Unfavorable Neurological Outcome Research Articles

Age-specific prognostication after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest - The ethical dilemma between 'life-sustaining treatment' and 'the right to die' in the elderly.

While prognostic values on survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have been well investigated, less attention has been paid to their age-specific relevance. Therefore, we aimed to identify suitable age-specific early prognostication in elderly patients suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in order to reduce the burden of unnecessary treatment and harm. In a prospective population-based observational trial on individuals suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, a total of 2223 patients receiving resuscitation attempts by the local emergency medical service in Vienna, Austria, were enrolled. Patients were stratified according to age as follows: young and middle-aged individuals (<65 years), young old individuals (65-74 years), old individuals (75-84 years) and very old individuals (>85 years). There was an increasing rate of 30-day mortality (+21.8%, p < 0.001) and unfavourable neurological outcome (+18.8%, p < 0.001) with increasing age among age groups. Established predictive variables lost their prognostic potential with increasing age, even after adjusting for potential confounders. Independently, an initially shockable electrocardiogram proved to be directly associated with survival, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.89-2.38, p = 0.003) for >85-year-olds. Frailty was directly associated with mortality (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.51, p = 0.049), showing a 30-day survival of 5.6% and a favourable neurological outcome of 1.1% among elderly individuals. An initially shockable electrocardiogram proved to be a suitable tool for risk assessment and decision making in order to predict a successful outcome in elderly victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, the outcomes of elderly patients seemed to be exceptionally poor in frail individuals and need to be considered in order to reduce unnecessary treatment decisions.

Blood Glucose Variability: A Strong Independent Predictor of Neurological Outcomes in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

In patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), increased glucose variability (GV) is associated with increased mortality and cerebral infarction; however, there are no reports demonstrating an association between GV and neurological outcome. This study investigated whether GV had an independent effect on neurological outcomes in patients with SAH in the intensive care unit. Consecutive adult patients hospitalized with SAH between January 1, 2009, and May 31, 2015 (N = 122) were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate/multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of poor neurological outcome. Patients were divided according to the mean glucose level (80-139 vs 140-200 mg/dL) and further subdivided using quartiles (Q) of the standard deviation (SD, representing variability) of the glucose level (Q1, Q2 + 3, and Q4). Unfavorable neurological outcomes occurred in 44.2% of the patients. On multiple regression analysis, age, Hunt and Kosnik grade, SD of glucose (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.17; P < .01), and minimum blood glucose level (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99; P < .01) were significantly associated with unfavorable neurological outcomes. Both groups (mean glucose levels: 80-139 and 140-200 mg/dL groups) had increasing unfavorable neurological outcomes with increasing SD of glucose (Q1, 15.0%; Q2 + 3, 40.0%; Q4, 52.4% and Q1, 44.4%; Q2 + 3, 50%; Q4, 88.9% in the 80-139 and 140-200 mg/dL groups, respectively). Patients with minimum glucose of <90 mg/dL comprised >50% of unfavorable neurological outcome. Increased GV was an independent predictor of unfavorable neurological outcomes in patients with SAH.

Abstract PR147

Background & Objectives: Predicting long-term neurological outcomes after severe traumatic brain (TBI) is important, but which prognostic model has the best performance remains uncertain. Materials & Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all patients who had severe TBI requiring decompressive craniectomy, between 2004 and 2014, in two neurosurgical centres in Western Australia. Severe disability requiring help with daily living, vegetative state, or death were defined as unfavourable neurological outcomes. Area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUROC) and slope and intercept of the calibration curve were used to assess discrimination and calibration.of the CRASH (Corticosteroid-Randomisation-After-Significant-Head injury) and IMPACT (International-Mission-For-Prognosis-And-Clinical-Trial) models, respectively. Results: Of the 319 patients included in the study, 118 (37%) had unfavourable neurological outcomes at 18-month after decompressive craniectomy for severe TBI. Both CRASH (AUROC 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.81–0.90) and IMPACT (AUROC 0.85, 95%CI 0.80–0.89) models were similarly good in discriminating between favourable and unfavourable neurological outcome at 18-month after surgery (p=0.690 for the difference in AUROC derived from the two models). Although both models tended to over-predict the risks of long-term unfavourable outcome, the IMPACT model had a slightly better calibration than the CRASH model (intercept of the calibration curve = -4.1 vs. -5.7, respectively), especially when the predicted risks of unfavourable outcome were <80%. Conclusion: Both CRASH and IMPACT prognostic models were good in discriminating between favourable and unfavourable long-term neurological outcome for patients with severe TBI requiring decompressive craniectomy, but the calibration of the IMPACT full-model was better than the CRASH model. These results suggest that both prognostic models can be used for risk adjustments in randomised controlled trials but the better calibration of the IMPACT model makes it as the preferred model for risk adjustment in observational studies and in providing objective prognostic outcome prediction. Disclosure of Interest: None declared

