High incidence of hyponatremia in patients with ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms

We studied the incidence and timing of hyponatremia (Na < 135 mEq l-1) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with special reference to ruptured anterior communicating artery (A-com) aneurysms. Hunt and Kosnik (HK) grading, symptomatic vasospasm in A-com aneurysm, and hydrocephalus were analyzed for connections to hyponatremia in 55 patients with ruptured A-com aneurysms, 65 with ruptured internal cerebral artery (ICA) aneurysms, and 49 with ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. Hyponatremia occurred in 28 (51%) of 55 patients with A-com aneurysms and in nine (18%) of 49 patients with MCA aneurysms. Severe hyponatremia (Na < 130 mEq l-1) occurred in 16 patients (29%) in the A-com group, four patients (6%) in the ICA group, and three patients (6%) in the MCA group. The A-com aneurysm group had a significantly higher incidence of mild hyponatremia (p < 0.01) and severe hyponatremia (p < 0.001) than other groups. Among A-com cases, hyponatremia occurred significantly more often in HK grade III and IV cases (p < 0.05), in cases with vasospasm (p < 0.001), and in cases with hydrocephalus (p < 0.01). Respective days of onset for symptomatic vasospasm and for hyponatremia were day 7.6 +/- 4.4 and day 10.6 +/- 5.8 following SAH, representing a 3-day delay for hyponatremia (p < 0.05). In most patients hyponatremia resolved within 28 days following SAH. Hyponatremia occurred more often with A-com aneurysms, possibly because of vasospasm around the A-com or hydrocephalus causing hypothalamic dysfunction. Since hypervolemic therapy can cause hyponatremia, particularly careful observation is required during such therapy in patients with A-com aneurysm.     

High incidence of hyponatremia in patients with ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms

Abstract

We studied the incidence and timing of hyponatremia (Na < 135 mEq l~¹) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with special reference to ruptured anterior communicating artery (A-com) aneurysms. Hunt and Kosnik (HK) grading, symptomatic vasospasm in A-com aneurysm, and hydrocephalus were analyzed for connections to hyponatremia in 55 patients with ruptured A-com aneurysms, 65 with ruptured internal cerebral artery (ICA) aneurysms, and 49 with ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. Hyponatremia occurred in 28 (51%) of 55 patients with A-com aneurysms and in nine (18%) of 49 patients with MCA aneurysms. Severe hyponatremia (Na < 130 mEq^-1) occurred in 16 patients (29%) in the A-com group, four patients (6%) in the ICA group, and three patients (6%) in the MCA group. The A-com aneurysm group had a significantly higher incidence of mild hyponatremia (p < 0.01) and severe hyponatremia (p< 0.001) than other groups. Among A-com cases, hyponatremia occurred significantly more often in HK grade III and IV cases (p < 0.05), in cases with vasospasm (p < 0.001), and in cases with hydrocephalus (p < 0.01). Respective days of onset for symptomatic vasospasm and for hyponatremia were day 7.6 ±4.4 and day 10.6± 5.8 following SAH, representing a 3-day delay for hyponatremia (p<0.05). In most patients hyponatremia resolved within 28 days following SAH. Hyponatremia occurred more often with A-com aneurysms, possibly because of vasospasm around the A-com or hydrocephalus causing hypothalamic dysfunction. Since hypervolemic therapy can cause hyponatremia, particularly careful observation is required during such therapy in patients with A-com aneurysm. [Neurol Res 2000; 22: 151-155     

Clinical outcome of spontaneous non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in 108 patients

Background: The cause of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is unknown in 15% of cases; idiopathic SAH has a better prognosis than aneurysmal SAH. When bleeding is confined to the perimesencephalic cisterns, SAH has an especially benign course. Methods: We retrospectively studied 108 patients admitted for spontaneous non‐aneurysmal SAH between 1991 and 2004. We divided patients into two groups according to the bleeding pattern at cranial CT: perimesencephalic pattern (n = 60) and aneurysmal pattern (n = 48). We included only patients in whom no source of bleeding was detected at angiography; patients with aneurysmal pattern underwent at least two angiographic examinations. Mean follow‐up was 5.5 years; follow‐up consisted of telephone interview in 84.7% of patients. Results: All but one patient with perimesencephalic pattern were classified as grade I or II on the Hunt and Hess scale; the exception was the only patient in this group with a complication (hydrocephalus), who was classified as grade IV. Three‐quarters of the patients with aneurysmal pattern were classified as grade I or II on the Hunt and Hess scale; 5 patients presented with hydrocephalus that required drainage and 2 with vasospasms without repercussions. No rebleeding or long‐term complications were observed in either group. Conclusions: Non‐aneurysmal SAH with a perimesencephalic pattern of bleeding has a benign course and excellent short‐term and long‐term prognosis. Patients with non‐aneurysmal SAH with an aneurysmal pattern of bleeding have more complications, and the initial clinical situation has a significant impact on their prognosis.     

