-cavity on computer tomography 24 hours after surgery, other possible pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors for recurrence were assessed through univariate and multivariate analysis. Median time to recurrence was 22.5 days (interquartile range: 9.25-52 days, range: 0-81) showing no difference between the 2 groups. Less iBE (P= 0.019), lower Glasgow Outcome Scale score at discharge (P= 0.007), and lower Glasgow Coma Scale score at 24 hours (P= 0.037) were strongly associated with recurrence on univariate analysis. After multivariate logistic analysis, less iBE (odds ratio: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01; 1.21; P= 0.03) remained the only significant risk factor associated with recurrence. When comparing the risk factors within the 2 groups, less iBE and lower Glasgow Outcome Scale score at release were associated with recurrence only in the SDD group. The inserted drain type after burr-hole drainage of cSDH does not seem to influence time to recurrence. SPD may be warranted in routine clinical practice, independent of individual patient, surgical, or hematoma characteristics.

Factors associated with organ donation by trauma patients in Nova Scotia.

Trauma patients represent a significant pool of potential organ donors (PODs), and previous research suggests that this population is underutilized for organ donation (OD). Our objective was to assess factors associated with OD in the trauma population. We retrospectively analyzed OD in Nova Scotia over a 7-year period (2009-2016) using data from the Nova Scotia Trauma Registry and Nova Scotia Legacy of Life Donor Registry. All trauma patients who died in the hospital were included. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with donation. We also evaluated characteristics, donation types, and reasons for nondonation among trauma PODs. There were 689 trauma-related deaths in all hospitals in NS during the study period, of which 39.8% (274 of 689) met the Nova Scotia Trauma Registry definition of a POD. Data on OD were available for 108 of these patients who were referred to the Legacy of Life Program. The conversion rate was 84%. Compared with nondonors, organ donors were significantly younger, had a higher Abbreviated Injury Scale head score and a lower scene Glasgow Coma Scale score, were more likely to suffer ischemia from drowning or asphyxia and to require air transport, and were less likely to have comorbidities. Regression analysis showed that donation was associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-0.99) and lower Glasgow Coma Scale score at the scene (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88). Odds of donation were increased with air transport compared with land ambulance (OR, 8.27; 95% CI, 2.07-33.08) and injury within Halifax Regional Municipality compared with injury outside Halifax Regional Municipality (OR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.42-15.10). Among the 60 referred PODs who did not donate, family refusal of consent was the most common reason (28 [46.7%] of 60). Younger age, greater severity of injury, and shorter time to tertiary care were associated with OD in trauma patients. Prognostic and Epidemiological, Level III.

Life-saving interventions in pediatric trauma: A National Trauma Data Bank experience.

Emergent procedures are infrequent in pediatric trauma. We sought to determine the frequency and efficacy of life-saving interventions (LSI) performed for pediatric trauma patients within the first hour of care at a trauma center. The National Trauma Data Bank (2010-2014) was queried for patients 19 years or younger who underwent LSIs within 1 hour of arrival to the emergency department. Life-saving interventions included emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) and emergent airway procedures (EAP). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the influence of patient and hospital characteristics on mortality. Of 725,284 recorded traumatic encounters, only 1,488 (0.2%) pediatric patients underwent at least one of the defined LSI during the 5-year study period (EDT, 1,323; EAP, 187). Most patients (85.6%) were 15 years or older. Mortality was high but varied by procedure type (EDT, 64.3%; EAP, 28.3%). Mortality for patients younger than 1 year undergoing EDT was 100%, decreasing to 62.6% in patients aged 15 years to 19 years. For EAP, mortality ranged from 66.7% for infants to 27.2% in 15-year-old to 19-year-old patients. Lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, higher Injury Severity Score, presence of shock, and a blunt mechanism of injury were independently associated with mortality in the EDT cohort. On average, trauma centers in this study performed approximately one LSI per year, with only 13.8% of cases occurring at a verified pediatric trauma center. Life-saving interventions in the pediatric trauma population are uncommon and outcomes variable. Novel solutions to keep proficient at such interventions should be sought, especially for younger children. Guidelines to improve identification of appropriate candidates for LSI are critical given their rare occurrence. Retrospective cohort study, III.

