Neurological Outcome In Patients Research Articles

Non-linear association between the time required to reaching temperature targets and the neurological outcome in patients undergoing targeted temperature management after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Observational multicentre cohort study

PurposeWe evaluated associations between outcomes and time to achieving temperature targets during targeted temperature management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. MethodsUsing Comprehensive Registry of Intensive Care for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest Survival (CRITICAL) study, we enrolled all patients transported to participating hospitals from 1 July 2012 through 31 December 2017 aged ≥ 18 years with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of cardiac aetiology and who received targeted temperature management in Osaka, Japan. Primary outcome was Cerebral Performance Category scale of 1 or 2 one month after cardiac arrest, designated as “one-month favourable neurological outcome”. Non-linear multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed the primary outcome based on time to reaching temperature targets. In patients subdivided into quintiles based on time to achieving temperature targets, multivariable logistic regression calculated adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. ResultsWe analysed 473 patients. In non-linear multivariable logistic regression analysis, p value for non-linearity was < 0.01. In the first quintile (< 26.7 minutes), second quintile (26.8–89.9 minutes), third quintile (90.0–175.1 minutes), fourth quintile (175.2–352.1 minutes), and fifth quintile (≥ 352.2 minutes), one-month favourable neurological outcome was 32.6% (31/95), 40.0% (36/90), 53.5% (53/99), 57.4% (54/94), and 37.9% (36/95), respectively. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for one-month favourable neurological outcome in the first, second, third, and fifth quintiles compared with the fourth quintile were 0.38 (0.20 to 0.72), 0.43 (0.23 to 0.81), 0.77 (0.41 to 1.44), and 0.46 (0.25 to 0.87), respectively. ConclusionNon-linear multivariable logistic regression analysis could clearly describe the association between neurological outcome in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and the time from the introduction of targeted temperature management to reaching the temperature targets.

QTc prolongation after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage might be associated with worse neurologic outcome in patients receiving microsurgical clipping or embolization of the intracranial aneurysms: a retrospective observational study

PurposeQT interval prolongation is one of the most common electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Whether corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation is associated with perioperative cardiac events and dismal neurological outcome in mid to long-term follow-up in patients after aSAH is insufficiently studied and remains controversial.MethodsWe retrospectively studied the adult (≥ 18 years) patients admitted to our institution between Jan 2018 and Dec 2020 for aSAH who underwent intracranial aneurysm clipping or embolization. The patients were divided into 2 groups (normal and QTc prolongation groups) according to their QTc. To minimize the confounding bias, a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to compare the neurologic outcomes between patients with normal QTc and QTc prolongation.ResultsAfter screening, 908 patients were finally included. The patients were divided into 2 groups: normal QTc groups (n = 714) and long QTc group (n = 194). Female sex, hypokalemia, posterior circulation aneurysm, and higher Hunt-Hess grade were associated with QTc prolongation. In multiple regression analysis, older age, higher hemoglobin level, posterior circulation aneurysm, and higher Hunt-Hess grade were identified to be associated with worse outcome during 1-year follow-up. Before PSM, patients with QTc prolongation had higher rate of perioperative cardiac arrest or ventricular arrhythmias. After PSM, there was no statistical difference between normal and QTc prolongation groups in perioperative cardiac events. However, patients in the QTc prolongation group still had worse neurologic outcome during 1-year follow-up.ConclusionsQTc prolongation is associated with worse outcome in patients following SAH, which is independent of perioperative cardiac events.

The effect of amantadine treatment on neurological outcome and mortality in mechanically ventilated severe head trauma patients in intensive care unit.

