Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit Research Articles

Quantitative Pupillometry Values are Remarkably Similar Before and After Neuroimaging

BackgroundAutomated assessment of the pupillary light reflex (PLR) is becoming more mainstream, yet there is much to learn about the correlations between automated PLR metrics and standard practice. This study explores the feasibility and potential value of assessing PLR using quantitative pupillometry (QP) in patients with critical neurologic illness before and after neuroimaging. MethodsPLR assessments using QP were taken within 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on patients in the neuroscience intensive care unit. ResultsFifty patients were enrolled. The neurological pupil index (NPi®) was 3.98 (1.12) in the right eye and 3.96 (1.0) in the left eye before imaging, and 4.13 (1.08) in the right eye and 4.08 (0.93) in the left eye after imaging. Although the before and after difference in the left eye was a statistically significant (p < .01), these differences were not clinically relevant. Roughly 8% of subjects showed improvement in NPi scores from abnormal (<3.0) before imaging, to normal (>3.0) after. ConclusionObtaining QP readings before and after neuroimaging is feasible and safe. Yet, these data suggest it may not be necessary to obtain pre-QP and post-QP readings when the NPi is normal before CT or MRI.

Does gender moderate resiliency variables and posttraumatic stress symptoms in informal caregivers of neurocritical care patients? An exploratory study

ABSTRACT We examined gender differences between resiliency factors (i.e. mindfulness, self-efficacy, coping, intimate care, and caregiver preparedness) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in informal caregivers of patients in the neuroscience intensive care unit (Neuro-ICU). Ninety-two informal caregivers were enrolled during patients’ hospitalization and completed resiliency measures at baseline, and a PTSS measure at baseline, 3 and 6 months. We conducted five ANCOVAs to explore gender and resiliency on PTSS. No significant main effects of gender on PTSS were observed across time points. However, main effects were seen for resiliency on PTSS at baseline for informal caregivers with high (vs. low) mindfulness, coping, and self-efficacy. Gender moderated the association between mindfulness and PTSS (i.e. high mindfulness at baseline was associated with lower PTSS in males compared to females at 3 months) and intimate care and PTSS (high intimate care at baseline was associated with lower PTSS in males than females at 6 months; high intimate care at baseline for females was associated with lower PTSS at 6 months than females with low intimate care). Overall, we observed associations among informal caregivers’ gender, resiliency, and PTSS, with males particularly benefitting from mindfulness and intimate care. These findings hold value for future inquiry into gender differences in this population with possible clinical implications.

The Impact of Embedding a Palliative Care Advance Practice Provider on a Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit Service

Palliative care is a service that works together with the patient’s primary team in an inpatient setting to provide additional guidance, support, and symptom management to patients dealing with a serious illness. Neuroscience intensive care unit patients are both complex and acute and often require multiple collaborating services to provide efficient and proper care. A palliative care nurse practitioner was embedded on the neuroscience ICU team; in doing so, the number of consults, family meetings, and follow-up visits increased. Multidisciplinary staff members had a better understanding of the role of palliative care. There were many benefits from the addition of a palliative care nurse practitioner.

Safety of Administration of Hypertonic Sodium Chloride Solution Through Peripheral IV in Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, KAMC, Makkah

Background: Infusions of 3% sodium chloride are routinely recommended to be given through central venous catheters, not peripheral IV lines. In addition, no data are available on the proper site for administration of a continuous intravenous infusion of 3% sodium chloride solution in adults. Some recent studies have illustrated that this theory may not be relevant, and that 3% sodium chloride may be safe for administration in peripheral IV lines. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of infusion-related reactions in neuro intensive care patients treated with continuous intravenous infusion of hypertonic sodium chloride up to 3% solution via peripheral IV catheter. Methods: Data on patients treated with continuous intravenous infusion of hypertonic sodium chloride up to 3% solution through peripheral IV cannula for at least 24 hours at neuroscience intensive care unit were evaluated by using prospective observational design to determine the complications in administration site such as phlebitis, infiltration, extravasation, thrombosis and line infection. Results: Out of 43 patients with peripheral hypertonic saline infusion (up to 3%), no incidence of complications were reported after 24 hours of continuous infusion. Out of 34 patients who continued their infusion to second day, one incidence of phlebitis and 2 incidences of extravasation were reported. 20 patients were on continuous infusion towards day 3, where also one incidence of phlebitis and 2incidencese of extravasation were reported. Overall complications reported in all 97 peripheral hypertonic saline infusion days were 2 incidence of phlebitis and 4incidences of extravasation. Conclusion: Current recommendations that a central catheter is required for continuous intravenous infusion of hypertonic sodium chloride up to 3% should be reconsidered. Only a few patients who had peripheral infusions had infusion-related complications. Peripheral intravenous administration of hypertonic saline can be used safely and effectively in patients without a central line.

