Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion Causes Greater Hemoglobin Rise at a Lower Starting Hemoglobin in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Introduction  Each unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) is expected to raise circulating hemoglobin (HGB) by ∼1 g/dL. There are few data on modifiers of this relationship other than gender and body mass index (BMI). Methods  We recorded HGB before and after PRBC transfusion in a retrospective cohort of 103 patients and a prospective cohort of 93 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Results  In the retrospective cohort, 48 of 103 patients were transfused, and in the prospective cohort, 56 of 93 patients were transfused. In both groups, lower pre-transfusion HGB was associated with a larger increase in HGB (P < 0.001) after correction for the number of units of PRBCs given. In the prospective cohort, lower pre-transfusion HGB was associated with a greater rise in HGB (P < 0.001) after correction for number of units of PRBCs given, gender, and BMI in repeated measures analysis. Pre-transfusion HGB explained an additional 12% of variance in the data (P < 0.001). In both cohorts, the magnitude of the effect was similar. Conclusion  In patients with SAH, transfusion at lower HGB leads to a greater increase in HGB. Transfusion at lower HGB may be relatively more cost-effective, and this should be balanced against any potential benefit from higher HGB in SAH. One rather than 2 units of PRBCs are likely to be sufficient for most HGB targets after SAH, especially in patients with more severe anemia.     

High-Dose Simvastatin Is Effective in Preventing Cerebral Vasospasm after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Cohort Study in Korean Patients

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to assess the effect of high-dose simvastatin on cerebral vasospasm and its clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in Korean patients.MethodsThis study was designed as a prospective observational cohort study. Its subjects were aneurysmal SAH patients who had undergone aneurysm clipping or coiling. They were assigned to 1 of 3 groups : the 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg simvastatin groups. The primary end-point was the occurrence of symptomatic vasospasm. The clinical outcome was assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score after 1 month and 3 months. The risk factors of the development of vasospasm were assessed by logistic regression analysis.ResultsNinety nine patients with aneurysmal SAH were treated and screened. They were sequentially assigned to the 20 mg (n=22), 40 mg (n=34), and 80 mg (n=31) simvastatin groups. Symptomatic vasospasm occurred in 36.4% of the 20 mg group, 8.8% of the 40 mg group, and 3.2% of the 80 mg group (p=0.003). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that poor Hunt-Hess grades (OR=5.4 and 95% CI=1.09-26.62) and high-dose (80 mg) simvastatin (OR=0.09 and 95% CI=0.1-0.85) were independent factors of symptomatic vasospasm. The clinical outcomes did not show a significant difference among the three groups.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that 80 mg simvastatin treatment was effective in preventing cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH, but did not improve the clinical outcome in Korean patients.     

Monitoring with the Somanetics INVOS 5100C After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Introduction  Vasospasm is a major cause of morbidity after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and current screening techniques (angiography, transcranial Doppler [TCD], and clinical examination) have serious limitations. Brain oximetry is a promising noninvasive tool to detect reduced brain oxygenation from vasospasm. Methods  Consecutive SAH patients at high risk for vasospasm were monitored with the INVOS (Somanetics, IL, USA) 5100C cerebral oximeter. We prospectively collected oximeter readings (rO2) with concurrent values for vital signs, intracerebral pressure (ICP), arterial blood gas measurement, and hemoglobin (HGB). Data were prospectively collected every 12 h and at clinical events (angiography, transfusion, etc.). We prospectively recorded clinical history, clinical events, radiology results, and outcomes. Results  Six patients were measured 123 times. rO2 values were correlated with the contralateral side, HGB, blood pressure, and PaO2, but not with ICP or perfusion pressure. There were no measured effects of angiography or transfusion. Patterns relating rO2 readings to clinical, angiographic, or TCD evidence of vasospasm were unclear, and there were no associations with the outcome (cerebral infarction, NIH Stroke Scale, or modified Rankin Scale). Conclusion  INVOS rO2 readings are associated with other factors that relate to cerebral oxygen delivery but seem to be of limited use as a screening tool for vasospasm or cerebral infarction after SAH.     

