Outcome Of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Research Articles

Using Cerebral Metabolites to Guide Precision Medicine for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Lactate and Pyruvate

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is one of the deadliest types of strokes with high rates of morbidity and permanent injury. Fluctuations in the levels of cerebral metabolites following SAH can be indicators of brain injury severity. Specifically, the changes in the levels of key metabolites involved in cellular metabolism, lactate and pyruvate, can be used as a biomarker for patient prognosis and tailor treatment to an individual’s needs. Here, clinical research is reviewed on the usefulness of cerebral lactate and pyruvate measurements as a predictive tool for SAH outcomes and their potential to guide a precision medicine approach to treatment.

Examination of seasonal variations in the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage

PurposeWhile some reports have indicated that the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) exhibits seasonal variation, others have yielded conflicting results. In the present study, we investigated whether differences in the number of cases, severity, and outcomes of SAH could be observed to vary with each month of the year. MethodsA total of 814 patients with SAH were admitted to our hospital from 2003 to 2016. The following variables were retrospectively examined each month during the study period: number of patients, age, sex, activities of daily living before onset, number of days from onset to admission, method of admission (presence/absence of ambulance), grade at the time of admission, and outcome at discharge. Average monthly temperature and average high/low temperatures in this region were obtained from the Japan Meteorological Agency website. ResultsSAH incidence was lowest in January and highest in October. There were no significant monthly differences in age, sex, activities of daily living before onset, number of days from onset to admission, method of admission, grade at the time of admission, or outcome at discharge. The difference between the average high and low temperatures was small in January, June, July, August, and September, yet large in March, April, May, October, and November. ConclusionThese findings suggest that SAH is more likely to occur when the temperature change is large, highlighting the need for more rigorous blood pressure management in patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms at the turn of the season.

CSF Proteomics of Patients with Hydrocephalus and Subarachnoid Haemorrhage.

BackgroundThe pathophysiology of brain injury following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is associated with numerous mediators. The aim of the study is to analyse protein changes after SAH in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using mass spectrometry (MS).MethodsCSF samples were obtained from forty-four control subjects, seven good outcome and ten poor outcome SAH patients. CSF samples were collected at specific time intervals after SAH (days 1, 5 and 10). MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight) and ClinProTools software were utilised for MS, MS/MS (Mass Spectrometry) spectra collection and analysis. Selected masses were identified. The MALDI-TOF profiling experiments allowed for the targeted selection of potential markers in SAH. The study was performed in three steps by comparison of CSF samples: (1) from the control group and SAH patients (both good and poor outcome groups); (2) collected on days 1, 5 and 10 within the groups of poor SAH and good SAH patients, respectively; (3) from poor outcome SAH and good outcome patients at days 1, 5 and 10.Results15 new proteins whose CSF level is alternated by SAH presence, SAH treatment outcome and time passed since aneurysm rupture were identified.ConclusionsWe demonstrated new proteins which might play a role in different stages of subarachnoid haemorrhage and could be a new target for further investigation.

Clinical outcome of primary subarachnoid hemorrhage and their determinants three week after admission, in Omdurman Teaching Hospital- Sudan from May 2013 - September 2013

Introduction SAH is a serious emergency leading to high case fatality and neurological disability. Methodology: a total number of 40 patients with spontaneous SAH were enrolled in the study, over 5 months and followed up for 3 weeks in regard to the symptomatology, signs, GCS, weakness, CT findings and clinical outcome. Poor outcome group was used for patients who died at the end of the 3 weeks while good outcome for survivors. Results Mean age for SAH was 53 years, females were 62%. The commonest presenting symptoms in the 2 groups were headache (95%, 81%) and neck pain (75%,68%). One third had H/T and smoking. Seizures occurred in 8%, hemiparesis 7.5%, unilateral ptosis in 2.5%, subhyaloid hemorrhage in 15%, 22% had large CT hemorrhage, 40% moderate hemorrhage. In 50% of patients GCS was 15/15 on admission, 66.7% of which had good outcome. Discussion The headache and neck pain proved to be the commonest presentation. GCS and hemiparesis were the strongest negative predictors of outcome. Conclusion The mean age, clinical presentation and mortality rates of the study population were related to the international literature. 40% of patients died at the end of the first 3 weeks and 87.5% of them died in the first week. All patients had evidence of SAH on non-contrast CT. The most important bad prognostic factors included delayed diagnosis, low GCS and hemiparesis. Others were age above 80 years, Hypertension, smoking, and large bleed on the CT brain.