The impact of fever as a testing indication on the detection rate of deep vein thrombosis in neurocritically ill patients.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is considered a possible source of non-infectious, non-central fever in the intensive care unit (ICU). In the neurocritically ill, it is unknown whether lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasonography (LEVDUS) for DVT in the setting of fever leads to a higher detection rate than the baseline detection rate of DVT in this population. The aim of this study was to compare the DVT detection rate of LEVDUS performed for the indication of fever to LEVDUS performed for other indications in a neurosciences ICU. Requisition forms for all LEVDUS performed in a referral neurosciences ICU were reviewed and separated into those with "fever" as the stated reason for request and those with other stated reasons. The DVT detection rate was compared between these two categories of indications. Five hundred eleven LEVDUS were analyzed, of which 422 had been ordered for indications other than fever. Sixteen of these tests were positive, a detection rate of 3.8%. The remaining 89 LEVDUS had "fever" as the ordering indication. Six of these tests were positive for DVT, a detection rate of 6.7%. The likelihood of positivity of a test obtained as part of fever evaluation relative to one obtained for non-fever indications was not significantly different (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.570-5.11; P = 0.246). LEVDUS triggered by fever detected DVT at a numerically, but not statistically significantly higher rate than did LEVDUS performed for other indications in a neurocritically ill population. More rigorous investigation of this question is needed.

Case 313

A 45-year-old woman presented to the emergency department of an outside hospital with shortness of breath and cough. Five days after initial presentation, the patient presented again to the same emergency department with worsening headache and progressive left arm and left leg weakness. She was transferred to the neuroscience intensive care unit of our hospital with concern for an intracranial abnormality based on her work-up at the outside hospital. Her past medical history was notable only for a large uterine fibroid. In our hospital, CT of the brain and chest (Figs 1, 2) and MRI of the brain, including perfusion studies (Figs 3, 4), were performed. Additionally, CT venography of the brain was performed (Fig 5).

173. Evaluating Respiratory Tract Culturing in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: Opportunity for Diagnostic Stewardship

Abstract Background Overdiagnosis of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is common and may be due, in part, to excessive culturing of the respiratory tract in ventilated patients. We sought to evaluate the appropriateness of these cultures based on clinical characteristics leading to culture acquisition, and the relationship with antibiotic use. Methods We included mechanically ventilated adult patients in the Neuroscience and Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Units at an academic medical center in Baltimore, MD, who had respiratory tract cultures obtained from March 1 to June 30, 2021. The appropriateness of respiratory cultures was evaluated by chart review in a standardized manner using a published algorithm (Figure 1). Clinical characteristics of patients with appropriate vs. inappropriate cultures were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results 98 respiratory tract cultures (58 endotracheal aspirates, 25 mini bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL), 13 BALs, and 2 bronchial washings) were evaluated. Of these, 19 (19%) were deemed appropriate and 79 (81%) were inappropriate. Compared to patients with inappropriate cultures, those with appropriate cultures were more likely to demonstrate worsening oxygenation, new or increasing infiltrate on chest x-ray, or hemodynamic instability. The groups did not significantly differ with respect to fever or changes in WBC count (Figure 2). Of 79 inappropriate cultures, 31 (39%) received a clinical diagnosis of VAP from their provider. In 23 (29%) instances, antibiotics were started or changed based on culture results, and 9 (11%) were on empiric therapy for VAP that was continued unchanged. An additional 24 (30%) continued antibiotics not directed toward VAP. Excluding those on antibiotics not directed towards index respiratory culture results, patients received a median of 6 (IQR 2.5, 7) days of therapy. Conclusion A large majority of lower respiratory tract cultures in mechanically ventilated patients are potentially inappropriate and associated with overdiagnosis of VAP and unnecessary antibiotic exposure. Incorporating respiratory tract specific attributes into clinical decision making rather than “pan-culturing” for fever or leukocytosis may be an opportunity for diagnostic stewardship in this setting. Disclosures Kimberly C. Claeys, PharmD, BioFire Diagnostics: Honoraria.