Elevated plasma heparin-binding protein is associated with early death after resuscitation from cardiac arrest.

BackgroundAn intense systemic inflammatory response is observed following reperfusion after cardiac arrest. Heparin-binding protein (HBP) is a granule protein released by neutrophils that intervenes in endothelial permeability regulation. In the present study, we investigated plasma levels of HBP in a large population of patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We hypothesized that high circulating levels of HBP are associated with severity of post-cardiac arrest syndrome and poor outcome.MethodsPlasma was obtained from 278 patients enrolled in a prospective multicenter observational study in 21 intensive care units (ICU) in Finland. HBP was assayed at ICU admission and 48 h later. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) was defined as the 24 h Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score ≥ 12. ICU death and 12-month Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) were evaluated. Multiple linear and logistic regression tests and receiver operating characteristic curves with area under the curve (AUC) were performed.ResultsEighty-two percent of patients (229 of 278) survived to ICU discharge and 48 % (133 of 276) to 1 year with a favorable neurological outcome (CPC 1 or 2). At ICU admission, median plasma levels of HBP were markedly elevated, 15.4 [9.6–31.3] ng/mL, and persisted high 48 h later, 14.8 [9.8–31.1] ng/mL. Admission levels of HBP were higher in patients who had higher 24 h SOFA and cardiovascular SOFA score (p < 0.0001) and in those who developed MODS compared to those who did not (29.3 [13.7–60.1] ng/mL vs. 13.6 [9.1–26.2] ng/mL, p < 0.0001; AUC = 0.70 ± 0.04, p = 0.0001). Admission levels of HBP were also higher in patients who died in ICU (31.0 [17.7–78.2] ng/mL) compared to those who survived (13.5 [9.1–25.5] ng/mL, p < 0.0001) and in those with an unfavorable 12-month neurological outcome compared to those with a favorable one (18.9 [11.3–44.3] ng/mL vs. 12.8 [8.6–30.4] ng/mL, p < 0.0001). Admission levels of HBP predicted early ICU death with an AUC of 0.74 ± 0.04 (p < 0.0001) and were independently associated with ICU death (OR [95 %CI] 1.607 [1.076–2.399], p = 0.020), but not with unfavorable 12-month neurological outcome (OR [95 %CI] 1.154 [0.834–1.596], p = 0.387).ConclusionsElevated plasma levels of HBP at ICU admission were independently associated with early death in ICU.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-016-1412-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence and Prognostic Implications of Bundle Branch Block in Comatose Survivors of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

This study reports the prevalence and prognostic impact of right bundle branch block (RBBB) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) in the admission electrocardiogram (ECG) of comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The present study is part of the predefined electrocardiographic substudy of the prospective randomized target temperature management trial, which found no benefit of targeting 33°C over 36°C in terms of outcome. Six-hundred eighty-two patients were included in the substudy. An admission ECG, which defined the present study population, was available in 602 patients (88%). These ECGs were stratified by the presence of LBBB, RBBB, or no-BBB (reference) on admission. End points were mortality and neurologic outcome 6months after OHCA. RBBB was present in 79 patients (13%) and LBBB in 65 patients (11%), and the majority of BBBs (92%) had resolved 4hours after admission. RBBB was associated with significantly higher 6months mortality (RBBB: hazard ratio [HR]unadjusted 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30 to 2.43; LBBB: HRunadjusted 1.26, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.81), but this did not reach a level of significance in the adjusted model (HRadjusted 1.33, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.87). Similar findings were seen for neurologic outcome in the unadjusted and adjusted analyses. RBBB was further independently associated with higher odds of unfavorable neurologic outcome (RBBB: adjusted odds ratio 1.97, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.71). In conclusion, BBBs after OHCA were transient in most patients, and RBBB was directly associated with higher mortality and independently associated with higher odds of unfavorable neurologic outcome. RBBB is seemingly an early indicator of an unfavorable prognosis after OHCA.