Causes of morbidity and mortality, with special reference to surgical complications, after early aneurysm operation: a prospective, one-year study from neurosurgical units in Sweden

In the present prospective study, 6.93 of Sweden's 8.59 million inhabitants (81%) were covered by the five participating centres. All patients with verified aneurysmal SAH admitted between June 1, 1989 and May 31, 1990, were enrolled. Basically, all participating centres have the same management protocol for SAH victims, including ultra-early referral to a neurosurgical unit, followed by pan-angiography and surgery as early as logistically possible.
In this presentation, 145 patients who preoperatively were in Hunt & Hess Grades I—III and who underwent surgery for a supratentorial aneurysm within 72 h after the bleed, are evaluated. Eighty-one% (117 patients) made a good recovery. The morbidity was 12% (17 patients) and the mortality 7% (11 patients). The most common cause of unfavorable outcome was surgical complications, which accounted for 8% of the total series (12 patients). A subanalysis of these cases did reveal a positive correlation to higher age and more severe SAH on CAT scan.     

颅内大脑中动脉动脉瘤的介入栓塞治疗

目的 探讨颅内大脑中动脉动脉瘤的介入栓塞疗的可行性.方法 对2002年1月至2007年12月共介入治疗颅内大脑中动脉动脉瘤62例患者,共计64个动脉瘤,进行致残率和致死率的统计并行6个月的随访研究.结果 经6个月以上的随访,62例患者无一例死亡;有1例再出血,经开颅血肿清除动脉瘤夹闭后转当地医院治疗,出院时意识不清;12例患者在治疗后一过性出现神经定位体征,肢体瘫痪,感觉障碍,失语等,经抗凝,扩容治疗后恢复;1例出现上肢永久性活动障碍6个月后肌力Ⅲ级.这组病例取得了良好的治疗效果.结论 在大脑中动脉动脉瘤病例中实施介入栓塞治疗是一种安全有效的治疗方法.     

Doppler ultrasound measurement of blood flow volume in the extracranial internal carotid artery for evaluation of brain perfusion after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Monitoring of cerebral blood flow (CBF) is an essential part in the early diagnosis of cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Several methods have been established to monitor cerebral perfusion in these patients. During last few years, a new sonographic approach has been introduced, the so called 'angle independent ultrasound system' for monitoring volume flow in the internal carotid artery (ICA). The angle independent Doppler ultrasound system Quantix ND (Cardiosonix Ltd, Israel) determines the diameter of the ICA as well as the velocity of blood flow in the extracranial part of this vessel. Thus, a determination of the global CBF in the anterior circulation can be achieved. Aim of our study was to compare the Quantix ND system and the commonly used transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) in patients suffering from aneurysmal SAH. We included 11 patients (eight female and three male; Hunt and Hess I-V) and performed post-operatively/post-interventionally daily measurement of blood flow volume in the ICA, and determined the blood flow velocity in middle and anterior cerebral artery (MCA and ACA) with TCD. Six patients post-operatively/post-interventionally developed cerebral vasospasm, resulting in ischemia and territorial infarction. Three patients were chosen as case studies. In contrast to the TCD, we found a strong significant correlation of blood flow volume with Quantix ND in the ICA and the occurrence of cerebral infarction (p<0.001). These preliminary data justify further investigation of this angle independent Doppler ultrasound device. We postulate that this new tool might be effective for monitoring the CBF in the critical post-operative/post-interventional interval following aneurysmal SAH.     