An evaluation of surrogate decision maker health literacy in the neurology ward and neuroscience ICU

PurposeThere has been little investigation into surrogate comprehension of education provided by the neuroscience healthcare team. We sought to evaluate 1) surrogate understanding about a patient's clinical condition and 2) the relationship between how surrogates and the neuroscience team perceive surrogate comprehension of a patient's condition. MethodsWe prospectively surveyed surrogates of patients who lacked decision making capacity while admitted to the neurology ward or neuroscience ICU for >48 h from 10/2018–05/2021. The survey investigated the surrogate's communication with the neuroscience team and understanding of the hospitalization. A member of the neuroscience team was asked to provide clinical data about the patient and indicate how well they perceived the surrogate understood the situation. ResultsWe surveyed 50 surrogates at a median of 10 (IQR 5–17) days after hospitalization. There were 38 (76%) surrogates who correctly identified the reason for admission, and 21 (42%) who correctly identified all the assessments/interventions performed. Nearly all surrogates rated their understanding of the patient's medical condition as excellent (47%) or good (49%). There was no to slight agreement (kappa = 0.133) between surrogate self-perception of understanding and neuroscience team perception of the surrogate's understanding. Although only 20% of surrogates used institutional electronic education materials, 74% discussed the hospitalization with friends/family who work in healthcare. ConclusionObjective and subjective assessments of surrogate comprehension demonstrate that there is a need to improve communication with the surrogates of patients with neurological conditions. Neuroscience healthcare teams must be taught how to educate surrogates and assess their understanding.

Cerebral multimodality monitoring in adult neurocritical care patients with acute brain injury: A narrative review.

Cerebral multimodality monitoring (MMM) is, even with a general lack of Class I evidence, increasingly recognized as a tool to support clinical decision-making in the neuroscience intensive care unit (NICU). However, literature and guidelines have focused on unimodal signals in a specific form of acute brain injury. Integrating unimodal signals in multiple signal monitoring is the next step for clinical studies and patient care. As such, we aimed to investigate the recent application of MMM in studies of adult patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and hypoxic ischemic brain injury following cardiac arrest (HIBI). We identified continuous or daily updated monitoring modalities and summarized the monitoring setting, study setting, and clinical characteristics. In addition, we discussed clinical outcome in intervention studies. We identified 112 MMM studies, including 11 modalities, over the last 7years (2015-2022). Fifty-eight studies (52%) applied only two modalities. Most frequently combined were ICP monitoring (92 studies (82%)) together with PbtO2 (63 studies (56%). Most studies included patients with TBI (59 studies) or SAH (53 studies). The enrollment period of 34 studies (30%) took more than 5years, whereas the median sample size was only 36 patients (q1- q3, 20-74). We classified studies as either observational (68 studies) or interventional (44 studies). The interventions were subclassified as systemic (24 studies), cerebral (10 studies), and interventions guided by MMM (11 studies). We identified 20 different systemic or cerebral interventions. Nine (9/11, 82%) of the MMM-guided studies included clinical outcome as an endpoint. In 78% (7/9) of these MMM-guided intervention studies, a significant improvement in outcome was demonstrated in favor of interventions guided by MMM. Clinical outcome may be improved with interventions guided by MMM. This strengthens the belief in this application, but further interdisciplinary collaborations are needed to overcome the heterogeneity, as illustrated in the present review. Future research should focus on increasing sample sizes, improved data collection, refining definitions of secondary injuries, and standardized interventions. Only then can we proceed with complex outcome studies with MMM-guided treatment.

