Neurological Outcome In Patients Research Articles

Vascular and neurological outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with edoxaban; effects of cancer

Abstract Introduction Data from novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) trials has shown superior outcomes of NOACs compared to warfarin in vascular and bleeding events in patients with AF, both with and without cancer, however, little discussion has been provided on their effect in congestive heart failure (CHF). NOACs also may have biological benefits in Alzheimer disease (AD). We investigated the impact of edoxaban on vascular and bleeding events, CHF, and AD, in patients with AF, with and without cancer. Methods In this nationwide retrospective cohort study from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified a total of 5683 patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF) treated with edoxaban and matched them for gender and age to 11366 patients treated with warfarin. Subsequently, we similarly matched 703 patients with NVAF and cancer (NVAF-C) treated with edoxaban to 1406 patients treated with warfarin. The crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were applied for outcome assessments. Outcomes included arterial/venous ischemic events, CHF, Alzheimer disease (AD) , bleeding, acute kidney injury (AKI), and all-cause mortality.Results:Compared to warfarin, edoxaban showed significantly lower adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality (0.37 in NVAF, 0.39 in NVAF with cancer [NVAF-C]), hospitalization for gastrointestinal bleeding (0.74 in NVAF, 0.67 in NVAF-C), and CHF (0.26 in NVAF, 0.31 in NVAF-C) in both NVAF and NVAF-C groups (all p < 0.05). The adjusted HRs of acute myocardial infarction (0.71, p = 0.0051), peripheral artery disease (HR = 0.48, p < 0.001), venous thromboembolism (0.55, p = 0.0003), pulmonary embolism (0.20, p = 0.0002), and AD (0.66, p < 0.001) were also significantly lower for NVAF patients using edoxaban versus warfarin. However, edoxaban was associated with significantly higher adjusted HR of other hospitalized bleeding than warfarin (1.19, p = 0.0016) in NVAF patients but not in NVAF-C patients. Conclusion Edoxaban is associated with reduced risks of CHF in both NVAF and NVAF-C patients, and lower incidence of AD in NVAF when comparing to warfarin. These findings further support the use of edoxaban in patients with AF.

Abstract 18785: Prognostication of Neurological Outcomes in Cardiac Arrest Patients Based on Novel Serum Biomarkers

Introduction and Hypothesis: Patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) rely on precise and timely diagnosis for good clinical outcomes. Our study sought to evaluate novel serum parameters' diagnostic and clinical efficacy in prognosticating neurological outcomes in post-cardiac arrest syndrome patients. Methods: 345 patients with cardiac arrest treated with target temperature management were enrolled in this retrospective, multicenter study. Blood samples were drawn and evaluated at a period of 0, 1, 2, and 3 days. Samples were analyzed for conventional biomarkers; S100 calcium-binding protein (S-100B) and neuron-specific enolase, and for novel biomarkers; ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain (NFL), and tau load. Patients were followed up for neurological outcomes over 6 months period Results: 328 patients completed the study in which the mean age was 68.4 years, and 23% were female. Normal values for NFL, UCH-L1, and tau proteins showed the highest sensitivity (91.8-96% of patients with poor neurological outcomes had abnormal values) and negative predictive value (90-94.5% with good neurological outcomes had normal values). Overall, all the novel biomarkers had independent statistically significant values for the diagnosis of clinical outcome (p<0.005). The area under the curves of the novel serum biomarkers was highest at 72 h post-cardiac arrest (0.913 for NFL, 0.88 for tau, 0.961 for GFAP, and 0.947 for UCH-L1). Conclusions: Our study concluded that low levels of novel serum biomarkers are associated with good neurological outcomes. The reliability of these novel biomarkers highlights that they should be included in baseline laboratory investigation for better prognostication of neurological outcomes in patients with PCAS.

Abstract 147: Is Effect Size of Targeted Temperature Management Different for Pediatric Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome According to the Severity?