Cerebrovascular effects of endothelin-1 investigated using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in healthy volunteers

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a highly potent vasoconstrictor peptide released from vascular endothelium. ET-1 plays a major role in cerebrovascular disorders and likely worsens the outcome of acute ischaemic stroke and aneurismal subarachnoid haemorrhage through vasoconstriction and cerebral blood flow (CBF) reduction. Disorders that increase the risk of stroke, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and acute myocardial infarction, are associated with increased plasma levels of ET-1. The in vivo human cerebrovascular effects of systemic ET-1 infusion have not previously been investigated. In a two-way crossover, randomized, double-blind design, we used advanced 3 tesla MRI methods to investigate the effects of high-dose intravenous ET-1 on intra- and extracranial artery circumferences, global and regional CBF, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) in 14 healthy volunteers. Following ET-1 infusion, we observed a 14% increase of mean arterial blood pressure, a 5% decrease of middle cerebral artery (MCA) circumference, but no effects on extracerebral arteries and no effects on CBF or CMRO2. Collectively, the findings indicate MCA constriction secondarily to blood pressure increase and not due to a direct vasoconstrictor effect of ET-1. We suggest that, as opposed to ET-1 in the subarachnoid space, intravascular ET-1 does not exert direct cerebrovascular effects in humans.

Early prediction of clinical outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage using computed tomography texture analysis

Radiological evaluation of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is often subject to interobserver variability. The aim of this study was to retrospectively detect computed tomography (CT) texture parameters in the early postictal state to predict cerebral vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and functional outcome in aneurysmal SAH using quantitative CT texture analysis (CTTA) via a commercially available software program and routine CT images. 40 patients with aneurysmal SAH surgically treated at the Keio University Hospital during a four-year period were analyzed. CT texture analyses were performed using a commercially available software program (Synapse Vincent). The following texture parameters of blood clots in the subarachnoid space and cerebral edema were assessed: mean CT value, entropy, skewness, and kurtosis. The mean CT value of blood clots in the subarachnoid space was significantly associated with cerebral vasospasm, DCI, and functional outcome. The mean CT value ≥ 49.64 Hounsfield units (HU) predicted cerebral vasospasm with a sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 61.5%, respectively (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.758). The mean CT value ≥ 49.95 HU predicted DCI with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 60.6%, respectively (AUC = 0.810). The mean CT value ≥ 53.00 HU predicted poor functional outcome with a sensitivity and specificity of 56.3% and 91.7%, respectively (AUC = 0.747). CTTA using a commercially available software program demonstrated that the mean CT value of clots in the subarachnoid space in the early postictal state could predict vasospasm, DCI, and clinical outcome with a high sensitivity and specificity.

Delayed Ischemic Neurologic Deficit after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Delayed ischemic neurologic deficit (DIND) is the main preventable cause of poor outcomes in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. Of 50% of survivors from a SAH, approximately 30% of patients will present clinical vasospasm (VS). The cornerstone of the DIND management comprises prevention and early identification. Several diagnostic methods have been proposed differing in efficacy, invasiveness, and costs. Serial neurological examination is the most reliable method to detect a new neurological deficit. On the other hand, comatose patients require advanced monitoring methods which identify changes in the microcirculatory environment, brain autoregulation, and spreading depolarization. Multimodality monitoring with continuous electroencephalography, microdialysis, and intracranial pressure monitoring represents altogether the current state-of-art technology for the intensive care of SAH patients. Moreover, advances in genetic biomarkers to predict clinical VS have shown consistent accuracy which may in the near future allow the early prediction of DIND through a simple blood test. Several clinical trials have tested drugs with theoretical effects on DIND prevention or treatment. Nevertheless, nimodipine remains the Holy Grail in the prevention of clinical VS. Among rescue therapies, the endovascular treatment through intra-arterial vasodilator (verapamil or nicardipine) infusion is the most employed method for DIND reversal; however, there is no good quality evidence comparing results of intra-arterial infusion of vasodilators versus balloon angioplasty. Although we have addressed the most refined technology in the management of SAH and DIND, the clinical experience and strict follow-up in neurointensive care will be determinant for favorable long-term outcomes.

