Preoperative Glasgow Coma Score Research Articles

Impact of vascular supply variability on the prognosis of meningioma patients: a retrospective study based on territory arterial spin labeling.

Territorial arterial spin labelling (t-ASL) could be an alternative method to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) when evaluating feeding arteries by previous reports, however, blood supply variations on meningioma prognosis remains unclear. In this study, the prognosis of meningiomas mainly supplied by the internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery (ECA) was compared, and relevant clinical factors were investigated. t-ASL technique was employed to categorized pathologically-confirmed meningioma patients into the ICA, ECA, ICA co-supplied, and non-ICA co-supplied group. Clinical data on symptoms, age, gender, location, volume, Simpson grade, pathological grading, Ki-67 expression, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), and Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) were collected. Correlation analysis was adopted to investigate the relationship between ICA-supplied meningiomas and clinical variables. Ridge regression analysis was used to evaluate various factors on prognosis. Thirty-three cases (53.42±9.66 years, 8 males) included 3 World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 and 30 grade 1 meningiomas. ICA group had a higher dizziness prevalence (71.43%) and lower scores on pre- and post-operative GCS and KPS. Headache was predominated in ECA group (80.00%). Correlation analysis showed significant associations between ICA-supplied meningiomas and male (r=0.398), dizziness (r=0.637), visual disturbance (r=0.352), as well as pre- and post-operative GCS and KPS. Ridge regression analysis revealed meningiomas with low pre-operative GCS [odds ratio (OR): 1.566], ICA blood supply (OR: 0.180), and WHO grade 2 (OR: 0.172) were associated with unfavorable prognosis. Blood supply has correlations with clinical symptoms and prognosis of meningiomas. Dizziness and headache may be the distinctive symptoms in meningioma patients supplied by ICA and ECA. Meningiomas involving ICA supply, and with a high WHO grade may have unfavorable prognosis.

Prior Thrombectomy Does Not Affect the Surgical Complication Rate of Decompressive Hemicraniectomy in Patients with Malignant Ischemic Stroke

BackgroundEven though mechanical recanalization techniques have dramatically improved acute stroke care since the pivotal trials of decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant courses of ischemic stroke, decompressive hemicraniectomy remains a mainstay of malignant stroke treatment. However, it is still unclear whether prior thrombectomy, which in most cases is associated with application of antiplatelets and/or anticoagulants, affects the surgical complication rate of decompressive hemicraniectomy and whether conclusions derived from prior trials of decompressive hemicraniectomy are still valid in times of modern stroke care.MethodsA total of 103 consecutive patients who received a decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction were evaluated in this retrospective cohort study. Surgical and functional outcomes of patients who had received mechanical recanalization before surgery (thrombectomy group, n = 49) and of patients who had not received mechanical recanalization (medical group, n = 54) were compared.ResultsThe baseline characteristics of the two groups did significantly differ regarding preoperative systemic thrombolysis (63.3% in the thrombectomy group vs. 18.5% in the medical group, p < 0.001), the rate of hemorrhagic transformation (44.9% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.04) and the preoperative Glasgow Coma Score (median of 7 in the thrombectomy group vs. 12 in the medical group, p = 0.04) were similar to those of prior randomized controlled trials of decompressive hemicraniectomy. There was no significant difference in the rates of surgical complications (10.2% in the thrombectomy group vs. 11.1% in the medical group), revision surgery within the first 30 days after surgery (4.1% vs. 5.6%, respectively), and functional outcome (median modified Rankin Score of 4 at 5 and 14 months in both groups) between the two groups.ConclusionsA prior mechanical recanalization with possibly associated systemic thrombolysis does not affect the early surgical complication rate and the functional outcome after decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant ischemic stroke. Patient characteristics have not changed significantly since the introduction of mechanical recanalization; therefore, the results from former large randomized controlled trials are still valid in the modern era of stroke care.

Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy and major postoperative complications in elective craniotomy. A retrospective analysis of a before-after multicentric study

BackgroundGoal-Directed Fluid Therapy (GDFT) is recommended to decrease major postoperative complications. However, data are lacking in intra-cranial neurosurgery.MethodsWe evaluated the efficacy of a GDFT protocol in a before/after multi-centre study in patients undergoing elective intra-cranial surgery for brain tumour. Data were collected during 6 months in each period (before/after). GDFT was performed in high-risk patients: ASA score III/IV and/or preoperative Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) < 15 and/or history of brain tumour surgery and/or tumour greater size ≥ 35 mm and/or mid-line shift ≥ 3 mm and/or significant haemorrhagic risk. Major postoperative complication was a composite endpoint: re-intubation after surgery, a new onset of GCS < 15 after surgery, focal motor deficit, agitation, seizures, intra-cranial haemorrhage, stroke, intra-cranial hypertension, hospital-acquired related pneumonia, surgical site infection, cardiac arrythmia, invasive mechanical ventilation ≥ 48 h and in-hospital mortality.ResultsFrom July 2018 to January 2021, 344 patients were included in 3 centers: 171 in the before and 173 in the after (GDFT) period. Thirty-six (21.1%) patients displayed a major postoperative complication in the Before period, and 50 (28.9%) in the After period (p = 0.1). In the propensity score analysis, we matched 48 patients in each period: 9 (18.8%) patients in the After period and 14 (29.2%) patients in the Before period displayed a major perioperative complication (p = 0.2). Sixty-two (35.8%) patients received GDFT in the After period, with great heterogeneity among centers (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn our before-after study, GDFT was not associated with a decrease in postoperative major complications in elective intra-cranial neurosurgery.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Emergence Delirium and Postoperative Delirium in Neurosurgical Patients- A Prospective Cohort Study.

Delirium after surgery is a spectrum of clinical syndrome constituting emergence delirium (ED) and/or postoperative delirium (POD). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of ED and POD in patients after neurosurgical procedures. The secondary objectives were to examine the relationship between ED and POD and identify perioperative risk factors of ED and POD. This is a prospective cohort study conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences. After obtaining the ethics committee approval, consecutive adult patients scheduled for elective neurosurgical procedures from February 2018 to November 2018 were included. We excluded children, patients with preoperative Glasgow Coma score <15, and patients with preoperative delirium. ED was assessed using Riker's Sedation-Agitation Score and POD was assessed using Confusion Assessment Method. Data collection included patient demographics, details of anesthetics and analgesics, and neurosurgical details. The incidence of ED and POD was 41% (N = 82/200) and 20% (N = 40/200), respectively. The occurrence of ED and POD coexisting as a continuous spectrum was 15%. Patients undergoing spine surgeries were found to have 44% less risk of ED than after cranial surgeries (P = 0.032). Presence of ED was associated with 1.8 times higher risk of POD (P < 0.001) and male gender was associated with 2.5 times higher risk of POD (P = 0.005). Incidences of ED and POD are higher after neurosurgery as compared with that reported in nonneurosurgical population previously.

Analysis of risk factors for prolong hospitalization in chronic subdural hematoma undergoing single burr hole and drainage

Introduction&#x0D; Single burr hole surgery for Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is commonly performed neurosurgical procedure with &gt;90% favorable outcome and less hospital stay. However, sometimes hospital stay may be prolonged due to associated prognostic factors, even in patients with favorable outcome. This study aims to analyze the early outcome of single burr hole and drainage surgery and factors that may be associated with prolong hospitalization.&#x0D; Materials and method&#x0D; A retrospective analysis of the patients who underwent single burr hole and drainage for CSDH from sept 2017 to may 2020 in Nepal Mediciti hospital. The patients with B/L CSDH, who underwent double burr hole and drainage or craniotomy evacuation or conservatively managed patients were excluded from the study. Early outcome was assessed using Glasgow outcome score at 7 days. Effect of use of antiplatelet/ anticoagulant drugs, age, comorbidity, preoperative Glasgow coma score on number of hospital stay was analyzed. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis in SPSS version 25.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; Out of 85 patients, 73 were male. Mean age was 63.8 years. Early outcome in 7 days was favorable with GOS (4-5) in 90.6%. The use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs was more common amongst patients with age &gt; 70 years (p=0.01). The number of hospital stay was associated with age (p=0.00), antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs (p=0.00), comorbidities (p=0.001), preoperative GCS(P=0.001) and GOS at 7 days (p=0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Single burr hole and drainage surgery for CSDH mostly produce favorable outcome. The use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs is more common in patients above 70 years. Age, antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, comorbidities, preoperative GCS, GOS at 7 days are related with longer hospital stay.

