Risk Of Poor Neurologic Outcome Research Articles

Safety and efficacy of desmopressin (DDAVP) in preventing hematoma expansion in intracranial hemorrhage associated with antiplatelet drugs use: A systematic review and metaanalysis.

One of the most serious complications associated with antiplatelet agents is antiplatelet-associated intracranial hemorrhage (AA-ICH). Desmopressin is a synthetic antidiuretic hormone (ADH) analog. It has been linked to improving patient outcomes in antiplatelet-induced intracranial hemorrhage. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of thrombotic complications and neurological outcomes. A systematic search was conducted on three databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov) to find eligible literature that compares desmopressin (DDAVP) versus controls in patients with AA-ICH. The Mantel-Haenszel statistic was used to determine an overall effect estimate for each outcome by calculating the risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was measured using the I2 test. The risk of bias in studies was calculated using the New Castle Ottowa Scale. Five studies were included in the analysis with a total of 598 patients. DDAVP was associated with a nonsignificant decrease in the risk of hematoma expansion (RR=.8, 95% CI,.51-1.24; p=.31, I2=44%). It was also associated with a non-significant decrease in the risk of thrombotic events (RR,.83; 95% CI,.25-2.76; p=.76, I2=30%). However, patients in the DDAVP group demonstrated a significant increase in the risk of poor neurological outcomes (RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.61; p=.01, I2=0%). The risk of bias assessment showed a moderate to low level of risk. DDAVP was associated with a nonsignificant decrease in hematoma expansion and thrombotic events. However, it was also associated with a significantly poor neurological outcome in the patients. Thus, until more robust clinical trials are conducted, the use of DDAVP should be considered on a case-to-case basis.

Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring and Mapping During Surgery on Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors in Children and Adolescents.

Surgical resection of intramedullary spinal cord tumors carries significant risks of neurologic deficits, especially in cases of infiltrative tumors. In pediatric patients, this type of surgery may be associated with a high risk of poor neurologic outcome. Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring has been adopted as part of the clinical routine by many centers as a useful adjunct for intraoperative assessment of neurologic integrity. To what extent intraoperative neurophysiologic mapping strategies may further support intraoperative decision-making is still a matter of debate. Here, we report on a small cohort of five pediatric patients in whom mapping with the double-train paradigm was used to identify the dorsal column and corticospinal tract and to guide the surgical resection. We also discuss the possible benefits and challenges regarding the available literature.

Ferritin as an Effective Predictor of Neurological Outcomes in Children With Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy

BackgroundAcute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a fulminant disease with poor prognosis. Cytokine storm is the important phenomenon of ANE that affects the brain and multiple organs. The study aimed to identify whether hyperferritinemia was associated with poor prognosis in patients with ANE. MethodsAll patients with ANE had multiple symmetric lesions located in the bilateral thalami and other regions such as brainstem tegmentum, cerebral white matter, and cerebellum. Neurological outcome at discharge was evaluated by pediatric neurologists using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale. All risk factors associated with poor prognosis were further analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. ResultsTwenty-nine patients with ANE were enrolled in the current study. Nine (31%) patients achieved a favorable neurological outcome, and 20 (69%) patients had poor neurological outcomes. results The group of poor neurological outcome had significantly higher proportion of shock on admission and brainstem involvement. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, ferritin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and ANE severity score (ANE-SS) were the predictors associated with outcomes. The appropriate cutoff value for predicting neurological outcomes in patients with ANE was 1823 ng/mL for ferritin, 78 U/L for AST, and 4.5 for ANE-SS. Besides, comparison analyses showed that higher level of ferritin and ANE-SS were significantly correlated with brainstem involvement (P < 0.05). ConclusionsFerritin may potentially be a prognostic factor in patients with ANE. Hyperferritinemia is associated with poor neurological outcomes in patients with ANE and ferritin levels more than 1823 ng/mL have about eightfold increased risk of poor neurological outcome.

