Severe cognitive impairment in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Predictors and relationship to functional outcome

BackgroundCognitive impairment is common after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, compared to predictors of functional outcome, meaningful predictors of cognitive impairment are lacking.ObjectiveOur goal was to assess which factors during hospitalization can predict severe cognitive impairment in SAH patients, especially those who might otherwise be expected to have good functional outcomes. We hypothesized that the degree of early brain injury (EBI), vasospasm, and delayed neurological deterioration (DND) would predict worse cognitive outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed SAH patient records from 2013 to 2019 to collect baseline information, clinical markers of EBI (Fisher, Hunt–Hess, and Glasgow Coma scores), vasospasm, and DND. Cognitive outcome was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and functional outcomes by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at hospital discharge. SAH patients were compared to non-neurologic hospitalized controls. Among SAH patients, logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of severe cognitive impairment defined as a MoCA score <22.ResultsWe screened 288 SAH and 80 control patients. Cognitive outcomes assessed via MoCA at discharge were available in 105 SAH patients. Most of these patients had good functional outcome at discharge with a mean mRS of 1.8±1.3. Approximately 56.2% of SAH patients had MoCA scores <22 compared to 28.7% of controls. Among SAH patients, modified Fisher scale was an independent predictor of cognitive impairment after adjustment for baseline differences (OR 1.638, p=0.043). MoCA score correlated inversely with mRS (r=−0.3299, p=0.0006); however, among those with good functional outcome (mRS 0–2), 48.7% still exhibited cognitive impairment.ConclusionsSevere cognitive impairment is highly prevalent after SAH, even among patients with good functional outcome. Higher modified Fisher scale on admission is an independent risk factor for severe cognitive impairment. Cognitive screening is warranted in all SAH patients, regardless of functional outcome.     

Elevated Serum Leukocytes are Predictive of Cardiac Injury Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

ObjectivesAneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) accounts for 5% of strokes but results in significant morbidity and mortality. In addition to systemic inflammation, up to half of patients develop cardiac injury; however, the relationship between systemic inflammation and cardiac injury after aSAH is unknown. We investigated changes in leukocyte counts in relation to cardiac dysfunctionMaterials and methodsWe reviewed the records of consecutive patients with SAH at our large academic medical referral center. The inclusion criteria were aSAH and available cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels within 48 h of admission. The primary outcome was cardiac injury, defined as cTnI ≥0.04 ng/mL (lab reference range 0.01–0.03 ng/mL). We compared baseline characteristics, including serum leukocyte counts and performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine whether changes in leukocyte subpopulations predict cardiac injury.ResultsOf 288 SAH patients, 250 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 116 (46.4%) had elevated cTnI. In univariable analysis, total leukocyte count (p < 0.001), absolute neutrophil count (ANC, p < 0.001), and absolute monocyte count (p = 0.013), were associated with elevated cTnI. in multivariable analysis, total leukocyte count (OR=1.079, p = 0.037) and ANC (OR=1.081, p = 0.044) remained predictors of elevated cTnI. Adjusted ANC distinguishes between aSAH patients with normal and elevated TnI (area under the curve=0.766, p < 0.001) with specificity of 89.2%.ConclusionsElevated total leukocytes and ANC are independently associated with cardiac injury in aSAH. Systemic inflammatory responses after aSAH may play a role in cardiac dysfunction, warranting additional studies to further characterize how cardiac inflammation after aSAH drives subsequent morbidity and mortality.     

Traumatic interhemispheric subdural haematoma: Study of 35 cases

The clinical and radiological findings, management, and outcomes in 35 patients with traumatic interhemispheric subdural haematoma (ISH) were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-five patients had favourable outcomes and 10 had poor outcomes. All patients were treated conservatively for ISH. Univariate analysis found that the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (p < 0.001), hypovolemic shock (p = 0.018), skull fracture (p = 0.008), convexity or posterior fossa subdural haematoma (p = 0.008), and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) were correlated with outcome (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that GCS score (p = 0.031; odds ratio [OR], 0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3–0.9) and the presence of SAH (p = 0.023; OR, 14.2; 95% CI, 1.5–138.2) were significantly related to poor outcome. This study provides important information on the clinicoradiological findings and prognoses in patients with traumatic ISH.     

