Effectiveness of Lumbar Cerebrospinal Fluid Drain Among Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage: A primer for acute care practitioners

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) refers to intracranial bleeding into the cerebrospinal filled space beneath the arachnoid membrane that covers the brain. It is further defined as a spontaneous SAH when not associated with trauma. The commonest single cause is rupture of a saccular (i.e. a small bag-shaped or pouch-shaped) intracranial aneurysm, arising from the larger conducting arteries traveling through the subarachnoid space at the base of the brain. As these are high-pressure and higher-volume arterial hemorrhages, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (aSAH) are associated with high early mortality and substantial long-term morbidity. But, as we outline below, prompt and collaborative multidisciplinary care can improve the likelihood and quality of survival. Accordingly, we offer the following primer as a common resource to increase knowledge and collaborative care.

Impact of Delayed Admission on Treatment Modality and Outcomes of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prefecture-Wide, Multicenter Japanese Study

Background/Objectives: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) requires prompt treatment, yet hospital admission is occasionally delayed, and the optimal treatment strategy for such patients remains to be established. We aimed to investigate treatment modality, treatment timing, and outcomes in patients with SAH with respect to early versus delayed admission. Methods: A total of 1080 patients with SAH and a defined onset date were included in this prefecture-wide, multicenter, registry-based study. Baseline characteristics, late SAH complications (including vasospasm), and functional outcomes were compared between early and delayed admission groups at Day 4 or later (Day 0 = SAH onset). Additionally, the association of treatment choice (endovascular therapy or direct surgery) with treatment timing was analyzed in the delayed admission group. Results: Delayed admission was observed in 69 (6.4%) patients. The neurological status upon admission was significantly better in the delayed admission group, with more World Federation of Neurological Societies grades I-II (89.8% vs. 56.2% in the early admission group). Delayed admission was significantly associated with an increased incidence of symptomatic vasospasm by multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 2.51: 95% confidence interval 1.26-5.00, p = 0.009), while a significant difference in poor functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale 3-6) was not revealed. Although endovascular therapy use did not increase in the delayed admission group, the interval from admission to endovascular therapy was significantly shorter than that in the direct surgery group (0 [0-1] days vs. 1 [1-8] days: median [interquartile range], p = 0.007, Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusions: Delayed admission was a risk factor for symptomatic vasospasm; however, functional outcomes were not exacerbated. These results were obtained under the treatment strategy of multiple institutions, where the timing of endovascular therapy was earlier than that of direct surgery in patients with delayed admission.

Emerging Advances in the Management of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Narrative Review

Background/Objectives: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains a life-threatening cerebrovascular event with high rates of mortality and long-term morbidity. Among its complications, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a major contributor to poor clinical outcomes. Although cerebral vasospasm has traditionally been considered the primary mechanism underlying DCI, recent studies have revealed the multifactorial nature of this condition. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, preventive strategies, and current treatment options for DCI following aSAH. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed database to identify peer-reviewed articles relevant to the prevention and treatment of DCI following aSAH. The search strategy employed the following terms: ("Subarachnoid Hemorrhage" [MeSH]) AND "Delayed Cerebral Ischemia" AND ("Prevention and Control" [Subheading] OR "Secondary Prevention" [MeSH]). This search strategy was designed to capture studies addressing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological preventive measures for DCI. Results: A comprehensive PubMed search identified a total of 113 relevant articles. Among these, 40 publications primarily addressed pharmacological interventions, while 22 focused on neuromonitoring techniques. An additional 20 articles explored the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying DCI, and 15 involved preclinical studies utilizing animal models. The remaining 16 articles encompassed diverse topics, including prophylactic endovascular therapies, newly proposed definitions of DCI, treatment algorithm development, functional outcome analyses, and entries in clinical trial registries. Emerging evidence highlights that vasospasm alone does not account for all cases of DCI. Pharmacological approaches such as nimodipine, clazosentan, and fasudil have shown varying degrees of efficacy. Circulatory management and removal of subarachnoid hematoma via CSF drainage or thrombolytics may reduce DCI risk, although their impact on long-term neurological outcomes remains controversial. Endovascular therapy and adjunctive agents such as cilostazol or anticoagulants have demonstrated potential but require further validation through large-scale trials. Conclusions: Effective DCI prevention and treatment require a multimodal approach targeting diverse pathological mechanisms beyond vasospasm. Improved risk stratification, early detection, and individualized therapy are essential for advancing the management of patients with aSAH.

Evaluating extreme temperature values and patient outcomes in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Post-hoc insights from the Earlydrain trial

PURPOSE

Dysregulation of temperature in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients may worsen neurological outcomes. Fever and hypothermia could be related to infection, inflammation, or loss of central temperature control. However, longitudinal studies on temperature extremes and outcomes are lacking. This post-hoc analysis of the Earlydrain trial examines the prognostic significance of body temperature during the first 8 days of neurocritical care.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 287 patients, using Generalized Estimating Equations to investigate clinically used thresholds for intervention on body temperature. Statistical models were adjusted for hemorrhage severity, age, intracerebral and intraventricular hemorrhage, infection and the use of a lumbar drainage. We assessed the impact of different temperature thresholds on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 180 days and the incidence of secondary infarctions.

RESULTS

Extreme temperatures were associated with worse 180-day outcomes. In univariate analysis, all investigated temperature thresholds (>38.0 °C, >38.2 °C, > 39.0 °C, as well as <36.0 °C) were associated with worse outcome. In multivariate analysis, temperatures above 39 °C and below 36 °C increased the odds of an unfavorable mRS >2 (ORadj = 2.60, p = 0.002 and ORadj = 3.82, p = 0.02, respectively). The development of secondary infarctions was not significantly related to temperature extremes.

CONCLUSION

Extreme temperature values significantly influence outcomes in aSAH. Maintaining normothermia may improve prognosis, warranting prospective studies for targeted temperature management.

Effect of shunt-dependency on long-term outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a post-hoc analysis of the EARLYDRAIN prospective patient cohort

Shunt-dependent hydrocephalus is common after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and has the risk to compromise the functional recovery of affected patients. This study investigated whether shunt-dependency is associated with the long-term outcome after aSAH. A post-hoc analysis was performed using the patient cohort of a prospective randomized controlled trial (EARLYDRAIN) conducted between 2011 and 2016. Patients were randomized for an early lumbar drainage (144 patients) or standard treatment alone (143 patients). Shunt insertion within 180 days after ictus was considered as shunt-dependency. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 180 days (mRS ≤ 2 equaling favorable outcome) was used for outcome assessment. The study population involved 287 aSAH patients with a mean age of 55 years. Shunt-dependent hydrocephalus was found in 29% of all patients. Patients without shunt-dependency had a better functional outcome at discharge (mRS 3.2 ± 2.0) compared to shunt-dependent patients (mRS 3.9 ± 1.5). Univariate analyses revealed worse functional outcome at 180 days in the patients with shunt-dependency compared to those without shung-dependency (mRS 2.8 ± 1.7, vs. mRS 2.2 ± 2.3). In multivariate analysis, adjusted for age, severity of the initial subarachnoid hemorrhage and the use of a lumbar drain, shunt-dependency was not associated with long-term outcome (p = 0.26). After correction for age, treatment and SAH-grade, shunt-dependency did not show an association with the outcome in aSAH patients after rehabilitation. Clinical improvement due to rehabilitation after shunt insertion may be the explanation why chronic hydrocephalus per se does not represent an independent factor associated with long-term outcome.