Association Between Comorbidities, Nutritional Status, and Anticlotting Drugs and Neurologic Outcomes in Geriatric Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Several studies using trauma data banks and registers showed that age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Injury Severity Score, and intraventricular hemorrhage were independent factors for neurologic outcomes in geriatric patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, these analyses did not comprehensively evaluate factors particularly associated with geriatric patients. We aimed to identify factors particularly associated with geriatric patients that affect neurologic outcomes in TBI. Patients aged ≥65 years who were hospitalized consecutively in Kagawa University Hospital with severe TBI between 1 January 2008 and 31 October 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated background factors particularly associated with geriatric patients, including comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI]), nutritional status (serum albumin level), and presence/absence of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, in addition to baseline characteristics. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of unfavorable neurologic outcomes (UO), as defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1-3 at discharge from hospital. The association between CCI and UO was evaluated in a subgroup analysis. UO occurred in 65.0% of 140 patients. Multivariate analyses showed that the CCI (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-3.29; P= 0.011), age, and GCS were independent predictors of UO. In subgroup analyses of patients with an initial GCS score of 13-15, the rate of UO significantly increased with CCI score (CCI 0, 35.5%; CCI 1 or 2, 39.4%; CCI >2, 83.3%; P < 0.01). CCI was an independent predictor of UO in geriatric patients with severe TBI.

Multivariate projection method to investigate inflammation associated with secondary insults and outcome after human traumatic brain injury: a pilot study.

BackgroundNeuroinflammation has been proposed as a possible mechanism of brain damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but no consensus has been reached on the most relevant molecules. Furthermore, secondary insults occurring after TBI contribute to worsen neurological outcome in addition to the primary injury. We hypothesized that after TBI, a specific pattern of cytokines is related to secondary insults and outcome.MethodsA prospective observational clinical study was performed. Secondary insults by computerized multimodality monitoring system and systemic value of different cytokines were collected and analysed in the first week after intensive care unit admission. Neurological outcome was assessed at 6 months (GOSe). Multivariate projection technique was applied to analyse major sources of variation and collinearity within the cytokines dataset without a priori selecting potential relevant molecules.ResultsTwenty-nine severe traumatic brain injury patients undergoing intracranial pressure monitoring were studied. In this pilot study, we demonstrated that after TBI, patients who suffered of prolonged and severe secondary brain damage are characterised by a specific pattern of cytokines. Patients evolving to brain death exhibited higher levels of inflammatory mediators compared to both patients with favorable and unfavorable neurological outcome at 6 months. Raised ICP and low cerebral perfusion pressure occurred in 21 % of good monitoring time. Furthermore, the principal components selected by multivariate projection technique were powerful predictors of neurological outcome.ConclusionsThe multivariate projection method represents a valuable methodology to study neuroinflammation pattern occurring after secondary brain damage in severe TBI patients, overcoming multiple putative interactions between mediators and avoiding any subjective selection of relevant molecules.

Early Electroencephalographic Background Features Predict Outcomes in Children Resuscitated From Cardiac Arrest.