Chronic alcohol abuse affects the clinical course and outcome of community-acquired bacterial meningitis

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of chronic alcohol abuse on the course and outcome of bacterial meningitis (BM). We analyzed records of patients with BM who were hospitalized between January 2010 and December 2017 in the largest neuroinfection center in Poland. Out of 340 analyzed patients, 45 (13.2%) were alcoholics. Compared with non-alcoholics, alcoholics were more likely to present with seizures (p < 0.001), scored higher on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) (p = 0.002) and lower on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (p < 0.001), and had worse outcome as measured by the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, alcoholics were less likely to complain of headache (p < 0.001) and nausea/vomiting (p = 0.005) and had lower concentration of glucose in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (p = 0.025). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, alcoholism was associated with lower GCS (p = 0.036), presence of seizures (p = 0.041), male gender (p = 0.042), and absence of nausea/vomiting (p = 0.040). Furthermore, alcoholism (p = 0.031), lower GCS score (p = 0.001), and higher blood urea concentration (p = 0.018) were independently associated with worse outcome measured by GOS. Compared with non-alcoholics, chronic alcohol abusers are more likely to present with seizures, altered mental status, and higher SOFA score and have an increased risk of unfavorable outcome. In multivariate analysis, seizures and low GCS were independently associated with alcoholism, while alcoholism was independently associated with worse outcome.

Fibrinolytic Activation in Patients with Progressive Intracranial Hemorrhage after Traumatic Brain Injury.

Progression of intracranial hemorrhage (PICH) is a significant cause of secondary brain injury in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previous studies have implicated a variety of mediators that contribute to PICH. We hypothesized that patients with PICH would display either a hypocoagulable state, hyperfibrinolysis, or both. We conducted a prospective study of adult trauma patients with isolated TBI. Blood was obtained for routine coagulation assays, platelet count, fibrinogen, thrombelastography, markers of thrombin generation, and markers of fibrinolysis at admission and 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Univariate analyses were performed to compare baseline characteristics between groups. Linear regression models were created, adjusting for baseline differences, to determine the relationship between individual assays and PICH. One hundred forty-one patients met entry criteria, of whom 71 had hemorrhage progression. Patients with PICH had a higher Injury Severity Score and Abbreviated Injury Scale score (head), a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, and lower plasma sodium on admission. Patients with PICH had higher D-dimers on admission. After adjusting for baseline differences, elevated D-dimers remained significantly associated with PICH compared to patients without PICH at admission. Hypocoagulation was not significantly associated with PICH in these patients. The association between PICH and elevated D-dimers early after injury suggests that fibrinolytic activation may contribute to PICH in patients with TBI.

Clinical significance of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio in acute cerebral hemorrhage with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and logistic regression analysis of risk factors.

The aim of the present study was to determine the predictive value of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage with or without gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Risk factors of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage were also assessed. A total of 335 patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage admitted to our hospital between January 2012 and January 2017 were enrolled. The 86 patients who experienced gastrointestinal hemorrhage during hospitalization were selected as the observation group, while the 249 remaining cases were assigned to the negative control group. The neutrophil, white blood cell and platelet count, as well as the NLR and PLR of each subject were recorded. Furthermore, sex, age, blood pressure, the site of cerebral hemorrhage, the amount of bleeding, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and presence of hematosepsis were also recorded and assessed as potential risk factors for gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage. The NLR and PLR were markedly higher in the observation group compared with those in the negative control group. Furthermore, the NLR and PLR in the observation group were negatively associated with the 90-day overall survival of patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. In the negative control group, only the PLR was negatively associated with overall survival. Logistic regression analysis indicated that a cerebral hemorrhage volume of >30 ml, lower GCS score and hematosepsis were independently associated with gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage (P<0.05). A high NLR and PLR indicated an elevated risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage. A higher NLR and PLR were also negatively associated with overall survival and prognosis of patients with cerebral hemorrhage. In addition, a cerebral hemorrhage volume of >30 ml, lower GCS score and hematosepsis were independent risk factors of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage.

