Poor-grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Research Articles

Ultra-Early Treatment for Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

It remains unknown if ultra-early (within 24 hours after onset) treatment can improve the prognosis in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We aimed to evaluate the effect of ultra-early treatment on functional outcomes and mortality in patients with poor-grade aSAH via a systematic review and meta-analysis. We performed a literature search in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases. Primary outcomes were death and functional outcome assessed at any time period. Secondary outcomes were the rebleeding rate before an aneurysm occlusion procedure and the incidence of intraoperative technique difficulty (ITD). The results are reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 14 articles containing 1111 patients met our inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. The pooled incidence was 47% (95% CI, 40%-54%) for favorable outcome across 13 studies, 26% (95% CI, 19%-32%) for mortality in 11 studies, 10% (95% CI, 3%-16%) for rebleeding in 5 studies, and 20% (95% CI, 10%-31%) for ITD in 5 studies after ultra-early treatment of poor-grade aSAH. Compared with delayed treatment (>24 hours), the ultra-early treatment failed to improve outcomes (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.75-2.01; P= 0.40) or reduce mortality (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.58-1.22; P= 0.45), but tended to prevent preoperative rebleeding (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.32 to 1.07; P= 0.08) in 6, 4, and 4 case-control studies, respectively. Our findings show no significant change both in functional outcome and mortality between ultra-early and delayed treatment although ultra-early treatment may be associated with lower rebleeding rate.

The venous delay phenomenon in computed tomography angiography: a novel imaging outcome predictor for poor cerebral perfusion after severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Diverse treatment results are observed in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Significant initial perfusion compromise is thought to predict a worse treatment outcome, but this has scant support in the literature. In this cohort study, the authors correlate the treatment outcomes with a novel poor-outcome imaging predictor representing impaired cerebral perfusion on initial CT angiography (CTA). The authors reviewed the treatment results of 148 patients with poor-grade aSAH treated at a single tertiary referral center between 2007 and 2016. Patients with the "venous delay" phenomenon on initial CTA were identified. The outcome assessments used the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the 3rd month after aSAH. Factors that may have had an impact on outcome were retrospectively analyzed. Compared with previously identified outcome predictors, the venous delay phenomenon on initial CTA was found to have the strongest correlation with posttreatment outcomes on both univariable (p < 0.0001) and multivariable analysis (OR 4.480, 95% CI 1.565-12.826; p = 0.0052). Older age and a higher Hunt and Hess grade at presentation were other factors that were associated with poor outcome, defined as an mRS score of 3 to 6. The venous delay phenomenon on initial CTA can serve as an imaging predictor for worse functional outcome and may aid in decision making when treating patients with poor-grade aSAH.

Prognostic Value of Early S100 Calcium Binding Protein B and Neuron-Specific Enolase in Patients with Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Pilot Study.

This prospective study was undertaken to investigate the value of early S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in prognosticating outcome in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and to develop a statistical model and cutoff values for clinical practice. Between 2012 and 2014, patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (Hunt and Hess grade 3-5) who were admitted within 24 hours after hemorrhage were prospectively enrolled. Serum NSE and S100B levels were assayed once daily during the first 3 days after hemorrhage. Patient characteristics, Glasgow Coma Scale score, Hunt and Hess grade, and Fisher grade at admission were recorded. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score was obtained at 6 months and dichotomized as poor (score 1-3) or good (score 4-5). Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to assess the value of S100B and NSE in predicting outcome, and cutoff values were calculated using conditional interference trees. The study included 52 patients. Hunt and Hess grade was 3 in 23 patients, 4 in 15 patients, and 5 in 14 patients. S100B range was 0.07-5.62 μg/L (mean 0.87 μg/L ± 1.06). NSE range was 5.7-94.2 μg/L (mean 16.1 μg/L ± 10.5). At 6-month follow-up, 23 patients (44.2%) had a poor outcome, and 29 patients (55.8%) had a good outcome. Both S100B at day 1 (P= 0.004; cutoff 0.202 μg/L) and NSE at day 1 (P= 0.047; cutoff 9.4 μg/L) predicted good outcome with a specificity of 100%. The specificity of mean S100B in detecting patients with poor outcome reached 100% (P=0.003) when combined with mean NSE levels. S100B and NSE measured during the first 3 days after hemorrhage showed, separately and combined, a significant predictive value in prognosticating clinical outcome in patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage. A multicenter study with a large patient cohort is necessary to validate the above-mentioned cutoff values for clinical practice.