Timing of Computed Tomography and Prediction of Vasospasm after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background  The initial noncontrast computed tomography (CT) study of the head after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is used to predict the risk of developing vasospasm. Changes in the extent of subarachnoid blood seen on CT images occur as a function of time after SAH, but there is no consensus on the time interval during which this study needs to be completed. Methods  Clinical and radiological information on adult SAH patients were reviewed. Patients were grouped based on the time elapsed from ictus to the initial head CT study. The amount of subarachnoid blood on CT was graded using the Hijdra sum score (HSS) and the modified Fisher scale (MFS). The relationship between the initial CT grading score and the risk of angiographic vasospasm was assessed for each group. Results  A total of 224 consecutive patients were identified (145 females, 65%). Initial CT was performed within 24 h of the event in 163 (Group 1, 73%) and after 24 h in 61 patients (Group 2, 27%). A total of 54 patients (24%) developed angiographic vasospasm. A statistically significant association between the extent of subarachnoid blood and subsequent development of vasospasm was observed only if the initial CT imaging study was performed within 24 h of aneurysmal rupture (P = 0.0001 and 0.02 for HSS and MFS, respectively). Conclusions  We propose that only CT scans obtained within 24 h of a subarachnoid bleeding event should be used to estimate the risk of vasospasm.     

蛛网膜下腔出血相关性肺炎发生的危险因素分析及对住院结局的影响

目的 分析蛛网膜下腔出血（subarachnoid hemorrhage,SAH）相关性肺炎发生的危险因素及其对住院 结局的影响。 方法 回顾性纳入2015年5月-2018年11月首都医科大学附属北京天坛医院收治的SAH患者,根据住 院期间是否发生肺炎分为肺炎组、非肺炎组,比较两组患者临床资料的差异。采用多因素Logistic回归 模型,分析发生肺炎的危险因素,以及发生肺炎对SAH患者院内死亡、住院天数、住院总费用的影响。 结果 共纳入457例SAH患者,平均年龄54.3±11.2岁,男性219例（47.9%）,发生肺炎76例（16.6%）。 男性（OR 2.31,95%CI 1.17～4.58,P =0.016）、吞咽障碍（OR 6.06,95%CI 1.09～33.70,P =0.039）及 Barthel指数0～20分（OR 15.58,95%CI 4.17～58.23,P＜0.001）是SAH患者发生肺炎的独立危险因素; 发生肺炎与院内死亡风险、住院天数和住院总费用增加无关。 结论 男性、吞咽障碍、Barthel指数0～20分是SAH患者发生肺炎的独立危险因素。发生肺炎与院内 死亡风险、住院天数和住院总费用增加无关。     

Intraarterial Nimodipine Infusion to Treat Symptomatic Cerebral Vasospasm after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective

Cerebral vasospasm leading to cerebral ischemic infarction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the patients who suffer with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Despite adequate treatment, some patients deteriorate and they develop symptomatic vasospasm. The objective of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and clinical outcome of intraarterial nimodipine infusion on symptomatic vasospasm that is refractory to hemodynamic therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the procedure reports, the clinical charts and the transcranial doppler, computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography results for the patients who underwent endovascular treatment for symptomatic cerebral vasospasm due to aneurysmal SAH. During the 36 months between Jan. 2005 and Dec. 2007, 19 patients were identified who had undergone a total of 53 procedures. We assessed the difference in the arterial vessel diameter, the blood flow velocity and the clinical outcome before and after these procedures.

Results

Vascular dilatation was observed in 42 of 53 procedures. The velocities of the affected vessels before and after procedures were available in 33 of 53 procedures. Twenty-nine procedures exhibited a mean decrease of 84.1 cm/s. We observed clinical improvement and an improved level of consciousness with an improved GCS score after 23 procedures.

Conclusion

Based on our results, the use of intraarterial nimodipine is effective and safe in selected cases of vasospasm following aneurysmal SAH. Prospective, randomized studies are needed to confirm these results.     

Significance of C-Reactive Protein and Transcranial Doppler in Cerebral Vasospasm Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective

Cerebral vasospasm is a common and potentially devastating complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Inflammatory processes seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of vasospasm. C-reactive protein (CRP) constitutes a highly sensitive inflammatory marker. Elevation of serum CRP levels has been demonstrated in patients with aSAH. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the possible relationship between CRP levels in the serum and transcranial Doppler (TCD) and the development of vasospasm in patients with aSAH.

Methods

A total of 61 adult patients in whom aSAH was diagnosed were included in the study from November 2008 to May 2011. The patients'' demographics, Hunt and Hess grade, Fisher grade, CT scans, digital subtraction angiography studies, and daily neurological examinations were recorded. Serial serum CRP measurements were obtained on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 and TCD was measured on days 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13. All patients underwent either surgical or endovascular treatment within 24 hours of their hemorrhagic attacks.

Results

Serum CRP levels peaked on the 3rd postoperative day. There were significant differences between the vasospasm group and the non-vasospasm group on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day. There were significant differences between the vasospasm group and the non-vasospasm group on the 3rd day in the mean middle cerebral artery velocities on TCD.