To determine 1) whether early electroencephalographic background features were associated with survival and neurologic outcomes among children resuscitated from cardiac arrest and not treated with therapeutic hypothermia and 2) if addition of electroencephalographic background to commonly used clinical criteria is more predictive of outcome than clinical criteria alone. Retrospective study. PICU and Cardiac ICUs of a tertiary children's hospital. Patients resuscitated from in-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who underwent clinically indicated electroencephalographic monitoring and were not treated with therapeutic hypothermia. None. One-hundred twenty-eight patients underwent electroencephalographic monitoring within 1 day of return of spontaneous circulation. Background category was normal in four subjects (3%), slow-disorganized in 58 subjects (45%), discontinuous-burst suppression in 24 subjects (19%) and attenuated-flat in 42 subjects (33%). Forty-six subjects (36%) had a reactive electroencephalography. Twenty subjects (15%) had a seizure during electroencephalographic monitoring. Absence of reactivity (p < 0.001) and seizures (p = 0.04) were associated with worse electroencephalographic background category. After controlling for covariates, for each incrementally worse background score, the odds of death was 3.63 (95% CI, 2.18-6.0; p < 0.001) and the odds of unfavorable neurologic outcome was 4.38 (95% CI, 2.51-7.17; p = 0.001). Worse electroencephalographic background early after resuscitation from both in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with increased odds of death and unfavorable neurologic outcomes at hospital discharge. These electroencephalographic background patterns may be used in addition to clinical criteria to support prognostic decision making.

Predicting long-term neurological outcomes after severe traumatic brain injury requiring decompressive craniectomy: A comparison of the CRASH and IMPACT prognostic models

BackgroundPredicting long-term neurological outcomes after severe traumatic brain (TBI) is important, but which prognostic model in the context of decompressive craniectomy has the best performance remains uncertain. MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study included all patients who had severe TBI requiring decompressive craniectomy between 2004 and 2014, in the two neurosurgical centres in Perth, Western Australia. Severe disability, vegetative state, or death were defined as unfavourable neurological outcomes. Area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUROC) and slope and intercept of the calibration curve were used to assess discrimination and calibration of the CRASH (Corticosteroid-Randomisation-After-Significant-Head injury) and IMPACT (International-Mission-For-Prognosis-And-Clinical-Trial) models, respectively. ResultsOf the 319 patients included in the study, 119 (37%) had unfavourable neurological outcomes at 18-month after decompressive craniectomy for severe TBI. Both CRASH (AUROC 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.81–0.90) and IMPACT full-model (AUROC 0.85, 95% CI 0.80–0.89) were similar in discriminating between favourable and unfavourable neurological outcome at 18-month after surgery (p=0.690 for the difference in AUROC derived from the two models). Although both models tended to over-predict the risks of long-term unfavourable outcome, the IMPACT model had a slightly better calibration than the CRASH model (intercept of the calibration curve=−4.1 vs. −5.7, and log likelihoods −159 vs. −360, respectively), especially when the predicted risks of unfavourable outcome were <80%. ConclusionsBoth CRASH and IMPACT prognostic models were good in discriminating between favourable and unfavourable long-term neurological outcome for patients with severe TBI requiring decompressive craniectomy, but the calibration of the IMPACT full-model was better than the CRASH model.

ELEVATED AT ADMISSION SERUM NEURON SPECIFIC ENOLASE AND HYPERGLYCEMIA ARE PREDICTORS OF POOR OUTCOME OF POST-RESUSCITATION PATIENTS

Background: Optimal survival following sudden cardiac arrest requires heart and brain resuscitation. In patients who achieve cardiac resuscitation, brain recovery from anoxic injury is variable. Neurological sequelae range from complete recovery to coma with brain death. Thus, ideally outcome assessment would incorporate functional and neurologic status. Objective: Evaluation of the prognostic yield of estimation of at admission random blood glucose (RBG) and serum neuron specific enolase (NSE) levels, and determination of the value of NSE serum level re-estimation 48 hours after admission in resuscitated post-cardiac arrest patients. Patients and Methods: The study included 90 cardiac arrest patients; 75 were out-of-hospital and 15 were in-hospital cardiac arrest. All patients received mild therapeutic hypothermia irrespective of the initial rhythm admission. Blood samples were obtained for estimation of RBG and serum SNE. At 48-hours after admission, serum NSE was re-estimated, and the percentage of change in relation to at-admission level was calculated. Clinical evaluation was conducted using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II). Mortality rate throughout duration of ICU stay was determined. Neurologic outcomes were evaluated using the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score collectively as favorable neurological outcome (CPC score of 1-2) or unfavorable outcome (CPC score of 3-5). Results: Mean time elapsed till return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) since arrival to emergency department was 14.3±3.6; range: 8-19 minutes. Mean ICU stay was 16.3±7.4; range: 3-30 days. Thirty-one patients died (34.4%), 18 patients (20%) had unfavorable neurological outcome (CPC-3), and 41 patients (45.6%) had favorable outcome. Mean at admission RBG levels were significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors, with significantly higher levels in survivors had unfavorable outcome compared to those had favorable outcome. Mean levels of serum NSE estimated at admission and 48-hours, and percentage of change were significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors, with significantly higher levels in survivors had unfavorable outcome compared to those had favorable outcome. There was a negative significant correlation between survival rate and favorable neurologic outcome and levels of RBG and NSE, patient's age, time till ROSC and APACHE II score. ROSC curve and regression analyses were defined at admission hyperglycemia as the highly significant specific predictor for mortality and high serum NSE kinetics for prediction of unfavorable neurologic outcome. Conclusion: Hyperglycemia could specifically predict mortality and high serum NSE levels estimated at admission and 48-hours later, with elevated percentage of increase which could specifically predict poor neurologic outcome of resuscitated post-arrest patients.