The MIRACLE2 risk score is associated with cognitive function, referral burden and discharge outcome

Abstract Background Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) can lead to poor neurological outcome. The MIRACLE2 score was devised to predict that risk, whilst supplementing clinical assessment and decision-making processes. However, the score has not previously been shown to correlate with cognitive and functional scoring assessment. Purpose To investigate the relationship between the MIRACLE2 risk score and cognitive and functional scoring assessments 1-3 months after hospital discharge. Methods We carried out a 1-year pilot evaluation of the cardiac arrest survivors’ clinic in a cardiac tertiary centre in London. From 46 patients, 12 had died, 6 did not attend, 7 were referred to their local hospital or rehabilitation facility, and 21 patients attended. The attending patients were tasked to complete the following questionnaires: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist (PCL-5) and EQ-5D-5L score. Results Of the 21 patients (median age was 62; 90% were male), 3 had a MIRACLE2 score ≥ 5 (high risk), 6 had scored 3-4 (intermediate risk), whilst 12 had scored 0-2 (low risk). The median MOCA score was 85% (median self-assessed EQ-5D-5L: 65%; median HADS: anxiety 31%, depression 29%; median PCL-5: 14%). We found that patients with a low risk of poor neurological outcome (MIRACLE2 ≤ 2), had scored higher for MOCA (median: 92%) and self-assessed EQ-5D-5L (75%), and lower for HADS (anxiety: 29%, depression: 14%) and PCL-5 (7%). In comparison, patients with a high risk of poor neurological outcome (MIRACLE2 ≥ 5) had scored much lower for MOCA (58%) and self-assessed EQ-5D-5L (50%), and higher for HADS (anxiety: 67%, depression: 38%) and PCL-5 (40%). On average, patients with an intermediate risk of poor neurological outcome (MIRACLE2 3-4) had scored between both extremes. Of all 21 patients, 6 were referred to neurorehabilitation and/or neuropsychology (67% of those who scored ≥5, 33% who scored 3-4, and 17% who scored 0-2 were referred). Conclusion After hospital discharge, the MIRACLE2 score can predict the risk of cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, PTSD and overall health in OOHCA patients. As such, the MIRACLE2 score can support the role for expedited access to neurorehabilitation and neuropsychology for affected patients – especially as recovery is time-sensitive.Assessment results in risk categories

Abstract 157: Differences in Mid-Term Neurological Changes From 30 to 90 Days According to Age; is Plasticity Following Brain Injury After Cardiac Arrest Observed in Children or Young Adults?

Introduction: In clinical practice, younger patients following cardiac arrest (CA) are usually expected to recover, even though they are at high risk for poor neurological outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences of mid-term neurological improvements from 30 to 90 days after CA according to age. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) registry; a nationwide, prospective database including information on OHCA patients. All CA patients of any age except &lt;1years who had recovered spontaneous circulation and survived after 30 days were analyzed. Patients who already showed cerebral performance category (CPC) (or pediatric CPC [PCPC]) of 1 at 30 days were excluded. We evaluated the proportion of patients in each age category (aged 1-17 [children and adolescents], 18-39 [young adults], 40-64 [middle-aged adults], 65-79 [older adults], ≥80 [elderly] years) who improved in either CPC or PCPC between the 30 and 90 days after CA by using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 68,111 patients in the registry, 1,449 patients for whom 30- and 90-day CPC (or PCPC) data were available were analyzed. Among them, a total of 186 patients (13%) showed improvement in their 90-day CPC (or PCPC). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients aged 18-39, 40-64 and 65-79 years were more likely to have improved 90-day CPC compared with those aged ≥ 80 years (Odds ratios: 2.67 [1.19-5.96], 2.33[1.37-3.95] and 1.87 [1.13-3.11], respectively). Adjusted spline curve showed that patients ranging from children to middle-aged adults had an expectation of improved neurological changes (Figure). Conclusions: The expectation of improved neurological changes following an OHCA was higher in patient aged 18-39, 40-64 and 65-79 years compared to those aged &gt;80 years, while it was not in patients aged 1-17 years.