Predicting long-term outcome in poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patients utilising the Glasgow Coma Scale

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is the most universally accepted system for grading level of consciousness. Predicting outcome is particularly difficult in poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) patients. We hypothesised that the GCS and individual examination components would correlate with long-term outcome and have varying prognostic value depending on assessment time points. GCS scores of 160 aSAH patients presenting in stupor or coma were prospectively recorded on admission and each subsequent day until hospital day 14. Early treatment was planned for each patient unless the patient’s family refused aggressive intervention or the patient died before surgery. Outcomes were assessed by the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 14 days, 3 months, and one year.All patients who did not receive surgical treatment died within one year. Of the 104 patients who received surgical treatment, 13.5% of them had a favourable outcome at 14 days, 38.5% at 3 months, and 51% at one year (p < 0.0001). Admission GCS scores significantly correlated with outcome (Spearman rank test, rs = 0.472, p < 0.0001). On admission, motor examination correlated best with one-year outcome (rs = 0.533, p < 0.0001). Each point increase in motor examination predicted a 1.8-fold increased odds of favourable long-term outcome (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–2.3). At discharge, eye examination (rs = 0.760, p < 0.0001) correlated best with one-year outcome, and a one point increase in eye examination predicted a 3.1-fold increased odds of favourable outcome (95% CI, 1.8–5.4). During hospitalisation, the best eye exam (rs = 0.738, p < 0.0001) and worst motor exam (rs = 0.612, p < 0.0001) were the most highly correlated with the one-year outcome.Long-term follow-up is necessary when evaluating recovery after aSAH, as outcomes improve significantly during the first year. The GCS and its individual components correlate well with long-term outcome. Admission motor examination and spontaneous eye opening during hospitalisation are most predictive of favourable recovery.     

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Prevalence and Its Association with Short-Term Outcome in Pediatric Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Background

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an independent prognostic indicator of outcome in adult severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). There is a paucity of investigations on SAH in pediatric sTBI. The goal of this study was to determine in pediatric sTBI patients SAH prevalence, associated factors, and its relationship to short-term outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 171 sTBI patients (pre-sedation GCS ≤8 and head MAIS ≥4) who underwent CT head imaging within the first 24 h of hospital admission. Data were analyzed with both univariate and multivariate techniques.

Results

SAH was found in 42 % of sTBI patients (n = 71/171), and it was more frequently associated with skull fractures, cerebral edema, diffuse axonal injury, contusion, and intraventricular hemorrhage (p < 0.05). Patients with SAH had higher Injury Severity Scores (p = 0.032) and a greater frequency of fixed pupil(s) on admission (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in etiologies between sTBI patients with and without SAH. Worse disposition occurred in sTBI patients with SAH, including increased mortality (p = 0.009), increased episodes of central diabetes insipidus (p = 0.002), greater infection rates (p = 0.002), and fewer ventilator-free days (p = 0.001). In sTBI survivors, SAH was associated with increased lengths of stay (p < 0.001) and a higher level of care required on discharge (p = 0.004). Despite evidence that SAH is linked to poorer outcomes on univariate analyses, multivariate analysis failed to demonstrate an independent association between SAH and mortality (p = 0.969).

Conclusion

SAH was present in almost half of pediatric sTBI patients, and it was indicative of TBI severity and a higher level of care on discharge. SAH in pediatric patients was not independently associated with increased risk of mortality.     

Predictors of left ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Introduction  Cardiac abnormalities that have been reported after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) include the release of cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiographic changes, and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. The mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction after SAH remain controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of LV regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) after SAH and to quantify the independent effects of specific demographic and clinical variables in predicting the development of RWMA. Methods  Three hundred patients hospitalized with SAH were prospectively studied with serial echocardiography. The primary outcome measure was the presence of RWMA. The predictor variables included the admission Hunt & Hess grade, age, gender, cardiac risk factors, aneurysm location, plasma catecholamine levels, cardiac troponin I (cTi) level, heart rate (HR), blood pressure, and phenylephrine dose. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed with adjustment for serial measurements, reporting olds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results  In this study, 817 echocardiograms were analysed. RWMA were detected in 18% of those studied. The prevalence of RWMA in patients with Hunt & Hess grades 3–5 was 35%. Among patients with a peak cTi level grater than 1.0 μg/L, 65% had RWMA. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high Hunt & Hess grade (OR 4.22 for grade 3–5 versus grade 1–2, p=0.046), a cTi level greater than 1.0 μg/L (OR 10.47, p=0.001), a history of prior cocaine or amphetamine use (OR 5.50, p=0.037), and higher HR (OR 1.34 per 10 bpm increase, p=0.024) were predictive of RWMA. Conclusions  RWMA were frequent after SAH. High-grade SAH, an elevation in cTi levels, a history of prior stimulant drug use, and tachycardia are independent predictors of RWMA.     