Secretoneurin Serum Levels in Healthy Term Neonates and Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy

Background: Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy is a major cause of neurologic impairment and mortality in neonates. Early knowledge of brain injury is important to guide therapeutic decisions and reliably inform the parents. Increased secretoneurin levels have been detected in adult patients suffering from brain injury and it has also been shown to be a promising early serum biomarker of unfavourable neurological outcome. However, no data are available in neonates. Objective: The aim of this study was to obtain reference values for secretoneurin in healthy term neonates and then to assess the potential of this neuropeptide as a biomarker in the context of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy in asphyxiated term neonates. Methods: A total number of 139 term neonates, of which 7 were asphyxiated and 132 were healthy, were prospectively enrolled. Secretoneurin serum concentrations were assessed by radioimmunoassay. Results: In healthy controls, secretoneurin serum concentrations were influenced by the mode of delivery (highest in infants born per vacuum extraction and lowest in infants born per caesarean section) and abnormal cardiotocography. In asphyxiated term neonates, secretoneurin concentrations were higher in umbilical cord blood and significantly lower 48 h after birth in comparison to healthy controls. Conclusion: Secretoneurin levels are elevated in cord blood in infants suffering from hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy following perinatal asphyxia. The potential of secretoneurin as a marker of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury should be further evaluated in larger trials.

Bradycardia During Targeted Temperature Management: An Early Marker of Lower Mortality and Favorable Neurologic Outcome in Comatose Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients.

Bradycardia is common during targeted temperature management, likely being a physiologic response to lower body temperature, and has recently been associated with favorable outcome following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in smaller observational studies. The present study sought to confirm this finding in a large multicenter cohort of patients treated with targeted temperature management at 33°C and explore the response to targeted temperature management targeting 36°C. Post hoc analysis of a prospective randomized study. Thirty-six ICUs in 10 countries. We studied 447 (targeted temperature management = 33°C) and 430 (targeted temperature management = 36°C) comatose out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with available heart rate data, randomly assigned in the targeted temperature management trial from 2010 to 2013. Targeted temperature management at 33°C and 36°C. Endpoints were 180-day mortality and unfavorable neurologic function (cerebral performance category 3-5). Patients were stratified by target temperature and minimum heart rate during targeted temperature management (< 50, 50-59, and ≥ 60 beats/min [reference]) at 12, 20, and 28 hours after randomization. Heart rates less than 50 beats/min and 50-59 beats/min were recorded in 132 (30%) and 131 (29%) of the 33°C group, respectively. Crude 180-day mortality increased with increasing minimum heart rate (< 50 beats/min = 32%, 50-59 beats/min = 43%, and ≥ 60 beats/min = 60%; p(log-rank) < 0.0001). Bradycardia less than 50 beats/min was independently associated with lower 180-day mortality (hazard ratio(adjusted) = 0.50 [0.34-0.74; p < 0.001]) and lower odds of unfavorable neurologic outcome (odds ratio(adjusted) = 0.38 [ 0.21-0.68; p < 0.01]) in models adjusting for potential confounders including age, initial rhythm, time to return of spontaneous circulation, and lactate at admission. Similar, albeit less strong, independent associations of lower heart rates and favorable outcome were found in patients treated with targeted temperature management at 36°C. This study confirms an independent association of bradycardia and lower mortality and favorable neurologic outcome in a large cohort of comatose out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients treated by targeted temperature management at 33°C. Bradycardia during targeted temperature management at 33°C may thus be a novel, early marker of favorable outcome.