Spinal Drainage and Combined Pharmacotherapy as Potential Strategies to Improve Outcomes for Patients with Poor-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Treated with Clipping or Coiling but Not Receiving Nimodipine

Background/Objectives: The outcome for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains poor, particularly for patients presenting with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grades IV-V. This study was designed to identify independent prognostic factors in this group of patients with poor-grade SAH. Methods: We prospectively analyzed 357 SAH patients with admission WFNS grades IV-V enrolled in nine primary stroke centers in Mie prefecture, Japan, from 2013 to 2022. This study compared clinical variables, including treatments for angiographic vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), between patients with favorable (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores 0-2) and unfavorable (mRS scores 3-6) outcomes at 90 days post-onset. Multivariate analyses were then performed to identify independent determinants of favorable 90-day outcomes, followed by propensity score matching analyses. Results: The median age was 68 years, and 53.5% of patients had admission WFNS grade V. DCI occurred in 12.9% of patients, and 66.9% had unfavorable outcomes. Independent variables related to unfavorable outcomes were older age, admission WFNS grade V, ventricular drainage, edaravone administration, and delayed cerebral infarction, while those for favorable outcomes were spinal drainage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.118, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.687-13.927, p < 0.001), modified Fisher grade 3 (aOR 2.929, 95% CI 1.668-5.143, p < 0.001), and triple prophylactic anti-DCI medication consisting of cilostazol, fasudil hydrochloride and eicosapentaenoic acid (aOR 1.869, 95% CI 1.065-3.279, p = 0.029). Nimodipine is not approved in Japan, and statin and cerebral vasospasm did not influence outcomes. As spinal drainage and the triple prophylactic anti-DCI medication were intervenable variables, propensity score matchings were performed, and they confirmed that both spinal drainage and the triple prophylactic anti-DCI medication were useful to achieve favorable outcomes. Conclusions: In poor-grade SAH, spinal drainage and the triple prophylactic anti-DCI medication may be effective in improving outcomes, possibly by suppressing DCI pathologies other than cerebral vasospasm.

Different cerebrospinal fluid drainage methods and chronic hydrocephalus in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Background

Chronic hydrocephalus represents a common complication following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH); however, the underlying mechanisms driving its pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. Furthermore, current evidence regarding optimal preventive strategies to mitigate hydrocephalus development remains controversial within the neurosurgical community.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of distinct cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage modalities in mitigating the risk of developing chronic hydrocephalus among patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) through a comparative effectiveness study design.

Method

The patients with aSAH treated in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2024 were analyzed retrospectively. Firstly, the related factors of chronic hydrocephalus in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were compared between patients with cerebrospinal fluid drainage and patients without cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Then, the related factors of hydrocephalus in patients with aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage with different cerebrospinal fluid drainage were compared. Univariate and multivariate logical regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors associated with chronic hydrocephalus.

Result

Of the 246 hospitalized patients with aSAH, whether or not to receive cerebrospinal fluid drainage was associated with the formation of chronic hydrocephalus. A total of 67 patients (27.2%) developed hydrocephalus, of which 47 patients (34.8%) received cerebrospinal fluid drainage, while 20 (18%) patients developed chronic hydrocephalus. Of all IVH patients who received cerebrospinal fluid drainage, 34 (25.2%) received intermittent lumbar puncture drainage, 75 (55.5%) received continuous drainage in the lumbar cistern, and 26 (19.3%) received extraventricular drainage. Univariate analysis showed that different drainage methods had significant differences in postoperative chronic hydrocephalus in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (Purge 0.009). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that different ways of cerebrospinal fluid drainage were independent risk factors for chronic hydrocephalus in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage must perform cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Among the three different drainage methods: lumbar puncture intermittent drainage, lumbar cistern continuous drainage, and extraventricular drainage, continuous lumbar cistern drainage is more effective in reducing the formation of chronic hydrocephalus.

Faster Decay of Cerebrospinal Fluid Red Blood Cells and Total Protein Predict Good Functional Outcome After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

Prognostication after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is essential to guide clinical management and improve patient care.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether decay rates of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) red blood cells (RBC) and total protein (TP) after SAH predict functional outcome at 3 months.

METHODS

Patients with SAH treated at the Neurological Intensive Care Unit Innsbruck with a first CSF sample (CSFfirst) within 72 h after admission and at least one subsequent sample were eligible for inclusion. Decay rates of RBC and TP were measured between CSFfirst and each subsequent measurement (Weeks 1-3). Modified Rankin Scale scores at 3 months ≤ 2 were defined as good functional outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 97 patients with a median age of 61 years [25th; 75th percentile: 52;71] and a median Hunt and Hess score of 4 [3;5] were included. Daily RBC decay rates decreased over time, while daily TP decay rates were highest in Week 1, showed a nadir in Week 2, and increased again in Week 3. In multivariable analysis, higher RBC (adjusted odds ratio (adjOR): 1.13, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.02-1.26, p = 0.025) and TP (adjOR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01, p = 0.031) decay rates at Week 3 predicted a good functional outcome at Month 3. RBC and TP decreasing below 1180 cells/μL and 127.5 mg/dL, respectively, at Week 3 were associated with good functional outcome at Month 3 (adjOR: 11.04, 95% CI: 3.21-38.02, p < 0.001 and 6.03, 1.68-21.67, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Decay rates of CSF RBC and TP after SAH are associated with functional outcomes.

The Role of SBDP Protein as a Potential Biomarker for Early-Onset Subarachnoid Hemorrhagic

Background and Objectives: Cerebral vasospasm is the most common complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) that is related to high mortality and morbidity. Early biomarkers predicting those conditions are still limited. This study aims to analyze spectrin degradation products (SBDPs) as potential biomarkers for SAH patients, which can be used to monitor clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study in acute SAH within 72 h of onset. All patients underwent placement of continuous cerebrospinal drainage, and liquor was taken four times and analyzed using ELISA to measure SBDP150, SBDP145, and SBDP120 levels and analyzed using Friedman test and post hoc Wilcoxon analysis. The relationship between SBDP levels and vasospasm, as well as functional outcomes (using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended, GOSE), was assessed. Results: We enrolled thirty-five patients: thirty patients with lumbar drainage (LD) and five with extra ventricular drainage (EVD). Friedman's analysis showed significant changes over time for SBDP120 (p = 0.0001) and SBDP145 (p = 0.0001), but not for SBDP150 (p = 0.218). Levels of SBDP120 on day 3 (p = 0.001), SBDP120 on day 5 (p = 0.022), and SBDP145 on day 3 (p = 0.005) in EVD group were higher than in the LD group. SBDP145 on day 5 was significantly higher in patients with vasospasm (p = 0.041 in all patients, p = 0.028 in LD patients), indicating its potential as an early biomarker for vasospasm. SBDP145 on day 7 (p = 0.014) is the strongest predictor of unfavorable GOSE at 90 days in all patients. In LD patients, SBDP145 on day 7 (p = 0.002), SBDP120 on day 7 (p = 0.009), and SBDP120 on day 10 (p = 0.043) were significantly associated with poor GOSE at 90 days. Conclusions: A higher level of SBDP145 on day 5 can predict vasospasm risk, while an elevated level of SBDP145 and SBDP120 on day 7 is a potential predictor of poor functional outcomes. SBDPs may serve as valuable biomarkers for SAH management.

Association of external ventricular drain duration and output with cerebral infarct risk in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

The optimal duration of external ventricular drain (EVD) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is debatable. We sought to determine the association of EVD duration and output with outcomes, including cerebral infarct.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of a prospectively collected cohort of consecutive patients with aSAH who were admitted to an academic center from 2016 to 2023. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association of EVD duration and output with outcomes, including cerebral infarct prior to discharge, poor outcome defined as 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 3-6 and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement.

RESULTS

We reviewed 429 cases of aSAH and included 306 patients who received EVD with mean age 57.9 years (SD 13.9), 67 % female and 69 % white. Longer EVD duration was associated with higher odds of cerebral infarct (OR 1.04 for each day increase, 95 % CI 1.01-1.07; p = 0.003) independent of age, sex, Hunt and Hess grade and modified Fisher scale. Longer EVD duration was also associated with poor functional outcomes (OR 1.03 per each day increase, 95 % CI 1.01-1.06; p = 0.019) and VP shunt placement (OR 1.15 per each day increase, 95 % CI 1.09-1.21; p < 0.001) independent of other predictors. There was no independent association between daily EVD output and outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although longer EVD duration was associated with more cerebral infarcts and poor outcomes in patients with aSAH, no causal interferences can be drawn. Larger multicenter prospective studies are needed to better strategize the mode, duration, and amount of CSF drainage in aSAH patients.

Statistical Practice of Ordinal Outcome Analysis in Neurologic Trials: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Ordinal scales are widely adopted as outcome measures in neurologic randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aimed to evaluate which statistical methods have been used to test and estimate treatment effects from ordinal outcomes in recent RCTs across a range of acute neurologic diseases.