This study aims to investigate the effect of amantadine use on neurological outcomes and mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Glasgow coma score [GCS] between 3 and 8) who have been followed up on mechanical ventilators in the intensive care unit (ICU). Data from the hospital's electronic records were retrospectively searched. Patients over 18 years of age, with severe brain trauma (GCS between 3-8), who were treated with endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation at admission to the ICU, and who were treated with Amantadine hydrochloride at least once in the first week of follow-up were included in the study. To evaluate the patients' neurological outcomes, the GCS and FOUR scores were used. GCS and FOUR scores were recorded on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days of the first week. In addition, the score difference between the 1st and 7th day was calculated for both scores. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those receiving amantadine treatment (Group A, n = 44) and the control group (Group C, n = 47). The median age of all patients was 39 (18-81) (P = .425). When Group A and Group C were compared, no statistically significant results were found between the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day GCS values (P = .474, P = .483, and P = 329, respectively). However, the difference in GCS values between day 1 and day 7 (∆ GCS 7-1) was statistically significant (P = .012). Similarly, when Group A and Group C were compared, no statistically significant results were found between the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day FOUR score values (P = .948, P = .471, and P = .057, respectively). However, the FOUR score values between day 1 and day 7 (∆ FOUR score 7-1) were statistically significant (P = .004). There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of ICU length of stay, duration of non-ICU hospital stay, and length of hospital stay (P = .222, P = .175, and P = .067, respectively). Amantadine hydrochloride may help improve neurological outcomes in patients with severe TBI. However, further research is needed to investigate this topic.

Ghrelin for Neuroprotection in Post–Cardiac Arrest Coma

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates have markedly risen in the last decades, but neurological outcome only improved marginally. Despite research on more than 20 neuroprotective strategies involving patients in comas after cardiac arrest, none have demonstrated unequivocal evidence of efficacy; however, treatment with acyl-ghrelin has shown improved functional and histological brain recovery in experimental models of cardiac arrest and was safe in a wide variety of human study populations. To determine safety and potential efficacy of intravenous acyl-ghrelin to improve neurological outcome in patients in a coma after cardiac arrest. A phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, randomized clinical trial, Ghrelin Treatment of Comatose Patients After Cardiac Arrest: A Clinical Trial to Promote Cerebral Recovery (GRECO), was conducted between January 18, 2019, and October 17, 2022. Adult patients 18 years or older who were in a comatose state after cardiac arrest were assessed for eligibility; patients were from 3 intensive care units in the Netherlands. Expected death within 48 hours or unfeasibility of treatment initiation within 12 hours were exclusion criteria. Patients were randomized to receive intravenous acyl-ghrelin, 600 μg (intervention group), or placebo (control group) within 12 hours after cardiac arrest, continued for 7 days, twice daily, in addition to standard care. Primary outcome was the score on the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale at 6 months. Safety outcomes included any serious adverse events. Secondary outcomes were mortality and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels on days 1 and 3. A total of 783 adult patients in a coma after cardiac arrest were assessed for eligibility, and 160 patients (median [IQR] age, 68 [57-75] years; 120 male [75%]) were enrolled. A total of 81 patients (51%) were assigned to the intervention group, and 79 (49%) were assigned to the control group. The common odds ratio (OR) for any CPC improvement in the intervention group was 1.78 (95% CI, 0.98-3.22; P = .06). This was consistent over all CPC categories. Mean (SD) NSE levels on day 1 after cardiac arrest were significantly lower in the intervention group (34 [6] μg/L vs 56 [13] μg/L; P = .04) and on day 3 (28 [6] μg/L vs 52 [14] μg/L; P = .08). Serious adverse events were comparable in incidence and type between the groups. Mortality was 37% (30 of 81) in the intervention group vs 51% (40 of 79) in the control group (absolute risk reduction, 14%; 95% CI, -2% to 29%; P = .08). In patients in a coma after cardiac arrest, intravenous treatment with acyl-ghrelin was safe and potentially effective to improve neurological outcome. Phase 3 trials are needed for conclusive evidence. Clinicaltrialsregister.eu: EUCTR2018-000005-23-NL.

PYRIDOXINE-dependent epilepsy (PDE): An observational study of neonatal cases on the role of pyridoxine in patients treated with standard anti-seizure medications