Troponin I in predicting cardiac or pulmonary complications and outcome in subarachnoid haemorrhage

BACKGROUND: Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) are at risk of cardiac and pulmonary complications. Troponin I (cTnI), a reliable marker of myocardial injury, is frequently raised after SAH. AIMS: To investigate the additional value of (cTnI) in predicting cardiac or pulmonary complications and outcome in patients with SAH. METHODS: Admission cTnI was measured in a prospective series of patients admitted within 24 hours of SAH. By means of univariate and multivariate logistic regression models the additional prognostic value of raised cTnI (>0.3 microg/litre) was investigated compared with established prognosticators (clinical condition on admission, age, and amount of blood on admission computed tomography) for predicting the occurrence of pulmonary oedema, pulmonary gas exchange abnormalities, rhythm disturbances, inadequate cardiac performance, a combination of these complications, and poor outcome. Area under the operator characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) was used to assess additional prognostic value. RESULTS: Abnormal cTnI concentrations were found on admission in 35 of 68 patients. Abnormal cTnI concentrations and poor clinical condition independently predicted cardiac or pulmonary complications. After extending the model with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons scale and age in addition to abnormal cTnI, the AUC-ROC improved from 0.70 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.57 to 0.83) to 0.83 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.93). Abnormal cTnI also independently predicted poor outcome. The additional prognostic value of cTnI for poor outcome is limited. CONCLUSIONS: cTnI measurement is a powerful predictor for the occurrence of pulmonary and cardiac complications, but does not carry additional prognostic value for clinical outcome in patients with aneurysmal SAH.     

Inflammatory Pseudotumor in the Lateral Ventricle with Repeated Bleeding-Case Report-

Objective

Cardiac dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with elevation of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels. Elevation of cTnI predicts cardiopulmonary and neurological complications, and poor outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical and radiologic records of 114 (male : 30, female : 84) patients who developed aneurysmal SAH between January 2006 and June 2007 and had no history of previous cardiac problems. We evaluated their electrocardiography and cTnI level, which had been measured at admission. A cTnI level above 0.5 µg/L was defined as an indicator of cardiac injury following SAH. We examined various clinical factors for their association with cTnI elevation and analyzed data using chi-square test, t-test and logistic regression test with SPSS version 12.0. The results were considered significant at p < 0.05.

Results

The following parameters shows a correlation with cTnI elevation : higher Hunt-Hess (H-H) grade (p = 0.000), poor Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score (p = 0.000), profound pulmonary complication (p = 0.043), higher heart rate during initial three days following SAH (p = 0.029), ruptured aneurysm on communicating segment of internal carotid artery (p = 0.025), incidence of vasospasm (p = 0.421), and duration of hyperdynamic therapy for vasospasm (p = 0.292). A significant determinants for outcome were cTnI elevation (p = 0.046) and H-H grade (p = 0.000) in a multivariate study.

Conclusion

A cTnI is a good indicator for cardiopulmonary and neurologic complications and outcome following SAH. Consideration of variable clinical factors that related with cTnI elevation may be useful tactics for treatment of SAH and concomitant complications.     

Hydrocephalus in 389 patients with aneurysm-associated subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) often leads to hydrocephalus, which is commonly treated by placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. There is controversy over which factors affect the need for such treatment. In this study, data were prospectively collected from 389 consecutive patients who presented with an aneurysm-associated SAH at a single center. External ventricular drainage placement was performed as part of the treatment for acute hydrocephalus, and VP shunts were placed in patients with chronic hydrocephalus. The data were retrospectively analyzed using two-sample t-tests, Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression analysis. Overall, shunt dependency occurred in 91 of the 389 patients (23.4%). Using logistic regression analysis, two factors were found to be significantly associated with VP shunt placement: an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8–14 (8–14 versus 3–7, p = 0.016; 15 versus 3–7, p = 0.55); and aneurysm coiling (p = 0.017). Patients with an initial GCS score of 8–14 after aneurysm-associated SAH had a 2.5-fold higher risk of receiving a VP shunt than those with a GCS score of 3–7. Those with a GCS of 15 had a 50% lower risk of becoming shunt dependent than did the subgroup with a GCS score of 8–14. To clarify and strengthen these observations, prospective, randomized trials are needed.     