METHODS

We searched PubMed for RCTs in 5 acute monophasic neurologic diseases (stroke, traumatic brain injury [TBI], subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH], meningitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome [GBS]) published in high-impact journals between January 1, 2015, and November 1, 2023. Trials had to report on an ordinal scale as the primary or secondary efficacy outcome. Two independent reviewers performed study screening and data extraction. We evaluated the results to determine how investigators (1) addressed the ordinal nature of outcomes, (2) assessed and reported key assumptions, (3) used longitudinal measurements, and (4) adjusted for prognostic covariates.

RESULTS

We reviewed 70 RCTs for treatment evaluations in stroke (n = 36), TBI (n = 13), SAH (n = 10), meningitis (n = 7), and GBS (n = 4). In 46 of 70 trials (66%), investigators retained the full ordering information, commonly analyzed using a proportional odds model (33/46 trials, 72%). The proportional odds assumption was not addressed in 23 of 33 trials (62%). In 22 of 70 trials (31%), the ordinal outcome was dichotomized, with notable variation in the cut-point for each ordinal scale. In 41 of 70 trials (59%), the ordinal outcome was assessed at multiple time points while some form of longitudinal data analysis was performed in only 3 of these 41 studies (7%). The time point chosen for analysis varied within neurologic conditions. Covariate adjustment was reported in 48 of 70 studies (69%).

DISCUSSION

There is a large variation in the current practice of analyzing ordinal outcomes in neurologic trials. Dichotomization and focus on a single time point are common; therefore, information contained in the rank ordering of the outcome and repeated measurements is not fully used. Further research needs to clarify the balance between maximizing the statistical power, making assumptions, and allowing for straightforward interpretations in approaches that make more effective use of the outcome data.

Clinical Application of Ventricular Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in the Treatment of Ruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of ventricular intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in the treatment of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms and to explore its impact on intracranial pressure control, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and neurological recovery.  Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 67 patients who underwent surgical clipping for ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms at Jinjiang Hospital, Fujian Province, between January 2021 and June 2024. The patients were divided into an experimental group (32 patients) and a control group (35 patients). Clinical characteristics, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative changes in ICP, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and neurological recovery were compared between the two groups.  Results: No significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups in terms of clinical characteristics, operation time, or intraoperative blood loss (P > 0.05). However, the experimental group showed superior outcomes compared to the control group in postoperative ICP changes, simplified early brain edema score (SEBES) at 72 hours, length of hospital stay, and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at discharge, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05).  Conclusion: Ventricular ICP monitoring during the surgical clipping of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms is an effective method for controlling intracranial pressure, reducing postoperative complications, shortening the length of hospital stay, and promoting neurological recovery. This approach offers a safer and more efficient monitoring solution with promising clinical applicability.

Similarities in the Electrographic Patterns of Delayed Cerebral Infarction and Brain Death After Aneurysmal and Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

While subarachnoid hemorrhage is the second most common hemorrhagic stroke in epidemiologic studies, the recent DISCHARGE-1 trial has shown that in reality, three-quarters of focal brain damage after subarachnoid hemorrhage is ischemic. Two-fifths of these ischemic infarctions occur early and three-fifths are delayed. The vast majority are cortical infarcts whose pathomorphology corresponds to anemic infarcts. Therefore, we propose in this review that subarachnoid hemorrhage as an ischemic-hemorrhagic stroke is rather a third, separate entity in addition to purely ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. Cumulative focal brain damage, determined by neuroimaging after the first 2 weeks, is the strongest known predictor of patient outcome half a year after the initial hemorrhage. Because of the unique ability to implant neuromonitoring probes at the brain surface before stroke onset and to perform longitudinal MRI scans before and after stroke, delayed cerebral ischemia is currently the stroke variant in humans whose pathophysiological details are by far the best characterized. Optoelectrodes located directly over newly developing delayed infarcts have shown that, as mechanistic correlates of infarct development, spreading depolarizations trigger (1) spreading ischemia, (2) severe hypoxia, (3) persistent activity depression, and (4) transition from clustered spreading depolarizations to a negative ultraslow potential. Furthermore, traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage are the second and third most common etiologies of brain death during continued systemic circulation. Here, we use examples to illustrate that although the pathophysiological cascades associated with brain death are global, they closely resemble the local cascades associated with the development of delayed cerebral infarcts.

High-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage - Beyond Guidelines

Subarachnnoid hemorrhage (SAH) present in a spectrum of clinical severity, from alert with a headache to comatose. High-grade SAH has higher mortality and risk for severe complications including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Existing treatment approaches for ARDS in SAH require special consideration because of potential impact on intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion. DCI is a major cause of SAH morbidity and is often discordant with angiographic vasospasm. Current treatment approaches for DCI and vasospasm require further investigation to determine efficacy and risk/benefit. Nimodipine remains the only therapeutic that is proven to improve SAH outcome.

The effect of temporary CSF diversion modality on shunt-dependency following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A nationwide assessment

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) carries a high economic cost and clinical morbidity in the United States. Beyond prolonged admissions and poor post-injury functional status, there is an additional cost of chronic shunt-dependent hydrocephalus for many aSAH patients. Adjuvant lumbar drain (LD) placement has been hypothesized to promote clearance of subarachnoid blood from the cisternal space, with an ultimate effect of decreasing shunt placement rates. In this nationwide database study, we aim to evaluate outcomes associated with different forms of temporary bedside cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in the aSAH patient cohort.

METHODS

Inpatient admissions were queried from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS; 2016-2020). Inclusion criteria included adult patients presenting with non-traumatic SAH that underwent treatment with either non-elective clip ligation or coil embolization of their underlying aneurysms and received either an external ventricular drain (EVD), lumbar drain (LD), or both (EVD + LD) for temporary CSF diversion during that admission. Outcome variables evaluated included inpatient mortality, bacterial meningitis, length of stay, discharge disposition, and need for shunt placement.

RESULTS

A total of 5505 admissions met inclusion criteria, of which 18.42 % required permanent CSF diversion. The majority of patients received EVD alone (4842, 87.96 %). The remaining patients were split between LD alone (366, 6.65 %) or EVD + LD placement (297, 5.4 %). Patients receiving LD alone tended to be healthier, with lower rates of extreme APR-DRG subclass, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), and NIS SAH Severity Score (NIS-SSS). Patients in the EVD + LD cohort had higher rates of shunt placement (OR 1.624, p = 0.0009) and higher rates of bacterial meningitis (OR 8.715, p < 0.0001), even when controlling for APR-DRG illness severity and ECI.

CONCLUSION

Our study found higher rates of permanent CSF diversion, longer lengths of stay, and higher rates of bacterial meningitis in patients receiving both EVD and LD placement. Due to limitations inherent to nationwide database studies, these results should be interpreted cautiously. Further studies are needed to clarify whether adjuvant temporary CSF diversion with LD placement in the aSAH cohort for intent of minimizing chronic shunt-dependence is efficacious.

Red Blood Cells in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Compartment After Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: Significance and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a subtype of stroke that predominantly impacts younger individuals. It is associated with high mortality rates and can cause long-term disabilities. This review examines the contribution of the initial blood load and the dynamics of clot clearance to the pathophysiology of SAH and the risk of adverse outcomes. These outcomes include hydrocephalus and delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI), with a particular focus on the impact of blood located in the cisternal spaces, as opposed to ventricular blood, in the development of DCI. The literature described underscores the prognostic value of haematoma characteristics, such as volume, density, and anatomical location. The limitations of traditional radiographic grading systems are discussed, compared with the more accurate volumetric quantification techniques for predicting patient prognosis. Further, the significance of red blood cells (RBCs) and their breakdown products in secondary brain injury after SAH is explored. The review presents novel interventions designed to accelerate clot clearance or mitigate the effects of toxic byproducts released from erythrolysis in the cerebrospinal fluid following SAH. In conclusion, this review offers deeper insights into the complex dynamics of SAH and discusses the potential pathways available for advancing its management.