Reduced Admission Serum Fibrinogen Levels Predict 6-Month Mortality of Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

To retrospectively analyze the relationship between fibrinogen levels and outcomes in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We recruited 66 patients with poor-grade aSAH who were treated by neurosurgical clipping between January 2010 and December 2015. Serum samples were taken immediately on admission. Baseline information, complications, and outcomes at 6 months were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between fibrinogen levels and clinical outcomes. Nineteen men and 47 women were included; the average age was 57.2 years. The median of the admission serum fibrinogen level was 3.3 g/L. Of the 66 patients, 18 had died by 6 months after initial hemorrhage, whereas 48 patients survived. Multivariate analyses showed that Hunt and Hess grade V (odds ratio [OR], 3.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-14.20; P= 0.04) and admission serum fibrinogen level <2.5 g/L (OR, 6.15; 95% CI, 1.67-22.67; P= 0.006) were significantly associated with 6-month mortality. In addition, admission serum fibrinogen level was negatively correlated with delayed cerebral ischemia, and admission serum fibrinogen level <2.5 g/L (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 0.99-15.09; P= 0.05) was also significantly associated with delayed cerebral ischemia. Patients with poor-grade aSAH with reduced admission fibrinogen level have a higher risk of delayed cerebral ischemia and 6-month mortality compared with those without. The admission serum fibrinogen level might be useful as a predictor and treatment target in patients with poor-grade sSAH who have undergone surgical treatment.

The relationship between the time of cerebral desaturation episodes and outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: a preliminary study

In this preliminary study we investigated the relationship between the time of cerebral desaturation episodes (CDEs), the severity of the haemorrhage, and the short-term outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). Thirty eight patents diagnosed with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage were analysed in this study. Regional cerebral oxygenation (rSO2) was assessed using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). A CDE was defined as rSO2 < 60% with a duration of at least 30 min. The severity of the aSAH was assessed using the Hunt and Hess scale and the short-term outcome was evaluated utilizing the Glasgow Outcome Scale. CDEs were found in 44% of the group. The total time of the CDEs and the time of the longest CDE on the contralateral side were longer in patients with severe versus moderate aSAH [h:min]: 8:15 (6:26–8:55) versus 1:24 (1:18–4:18), p = 0.038 and 2:05 (2:00–5:19) versus 0:48 (0:44–2:12), p = 0.038. The time of the longest CDE on the ipsilateral side was longer in patients with poor versus good short–term outcome [h:min]: 5:43 (3:05–9:36) versus 1:47 (0:42–2:10), p = 0.018. The logistic regression model for poor short-term outcome included median ABP, the extent of the haemorrhage in the Fisher scale and the time of the longest CDE. We have demonstrated that the time of a CDE is associated with the severity of haemorrhage and short-term outcome in aSAH patients. A NIRS measurement may provide valuable predictive information and could be considered as additional method of neuromonitoring of patients with aSAH.

Treatment Trends and Outcome of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage by Hospital Volume

Abstract INTRODUCTION With increasing availability of endovascular aneurysm treatment, more patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may be treated at lower-volume centers. In this nationwide observational cohort study, we determine treatment trends over time and their impact on SAH patient outcome. METHODS Using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS, 2005-2015), we identified patients with aneurysmal SAH treated with either endovascular coiling (EC) or surgical clipping (SC). Patients with SAH from other causes, such as trauma or arteriovenous malformations, were excluded. Primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality and was assessed using multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, comorbidities, and annual hospital SAH volume. Lower volume centers were defined as centers performing 10 or fewer annual SAH treatments. RESULTS Among 105 557 patients with aneurysmal SAH from 2005 to 2015, 68% were female and the median age was 54 [IQR 46-64]. In total, 60% were treated with EC and 40% with SC. Over the time span of the study, the number of patients with SAH remained comparable (8798 vs 9833, 2005 vs 2015), and the number of hospitals treating SAH did not increase. Lower-volume hospitals were more likely to perform SC early in the cohort (32% EC vs 68% SC, 2005-2011) compared to later (72% EC vs 28% SC, 2012-2015). In adjusted logistic regression from data between years 2012 and 2015, we observed a continuous decline in the likelihood of in-hospital mortality with increasing annual SAH treatments, with a significant decrease among hospitals performing 12 or more cases per year (OR 0.74, CI 0.58-0.93, P &lt; .05). CONCLUSION In this observational cohort, we found increasing numbers of patients treated with EC at lower volume centers over time. Increasing annual aneurysmal SAH treatment volume corresponded with decreasing in-hospital mortality.