Introduction: The beneficial effect of target temperature management (TTM) for pediatric post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) patients is controversial, and there are few studies on the differential effects of TTM according to the risk classification. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differential effects of TTM for pediatric PCAS patients according to a risk classification tool we previously developed, rCAST. Methods: We used data from the Japanese nationwide out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) registry of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. We classified eligible pediatric PCAS patients (aged ≤18 years) who achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) according to the quintile of score points on the rCAST. The effect of TTM for their neurological outcome was evaluated for each severity group. And then, focusing on the severity group that appeared to benefit from TTM, we also evaluated the effect of TTM by the propensity score analysis with several adjustment factors. Good neurological outcome was defined as a Cerebral Performance Categories score or Pediatric Cerebral Performance Categories score ≤2 at 30 days. Results: Among 1,526 OHCA pediatric patients in the registry, data of 307 PCAS patients who achieved ROSC were analyzed. The proportion of patients with a good neurological outcome was higher among those who underwent TTM compared to those who did not in the first to forth quintile (TTM vs non-TTM; 81% [21/26] vs 58% [21/36] [p=0.10] in the first, 11% [2/19] vs 7% [2/31] [p=0.63] in the second, 12% [2/17] vs 0% [0/55] [p=0.053] in the third, and 11% [1/9] vs 0% [0/21] [p=0.30] in the fourth). In the group of the fifth quantile (rCAST ≥ 18.5), no patients showed good neurological outcome regardless of TTM (0% [0/20] vs 0% [0/73]). The propensity score analysis showed that TTM was significantly associated with their good neurological outcome in the patients classified into the first to fourth quantile group (Odds ratio; 1.21 [1.04-1.40], p = 0.014). Conclusions: TTM was significantly associated with a good neurological outcome in the pediatric PCAS patients with rCAST ≤ 18.0. All patients with rCAST ≥ 18.5 showed poor neurological outcomes even if they underwent TTM.

Abstract 210: The Relationship Between Serum Free Fatty Acid Levels After the Return of Spontaneous Circulation and Neurological Outcomes in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients

Background: Free fatty acids (FFA) are a known risk factor in the development of sudden cardiac death. However, the relationship between FFA and the outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association between FFA and neurological outcomes in OHCA patients. Methods: This prospective observational study included adult (≥ 18 years) OHCA patients between February 2016 and December 2022. We measured serial FFA levels within 1 h after ROSC and at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The primary outcome was neurological outcome at 6 months. A poor neurological outcome was defined by cerebral performance categories 3, 4, and 5. Results: A total of 147 patients were included. Of them, 104 (70.7%) had poor neurological outcomes, whereby the median FFA levels within 1 h after ROSC (0.72 vs. 1.01 mol/L), at 6 h (1.19 vs. 1.90 mol/L), 12 h (1.20 vs. 1.66 mol/L), and 24 h (1.20 vs. 1.95 mol/L) after ROSC were significantly lower than in good outcome group. The FFA levels at 6 h (odds ratio [OR], 0.583; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.370-0.919; P = 0.020), and 12 h (OR, 0.509; 95% CI, 0.303-0.854; P = 0.011) after ROSC were independently associated with poor neurological outcomes. Conclusions: The lower FFA levels at 6 h and 12 h after ROSC were associated with poor neurological outcomes in patients with OHCA. FFA may reflect oxidative metabolism as well as oxidative stress.

In-Hospital Neurologic Complications, Neuromonitoring, and Long-Term Neurologic Outcomes in Patients With Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Although delirium is well described in patients with sepsis, there are limited data on other neurologic complications. We aimed to systematically review the prevalence, neuromonitoring tools, and neurocognitive outcomes in sepsis patients with neurologic complications. MEDLINE and six other databases (Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov ) were searched through January 2023. Studies of adult patients with sepsis reported neurologic complications, use of neuromonitoring tools, neuropathology, and cognitive outcomes. Two independent reviewers extracted the data. Random-effect meta-analyses were used to pool data. Seventy-four studies ( n = 146,855) were included. Neurologic complications were reported in 38 studies ( n = 142,193) including septic encephalopathy (36%, 95% CI, 27-46%; I 2 = 99%), ischemic stroke (5%, 95% CI, 2.1-11.5; I 2 = 99%), intracranial hemorrhage (2%, 95% CI, 1.0-4.4%; I 2 = 96%), seizures (1%, 95% CI, 0.2-7%; I 2 = 96%), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (9%), and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (7%). In the meta-regression analysis, pulmonary infection, sepsis induced by a gram-positive organism, higher sequential organ failure assessment score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score at admission, and longer ICU length of stay were associated with higher risk of developing septic encephalopathy. Three studies ( n = 159) reported postmortem neuropathological findings, acute brain injury was noted in 47% of patients. Twenty-six studies ( n = 1,358) reported the use of neuromonitoring tools, electroencephalogram was the most used tool for seizure detection. Transcranial Doppler and near infrared spectroscopy were used for monitoring cerebral hemodynamic changes to detect early ischemia. Six studies reported cognitive outcomes ( n = 415) up to 12 months postdischarge and cognitive impairment (≥ one domain) was reported in 30%. In-hospital neurologic complications are common in patients with sepsis. However, the mechanism and timing of those sepsis-associated complications are poorly understood and there are limited data on standardized neuromonitoring in this population.