Conclusion

Patients with high levels of CRP on the 1st postoperative day and high velocity of mean TCD on the 3rd postoperative day may require closer observation to monitor for the development of vasospasm.     

Metaanalysis of Tirilazad Mesylate in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background  Tirilazad is a non-glucocorticoid, 21-aminosteriod that inhibits lipid peroxidation. It had neuroprotective effects in experimental ischemic stroke and reduced angiographic vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Five randomized clinical trials of tirilazad were conducted in patients with SAH. We performed a meta-analysis of these trials to assess the effect of tirilazad on unfavorable outcome, symptomatic vasospasm, and cerebral infarction after SAH. Methods  Data from 3,797 patients were analyzed and modeled using random effect and Mantel-Haenszel meta-analyses and multivariable logistic regression to determine the effect of tirilazad on clinical outcome, symptomatic vasospasm, and cerebral infarction. Clinical outcome was assessed 3 months after SAH using the Glasgow outcome scale, and symptomatic vasospasm was defined by clinical criteria with laboratory and radiological exclusion of other causes of neurological deterioration. Results  The five trials were randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Tirilazad did not significantly decrease unfavorable clinical outcome on the GOS (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89–1.20) or cerebral infarction (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.89–1.22). There was a significant reduction in symptomatic vasospasm in patients treated with tirilazad (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69–0.93). There was no heterogeneity across the five trials. Conclusion  Tirilazad had no effect on clinical outcome but did decrease symptomatic vasospasm in five trials of aneurysmal SAH. The dissociation between clinical outcome and symptomatic vasospasm deserves further investigation.     

Pupillary Reactivity Upon Hospital Admission Predicts Long-term Outcome in Poor Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients

Background  Historically, the prognosis for poor grade subarachnoid hemorrhage patients has been considered dismal. As a result, many hospitals have chosen conservative management over aggressive therapy. This guarded approach, however, is based on studies that do not take into account newer, more effective, management protocols and more recent long-term evidence that significant neurological recovery occurs in the months to years following discharge. More accurate and predictive methods are needed to decide when aggressive therapy is warranted. Methods  Two hundred and twenty-six grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients of grades IV and V were admitted to Columbia University Medical Center and enrolled in our study. Demographics, clinical information (e.g. pupillary reactivity on admission), and treatment course (operative versus non-operative) were recorded. Rankin scores at 14 days, 3 months, and 1 year were also recorded. A favorable Rankin score was defined as 0–3. Unfavorable was defined as 4–6. Results  Among all poor grade patients who received operative therapy, pupillary reactivity at admission was not predictive of a favorable Rankin score at day 14 (odds ratio = 3.3, P = 0.129). Pupillary reactivity, however, was predictive of Rankin score at 3 months (odds ratio = 4.57, P = 0.05) and 12 months (odds ratio = 6.44, P = 0.008). After constructing a Kaplan–Meiers survival curve, pupillary reactivity was a better predictor of survival at 12 months than H&H grade [Hazard ratio 3.342 (1.596–7.000) P = 0.001 versus 1.964 (1.016–3.798) P = 0.045]. Conclusions  This study demonstrates that significant recovery occurs in the weeks to months after poor grade aSAH. Pupillary reactivity on admission can be used as a predictor of survival and recovery at intermediate and long-term time points, more so than Hunt and Hess grade.     

Clinical Differences Between Angiographically Negative, Diffuse Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective  To identify prognostic factors for vasospasm, hydrocephalus, and clinical outcomes in patients with angiographically negative, non-traumatic, diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (d-SAH). Methods  Retrospective review of patients who experienced angiographically negative SAH at our institution over the past 6 years was undertaken. The patients were stratified based on grade at presentation, severity, and pattern of SAH on initial non-enhanced, computed tomography (CT) of the head into perimesencephalic and diffuse subtypes. The patients were further differentiated based on the development of vasospasm, hydrocephalus and required treatments, and clinical outcomes. Patients were excluded if a causative lesion was discovered subsequently. Results  Ninety-four patients with angiographically negative SAH were identified. A total of 31 patients were considered to have the perimesencephalic (p-SAH) subtype, while 63 patients fit criteria for the diffuse (d-SAH) subtype. Compared to the p-SAH subtype, those patients with d-SAH subtype had significantly higher risk for complications related to SAH with an increased incidence of hydrocephalus (50.8% vs. 9.6%), requirement for external ventricular drainage (41% vs. 9.6%), and for the hydrocephalus requiring eventual permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion (20.6% vs. 0%). Patients with d-SAH were also at an increased risk for symptomatic vasospasm (28.6% vs. 9.6%). Ultimately, only 76% of d-SAH patients achieved complete recovery and independent living, compared to 96.7% of p-SAH patients. Conclusion  The angiographically negative d-SAH pattern is associated with worse presentations and outcome. These patients are at increased risk for vasospasm and hydrocephalus requiring aggressive treatment and should therefore be cared for with a higher level of surveillance.     