Subdural Hematoma in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: An Outcome Analysis and Examination of Risk Factors of Operative and Nonoperative Management

Patients with hematologic disorders who present with subdural hematomas (SDH) present a surgical decision-making challenge. Because of intrinsic coagulopathy, platelet dysfunction, and immunosuppression, surgical intervention poses a unique set of risks. To describe a clinical sample of patients with hematologic disorders and concurrent SDH, to compare baseline and outcome variables, including complication rates and survival, in surgical versus nonsurgical management, and to identify clinical variables that may predict outcomes. A 12-year retrospective case-control study was carried out of 50 adult patients with hematologic malignancies and SDH. Patients underwent surgical evacuation for SDH. Controls did not. Outcomes included discharge disposition, Glasgow Outcome Scale score, 30-day mortality, and overall survival. Complications included seizure, reoperation, and readmission. A Fisher exact test or χ2 analysis compared categorical variables; continuous outcomes were compared with a Student t test. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed and multivariable Cox logistic regression evaluated variables associated with overall mortality. Surgical and nonsurgical groups differed only by Glasgow Coma Scale score, with slightly lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores in the surgical group. Complication rates did not differ; however, the 30-day reoperation rate was 35% for the surgical cohort. Overall, seizure incidence was 18%, readmission was 30%, 30-day mortality was 38%, median survival was 140.5 days, and 75% had a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1-3 at censorship. Increased age, low hemoglobin levels, and low platelet levels were associated with increased risk of mortality. Low platelet and hemoglobin levels are consistent markers of poor prognosis and surgical intervention, either as a proxy of or as a cause for clinical deterioration, is associated with increased mortality risk.

Factors affecting the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common complication that occurs after stroke, and GIB may negatively affect patient prognosis. In this study, we aimed to examine:(1) the risk factors of GIB in acute cerebral infarction patients;(2) association between GIB and 1-year mortality in patients with acute cerebral infarction.Patients with acute cerebral infarction were divided into 2 groups based on the occurrence of GIB during acute stroke stage. Patient characteristics, clinical presentation, stroke risk factors, comorbidities, laboratory data, medication, and outcomes were investigated to analyze the associations between the variables and the probability of having GIB. In addition, patients in the study were matched individually by age, gender. A 1:1 matched case-control method and conditional logistic regression models for single and multiple factors were used to assess the risk factors of GIB in acute cerebral infarction patients.Clinical data of patients with acute cerebral infarction were reviewed and analyzed during the years 2015 and 2016. Finally, 1662 patients with acute cerebral infarction were included in this study, of whom 139 (8.5%) patients had GIB at admission. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent risk factors for GIB in patients with acute cerebral infarction were advanced age (OR = 1.030, P = .009), low Glasgow Coma Scale (GSC) score (OR = 0.850, P = .014), infection (OR = 4.693, P < .001), high NIHSS score (OR = 1.114, P = .001), and posterior circulation infarction (OR = 4.981, P = .010). The case-control study ultimately included 136 case-control pairs. Stepwise conditional regression analyses revealed that the independent risk factors for GIB in patients with acute cerebral infarction were low Glasgow Coma Scale (GSC) score (RR = 0.645, P = .011), infection (RR = 15.326, P = .001), and posterior circulation infarction (RR = 6.129, P = .045). The group with GIB had a higher rate of mortality and disability level (mRS grade ≥ 4) than the group without GIB (P < .001) within 1 year after stroke. In addition, independent risk factors of death within 1 year after stroke in patients were GIB (OR = 6.096, P < .001), infection (OR = 4.493, P < .001), mRS grade ≥ 4 (OR = 4.129, P < .001), and coronary heart disease (OR = 3.718, P = .001).GIB is a common complication after ischemic stroke. These identified factors may help clinicians identify risks of GIB before it develops. GIB is associated with increased risk of 1-year mortality and poor functional outcome in acute cerebral infarction patients.

Is nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage different between young and elderly patients?