Preoperative Head CT Assisted Prediction of Acute Encephalocele During Isolated Acute Subdural Hematoma Surgery

To investigate more predictors for acute encephalocele in patients during isolated acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) surgery by using clinical data combined with preoperative cranial computed tomography (CT) scan, so as to provide a basis for the development of a more scientific and reasonable treatment strategy. CT images and medical records of 46 patients who underwent neurosurgery for isolated traumatic acute subdural hematoma were collected. The patients with intra-operative acute encephalocele were grouped as the observation group (n=23), and the patients with no intra-operative acute encephalocele, whose age difference was within 5 years were included in the control group (n=23). The t-test and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to evaluate the influence of clinical variables on acute encephalocele. Meanwhile, whether differences among Thickness of hematoma(TH), Midline shift (MLS), Hounsfield units of white matter (HU-WM), Hounsfield units of hematoma (HU-HT) and basal cistern effaced score (CES) measured by cranial CT could be used as predictors of outcomes in patients with acute encephalocele during subdural hematoma surgery was evaluated. There were no significant differences in age, sex, mechanism of injury, the time from trauma to decompression, and the MLS during surgery between the two groups. However, significant differences in preoperative Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), TH, HU-WM and HU-HT between the two groups were observed. The multivariate logistic regression analysis of radiographic data showed that HU-WM and CES were independent risk factors and strong predictors for intra-operative acute encephalocele. The areas under curve of CES and HU-WM were 0.8459 and 0.8336, respectively. The risk factors for acute encephalocele during ASDH operation are identified in this study. An increased risk of intra-operative acute encephalocele is found in patients with lower preoperative GCS, HU-WM, HU-HT and higher preoperative TH and CES, which should help clinicians to develop a more scientific treatment strategy and improve the survival of such kind of patients.

Postoperative Neurological Complications after a Cranial Surgery: A Multicentre Prospective Observational Study

Abstract Background Cranial surgery is associated with multiple postoperative complications varying from simple nausea and vomiting to devastating complications such as stroke and death. This multicentre collaborative effort was envisioned to collect observational data regarding postoperative complications in cranial surgeries among the Indian population. The aim of this study was to describe the postoperative neurological complications occurring within the first 24 hours after surgery and to identify the predictive factors. Methods Data was collected from three participating tertiary care academic institutions. The study was prospective, observational, multicentre design with data collected over a period of two months or 100 cases, whichever is earlier, from each participating institute. A predesigned Microsoft excel sheet was distributed among all three centers to maintain uniformity. All patients aged 18 years and above of both sexes undergoing elective or emergency craniotomies were included in the study. The postoperative neurological complications (within 24 hours) assessed were: (1) Neurological deficit (ND) defined as new focal neurological motor deficit relative to preoperative status. (2) Sensorium deterioration (SD) defined as reduction in Glasgow coma score (GCS) by 2 or more points compared with preoperative GCS. (4) Postoperative seizures (SZs) defined as any seizure activity. All possible variables associated with the above neurological complications were tested using Chi-square/Fisher exact test or Mann–Whitney U test. The predictors, which were statistically significant at p &lt; 0.2, were entered into a multiple logistic regression model. Alpha error of 5% was taken as significant. Results Data from three institutions was collected with a total of 279 cases. In total, there were 53 (19%) neurological complications. There were 28 patients with new postoperative NDs (10.04%), 24 patients had SD (8.6%), and 17 patients had seizures (6.1%). Neurological deficits were significantly less in institution 2. Diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) was associated with very low risk of ND, and vascular pathology was associated with higher chance of a ND. The duration of anesthesia was found to be significantly predictive of SD (OR/CI = 1.01 / 1–1.02). None of the factors were predictive of PS. Conclusion The incidences of postoperative ND, SD and postoperative seizures were 10%, 8.6%, and 6.1%, respectively. Studies with a much larger sample size are required for a better and detailed analysis of these complications.