Neurointensive Care:Managing Intracranial Hypertension and Cerebral Herniation

In order to optimize neurological outcomes in patients presenting with elevated intracranial pressure, secondary cerebral insults during therapeutic interventions should be prevented and mitigated. Considering the absence of a singular, definitive monitoring parameter, the diverse facets of its pathophysiology-encompassing the Monroe-Kellie doctrine, brain compliance, and cerebral metabolism-should be understood. Multimodality monitoring, which incorporates physiological indicators of intracranial pressure sensors, electroencephalograms, and ultrasound, can be assessed in an integrative manner. These assessments subsequently inform surgical and intensive care strategies, often guided by structured protocols, such as a stepwise approach. This comprehensive paradigm, central to neurocritical care, may significantly enhance the neurological prognosis of patients.

Low-flow time and outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

IntroductionIn out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), the association between low-flow time, the duration between the initiation of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the establishment of ECPR, and outcomes has not been clearly determined. MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of the retrospective multicenter registry in Japan. This study registered patients ≥18 years old who were admitted to the emergency department for OHCA and underwent ECPR between January, 2013 and December, 2018. Low-flow time was defined as the time from initiation of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the establishment of ECPR, and patients were categorized into two groups according to the visualized association of the restricted cubic spline curve. The primary outcome was survival discharge. Cubic spline analyses and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the nonlinear associations between low-flow time and outcomes. ResultsA total of 1,524 patients were included. The median age was 60 years, and the median low-flow time was 52 (42‐53) mins. The overall survival at hospital discharge and favorable neurological outcomes were 27.8% and 14.2%, respectively. The cubic spline analysis showed a decreased trend of survival discharge rates and favorable neurological outcomes with shorter low-flow time between 20 and 60 mins, with little change between the following 60 and 80 mins. The multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that patients with long low-flow time (>40 mins) compared to those with short low-flow time (0‐40 mins) had significantly worse survival (adjusted odds ratio 0.42; 95% confidence intervals, 0.31-0.57) and neurological outcomes (0.65; 0.45-0.95, respectively). ConclusionsThe survival discharge and neurological outcomes of patients with low-flow time shorter than 40 min are better than those of patients with longer low-flow time.

Long-term prognostic significance of gasping in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a post hoc analysis of a multi-center prospective cohort study

BackgroundGasping during resuscitation has been reported as a favorable factor for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We examined whether gasping during resuscitation is independently associated with favorable neurological outcomes in patients with refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT) undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation ECPR.MethodsData from a 2014 study on advanced cardiac life support for ventricular fibrillation with extracorporeal circulation in Japan (SAVE-J), which examined the efficacy of ECPR for refractory VF/pVT, were analyzed. The primary endpoint was survival with a 6-month favorable neurological outcome in patients who underwent ECPR with or without gasping during resuscitation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between gasping and outcomes.ResultsOf the 454 patients included in the SAVE-J study, data from 212 patients were analyzed in this study after excluding those with missing information and those who did not undergo ECPR. Gasping has been observed in 47 patients during resuscitation; 11 (23.4%) had a favorable neurological outcome at 6 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gasping during resuscitation was independently associated with a favorable neurological outcome (odds ratio [OR], 10.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.22–34.74]). The adjusted OR for gasping during emergency medical service transport and on arrival at the hospital was 27.44 (95% CI 5.65–133.41).ConclusionsGasping during resuscitation is a favorable factor in patients with refractory VF/pVT. Patients with refractory VF/pVT with continuously preserved gasping during EMS transportation to the hospital are expected to have more favorable outcomes.