The relationship between the baseline geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and neurological function at the convalescence stage in patients with stroke: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMalnutrition is a common complication after stroke and may worsen neurological outcomes for patients. There are still no uniform tools for screening nutritional status for the patients with stroke. We aimed to explore the relationship between the baseline geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and neurological function at the convalescence stage for patients with stroke and assessed the predictive value of the GNRI for adverse neurological outcomes.MethodsA total of 311 patients with stroke were enrolled retrospectively. Basic information and laboratory results on admission since onset of stroke were collected. The GNRI on admission was calculated and neurological outcomes evaluated by the Barthel index at 1 month after the onset of stroke. Statistical analyses, including correlation coefficient tests, multivariate regression analyses, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, were applied in this study.ResultsCompared with the good outcome group, the poor outcome group showed a significantly lower GNRI on admission (P < 0.05). GNRI was associated with Barthel index (r = 0.702, P < 0.01). The GNRI was independently correlated with the Barthel index (Standardization β = 0.721, P < 0.01) and poor outcome 0.885 (95% CIs, 0.855–0.917, P < 0.01) after adjusting for covariates. Compared with no nutritional risk grades (Q4), the OR of GNRI to poor neurological outcome increased across increasing nutritional risk grades of GNRI (OR = 2.803, 95% CIs = 1.330–5.909 in Q3, 7.992, 95% CIs = 3.294–19.387 in Q2 and 14.011, 95% CIs = 3.972–49.426 in Q1, respectively, P for trend < 0.001). The area under ROC curves (AUC) of the GNRI was 0.804, which was larger than that of the NIHSS, BMI, or Albumin (P < 0.01), with an optimal cut-off value of 97.69, sensitivity of 69.51% and specificity of 77.27%. Combined GNRI with NIHSS gained the largest AUC among all the variables (all P < 0.05), with an AUC of 0.855, sensitivity of 84.75 and specificity of 72.73%.ConclusionsFor patients with stroke, higher nutritional risk grades at baseline indicated worse neurological function at the convalescence stage. Compared with NIHSS, BMI, and Albumin, GNRI was a competitive indicator for the risk of poor neurological outcome. The predictive property of GNRI for adverse neurological outcomes might be more powerful when combined with NIHSS.

The association between ventriculostomy – Related infection and clinical outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundVentriculostomy – related infection (VRI) is a common complication of patients who require placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD). The clinical outcomes of people who are diagnosed with VRI is poorly characterised. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between VRI, and clinical outcomes and resource use, in patients treated with an EVD. MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of clinical trials to identify clinical trial and cohort studies that reported outcomes including mortality, functional outcome, duration of EVD insertion, and intensive care and hospital length of stay. Inclusion criteria and data extraction were conducted in duplicate. Where sufficient data were available, data synthesis was conducted using a random effects model to provide a pooled estimate of the association between VRI and clinical outcomes and resource use. We also pooled data to provide an estimate of the incidence of VRI in this population. ResultsNineteen studies including 38,247 patients were included in the meta-analysis. There were twelve different definitions of VRI in the included studies. The pooled estimate of the incidence of VRI was 11 % (95 % confidence interval (CI), 9 % to 14 %). A diagnosis of VRI was not associated with an increase in the estimated odds ratio (OR) for mortality (OR 1.07, 95 % CI 0.59 to 1.92, p = 0.83 I2 = 83.5 %), nor was a diagnosis of VRI associated with changes in neurological outcome (OR 1.42, 95 % CI 0.36 to 5.56, p = 0.89, I2 = 0.3 %). Those diagnosed with VRI had longer intensive care unit length of stay (estimated pooled mean difference 8.4 days 95 % CI 3.4 to 13.4 days, p = 0.0009, I2 = 78.7 %) an increase in hospital length of stay (estimated mean difference 16.4 days. 95 % CI 11.6 to 21.2 days, p < 0.0005, I2 = 76.6 %), a prolonged duration of EVD placement (mean difference 5.24 days, 95 % CI 3.05 to 7.43, I2 = 78.2 %, p < 0.01), and an increased requirement for an internal ventricular shunt (OR 1.80, 95 % CI 1.32 to 2.46, I2 = 8.92 %, p < 0.01). ConclusionsVentriculostomy related infection is not associated with increased mortality or an increased risk of poor neurological outcome, but is associated with prolonged duration of EVD placement, prolonged duration of ICU and hospital admission, and an increased rate of internal ventricular shunt placement.