Outcomes following surgery in subgroups of comatose and very elderly patients with chronic subdural hematoma

Increasing age and lower pre-operative Glasgow coma score (GCS) are associated with worse outcome after surgery for chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH). Only few studies have quantified outcomes specific to the very elderly or comatose patients. We aim to examine surgical outcomes in these patient groups. We analysed data from a prospective multicentre cohort study, assessing the risk of recurrence, death, and unfavourable functional outcome of very elderly (≥ 90 years) patients and comatose (pre-operative GCS ≤ 8) patients following surgical treatment of CSDH. Seven hundred eighty-five patients were included in the study. Thirty-two (4.1%) patients had pre-operative GCS ≤ 8 and 70 (8.9%) patients were aged ≥ 90 years. A higher proportion of comatose patients had an unfavourable functional outcome (38.7 vs 21.7%; p = 0.03), although similar proportion of comatose (64.5%) and non-comatose patients (61.8%) functionally improved after surgery (p = 0.96). Compared to patients aged < 90 years, a higher proportion of patients aged ≥ 90 years had unfavourable functional outcome (41.2 vs 20.5%; p < 0.01), although approximately half had functional improvement following surgery. Mortality risk was higher in both comatose (6.3 vs 1.9%; p = 0.05) and very elderly (8.8 vs 1.1%; p < 0.01) groups. There was a trend towards a higher recurrence risk in the comatose group (19.4 vs 9.5%; p = 0.07). Surgery can still provide considerable benefit to very elderly and comatose patients despite their higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Further research would be needed to better identify those most likely to benefit from surgery in these groups.

Short-term deep sedation strategy in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a randomized controlled trial

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-term deep sedation strategy in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after surgery. A perspective, randomized, parallel-group study was conducted. Adult patients with spontaneous ICH and undergoing craniotomy admitted to Daxing Teaching Hospital of Capital Medical University from December 2015 to November 2016 were enrolled. The patients who received surgery were randomly divided into a short-term deep sedation and a slight and middle sedation group. Sufentanil was used as an analgesic drug in all patients and midazolam was used as a sedative after the operation. The patients in the slight and middle sedation group received midazolam 0.05-0.10 mg/kg with a goal of mild sedation [Richmond agitation and sedation scale (RASS) score of -2-1]. The patients in the short-term deep sedation group received midazolam 0.1-0.2 mg/kg with a goal of deep sedation (RASS score of -4 to -3) and a duration of no more than 12 hours. Postoperative sedation, blood pressure changes, laboratory indexes, residual hematoma and clinical outcomes were recorded in two groups. During the study, a total of 183 patients with spontaneous ICH were collected, excluding who was older than 65 years, with shock, and with preoperative Glasgow coma score (GCS) of 3. 106 patients were enrolled in this study, and 53 patients were assigned to the short-term deep sedation group and slight and middle sedation group, respectively. In the slight and middle sedation group, 4 patients received reoperation because of repeated hemorrhage and no patient operated repeatedly in the short-term deep sedation group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (χ 2 = 4.000, P = 0.045). The number of patients undergoing tracheotomy in the short-term deep sedation group was significantly lower than that in the slight and middle sedation group (9 cases vs. 21 cases, P < 0.05). RASS score within 12 hours after operation of the patients in the short-term deep sedation group was lower than that in slight and middle sedation group [-4 (-4, -2) vs. -2 (-3, -1) at 4 hours, -4 (-4, -2) vs. -1 (-2, 0) at 8 hours, -3 (-4, -2) vs. 0 (-2, 1) at 12 hours, all P < 0.01], sudden restlessness was significantly reduced [times: 1 (0, 1) vs. 3 (2, 3), P < 0.01], and postoperative sedation duration was significantly prolonged [hours: 14.0 (8.3, 20.8) vs. 8.9 (3.4, 15.3), P < 0.05]. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) within 12 hours after operation in the short-term deep sedation group were significantly lower than those of the slight and middle sedation group [SBP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 136.8±30.5 vs. 149.1±33.5, DBP (mmHg): 85.0 (70.8, 102.3) vs. 89.0 (69.2, 116.7), both P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in the arterial blood gas, routine blood test or coagulation function between the two groups at 24 hours after operation. The volume of residual hematoma at 2, 7 and 14 days after operation in the short-term deep sedation group was significantly decreased as compared with slight and middle sedation group (mL: 16.4±15.6 vs. 38.2±22.2 at 2 days, 9.6±8.7 vs. 20.6±18.6 at 7 days, 1.2±1.0 vs. 4.4±3.6 at 14 days, all P < 0.05), number of deaths in 3 months were significantly less (5 cases vs. 13 cases), and the patients with favorable prognosis were increased significantly (39 cases vs. 12 cases, both P < 0.05). The study results showed that short-term deep sedation strategy after surgery can reduce the incidence of adverse events and improve the prognosis of patients with spontaneous ICH, so it is safe and effective.