Three Pillars of Recovery After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Narrative Review

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating neurologic disease with high mortality and disability. There have been global improvements in survival, which has contributed to the prevalence of patients living with long-term sequelae related to this disease. The focus of active research has traditionally centered on acute treatment to reduce mortality, but now there is a great need to study the course of short- and long-term recovery in these patients. In this narrative review, we aim to describe the core pillars in the preservation of cerebral function, prevention of complications, the recent literature studying neuroplasticity, and future directions for research to enhance recovery outcomes following aSAH.

Impact of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage to control intracranial hypertension in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: a retrospective monocentric cohort

BACKGROUND

External lumbar drainage (ELD) of cerebrospinal fluid may help control intracranial pressure following a traumatic brain injury. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ELD in post-traumatic intracranial hypertension (IH).

METHODS

This retrospective monocentric cohort study was conducted in the trauma critical care unit of the regional Level-I trauma centre between January 2012 and December 2022. All traumatic brain injury patients with IH (≥ 22 mmHg despite optimal sedation) were included. Data collection focused on the duration and management of IH, complications related to ELD, and outcomes (6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]). The influence of ELD on the duration of IH was assessed using a multivariable Cox regression analysis, while its impact on the 6-month GOS ("unfavourable outcome" GOS 1-3, "good outcome" GOS 4-5) was evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety patients (mean age 37 [SD, 16], injury severity score [ISS] 29 [IQR, 24-34]) were analyzed during the study period. Of these, 50 (56%) benefited from an ELD during their hospitalization (ELD group). The IH duration was significantly reduced in the ELD group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.87; p = 0.03]). One patient (2%) experienced a cerebral herniation following ELD placement, and two others (4%) developed device-associated meningitis. The ELD group was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of an unfavourable outcome (OR 0.32 [95% CI 0.13-0.77]; p = 0.011) compared to the no ELD group.

CONCLUSION

ELD appears in our cohort to be a safe and effective strategy to control post-traumatic IH, with an acceptable benefit-risk ratio. Our analysis even suggests a potential outcome improvement in patients treated by ELD compared with those having no cerebrospinal fluid drainage.

Current advances in neurocritical care

This review summarizes the current research advances and guideline updates in neurocritical care. For the therapy of ischemic stroke, the extended treatment time window for thrombectomy and the emergence of novel thrombolytic agents and strategies have brought greater hope for patient recovery. Minimally invasive hematoma evacuation and goal-directed bundled management have shown clinical benefits in treating cerebral hemorrhage. In the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), early lumbar drainage can reduce the risk of infarction. Decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury has also obtained high-quality evidence support. However, multimodal brain monitoring strategies for patients with traumatic brain injury need further optimization. For patients with cardiac arrest, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation can reduce in-hospital mortality and improve long-term neurological prognosis. For neurocritical care patients, abundant high-quality studies have emerged in areas including multimodal neuromonitoring, hemodynamic management, airway management and respiratory therapy, and antiepileptic treatment. In 2023, the guidelines for aSAH have been updated for the first time in the past decade, aiming to provide evidence-based practice recommendations for clinical care. Chinese expert consensuses have also been formulated to guide analgesia and sedation for neurocritical care patients and developed a set of medical quality indicators on neurocritical care, which will enhance standardization and homogenization improvement in neurocritical care quality.

Cerebrospinal fluid red blood cells and total protein are associated with clinical outcome in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Prognostication in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can be challenging. The aim of this study was to assess whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) red blood cell (RBC) count and total protein (TP) concentration are associated with SAH prognosis.

METHODS

Patients with SAH treated at the neurological intensive care unit (ICU) in Innsbruck were included in this real-world, observational study. Longitudinal CSF samples were collected as part of routine diagnostics. RBC count and CSF TP at the time of admission (RBCfirst, TPfirst), in Week 1 (RBCDays1-7, TPDays1-7), Week 2 (RBCDays8-14, TPDays8-14), and Week 3 or thereafter (RBCDay>14, TPDay>14), the highest detected value (RBChighest, TPhighest), as well as the RBC count adjusted for disease duration (RBCadjusted) were assessed. Primary outcomes were good functional outcome after 3 months, defined as modified Rankin scale score ≤2 and ICU survival.

RESULTS

A total of 183 SAH patients with a female predominance (69%), a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 60 (50-70) years and median (IQR) Hunt and Hess score of 4 (3-5) were included. Multivariable analyses revealed that lower values of RBCfirst, RBCadjusted, RBChighest, TPfirst and TPhighest were associated with good functional outcome and hospital survival. Lower TP concentrations in Weeks 1, 2 and 3 were associated with good functional outcome, and in Weeks 1 and 2 with ICU survival. Early RBC measurements (Week 1) were associated with good functional outcome and ICU survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Low CSF RBC counts and TP concentrations were associated with good functional outcome and ICU survival in a real-world cohort of SAH patients requiring external ventricular drainage.

Current Challenges in Neurocritical Care: A Narrative Review

Neurocritical care as a field aims to treat patients who are neurologically critically ill due to a variety of pathologies. As a recently developed subspecialty, the field faces challenges, several of which are outlined in this review. The authors discuss aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, status epilepticus, and traumatic brain injury as specific disease processes with opportunities for growth in diagnosis, management, and treatment, as well as disorders of consciousness that can arise as a result of many neurological injuries. They also address logistical challenges, such as the need for specialized resources needed to successfully run a neurosciences intensive care unit (neuro-ICU), the variations in training of those who staff neuro-ICUs, and different interdisciplinary team structures. Although an immense amount of data is collected in the neuro-ICU, leveraging the data for clinical research is an area with room for further innovation. Additionally, developing accurate basic science models for these disease processes is an ongoing area of exploration. Finally, the authors explore psychosocial challenges present in the care of neurologically critically ill patients, including limitations in prognostication and religious and cultural perceptions of brain death.

Results of an Online Survey on Intensive Care Management of Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in German-Speaking Countries

Background: The clinical course of patients with aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) is often dynamic and highly unpredictable. Since its management varies between hospitals despite guidelines, this survey aimed to assess the current state of intensive care treatment for aSAH in the German-speaking region and provide insights that could aid standardization of care for aSAH patients in the intensive care setting. Methods: From February 2023 to April 2023, medical professionals of the German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (DIVI), the Initiative of German Neuro-Intensive Trial Engagement (IGNITE) network and manually recorded clinics with intensive care units were invited to participate in a standardized anonymous online questionnaire including 44 questions. The questionnaire was validated in multiple steps by experts of different specialties including those from the DIVI. A descriptive data analysis was carried out. Results: A total of 135 out of 220 participants answered the survey completely. The results showed that most patients were treated in anesthesia-led intensive care units at university and maximum care hospitals. Aneurysms were usually treated within 24 h after bleeding. If vasospasm was detected, induced hypertension was usually implemented as the first treatment option. In refractory vasospasm, interventional spasmolysis with calcium antagonists was usually carried out (81%), despite unclear evidence. There were significant discrepancies in blood pressure target values, particularly after aneurysm repair or after delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), as well as in hemoglobin limit values for erythrocyte substitution. Despite the limited level of evidence, most institutions used temperature management (68%), including hypothermia (56%), for severe cases. Conclusions: While we anticipated variations between individual intensive care facilities, our survey identified numerous similarities in the treatment of aSAH patients. Methods such as interventional spasmolysis and temperature management were used frequently despite limited evidence. Our results can serve as a fundamental framework for formulating recommendations for intensive care treatment and planning of multicenter studies.

Can a single basal cistern urokinase bolus help to prevent subarachnoid hemorrhage consequences?

Study design

Retrospective.

Background

In the 1980s, aneurysmal subarachnoid clot lysis with urokinase or alteplase (rtPA) was proven to effectively reduce vasospasm and neurological ischemic deficits, improving survival and clinical outcomes. This therapeutic option has been less commonly used since the introduction of endovascular treatment, but renewed interest has sparked in recent years.

Aims

To investigate if single bolus cisternal urokinase subarachnoid clot lysis reduces vasospasm, neurological ischemic deficits, mortality, and permanent CSF diversion rates and improves outcomes. Additionally, we want to unveil which subgroup of patients benefit most.