Temperature Control in the Era of Personalized Medicine: Knowledge Gaps, Research Priorities, and Future Directions.

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) is the leading cause of death and disability after cardiac arrest. To date, temperature control is the only intervention shown to improve neurologic outcomes in patients with HIBI. Despite robust preclinical evidence supporting hypothermia as neuroprotective therapy after cardiac arrest, there remains clinical equipoise regarding optimal core temperature, therapeutic window, and duration of therapy. Current guidelines recommend continuous temperature monitoring and active fever prevention for at least 72 h and additionally note insufficient evidence regarding temperature control targeting 32 °C-36 °C. However, population-based thresholds may be inadequate to support the metabolic demands of ischemic, reperfused, and dysregulated tissue. Promoting a more personalized approach with individualized targets has the potential to further improve outcomes. This review will analyze current knowledge and evidence, address research priorities, explore the components of high-quality temperature control, and define critical future steps that are needed to advance patient-centered care for cardiac arrest survivors.

Radiologic factors and anatomic arterial variants predict the development of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BackgroundDelayed cerebral ischemia is a common complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, which accounts for high morbidity and mortality in these patients. Predictors for this complication's development are necessary to ensure the prevention and adequate management of this complication. We aim to assess radiological features and anatomic variations as predictors of delayed cerebral ischemia. MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort analysis of a sample with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage between 2015 and 2019. Patients were classified according to the presence of delayed cerebral ischemia, and our statistical analysis sought predictors of delayed cerebral ischemia and bad neurological outcome. ResultsEighty-two patients were included in our study. Delayed cerebral ischemia occurred in 30 patients (36.6%). Hydrocephalus at admission (odds ratio [OR], 7.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02–52.75), intracerebral hematoma on initial computed tomography scan (OR, 5.80; 95% CI, 1.48–46.61), global cerebral edema (odds ratio [OR], 5.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61–110.59), anatomic variations (odds ratio [OR], 8.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.81–232.41), higher values of systolic blood pressure on admission (odds ratio [OR], 6.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.06), and smoking history (OR, 5.14; 95% CI, 1.35–64.92) were significantly associated with the development of delayed cerebral ischemia. Both anatomical variations (P = .018) and hydrocephalus (P = .019) were statistically correlated with a bad neurological outcome. ConclusionsPatients with anatomic variations and radiological injuries on admission are more likely to develop delayed cerebral ischemia during the hospital stay. A larger infarct territory can explain a worse neurological outcome in patients with anatomic variations.

Whether serum albumin/leukocyte ratio combined with Go-FAR score more accurately predicts the neurological outcome of patients who suffered cardiac arrest

Objective: To investigate whether serum albumin/leukocyte ratio combined with good outcome score after resuscitation (GO-FAR score) can improve the prediction of neurological outcomes in patients with cardiac arrest, so that clinical decisions can be made earlier and futile resuscitation can be avoided. Methods:The data of 72 patients with cardiac arrest rescued 2020.01.01-2022.04.30 in the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were collected, and the GO-FAR score and albumin/leukocyte ratio of all patients were calculated. The main research outcome was the neurological outcome within one month after cardiac arrest. The brain function performance score (CPC score) was used for assessing neurological outcomes, It was divided into two groups:a good prognosis group (CPC score 1-2) and a poor prognosis group (CPC score 3-5). Multivariate Logistic analysis and ROC curve analysis were performed on the data of the two groups, and conclusions were drawn. Result:Univariate and multivariate analysis found that the albumin/leukocyte ratio and GO-FAR score in the poor prognosis group were lower than those in the good prognosis group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05).The results of ROC curve analysis found that the area under the curve of ALB/WBC, GO-FAR score, and ALB/WBC + GO-FAR score were: 0.782 (95% CI: 0.662 to 0.903), 0.677 (95% CI: 0.493 to 0.862), 0.841 (95% CI: 746-0.936), P < 0.05, and the difference was statistically significant. Malignant tumor, shock rhythm, albumin, and leukocytes were all influencing factors for functional outcomes in patients with cardiac arrest. Conclusion:The combination of GO-FAR score and albumin/leukocyte ratio can better predict neurological outcomes in patients with cardiac arrest, but still cannot make instructions to stop resuscitation. More research is needed to confirm.