Evaluation of a revised Glasgow Coma Score scale in predicting long-term outcome of poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

Although many scales attempt to predict outcome following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), none have achieved universal acceptance, and most scales in common use are not statistically derived. We propose a statistically validated scale for poor grade aSAH patients that combines the Hunt and Hess grades and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores; we refer to this as the Poor Grade GCS (PGS).The GCS scores of 160 poor grade aSAH patients (Hunt and Hess Grades 4 and 5) were recorded throughout their hospital stay. Outcomes were assessed by the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Analysis of variance and the Chi-square test were used to guide an analysis of GCS breakpoints according to outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the ability of the Hunt and Hess, GCS, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons Grading Scale, and the PGS to predict long-term outcome.Outcome analysis revealed significant breakpoints in admission GCS scores: PGS-A (GCS 10–12); PGS-B (GCS 8–9); PGS-C (GCS 5–7); PGS-D (GCS 3–4) (p < 0.001). In surgical patients, 95.2% of PGS-A, 58.1% of PGS-B, 35.4% of PGS-C, and 28.6% of PGS-D had a favorable one-year outcome. When controlling for age, sex, and operation status, PGS was the only scale predictive of long-term outcome. The odds ratios (OR) for unfavorable outcome according to PGS admission scores (with PGS-A as the reference) were: PGS-B, OR = 14.2 (95% CI 1.5–140.5); PGS-C, OR = 38.5 (95% CI 4.2–340.0); and PGS-D, OR = 63.4 (95% CI 5.6–707.1). In addition to PGS admission scores, an age of 70 or greater was a significant predictor of poor outcome with an OR of 7.5 (95% CI 1.8–30.7). No patients with a PGS-C or PGS-D over the age of 70 had a favorable long-term outcome.Therefore, elements of the Hunt and Hess and GCS can be combined into the PGS to predict long-term outcome in poor grade aSAH patients. However, patients with PGS-C and PGS-D over the age of 70 should be assessed carefully prior to definitive treatment.     

Insight in schizophrenia–course and predictors during the acute treatment phase of patients suffering from a schizophrenia spectrum disorder

BackgroundTo analyse insight of illness during the course of inpatient treatment, and to identify influencing factors and predictors of insight.MethodsInsight into illness was examined in 399 patients using the item G12 of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (“lack of insight and judgement”). Ratings of the PANSS, HAMD, UKU, GAF, SOFAS, SWN-K and Kemp's compliance scale were performed and examined regarding their potential association with insight. The item G12 was kept as an ordinal variable to compare insight between subgroups of patients.ResultsAlmost 70% of patients had deficits in their insight into illness at admission. A significant improvement of impairments of insight during the treatment (p < 0.0001) was observed. At admission more severe positive and negative symptoms, worse functioning and worse adherence were significantly associated with poorer insight. Less depressive symptoms (p = 0.0004), less suicidality (p = 0.0218), suffering from multiple illness-episodes (p < 0.0001) and worse adherence (p = 0.0012) at admission were identified to be significant predictors of poor insight at discharge.ConclusionThe revealed predictors might function as treatment targets in order to improve insight and with it outcome of schizophrenia.     

Prognostic Value of Serum S100 Protein by Elecsys S100 Immunoassay in Patients with Spontaneous Subarachnoid and Intracerebral Hemorrhages

Objective

The serum S100 protein has been known to reflect the severity of neuronal damage. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of the serum S100 protein by Elecsys S100 immunoassay in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and to establish reference value for this new method.

Methods

Serum S100 protein value was measured at admission, day 3 and 7 after bleeding in 42 consecutive patients (SAH : 20, ICH : 22) and 74 healthy controls, prospectively. Admission Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, Hunt & Hess grade and Fisher grade for SAH, presence of intraventricular hemorrhage, ICH volume, and outcome at discharge were evaluated. Degrees of serum S100 elevation and their effect on outcomes were compared between two groups.