Material and methods

Study period January 2007-December 2019. 415 patients with saccular aneurysms and >1-year follow-up analyzed. Six groups created according to the treatment applied: no treatment (42), only external ventricular drain (16), endovascular treatment (155), clipping (53), clipping + 100,000UI urokinase (116), and incidental brain aneurysm (33).

Results

The rates and severity of vasospasm, permanent CSF diversion, and mortality in Fisher grades ≥3 subarachnoid hemorrhages were higher with endovascular treatment than with surgical clipping with simultaneous cisternal urokinase administration. The best GOSE results on discharge and 6- and 12-month follow-ups happened in this latter group. The differences were more significant the higher the Fisher grade. We neither saw intraventricular, subarachnoid, subdural, or epidural hemorrhages nor systemic fibrinolysis or infections that could be related to the urokinase administration.

Conclusions

Single bolus cisternal 100,000UI urokinase administration during emergency aneurysm clipping reduces vasospasm, mortality, and the need for permanent CSF diversion. It is not associated with a significant increase in intracranial hemorrhages or systemic fibrinolysis.

Role of clipping in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a post hoc analysis of the Earlydrain trial

The choice between clipping and coiling of ruptured cerebral aneurysms in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains controversial. The recently published Earlydrain trial provides the opportunity to analyze the latest clip-to-coil ratio in German-speaking countries and to evaluate vasospasm incidence and explorative outcome measures in both treatment modalities. We performed a post hoc analysis of the Earlydrain trial, a multicenter randomized controlled trial investigating the use of an additional lumbar drain in aneurysmal SAH. The decision whether to clip or to coil the ruptured aneurysm was left to the discretion of the participating centers, providing a real-world insight into current aneurysm treatment strategies. Earlydrain was performed in 19 centers in Germany, Switzerland, and Canada, recruiting 287 patients with aneurysmal SAH of all severity grades. Of these, 140 patients (49%) received clipping and 147 patients (51%) coiling. Age and clinical severity based on Hunt-Hess/WFNS grades and radiological criteria were similar. Clipping was more frequently used for anterior circulation aneurysms (55%), whereas posterior circulation aneurysms were mostly coiled (86%, p < 0.001). In high-volume recruiting centers, 56% of patients were treated with clipping, compared to 38% in other centers. A per-year analysis showed a stable and balanced clipping/coiling ratio over time. Regarding vasospasm, 60% of clipped versus 43% of coiled patients showed elevated transcranial Doppler criteria (p = 0.007), reflected in angiographic vasospasm rates (51% vs. 38%, p = 0.03). In contrast to the Earlydrain main results establishing the superiority of an additional lumbar drain, explorative outcomes after clipping and coiling measured by secondary infarctions, mortality, modified Rankin Score, Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended, or Barthel-Index showed no significant differences after discharge and at six months. In clinical practice, aneurysm clipping is still a frequently used method in aneurysmal SAH. Apart from a higher rate of vasospasm in the clipping group, an exploratory outcome analysis showed no difference between the two treatment methods. Further development of periprocedural treatment modalities for clipped ruptured aneurysms to reduce vasospasm is warranted.

The delicate nature of a constructive peer review: pearls from the editorial board

Peer review stands as a cornerstone of academic publishing, especially in the era of evidence-based neurosurgery - the scientific literature relies on proficient peer reviewers. Providing a constructive peer review is an art and learned skill that requires knowledge of study design and expertise in the neurosurgical subspeciality. Peer reviewers guard against arbitrary decision-making and are essential in ensuring that published manuscripts are of the highest quality. However, there remains a scarcity in the formal training relating to the peer review process. The objective of this article is therefore to shed light on this process through the lens of the Editorial Board. We encourage our invited peer reviewers to make use of this guide when appraising potential manuscripts.

Higher erythrocytes in cerebrospinal fluid on the first and seventh postoperative day: Associated with poor outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is an acute cerebrovascular disease with high disability and mortality. We intended to explore the association between levels of erythrocytes in cerebrospinal fluid at different times of hemorrhage and the outcome of patients. One retrospective study including 216 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage undergoing surgeries in the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University from January 2020 to July 2023 was carried. The univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used for factors associated with poor outcome. The level of erythrocytes in cerebrospinal fluid on the 1st postoperative day in patients with poor outcome was 311 × 103/µL, significantly higher than patients with good outcome (108 × 103/µL), P < .001. The level of erythrocytes in cerebrospinal fluid on 7th postoperative day was 86.5 × 103/µL, also significantly higher than patients with good outcome (26.0 × 103/µL). The multivariable logistic regression analysis results showed that erythrocytes in cerebrospinal fluid on the 1st postoperative day (≥177 × 103/µL) and on the 7th postoperative day (≥53.5 × 103/µL) were possibly associated with poor outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Treatment with tranexamic acid and continuous lumbar drainage did not result in a decrease of erythrocytes in cerebrospinal fluid. Higher erythrocytes in cerebrospinal fluid on the 1st and 7th postoperative days were associated with poor outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.

Analysis of Cerebral Spinal Fluid Drainage and Intracranial Pressure Peaks in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

After aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) due to disrupted cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics is a critical concern. An external ventricular drainage (EVD) is commonly employed for management; however, optimal strategies remain debated. The randomized controlled Earlydrain trial showed that an additional prophylactic lumbar drainage (LD) after aneurysm treatment improves neurological outcome. We performed a post hoc investigation on the impact of drainage volumes and critical ICP values on patient outcomes after aSAH.

METHODS

Using raw patient data from Earlydrain, we analyzed CSF drainage amounts and ICP measurements in the first 8 days after aSAH. Outcomes were the occurrence of secondary infarctions and the score on the modified Rankin scale after 6 months, dichotomized in values of 0-2 as favorable and 3-6 as unfavorable. Repeated measurements were considered with generalized estimation equations.

RESULTS

Earlydrain recruited 287 patients, of whom 221 received an EVD and 140 received an LD. Higher EVD volumes showed a trend to more secondary infarctions (p = 0.09), whereas higher LD volumes were associated with less secondary infarctions (p = 0.009). The mean total CSF drainage was 1052 ± 659 mL and did not differ concerning infarction and neurological outcome. Maximum ICP values were higher in patients with poor outcomes but not related to drainage volumes via EVD. After adjustment for aSAH severity and total CSF drainage, higher LD volume was linked to favorable outcome (per 100 mL: odds ratio 0.61 (95% confidence interval 0.39-0.95), p = 0.03), whereas higher EVD amounts were associated with unfavorable outcome (per 100 mL: odds ratio 1.63 (95% confidence interval 1.05-2.54), p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate that effects of CSF drainage via EVD and LD differ. Higher amounts and higher proportions of LD volumes were associated with better outcomes, suggesting a potential quantity-dependent protective effect. Optimizing LD volume and mitigating ICP spikes may be a strategy to improve patient outcomes after aSAH.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01258257.

Localized Nicardipine Release Implants for Prevention of Vasospasm After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Cerebral vasospasm largely contributes to a devastating outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), with limited therapeutic options.

Objective

To investigate the safety and efficacy of localized nicardipine release implants positioned around the basal cerebral vasculature at risk for developing proximal vasospasm after aSAH.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This single-masked randomized clinical trial with a 52-week follow-up was performed between April 5, 2020, and January 23, 2023, at 6 academic neurovascular centers in Germany and Austria. Consecutive patients with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade 3 or 4 aSAH due to a ruptured anterior circulation aneurysm requiring microsurgical aneurysm repair participated.

Intervention

During aneurysm repair, patients were randomized 1:1 to intraoperatively receive 10 implants at 4 mg of nicardipine each plus standard of care (implant group) or aneurysm repair alone plus standard of care (control group).

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary end point was the incidence of moderate to severe cerebral angiographic vasospasm (aVS) between days 7 and 9 after aneurysm rupture as determined by digital subtraction angiography.