Bayesian network predicted variables for good neurological outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is linked to a poor prognosis and remains a public health concern. Several studies have predicted good neurological outcomes of OHCA. In this study, we used the Bayesian network to identify variables closely associated with good neurological survival outcomes in patients with OHCA. This was a retrospective observational study using the Japan Association for Acute Medicine OHCA registry. Fifteen explanatory variables were used, and the outcome was one-month survival with Glasgow-Pittsburgh cerebral performance category (CPC) 1-2. The 2014-2018 dataset was used as training data. The variables selected were identified and a sensitivity analysis was performed. The 2019 dataset was used for the validation analysis. Four variables were identified, including the motor response component of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS M), initial rhythm, age, and absence of epinephrine. Estimated probabilities were increased in the following order: GCS M score: 2-6; epinephrine: non-administered; initial rhythm: spontaneous rhythm and shockable; and age: <58 and 59-70 years. The validation showed a sensitivity of 75.4% and a specificity of 95.4%. We identified GCS M score of 2-6, initial rhythm (spontaneous rhythm and shockable), younger age, and absence of epinephrine as variables associated with one-month survival with CPC 1-2. These variables may help clinicians in the decision-making process while treating patients with OHCA.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is an independent predictor for neurological disability in patients with idiopathic transverse myelitis

IntroductionThe neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been found to be useful in the prognostication of immune-mediated neurological disorders because it roughly reflects the systemic innate immune response compared to the adaptive immune response. However, studies on the validity of NLR in demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system have shown conflicting results. Therefore, we aimed to investigate NLR in the idiopathic transverse myelitis (ITM) cohort.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the cohort data of patients with ITM between January 2006 and February 2020. The medical data of all patients with myelitis were reviewed to exclude patients with disease-associated myelopathy according to predefined exclusion criteria. The relationship between the natural log-transformed NLR (lnNLR) and the clinical, paraclinical, and imaging data was evaluated. Factors associated with neurological disability were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. Predictive factors for moderate-to-severe neurological disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score ≥ 4) were investigated.ResultsA total of 124 participants were included in the analysis. The lnNLR correlated with EDSS and lesion length. Linear mixed-effects analysis showed that age, lesion length, and lnNLR were independently associated with neurological disabilities. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that lnNLR (odds ratio [OR] = 4.266, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.220–14.912, p = 0.023) and lesion length (OR = 1.848, 95% CI = 1.249–2.734, p = 0.002) were independent predictive factors of the worst neurological disability.ConclusionNLR may be used as an independent prognostic factor for predicting poor neurological outcomes in patients with ITM.

The impact of brain tissue oxygenation monitoring on the Glasgow Outcome Scale/Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: A systematic review.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the leading causes of death or long-term disability around the world. As a result of improvements in supportive care, patients are surviving more severe insults with more pronounced dependency on their families, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. The introduction of brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) monitoring aims to recognize episodes of reduced cerebral perfusion with and without associated increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The aim of this review is to determine the impact of PbtO2 on the Glasgow Outcome Scale/Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOS/GOSE) in patients with moderate to severe TBI. Systematic review with narrative and meta-analysis. All original research in which adult patients undergoing PbtO2 were compared with a control group of traditional ICP/cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) monitoring. Both randomized controlled trials and observational studies were included in this review. Databases were searched in September 2022. The primary outcome of the review was the impact of PbtO2 monitoring on GOS/GOSE, while secondary outcomes were mortality and length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Seven studies with a combined number of 770 patients were included in the review. These patients were adults ≥16 years of age. Only two of the studies included found a statistically significant association between PbtO2 monitoring and improved long-term neurological outcomes in patients with TBI (p = .01, p < .01). A meta-analysis of the secondary outcomes identified an associated reduction of mortality in favour of the group treated with PbtO2 monitoring (p < .0001). Results from studies examining LOS in ICU have demonstrated an associated increase of LOS in ICU in patients treated with PbtO2-guided therapy. From the studies included in this review, only two found a statistically significant association between PbtO2 monitoring and long-term outcomes. It is unclear whether PbtO2 goal-directed therapy has a positive impact on the long-term neurological functions and mortality of patients suffering from TBI. A multicentre randomized controlled trial may provide further evidence, but not necessarily conclusive. Further research is warranted to determine the efficacy of the introduction of this new monitoring system to guide local policy change.