Super-refractory status epilepticus in adults

IntroductionSuper-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) represents the culmination of refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and carries a significant risk of poor neurological outcome and high mortality. RSE is not defined primarily by seizure duration, but by failure to respond to appropriate antiseizure treatment. SRSE is present when a RSE persists or recurs after more than 24 h of treatment with anesthetics. No evidence-based treatment algorithms can be provided for SRSE. Therefore, we propose a pragmatic standard operating procedure (SOP) for the management of SRSE that addresses the existing uncertainties in the treatment of SRSE and provides options for resolution and decision-making.CommentsFirst, we recommend the assessment of persistent seizure activity and the evaluation of differential diagnoses to confirm correct diagnosis. Relevant differential diagnoses include psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, hypoxic, metabolic, or toxic encephalopathies, and tetanus. During SE or in severe encephalopathies, a so-called electroclinical ictal-interictal continuum may occur, which denotes an intermediate stage that cannot be defined with certainty as ictal or interictal by EEG and should not lead to harmful overtreatment. Because both prognosis and specific treatment options depend crucially on the etiology of SRSE, the etiological evaluation should be performed rapidly. When SRSE is confirmed, various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options are available.ConclusionWe provide a pragmatical SOP for adult people with SRSE.

Optimal Arterial Blood Gas Tensions for the Prognosis of Favorable Neurological Outcomes in Survivors after Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Our aim is to assess the optimal levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide for the prognosis of favorable neurologic outcomes in survivors after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). We obtained the mean levels of PaCO2 and PaO2 in arterial blood gas samples 72 h after ECPR. The primary outcome was the neurological status, according to the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale, upon discharge. Of 119 (48.6%) survivors, 95 (38.8%) had favorable neurologic outcomes (CPC 1 or 2). There was a U-shaped relationship between mean arterial blood gas tensions and poor neurological outcomes. The risk of poor neurological outcome was lowest in patients with the second tertile of mean PaCO2 (30–42 mm Hg) and PaO2 (120–160 mm Hg). In a multivariable analysis, third tertile of mean PaCO2, third tertile of mean PaO2, age, shockable rhythm, out of hospital cardiac arrest, duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and ECPR at cardiac catheterization lab were found to be significantly associated with poor neurologic outcomes. Additionally, hypercapnia and extreme hyperoxia were found to be significantly associated with poor neurological outcomes after ECPR. Therefore, maintaining adequate arterial levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide may be important for favorable neurological prognoses in survivors after ECPR.

The association between stress hyperglycemia ratio and outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment

Objectives: To investigate the correlation between stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) and outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular treatment. Methods: In a multicenter registration study for RESCUE-RE (a registration study for critical care of acute ischemic stroke after recanalization), eligible patients with large vessel occlusion stroke within 24 hours after onset who received endovascular treatment between July 2018 and May 2019 were enrolled. SHR was calculated as the fasting glucose concentration divided by the estimated average glucose concentration and then categorized into four groups according to the quartiles (group Q1, group Q2, group Q3 and group Q4). The primary outcome was poor neurological outcomeat day 90 fromstroke onset [defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 3-6]. Secondary outcomes included early neurological deterioration (END), death within 3 months after stroke onset, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.Multivariable logistic and Cox regression modelswere used to assess the correlation between quartiles of SHR and prognosis in patients with endovascular treatment. Results: A total of 592 patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of (63±12) years, and 68.07% were male.The median National Institute of Health stroke scale(NIHSS) score on admission was15(11, 20), and the median SHR was 1.23 (1.07, 1.47), with SHR<1.07 in group Q1, 1.07≤SHR<1.23 in group Q2, 1.23≤SHR<1.47 in group Q3 and SHR≥1.47 in group Q4, respectively. The rate of complete recanalization was lower in group Q4 than that of group Q1 (70.27% vs 83.67%, P=0.026). After fully adjusted for potential covariates, the risk of poor neurological outcome at day 90 from stroke onset in group Q4 was 2.38 folds that of group Q1(adjusted OR= 2.38, 95%CI: 1.57-3.57,P=0.003). The risk of death within 3 months of patients in group Q4 was 1.80 times that of the patients in group Q1, but the difference was not statistically significant(adjusted HR=1.80, 95%CI: 0.90-3.62, P=0.098). Conclusion: Higher SHR was correlated with poor neurological outcome at 3 months in large artery occlusion related acute ischemic stroke patients receiving endovascular therapy.