Results

Median S100 levels in SAH and ICH groups were elevated at admission (0.092 versus 0.283 µg/L) and at day 3 (0.110 versus 0.099 µg/L) compared to healthy controls (0.05 µg/L; p<0001). At day 7, however, these levels were normalized in both groups. Time course of S100 level in SAH patient was relatively steady at least during the first 3 days, whereas in ICH patient it showed abrupt S100 surge on admission and then decreased rapidly during the next 7 days, suggesting severe brain damage at the time of bleeding. In ICH patient, S100 level on admission correlated well with GCS score (r=-0.859; p=0.0001) and ICH volume (r=0.663; p=0.001). A baseline S100 level more than 0.199 µg/L predicted poor outcome with 92% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Logistic regression analyses showed Ln (S100) on admission as the only independent predictor of poor outcome (odd ratio 36.1; 95% CI, 1.98 to 656.3).

Conclusion

Brain damage in ICH patient seems to develop immediately after bleeding, whereas in SAH patients it seems to be sustained for few days. Degree of brain damage is more severe in ICH compared to SAH group based on the S100 level. S100 level is considered an independent predictor of poor outcome in patient with spontaneous ICH, but not in SAH. Further study with large population is required to confirm this result.     

Lower initial red blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid predicts good functional outcome in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage

Background and purpose

Red blood cell (RBC) degradation after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) negatively affects functional outcome. Although the detection of RBCs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a widely available part of neurological routine diagnostics, the prognostic value as a biomarker remains unclear. This study was undertaken to investigate whether CSF RBC count correlates with established radiological markers of SAH volume and whether the CSF RBC count can predict functional outcome in SAH patients.

Methods

A total of 121 consecutive spontaneous SAH patients were retrospectively analyzed. CSF was collected from external ventricular drain as part of routine diagnostic procedures. We used multivariable binary logistic regression to investigate associations between CSF RBC counts and functional outcome 3 months after SAH or hospital survival. Good functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale ≤ 2.

Results

Patients' age was 60 ± 14 years, and the median admission Hunt & Hess grade (H&H) was 4. CSF samples were collected 2 days after intensive care unit admission. High CSF RBC counts positively correlated with radiological measurements for SAH volume, for example, modified Fisher score (p = 0.002) and Hijdra ventricle score (p = 0.016). Multivariable regression analysis adjusted for age, H&H grade, modified Fisher and Hijdra scores showed that low CSF RBC counts predicted hospital survival (per 100,000 CSF RBCs: adjusted odds ratio [adjOR] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61–0.89, p = 0.001) and good functional outcome after 3 months (per 100,000 CSF RBC: adjOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.60–0.96, p = 0.020).

Conclusions

CSF RBC counts correlate with radiographic scores quantifying SAH volume and may serve as an early independent biomarker for hospital survival and good functional 3-month outcome in patients requiring ventriculostomy after SAH.     

Increased cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine correlate with adverse clinical outcome in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

Elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, have been found in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In addition, CSF levels of ADMA are associated with the severity of vasospasm. However, the relation between CSF ADMA levels and the clinical outcome of SAH patients is still unclear. We hypothesized that elevated ADMA levels in CSF might be related to the clinical outcome of SAH patients. CSF ADMA levels were measured in 20 SAH patients at days 3–5, days 7–9 and days 12–14 after SAH onset using high-performance liquid chromatography. Cerebral vasospasm was assessed by transcranial Doppler ultra sonography. Clinical outcome at 2 year follow-up was evaluated using the Karnofsky Performance Status scale (KPS). CSF ADMA concentrations in all SAH patients were significantly increased at days 3–5 (p = 0.002) after SAH, peaked on days 7–9 (p < 0.001) and remained elevated until days 12–14 (p < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, significant increases of CSF ADMA levels were found in patients both with and without vasospasm. The KPS scores significantly correlated with CSF levels of ADMA at days 7–9 (correlation coefficient = −0.55, p = 0.012; 95% confidence interval −0.80 to −0.14). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that higher ADMA level at days 7–9 predicted a poor clinical outcome at 2 year follow-up after SAH (odds ratio = 1.722, p = 0.039, 95% confidence interval 1.029 to 2.882). ADMA may be directly involved in the pathological process and future adverse prognosis of SAH.     