Acute Extra-Arachnoid Subdural Hematomas in Patients 50 Years and Older: When Subdurals Act Like Epidurals

Some patients with subdural hematoma (SDH) with acute extra-arachnoid lesions and without concomitant subarachnoid blood or contusions may present in similarly grave neurological condition compared with the general population of patients with SDH. However, these patients often make an impressive neurological recovery. This study compared neurological outcomes in patients with extra-arachnoid SDH with all other SDH patients. We compared a prospective series of extra-arachnoid SDH patients without subarachnoid hemorrhage or other concomitant intracranial injury with a Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI control group with SDH only. We performed inverse probability weighting for key characteristics and ordinal regression with and without controlling for midline shift comparing neurological outcomes (Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale score) at 2 weeks. We used the Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head Injury prognostic model to predict mortality based on age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, pupil reactivity, and major extracranial injury. Mean midline shift was significantly different between extra-arachnoid SDH and control groups (7.2 mm vs. 2.7 mm, P < 0.001). After weighting for group allocation and controlling for midline shift, extra-arachnoid SDH patients had 5.68 greater odds (P < 0.001) of a better 2-week Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale score than control patients. Mortality in the extra-arachnoid SDH group was less than predicted by the Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head Injury prognostic model (10% vs. 21% predicted). Patients with extra-arachnoid SDH have significantly better 2-week neurological outcomes and lower mortality than predicted by the Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head Injury model. Neurosurgeons should consider surgery for this patient subset even in cases of poor neurological examination, older age, and large hematoma with high degree of midline shift.

Preoperative Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Supratentorial Intra-Axial Brain Tumors: Its Role in Predicting Tumor Histology and Prognosis as well in Surgical Planning and Resection.

Objective There are a large number of prospective studies that use diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to show the relationship between intracranial tumors and white matter (WM) fibers. We studied the role of DTI in supratentorial intra-axial (ST-IA) tumors of the brain in deciding the surgical approach with maximal resection and minimal or no deficit and in predicting the histological characterization of the tumor and the neurological outcome. Methods A total of 91 cases of ST-IA tumors were included in our study. The neurological status of the patients was assessed preoperatively, and the tumor volume and DTI pattern were noted radiologically. Surgical plan was decided by the senior consultants of the neurosurgery department taking into consideration the findings of tractography and magnetic resonance imaging. The neurological status and the extent of resection were evaluated postoperatively, and the correlation between histopathology with DTI was studied. Results Of the 91 patients, 25 had high-grade glioma (HGG), 60 had low-grade glioma (LGG), and 6 were metastatic lesions. Gross total excisions were done mostly in patients with DTI showing displaced fibers and subtotal/partial resections were done mostly in disrupted/infiltrated tracts, which was statistically significant. The correlation between histopathology and tractography revealed that intact/displaced tracts were seen mostly in LGG (79%), whereas 86% of HGG showed disrupted/infiltrated fibers; both were statistically significant. Conclusion Preoperative DTI in ST-IA brain tumors is an important tool for deciding the appropriate surgical approach for maximal safe resection, thus improving the post-op neurological outcome in patients. It also helps in predicting the tumor histology while also serving as an important prognostication indicator.

The Impact of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis on Nutritional Status, Neurological Outcome, and Perioperative Complications in Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients with cervical spinal cord injuries (CSCI) with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). We included 153 consecutive patients with CSCI who underwent posterior decompression and fusion surgery. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of DISH. Patient characteristics, neurological status on admission, nutritional status, perioperative laboratory variables, complications, neurological outcomes at discharge, and medical costs were compared between the groups. The DISH group (n = 24) had significantly older patients (72.1 vs. 65.9, p = 0.036), more patients with low-impact trauma (62.5% vs. 34.1%, p = 0.009), and a lower preoperative prognostic nutritional index on admission (39.8 vs. 42.5, p = 0.014) than the non-DISH group (n =129). Patients with DISH had significantly higher rates of ventilator management (16.7% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.022) and pneumonia (29.2% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.010). There was no significant difference in medical costs and neurological outcomes on discharge. Patients with CSCI and DISH were older, had poor nutritional status, and were prone to postoperative respiratory complications, while no differences were found between the neurological outcomes of patients with CSCI with and without DISH.