Continual Transcranial Doppler in the Monitoring of Hemodynamic Change following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Aims: To analyze and compare the value of different treatment methods for acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH)‐related vasospasm. Cerebral hemodynamic variables’ changes were evaluated by transcranial Doppler (TCD) in aSAH patients within 14 days after onset. Methods: Thirty aSAH patients were enrolled in the study within 72 h after onset. Baseline CT and TCD were used for assessment. Patients were divided into three groups according to SAH severity and patients’ discretion: nonsurgical group, endovascular coiling, and neurosurgical clipping. TCD hemodynamic parameters were measured and Lindegaard index was calculated daily from onset to 14th day after SAH. The group mean cerebral blood velocity (MBFV) and Lindegaard index were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (reANOVA). Least Significant Difference (LSD) test was used for post hoc comparison. All 30 patients were followed for 90 days after onset for outcome assessment. Results: The values of MBFV and Lindegaard index of anterior cerebral artery (ACA)/middle cerebral artery (MCA) from high to low is nonsurgical group, clipping and coiling (ACA: P= 0.0001/P= 0.006; MCA: P= 0.243/P= 0.317). Conclusions: These results indicate that both neurosurgical clipping and endovascular coiling management may relieve the severity of cerebral vasospasm in acute aSAH.     

Reduced Ipsilateral Hemispheric Cerebral Blood Flow at Admission is Predictive of Vasospasm with Infarction after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose  Cerebral vasospasm (CV) with infarction causes a significant degree of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We sought to determine if reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) on Xenon CT within 48 h of the ictus was predictive of developing CV with infarction. Methods  This is a prospective study from 1999 to 2006 of 97 patients with aSAH who underwent Xenon CT within 48 h of their bleed. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, and angiographic parameters were investigated as potential risk factors for the development of CV with infarction. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of this endpoint. Results  A total of 97 patients with a mean age of 54 ± 12 years were studied. A total of 78 (80.4%) patients presented with a Fisher grade of 3 and 51 (52.6%) patients with a Hunt Hess score ≥3. CV with infarction was found in 33 (34%) patients. In univariate modeling, younger patients with a Fisher scale of 3 or a reduced ipsilateral mean hemispheric CBF had an association with developing CV with infarction. In binary logistic regression modeling, patients with lower initial hemispheric CBF’s were at a significant risk of CV with infarction in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Conclusions  Lower initial CBF at presentation is a risk factor for developing CV with infarction. These findings may help in early prediction of this entity and may have therapeutic implications in the future.     

颅内动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血患者预后的多因素分析

目的探讨影响颅内动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血患者预后的相关因素。方法回顾性分析本院2007年1月至12月收治的119例动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血患者的临床资料,井进行Logistic多元回归分析。结果动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血患者的年龄、Fisher分级和Hunt—Hess分级与预后具有显著相关性（P〈0．01）,其OR值分别是0．921、0．153和0．228,其95％可信区间分别是（0．864-0．981）、（0．063-0．374）和（0．116-0．449）。结论动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血患者的年龄、Fisher分级和Hunt—Hess分级是影响患者预后的危险因素,且随着年龄的增长,Fisher分级和Hunt—Hess分级的增加,患者的预后明显愈差。     

Brain Injuries during Intraoperative Ventriculostomy in the Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients

Objective

Intraoperative ventriculostomy is widely adopted to make the slack brain. However, there are few reports about hemorrhagic or parenchymal injuries after ventriculostomy. We tried to analyze and investigate the incidence of these complications in a consecutive series of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

From September 2006 to June 2007, 43 patients underwent surgical clipping for aneurysmal SAH at our hospital. Among 43 patients, we investigated hemorrhagic or parenchymal injuries after intraoperative ventriculostomy using postoperative computed tomographic scan in 26 patients. After standard pterional craniotomy, ventriculostomy catheter was inserted perpendicular to the cortical surface along the bisectional imaginary line from Paine''s point.

Results

Hemorrhagic injuries were detected in 12 of 26 patients (46.2%). Mean systolic blood pressure during anesthesia was with in statistically significant parameter related to hemorrhage (p = 0.006). On the other hand, parenchymal injuries were detected in 11 of 26 patients (42.3%). Female and the amount of infused mannitol during anesthesia showed statistically significant parameters related to parenchymal injury (p = 0.005, 0.04, respectively). However, there were no ventriculostomy-related severe complications.