Characteristics of Blood Pressure Profiles After Endovascular Coiling as Predictors of Clinical Outcome in Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Accurate identification of patients who will achieve a favorable outcome is almost impossible preoperatively or postoperatively in poor-grade (Hunt and Hess Grade IV and V) aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Whether characteristics of blood pressure profiles during the first 24 hours after endovascular coiling could predict prognosis in poor grade patients was explored. Data were obtained retrospectively on all patients undergoing endovascular treatment with poor-grade SAH from November 2011 to June 2016. Blood pressure during the initial 24 hours was measured at 2-hour intervals after coil embolization. Studied features of mean systolic blood pressure (MSBP) and systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) as well as demographics, medical history, clinical characteristics, and neurologic outcomes were documented. SBPV was determined as standard deviation and successive variation of systolic blood pressure. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of favorable outcome assessed on modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to2. The patients with favorable and unfavorable outcome were comparable with respect to systolic blood pressure on admission and MSBP after coiling. However, MSBP between 120 and 140 mm Hg was one of independent predictors of good outcomes at discharge (odds ratio 7.1; P= 0.002). SBPV-successive variation after embolization was associated with functional recovery (odds ratio 0.87; P= 0.011) in multivariate logistic analysis and mortality by Cox proportional hazard regression (hazard ratio, 1.10; P=0.001) at 6-month follow-up. Characteristics of blood pressure profiles after coiling appeared to be simple and convenient indexes for the prognosis of patients with poor-grade SAH.

Comparison of the timing of intervention and treatment modality of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Objectives: The timing and modality of intervention in the treatment of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) has not been defined. The purpose of the study is to analyse whether early treatment and type of intervention influence the clinical outcomes of poor-grade aSAH patients.Material and methods: Patients with poor-grade aSAH were retrieved. Demographics, Fisher grade, radiological characteristics and clinical outcomes were recorded. Outcomes were compared using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), for groups treated early within 24 hours of aSAH or later and by clipping or endovascular therapy. Multivariate multiple regression model and logistic regression were used to assess factors affecting outcomes at discharge in mRS and length of stay.Results: The study was conducted on 79 patients. 47 (59%) were treated by clipping, 38 (48%) received intervention within 24 hours of aSAH. Patients treated <24h had significantly lower mortality (n = 5; 13% vs. n = 14; 37%; p < .023), higher rate of 0-3 mRS (n = 22;58% vs. n = 9; 22%; p < .039) and were younger (49.5 ± 6.1 vs. 65.8 ± 7.4 years; p < .038). There were no significant differences in mRS between clipping and endovascular therapy. Predictors of length of stay were ICH, MLS, endovascular therapy, location in posterior circulation, Fisher grade and time to intervention <24h. Early intervention, <24h significantly influenced the favourable results in mRS (0-3); (OR 4,14; Cl95% 3.82-4.35). Posterior circulation aneurysms, midline shift and intracerebral hematoma were correlated with poor outcomes.Conclusions: Early treatment, within 24 h, of poor-grade aSAH confirmed better clinical outcome compared to later aneurysm securement. There was no significant difference between clipping and endovascular treatment.

Results of Proactive Surgical Clipping in Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Pattern of Recovery and Predictors of Outcome.

The outcome associated with the treatment of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is rather discouraging. Even then, some patients may survive; however, the long-term outcomes and the patterns of recovery of these survivors have not received much attention in the literature. A total of 85 patients (mean age 53.3 years, male/female= 34:51, 98 aneurysms) with post resuscitation Hunt and Hess grades 4 and 5 subarachnoid hemorrhage were studied. Modified Rankin Scale score was used to determine the functional outcome. Different factors were analyzed with uni- and multivariate models for their effect on the functional outcomes after surgery. A total of 23 patients died in the 30-day perioperative period, whereas 8 patients died at follow-up (n= 31, 36.5%). Nearly 35% and 51% of the survivors obtained favorable short- and long-term functional outcomes, respectively. The presence of a space-occupying hematoma (P= 0.014) and the functional status at discharge significantly affected the long-term functionality (P= 0.004) in our patients. The functional improvement was steady with time (the probability of good outcome at about 2 months of discharge was around 65%, about 55% at 1 year, and 40% at 2 years and then achieved a plateau). Marked improvement occurred in 11% survivors even after 18 months. If operated at the earliest opportunity after admission, meaningful survival may be provided to a significant number of patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage. The recovery process in the survivors is a dynamic process and considering the late improvements in some, it is advisable be follow them beyond the conventional end points.