BackgroundThe main objective of this study was to evaluate the neurological consequences of delayed pyridoxine administration in patients diagnosed with Pyridoxin Dependent Epilepsies (PDE). Materials and MethodsWe reviewed 29 articles, comprising 52 genetically diagnosed PDE cases, ensuring data homogeneity. Three additional cases were included from the General Pediatric Operative Unit of San Marco Hospital. Data collection considered factors like age at the first seizure's onset, EEG reports, genetic analyses, and more. Based on the response to first-line antiseizure medications, patients were categorized into four distinct groups. Follow-up evaluations employed various scales to ascertain neurological, cognitive, and psychomotor developments. ResultsOur study includes 55 patients (28 males and 27 females), among whom 15 were excluded for the lack of follow-up data. 21 patients were categorized as "Responder with Relapse", 11 as "Resistant", 6 as "Pyridoxine First Approach", and 2 as "Responders". The neurological outcome revealed 37,5 % with no neurological effects, 37,5 % showed complications in two developmental areas, 15 % in one, and 10 % in all areas.The statistical analysis highlighted a positive correlation between the time elapsed from the administration of pyridoxine after the first seizure and worse neurological outcomes. On the other hand, a significant association was found between an extended latency period (that is, the time that elapsed between the onset of the first seizure and its recurrence) and worse neurological outcomes in patients who received an unfavorable score on the neurological evaluation noted in a subsequent follow-up. ConclusionsThe study highlights the importance of early recognition and intervention in PDE. Existing medical protocols frequently overlook the timely diagnosis of PDE. Immediate administration of pyridoxine, guided by a swift diagnosis in the presence of typical symptoms, might improve long-term neurological outcomes, and further studies should evaluate the outcome of PDE neonates promptly treated with Pyridoxine.

The effects of prehospital TXA on mortality and neurologic outcomes in patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage: a subgroup analysis from the prehospital TXA for TBI trial.

In the Prehospital Tranexamic Acid (TXA) for TBI Trial, TXA administered within two hours of injury in the out-of-hospital setting did not reduce mortality in all patients with moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We examined the association between TXA dosing arms, neurologic outcome, and mortality in patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) on computed tomography (CT). This was a secondary analysis of the Prehospital Tranexamic Acid for TBI Trial (ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT01990768]) that randomized adults with moderate/severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale<13) and systolic blood pressure > =90 mmHg within two hours of injury to a 2-gram out-of-hospital TXA bolus followed by an in-hospital saline infusion, a 1-gram out-of-hospital TXA bolus/1-gram in-hospital TXA infusion, or an out-of-hospital saline bolus/in-hospital saline infusion (placebo). This analysis included the subgroup with ICH on initial CT. Primary outcomes included 28-day mortality, 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) < = 4, and 6-month Disability Rating Scale (DRS). Outcomes were modeled using linear regression with robust standard errors. The primary trial included 966 patients. Among 541 participants with ICH, 28-day mortality was lower in the 2-gram TXA bolus group (17%) compared to the other two groups (1-gram bolus/1-gram infusion 26%, placebo 27%). The estimated adjusted difference between the 2-gram bolus and placebo groups was -8·5 percentage points (95% CI, -15.9 to -1.0) and between the 2-gram bolus and 1-gram bolus/1-gram infusion groups was -10.2 percentage points (95% CI, -17.6 to -2.9). DRS at 6 months was lower in the 2-gram TXA bolus group than the 1-gram bolus/1-gram infusion (estimated difference -2.1 [95% CI, -4.2 to -0.02]) and placebo groups (-2.2 [95% CI, -4.3, -0.2]). Six-month GOSE did not differ among groups. A 2-gram out-of-hospital TXA bolus in patients with moderate/severe TBI and ICH resulted in lower 28-day mortality and lower 6-month DRS than placebo and standard TXA dosing. Therapeutic/Care Management, Level II.

Impact of Frailty on Survival and Neurological Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To synthesize the evidence on the associations of frailty with the risk of mortality and neurological outcomes in patients with cardiac arrest undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We conducted a literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. We included observational studies on adult participants (18 years or older) with cardiac arrest. The eligible studies reported frailty assessments using standard tools, and the comparator group comprised nonfrail participants. We used random-effects models for all analyses and expressed pooled effect sizes as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We included data from 12 studies in our analysis. Individuals with frailty exhibited a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.62-2.94), and increased 30-day mortality (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.12-1.84) and 12-month mortality (OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 2.32-7.47) than the nonfrail individuals. Frail individuals also displayed lower odds of achieving favorable neurological outcomes upon hospital discharge (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.20-0.50) and at the 30-day follow-up (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23-0.78). Additionally, they had lower odds of return of successful spontaneous circulation (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.34-0.72). The observed associations between frailty and a higher risk of mortality reduced odds of favorable neurological outcomes, and lower odds of return of successful spontaneous circulation underscore the value of identifying frailty in individuals to achieve more accurate prognoses. Our findings highlight the importance of including frailty assessments as a component of the management plan for patients experiencing cardiac arrest.

