The relationship between the severity of a neurological condition and the blood coagulation/fibrinolytic system in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage

In order to examine the relationship between the hemostatic systems and the severity of neurological changes, shortly after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) we reviewed 30 patients who had been admitted within 6 hours after the onset of SAH. Peripheral blood samples were obtained within 6 hours of the onset of SAH. There was a significant correlation between increased values of serum antithrombin III, thrombin-antithrombin III complexes, fibrinopeptide B beta 15-42, D-dimers, and the neurological severity of SAH. The data suggest that the activation of the blood coagulation system as well as the fibrinolytic system (especially the secondary fibrinolysis) occurs early in the course of SAH, particularly in patients with a severe neurological condition.     

Enhancement of cerebral blood flow using systemic hypertonic saline therapy improves outcome in patients with poor-grade spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECT: Systemic administration of 23.5% hypertonic saline enhances cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with poor-grade spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Whether the increment of change in CBF correlates with changes in autoregulation of CBF or outcome at discharge remains unknown. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with poor-grade spontaneous SAH received 2 ml/kg 23.5% hypertonic saline intravenously, and they underwent bedside transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. Seventeen of them underwent Xe-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scanning for measuring CBF. Outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge from the hospital. The data were analyzed using repeated-measurement analysis of variance and Dunnett correction. A comparison was made between patients with favorable and unfavorable outcomes using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The authors observed a maximum increase in blood pressure by 10.3% (p < 0.05) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) by 21.2% (p < 0.01) at 30 minutes, followed by a maximum decrease in ICP by 93.1% (p < 0.01) at 60 minutes. Changes in ICP and CPP persisted for longer than 180 and 90 minutes, respectively. The results of TCD ultrasonography showed that the baseline autoregulation was impaired on the ipsilateral side of ruptured aneurysm, and increments in flow velocities were higher and lasted longer on the contralateral side (48.75% compared with 31.96% [p = 0.045] and 180 minutes compared with 90 minutes [p < 0.05], respectively). The autoregulation was briefly impaired on the contralateral side during the infusion. A dose-dependent effect of CBF increments on favorable outcome was seen on Xe-CT scans (mRS Score 1-3, odds ratio 1.27 per 1 ml/100 g tissue x min, p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Bolus systemic hypertonic saline therapy may be used for reversal of cerebral ischemia to normal perfusion in patients with poor-grade SAH.     

A case of subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage has recently been documented in most patients, as the main cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). No cases of SIH accompanying an episode of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has yet been reported and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient, who developed SAH during his clinical course of SIH. SAH was cured completely by surgical intervention. A 57-year-old man, with a history of a sustained postural headache, suffered the sudden onset of severe nuchal pain. SAH in the basal cistern, together with the finding of bilateral subdural fluid retention were verified by CT. Angiogram showed no vascular abnormalities of cerebral or cervical vessels. Gd-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) disclosed diffuse meningeal enhancement. RI cisternogram and CT-myelogram (CTM) suggested that the region of CSF leakage should be in the retrospinal area at the level of C1-2. Because orthostatic headache failed to resolve even with 3 weeks of bed rest, surgical intervention was successfully carried out to seal the site of CSF leakage with the use of a fascia and fibrin glue. We have speculated that the etiology of SAH might have been a secondary rupture of congestive intracranial veins, such as basilar plexus or bridging veins, induced by a decrease of intracranial CSF pressure.     

Deteriorating factors on the outcome in patients with fair grade of subarachnoid hemorrhage (WFNS grade I and II)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although, the overall treatment results in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been improving in recent years, more than 10% of the patients with WFNS grade I and II we have sought to determine the clinical variables for predicting poor functional outcome and symptomatic vasospasm (VS) in patients with individual WFNS grades. MEASUREMENTS: The eligible patient fulfilled the following conditions; (1) ruptured aneurysm located in the anterior part of the circle of Willis, (2) surgically clipped followed by craniotomy under microscope, (3) early surgery within 72 hours, (4) classified to WFNS grade I or II. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed in 119 patients (63 of grade I and 56 of grade II). Sex, age, Fisher's CT group, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), site of aneurysm, VS, hydrocephalus, premature bleeding and complications of various kinds were selected as the dependent variables. The contributions of these factors to outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale, GOS) as well as VS were analyzed using the logistic regression method. MAIN RESULTS: Outcome was better in WFNS grade I (p=0.039), and VS occurred less often and responded well to various interventional techniques and drug delivery. No significant variables contributed to the poor outcome or VS in WFNS grade I. In WFNS grade II, logistic regression analysis showed that VS (OR 34.6, 95% CI, 30.8-38.9, p =0.012) and the complications (OR 52.4, 95% CI, 46.5-59.1, p=0.004) were significant predictors for a poor outcome. Fisher's group 3 was also the only significant factors in VS (OR 3.78, 95% CI, 3.35-4.28, p =0.039). The cause for the difference in outcome and VS were discussed in detail. CONCLUSION: The vasospasm and various kinds of complications were the predictive factors of poor clinical outcome, in patient of WFNS garde II. Therefore, careful management and meticulous/pertinent surgical maneuvers are mandatory to obtain better results in aneurysmal SAH, even in better WFNS grades.     