Enteral nutrition increases interstitial brain glucose levels in poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

Low brain tissue glucose levels after acute brain injury are associated with poor outcome. Whether enteral nutrition (EN) reliably increases cerebral glucose levels remains unclear. In this retrospective analysis of prospectively collected observational data, we investigate the effect of EN on brain metabolism in 17 poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients undergoing cerebral microdialysis (CMD) monitoring. CMD-values were obtained hourly. A nutritional intervention was defined as the clinical routine administration of EN without supplemental parenteral nutrition. Sixty-three interventions were analyzed. The mean amount of EN per intervention was 472.4 ± 10.7 kcal. CMD-glucose levels significantly increased from 1.59 ± 0.13 mmol/l at baseline to a maximum of 2.03 ± 0.2 mmol/l after 5 h (p < 0.001), independently of insulin-treatment, baseline serum glucose, baseline brain metabolic distress (CMD-lactate-to-pyruvate-ratio (LPR) > 40) and the microdialysis probe location. The increase in CMD-glucose was directly dependent on the magnitude of increase of serum glucose levels (p = 0.007). No change in CMD-lactate, CMD-pyruvate, CMD-LPR, or CMD-glutamate (p > 0.4) was observed. Routine EN also increased CMD-glucose even if baseline concentrations were critically low ( < 0.7 mmol/l, neuroglucopenia; p < 0.001). These results may have treatment implications regarding glucose management of poor-grade aneurysmal SAH patients.

Effects of decompressive craniectomy on functional outcomes and death in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grade IV or V) are often considered for decompressive craniectomy (DC) as a rescue therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of DC on functional outcome and death in patients after poor-grade aSAH. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles were identified through the Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to October 2015. Only studies dedicated to patients with poor-grade aSAH were included. Primary outcomes were death and functional outcome assessed at any time period. Patients were grouped as having a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] Scores 1-3, Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] Scores 4 and 5, extended Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOSE] Scores 5-8) or unfavorable outcome (mRS Scores 4-6, GOS Scores 1-3, GOSE Scores 1-4). Pooled estimates of event rates and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the random-effects model. RESULTS Fifteen studies encompassing 407 patients were included in the meta-analysis (all observational cohorts). The pooled event rate for poor outcome across all studies was 61.2% (95% CI 52%-69%) and for death was 27.8% (95% CI 21%-35%) at a median of 12 months after aSAH. Primary (or early) DC resulted in a lower overall event rate for unfavorable outcome than secondary (or delayed) DC (47.5% [95% CI 31%-64%] vs 74.4% [95% CI 43%-91%], respectively). Among studies with comparison groups, there was a trend toward a reduced mortality rate 1–3 months after discharge among patients who underwent DC (OR 0.58 [95% CI 0.27–1.25]; p = 0.168). However, this trend was not sustained at the 1-year follow-up (OR 1.09 [95% CI 0.55-2.13]; p = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS Results of this study summarize the best evidence available in the literature for DC in patients with poor-grade aSAH. DC is associated with high rates of unfavorable outcome and death. Because of the lack of robust control groups in a majority of the studies, the effect of DC on functional outcomes versus that of other interventions for refractory intracranial hypertension is still unknown. A randomized trial is needed.

Bedside cerebral microdialysis monitoring of delayed cerebral hypoperfusion in comatose patients with poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

BackgroundDelayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI) is frequent after poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Owing to the limited accuracy of clinical examination, DCI diagnosis is often based on multimodal monitoring. We...

Aneurysm rebleeding after poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Predictors and impact on clinical outcomes