Roller coaster-associated subarachnoid hemorrhage--report of 2 cases

The most common neurological injuries associated with roller coaster rides are subdural hematoma and cervical artery dissection. We report two cases of roller-coaster associated subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A 40-year-old healthy man developed a strong, holocephalic headache during a roller coaster ride. SAH Hunt & Hess grade II and Fisher grade 3 was diagnosed. An underlying aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery was successfully treated with coil embolization. A 41-year-old female (smoker, otherwise healthy) experienced a sudden, strong headache and diplopia during a roller coaster ride. A perimesencephalic SAH (Hunt & Hess grade II, Fisher grade 3) was disclosed by a CT scan. No aneurysm was detected on angiography. Both patients were discharged without neurological disability. In conclusion, SAH is a rare but relevant differential diagnosis in cases of acute headache during roller coaster rides. Both aneurysmal and non-aneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH can occur. A combination of mechanical factors and excessive blood pressure rises in vulnerable persons is discussed.     

Results of surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in northern Norway: a retrospective study with special focus on timing of surgery in a rural area

OBJECTIVES: This study reports data on time consumption before aneurysm surgery and the results of treatment in northern Norway. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 279 cases were identified and included in our analysis of time span from bleeding to arrival at our department. Fifty-one patients were treated conservatively, either because of bad clinical condition or because angiography revealed no aneurysm. The remaining 228 patients were operated and included in our analysis of outcome after early aneurysm surgery. RESULTS: Among all 279 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), median time from ictus to arrival at the university hospital was 1 (0-30) day. Forty-one per cent arrived at the day of bleeding and 86% within the first 3 days after bleeding. Among the 228 patients who underwent surgical aneurysm repair, median time from bleeding to operation was 2 (0-33) days. Early aneurysm surgery (< 72 h) was performed in 146 patients (64%). Fifty patients (22%) underwent intermediate surgery (days 4-10) and 32 patients (14%) were operated later (day 11 or later). A significant association was found between Hunt and Hess (HH) grade and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients suffering aneurysmal SAH in northern Norway undergo early aneurysm surgery and the outcome is comparable with that obtained in other Scandinavian centres. Initial Hunt and Hess grade is a major determinant for outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.     

Risk factors and outcome in 100 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Clinical and surgical outcome of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to ruptured aneurysm were assessed in comparison to pre-operative data and risk factors such as previous medical history, clinical presenting condition, CT findings and site of bleeding. METHODS: We evaluated 100 consecutive patients with aneurysmal SAH. Gender, color, history of hypertension, smoking habit, site and size of aneurysm, admittance and before surgery Hunt Hess scale, need for cerebro-spinal fluid shunt, presence of complications during the surgical procedure, Glasgow Outcome Scale, presence of vasospasm and of rebleeding were assessed and these data matched to outcome. For statistical analysis, we applied the chi-squared test or Fisher's test using the pondered kappa coefficient. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison of continue variables. Tendency of proportion was analyzed through Cochran-Armitage test. Significance level adopted was 5%. RESULTS: Patients studied were mainly white, female, without previous history of hypertension and non-smokers. Upon hospital admittance, grade 2 of Hunt-Hess scale was most frequently observed (34%), while grade 3 of Fisher scale was the most prevalent. Single aneurysms were most frequent at anterior circulation, between 12 and 24 mm. The most frequent Glasgow Outcome Scale observed was 5 (60%). Hunt Hess upon the moment of surgery and presence of complications during surgical procedure showed positive correlation with clinical outcome (p=0.00002 and p=0.001, respectively). Other variables were not significantly correlated to prognosis. Tendency of proportion was observed between Hunt-Hess scale and Fisher scale. CONCLUSION: Among variables such as epidemiological data, previous medical history and presenting conditions of patients with ruptured aneurysms, the Hunt-Hess scale upon the moment of surgery and the presence of surgical adversities are statistically related to degree of disability.     

Clipping versus coiling: neuropsychological follow up after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH)

Patients treated with microsurgical clipping of ruptured intracranial aneurysms often suffer from neuropsychological deficits in spite of a good neurological outcome. The purpose of this study was to explore if the deficits are related to the type of therapy. Two groups of 16 patients each suffering from aneurysmal SAH, matched for sex, age, aneurysm-site and Hunt and Hess score, and 16 control subjects were examined with a battery of neuropsychological tests including memory, attention, and executive function. Depression, mood, and quality of life were also assessed. One patient group had been treated with surgical clipping, the other with endovascular coiling. Both patient groups showed deficits in verbal and visual memory. Clipped patients were slightly more impaired than coiled patients, especially on measures of affect and on a self-assessment measure of executive function. The pattern of results suggests that the neuropsychological outcome after aneurysmal SAH is affected by both the severity of the bleeding and the type of therapy.     