The influence of apolipoprotein E genotype on outcome after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE: Possession of an apolipoprotein E (APOE)epsilon4 allele has been shown to be associated with a poor outcome after closed head injury and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage but not after ischemic stroke. This study assessed the influence of the APOE genotype on outcome in patients admitted to a neurosurgical unit with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage were studied. Four patients were excluded because the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage was not confirmed. The incidence of rehemorrhage and delayed ischemia and the outcome at 6 months were determined using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. APOE genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion. RESULTS: Allele frequencies in this patient group were 0.04 for epsilon2, 0.86 for epsilon3, and 0.1 for epsilon4. Of 96 patients, 72 had an aneurysmal hemorrhage and 1 had a hemorrhage from an arteriovenous malformation. In 14 patients, the results of angiography were negative, and in 9, no angiogram was performed. Of the 96 patients, 20 had one or more epsilon4 allele. Outcome at 6 months was no worse in patients with one or more epsilon4 allele than in those with no epsilon4 allele (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-2.74). None of the 12 patients who experienced delayed ischemic deterioration had an epsilon4 allele. Of the 20 patients with an epsilon4 allele, 3 had a rehemorrhage, as compared with 6 of 76 patients without an epsilon4 allele. CONCLUSION: There was underrepresentation of the epsilon4 allele in this group when compared with previously studied cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage with a fatal outcome and with the general population. This suggests that patients with the epsilon4 allele who have a subarachnoid hemorrhage are less likely to be admitted to a neurosurgical unit. This study does not support an association between possession of an epsilon4 allele and poor outcome in patients admitted to a neurosurgical unit with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, although the wide confidence interval does not preclude a clinically relevant association between APOE genotype and outcome. The findings indicate that an association between genotype and the development of delayed ischemic complications after subarachnoid hemorrhage may be possible.     

Case-control study of clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

The clinical and neuropathological features of 84 nonsurvivors of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (consecutive autopsy series) were compared with those of 51 survivors (consecutive clinical series). The groups differed significantly in the type of bleeding: 58% of the nonsurvivors had massive subarachnoid hemorrhage (MSAH) compared to 10% of the survivors (P less than 0.00001); 54% of the nonsurvivors had intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) compared to 29% of the survivors (P less than 0.008); 45% of the nonsurvivors had intracerebral hematoma (ICH) compared to 8% of the survivors (P less than 0.00001). Only 1 of the 19 patients with both MSAH and ICH survived. The incidence of cerebral infarction was similar in nonsurvivors (31%) and survivors (29%). In the absence of associated MSAH, IVH, or ICH, cerebral infarction was uncommon (11%). Documented in-hospital rebleeding was uncommon in nonsurvivors (13%) and survivors (2%). Admission neurological status did not predict outcome independent of the extent of the initial bleeding. Comparison of the two groups suggests that the type and extent of initial bleeding are the most important determinants of mortality in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.     