Only a few studies have reported nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage in young patients notwithstanding its fatal and devastating characteristics. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and outcome of nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage in young patients in comparison to those of the elderly. A retrospective review of consecutive patients admitted at the department of neurosurgery of two tertiary care medical centers presenting with first-ever nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage was performed. We identified and compared the demographics, etiologies, risk factors, and laboratory, radiological, and clinical findings between elderly and young patients. Additionally, logistic regression analyses of independent prognostic factors associated with 1-month mortality and favorable functional outcome were performed. Altogether, 247 patients including 69 young patients and 178 elderly patients were enrolled. On multivariate analysis, young patients exhibited significantly more often an infratentorial hematoma location, excessive alcohol consumption, and high body mass index (BMI), but less frequent systemic hypertension. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in 1-month mortality (17.46% and 18.01% for young and elderly patients, respectively), but the favorable functional outcome based on modified Rankin scale score of 0 or 1 was significantly different between the two groups (favorable outcome in 51.79% and 29.93% of patients, respectively). Predictors of 1-month mortality was the presence of herniation in the young group, and lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, renal or heart disease, and leukocytosis (WBC > 10,000) in the elderly group. Lower National Institutes Health Stroke Scale score was associated with favorable functional outcome in both groups. Nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage in younger patients appears to be associated with excessive alcohol consumption and high BMI. Younger patients had similar short-term mortality but more favorable functional outcome than the elderly.

Management of Central Nervous System Infections, Vientiane, Laos, 2003-2011.

During 2003–2011, we recruited 1,065 patients of all ages admitted to Mahosot Hospital (Vientiane, Laos) with suspected central nervous system (CNS) infection. Etiologies were laboratory confirmed for 42.3% of patients, who mostly had infections with emerging pathogens: viruses in 16.2% (mainly Japanese encephalitis virus [8.8%]); bacteria in 16.4% (including Orientia tsutsugamushi [2.9%], Leptospira spp. [2.3%], and Rickettsia spp. [2.3%]); and Cryptococcus spp. fungi in 6.6%. We observed no significant differences in distribution of clinical encephalitis and meningitis by bacterial or viral etiology. However, patients with bacterial CNS infection were more likely to have a history of diabetes than others. Death (26.3%) was associated with low Glasgow Coma Scale score, and the mortality rate was higher for patients with bacterial than viral infections. No clinical or laboratory variables could guide antibiotic selection. We conclude that high-dependency units and first-line treatment with ceftriaxone and doxycycline for suspected CNS infections could improve patient survival in Laos.

Predictors of Hospital Mortality and the Related Burden of Disease in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective Multicentric Study in Brazil.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worldwide social, economic, and health problem related to premature death and long-term disabilities. There were no prospective and multicentric studies analyzing the predictors of TBI related mortality and estimating the burden of TBI in Brazil. To address this gap, we investigated prospectively: (1) the hospital mortality and its determinants in patients admitted with severe TBI we analyzed in three reference centers; (2) the burden of TBI estimated by the years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature death based on the hospital mortality considering the hospital mortality. Between April 2014 and January 2016 (22 months), all the 266 patients admitted with Glasgow coma scale (GCS), ≤ 8 admitted in three TBI reference centers were included in the study. These centers cover a population of 1,527,378 population of the Santa Catarina state, Southern Brazil. Most patients were male (n = 230, 86.5%), with a mean (SD) age of 38 (17) years. Hospital mortality was 31.1% (n = 83) and independently associated with older age, worse cranial CT injury by the Marshall classification, the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage in the CT, lower GCS scores and abnormal pupils at admission. The final multiple logistic regression model including these variables showed an overall accuracy for hospital mortality of 77.9% (specificity 88.6%, sensitivity 53.8%, PPV 67.7%, and NPV 81.1%). The estimated annual incidence of hospitalizations and mortality due to severe TBI were 9.5 cases and 5.43 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. The estimated YLLs in 22 months, in the 2 metropolitan areas were 2,841, corresponding to 1,550 YLLs per year and 101.5 YLLs per 100,000 people every year. The hospital mortality did not change significantly since the end of the 1990s and was similar to other centers in Brazil and Latin America. Significant predictors of hospital mortality were the same as those of studies worldwide, but their strength of association seemed to differ according to countries income. Present study results question the extrapolation of TBI hospital mortality models for high income to lower- and middle-income countries and therefore have implications for TBI multicentric trials including countries with different income levels.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Exposure Keratopathy Across Different Intensive Care Units.