Radiological and blood markers predicting long term neurological outcome following decompressive craniectomy for malignant ischemic stroke: a preliminary single center study.

Malignant ischemic stroke (MIS) is defined by progressive cerebral edema leading to intracranial pressure, compression of neural structurs and, eventually, death. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been advocated as a lifesaving procedure in the management of patients with MIS. This study aims to identify pre- and postoperative predictive variables of neurological outcomes in patients undergoing DC for MIS. We conducted a retrospective study of patients undergoing decompressive hemi-craniectomy in a single center from April 2016 to April 2020. Preoperative work-up included baseline clinical status, laboratory data, and brain CT. The primary outcome was the 6-months modified ranking score (mRS). The secondary outcome was the 30-day mortality. During data capture a total of 58 patients fulfilled the criteria for MIS, of which 22 underwent DC for medically refractory increased ICP and were included in the present analysis. The overall median age was 58.5 years old. An immediate (24hr) postoperative GOSE score >= 5 was associated with good 6-month mRS (1-3)(p=0.004). Similarly, low postoperative neutrophils (p=0.002), low lymphocytes (p=0.004), decreased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR)(p=0.02) and decreased platelet to lymphocytes ratio (PLR)(p=0.03) were associated with good neurological outcomes. Per-operative variables independently associated with worsened 6-month mRS were: increased age (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.20, p=0.02), increased NIHSS score (OR 7.8, 95% CI 2.5-12.5, p=0.035), GCS < 8 at the time of neurosurgical referral (OR 21.63, 95% CI 1.42-328, p=0.02), and increased PTT time before surgery (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.11-4, p=0.02). Decreased postoperative lymphocytes confirmed a protective role against worsened functional outcomes (OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.01-0.4, p=0.02). Decreased post-operative lymphocyte count was associated with showed a protective role against increased mRS (OR: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01-0.4; p=0.02). The occurrence of hydrocephalus at postoperative CT scan was associated with 30-day mortality (p=0.005), while the persistence of postoperative compression of the ambient and crural cistern showed a trend towards significance (p=0.07). Conclusions This study reports that patients undergoing DC for MIS showing decreased postoperative blood inflammatory markers achieved better 6-month neurological outcomes than patients with increased inflammatory markers. Similarly, poor NIHSS, poor GCS, increased age, and larger PTT values at the time of surgery were independent predictors of poor outcomes. Moreover, the persistence of postoperative compression of basal cisterns and the occurrence of hydrocephalus is associated with 30-day mortality.

The Relationship between CT Angiography Collateral Score and Biochemical Parameters during Acute Ischemic Stroke Caused by Middle Cerebral Artery Infarct.

Background/Objectives: Collateral development after AIS is important for prognosis and treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship and correlation between biochemical parameters and CT angiography collateral score within the first 9 h and its effect on the neurological outcomes of patients with AIS due to MCA infarction. Methods: A total of 98 patients with MCA infarction were hospitalized for diagnosis and treatment after undergoing CT angiography within 9 h of suffering a stroke. Demographic data, admission biochemical parameters, hospitalization data, and discharge NIHSS scores were recorded. Souza's scoring system for collateral distribution was used to evaluate collaterals. Souza CS system and clinical disability comparison outcomes identified. Results: According to the Souza CS system, 13 patients were in the malignant profile category, and 85 patients were in the good profile category. The NIHSS value of patients with a malignant profile was 27, while the mean NIHSS value of patients with a good profile was 9. There was a statistically significant difference in uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, CRP, hsCRP, D-Dimer, troponin I, vitamin B12, fibrinogen, NSE, homocysteine, aPTT, and INR levels according to collateral distribution. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that biochemical parameters can influence the distribution of malignant and benign collaterals in AIS independent of age and gender.