Outcome after operative intervention for traumatic brain injuries in the elderly.

Introduction:The management of traumatic brain injuries in the elderly (age ≥ 65 years) is a constant dilemma. The aim of this study is to investigate for factors that may predict outcome of operative treatment in this group of patients.Materials and Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 68 elderly patients who had been operated in a designated center from 2006 to 2010. Patients’ age, Glasgow Coma score (GCS), pupillary responses, imaging findings, medical conditions, and the use of anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents on patient outcomes were studied.Results:The overall mortality rate was 55.9%. Older age, abnormal pupillary response, low GCS, the presence of midline shift and cistern obliteration on computerized tomography were associated with poor survival. Patient aged 75-84 with normal bilateral pupillary response still had an overall survival rate of 52.6% and good outcomes (Glasgow outcome score: 4 or 5) in 36.8% of patients. Abnormal pupillary response in at least one eye and preoperative GCS ≤ 12 were associated with very poor prognosis.Conclusions:More advanced age was found to be associated with progressively worse outcome. A subgroup patients aged below 85 would survive and could achieve good clinical outcome. The prognosis of those aged over 85 with moderate or severe head injuries was extremely poor.

The Incidence and Risk Factors for Hypofibrinogenemia in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury Undergoing Surgery

Fibrinogen is the primary substrate of coagulation. Fibrinogen depletion occurs in acute traumatic coagulopathy and is associated with unfavorable outcomes. Fibrinogen levels also decrease following traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to hypothermia, acidosis, and hypoperfusion leading to hyperfibrinolysis. This study was conducted to identify risk factors and the incidence of hypofibrinogenemia following TBI and also its effect on perioperative complications and postoperative outcome. A total of 51 adult patients with TBI were included in the study, and 33.3% of them had hypofibrinogenemia. Patients with low fibrinogen levels had lower preoperative Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), had associated derangement of international normalized ratio (INR), received more blood transfusions, and had lower discharge GCS compared with those with normal fibrinogen levels. Patients with hypofibrinogenemia had higher incidence of repeat surgery. In conclusion, hypofibrinogenemia occurs commonly after TBI and is associated with poor outcomes.

Preoperative serum lactate cannot predict in-hospital mortality after decompressive craniectomy in traumatic brain injury.

Despite the utility of serum lactate for predicting clinical courses, little information is available on the topic after decompressive craniectomy. This study was conducted to determine the ability of perioperative serum lactate levels to predict in-hospital mortality in traumatic brain-injury patients who received emergency or urgent decompressive craniectomy. The medical records of 586 consecutive patients who underwent emergency or urgent decompressive craniectomy due to traumatic brain injuries from January 2007 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and intraoperative serum lactate levels and base deficits were obtained from arterial blood gas analysis results. The overall mortality rate after decompressive craniectomy was 26.1%. Mean preoperative serum lactate was significantly higher in the non-survivors (P=0.034) than the survivors but had no significance for predicting in-hospital mortality in the multivariate regression analysis (P=0.386). Rather, preoperative Glasgow Coma Score was a significant predictor for in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio 0.796, 95% confidence interval 0.755-0.836, P<0.001). Preoperative lactate level is not an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality after decompressive craniectomy in traumatic brain-injury patients.