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of exposure keratopathy (EK) across different intensive care units (ICU) at Columbia University Medical Center, including the Pediatric ICU (PICU), Medical ICU (MICU), and Neurologic ICU (NICU). In this prospective cohort study, 65 patients were examined daily during their admission in the PICU (27 patients), MICU (15 patients), and NICU (23 patients). Data on eyelid position, conjunctival and corneal changes, Bell's and blink reflexes, medications, Glasgow Coma Scale rating, and ventilation type were collected. Overall EK percentages were as follows: PICU 19%, MICU 60%, and NICU 48%. The prevalence of EK was lowest in the PICU (P = 0.013). Factors associated with EK were lagophthalmos (P < 0.001), an absent Bell's reflex (P = 0.003), an absent blink reflex (P < 0.001), conjunctival injection (P < 0.001), a low Glasgow Coma Scale score (P < 0.001), intubation (P < 0.001), surgery before examination (P < 0.001), dialysis (P = 0.002), and administration of opioid (P < 0.001), sedative (P < 0.001), and neuromuscular blocking medications (P = 0.006). This is the first study to examine the rates and risk factors of EK across different ICU settings. The prevalence of EK was lowest in the PICU, which may partly be explained by the increased number of PICU patients receiving noninvasive ventilation and the absence of conjunctival chemosis.

Early-Onset Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: is There a Relationship with Prehospital Airway Management?

Prehospital airway management in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is widely recommended by international guidelines for the management of trauma. Early-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia (EOVAP) is a common occurrence in this population and can worsen mortality and functional outcome. In this retrospective observational study, we aimed to evaluate the association between different prehospital airway management variables and the occurrence of EOVAP. Secondarily we evaluated the correlation between EOVAP and mortality and neurological outcome. The study retrospectively evaluated 223 patients admitted from 2010 to 2017 in our trauma intensive care unit for severe TBI. The population was divided into three groups on the basis of the airway management technique adopted (bag mask ventilation, laryngeal tube, orotracheal intubation). Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using the occurrence of EOVAP as the dependent variable, to investigate potential associations with prehospital airway management. A total of 131 episodes (58.7%) of EOVAP were registered in the study population (223 patients). Laryngeal tube and orotracheal intubation were used in patients with significantly lower Glasgow Coma Scale score on scene and a higher Face Abbreviated Injury Scale; advanced airway management significantly increased the total rescue time. The prehospital airway management technique adopted, prehospital type of sedation or use of muscle relaxants, type of transport, and rescue times were not associated with the occurrence of EOVAP. Prehospital airway management does not have a significant impact on the occurrence of EOVAP in severe TBI patients. Similarly, it does not have a significant impact on mortality or long-term neurological outcome despite increasing duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit, and hospital stay.

Selection of children with ultra-severe traumatic brain injury for neurosurgical intervention.

A recent retrospective study of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in pediatric patients showed similar outcomes in those with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3 and those with a score of 4 and reported a favorable long-term outcome in 11.9% of patients. Using decision tree analysis, authors of that study provided criteria to identify patients with a potentially favorable outcome. The authors of the present study sought to validate the previously described decision tree and further inform understanding of the outcomes of children with a GCS score 3 or 4 by using data from multiple institutions and machine learning methods to identify important predictors of outcome. Clinical, radiographic, and outcome data on pediatric TBI patients (age < 18 years) were prospectively collected as part of an institutional TBI registry. Patients with a GCS score of 3 or 4 were selected, and the previously published prediction model was evaluated using this data set. Next, a combined data set that included data from two institutions was used to create a new, more statistically robust model using binomial recursive partitioning to create a decision tree. Forty-five patients from the institutional TBI registry were included in the present study, as were 67 patients from the previously published data set, for a total of 112 patients in the combined analysis. The previously published prediction model for survival was externally validated and performed only modestly (AUC 0.68, 95% CI 0.47, 0.89). In the combined data set, pupillary response and age were the only predictors retained in the decision tree. Ninety-six percent of patients with bilaterally nonreactive pupils had a poor outcome. If the pupillary response was normal in at least one eye, the outcome subsequently depended on age: 72% of children between 5 months and 6 years old had a favorable outcome, whereas 100% of children younger than 5 months old and 77% of those older than 6 years had poor outcomes. The overall accuracy of the combined prediction model was 90.2% with a sensitivity of 68.4% and specificity of 93.6%. A previously published survival model for severe TBI in children with a low GCS score was externally validated. With a larger data set, however, a simplified and more robust model was developed, and the variables most predictive of outcome were age and pupillary response.