Advanced perioperative assessment of neurological function in acute Stanford A aortic dissection

Objective Acute Stanford Type A aortic dissection (AAAD) is a critical condition in vascular surgery, and total aortic arch replacement surgery is the preferred method to save patients’ lives. In recent years, as clinical research has advanced, there has been a growing realization of the close association between poor postoperative outcomes in patients and neurological functional deficits. Neurological function monitoring is a medical technique used to evaluate and monitor the functional status of the nervous system. Methods This monitoring involves the assessment of various aspects of the nervous system, including but not limited to nerve conduction velocity, neuromuscular function, electroencephalographic activity, and sensory nerve transmission. Neurological function monitoring has broad clinical applications and can be used to diagnose and monitor many neurological disorders, helping physicians understand patients’ neurological functional status and guide treatment plans. During the postoperative recovery process, neurological function monitoring can assist physicians in assessing the potential impact of surgery on the nervous system and monitor the recovery of patients’ neurological function. Results Studies have shown that neurological function monitoring holds promise in predicting neurological functional prognosis and interventions for patients with aortic dissection. Conclusion Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of various intraoperative neurological monitoring techniques, neuroimaging examinations, and biomarkers in predicting and assessing postoperative neurological outcomes in patients undergoing AAAD surgery.

Observation of the effect of hypothermia therapy combined with optimized nursing on brain protection after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A retrospective case-control study.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of optimized emergency nursing in conjunction with mild hypothermia nursing on neurological prognosis, hemodynamics, and complications in patients with cardiac arrest. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 124 patients who received successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch. The patients were divided into control and observation groups, each consisting of 62 cases. The brain function of both groups was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Additionally, serum neuron-specific enolase level was measured in both groups. The vital signs and hemodynamics of both groups were analyzed, and the complications and satisfaction experienced by the 2 groups were compared. The experimental group exhibited significantly improved neurological function than the control group (P < .05). Furthermore, the heart rate in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (P < .05). However, no significant differences were observed in blood oxygen saturation, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, and systolic blood pressure between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, the implementation of optimized nursing practices significantly reduced complications and improved the quality of life and satisfaction of post-CPR patients (P < .05). The integration of optimized emergency nursing practices in conjunction with CPR improves neurological outcomes in patients with cardiac arrest.

Treatment Modalities and Outcomes in Brainstem Cavernous Malformations: A Large Multicenter Observational Cohort Study.

Symptomatic brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) pose a high risk of morbidity and mortality due to recurrent hemorrhage, warranting aggressive management. However, few studies have compared the effectiveness of different treatment modalities for BSCMs. We aimed to assess the association of treatment modalities with recurrent hemorrhage and neurological outcomes in patients with BSCM. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using an observational registry database covering population of southwest and southeast China. Adult patients with BSCM were included and followed up between March 1, 2011, to March 31, 2023. We compared outcomes between microsurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in propensity score-matched case pairs, incorporating demographic, medical history, and lesion characteristics. The outcomes studied included recurrent hemorrhage and poor prognosis (defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale score, <4). Absolute rate differences and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were calculated using Cox models. Among 736 diagnosed patients with BSCM, 96 (48 matched pairs) were included after exclusions and propensity score matching (mean age, 43.1 [SD, 12.1] years; 50% women). During the median 5-year follow-up, no significant differences in recurrent hemorrhage (4.2% [microsurgery] versus 14.6% [SRS], HR, 3.90 [95% CI, 0.46-32.65]; P=0.21) and poor prognosis (12.5% [microsurgery] versus 8.3% [SRS], HR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.08-1.08]; P=0.07) were observed between microsurgery and SRS recipients. Furthermore, either microsurgery or SRS correlated with fewer recurrent hemorrhage (HR, 0.09 [95% CI, 0.02-0.39]; P=0.001; HR, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.07-0.69]; P=0.01) compared with conservative treatment. In this study, both microsurgery and SRS were safe and effective for BSCM, demonstrated comparable outcomes in recurrent hemorrhage and poor prognosis. However, interpretation should be cautious due to the potential for residual confounding. URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn/; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2300070907.

Effect of oxygen delivery during cardiopulmonary bypass on postoperative neurological outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A scoping review of the literature.