BackgroundAneurysm rebleeding is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and more often occurs in patients with poor-grade aSAH. Limited data on predictors of rebleeding in these patients are available. ObjectiveTo investigate predictors of aneurysm rebleeding after poor-grade aSAH and the association of rebleeding with clinical outcomes. MethodsA multicenter poor-grade aneurysm study was a prospective and observational registry of consecutive patients who presented with poor-grade aSAH defined as a World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade of IV or V. Rebleeding was defined as a new hemorrhage on computed tomography scan. Clinical outcomes were assessed with modified Rankin score. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent predictors of rebleeding and association between the rebleeding and clinical outcomes at 12months. ResultsOf the 297 patients included in this study, 30 (10.1%) patients experienced rebleeding. Most rebleeding occurred within 24h after ictus. 22 (73.3%) patients died at discharge. Aneurysm rebleeding was independently associated with poor outcome (odds ratio [OR] 36.37, p<0.001) and associated with mortality (OR 25.03, p<0.001) at 12months. The multivariate analysis showed that a lower Fisher grade (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31–0.77; p=0.002), ruptured anterior cerebral artery aneurysms (OR 4.26, 95% CI 1.07–16.90; p=0.039), external ventricular drainage (OR 4.62, 95% CI 1.46–14.59; p=0.009) were independently associated with aneurysm rebleeding. ConclusionsThe outcome of aneurysm rebleeding remains very poor. A lower Fisher grade, ruptured anterior cerebral artery aneurysms, external ventricular drainage were associated with increased risk of rebleeding.

Prediction of preoperative risk score for curative effect of microsurgery in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Objective s To develop a risk score before microsurgery for poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH)and to evaluate the score for the accuracy of predicting prognosis. Methods A total of 119 patients with aSAH(World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies[WFNS]grade 4-5)treated with microsurgery in several medical centers in China from October 2010 to April 2014 were enrolled retrospectively. Preoperative risk scores(0-5 score)were conducted according to their age, WFNS score, having cerebral hernia or not, and having ventricle hematocele or not. They were followed up for 6-28(12.5±3.4)months. The modified Rankin scale(mRS)was used to evaluate the prognosis. The patients were divided into good prognosis(mRS 0-3)and poor prognosis(mRS 4-6). Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the risk score for the accuracy of predicting prognosis. Results Fifty-nine patients(49.6%)had good prognosis, 60(50.4%)had poor prognosis and 37 of them died(31.0%). There were significant prognosis differences in patients with different preoperative risk scores(χ2=42.077, P<0.01). In patients with preoperative score ≤ 1, the incidence of poor prognosis was 21.2%(11/52); preoperative score ≥ 4, the proportion of poor prognosis was 8/9. The higher the preoperative score, the higher the incidence of poor prognosis. The area under the curve of this score predicting poor prognosis was 0.79(95% CI 0.71-0.87, P<0.01). If the preoperative score was 2, it suggested that the sensitivity of poor prognosis was 82%, the specificity was 70%, and the goodness of fit was good(χ2=2.388, P=0.496). Conclusion Preoperative risk score is helpful in predicting the prognosis of patients with aSAH who were treated with microsurgery. Key words: Intracranial aneurysm; Subarachnoid hemorrhage; Poor-grade; Microsurgery; Prognosis

Preoperative and postoperative predictors of long-term outcome after endovascular treatment of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE An increasing number of patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) have received endovascular treatment. Endovascular treatment of poor-grade aSAH, however, is based on single-center retrospective studies, and predictors of long-term outcome have not been well defined. Using results from a multicenter prospective registry, the authors aimed to develop preoperative and postoperative prognostic models to predict poor outcome after endovascular treatment of poor-grade aSAH. METHODS A Multicenter Poor-grade Aneurysm Study (AMPAS) was a prospective and observational registry of consecutive patients with poor-grade aSAH. From October 2010 to March 2012, 366 patients were enrolled in the registry, and 136 patients receiving endovascular treatment were included in this study. Outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 12 months, and poor outcome was defined as an mRS score of 4, 5, or 6. Prognostic models were developed in multivariate logistic regression models. The area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was used to assess the model's discriminatory ability, and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit tests were used to assess the calibration. RESULTS At 12 months, 64 patients (47.0%) had a poor outcome: 9 (6.6%) had an mRS score of 4, 6 (4.4%) had an mRS score of 5, and 49 (36.0%) had died. Univariate analyses showed that older age (p = 0.001), female sex (p = 0.044), lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (p < 0.001), a World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade of V (p < 0.001), higher Fisher grade (p < 0.001), modified Fisher grade (p < 0.001), and wider neck aneurysm (p = 0.026) were associated with a poor outcome. There was a trend toward a worse outcome in patients with anterior communicating artery aneurysms (p = 0.080) and in those with incompletely occluded aneurysms (p = 0.063). After endovascular treatment, the presence of cerebral infarction (p = 0.039), symptomatic vasospasm (p = 0.039), and pneumonia (p = 0.006) were associated with a poor outcome. Multivariate analyses showed that the preoperative prognostic model including age, a WFNS grade of V, modified Fisher grade, and aneurysm neck size had excellent discrimination with an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.80-0.92, p < 0.001), and a postoperative model that included these predictors as well as postoperative pneumonia had excellent discrimination (AUC = 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.93, p < 0.001). Both models had good calibration (p = 0.941 and p = 0.653, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Older age, WFNS Grade V, higher modified Fisher grade, wider neck aneurysm, and postoperative pneumonia were independent predictors of poor outcome after endovascular treatment of poor-grade aSAH. The preoperative model had almost the same discrimination as the postoperative model. Endovascular treatment should be carefully considered in patients with poor-grade aSAH with ruptured wide-neck aneurysms. ▪ CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE Type of question: prognostic; study design: retrospective cohort trial; evidence: Class I.