The Recovering Together study protocol: A single-blind RCT to prevent chronic emotional distress in patient-cargiver dyads in the Neuro-ICU

IntroductionPatients admitted to the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (Neuro-ICU) with acute neurological illnesses (ANI; e.g., stroke, tumor, TBI) and their informal caregivers experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. To address this need, we previously developed the Recovering Together (RT) dyadic intervention to help prevent chronic emotional distress in both patients and caregivers. Currently, we are conducting a fully-powered, single-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of RT versus an attention matched health education control. Here, we describe the protocol and current status of this RCT. MethodsWe aim to recruit 194 at risk patient-caregiver dyads from the Neuro-ICU at MGH. Eligible dyads include patients diagnosed with ANI, cognitively intact, at least one partner endorses emotional distress (on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), English speaking, age 18 or older. Dyads are randomized to the intervention (RT-1) or control condition (RT-2) (both six sessions). RT-1 teaches resiliency (e.g., coping, mindfulness) and interpersonal skills. RT-2 provides education on health-related topics (e.g., stress, self-care, adhering to medical recommendations). Blinded research assistants collect measures at baseline, post-intervention, and three months follow-up. We will conduct mixed linear, mediation, and actor-partner interdependence models to examine changes in dyads' outcomes across time. ResultsWe have recruited 41 dyads and aim to recruit 194 total. DiscussionIf successful, we plan to test RT in a large-scale, multisite hybrid effectiveness-implementation study in Neuro-ICUs across the country. Enhancing psychosocial supports for patients and families could improve health outcomes, healthcare efficiency, and the culture of these units.

Venous Sinus Stenting: Safety and Health Care Resource Evaluation for Optimal Recovery in an Evolving Health Care Environment

Increasing evidence supports the effectiveness of venous sinus stenting (VSS) with favorable outcomes, safety, and expenses compared with shunting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Yet, no evidence is available regarding optimal postoperative recovery, which has increasing importance with the burdens on health care imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We examined adverse events and costs after VSS and propose an optimal recovery pathway to maximize patient safety and reduce stress on health care resources. A retrospective review was undertaken of elective VSS operations performed from May 2008 to August 2021 at a single institution. Primary data included hospital length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, adverse events, need for ICU interventions, and hospital costs. Fifty-three patients (98.1% female) met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 51 (96.2%) were discharged on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 2 patients were discharged on POD 2. Both patients discharged on POD 2 remained because of groin hematomas from femoral artery access. There were no major complications or care that required an ICU. Eight patients (15.1%) were lateralized to other ICUs or remained in a postanesthesia care unit because the neurosciences ICU was above capacity. Total estimated cost for initial recovery day in a neurosciences ICU room was $2361 versus $882 for a neurosurgery/neurology ward room. In our cohort, ward convalescence would save an estimated $79,866 for bed placement alone and increase ICU bed availability. Our findings reaffirm the safety of VSS. These patients should recover on a neurosurgery/neurology ward, which would save health care costs and increase ICU bed availability.

Reflections on Patient Care Technicians Obtaining Pupillometer Readings in a Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit.

Reflections on Patient Care Technicians Obtaining Pupillometer Readings in a Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit.

Single-Center Description of Therapeutic Anticoagulation Practices and Outcomes in Large Hemispheric Infarctions.