Results

Of 41 patients, 20 were randomized to the control group (mean [SD] age, 54.9 [9.1] years; 17 female [85%]) and 21 to the implant group (mean [SD] age, 53.6 [11.9] years; 14 female [67%]). A total of 39 patients were included in the primary efficacy analysis. In the control group, 11 of 19 patients (58%) developed moderate or severe aVS compared with 4 of 20 patients (20%) in the implant group (P = .02). This outcome was paralleled by a lower clinical need for vasospasm rescue therapy in the implant group (2 of 20 patients [10%]) compared with the control group (11 of 19 patients [58%]; P = .002). Between days 13 and 15 after aneurysm rupture, new cerebral infarcts were noted in 6 of 19 patients (32%) in the control group and in 2 of 20 patients (10%) in the implant group (P = .13). At 52 weeks, favorable outcomes were noted in 12 of 18 patients (67%) in the control group and 16 of 19 patients (84%) in the implant group (P = .27). The adverse event rate did not differ between groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings show that placing nicardipine release implants during microsurgical aneurysm repair can provide safe and effective prevention of moderate to severe aVS after aSAH. A phase 3 clinical trial to investigate the effect of nicardipine implants on clinical outcome may be warranted.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04269408.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage distinctively disrupts the glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic systems in beagles

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) induced acute impairment of the glymphatic system, but few have investigated the dysfunction of the meningeal lymphatic system and their contribution to the pathophysiology of SAH. In addition, most studies were conducted in rodent animals. We aimed to investigate the impact of SAH on glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic function in a large animal model using beagles and to evaluate the effects of intermittent cistern magna CSF drainage on these systems. Methods: The SAH model was created in beagles via endovascular perforation using a digital subtraction angiography machine. Intermittent cistern magna CSF drain was performed daily from 1 d to 3 d after SAH. We examined CSF pressure, neuronal death, enlargement of perivascular space (PVS), hydrocephalus, and neurological and cognitive deficits before and after SAH. The dynamics of glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic functions were analyzed by quantifying the signal intensity of dimeglumine gadopentetate (Gd-DTPA) using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Measurements were taken before SAH and at 1 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks post-SAH. Results: SAH in beagles caused significant blood clots, neuronal death, increased CSF pressure, hydrocephalus, and neurological and cognitive deficits. MRI revealed dilated ventricles and enlarged PVS post-SAH. The glymphatic system's function, assessed by Gd-DTPA distribution, showed reduced CSF influx and glymphatic impairment after SAH, particularly in the ipsilateral hemisphere, persisting for a week with partial recovery at 2 weeks. For lymphatic clearance, Gd-DTPA rapidly filled the olfactory bulbs, optic nerves, facial and vestibulocochlear nerves, and spinal nerves under normal conditions. SAH caused delayed and reduced Gd-DTPA efflux outflow in these areas, disrupting lymphatic clearance. Despite initial dysfunction, increased hemoglobin levels in cervical lymph nodes indicated active blood clearance post-SAH, with recovery by 2 weeks. Treatment with intermittent cistern magna CSF drain significantly ameliorated the glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic dysfunction after SAH. Conclusion: SAH impaired both glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic functions in beagles, with better restoration of lymphatic function post-SAH, which may contribute to functional recovery after SAH. External CSF drain is an effective therapeutic approach to facilitate the recovery of glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic function following SAH.

Association of Fluid Balance and Hemoglobin Decline With Neurological Outcome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

To explore the relationship between fluid balance and hemoglobin decline with secondary infarctions and neurologic outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of the Earlydrain trial, a prospective randomized controlled study investigating prophylactic lumbar drain use in aSAH patients.

SETTING

Patients with aSAH treated in ICUs at 19 tertiary hospitals in Germany, Switzerland, and Canada.

PATIENTS

From January 2011 to January 2016, 287 patients were enrolled in the Earlydrain trial. Only files with complete information on both daily hemoglobin and balance values were used, leaving 237 patients for analysis.

INTERVENTIONS

Investigation of fluid balance management and hemoglobin levels during the initial 8 days post-aSAH to establish thresholds for unfavorable outcomes and assess their impact on secondary infarctions and 6-month neurologic outcome on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patients with unfavorable outcome after 6 months (mRS > 2) showed greater hemoglobin decline and increased cumulative fluid balance. A significant inverse relationship existed between fluid balance and hemoglobin decline. Thresholds for unfavorable outcome were 10.4 g/dL hemoglobin and 4894 mL cumulative fluid balance in the first 8 days. In multivariable analysis, fluid balance, but not fluid intake, remained significantly associated with unfavorable outcome, while the influence of hemoglobin lessened. Fluid balance but not hemoglobin related to secondary infarctions, with the effect being significant after inverse probability of treatment weighting. Transfusion was associated with unfavorable outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased fluid balance influences hemoglobin decline through hemodilution. Fluid overload, rather than a slight decrease in hemoglobin levels, appears to be the primary factor contributing to poor outcomes in aSAH patients. The results suggest aiming for euvolemia and that a modest hemoglobin decline may be tolerated. It may be advisable to adopt a restrictive approach to transfusions, as they can potentially have a negative effect on outcome.

Addressing the Evidence Gap in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The Need for a Pragmatic Randomized Trial Platform

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) occurs less often than other stroke types but affects younger patients, imposing a disproportionately high burden of long-term disability. Although management advances have improved outcomes over time, relatively few aSAH treatments have been tested in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). One lesson learned from COVID-19 is that trial platforms can facilitate the efficient execution of multicenter RCTs even in complex diseases during challenging conditions. An aSAH trial platform with standardized eligibility criteria, randomization procedures, and end point definitions would enable the study of multiple targeted interventions in a perpetual manner, with treatments entering and leaving the platform based on predefined decision algorithms. An umbrella institutional review board protocol and clinical trial agreement would allow individual arms to be efficiently added as amendments rather than stand-alone protocols. Standardized case report forms using the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke common data elements and general protocol standardization across arms would create synergies for data management and monitoring. A Bayesian analysis framework would emphasize frequent interim looks to enable early termination of trial arms for futility, common controls, borrowing of information across arms, and adaptive designs. A protocol development committee would assist investigators and encourage pragmatic designs to maximize generalizability, reduce site burden, and execute trials efficiently and cost-effectively. Despite decades of steady clinical progress in the management of aSAH, poor patient outcomes remain common, and despite the increasing availability of RCT data in other fields, it remains difficult to perform RCTs to guide more effective care for aSAH. The development of a platform for pragmatic RCTs in aSAH would help close the evidence gap between aSAH and other stroke types and improve outcomes for this important disease with its disproportionate public health burden.

Temporal Changes in CSF Cell Parameters After SAH: Comparison of Ventricular and Spinal Drain Samples

BACKGROUND

Forty percent of patients with aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) develop acute hydrocephalus requiring treatment with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. CSF cell parameters are used in the diagnosis of nosocomial infections but also reflect sterile inflammation after aSAH. We aimed to study the temporal changes in CSF parameters and compare external ventricular drain (EVD)-derived and lumbar spinal drain-derived samples.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with aSAH treated at our neurointensive care unit between January 2014 and May 2019. We mapped the temporal changes in CSF leucocyte count, erythrocyte count, cell ratio, and cell index during the first 19 days after aSAH separately for EVD-derived and spinal drain-derived samples. We compared the sample sources using a linear mixed model, controlling for repeated sampling.

RESULTS

We included 1360 CSF samples from 197 patients in the analyses. In EVD-derived samples, the CSF leucocyte count peaked at days 4-5 after aSAH, reaching a median of 225 × 106 (interquartile range [IQR] 64-618 × 106). The cell ratio and index peaked at 8-9 days (0.90% [IQR 0.35-1.98%] and 2.71 [IQR 1.25-6.73], respectively). In spinal drain-derived samples, the leucocyte count peaked at days 6-7, reaching a median of 238 × 106 (IQR 60-396 × 106). The cell ratio and index peaked at 14-15 days (4.12% [IQR 0.63-10.61%]) and 12-13 days after aSAH (8.84 [IQR 3.73-18.84]), respectively. Compared to EVD-derived samples, the leucocyte count was significantly higher in spinal drain-derived samples at days 6-17, and the cell ratio as well as the cell index was significantly higher in spinal drain-derived samples compared to EVD samples at days 10-15.

CONCLUSIONS

CSF cell parameters undergo dynamic temporal changes after aSAH. CSF samples from different CSF compartments are not comparable.