A Multicenter Analysis of Computed Tomography Angiography Alone Versus Digital Subtraction Angiography for the Surgical Treatment of Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with increased intracranial pressure, and these patients are unstable with a high risk of rebleeding. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been proposed as an examination tool for the rapid detection of ruptured aneurysms. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of CTA alone for surgical treatment of poor-grade aSAH compared with digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of 144 patients with poor-grade aSAH who underwent surgical treatment for 2 different cohorts. Patients were grouped into CTA alone and DSA groups. Baseline characteristics, postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes at discharge and at last follow-up were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between CTA alone and clinical outcomes after we adjusted for potential confounders. Of the 116 patients included, 42 (36.2%) patents received CTA alone and 74 patients (63.7%), including 12 patients with CTA and DSA and 62 patients with DSA alone, received DSA before surgical treatment. Patients with larger ruptured aneurysms (P= 0.006), aneurysm sizes of larger than 5 mm (P= 0.025), presence of single aneurysms (P=0.018), and presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (P= 0.019) more often received CTA alone. All ruptured aneurysms were clipped successfully during surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications and clinical outcomes between the 2 groups. Although CTA alone can be safely and effectively used in most patients requiring surgical treatment, additional DSA may be considered in patients with smaller ruptured aneurysms or in those with multiple aneurysms.

Intraoperative mild hypothermia for postoperative neurological deficits in people with intracranial aneurysm.

Rupture of an intracranial aneurysm causes aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, which is one of the most devastating clinical conditions. It can be classified into five Grades using the Hunt-Hess or World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) scale. Grades 4 and 5 predict poor prognosis and are known as 'poor grade', while grade 1, 2, and 3 are known as 'good grade'. Disturbances of intracranial homeostasis and brain metabolism are known to play certain roles in the sequelae. Hypothermia has a long history of being used to reduce metabolic rate, thereby protecting organs where metabolism is disturbed, and may potentially cause harm. To assess the effect of intraoperative mild hypothermia on postoperative death and neurological deficits in people with ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms. We updated the search in the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (August 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2015, Issue 8), WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP; December 2015), MEDLINE (1950 to September 2015), EMBASE (1980 to September 2015), Science Citation Index (1900 to September 2015), and 11 Chinese databases (September 2015). We also searched ongoing trials registers (September 2015) and scanned reference lists of retrieved records. We included only randomised controlled trials that compared intraoperative mild hypothermia (32°C to 35°C) with control (no hypothermia) in people with ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Two review authors independently selected trials and assessed the risk of bias for each included study. We presented data as risk ratio (RR) and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We included three studies, enrolling 1158 participants. Each study reported an increased rate of recovery with intraoperative mild hypothermia, but the effect sizes were not sufficient for certainty. A total of 1086 of the 1158 participants (93.8%) had good grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Seventy-six of 577 participants (13.1%) who received hypothermia and 93 of 581 participants (16.0%) who did not receive hypothermia were dead or dependent (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.62 to 1.09; RD -0.03; 95% CI -0.07 to 0.01, moderate-quality evidence) after three months.Reported unfavourable outcomes did not differ between participants with or without hypothermia. The quality of evidence for these outcomes remains unclear because the outcomes were reported in a variety of ways. No decompressive craniectomy or corticectomy was reported. Thirty-six of 577 (6.2%) participants with hypothermia and 40 of 581 (6.9%) participants without hypothermia had infarction. Thirty-four of 577 (6%) participants with hypothermia and 32 of the 581 (5.5%) participants without hypothermia had clinical vasospasm (temporary deficits).Duration of hospital stay was not reported. Only one study with 112 participants reported discharge destinations: 43 of 55 (78.2%) participants with hypothermia and 39 of 57 (68.4%) participants in the control group were discharged home. The remaining participants were discharged to other facilities.Thirty-nine of 577 (6.8%) participants with hypothermia and 39 of 581 (6.7%) participants without hypothermia had infections. Six of 577 (1%) participants with hypothermia and 6 of 581 (1%) participants without hypothermia had cardiac arrhythmia. It remains possible that intraoperative mild hypothermia could prevent death or dependency in activities of daily living in people with good grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. However, the confidence intervals around this estimate include the possibility of both benefit and harm. There was insufficient information to draw any conclusions about the effects of intraoperative mild hypothermia in people with poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage or without subarachnoid haemorrhage. We did not identify any reliable evidence to support the routine use of intraoperative mild hypothermia. A high-quality randomised clinical trial of intraoperative mild hypothermia for postoperative neurological deficits in people with poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage might be feasible.