Association of Haptoglobin Phenotype With Neurological and Cognitive Outcomes in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BackgroundTo assess the association of haptoglobin (Hp) phenotype with neurological and cognitive outcomes in a large cohort of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).MethodsThis prospective multicenter study enrolled patients with aneurysmal SAH between May 2015 and September 2020. The Hp phenotype was confirmed via Western blots. The relative intensities of α1 in individuals carrying Hp2-1 were compared with those of albumin. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional-hazard regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors for 6-month and long-term outcomes, respectively.ResultsA total of 336 patients including the phenotypes Hp1-1 (n = 31, 9.2%), Hp2-1 (n = 126, 37.5%), and Hp2-2 (n = 179, 53.3%) were analyzed. The Hp phenotype was closely associated with 6-month outcome (p = 0.001) and cognitive function (p = 0.013), and long-term outcome (p = 0.002) and cognitive function (p < 0.001). Compared with Hp1-1 as the reference value, Hp2-2 significantly increased the risk of 6-month poor outcome (OR: 7.868, 95% CI: 1.764–35.093) and cognitive impairment (OR: 8.056, 95% CI: 1.020–63.616), and long-term poor outcome (HR: 5.802, 95% CI: 1.795–18.754) and cognitive impairment (HR: 7.434, 95% CI: 2.264–24.409). Long-term cognitive impairment based on the Hp phenotype was significantly higher in patients under 65 years of age (p < 0.001) and female gender (p < 0.001). A lower relative α1/albumin intensity (OR: 0.010, 95% CI: 0.000–0.522) was associated with poor outcome at 6 months but not cognitive impairment in patients with SAH expressing Hp2-1.ConclusionHp2-2 increased the risk of poor neurological outcomes and cognitive impairment compared with Hp1-1. For Hp2-1, higher relative α1 intensities were related to 6-month favorable outcomes.

Optimal Mean Arterial Pressure for Favorable Neurological Outcomes in Survivors after Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

We evaluated the optimal mean arterial pressure (MAP) for favorable neurological outcomes in patients who underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Adult patients who underwent ECPR were included. The average MAP was obtained during 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after cardiac arrest, respectively. Primary outcome was neurological status upon discharge, as assessed by the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale (range from 1 to 5). Overall, patients with favorable neurological outcomes (CPC 1 or 2) tended to have a higher average MAP than those with poor neurological outcomes. Six models were established based on ensemble algorithms for machine learning, multiple logistic regression and observation times. Patients with average MAP around 75 mmHg had the least probability of poor neurologic outcomes in all the models. However, those with average MAPs below 60 mmHg had a high probability of poor neurological outcomes. In addition, based on an increase in the average MAP, the risk of poor neurological outcomes tended to increase in patients with an average MAP above 75 mmHg. In this study, average MAPs were associated with neurological outcomes in patients who underwent ECPR. Especially, maintaining the survivor’s MAP at about 75 mmHg may be important for neurological recovery after ECPR.

Association between Neurologic Outcomes and Changes of Muscle Mass Measured by Brain Computed Tomography in Neurocritically Ill Patients.

This study aimed to investigate whether skeletal muscle mass estimated via brain computed tomography (CT) could predict neurological outcomes in neurocritically ill patients. This is a retrospective, single-center study. Adult patients admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2010 to September 2019 were eligible. Cross-sectional areas of paravertebral muscles at the first cervical vertebra level (C1-CSA) and temporalis muscle thickness (TMT) on brain CT were measured to evaluate skeletal muscle mass. The primary outcome was the Glasgow Outcome Scale score at 3 months. Among 189 patients, 81 (42.9%) patients had favorable neurologic outcomes. Initial and follow-up TMT values were higher in patients with favorable neurologic outcomes compared to those with poor outcomes (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). The initial C1-CSA/body surface area was greater in patients with poor neurological outcomes than in those with favorable outcomes (p = 0.029). In multivariable analysis, changes of C1-CSA and TMT were significantly associated with poor neurological outcomes. The risk of poor neurologic outcome was especially proportional to changes of C1-CSA and TMT. The follow-up skeletal muscle mass measured via brain CT at the first week from ICU admission may help predict poor neurological outcomes in neurocritically ill patients.