Incidence and impact of sepsis on long-term outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective observational study

BackgroundAneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an acute cerebrovascular disease associated with high mortality and long-term functional impairment among survivors. Systemic inflammatory responses after acute injury and nosocomial infections are frequent complications, making the management of these patients challenging. Here, we hypothesized that sepsis might be associated with early and long-term mortality and functional outcomes. Our objective was to define the incidence of sepsis, diagnosed prospectively with the Sepsis-3 criteria, and to determine its impact on mortality and functional outcomes of patients with SAH.MethodsWe prospectively included all adult patients with aneurysmal SAH admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a reference center between April 2016 and May 2018. Daily clinical and laboratory follow-up data were analyzed during the first 14 days, with data collected on sepsis according to the Sepsis-3 criteria. The main outcome was the functional outcome using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), which was assessed at hospital discharge and 3, 6 and 12 months post-discharge.ResultsIn total, 149 patients were enrolled. The incidence of sepsis was 28%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that death or functional dependence (defined as an mRS score of 4 to 6) at hospital discharge was independently associated with sepsis (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.16–9.96, p = 0.026) even after controlling for World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) Scale (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.69–12.88, p = 0.003), hydrocephalus (OR 4.55, 95% CI 1.61–12.85, p = 0.004) and DCI (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.39–10.74, p = 0.01). Long-term follow-up mortality rates were significantly different in the septic and nonseptic groups (log-rank test p < 0.0001). The mortality rate of septic patients was 52.5%, and that of nonseptic patients was 16%.ConclusionSepsis plays a significant role in the outcomes of patients with SAH, affecting both mortality and long-term functional outcomes. Combining high-level neurocritical care management of neurological complications and the optimal diagnosis and management of sepsis may effectively reduce secondary brain injury and improve patients’ outcomes after SAH.

Rat Model of Intracranial Aneurysm: Variations, Usefulness, and Limitations of theHashimoto Model.

Given the poor outcome of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and high prevalence of IAs in general public, elucidation of mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of the disease and development of effective treatment are mandatory for social health. Recent experimental findings have revealed the crucial contribution of macrophage-mediated chronic inflammation to and greatly promoted our understanding of the pathogenesis. Also a series of studies have proposed the potential of anti-inflammatory drugs as therapeutic ones. In this process, a rodent model of IAs plays an indispensable role. Basic concept of IA induction in such kind of models is that IA formation is triggered by hemodynamic stress loaded on damaged arterial walls. To be more precise, although detailed procedures are different among researchers, animals are subjected to a ligation of a unilateral carotid artery and systemic hypertension achieved by a salt overloading, and IAs are induced at the contralateral bifurcation site. Importantly, trigger of IA formation in the model mimics human one, and IA lesions induced share similarity in histology with human ones such as degenerative changes of media. For further elucidating the pathogenesis, we need to well understand variations, usefulness, and also limits of this model.

Pupillary Light Reflex Variability as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Pupillary Light Reflex Variability as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Pupillary Light Reflex Variability as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Pupillary Light Reflex Variability as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Outcomes of microsurgical clipping vs coil embolization for ruptured aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a complex neurovascular syndrome with high disability and mortality. SAH patients may be managed with surgical clipping or coil embolization. In this study, we provided a real-world analysis of the outcome and prognostic factors of aneurysmal SAH in patients treated with coil embolization or microsurgical clipping.We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of aneurysmal SAH patients (n = 583) who underwent treatment at the First Hospital and the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, and Tangshan Worker's Hospital in China. All patients were evaluated by a combined neurosurgery and interventional neuroradiology team. Microsurgical aneurysmal clipping was performed using the skull base approach, while coil embolization was performed with bare platinum coils (with or without balloon assistance). The primary outcome was the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at discharge.A total of 583 patients were included in this study, of which 397 (68.1%) of them underwent clipping and 186 (31.9%) received coil embolization. The patient cohort consisted of both poor grade and good grade aneurysmal SAH: 441 (75.6%) patients had good-grade (Hunt and Hess grade II or III) and 142 (24.4%) had poor grade (Hunt and Hess grade IV or V). Overall, 123 (21%) patients had unfavorable neurologic outcome (GOS score 1–3) and 460 (78.9%) patients had favorable neurologic outcome (GOS score 4 or 5). The mean GOS score at discharge was comparable for patients who underwent clipping and those received coil embolization (P > .05). Multivariate analysis showed that clipping only [OR (95%CI): 0.03 (0.01, 0.36); P = .000] and clipping with CSF drainage [OR (95%CI): 0.41 (0.18, 0.89); P = .001] were independent factors of a favorable outcome in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Coil embolization with hematoma removal [OR (95%CI): 0.03 (0.01, 0.36); P = .000] was also an independent determinant of a favorable outcome. High baseline Fisher grades were associated with significantly increased risk of an unfavorable outcome [OR (95%CI): 2.08 (1.30, 3.33); P = .002].Our findings suggested that both coil embolization and microsurgical clipping are viable treatment options for aneurysmal SAH patients. Procedures, such as CSF drainage and hematoma removal, performed in parallel with coil embolization and chipping should be considered when treating individual patients.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Concentrations of Nimodipine Correlate With Long-term Outcome in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Pilot Study.