Histopathological Findings in Brains of Patients Who Died in the Acute Stage of Poor-grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are likely to die due to irreversible acute-stage primary brain damage. However, the mechanism(s) and pathology responsible for their high mortality rate remain unclear. We report our findings on the brains of individuals who died in the acute stage of SAH. An autopsy was performed on the brains of 11 SAH patients (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade 5) who died within 3 days of admission and who did not receive respiratory assistance. All brains were free of intracranial hematoma and hydrocephalus; all harbored ruptured aneurysms. In all brains, multiple infarcts with perifocal edema were scattered throughout the cortex and subcortical white matter of the whole brain. Infarcts with a patchy – were more often seen than infarcts with a wedge-shaped pattern. Microscopic examination revealed multiple areas with cytotoxic edema and neuronal death indicative of acute ischemic changes. Edema and congestion were more obvious in areas where the subarachnoid clot tightly adhered to the pia mater. Pathologically, the brains of deceased patients with acute poor-grade SAH were characterized by edema and multifocal infarcts spread throughout the whole brain; they were thought to be attributable to venous ischemia. Diffuse disturbance in venous drainage attributable to an abrupt increase in the intracranial pressure and focal disturbances due to tight adhesion of the subarachnoid clot to the pia mater, may contribute strongly to irreversible brain damage in the acute stage of SAH.

Impact of early mobilization and rehabilitation on global functional outcome one year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

To assess the impact of early mobilization and rehabilitation on global functional outcome one year after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Prospective, controlled, interventional study comprising patients managed in the neuro-intermediate ward following repair of a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Patients in the Control group (n = 76) received standard treatment, whereas those in the Early Rehab group (n = 92) in addition underwent early mobilization and rehabilitation. Demographic, clinical and intervention data were registered. Global functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale and the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended. The 2 groups were similar in their demographic and clinical characteristics. Early Rehab group patients were mobilized more quickly (p < 0.001), median 1.4 days (range 0-23 days) after aneurysm repair. After 1 year, 47% of the patients had made a good recovery, whereas 6.5% had died. Regression analysis did not reveal any significant effect of early rehabilitation on functional outcome. However, in poor-grade patients, early rehabilitation more than doubled the chance of a favourable outcome (adjusted odds ratio = 2.33; confidence interval 1.04-5.2, p = 0.039). Early mobilization and rehabilitation probably increases the chance of a good functional outcome in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patients.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in poor-grade patients with chronic normal pressure hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the shunt placement in patients who had normal pressure hydrocephalus after poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH).Methods: Patients diagnosed with NPH after poor-grade aSAH were divided into a treatment group and control group, based on whether they had received ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. The treatment group was then divided into an improvement group and non-improvement group according to their recovery. The Glasgow Outcome Scale and Mini Mental Scale Examination were used for 3 month and 1 year follow-up rehabilitation measures.Results: Of the 46 total patients, significant improvement was observed at the 3 month and 1 year follow-ups (p < 0.01) after shunt implantation in the treatment group compared to the control group. Furthermore, patients who were younger (p = 0.022), had better neurological function (higher Glasgow Coma Score, p < 0.01) and less severe hydrocephalus (lower EI, p < 0.01) appears to be more likely to benefit from the shunt.Conclusions: Patients who had NPH due to poor-grade aSAH would benefit from shunt placement when given the correct candidates and timely management of shunt malfunction. Additionally, the curative effect of the shunt should have been regarded as a long-term goal of rehabilitation in these patients.