Predictive factors for decompressive hemicraniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery infarction.

The mortality rate of patients with brain oedema after malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction approaches 80 % without surgical intervention. Surgical treatment with ipsilateral decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) has been shown to dramatically improve survival rates. DHC currently lacks established inclusion criteria and additional research is needed to assess the impact of prognostic factors on functional outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of prognostic factors on functional outcome. A retrospective cohort study was carried out including 46 patients who underwent DHC at the Karolinska University Hospital between 2004 and 2014. The maximum time to surgery was 5 days after symptom debut. The primary endpoint was a dichotomised score on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 3 months after surgery, with favourable outcome defined as mRS ≤ 4. When the study population was dichotomised according to the primary endpoint, a significant difference between the groups was seen in preoperative Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), blood glucose levels and the infarction's involvement of the basal ganglia (p < 0.05). In a logistic regression model, preoperative GCS contributed significantly with a 59.6 % increase in the probability of favourable outcome for each point gained in preoperative GCS (p = 0.035). The results indicate that preoperative GCS, blood glucose and the infarction's involvement of the basal ganglia are strong predictors of clinical outcome. These factors should be considered when assessing the probable outcome of DHC, and additional research based on these factors may contribute to improved inclusion criteria for DHC.

Posttraumatic hydrocephalus associated with decompressive cranial defect in severe brain-injured patients

To investigate the occurrence of posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) in severe brain- injured patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC) and to discuss the management. A total of 389 patients suffering from severe head trauma between January 2004 and May 2010 were enrolled in this study. Clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Of them, 149 patients who underwent DC were divided into two groups according to the presence of PTH: hydrocephalus group and nonhydrocephalus group. Clinical factors including preoperative Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), bilateral or unilateral decompression, and duraplasty in DC were assessed by single factor analysis to determine its relationship with the occurrence of PTH. Of the 149 patients undergoing DC, 25 (16.8%) developed PTH; while 23 developed PTH (9.6%) among the rest 240 patients without DC. Preoperative GCS, bilateral or unilateral decompression, duraplasty in DC were significantly associated with the development of PTH. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt was performed on 23 of 25 patients with PTH after DC. Frontal horn was preferred for the placement of the catheter. Sixteen of them were operated upon via frontal approach and 7 via occipital approach. After shunt surgery, both radiological and clinical improvements were confirmed in 19 patients. Radiological improvement was found in 2 patients. One patient died eventually of severe pneumonia. Shunt-related infection occurred in 1 patient, which led to the removal of the catheter. It is demonstrated that the occurrence of PTH is high in patients with large decompressive skull defect. Patients with low GCS and bilateral decompression tend to develop PTH after DC. Duraplasty in DC might facilitate reducing the occurrence of PTH. Patients with PTH concomitant skull defect should be managed deliberately to restore the anatomical and physiological integrity so as to facilitate the neurological resuscitation.

Prognostic Impact of Intracranial Pressure Monitoring After Primary Decompressive Craniectomy for Traumatic Brain Injury

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) for traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be used in 2 completely different situations: primary and secondary DC. Although intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has proved to be helpful in guiding therapy for head injuries, its role after primary DC is not well analyzed. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between ICP monitoring and outcomes in patients undergoing primary DC for TBI. We enrolled 187 head-injured patients undergoing primary DC in this retrospective study. The patients were subdivided into 2 groups based on whether postoperative ICP was monitored (n= 34) or not (n= 153). We identified the intergroup differences in clinical parameters and prognosis. Unfavorable and favorable neurologic outcomes were defined by Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 1-3 and 4-5, respectively. The rate of ICP monitoring was 18.2% for our head-injured patients after primary DC. There was no difference in preoperative Glasgow Coma Score, pupil reactivity, features of computed tomography images, or other demographic variables between patients with or without ICP monitoring. The mortality at discharge was 14.7% for patients with ICP monitoring and 32.7% for patients without, which showed a statistically significant difference (P= 0.037). The neurologic outcomes did not differ between the patient groups at discharge or the end of follow-up. Our data suggest that ICP monitoring after primary DC for head-injured patients significantly decreases in-hospital mortality and should be implemented in neurocritical care to ensure the highest chances of surviving TBI.