Reduced oxygen delivery (DO2) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was proposed as a risk factor for the development of postoperative neurological complications (PONCs), including cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), delirium, and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). We aimed to review the current evidence on the association between intraoperative DO2 and the incidence of PONCs. MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were electronically searched to identify comparative studies from inception until July 2023 that reported the association between intraoperative DO2 levels and the incidence of PONCs (as defined by the scales and diagnostic tools utilized by the studies' authors) in adults patients undergoing cardiac surgery using CPB. Of the 2513 papers identified, 10 studies, including 21,875 participants, were included. Of these, three studies reported on delirium, two on POCD, and five on CVA. Eight studies reported reduced intraoperative DO2 in patients who developed delirium and CVA. There was a lack of consensus on the cut-off of DO2 levels or the correlation between the period below these threshold values and the development of PONC. Limited data suggest that maintaining intraoperative DO2 above the critical threshold levels and ensuring adequate intraoperative cerebral perfusion may play a role in minimizing the incidence of neurological events in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass.

A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Recommendations on Hemodynamic Management.

Clinical practice guideline development following the GRADE process. Hemodynamic management is one of the only available treatment options that likely improves neurologic outcomes in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Augmenting mean arterial pressure (MAP) aims to improve blood perfusion and oxygen delivery to the injured spinal cord in order to minimize secondary ischemic damage to neural tissue. The objective of this guideline was to update the 2013 AANS/CNS recommendations on the hemodynamic management of patients with acute traumatic SCI, acknowledging that much has been published in this area since its publication. Specifically, we sought to make recommendations on 1. The range of mean arterial pressure (MAP) to be maintained by identifying an upper and lower MAP limit; 2. The duration of such MAP augmentation; and 3. The choice of vasopressor. Additionally, we sought to make a recommendation on spinal cord perfusion pressure (SCPP) targets. A multidisciplinary guideline development group (GDG) was formed that included health care professionals from a wide range of clinical specialities, patient advocates, and individuals living with SCI. The GDG reviewed the 2013 AANS/CNS guidelines and voted on whether each recommendation should be endorsed or updated. A systematic review of the literature, following PRISMA standards and registered in PROSPERO, was conducted to inform the guideline development process and address the following key questions: (i) what are the effects of goal-directed interventions to optimize spinal cord perfusion on extent of neurological recovery and rates of adverse events at any time point of follow-up? and (ii) what are the effects of particular monitoring techniques, perfusion ranges, pharmacological agents, and durations of treatment on extent of neurological recovery and rates of adverse events at any time point of follow-up? The GDG combined the information from this systematic review with their clinical expertise in order to develop recommendations on a MAP target range (specifically an upper and lower limit to target), the optimal duration for MAP augmentation, and the use of vasopressors or inotropes. Using methods outlined by the GRADE working group, recommendations were formulated that considered the balance of benefits and harms, financial impact, acceptability, feasibility and patient preferences. The GDG suggested that MAP should be augmented to at least 75-80 mmHg as the "lower limit," but not actively augmented beyond an "upper limit" of 90-95mmHg in order to optimize spinal cord perfusion in acute traumatic SCI. The quality of the evidence around the "target MAP" was very low, and thus the strength of this recommendation is weak. For duration of hemodynamic management, the GDG "suggested" that MAP be augmented for a duration of 3-7days. Again, the quality of the evidence around the duration of MAP support was very low, and thus the strength of this recommendation is also weak. The GDG felt that a recommendation on the choice of vasopressor or the use of SCPP targets was not warranted, given the dearth of available evidence. We provide new recommendations for blood pressure management after acute SCI that acknowledge the limitations of the current evidence on the relationship between MAP and neurologic recovery. It was felt that the low quality of existing evidence and uncertainty around the relationship between MAP and neurologic recovery justified a greater range of MAP to target, and for a broader range of days post-injury than recommended in previous guidelines. While important knowledge gaps still remain regarding hemodynamic management, these recommendations represent current perspectives on the role of MAP augmentation for acute SCI.

Impact of Lactate Clearance on Clinical and Neurological Outcomes of Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Treated With Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Secondary Data Analysis.