Serum Cortisol as an Early Biomarker of Cardiopulmonary Parameters Within the First 24 Hours After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Intensive Care Unit Patients.

Cardiopulmonary complications/stress are well-known phenomena in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and might be associated with an elevated serum troponin I (TNI) level. Since the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol is released during stress situations, the present study was conducted to investigate the influence of serum cortisol (SC) on cardiac and pulmonary parameters in patients after aSAH within the first 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 104 patients with aSAH admitted to our emergency department between January 2008 and April 2017. Blood samples were taken to determine SC and TNI. Demographics, initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) score, and Fisher grade were evaluated retrospectively. Mean norepinephrine application rate (NAR) in µg/kg/min and mean inspiratory oxygen fraction (OF) within the first 24 hours were defined as cardiopulmonary parameters. An elevated SC value was found in 44 (42%) patients, and 27 (26%) patients showed an increased TNI value. In patients with initially increased SC value, a significant higher NAR (P = .04) was needed. Furthermore, patients with initially elevated TNI value had a lower GCS score (P = .0013) and a higher WFNS score (P = .003) on admission and required a higher NAR (P = .02) as well as OF (P = .0008) within the first 24 hours of ICU treatment. In the current study, initially elevated SC values were associated with a higher need of NAR within the first 24 hours of ICU treatment after aSAH. Moreover, patients with initially elevated TNI values required an increased NAR and a higher OF so that these biomarkers could be useful to improve ICU treatment.

Predicting mortality in traumatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. While prognostic models for tICH outcomes may assist in alerting clinicians to high-risk patients, previously developed models face limitations, including low accuracy, poor generalizability, and the use of more prognostic variables than is practical. This study aimed to construct a simpler and more accurate method of risk stratification for all tICH patients. The authors retrospectively identified a consecutive series of 4110 patients admitted to their institution's level 1 trauma center between 2003 and 2013. For each admission, they collected the patient's sex, age, systolic blood pressure, blood alcohol concentration, antiplatelet/anticoagulant use, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Injury Severity Score, presence of epidural hemorrhage, presence of subdural hemorrhage, presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage, and presence of intraparenchymal hemorrhage. The final study population comprised 3564 patients following exclusion of records with missing data. The dependent variable under study was patient death. A k-fold cross-validation was carried out with the best models selected via the Akaike Information Criterion. These models risk stratified the study partitions into grade I (< 1% predicted mortality), grade II (1%-10% predicted mortality), grade III (10%-40% predicted mortality), or grade IV (> 40% predicted mortality) tICH. Predicted mortalities were compared with actual mortalities within grades to assess calibration. Concordance was also evaluated. A final model was constructed using the entire data set. Subgroup analysis was conducted for each hemorrhage type. Cross-validation demonstrated good calibration (p < 0.001 for all grades) with a mean concordance of 0.881 (95% CI 0.865-0.898). In the authors' final model, older age, lower blood alcohol concentration, antiplatelet/anticoagulant use, lower GCS score, and higher Injury Severity Score were all associated with greater mortality. Subgroup analysis showed successful stratification for subarachnoid, intraparenchymal, grade II-IV subdural, and grade I epidural hemorrhages. The authors developed a risk stratification model for tICH of any GCS score with concordance comparable to prior models and excellent calibration. These findings are applicable to multiple hemorrhage subtypes and can assist in identifying low-risk patients for more efficient resource allocation, facilitate family conversations regarding goals of care, and stratify patients for research purposes. Future work will include testing of more variables, validation of this model across institutions, as well as creation of a simplified model whose outputs can be calculated mentally.