Clinical characteristics of ruptured distal middle cerebral artery aneurysms: Review of the literature

Middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms usually arise at the primary MCA bifurcation or trifurcation. Distal MCA aneurysms are rarely considered as sources of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It has been reported that ruptured distal MCA aneurysms are associated with head trauma, neoplastic emboli, arterial dissection, or bacterial infection. We experienced five cases of ruptured distal MCA aneurysms and evaluated their clinical characteristics. Retrospective analysis of aneurysmal SAH at Kobayashi Neurosurgical Neurological Hospital was performed from January, 2004 to December, 2014. Clinical characteristics of ruptured distal MCA aneurysms were analyzed using our database. Among 191 aneurysmal SAH patients, there were five ruptured distal MCA aneurysms. All patients did not have any specific medical problems such as infectious disease, head trauma, or cardiac disorders. The incidence of ruptured distal MCA aneurysm was higher than expected and was equivalent to 9.4% of the total ruptured MCA aneurysms. Strong male predominance (80%) and M2–3 junction aneurysm preponderance (80%) were observed. In addition, there were only two patients (40%) with intracerebral hematoma in our study. We reported five cases of ruptured distal MCA aneurysms. Although ruptured distal MCA aneurysms are thought to be rare as sources of aneurysmal SAH, the incidence of ruptured distal MCA aneurysm was 9.4% of all ruptured MCA aneurysms in our study. Ruptured distal MCA aneurysms should be considered as sources of aneurysmal SAH without intracerebral hematoma.     

显微手术治疗颅内动脉瘤后脑血管痉挛和预后的影响因素分析

目的 探讨影响显微手术治疗颅内动脉瘤的预后和脑血管痉挛(CVS)发生的相关因素.方法 收集深圳市第二人民医院神经外科自2006年6月至2009年5月行显微手术治疗的322例颅内动脉瘤患者的临床资料,Logistic回归分析年龄、性别、血压、血糖、手术时机、Fisher's分级、Hunt-Hess分级、感染等因素对患者预后及CVS发生的影响.结果 多因素Logistic回归分析显示年龄、Hunt-Hess分级、Fisher's分级、CVS、感染、腰穿次数是影响患者预后的独立危险因素(P<0.05);Hunt-Hess分级、Fisher's分级、动脉瘤数量、终板造瘘、腰穿次数、感染是影响CVS发生的独立危险因素(P<0.05).结论 年龄、Hunt-Hess分级、Fisher's分级、CVS、腰穿次数、感染影响患者预后,其中CVS是最重要的影响因素.CVS受Hunt-Hess分级、Fisher's分级、动脉瘤数量、终板造瘘、腰穿次数及感染因素影响.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the relevant factors of prognosis of intracranial aneurysms after microsurgical treatment and risk factors of cerebral vasospasm (CVS). Methods Three hundred and twenty-two patients with intracranial aneurysms, admitted to and received surgical treatment in our hospital from June 2006 to May 2009, were chosen in our study; their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the influences of age, gender, blood pressure level, blood sugar level, operation time, Fisher's grade, Hunt Hess grade and infection on the prognosis of patients with intracranial aneurysms and the risk of CVS. Results Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that age, Hunt Hess grade, Fisher's grade, CVS, infection and lumber puncture times were the independent risk factors influencing the prognosis of patients with intracranial aneurysms (P< 0.05). Hunt Hess grade, Fisher's grade, number of aneurysms, endplate colostomy, lumber puncture times and infection were the independent risk factors of CVS (P<0.05). Conclusion Age, Hunt Hess grade, Fisher' s grade, CVS, lumber puncture times and infection are the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with intracranial aneurysms, among which, CVS is the most important factor. CVS is mainly affected by Hunt Hess grade, Fisher's grade, number of aneurysms, endplate colostomy, lumber puncture times and infection.     