Clinical analysis of 36 cases with whirlpool acute epidural hematoma

Objective To analyze clinical features and prognosis of patients with acute epidural hematoma in whirlpool sign. Methods 36 cases of CT scan showed awhirlpool sign of acute subdural hematoma patients were selected as observation group.During same time period,50 acute epidural hematoma patients without thewhirlpool sign were selected as control group.All patients received operation treatment.The Glasgow coma score(GCS),amount of hemorrhage and prognosis were compared between two groups. Results The preoperative GCS score of observation group was significantly lower than that of control group(P 0.05).In observation group,11 patients died,the mortality rate was 30.5% (11/36).In control group,6 patients died,the mortality rate was 12.0%(6/50),the difference between two groups was statistically significant(χ2= 4.134,P< 0.05).The patients were followed up for 6 months,the excellent and good rate of ADL score in observation group was 64.0%,which was significantly lower than 84.1% in control group(χ2= 3.989,P< 0.05). Conclusion Acute epidural hematoma patients with the whirlpool sign showed progressive disease,high mortality,poor prognosis,and active countermeasures should be taken. Key words: Epidural hematoma; Whirlpool sign; Brain trauma; Hemorrhage; Nerve function

Surgery for contralateral acute epidural hematoma following acute subdural hematoma evacuation: five new cases and a short literature review

The occurrence of a contralateral acute epidural hematoma (AEDH) following removal of an acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a rare but nearly devastating postoperative complication. Here, we describe a series of five patients with contralateral AEDH and provide a review of the literature to elucidate the characteristics and improve management of these patients. A total of 386 patients underwent ASDH evacuations in our hospital between August 2008 and July 2011. Five of these patients (1.3%) developed AEDH that required surgery. Thirty-two additional patients were identified by a search of the PubMed database. Clinical features, surgical treatment, and outcomes (scored by Glasgow outcome scale, GOS) of the collective 37 AEDH cases were analyzed retrospectively. Contralateral AEDH after ASDH evacuation occurred in 27 males (73%) and 10 females (27%) (mean age: 35.9 ± 14.2years). Twenty-six patients (70%) had unfavorable outcomes (GOS 1-3), and 11 patients (30%) had favorable outcomes (GOS 4-5). Contralateral skull fractures and intraoperative acute brain swelling occurred in 30 (81%) and 28 (76%) patients, respectively. The preoperative Glasgow coma score (GCS) was significantly associated with outcome (p < 0.05). Lower preoperative GCS score is an independent risk factor for prognosis of contralateral AEDH after ASDH. Postoperative management should include assessment of AEDH in patients treated for contralateral skull fractures and who experienced intraoperative acute brain swelling. We recommend early decompression with a burr-hole craniotomy, immediately followed by a decompressive craniectomy. This strategy provides gradual decompression, while advancing the initial surgical time and preventing the suddle decreased tamponade effect. As such, it may help decrease the risk of contralateral AEDH associated with decompression.

Prognostic factors in civilian gunshot wounds to the head: a series of 110 surgical patients and brief literature review