The aim was to evaluate plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) nimodipine concentrations in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and their correlation with clinical outcome. Nimodipine infusion was started at 1 mg/h and increased up to 2 mg/h and continued up to 21 days in surviving patients. Arterial and CSF samples were collected at least after 24 hours of stable nimodipine dosing. Delayed cerebral ischemia and vasospasm were documented by new neurological deficits and neuroimaging. The clinical outcome was assessed at 9 months by the modified Rankin scale. Twenty-three patients were enrolled. Nimodipine dose was 13 to 38 μg/kg per hour. Nimodipine arterial and CSF concentrations were 24.9 to 71.8 ng/mL and 37 to 530 pg/mL, respectively. Dose did not correlate with arterial or CSF concentrations. Arterial concentrations did not correlate with corresponding CSF concentrations. Doses and arterial concentrations did not correlate with the clinical outcome and were not associated with the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia. However, patients with no significant disability after 9 months of hemorrhage showed significantly higher CSF nimodipine concentrations (P = 0.015) and CSF-to-plasma ratios (P = 0.011) compared with patients who showed some degree of disability or who died. Cerebrospinal fluid nimodipine concentrations measured during hospital drug infusion showed a correlation with long-term clinical outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. These very preliminary data suggest that CSF concentrations monitoring may have some value in managing these patients.

Assessment of the ECG T-Wave in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Prolongation of the interval from the peak to the end of the T wave (Tp-Te) on a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is associated with ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to clarify associations between Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/rate-corrected QT (QTc) with clinical severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and clinical outcomes. This retrospective study included 222 patients with acute SAH (group S) and 306 patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms (group U). Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc were manually measured in standard 12-lead ECG recordings on admission and comparisons made between patients in groups S and U. The relationships of these ECG parameters with Hunt and Hess grade and Glasgow outcome scale were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis after adjustment for confounding factors. Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc were significantly greater in group S than in group U (group S: 109±30, 0.26±0.07, and 0.24±0.06 ms; group U: 84±12, 0.22±0.03, and 0.21±0.03 ms, respectively; P < 0.0001). In addition, in the multiple logistic regression analyses these variables were positively correlated with the Hunt and Hess grade (Tp-Te odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.414 [1.375-4.238], P=0.002; Tp-Te/QT, 1.886 [1.085-3.277], P = 0.024; Tp-Te/QTc, 1.873 [1.07-3.278], P=0.028, and negatively correlated with Glasgow outcome scale Tp-Te odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 4.168 [2.409-7.209], P<0.001; Tp-Te/QT, 2.434 [1.413-4.192], P=0.001; Tp-Te/QTc 2.953 [1.703-5.123], P<0.001). Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and Tp-Te/QTc are associated with disease severity and clinical outcome in patients with SAH.

Endovascular treatment of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage: More is more.