Long-term neurologic outcomes following paediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

AimEvaluate long-term neurologic outcome for paediatric survivors of OHCA. MethodsSubjects <19 years who experienced OHCA from 1976–2007 and survived to hospital discharge were included. Demographics, neurologic outcomes and years of survival were determined using the King County Emergency Medical Service cardiac arrest database, Seattle Children's Hospital medical records, Washington State Death Database and National Death Index. A Paediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC) score (1–6) was determined for the index hospitalization discharge and all subsequent visits. ResultsFrom 1976–2007, 1683 cases of OHCA resulted in 91 survivors to hospital discharge. 18/91 survivors identified had pre-morbid conditions. 72/91 survivors had follow-up PCPC scores. Patients were: ≤5 years (53%) and 54% female. 33/35 patients with initial favorable neurologic outcomes (PCPC 1–2) maintained favorable neurologic status in long-term follow-up. 14/37 patients with initial unfavorable neurologic outcomes (PCPC 3–5) remained unfavorable over long-term follow-up. Six unfavorable patients showed some improvement, three of whom achieved favorable PCPC scores at last evaluation. One unfavorable patient declined from PCPC 4 to PCPC 5. Twenty patients with an initial unfavorable neurologic outcome died in long-term follow-up. ConclusionsIn this cohort study of neurologic outcomes for paediatric OHCA survivors, a favorable initial PCPC score was highly associated with stable long-term neurological outcomes. Those with poor neurologic status at initial discharge were unlikely to improve and were at greatest risk to die in follow-up. Future studies should focus on improving neurologic outcomes and prospectively evaluating the long-term neurologic course.

Perioperative problems in patients with brainstem tumors and their influence on patient outcome.

Background and Aims:Patients with brainstem tumors have many associated systemic abnormalities and are prone to develop perioperative complications. We studied the problems associated with brainstem tumors and their influence on the postoperative neurological outcome.Material and Methods:Retrospective review of records of patients who underwent surgery for brainstem tumors over a period of 8 years was done. Preoperative variables, perioperative complications and neurological outcome as assessed by Glasgow Outcome Scale at the time of hospital discharge were noted. Association between perioperative factors and the unfavorable neurological outcome was evaluated.Results:Data of 70 patients were retrieved, 7 patients were excluded from the study because of incomplete data and data analysis was carried out for 63 patients. We found that lower cranial nerve palsies (32%) and hydrocephalus (43%) were common preoperatively. Various intraoperative problems encountered were hemodynamic instability (56%), major blood loss requiring blood transfusion (40%) and venous air embolism (11%), and postoperative problems were meningitis (51%), hypokalemia (38%), chest infection (21%), seizure (11%), deterioration of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS, 11%), hyponatremia (8%), hydrocephalus (6%), respiratory distress (3%) and operatives site hematoma (3%). Fifty-six (89%) patients had favorable outcome at hospital discharge whereas, 7 (11%) had an unfavorable outcome. There was no association between pre- and intra-operative factors and the neurological outcome. Deterioration of GCS, chest infection, and the need for reintubation and tracheostomy were associated with unfavorable neurological outcome.Conclusion:Patients of brainstem tumors are at increased risk of perioperative complications. Some of the postoperative complications were associated with unfavorable neurological outcome.

Evaluation of Short-Term Neurological Outcomes in Children with Brain Abscesses.