The influence of race on outcome following subarachnoid hemorrhage

The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between race and outcome following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We identified all SAH discharges in New York City during 2003. An adverse outcome was defined as in-hospital death or discharge other than to home. While correcting for age and gender, we examined the effect of race and payor status on outcome following SAH. Forty-four percent of patients with SAH were white. Being white had a significant relationship with outcome when controlled for payor status (odds ratio 0.56). Among self-pay/Medicaid patients, fewer white (52%) individuals suffered poor outcomes than non-white (66%, p = 0.03). Our results establish that white patients in New York City with SAH have better outcomes than non-whites. While it is unclear whether this discrepancy is secondary to pathophysiological differences or unidentified social factors, our findings demonstrate that this effect is independent of insurance status, and emphasize the need for further investigation into racial disparities in outcome following SAH.     

Should we treat patients with impaired consciousness and periodic patterns on EEG?

PurposeThe significance of periodic EEG patterns in patients with impaired consciousness is controversial. We aimed to determine if treating these patterns influences clinical outcome.MethodWe studied all patients who had periodic discharges on their EEG recordings from January 2007 to December 2009. Patients with clinical seizures within the preceding 24 h, or with unequivocal electrographical seizure activity were excluded. Logistic regression was performed to analyze for factors associated with (a) mortality (b) functional status (c) resolution of EEG pattern.ResultsOf the 4246 patients who had EEG, 111 (2.6%) had periodic EEG patterns. 64 met inclusion criteria. In adjusted analysis, higher mortality was associated with acute symptomatic etiology (OR 17.74, 95% CI 1.61–196.07, p = 0.019), and presence of clinical seizures (OR 4.73, 95% CI 1.10–20.34, p = 0.037). For each unit decrement of GCS, the odds of inpatient mortality and a poorer functional state on discharge increased by 23% (95% CI 7–37%, p = 0.009) and 33% (95% CI 9–51%, p = 0.011) respectively. Administration of abortive therapy was an independent risk factor for poorer functional status on discharge (adjusted OR 41.39, 95% CI 2.88–594.42, p = 0.006), while patients with history of pre-existing cerebral disease appeared more likely to return to baseline functional status on discharge (unadjusted OR 5.00, 95% CI 1.40–17.86, p = 0.013).ConclusionTreatment of periodic EEG patterns does not independently improve clinical outcome of patients with impaired conscious levels. Occurrence of seizures remote to the time of EEG and lower GCS scores independently predict poor prognoses.     

Influencing factors and predictors of early improvement in the acute treatment of schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorder

Background

To examine the influencing factors and predictors of early improvement in schizophrenia patients.

Methods

370 patients suffering from a schizophrenia spectrum disorder were examined within a naturalistic multicenter study. Early improvement was defined as a ≥30% PANSS total score reduction within the first two treatment weeks, response as a ≥50% improvement of the PANSS total score from admission to discharge and remission according to the consensus remission criteria. Baseline and course-related variables such as positive, negative and depressive symptoms, side effects, functioning and subjective well-being were examined regarding their explanatory value for early improvement.

Results

46% of the patients were identified to be early improvers. Of these, 77% became treatment responder at discharge and 74% achieved the consensus remission criteria. Amongst others, early improvers were significantly more often first-episode patients (p = 0.009), with a significantly shorter duration of current episode (p = 0.024) and a shorter duration of the illness (p = 0.0094). A higher PANSS positive subscore (p = 0.0089), a higher score in the Strauss-Carpenter-Prognostic Scale (SCPS) (p < 0.0001), less extrapyramidal side effects (p = 0.0004) at admission and the development of less extrapyramidal side effects within the first two treatment weeks (p = 0.0013) as well as a duration of current episode of ≤6 months (p = 0.0373) were identified to be significant predictors of early improvement.

Conclusion

Early improvement is associated with less illness chronicity and seems to be independent of the type of antipsychotic and the antipsychotic dosage applied. The SCPS was found to be a valuable tool to detect early improvers already at the initiation of antipsychotic treatment.     