Conclusion

In our series, hemorrhagic or parenchymal injuries after intraoperative ventriculostomy occurred more commonly than previously reported series in aneurysmal SAH patients. Although the clinical outcomes of complications are generally favorable, neurosurgeon must keep in mind the frequent occurrence of brain injury after intraoperative ventriculostomy in the acute stage of aneurysmal SAH.     

大鼠蛛网膜下腔出血血清、脑组织一氧化氮变化与脑缺血损害

目的:探讨一氧化氮(NO)在蛛网膜下腔出血(SAH)缺血性脑损害中作用。方法:应用非开颅大鼠模型,观察24h内脑微区血流量(CBF)和颅内血清及脑组织NO水平动态改变,3d后对海马CA1区行病理检查。结果:SAH后CBF和血清NO降低,脑组织NO增加,海马CA1区神经元明显受损。结论:血清NO减少、脑组织NO增加与SAH脑缺血损害的发生,发展有密切关系。     

动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血后慢性脑积水

目的探讨动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血后(aSAH)慢性脑积水的发生率及其易患因素。方法回顾性研究2003年1月至2005年9月我科aSAH病例221例,采用单因素及多因素统计方法分析与慢性脑积水发生的相关影响因素。结果慢性脑积水的发生率为12.7%(28/221)。经单因素分析显示,患者年龄、Hunt-Hess级别、Fisher级别、前交通动脉瘤、aSAH次数以及脑室内出血具有统计学意义;多因素logistic回归分析显示,Fisher级别、脑室内出血、aSAH次数、前交通动脉瘤具有统计学意义。结论慢性脑积水为aSAH后一较常见并发症,影响其发生的高危因素包括Fisher级别、脑室内出血、aSAH次数、前交通动脉瘤。对具上述危险因素的aSAH患者应注意跟踪随访,及时诊治。     

法舒地尔预防蛛网膜下腔出血后脑血管痉挛的系统性研究

目的   系统评价法舒地尔对蛛网膜下腔出血患者脑血管痉挛预防疗效价值。 方法  检索医学文献数据库,筛选法舒地尔对蛛网膜下腔出血患者脑血管痉挛预防疗效对照试验,统计模型为随机效应模型,应用Stata?12.0软件进行Meta分析。 结果  共7项临床研究符合纳入标准,包含709例患者。与对照组比较,法舒地尔治疗组脑血管痉挛发生率：合并相对危险度（risk ratio,RR）为0.54,95%可信区间为（0.38,0.77）,P＜0.05。分别进行以下因素分层分析：改良Jadad评分≥4的研究结果、不同国别（中国与日本）的研究结果、尼莫地平作为对照组,以上分层分析结果表明法舒地尔治疗组脑血管痉挛发生率并未显著低于对照人群。 结论  对于蛛网膜下腔出血患者,法舒地尔能够降低脑血管痉挛发生率。     

Inpatient Hyperglycemia Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Relation to Cerebral Metabolism and Outcome

Introduction  Despite its clear association with impaired prognosis, it remains controversial whether hyperglycemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) actively contributes to neuronal damage. This study aimed to identify a threshold for blood glucose predicting unfavorable outcome, and to evaluate differences in cerebral metabolism in normo and hyperglycemic SAH patients. Methods  Prospectively, blood glucose and cerebral metabolism, measured by cerebral microdialysis, were evaluated in 178 patients (WFNS grade I–V; age 51.6 ± 12.4 years) during days 1–7 after SAH. Patients were classified into groups with mean blood glucose levels ≤/> 6.1 mmol/l (110 mg/dl) and 7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl). Glasgow Outcome Score was assessed after 12 months. Results  Higher inpatient blood glucose was associated with impaired prognosis, with a threshold of 7.5 mmol/l (135 mg/dl) distinguishing best between favorable and unfavorable outcome. Inpatient glucose levels >6.1 mmol/l (110 mg/dl) were associated with higher cerebral lactate and lactate/pyruvate ratio (P < 0.05). Cerebral glucose was elevated only at blood levels >7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl). Inpatient glucose levels above 7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl) were independent predictors of unfavorable outcome and mortality. Conclusion  Blood glucose levels >7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl), but not levels >6.1 mmol/l (110 mg/dl), independently predicted unfavorable outcome. While blood glucose levels >6.1 mmol/l (110 mg/dl) were already associated with slight metabolic derangements, cerebral glucose increased only at blood levels >7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl). Considering the risks associated with tight glycemic control, a moderate regimen accepting blood glucose levels up to 7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl) might be more reasonable after SAH.