To evaluate the neurological outcomes of children diagnosed with brain abscesses in the early post-treatment period. < b > MATERIAL and METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of pediatric brain abscess patients between January 2000 and December 2015, during a 16-years period. Patients were divided into two groups according to their outcome at the end of the treatment. The patients with "good outcome" were the ones without any neurological sequelae [Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score 5]. "Unfavorable outcome" was defined as having any kind of neurological deficit (GOS score 1-4). A total number of 31 patients (22 male, 71%) with the median age at diagnosis of 84 months (range, 1-202 months) were enrolled in this study. The most common presenting symptom was fever being encountered in 71% of the patients (n=22), followed by focal neurological deficit (FND)(n=17, 54.8%), vomiting (n=14, 45.2%), headache (n=13, 41.9%), seizure (n=13, 41.9%), change in mental status (n=12, 38.7%) and visual disturbance (n=2, 6.5%). Twenty-four patients (77.4%) had predisposing factors. The most common pathogens were gram-positive cocci (n=9, 29%). Seventeen patients (54.8%) had unfavorable outcome; 2 patients (6.4%) died. All patients were treated with parenteral antibiotherapy with median duration of 73 days (range, 28-540 days). Surgical procedures were performed in 83.9% (n=26) of patients [isolated aspiration (n=19, 61.3%), only resection (n=5, 16.1%), aspiration and resection (n=2, 6.5%)]. Glasgow coma scale score below 12 and the presence of FND on admission were found to be independent risk factors for unfavourable neurological outcome in children with brain abscesses.

Increased plasma UCH-L1 after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is associated with unfavorable neurological outcome

ObjectiveAneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a common cause of long-term disability and death. After primary hemorrhage, secondary brain injury is the main cause of mortality and morbidity. Despite extensive research, reliable prognostic biomarkers are lacking. We measured ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) levels in aSAH patients to evaluate its prognostic potential. This is the first time that plasma UCH-L1 has been studied as a potential prognostic biomarker in patients with aSAH. MethodsIn this prospective population-based study, UCH-L1 levels were measured in aSAH patients (n=47) for up to five days. UCH-L1 was measured at 0, 12 and 24h after the admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and daily thereafter until the patient was transferred from the ICU. Only patients whose UCH-L1 was measured within 24h from aSAH were included in the study. The patients' neurological outcome was evaluated with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at six months after aSAH. ResultsUCH-L1 levels during the first 24h after aSAH were not significantly different between the groups with favorable (mRS 0–2) and unfavorable (mRS 3–6) neurological outcome. In 22 patients, UCH-L1 levels were obtained for up to five days. In this subgroup, UCH-L1 measured at day five showed significant elevation from baseline levels in patients with unfavorable outcome (p=0.026). Elevated UCH-L1 levels at day five were higher in patients with unfavorable outcome than in patients with favorable outcome (p=0.001). ConclusionsElevated UCH-L1 levels during the five-day follow-up were associated with unfavorable neurological outcome. Repetitive measurements of UCH-L1 concentrations with an emphasis on change relative to the individual baseline could be the optimal approach for future clinical studies.

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.

Resting energy expenditure and substrate oxidation rates correlate to temperature and outcome after cardiac arrest - a prospective observational cohort study.

IntroductionTargeted temperature management improves outcome after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Reduction of resting energy expenditure might be one mode of action. The aim of this study was to correlate resting energy expenditure and substrate oxidation rates with targeted temperature management at 33°C and outcome in patients after cardiac arrest.MethodsThis prospective, observational cohort study was performed at the department of emergency medicine and a medical intensive care unit of a university hospital. Patients after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation undergoing targeted temperature management at 33°C for 24 hours with subsequent rewarming to 36°C and standardized sedation, analgesic and paralytic medication were included. Indirect calorimetry was performed five times within 48 h after cardiac arrest. Measurements were correlated to outcome with repeated measures ANOVA, linear and logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn 25 patients resting energy expenditure decreased 20 (18 to 27) % at 33°C compared to 36°C without differences between outcome groups (favourable vs. unfavourable: 25 (21 to 26) vs. 21 (16 to 26); P = 0.5). In contrast to protein oxidation rate (favourable vs. unfavourable: 35 (11 to 68) g/day vs. 39 (7 to 75) g/day, P = 0.8) patients with favourable outcome had a significantly higher fat oxidation rate (139 (104 to 171) g/day vs. 117 (70 to 139) g/day, P <0.05) and a significantly lower glucose oxidation rate (30 (−34 to 88) g/day vs. 77 (19 to 138) g/day; P < 0.05) as compared to patients with unfavourable neurological outcome.ConclusionsTargeted temperature management at 33°C after cardiac arrest reduces resting energy expenditure by 20% compared to 36°C. Glucose and fat oxidation rates differ significantly between patients with favourable and unfavourable neurological outcome.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT00500825. Registered 11 July 2007.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-015-0856-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Abstract 18150: Ventricular Arrhythmia During Post Cardiac Arrest Care: Prognostic Importance and Influence of Pre-hospital Defibrillation - A TTM Substudy