Successful Enteral Nutritional Support in the Neurocritical Care Unit

Purpose  Adequate caloric intake is associated with improved outcome in neurocritical illness, but factors influencing the provision of enteral nutrition (EN) have not been systematically evaluated. The primary goal of the study was to determine the EN intake of neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients within the first week of illness and investigate the factors contributing to achieving caloric goals. Methods  A retrospective cohort of adult patients admitted to the neurosurgery service (NS) during August 2005–August 2006 were randomly selected and stratified into three groups based on their ICU-admission Glasgow Coma Scale Score (GCS) (GCS > 11, GCS 8–11, GCS 4–7). Daily EN intake, GCS, and other clinical data were collected. Results  A total of 71 patients were included (GCS > 11 = 23, GCS 8–11 = 23, GCS 4–7 = 25). Admitting diagnoses included traumatic brain injury (TBI) (32%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (32%), and intracerebral hemorrhage (17%). The overall in-hospital mortality was 23.9%. Overall, the maximum daily mean calories provided was 1,100 kcal (mean of 55% of caloric goal on hospital day 6). The median time to feeding was approximately 3 days in each group. GCS did not appear to significantly affect the mean % of caloric goal administered in patients with a minimum daily GCS ≤ 11 (P = 0.053). Multivariate analysis revealed that clinical care factors, such as time to EN orders and enteral access confirmation, were significant impediments to EN provision (P = 0.001). Conclusion  System-based clinical care factors appear to have great impact on the successful provision of EN in the first week of neurocritical illness.     

Early Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Non-Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage who Undergo Catheter Angiography: Incidence,Associated Risk Factors and Impact on Outcome

ObjectivesAfter subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), potential renal insults are numerous but the burden of early acute kidney injury (AKI) is unclear. We determined its incidence, rate of persistence, risk factors, and impact on patients’ outcomes.Materials and MethodsPatients with non-traumatic SAH were retrospectively included if they underwent catheter angiography within the 48 h after their admission to the intensive care unit. Early AKI was defined according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) criteria, analyzed from the time of catheter angiography. Early AKI was considered as persistent if the KDIGO stage did not decrease between the 48th and the 60th hour.ResultsAmong 499 consecutive patients, early AKI (mostly oliguria) occurred in 132 (26%): stage 1, 2 and 3 in 72 (14%), 44 (9%), and 16 (3%) patients, respectively. It persisted in 36% of cases. Early AKI occurred more likely when SAH was severe or renal function was impaired at hospital admission: adjusted odds ratio of 2.76 [95% 1.77–4.30] and 3.32 [1.17–9.46], respectively. ICU and hospital lengths of stay were longer in patients who developed early AKI than in patients who did not: 16 [9–29] versus 12 [4–24] days (p = 0.0003) and 21 [14–43] versus 16 [11–32] days (p = 0.007), respectively. There was an independent link between early AKI and renal outcome (n = 274 in the model) but not with hospital mortality (n = 453).ConclusionsOne quarter of our population developed early AKI, mostly oliguria. It persisted beyond the 48th hour in one third of cases. The associated risk factors we identified were non-modifiable.     

Cardiac-cerebral-renal associations in pediatric traumatic brain injury: Preliminary findings

ObjectiveThe clinical epidemiology of organ outcomes in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) has not been examined. We describe associated markers of cerebral, cardiac and renal injury after pediatric TBI.DesignProspective observational study.PatientsChildren 0–18 years who were hospitalized with TBI.MeasurementsMeasures of myocardial (at least one elevated plasma troponin [cTnI] ≥ 0.4 ng/ml) and multiorgan (hemodynamic variables, cerebral perfusion, and renal) function were examined within the first ten days of hospital admission and within 24 h of each other.Main ResultsData from 28 children who were 11[IQR 10.3] years, male (64.3%), with isolated TBI (67.9%), injury severity score (ISS) 25[10], and admission Glasgow coma score (GCS) 11[9] were examined. Overall, 50% (14 children) had elevated cTnI, including those with isolated TBI (57.9%; 11/19), polytrauma (33.3%; 3/9), mild TBI (57.1% 8/14), and severe TBI (42.9%; 6/11). Elevated cTnI occurred within the first six days of admission and across all age groups, in both sexes, and regardless of TBI lesion type, GCS, and ISS. Age-adjusted admission tachycardia was associated with cTnI elevation (AUC 0.82; p < 0.001). Reduced urine output occurred more commonly in patients with isolated TBI (27.3% elevated cTnI vs. 0% normal cTnI).ConclusionsMyocardial injury commonly occurs during the first six days after pediatric TBI irrespective of injury severity, age, sex, TBI lesion type, or polytrauma. Age-adjusted tachycardia may be a clinical indicator of myocardial injury, and elevated troponin may be associated with cardio-cerebro-renal dysfunction.