Abstract 13407: Validation of the MIRACLE2 Score for Prognostication After Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Background: Early prediction of long-term outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) remains a diagnostic challenge. MIRACLE2 is a points-based risk score that has been derived as a simple tool to aid clinicians in prognosticating those at high risk of poor neurological outcomes. To date, the score has been validated in two independent cohorts in the MIRACLE2 study. The aim of this study was to validate the MIRACLE2 score in a further independent cohort, with the primary outcome poor neurological outcome at 6 months (Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) 3-5). Methods: We retrospectively identified all patients treated at the Bristol Royal Infirmary from January 2019 to July 2020 with a primary or secondary ICD-10 diagnosis code for cardiac arrest. Patients were screened against the inclusion and exclusion criteria used in the MIRACLE2 study and the data required to calculate the MIRACLE2 and CPC scores were extracted from medical records. Results: 198 patients met the OOHCA inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Multivariable logistical regression confirmed 6 out of the 7 MIRACLE2 components as independent predictors of poor neurological outcome at 6 months: age category (60-80 years, OR 6.4, p=0.005; &gt;80 years, OR 148.1, p&lt;0.001), initial non-shockable rhythm (OR 36.9, p&lt;0.001), non-reactivity of pupils (OR 13.7, p=0.002), low pH &lt;7.20 (OR 5.1, p=0.014), adrenaline administration (OR 4.1, p=0.024), changing intra-arrest rhythms (OR 3.4, p=0.048). The MIRACLE2 score had an area under the curve of 0.89. The risk of poor neurological outcome in this cohort, across the previously described MIRACLE2 score risk groups (low &lt;=2, intermediate 3-4, and high &gt;=5), was comparable to that in the MIRACLE2 study (low: 15% vs. 6%; intermediate: 54% vs. 55%; and high: 93% vs. 92%, respectively). Conclusion: The MIRACLE2 score has been externally validated in an independent cohort as an accurate predictor of poor neurological outcome following OOHCA.

Spetzler-Martin Grade III Arteriovenous Malformations: A Multicenter Propensity-Adjusted Analysis of the Effects of Preoperative Embolization.

Spetzler-Martin (SM) grade III arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are at the boundary of safe operability, and preoperative embolization may reduce surgical risks. To evaluate the benefits of preoperative AVM embolization by comparing neurological outcomes in patients with grade III AVMs treated with or without preoperative embolization. All microsurgically treated grade III AVMs were identified from 2011 to 2018 at 2 medical centers. Neurological outcomes, measured as final modified Rankin Scale scores (mRS) and changes in mRS from preoperative baseline to last follow-up evaluation, were compared in patients with and without preoperative embolization. Of the 102 patients with grade III AVMs who were treated microsurgically, 57 (56%) underwent preoperative embolization. Significant differences were found between the patients with and without embolization in AVM eloquence (74% vs 93%, P=.02), size≥3cm (47% vs 73%, P=.01), diffuseness (7% vs 22%, P=.04), and mean final mRS (1.1 vs 2.0, P=.005). Poor outcomes were more frequent in patients without embolization (38%) than with embolization (7%) (final mRS>2; P<.001). Propensity-adjusted analysis revealed AVM resection without embolization was a risk factor for poor outcome (mRS score>2; odds ratio, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.1-16; P=.03). Nonembolization of SM grade III AVMs is associated with an increased risk of poor neurological outcomes after microsurgical resection. Preoperative embolization of intermediate-grade AVMs selected because of large AVM size, surgical inaccessibility of feeding arteries, and high flow should be employed more often than anticipated, even in the context of increasing microsurgical experience with AVMs.

Mild therapeutic hypothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: What does really matter?

Mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) is a recommended treatment of comatose patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The aim of the study was to examine determinants of clinical outcome in OHCA survivors treated with MTH and variables associated with MTH induction time. Presented herein is an analysis of combined results from a retrospective and a prospective observational study which included 90 OHCA survivors treated with MTH from January 2010 to March 2018. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine variables associated with poor neurologic outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 3-5), mortality, and prolonged induction time. At hospital discharge, 59 (65.6%) patients were alive, of whom 36 (61%) had a good neurologic outcome. Older patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.12) with lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.30-0.80) were at higher risk of poor neurological outcome. The predictors of in-hospital death included: older age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.13), lower GCS score (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.25-0.85), presence of cardiogenic shock (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.11-10.53), and higher doses of adrenaline (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04-1.56). Longer induction was associated with shorter cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (unstandardized coefficient -3.95, 95% CI -7.09 to -0.81) and lower lactate level (unstandardized coefficient -18.55, 95% CI -36.10 to -1.01). Unfavorable neurologic outcome in OHCA patients treated with MTH is associated with age and lower GCS score. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality include age, high-dose adrenaline administration, lower GCS score and presence of cardiogenic shock. CPR duration and lactate level were predictive of prolonged MTH induction time.

Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Cerebrovascular Abnormalities in Children With Acute Bacterial Meningitis.

Introduction: Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a global public health concern that results in significant morbidity and mortality. Cerebral arterial narrowing contributes to stroke in BM and may be amenable to intervention. However, it is difficult to diagnose in resource-limited settings where the disease is common.Methods: This was a prospective observational study from September 2015 to December 2019 in sub-Saharan Africa. Children 1 month−18 years of age with neutrophilic pleocytosis or a bacterial pathogen identified in the cerebrospinal fluid were enrolled. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) of the middle cerebral arteries was performed daily with the aim to identify flow abnormalities consistent with vascular narrowing.Results: Forty-seven patients were analyzed. The majority had Streptococcus pneumoniae (36%) or Neisseria meningitides (36%) meningitis. Admission TCD was normal in 10 (21%). High flow with a normal pulsatility index (PI) was seen in 20 (43%) and high flow with a low PI was identified in 7 (15%). Ten (21%) had low flow. All children with a normal TCD had a good outcome. Patients with a high-risk TCD flow pattern (high flow/low PI or low flow) were more likely to have a poor outcome (82 vs. 38%, p = 0.001).Conclusions: Abnormal TCD flow patterns were common in children with BM and identified those at high risk of poor neurological outcome.

Long-Term Independence in Older Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial

Older patients have a higher risk for poor neurological outcomes following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). This study compared functional independence in older versus younger patients with aSAH and compared endovascular coiling with microsurgical clipping in the older cohort. Patients enrolled in the Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial (BRAT) with confirmed aSAH were analyzed. Patients were grouped by age: older (≥65 years old) or younger (<65 years old). The primary outcome analyzed was functional independence at long-term follow-up, defined as Barthel index >80 at 6-year follow-up. A second analysis was performed comparing functional independence in older patients treated with endovascular coiling versus microsurgical clipping. Of 405 patients with aSAH enrolled in BRAT, 77 (19%) were ≥65 years old, and 328 (81%) were <65 years old. A lower percentage of older versus younger patients was functionally independent (Barthel index >80) at 6-year follow-up (42.0% [29/69] vs. 82.2% [217/264]; P<0.001). A higher percentage of younger patients (69.7% [184/264]) had good neurological outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score <3) at 6-year follow-up compared with older patients (31.9% [22/69]; P < 0.001). A greater percentage of older patients treated with microsurgical clipping (51.0% [18/47]) versus endovascular coiling (22.7% [5/22]) had functional independence at 6-year follow-up (P < 0.04). Patients ≥65 years old with aSAH are at increased risk for poor neurological outcomes compared with younger patients. Greater independence was observed in older patients after microsurgical clipping than after endovascular coiling at long-term follow-up.