Background: Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are life threatening, even in patients admitted to an intensive care unit following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Post cardiac arrest care includes hemodynamic stabilization and targeted temperature management (TTM) and while most patients are stabilized, VA may occur. We assessed the prognosis of OHCA patients with in-hospital VA and whether the number of pre-hospital defibrillations was predictive of in-hospital arrhythmic events. Method: We studied 934 (99%) comatose OHCA survivors from the TTM-trial (year: 2010-13) with available data on VA during the first 2 days of post cardiac arrest care and the number of pre-hospital defibrillation used to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The TTM trial showed no benefit of TTM at 33°C over 36°C in terms of mortality and neurological outcome. Results: The prevalence of VA was 16% and did not differ between the TTM groups (33°C= 82 (17%) vs. 36°C= 67 (15%), p=0.23). Patients with VA had similar 180-day survival rates (VA= 52% vs. no-VA= 53%, plog-rank= 0.63, Figure) and odds of unfavorable neurological outcome (OR=1.04 (0.73-1.48, p=0.83), compared to patients without VA. The number of pre-hospital defibrillations ranged from 0 to &gt;20 and a twofold increase was associated with significantly higher odds of in-hospital VA, both combined (OR= 1.39 (1.22-1.59, p&lt;0.0001), and separately as risk of ventricular tachycardia (OR= 1.39 (1.20-1.60, p&lt;0.0001) and fibrillation (OR= 1.54 (1.23-1.93 p&lt;0.001). This remained significant when adjusting for STEMI, initial rhythm, age, sex, bystander CPR, time to ROSC and admission lactate. Conclusion: Risk of VA is directly related to the number of pre-hospital defibrillations, which may be of value in predicting patients at risk of arrhythmia. VA occurring during post cardiac arrest care has no significant impact on prognosis, which supports continued active treatment in patients with recurrent VA after OHCA.

Relationship between early blood pressure variability and reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke patients with intravenous thrombolysis

To investigate the impacts of blood pressure (BP) variability on reperfusion and long-term outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). The clinical data of 188 patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving IVT in Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from June 2009 to September 2014, including hour-to-hour BP measurements, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and radiologic findings were retrospectively analyzed. The mean 24-h BP values, and BP variability profiles, including standard deviation (sd), average squared difference between successive measurements (sv), average squared difference between rise and drop successive measurements (sv-rise and sv-drop) were calculated. Reperfusion, defined as >50% reduction in Tmax >6 s perfusion lesion volume from baseline to follow-up scans, and clinical neurological outcome based on modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 3 months after onset were also analyzed. The favorable outcome was defined as mRS 0-1 and unfavorable outcome as mRS 2-6. The binary logistic-regression model was performed to determine the independent risk factors of reperfusion and favorable outcome, respectively. Among 188 patients, 114 (60.6%) achieved reperfusion. During the 0-to-24 h blood pressure course, only systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability parameters were negatively correlated with reperfusion (sv: OR=0.421, 95% CI:0.187-0.950, P=0.037; sv-rise: OR=0.311, 95% CI:0.137-0.704, P=0.005) and long-term clinical outcomes (sv: OR=6.381, 95% CI:2.132-19.096, P=0.001; sv-rise: OR=5.615, 95% CI:2.152-14.654, P<0.001; sv-drop: OR=3.009, 95% CI:1.263-7.169, P=0.013). SBP variability during the first 24 hours after IVT is negatively associated with cerebral reperfusion and unfavorable neurological outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving IVT.