Advances and Future Trends in the Diagnosis and Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Major advances in neurocritical care and the modalities used to treat aneurysms have led to improvement in the outlook of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Yet, several knowledge gaps remain widely open. Variability in practices stems from the lack of solid evidence to guide management, which recent guidelines from professional organizations aim to mitigate. In this article, the authors review some of these gaps in knowledge, highlight important messages from recent management guidelines, emphasize aspects of our practice that we consider particularly useful to optimize patient outcomes, and suggest future areas of research.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses in neurosurgery Part II: a guide to designing the protocol

Despite clearly established guidelines, recent audits have found the conduct and reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) within neurosurgery to be relatively lackluster in methodological rigor and compliance. Protocols of SRMAs allow for planning and documentation of review methods, guard against arbitrary decision-making during the review process, and enable readers to assess for the presence of selective reporting. To aid transparency, authors should provide sufficient detail in their protocol so that the readers could reproduce the study themselves. Development of our guideline drew heavily from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) initiative. The objective of this article is not to enumerate every detail of this checklist, but to provide guidance to authors preparing their protocol, with examples, for a systematic review in neurosurgery. Particularly, we emphasize on the PICO framework - population (P), interventions (I), comparators (C), outcomes (O) - which is central to constructing a clinical question, defining the scope of the systematic review, defining and prioritizing the primary outcome, to specifying the eligibility criteria, designing the search strategy, and identifying potential sources of heterogeneity. We encourage our readers to make use of this guideline alongside the PRISMA-P 2015 statement, when drafting and appraising systematic review protocols.

Ultrasonic cerebrospinal fluid clearance improves outcomes in hemorrhagic brain injury models

Impaired clearance of the byproducts of aging and neurologic disease from the brain exacerbates disease progression and severity. We have developed a noninvasive, low intensity transcranial focused ultrasound protocol that facilitates the removal of pathogenic substances from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the brain interstitium. This protocol clears neurofilament light chain (NfL) - an aging byproduct - in aged mice and clears red blood cells (RBCs) from the central nervous system in two mouse models of hemorrhagic brain injury. Cleared RBCs accumulate in the cervical lymph nodes from both the CSF and interstitial compartments, indicating clearance through meningeal lymphatics. Treating these hemorrhagic brain injury models with this ultrasound protocol reduced neuroinflammatory and neurocytotoxic profiles, improved behavioral outcomes, decreased morbidity and, importantly, increased survival. RBC clearance efficacy was blocked by mechanosensitive channel antagonism and was effective when applied in anesthetized subjects, indicating a mechanosensitive channel mediated mechanism that does not depend on sensory stimulation or a specific neural activity pattern. Notably, this protocol qualifies for an FDA non-significant risk designation given its low intensity, making it readily clinically translatable. Overall, our results demonstrate that this low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound protocol clears hemorrhage and other harmful substances from the brain via the meningeal lymphatic system, potentially offering a novel therapeutic tool for varied neurologic disorders.

Emergent Management of Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) carries high morbidity and mortality rates, and the emergent management of this disease can make a large impact on patient outcome. The purpose of this article is to provide a pragmatic overview of the emergent management of SAH.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Recent trials have influenced practice around the use of antifibrinolytics, the timing of aneurysm securement, the recognition of cerebral edema and focus on avoiding a lower limit of perfusion, and the detection and prevention of delayed cerebral ischemia. Much of the acute management of SAH can be protocolized, as demonstrated by two updated guidelines published by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and the Neurocritical Care Society in 2023. However, the gaps in evidence lead to clinical equipoise in some aspects of critical care management.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

In acute management, there is an urgency to differentiate the etiology of SAH and take key emergent actions including blood pressure management and coagulopathy reversal. The critical care management of SAH is similar to that of other acute brain injuries, with the addition of detecting and treating delayed cerebral ischemia. Strategies for the detection and treatment of delayed cerebral ischemia are limited by disordered consciousness and may be augmented by monitoring and imaging technology.

Influence of cerebrospinal fluid drainage in the first days after aneurysm rupture on the severity of early brain injury following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

PURPOSE

Progressive cerebral edema with refractory intracranial hypertension (ICP) requiring decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is a severe manifestation of early brain injury (EBI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The purpose of the study was to investigate whether a more pronounced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage has an influence on cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and the extent of EBI after aSAH.

METHODS

Patients with aSAH and indication for ICP-monitoring admitted to our center between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively included. EBI was categorized based on intracranial blood burden, persistent loss of consciousness, and SEBES (Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score) score on the third day after ictus. The draining CSF and vital signs such as ICP and CPP were documented daily.

RESULTS

90 out of 324 eligible aSAH patients (28%) were included. The mean age was 54.2 ± 11.9 years. DHC was performed in 24% (22/90) of patients. Mean CSF drainage within 72 h after ictus was 168.5 ± 78.5 ml. A higher CSF drainage within 72 h after ictus correlated with a less severe EBI and a less frequent need for DHC (r=-0.33, p = 0.001) and with a higher mean CPP on day 3 after ictus (r = 0.2351, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

A more pronounced CSF drainage in the first 3 days of aSAH was associated with higher CPP and a less severe course of EBI and required less frequently a DHC. These results support the hypothesis that an early and pronounced CSF drainage may facilitate blood clearance and positively influence the course of EBI.

A predictive model in patients with chronic hydrocephalus following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective cohort study

Objective

Our aim was to develop a nomogram that integrates clinical and radiological data obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans, enabling the prediction of chronic hydrocephalus in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Method

A total of 318 patients diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery at the Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University between January 2020 and December 2022 were enrolled in our study. We collected clinical characteristics from the hospital's medical record system. To identify risk factors associated with chronic hydrocephalus, we conducted both univariate and LASSO regression models on these clinical characteristics and radiological features, accompanied with penalty parameter adjustments conducted through tenfold cross-validation. All features were then incorporated into multivariate logistic regression analyses. Based on these findings, we developed a clinical-radiological nomogram. To evaluate its discrimination performance, we conducted Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and calculated the Area Under the Curve (AUC). Additionally, we employed calibration curves, and utilized Brier scores as an indicator of concordance. Additionally, Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) was performed to determine the clinical utility of our models by estimating net benefits at various threshold probabilities for both training and testing groups.

Results

The study included 181 patients, with a determined chronic hydrocephalus prevalence of 17.7%. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified 11 potential risk factors, while LASSO regression identified 7 significant risk factors associated with chronic hydrocephalus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed three independent predictors for chronic hydrocephalus following aSAH: Periventricular white matter changes, External lumbar drainage, and Modified Fisher Grade. A nomogram incorporating these factors accurately predicted the risk of chronic hydrocephalus in both the training and testing cohorts. The AUC values were calculated as 0.810 and 0.811 for each cohort respectively, indicating good discriminative ability of the nomogram model. Calibration curves along with Hosmer-Lemeshow tests demonstrated excellent agreement between predicted probabilities and observed outcomes in both cohorts. Furthermore, Brier scores (0.127 for the training and 0.09 for testing groups) further validated the predictive performance of our nomogram model. The DCA confirmed that this nomogram provides superior net benefit across various risk thresholds when predicting chronic hydrocephalus. The decision curve demonstrated that when an individual's threshold probability ranged from 5 to 62%, this model is more effective in predicting the occurrence of chronic hydrocephalus after aSAH.

Conclusion

A clinical-radiological nomogram was developed to combine clinical characteristics and radiological features from CT scans, aiming to enhance the accuracy of predicting chronic hydrocephalus in patients with aSAH. This innovative nomogram shows promising potential in assisting clinicians to create personalized and optimal treatment plans by providing precise predictions of chronic hydrocephalus among aSAH patients.