Abstract 310: Validation of the Cardiac Arrest Hospital Prognosis (CAHP) Score in an American Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest Cohort: Results From a Large Single Center Cardiac Arrest Registry

Background: The cardiac arrest hospital prognosis (CAHP) score has been shown in French studies to predict neurologic outcomes in patients who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), but this score has not been studied in an American cohort. We aimed to validate the CAHP score in an independent, single center, large cardiac arrest registry. Methods: Between January 2015 to June 2020 there were 925 patients who suffered OHCA and were transferred to Northeast Georgia Medical Center out of whom 450 patients survived to hospital admission. Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score was used for assessment of neurologic outcome at discharge ranging from 1-5. The primary endpoint was poor neurologic outcome defined as CPC 3-5. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of poor neurologic outcome. Results: Included patients were mostly male 57% (256 of 450) with a mean age of 52±15. STEMI was present on 11% (51 of 450) and a shockable rhythm on 35% (150 of 450) of patients. Targeted temperature management (TTM) and a mechanical compression device (MCD) were used in 72% (327 of 450) and 74% (336 of 450) respectively. 76% (344 of 450) had a CPC of 3-5 at discharge. After adjusting for covariates, including gender, BMI, serum lactate level, witnessed arrest status, STEMI on ECG, and use of MCD and TTM, the only independent predictors of a CPC of 3-5 were CAHP score (p&lt;0.001), witnessed cardiac arrest, (p=0.039, OR: 0.45) and STEMI on admission ECG (P=0.001, OR: 0.22). Compared with CAHP&lt; 150, CAHP 150-200 and CAHP&gt;200 were associated with a 12-fold (p&lt;0.00001) and 79-fold (p&lt;0.00001) increased risk of poor neurologic outcome. Area under ROC curve for CAHP score predicting neurologic outcome was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89-0.94). Conclusion: Here we show, for the first time, in an independent, large American cardiac arrest registry that CAHP score predicts neurologic outcomes in patients with OHCA. Further research is needed to assess how this prognostication tool would help clinicians decide on early vs. delayed invasive strategy in patients with OHCA admitted to hospitals across the U.S.

Circular RNAs as prognostic biomarkers after cardiac arrest

Abstract Background/Introduction More than 400,000 cases of cardiac arrest (CA) occur every year in Europe and only 10% of these patients survive without major neurological sequelae. Predicting outcome after CA would allow adapting healthcare. However, current prognostication modalities and biomarkers lack accuracy, requiring the discovery of new ones. Previous studies suggest that circulating noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute a reservoir of novel biomarkers. In particular, circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of long ncRNAs, appear to have a promising biomarker potential. Purpose We aimed to identify circulating circRNAs able to predict neurological outcome and survival after CA. Methods Whole blood samples were collected from patients of the Target Temperature Management trial (TTM-trial; NCT01020916) 48h after CA in PAXgene RNA tubes. A discovery phase was conducted by RNA sequencing in a subgroup of 46 patients, among which 23 survived with no major neurological sequelae (cerebral performance category score 1 – CPC1) and 23 died within 6 months (CPC5). A validation phase was conducted by quantitative RT-PCR in 542 patients. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between circRNAs and 6-month neurological outcome. Kaplan Meier curves and Cox regression were used to test the ability of circRNAs to predict patients' survival at 6 months. Results The discovery phase identified 282 circRNAs in blood samples. Among these, twenty-one circRNAs were differentially expressed between patients with CPC1 and patients with CPC5 (p&amp;lt;0.05). Experiments using RNAse R digestion confirmed the circularity of selected circRNAs. In the validation phase with 542 patients, one circRNA (circ016) was differentially expressed between patients with good neurological outcome at 6 months (CPC1–2) compared to patients with poor neurological outcome (CPC3–5) (p&amp;lt;0.001). Univariate analysis confirmed the association between circ016 and neurological outcome (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] 6.1 [2.2–16.7]). After adjustment with clinical and demographic parameters, circ016 remained a significant predictor of neurological outcome (OR [95% CI] 6.0 [1.4–26.1]) (Figure 1). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, circ016 was associated with 6-month survival (log rank test p&amp;lt;0.001). In Cox regression, circ016 predicted 6-month survival with a hazards ratio of 4.4 [2.1–9]. Patients with high levels of circ016 were at high risk of poor neurological outcome and death. Conclusions Circulating levels of circRNAs measured 48h after CA are associated with neurological outcome and survival at 6 months. We have identified several circRNAs with potential to aid in outcome prediction after CA. These circRNAs remain to be independently validated in large patient cohorts. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Research Fund of Luxembourg, Ministry of Higher Education and Research of Luxembourg