113例自发性蛛网膜下腔出血病人的护理

目的探讨自发性蛛网膜下腔出血病人的护理要点。方法对113例自发性蛛网膜下腔出血病人的临床资料进行分析、总结。结果113例自发性蛛网膜下腔出血病人中,治愈66例,好转19例,恶化5例,死亡23例,治疗、护理效果满意。结论配合医生进行积极地抢救病人,使病人得到及时、准确的治疗和护理,提高治愈率,提高病人的生存质量,是自发性蛛网膜下腔出血病人护理工作的重点。     

A study of ionized calcium in the whole blood of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage]

In 14 normal volunteers and 22 consecutive patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, ionized calcium (Ca2+) concentrations in whole blood were measured using an automatic calcium analyzer. The values were corrected against pH 7.4. The relationships between the Ca2+ concentration and the following aspects were studied: neurological grading by Hunt and Kosnik, grade of SAH on computed tomography scan by Fisher's definition, and the presence of vasospasm. Clinical vasospasm was recognized in eight cases. The averaged Ca2+ value of the control group was 1.23 +/- 0.02 mmol/l. In patients with a poor neurological grade or severe SAH, the Ca2+ level was apt to be lower than that of the control group. In patients with vasospasm, the values of Ca2+ were significantly decreased, especially between 8 and 14 days after SAH, compared with those patients without vasospasm and the control group (p less than 0.05). These results indicate that measurement of Ca2+ concentration in whole blood may give a useful clue to treatment of vasospasm by calcium antagonist and that it may also provide a possible indicator as to the time of vasospasm in patients with severe SAH. However, it is very difficult to conclude whether decreased level of Ca2+ in patients with vasospasm is caused by the vasospasm itself.     

Ventricular dilatation and communicating hydrocephalus following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Ventricular dilatation following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a well recognized phenomenon. Its clinical significance, however, remains controversial. Two phases are distinguished, the acute or early, occurring soon after the ictus, and the chronic or late, developing after the second week. The authors studied the ventricular size in 210 patients with spontaneous SAH through the course of their illness and convalescence by means of serial computerized tomography (CT) scans. Their findings suggest that ventricular dilatation soon after SAH is not always clinically significant and does not necessarily require shunting before definitive surgery. Delayed symptomatic ventricular enlargement (communicating hydrocephalus) occurs in 7% of the patients and can be safely diagnosed on the basis of the clinical picture and CT scan appearances. Treatment with a ventricular shunting system is almost invariably rewarding.     

肝硬化门静脉血栓形成患者凝血和纤溶系统变化的临床研究

目的研究肝硬化门静脉血栓形成（PVT）患者凝血和纤溶系统的变化。方法肝炎后肝硬化患者共87例,26例合并PVT作为血栓组,余61例作为对照组。对两组血小板（Pt）、凝血酶原时间（PT）、活化部分凝血活酶时间（APTT）、纤维蛋白原（Fib）、D-二聚体（D-dimer）、组织纤溶酶原激活物（t-PA）和纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂-1（PAI-1）进行检测,对比两组各项指标的差异。结果血栓组患者D—dimer为（0．97±0．53）mg／L,显著高于对照组的（0．61±0．40）mg／L,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P=0．001）。血栓组与对照组的Pt、PT、APTT、Fib、t-PA和PAI-1检测结果差异无统计学意义。PT和APTT随肝功能恶化而延长,Fib随肝功能恶化而减少,Child-Push分级间比较差异有统计学意义。Pt随肝功能恶化而减少,t—PA和PAI-1随肝功能恶化而升高,但Child-Prtgh分级间比较差异无统计学意义。结论肝硬化患者凝血和纤溶系统存在明显异常。肝硬化PVT患者与无PVT患者相比D-dimer明显升高。肝硬化患者应常规检测D-dimer,如异常升高则提示患者可能合并PVT。     

Correlation between cerebral blood flow and oxygen saturation in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury

The INVOS cerebral oximeter and portable xenon enhanced CT (Xe/CT) scan are two commonly used diagnostic devices in patients who have experienced neurologic insults such as traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage. While the INVOS device is a relatively inexpensive, non-invasive measure of cerebral blood oxygen saturation, Xe/CT is a more complex costly diagnostic test that is the current gold standard for assessing cerebral perfusion in patients in the neurosciences intensive care unit (NSI) at the University of New Mexico Hospital. The purpose of this research was to investigate a possible relationship between these two diagnostic devices that might enable clinicians to better determine the appropriate timing and necessity of Xe/CT scans by evaluating trends in cerebral oximetry. The research was conducted in the University of New Mexico Hospital NSI over 18 months, with 25 imaging studies being collected from among 22 patients. Computer generated cortical segments obtained from the Xe/CT scans were correlated to INVOS cerebral oximeter pad placement on each patient's forehead, and the values were then compared using Spearman correlation coefficients. In this study, no statistically significant relationship between the devices was found although expansion of the study to a greater number of patients may uncover such a relationship.