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is strongly associated with poor outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Cerebral vasospasm is a major contributor to DCI and requires special attention. To evaluate the effect of vasospasm management on SAH outcome, we performed a pooled analysis of 2 observational SAH cohorts. Data from 2 institutional databases with consecutive patients with SAH treated between 2005 and 2012 were pooled. The effect of 2 institutional standards of conservative and endovascular vasospasm treatment (EVT) on the rates of DCI (new cerebral infarcts not visible on the post-treatment imaging) and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >2) at 6 months follow-up was analyzed. The final analysis included 1,057 patients with SAH. There was no difference regarding demographic (age and sex), clinical (Hunt & Hess grades, acute hydrocephalus, treatment modality, and infections), and radiographic (Fisher grades and aneurysm location) characteristics of the populations. However, there was a significant difference in the rate (24.4% [121/495] vs 14.4% [81/562], p < 0.0001) and timing (first treatment on day 6 vs 8.9 after SAH, p < 0.0001) of EVT. The rates of DCI (20.8% vs 29%, p = 0.0001) and unfavorable outcome (44% vs 50.6%, p = 0.04) were lower in the cohort with more frequent and early EVT. Multivariate analysis confirmed independent effect of EVT standard on DCI risk and outcome. A preventive strategy utilizing frequent and early EVT seems to reduce the risk of DCI in patients with SAH and improve their functional outcome. We recommend prospective evaluation of the value of preventive EVT strategy on SAH. This study provides Class III evidence that for patients with SAH, a frequent and early EVT to treat vasospasm reduces the risk of DCI and improves functional outcome.

Cardiac Arrest in Patients with Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Single-Center Experience.

Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), in particular Hunt and Hess (H&H) grade 5 SAH, still has a high case-fatality rate. Recent studies regarding the clinical outcome of such patients and the influence of comorbidities, especially cardiac arrest (CA) requiring additional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), on the outcome of these patients are scant. Our primary objective was to assess the outcome of SAH H&H grade 5 patients and the influence of additional CA and requirement for CPR. All patients with spontaneous aneurysmal SAH H&H grade 5 admitted to our hospital from 2001 to 2010 were enrolled in the study. Data were extracted from the hospital's clinical records and electronic database. The patients' clinical outcome at time of discharge was represented by the Glasgow Outcome Score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The influence of CA and additional CPR on patient outcome was analyzed. Of 80 SAH H&H grade 5 patients (median age 55 years), 21 patients (median age 50 years) experienced CA and received additional CPR. Mortality in SAH H&H grade 5 patients was 85% with CA and 68% without CA (p = 0.158). Overall, 22 of 59 patients with no CA survived, 4 with a good clinical outcome (mRS 0-3). Of the 21 with CA, only 3 survived, none with a good outcome (mRS 4-5). Due to the small subgroup surviving additional CA, a statistical difference could not be found between the groups. Aneurysm occlusion (p < 0.001) and aneurysm of the posterior circulation (p = 0.010) resulted in a more favorable clinical outcome. Patients with SAH H&H grade 5 do survive and in 5% of cases even with a good outcome. Surviving an additional CA resulted in a less favorable outcome without statistical significance. Thus SAH H&H grade 5 patients with or without CA and additional CPR should not be excluded from appropriate neurosurgical treatment.

Macrophage CD163 expression in cerebrospinal fluid: association with subarachnoid hemorrhage outcome.

Even though heme-induced cerebral inflammation contributes to many of the adverse sequelae seen in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), little is known about the mechanism; mouse models have shown a critical role for macrophages/microglia. Macrophage CD163 is a hemoglobin scavenger receptor involved in blood clearance after SAH. The authors hypothesized that the modified Fisher score is independently associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) macrophage CD163 expression on postictal day 1, and that CSF macrophage CD163 expression is associated with 1-month neurological outcome. CSF macrophages from 21 SAH and 28 unruptured aneurysm patients (control) were analyzed for CD163 expression using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy on postictal day 1. Significant associations with modified Fisher scale grades or modified Rankin Scale scores were determined using linear regression and a matched case control analysis. CSF macrophage CD163 expression was significantly increased in SAH patients compared with controls (p < 0.001). The modified Fisher scale (mF) grades (β = 0.407, p = 0.005) and CSF bilirubin concentrations (β = 0.311, p = 0.015) were positively and independently associated with CSF macrophage CD163 expression when the analysis was controlled for age and sex. CSF macrophages from an SAH patient with a high mF grade had increased co-localization of CD163 and glycophorin A (CD235a, an erythrocyte marker) compared with those from an SAH patient with a low mF grade. The controls had no co-localization. CSF macrophage CD163 expression (p = 0.003) was inversely associated with 1-month neurological outcome, when SAH patients were matched based on mF grade. This early study suggests that CSF macrophage CD163 expression, as measured by flow cytometry, may have some neuroprotective function given its inverse association with outcome and provides unique insights into the neuroinflammatory process after SAH.