Serial evaluations of lactate concentration may be more useful in predicting outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) than a single measurement. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of lactate clearance (LC) on clinical and neurologic outcomes in patients with OHCA who underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Retrospective multicenter observational study. Patients with OHCA receiving ECPR at 36 hospitals in Japan between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018. This study evaluated 1227 patients, with lactateinitial assessed upon emergency department admission and lactatesecond measured subsequently. To adjust for the disparity in the time between lactate measurements, the modified 6-hour LC was defined as follows: ([lactateinitial-lactatesecond]/lactateinitial) × 100 × (6/the duration between the initial and second measurements [hr]). The patients were divided into four groups according to the modified 6-hour LC with an equivalent number of patients among LC quartiles: Q1 (LC < 18.8), Q2 (18.8 < LC < 59.9), Q3 (60.0 < LC < 101.2), and Q4 (101.2 < LC). None. The 30-day survival rates increased as the 6-hour LC increased (Q1, 21.2%; Q2, 36.8%; Q3, 41.4%; Q4, 53.6%; p for trend < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the modified 6-hour LC was significantly associated with a 30-day survival rate (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.003; 95% CI, 1.001-1.005; p < 0.001) and favorable neurologic outcome (AOR, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.000-1.004; p = 0.027). In patients with OHCA who underwent ECPR, an increase in the modified 6-hour LC was associated with favorable clinical and neurologic outcome. Thus, LC can be a criterion to assess whether ECPR should be continued.

Impact of time to revascularization on outcomes in patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with STEMI

BackgroundInternational guidelines recommend emergency coronary angiography in patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with ST-segment elevation on 12‑lead electrocardiography. However, the association between time to revascularization and outcomes remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between time to revascularization and outcomes in patients with OHCA due to ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). MethodsThis multicenter, retrospective, nationwide observational study included patients aged ≥18 years with OHCA due to STEMI who underwent PCI between 2014 and 2020. The time of the first return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was defined as the time of first ROSC during resuscitation, regardless of the pre-hospital or in-hospital setting. The primary outcome was a 1-month favorable neurological outcome, defined as cerebral performance category 1 or 2. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the time to revascularization and favorable neurological outcomes. ResultsA total of 547 patients were included in this analysis. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a shorter time from the first ROSC to revascularization was associated with 1-month favorable neurological outcomes (63/86 [73.3%] in the time from the first ROSC to revascularization ≤60 min group versus 98/193 [50.8%] in the >120 min group; adjusted OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.11–0.56; P for trend, 0.015). ConclusionsShorter time to revascularization was significantly associated with 1-month favorable neurological outcomes in patients with OHCA due to STEMI who underwent PCI.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation versus conventional CPR in cardiac arrest: an updated meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BackgroundExtracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) may reduce mortality and improve neurological outcomes in patients with cardiac arrest. We updated our existing meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis to further evaluate ECPR compared to conventional CPR (CCPR).MethodsWe searched three international databases from 1 January 2000 through 1 November 2023, for randomised controlled trials or propensity score matched studies (PSMs) comparing ECPR to CCPR in both out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). We conducted an updated random-effects meta-analysis, with the primary outcome being in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included short- and long-term favourable neurological outcome and survival (30 days–1 year). We also conducted a trial sequential analysis to evaluate the required information size in the meta-analysis to detect a clinically relevant reduction in mortality.ResultsWe included 13 studies with 14 pairwise comparisons (6336 ECPR and 7712 CCPR) in our updated meta-analysis. ECPR was associated with greater precision in reducing overall in-hospital mortality (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.50–0.79, high certainty), to which the trial sequential analysis was concordant. The addition of recent studies revealed a newly significant decrease in mortality in OHCA (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.45–0.84). Re-analysis of relevant secondary outcomes reaffirmed our initial findings of favourable short-term neurological outcomes and survival up to 30 days. Estimates for long-term neurological outcome and 90-day–1-year survival remained unchanged.ConclusionsWe found that ECPR reduces in-hospital mortality, improves neurological outcome, and 30-day survival. We additionally found a newly significant benefit in OHCA, suggesting that ECPR may be considered in both IHCA and OHCA.