Large hemispheric infarctions (LHIs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, with limited data on therapeutic anticoagulation (AC) management. We provide a descriptive analysis of the type of therapeutic AC used, the timing of introduction, rate of of radiographic vs symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (HT), and patient outcomes. This was a retrospective review of patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Neurosciences intensive care unit at a tertiary care center from January 2012 to December 2018. Inclusion criteria included admission imaging with stroke size ≥ two-thirds of the middle cerebral artery territory, ± other vascular territory, and need for therapeutic AC. HT categories included hemorrhagic infarction types 1 and 2 and parenchymal hematoma types 1 and 2. The primary outcome included HT with and without an associated clinical change. Secondary outcomes included disposition at discharge and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge and at follow-up when available. A total of 2,317 patients were screened, 380 met the inclusion criteria for LHI, and 105 received AC. The mean age was 64 years (SD 16.8), and 50% (n = 53) were female. The mean admission NIH Stroke Scale score was 20 (SD 5.9). The mean poststroke timing to initiation of AC was 17 days (SD 10.1) (median 14 [interquartile range 10-19 days]). Indications for AC included atrial fibrillation (51%), cardiac thrombus (19%), venous thromboembolism (19%), and other (10%). Heparin was most commonly used in the very early (≤7 days) group (n = 11, 79%), whereas vitamin K antagonists without a bridge were the most commonly used among the entire cohort (n = 54, 51%). Radiographic HT was seen in 68 patients (65%) before AC initiation. After initiation of AC, 70 patients had repeat imaging, with 6 cases (6%) of worsening radiographic HT and 4 cases (4%) of symptomatic deterioration, of which 3 required reversal of AC. At discharge, 7 patients (7%) had a good outcome (mRS score 0-2). Although radiographic HT is common among patients with LHI, it does not always portend symptomatic clinical deterioration. Further research regarding AC timing and safety is necessary.

Hospital to Hospital Transfers of Cerebral Hemorrhage: Characteristics of Early Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment.

Large intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Patient transfer to higher level centers is common, but care in these centers rarely demonstrably improves morbidity or reduces mortality. Patients may rapidly progress to brain death, but a large number die shortly after transferring because of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WOLST). This outcome may result in poor resource use and unnecessary cost to patients, families, and institutions. We sought to determine clinical and radiographic predictors of early death or WOLST that may alter potential transfer. We performed a retrospective review of patients admitted from outside medical centers to the neurosciences intensive care unit at Saint Marys Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN, from January 2014 to December 2019. Patients ≥ 18years old with a spontaneous ICH were included. Exclusion criteria included trauma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and subdural hematoma. We identified patients who died or underwent WOLST within 24h of transfer. Descriptive characteristics of patients and ICH were collected. Data were analyzed with univariable, multivariable, and logistic regression. Predictive modeling was performed. An additional case-matched study was completed to evaluate for characteristics further. A total of 317 consecutive patients were identified. Forty-two patients were found with early death or WOLST within 24h of transfer. Do not resuscitate/do not intubate (DNR/DNI) code status (odds ratio [OR] 5.23, confidence interval [CI] 3.31-8.28), anticoagulation use (OR 2.11, CI 1.09-4.09), and lower level of consciousness at presentation based on Glasgow Coma Score (OR 1.41, CI 1.29-1.54) and Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) score (OR 1.34, CI 1.26-1.46) were associated with WOLST. Associated characteristics on the computed tomography scan included midline shift (OR 4.64, CI 2.32-9.29), hydrocephalus (OR 9.30, CI 4.56-18.96), and intraventricular extension (OR 5.27, CI 2.60-10.68). Case matching restricted to midline shift demonstrated similarity between patients with aggressive care and WOLST. DNR/DNI code status, warfarin use, ICH score, and composite FOUR score were the best predictive characteristics (area under the curve 0.942). Early death or WOLST after ICH within 24h of presentation was most associated with DNR/DNI code status, warfarin use, ICH score, and lower level of consciousness at presentation. These characteristics may be used by clinicians to guide conversations prior to transfer to tertiary care centers.

A 24-Hour Waste Audit of the Neuro ICU during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Opportunities for Diversion.