Characterizing the individual course of health-related quality of life after subarachnoid haemorrhage: Latent growth mixture modelling

BackgroundSurvivors of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) show heterogeneous profiles of health-related quality of life (HrQoL). The aim of this study was to characterize individual differences in the course of HrQoL following SAH using latent growth mixture modelling (LGMM).MethodsA longitudinal study with 113 incident cases of aneurysmal SAH was performed in order to evaluate clinical outcome (Hunt and Hess scale, Barthel-Index, Beck Depression Inventory) and HrQoL data (EQ-5D) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The heterogeneity in HrQoL courses after SAH was analysed using LGMM.ResultsFour subgroups (classes) of different patterns of HrQoL course after SAH were identified. Two of these classes (1 and 3) comprised patients with considerably reduced initial HrQoL, which was associated with more severe symptoms of SAH. Class 1 showing the worst EQ5D-index values during the entire study period. Class 3 experiencing a considerable improvement in HrQoL values. In comparison to classes 1 and 3, class 2 and 4 were characterized by less severe SAH and better functional outcome. An important difference in the disease course between classes 2 and 4 was a temporary increase in depression scores at the 6-month time point in class 4, which was associated with a considerable reduction in HrQoL.The specific clinical parameters characterizing differences between classes, such as severity of SAH, functional outcome, cognitive impairment and post-stroke depression, were identified and the influence of their potential improvement on HrQoL was estimated.ConclusionBy means of LGMM we could classify the course of HrQoL after SAH in four different patterns, which are relevant for the clinical decisions. Clinical parameters, which can be modified in order to improve the course of HrQoL were identified and could help to develop individual therapeutic strategies for the rehabilitation after SAH.     

Reduction of ischemic sequelae following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage: a double-blind, randomized comparison of enoxaparin versus placebo

BACKGROUND: Cerebral vasospasm, including its ischemic sequelae, remains a leading cause of death and disability following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study was designed to evaluate whether the low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) enoxaparin reduces the occurrence of cerebral vasospasm and ischemia following spontaneous SAH. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, randomized study was conducted in 120 consecutive patients with SAH (Hunt Hess Scale (HHS) I-III). Patients received one subcutaneous injection per day of either 20mg enoxaparin or placebo for 3 weeks following SAH. Efficacy endpoints were the occurrence of cerebral vasospasm, delayed ischemic deficit (DID), cerebral infarction, and overall outcome at 1 year following SAH. RESULTS: At 1-year follow-up, enoxaparin significantly reduced DID and cerebral infarction. Delayed ischemic deficit occurred in 8.8% of the enoxaparin group versus 66.7% of the placebo group (P<0.001), while 3.5% of vasospasm-related cerebral infarctions occurred in enoxaparin-treated patients and 28.3% in placebo-treated patients (P<0.001). Severe shunt-dependent hydrocephalus was significantly lower in the enoxaparin group (1.8% versus 16.7%; P=0.019). Compared with the placebo group, the enoxaparin group had fewer intracranial bleeding events and better overall outcomes at 1-year follow-up. Although there was potential bias as a result of patients in the placebo group being more severely affected (in terms of HHS), treatment with enoxaparin for 3 weeks improved long-term outcome following SAH. CONCLUSIONS: Enoxaparin is safe and effective in reducing cerebral vasospasm and ischemia following SAH (Hunt Hess grades I-III), resulting in a better long-term outcome for the patient.     

Cerebral inflammatory response and predictors of admission clinical grade after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Poor admission clinical grade is the most important determinant of outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH); however, little attention has been focused on independent predictors of poor admission clinical grade. We hypothesized that the cerebral inflammatory response initiated at the time of aneurysm rupture contributes to ultra-early brain injury and poor admission clinical grade. We sought to identify factors known to contribute to cerebral inflammation as well as markers of cerebral dysfunction that were associated with poor admission clinical grade. Between 1997 and 2008, 850 consecutive SAH patients were enrolled in our prospective database. Demographic data, physiological parameters, and location and volume of blood were recorded. After univariate analysis, significant variables were entered into a logistic regression model to identify significant associations with poor admission clinical grade (Hunt–Hess grade 4–5). Independent predictors of poor admission grade included a SAH sum score >15/30 (odds ratio [OR] 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–3.6), an intraventricular hemorrhage sum score >1/12 (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.1–4.8), aneurysm size >10 mm (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.6), body temperature ?38.3 °C (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.4), and hyperglycemia >200 mg/dL (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.6–4.5). In a large, consecutive series of prospectively enrolled patients with SAH, the inflammatory response at the time of aneurysm rupture, as reflected by the volume and location of the hemoglobin burden, hyperthermia, and perturbed glucose metabolism, independently predicts poor admission Hunt–Hess grade. Strategies for mitigating the inflammatory response to aneurysmal rupture in the hyper-acute setting may improve the admission clinical grade, which may in turn improve outcomes.     