Management strategy and prognosis analysis for poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Objective To investigate the efficacy of microsurgery and predictors of outcome for poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH). Methods Clinical data of 43 patients of poor-grade aSAH who performed microsurgery were retrospectively analyzed.There were 30 patients with Hunt-Hess grade IV and 13 patients with grade V.24 patients received emergency operation(within 6hours after onset), 16 patients received ultra-early operation(within first 24hours after onset).Outcome was assessed by Glascow Outcome Scale(GOS). Results Of 43 patients who received microsurgery, favorable outcome was achieved by 19 cases of 43 cases (44.2%), poor outcome was achieved by 16 cases of 43 cases (37.2%), the overall outcome of patients with Hunt-Hess grade IV was better than that with grade V(Z=-2.486, P=0.016).18 patients with intracerebral hematoma received ultra-early or emergency operation, effective surgical intervention(GOS≥3) achieved in 12 patients, there was no significant difference in prognosis between the patients and the others who without intracerebral hematomas(χ2=0.103, P=1.000). Conclusion The ultra-early or emergency surgery could avoid the risk of aneurysmal re-rupture, relieve malignant intracranial hypertension as soon as possible and decrease the mortality of poor-grade aSAH patients. Key words: Subarachnoid hemorrhage; Intracranial aneurysm; Microsurgery

Variation in Patient Characteristics and Outcomes Between Early and Delayed Surgery in Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

There is no consensus regarding the optimal timing for surgery for poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. To retrospectively evaluate variation in patient characteristics and outcomes between early and delayed surgery groups. Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage was defined as a World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade of IV or V after resuscitation. Early surgery was defined as surgery performed within 72 hours of ictus, and delayed surgery was defined as surgery after 72 hours. Outcomes were assessed by modified Rankin score. The mean time of follow-up was 12.5 ± 3.4 months. Of the 118 patients included in the study, 80 (68%) underwent early surgery and 38 (32%) underwent delayed surgery. Patients with brain herniation (P < .001) and a lower Fisher grade (P = .02) more often underwent early surgery. Patients in the early group more often underwent decompressive craniectomy (P < .001). Postoperative complications and length of hospital stay did not differ, and outcomes were similar between the 2 groups. Forty (34%) patients had an excellent outcome (modified Rankin score 0-1). Multivariate analysis showed a slight trend toward an excellent outcome in the early surgery group. Younger age, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade IV after resuscitation, and middle cerebral artery aneurysms were independent predictors of an excellent outcome. Although patients with brain herniation and a lower Fisher grade were more likely to undergo early surgery, there was a slight trend toward an excellent outcome in the early surgery group. Patients with a younger age, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade IV after resuscitation, and middle cerebral artery aneurysms were more likely to experience an excellent outcome.

Surgical and endovascular treatment of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We evaluated trends in outcomes and treatment of poor-grade aSAH and performed a meta-analysis evaluating outcomes by treatment modality. We performed a literature search for studies on surgical and endovascular treatment of poor-grade aSAH. We performed a random effects meta-analysis evaluating long-term good neurological outcome, long-term poor neurological outcome and mortality, comparing rates between endovascular and surgical treatments. We performed a subgroup analysis of outcome by treatment timing relative to the aSAH separating treatment timing into three categories: 1) ultra-early (within 48 hours of aSAH); 2) early (between 48 hours-1 week post-aSAH); and 3) delayed (>1 week post-aSAH). We also evaluated trends in treatment modalities and good neurological outcome. Eighty-five non-comparative studies with 4506 patients with poor-grade aSAH were included. The proportion of patients receiving endovascular treatment increased from 10.0% to 62.0% between 1990-2000 and 2010-2014. The rate of good neurological outcome increased from 37.0% to 44.0% over this time period. Long-term good neurological outcome was 38% (95% CI=33-43%) in the endovascular group and 39% (95% CI=34-44%) in the surgical group (P=0.74). Mortality rates were higher in the endovascular group compared to the surgical group (41% versus 31%, P=0.01). Overall, patients receiving ultra-early treatment had the highest rates of good neurological outcome (61% compared to 40% for early and 47% for delayed, P<0.01). Good neurological outcome rates are similar between surgery and endovascular treatment of poor grade aSAH. Ultra-early treatment is associated with improved clinical outcomes.