We conducted a series of 24-hour waste audits in a 20-bed pod of a Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit (Neuro ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic to 1) determine the unit's waste generation practices, 2) calculate associated downstream greenhouse gas emissions, and 3) identify opportunities to reduce landfill waste and emissions. We collected and weighed municipal solid waste, regulated medical waste, and mechanical recycling. We then compared the current, "as-is" practices to an ideal, "should-be" model which adds the alternative waste and reprocessing streams of industrial composting, advanced recycling, and sterilization followed by reuse. We found that the unit produced a total of 97.3 kg of waste over 24 hours, or 4.9 kg of waste per patient per day. 96.8% of this waste is currently landfilled. Emissions generated by processing landfill waste totaled 119.7 metric tons per year of CO2 equivalents. With the should-be sorting model, 24.7% of total waste produced by the unit could be diverted from landfills. Of this potentially divertible waste, 47.9% could undergo post-consumer industrial composting, 28.0% could undergo mechanical recycling, 22.2% could undergo advanced recycling, and 1.9% could undergo sterilization followed by reuse. Emissions from processing landfill waste in the should-be model totaled 110.6 metric tons per year of CO2 equivalents, representing a 7.7% decrease. These findings highlight the potential utility of alternate waste streams in this setting as well as the urgent need for complementary upstream waste reduction strategies to meaningfully reduce the Neuro ICU's landfill reliance and greenhouse gas emissions.

AN UNUSUAL CASE OF SUBACUTE BACTERIAL ENDOCARDITIS PRESENTING WITH CATASTROPHIC SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE

AN UNUSUAL CASE OF SUBACUTE BACTERIAL ENDOCARDITIS PRESENTING WITH CATASTROPHIC SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE

Psychological Attachment Orientation and Long-Term Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Family Members of ICU Patients.

OBJECTIVES:To determine the degree to which an ICU patient’s family member having an “anxious” psychologic attachment orientation is a risk factor for developing long-term posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following patient ICU discharge or death.DESIGN:Prospective cohort study.SETTING:Single academic neuroscience ICU from November 2017 to September 2020.PARTICIPANTS:Consecutively enrolled sample of family members, one for each ICU patient with a minimum length of stay of 24 hours.INTERVENTIONS:None.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:Near time of ICU discharge or patient death, we determined each participant’s psychologic attachment orientation as anxious versus nonanxious via a brief standard survey tool, the Relationship Questionnaire, and measured other participant and patient characteristics as potential covariates. Six months after discharge or death, each participant completed the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) to measure PTSD symptoms, with a score of greater than 24 indicative of clinically significant symptoms. Among 162 total participants, 10 of 27 participants (37.0%) with an anxious attachment orientation reported 6-month PTSD symptoms, compared with 24 of 135 nonanxious participants (17.8%) (relative risk, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.13–3.84; p = 0.02; risk difference 19.2%). In a subsequent univariate analysis of participant and patient covariates, anxious attachment orientation, participant Hispanic ethnicity, prior experience as a care partner of a patient with a disability, and participation in 3 or more formal ICU family meetings were all associated with 6-month PTSD symptoms. In a multiple logistic regression, anxious attachment remained an independent predictor of 6-month PTSD symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 3.64; 95% CI, 1.35–9.77; p = 0.01), as did Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 4.72; 95% CI, 1.34–16.6; p = 0.01) and participation in three or more ICU family meetings (odds ratio, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.14–7.68; p = 0.02).CONCLUSIONS:An anxious psychologic attachment orientation is associated with double the risk of long-term PTSD symptoms among family members of ICU patients. Future interventions designed to decrease risk of adverse psychologic outcomes among ICU families could be initially tested for efficacy amongst those who fall into this high-risk category.

Predictors of Early Mortality for Mechanically Ventilated Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients.

IntroductionSpontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) carries a high mortality burden. Limited data are available on early mortality (EM) and sICH. This study attempted to identify the independent predictors of EM and analyze the mortality characteristics for mechanically ventilated patients with sICHs at a tertiary care hospital over a period of five years.MethodsAn Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)-compliant retrospective analysis was performed on sICH patients admitted at the University of Mississippi Medical Center Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit between January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017. Patients were divided into two cohorts: EM cohort (death within seven days of admission) versus survivor cohort (alive more than seven days after admission). Demographic, comorbidity, clinical, and radiographic data were collected for each patient. Outcomes were compared utilizing student t-test or Mann-Whitney U tests for continuous variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of EM.ResultsA total of 204 mechanically ventilated patients with sICHs, with a mean age of 59.73 (SD ±14.30), mostly African American (137, 67%), were included in the study. The characteristics of the two cohorts were comparable except the EM cohort had a lower proportion of patients with hypertension and end-stage renal disease; lower median Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) on admission; lower proportion of surgical evacuation and external ventricular drain (EVD) placement; higher proportion of lobar hemorrhage, brainstem involvement, midline shift, hydrocephalus, intraventricular hemorrhage component, and right-sided intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH); higher median ICH score; and higher ICH volume compared to the survivor cohort.Overall, the mortality of mechanically ventilated sICH patients in this institution was 53% (N=109), with 47% (N=96) not surviving beyond seven days.Logistic regression analysis revealed that ICH volume and brainstem involvement increased the odds of EM, while a history of hypertension, surgical evacuation, and EVD placement decreased the odds of EM.ConclusionsThis study on mechanically ventilated sICH patients identified ICH volume and brainstem involvement as independent predictors of increased EM. History of hypertension, EVD placement, and surgical evacuation decreased its odds. Further studies should be conducted to explore potentially modifiable processes that can improve patient outcomes, most importantly EM, especially in this cohort of patients.

A differential of the left eye and right eye neurological pupil index is associated with discharge modified Rankin scores in neurologically injured patients

BackgroundAutomated infrared pupillometry (AIP) and the Neurological Pupil index (NPi) provide an objective means of assessing and trending the pupillary light reflex (PLR) across a broad spectrum of neurological diseases. NPi quantifies the PLR and ranges from 0 to 5; in healthy individuals, the NPi of both eyes is expected to be ≥ 3.0 and symmetric. AIP values demonstrate emerging value as a prognostic tool with predictive properties that could allow practitioners to anticipate neurological deterioration and recovery. The presence of an NPi differential (a difference ≥ 0.7 between the left and right eye) is a potential sign of neurological abnormality.MethodsWe explored NPi differential by considering the modified Rankin Score at discharge (DC mRS) among patients admitted to neuroscience intensive care units (NSICU) of 4 U.S. and 1 Japanese hospitals and for two cohorts of brain injuries: stroke (including subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, acute ischemic stroke, and aneurysm, 1,200 total patients) and 185 traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients for a total of more than 54,000 pupillary measurements.ResultsStroke patients with at least 1 occurrence of an NPi differential during their NSICU stay have higher DC mRS scores (3.9) compared to those without an NPi differential (2.7; P < .001). Patients with TBI and at least 1 occurrence of an NPi differential during their NSICU stay have higher discharge modified Rankin Scale scores (4.1) compared to those without an NPi differential (2.9; P < .001). When patients experience both abnormalities, abnormal (NPi < 3.0) and an NPi differential, the latter has an anticipatory relationship with respect to the former (P < .001 for z-score skewness analysis). Finally, our analysis confirmed ≥ 0.7 as the optimal cutoff value for the NPi differential (AUC = 0.71, P < .001).ConclusionThe NPi differential is an important factor that clinicians should consider when managing critically ill neurological injured patients admitted to the neurocritical care units.Trial registrationNCT02804438, Date of Registration: June 17, 2016.

Implementation of a best-practice guideline: Early enteral nutrition in a neuroscience intensive care unit.

Current evidence suggests that early enteral nutrition is a best practice and leads to improved clinical outcomes. An evidence-based practice project was implemented in a busy neurointensive care unit in a midwestern tertiary care facility that was designed to improve care by implementing the early nutrition portion of Guidelines for the Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Adult Critically Ill Patient: Society of Critical Care Medicine and the American Society for Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition. The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario's (RNAO) Toolkit: Implementation of Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) was selected and followed to guide implementation and achieve optimal results. During a 90-day implementation period, this project resulted in a 100% improvement in early nutrition. Interventions included the use of a series of cards that reminded the team to order enteral nutrition and prepacked bundles of nasogastric tube supplies. The RNAO toolkit served as a structured and effective step-by-step methodology for the implementation of a BPG.