Migraine and delayed ischaemic neurological deficit after subarachnoid haemorrhage in women: a case–control study

The aim of the present case–control study was to investigate the role of migraine as a potential risk factor for a delayed ischaemic neurological deficit (DIND) after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). A telephone interview was performed in patients or their relatives to determine the prevalence of migraine. Thirty-six women aged <60 years had SAH with Hunt & Hess grade I–III and DIND (group A). This group was compared with an age-matched group of 36 female SAH patients, Hunt & Hess grade I–III without DIND (group B). The two populations were also characterized regarding hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus and alcohol use. A significant difference was only found for the prevalence of migraine with 47% in group A and 25% in group B ( P  < 0.05; odds ratio: 2.68, confidence interval: 0.99–7.29). Migraineurs revealed similar prevalences of risk factors independently of the presence of DINDs. This retrospective study suggests that women with migraine have a higher risk to develop a DIND than women without migraine.     

Clinical significance of natriuretic peptides in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage]

Hyponatremia and hypovolemia following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) might be speculated by exaggerated secretion of natriuretic peptides and resulted ischemic sequela caused by cerebral vasospasm. We measured serum concentration of natriuretic peptides and investigated their influence on post-SAH hyponatremia. Among 49 patients of SAH, their plasma concentration of the natriuretic peptides (atrial natriuretic peptide: ANP and brain natriuretic peptide: BNP) were measured at the day of ictus and 7th day of SAH. The correlation between concentration of natriuretic peptides and location of aneurysm, severity of SAH, incidence of hyponatremia and symptomatic vasospasm were elucidated. The plasma concentration of ANP did not alter on admission and 7th day post SAH, whereas that of BNP increased in the patients with moribund SAH and those with ruptured A-com aneurysm. The initial increase of BNP following SAH could be attributed to direct damage of SAH on the hypothalamus. Hyponatremia and symptomatic vasospasm tended to occur in the patients who had persistent increase of plasma BNP concentration during one week post SAH. Therapeutic intervention to maintain normonatremia by fluid-management decreased occurrence of symptomatic vasospasm, even though patients with increased plasma BNP concentration. It might be concluded that increased secretion of BNP following SAH is caused by direct effect to the hypothalamus and prolonged hyper secretion of BNP resulted hyponatremia, hypovolemia and exaggerated symptomatic vasospasm.     

Hunt-Hess Ⅰ～Ⅲ级动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血早期手术术前腰大池外引流的临床观察

目的 探讨Hunt-Hess Ⅰ～Ⅲ级动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血(SAH)早期手术术前腰大池外引流的临床疗效.方法 将早期手术的Hunt-Hess Ⅰ～Ⅲ级动脉瘤性SAH患者分为术前腰大池外引流组(47例)和术后腰大池外引流组(54例),分析两组病例的疗效差异.结果 术前腰大池外引流组无置管导致的动脉瘤再破裂出血病例,其术中动脉瘤破裂、症状性脑血管痉挛、慢性脑积水的发生率分别为8.5%、12.8%、12.8%,均低于术后腰大池外引流组的11.1%、20.4%、14.8%.结论 术前行腰大池外引流无增加Hunt-Hess Ⅰ～Ⅲ级动脉瘤性SAH早期手术患者动脉瘤再破裂出血的风险,并且可降低症状性脑血管痉挛和慢性脑积水的发生率.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of preoperative external hunbar drainage in Hunt and Hess grade Ⅰ～Ⅲ patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage ( SAH ) undergoing early surgery for intracranial aneurysms. Method The 101 cases of grade Ⅰ～Ⅲ patients according to the classification of Hunt and Hess with early surgical treatment were devided into preoperative external lumbar drainage group(47 cases) and postoperative external lumbar drainage group(54 cases).Outcome of patients with different external drainage of cerebrospinal fluid was analyzed. Results There was no case of aneurysm rebleeding could be associated with preoperative spinal drain placement. Tne incidences of intraoperative aneurysm rapture in preoperative external lumbar drainage group was 8. 5%,which was lower than 11. 1% in postoperative external lumbar drainage group. The incidences of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm and chronic hydrocephalus in preoperative external lumbar drainage group were 12. 8% and 12.8% ,which were lower than 20. 4% and 14. 8% in postoperative external lumbar drainage group. There all were not significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions Preoperative external lumbar drainage wont increase a risk of rebleeding for grade Ⅰ～Ⅲ patients with aneurysmal SAH undergoing early surg ery. Furthermore, it can decrease the incidences of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm and chronic hydrocephalus,which is a safe and useful method of removing bloody cerebrospinal fluid.     