Association of Sepsis With Neurologic Outcomes of Adult Patients Treated With Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygnenation

OBJECTIVES: Neurologic outcomes of patients under venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) may be worsened by secondary insults of systemic origin. We aimed to assess whether sepsis, commonly observed during ECMO support, is associated with brain injury and outcomes. DESIGN: Single-center cohort study of the “exposed-non-exposed” type on consecutive adult patients treated by VA-ECMO. SETTING: Medical ICU of a university hospital, France, 2013–2020. PATIENTS: Patients with sepsis at the time of VA-ECMO cannulation (“sepsis” group) were compared with patients without sepsis (“no sepsis” group). The primary outcome measure was poor functional outcome at 90 days, defined by a score greater than or equal to 4 on the modified Rankin scale (mRS), indicating severe disability or death. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 196 patients were included (“sepsis,” n = 128; “no sepsis,” n = 68), of whom 87 (44.4%) had presented cardiac arrest before VA-ECMO cannulation. A poor functional outcome (mRS ≥ 4) was observed in 99 of 128 patients (77.3%) of the “sepsis” group and 46 of 68 patients (67.6%) of the “no sepsis” group (adjusted logistic regression odds ratio (OR) 1.21, 95% CI, 0.58–2.47; inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) OR 1.24; 95% CI, 0.79–1.95). Subsequent analyses performed according to pre-ECMO cardiac arrest status suggested that sepsis was independently associated with poorer functional outcomes in the subgroup of patients who had experienced pre-ECMO cardiac arrest (adjusted logistic regression OR 3.44; 95% CI, 1.06–11.40; IPTW OR 3.52; 95% CI, 1.68–7.73), whereas no such association was observed in patients without pre-ECMO cardiac arrest (adjusted logistic regression OR 0.69; 95% CI, 0.27–1.69; IPTW OR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.42–1.35). Compared with the “no sepsis” group, “sepsis” patients presented a significant increase in S100 calcium-binding protein beta concentrations at day 1 (0.94 μg/L vs. 0.52 μg/L, p = 0.03), and more frequent EEG alterations (i.e., severe slowing, discontinuous background, and a lower prevalence of sleep patterns), suggesting brain injury. CONCLUSION: We observed a detrimental role of sepsis on neurologic outcomes in the subgroup of patients who had experienced pre-ECMO cardiac arrest, but not in other patients.

The relationship between the initial pH and neurological outcome in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is affected by the status of recovery of spontaneous circulation on hospital arrival.

The early prediction of neurological outcomes is useful for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The initial pH was associated with neurological outcomes, but the values varied among the studies. Patients admitted to our division with OHCA of cardiac origin between January 2015 and December 2022 were retrospectively examined (N = 199). A good neurological outcome was defined as a Glasgow-Pittsburgh cerebral performance category (CPC) of 1-2 at discharge. Patients were divided according to the achievement of recovery of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) on hospital arrival, and the efficacy of pH in predicting good neurological outcomes was compared. In patients with ROSC on hospital arrival (N = 100), the initial pH values for good and poor neurological outcomes were 7.26 ± 0.14 and 7.09 ± 0.18, respectively (p < 0.001). In patients without ROSC on hospital arrival (N = 99), the initial pH values for good and poor neurological outcomes were 7.06 ± 0.23 and 6.92 ± 0.15, respectively (p = 0.007). The pH associated with good neurological outcome was much lower in patients without ROSC than in those with ROSC on hospital arrival (P = 0.003). A higher initial pH is associated with good neurological outcomes in patients with OHCA. However, the pH for a good or poor neurological outcome depends on the ROSC status on hospital arrival.

Layperson basic life support education in Austria: An overview

Early interventions of laypersons can improve the survival and neurological outcome in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. There are several organizations in Austria which train lay people in basic life support and raise awareness for sudden cardiac death. To obtain an overview of the various initiatives, aquestionnaire was sent to 26organizations, and 15 of the organizations (58%) replied. The geographical distribution of the organizations between rural and urban areas was illustrated in amap. Most of them are situated in auniversity city, resulting in accessibility disparities for individuals in urban and rural settings. Layperson resuscitation education in Austria is largely dependent on the individual commitments of volunteers. The time spent practicing chest compressions in resuscitation courses ranges from 25% to 90% of the total course time. Furthermore, reasons for alack of scientific endeavours could be identified, and solutions are suggested. Through better networking between organizations and initiatives, more laypersons could be trained in the future, which would lead to improved survival chances for persons suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Austria. Appropriate support by political bodies and public authorities is and will remain akey element.