This study was carried out to evaluate the early results and the prognostic factors affecting the outcome during the in-hospital stay of 110 patients with civilian gunshot wounds to the head admitted at the Hospital of Restauração, Recife, Brazil. Penetrating injury (66%) was the most prevalent type of wound encountered in the present series. Twelve of the 110 (10.9%) patients presented a unilateral dilated pupil at the admission. Motor impairment was present in 24/110 (21.8%) patients. Intracerebral hematoma was present in 36/110 (32.7%) and there were 15/110 (13%) patients with cerebrospinal fluid fistula. Eleven of 110 patients developed meningitis and in 9/110 intracranial abscesses occurred. Nine of 110 patients developed deep venous thrombosis, 11/110 had urinary infection, and coagulopathy was detected in 8/110. Following the surgical procedure, 27/110 (24.5%) patients died during their hospital stay. When the two groups, survivors and non-survivors, were compared, there were significant statistical differences and the univariate analysis identified five preoperative predictors of a poor outcome following surgery: age over 40 years (odds ratios (OR) 5.4, 95% CI 1.73-16.82); presence of unilateral pupil dilatation (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.641-18.13); low (≤8) Glasgow coma score on admission (OR 6.50, 95% CI 2.27-18.60), presence of intracranial hematoma (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.21-7.34), and respiratory infection (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.75-13.47). Thus, (a) age of the patient (juvenile/young age), (b) high preoperative Glasgow coma score, (c) lack of pupil abnormalities, and (d) absence of intracerebral hematoma are predictors of a good prognosis.

Risk factors related to hospital mortality in patients with isolated traumatic acute subdural haematoma: analysis of 308 patients undergone surgery

Acute subdural haematoma (ASDH) is a common traumatic brain injury with a relatively high mortality rate. However, few studies have examined the factors predicting the outcome of isolated traumatic ASDH. This clinical study examined the hospital mortality and analyzed the risk factors for mortality in patients treated surgically for isolated traumatic ASDH. We collected 308 consecutive patients who underwent neurosurgery for isolated traumatic ASDH between January 1999 and December 2007 and used multivariate Logistic regression analysis to evaluate the influence of 11 clinical variables on hospital mortality. The overall hospital mortality was 21.75% (67/308). Age (OR = 1.807), preoperative Glasgow Coma Score (OR = 0.316), brain herniation (OR = 2.181) and the time from trauma to decompression (OR = 1.815) were independent predictors of death, while no independent association was observed between hospital mortality and haematoma volume, midline shift, acute brain swelling or brain herniation duration, although these variables were correlated with hospital mortality in univariate analyses. This study identified the risk factors for hospital mortality in patients who underwent surgical treatment for isolated traumatic ASDH. An increased risk of death occurs in patients who are over 50 years of age and have lower preoperative Glasgow Coma Scores, the presence of brain herniation and a long interval between trauma and decompression. The findings should help clinicians determine management criteria and improve survival.

Neurosurgic treatment of spontaneous and traumatic intracerebral hematomas

In the period from 01.01.2000 until 31.12.2002 34 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (ICH) and with deeply disturbed state of consciousness were operated in the Department of neurosurgery of the Urgent Center, Clinical Center of Serbia. In all operated patients the indication for surgery was given on the basis of CT scan of the brain, state of consciousness, defined Glasgow coma score (GCS) and neurological status, but due to existing or threatening incarceration not even one patient was submitted to angiography of the blood vessels at the cerebral base, thus preoperatively we did not know the cause of the hemorrhage. Of 34 operated patients 22 or 64.7% died, and 12 or 35.3% survived. 14 patients were in the deepest phase of coma, where the preoperative GCS is from 3 to 5 points, and in the postoperative course only one survived, aged 25. The other survivors had somewhat less disturbed state of consciousness, they also were younger, CT scan of the brain was without blood in the chamber system. In the same period, in the Department of Neurosurgery of the Urgent Center, Clinical Center of Serbia 43 patients with traumatic intracerebral hematoma (TIH) were operated; 9 patients survived, 34 died. Only 4 patients had acute TIH. All of them were in the terminal stage of incarceration, and despite being immediately submitted to surgery all of them died. The remaining 39 patients had, the so called delayed TIH where the secondary CT scan of the brain showed development of the traumatic intracerebral haematoma that was not verified on the incipient scanner. Indication for a repeated CT scan was given in 19 patients due to focal or general neurological deterioration. However in 20 patients subsequent neurological disturbances were not registered. Those that survived were younger patients, and they were not in the deepest stage of coma, most often they had a temporal localization of hematoma.