Impact of Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty for Treatment of Cerebral Vasospasm on Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patient Outcomes

Background

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has been introduced for treatment of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). While angiographic improvement is consistently reported, clinical improvement following the procedure varies, and limited data is available regarding overall impact on outcome.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of all hospital admissions with aneurysmal SAH over a 6 year period. The length of stay, discharge outcomes (measured by modified Rankin scale [mRS] at discharge), and 1-year mortality among patients with SAH before (4 year period) and after (2 year period) institution of PTA for cerebral vasospasm were compared. Embolization for intracranial aneurysm was used as a therapeutic option throughout the study duration. The effect of institution of PTA for vasospasm after adjusting for age, clinical severity, and use of aneurysm embolization on both discharge outcomes and 1-year mortality in multivariate analysis was evaluated.

Results

A total of 146 patients with aneurysmal SAH were admitted during the study duration. There was no difference between the 89 patients admitted in pre-angioplasty period and 57 patients admitted in post-angioplasty period in regards to age, medical co-morbidities, and admission clinical severity of patients (measured by Hunt and Hess grade and Glasgow coma scale). A total of 18 (32%) patients underwent PTA with or without intra-arterial vasodilator treatment in the second period of the study. There was a non significant decrease in rates of severe disability and death (mRS 5–6) at discharge (45 vs. 33%, P = 0.09) and 1-year mortality (32 vs. 22%, P = 0.26) after introduction of PTA for cerebral vasospasm after adjusting for potential confounders. There was no significant difference between the two time periods in regards to length of stay.

Conclusion

A non significant trend was noted with reduced rate of severe disability and mortality at discharge and 1-year mortality after the introduction of PTA for cerebral vasospasm associated with SAH without increasing the length of hospital stay.     

Neurological and psychosocial outcome after subarachnoid haemorrhage, and the hunt and hess scale as a predictor of clinical outcome

In a retrospective study, the outcome of 87 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysm was assessed. Follow-up included neurological examination, grading of the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of each patient, and answering a psycho-social questionnaire. This questionnaire was answered by the patients themselves or by a relative when the patient was not able to answer. The follow-up was performed more than 12 months after the occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in each patient. The psycho-social questionnaire pertained to the degree of independence in everyday activities, household management, stress endurance, memory and concentration, social and leisure activities, social contacts, occupational status, and marital relationships. By summarizing the results of these domains, the quality of life was then determined using the method described by McKenna et al. Neurological deficits in the form of an incomplete paresis of the third cranial nerve and subjective reduction of memory and concentration were identified in 3.5 % and 34.5-39 % of the patients, respectively. Of the 87 study participants, 58.2 % were fully independent, 22.4 % were able to live at home with the support of their relatives, and 5 patients were fully dependent. The occupational status of 21 patients who were fully employed before SAH was unaffected, whereas 3 patients were placed in positions with less responsibility, and 21 patients were either unable to continue working, unemployed, or retired. The quality of life was not reduced in 57.2 %, while a mild reduction in the quality of life was reported by 23.8 % and a severe reduction by 19.0 % of the participants. The ability of the initial Hunt and Hess grade, the initial Fisher grade, the extent of neurological deficits, and the occupational status after SAH to predict the patient's outcome was also evaluated. For statistical analysis, the Kendall-Tau-b-test for non-parametric correlations was applied. Significant correlations were found between the initial Hunt and Hess grade and the initial Fisher grade, between neurological deficits and GOS, between quality of life and occupational outcome, as well as between the GOS and quality of life assessment, but not between initial Hunt and Hess grade and GOS or quality of life, between neurological deficits and quality of life, between initial Hunt and Hess grade and occupational outcome, between initial Fisher grade and occupational outcome, and also not between initial Fisher grade and GOS or quality of life. Our results suggest that neither the initial Hunt & Hess grade nor the initial Fisher grade are suitable parameters for predicting the outcome of patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms. The fact that GOS and quality of life correlated significantly confirms the use of GOS as a simple method for evaluating patient outcome, although it is not a grading system for evaluating functional disorders such as memory or subtle cognitive impairments.