The Role of Citicoline in Neuroprotection and Neuro Repair in Acute Stroke

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of Citicoline in acute stroke.&#x0D; Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place of Study and Duration: Combined Military Hospital, Jhelum Pakistan, from Dec 2017 to May 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: Thirty patients with a new onset of stroke, either ischemic or hemorrhagic, were included in the study. This sample of the population was further categorized into four Groups based on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scoring system. Half of the patients were medicated with Citicoline and standard stroke treatment and were examined as cases. The rest of the patients were treated with standard stroke management alone and were examined as Controls. The baseline guidelines of the patients were assessed by the Canadian Neurological Stroke Scale. However, for ease of comparison, the CNSS was converted into the National Institute of Health Stoke Scale using the following formula: NIHSS=23-2xCNSS.&#x0D; Results: In our study, baseline improvement in NIHSS score was higher in the Citicoline Group than in the Control Group(68% in the case Group vs. 53% in the Control Group). There was a 30% drop in NIHSS score in Cases compared to the ControlGroup (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: This study could not prove the effectiveness of Citicoline despite a favourable improvement in NIHSS score in cases. Though Citicoline is a well-tolerated and safe drug, it is ineffective in improving neurological outcomes in patients with acute stroke.

Association of Admission Glucose and Outcomes After Endovascular Treatment for Acute Stroke: Data From the ANGEL-ACT Registry.

The association between admission glucose levels and clinical outcomes after stroke has not been effectively elucidated. This study assessed the association among admission glucose levels, admission hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, and 90-day neurological outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy. The ANGEL-ACT registry enrolled adults with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy between 2017 and 2019 in China and patients with available admission glucose data were included. Restricted cubic spline regression was used to determine the knots of blood glucose levels. Binary or ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine the impact of different admission glucose levels on neurological outcomes and 90-day mortality. In total, 1684 participants with available admission glucose concentrations were evaluated. The admission glucose level was divided into 4 levels according to the restricted cubic spline curves: level 1 (<5.3mmol/L), level 2 (5.3 to 7.0mmol/L), level 3 (7.0 to 11.6mmol/L), and level 4 (≥11.6mmol/L). Level 4 admission glucose was associated with a decreased incidence of a modified Rankin scale score of 0 to 2 (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40-0.87) and an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.06-2.85). Levels 3 and 4, hyperglycemia, and diabetes mellitus independently predicted symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Admission glucose levels showed J-shaped relationships with sICH. Higher admission glucose levels (≥11.6mmol/L) were associated with a decreased likelihood of a modified Rankin scale score of 0 to 2 and an increased risk of mortality and sICH.

Assessment of impaired cerebral autoregulation and its correlation with neurological outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A prospective and observational study.

Cerebral autoregulation (CA) is crucial for the maintenance of cerebral homeostasis. It can be assessed by measuring transient hyperemic response ratio (THRR) using transcranial Doppler (TCD). We aimed at assessing the incidence of impaired CA (ICA) and its correlation with the neurological outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). One hundred consecutive patients with aSAH scheduled for aneurysmal clipping were enrolled in this prospective and observational study. Preoperative and consecutive 5-day postoperative THRR measurements were taken. Primary objective of the study was to detect the incidence of ICA and its correlation with vasospasm (VS) postclipping, and neurological outcome at discharge and 1, 3, and 12 months was secondary objectives. ICA (THRR < 1.09) was observed in 69 patients preoperatively, 74 patients on the 1st and 2nd postoperative day, 76 patients on 3rd postoperative day, and 78 patients on 4th and 5th postoperative day. Significant VS was seen in 13.4% and 61.5% of patients with intact THRR and deranged THRR, respectively (P < 0.000). Out of 78 patients who had ICA, 42 patients (53.8%) at discharge, 60 patients (76.9%) at 1 month, 54 patients (69.2%) at 3 month, and 55 patients (70.5%) at 12 months had unfavorable neurological outcome significantly more than those with preserved CA. Incidence of ICA assessed in aSAH patients varies from 69% to 78% in the perioperative period. The deranged CA was associated with significantly poor neurological outcome. Therefore, CA assessment using TCD-based THRR provides a simple, noninvasive bedside approach for predicting neurological outcome in aSAH.