Contemporary management of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. An update for the intensivist

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a rare yet profoundly debilitating condition associated with high global case fatality and morbidity rates. The key determinants of functional outcome include early brain injury, rebleeding of the ruptured aneurysm and delayed cerebral ischaemia. The only effective way to reduce the risk of rebleeding is to secure the ruptured aneurysm quickly. Prompt diagnosis, transfer to specialized centers, and meticulous management in the intensive care unit (ICU) significantly improved the prognosis of aSAH. Recently, multimodality monitoring with specific interventions to correct pathophysiological imbalances has been proposed. Vigilance extends beyond intracranial concerns to encompass systemic respiratory and haemodynamic monitoring, as derangements in these systems can precipitate secondary brain damage. Challenges persist in treating aSAH patients, exacerbated by a paucity of robust clinical evidence, with many interventions showing no benefit when tested in rigorous clinical trials. Given the growing body of literature in this field and the issuance of contemporary guidelines, our objective is to furnish an updated review of essential principles of ICU management for this patient population. Our review will discuss the epidemiology, initial stabilization, treatment strategies, long-term prognostic factors, the identification and management of post-aSAH complications. We aim to offer practical clinical guidance to intensivists, grounded in current evidence and expert clinical experience, while adhering to a concise format.

Hemorrhage Volume Drives Early Brain Injury and Outcome in Poor-Grade Aneurysmal SAH

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Early brain injury is a major determinant of clinical outcome in poor-grade (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies [WFNS] IV-V) aneurysmal SAH and is radiologically defined by global cerebral edema. Little is known, though, about the effect of global intracranial hemorrhage volume on early brain injury development and clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the multicentric prospective Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (POGASH) Registry of consecutive patients with poor-grade aneurysmal SAH admitted from January 1, 2015, to August 31, 2022, was retrospectively evaluated. Poor grade was defined according to the worst-pretreatment WFNS grade. Global intracranial hemorrhage volume as well as the volumes of intracerebral hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and SAH were calculated by means of analytic software in a semiautomated setting. Outcomes included severe global cerebral edema (defined by Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score grades 3-4), in-hospital mortality (mRS 6), and functional independence (mRS 0-2) at follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 400 patients (median global intracranial hemorrhage volume of 91 mL; interquartile range, 59-128), severe global cerebral edema was detected in 218/400 (54.5%) patients. One hundred twenty-three (30.8%) patients died during the acute phase of hospitalization. One hundred fifty-five (38.8%) patients achieved mRS 0-2 at a median of 13 (interquartile range, 3-26) months of follow-up. Multivariable analyses showed global intracranial hemorrhage volume as independently associated with severe global cerebral edema (adjusted OR, 1.009; 95% CI, 1.004-1.014; P < .001), mortality (adjusted OR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.001-1.01; P = .018) and worse clinical outcome (adjusted OR, 0.992; 95% CI, 0.98-0.996; P < .010). The effect of global intracranial hemorrhage volume on clinical-radiologic outcomes changed significantly according to different age groups (younger than 50, 50-70, older than 70 year of age). Volumes of intracerebral hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and SAH affected the 3 predefined outcomes differently. Intracerebral hemorrhage volume independently predicted global cerebral edema and long-term outcome, intraventricular hemorrhage volume predicted mortality and long-term outcome, and SAH volume predicted long-term clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Global intracranial hemorrhage volume plays a pivotal role in global cerebral edema development and emerged as an independent predictor of both mortality and long-term clinical outcome. Aging emerged as a reducing predictor in the relationship between global intracranial hemorrhage volume and global cerebral edema.

Early Complications and Outcome After Treatment of Ruptured Aneurysms in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-A Post Hoc Analysis of the EARLYDRAIN Trial

OBJECTIVE

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) from a ruptured intracranial aneurysm is a severe, life-threatening condition, with high morbidity and mortality. The current treatment often involves surgical clipping or endovascular treatment within the first 24-48 hours. Although there is ample evidence of complications in treating unruptured aneurysms, similar data in patients with acutely ruptured aneurysms are limited. The recently completed EARLYDRAIN trial showed improved neurologic results from lumbar drainage after aneurysm treatment in patients with aSAH. Using this data set, we aim to study the frequency and effects of complications and identify associated risk factors.

METHODS

A substudy was carried out of the prospective multicenter randomized controlled EARLYDRAIN trial. We analyzed treatment-associated complications (bleeding and/or infarctions) detected on computed tomography on day 1 after aneurysm occlusion. Outcomes were the occurrence of postprocedural complications, secondary infarctions in the acute phase, and the modified Rankin Scale score after 6 months.

RESULTS

The EARLYDRAIN trial recruited 287 patients in 19 centers. Of these patients, 56 (19.5%) experienced a treatment complication. Twenty-five patients (8.7%) experienced postprocedural intracranial hemorrhage and 34 patients (11.8%) experienced a treatment-associated infarction. Patients with a complication showed more secondary infarctions (P = 0.049) and worse neurologic outcomes after 180 days (P = 0.025) compared with patients with no complication. Aneurysm location, rebleeding before the treatment, number of patients recruited per center, and the day of the treatment were independent risk factors for the occurrence of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that patients with aSAH frequently experience intervention-associated complications associated with aneurysm occlusion required to prevent recurrent hemorrhage. Consequently, patients with aSAH with treatment-related complications more often experience a worse clinical course and poor outcome.

Lumboperitoneal shunt and ventriculoperitoneal shunt for chronic hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a comparison

Objective

Chronic hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) results in poor neurological outcomes and cognitive deficits. Currently, the main treatments for chronic hydrocephalus include ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and lumboperitoneal shunt (LPS); however, the optimal treatment for chronic hydrocephalus after aSAH remains controversial.

Method

The records of 82 patients were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were divided into VPS and LPS groups based on surgical methods. The efficacy, shunt successful rate and complications were compared. The assessments of treatment efficacy included the Evans index score (EIS), Keifer's hydrocephalus score (KHS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and functional independence measure (FIM). Patients were followed up for three months to observe the postoperative curative effects and complications.

Results

The rate of shunt obstruction was significantly higher in the LPS group than that in the VPS group (p < 0.05), and the shunt successful rate was significantly higher in the VPS group than that in the LPS group (p < 0.05). The total rate of complications was 24.4% for LPS and 39% for VPS. The improvements in EIS, KHS, MMSE, and FIM within each group after the shunt were significantly different compared to those before shunt (p < 0.05). Compared to those in the LPS group, the improvements in EIS, KHS, MMSE, and FIM were significantly different in the VPS group after shunt (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with LPS, VPS in the treatment for chronic hydrocephalus after aSAH had greater therapeutic efficacy, as indicated by improved radiological outcomes, improved shunt successful rate, improved clinical outcomes, and improved quality of life. Therefore, we believe that VPS is the preferred treatment option for chronic hydrocephalus after aSAH, while LPS should only be used as an alternative to VPS.

Effectiveness of Cerebrospinal Fluid Lumbar Drainage Among Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral vasospasm in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) continues to be a major source of morbidity despite significant clinical and basic science research. The removal of blood and its degradation products from the subarachnoid space through prophylactic lumbar drainage (LD) is a favorable option. However, several studies have delivered conflicting conclusions on its efficacy after aSAH.

METHODS

Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were performed. The primary outcome was a good functional outcome (modified Rankin scale score, 0-2). Secondary outcomes included symptomatic vasospasm, secondary cerebral infarction, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies reporting on 2473 patients with aSAH were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the non-LD group, no significant differences were found in the rates of good functional outcomes in the LD group at discharge to 1 month (risk ratio [RR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-2.58) or at 6 months (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.97-1.41). These findings were consistent in the subgroup analyses of only randomized controlled trials or observational studies. LD was associated with lower rates of symptomatic vasospasm (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.48-0.77), secondary cerebral infarction (RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.45-0.79), and mortality at discharge to 1 month (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41-0.82). The effect on mortality diminished at 6 months (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.34-1.45). However, when analyzing only randomized controlled trials, the benefit of LD on lower rates of mortality continued even at 6 months (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

For aSAH patients, the use of LD is associated with benefits in the rates of vasospasm, secondary cerebral infarctions, and mortality, without an increased risk of adverse events.

The glymphatic system for neurosurgeons: a scoping review

The discovery of the glymphatic system has revolutionized our understanding of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation and interstitial waste clearance in the brain. This scoping review aims to synthesize the current literature on the glymphatic system's role in neurosurgical conditions and its potential as a therapeutic target. We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed and Scopus databases for studies published between January 1, 2012, and October 31, 2023. Studies were selected based on their relevance to neurosurgical conditions and glymphatic function, with both animal and human studies included. Data extraction focused on the methods for quantifying glymphatic function and the main results. A total of 67 articles were included, covering conditions such as idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), stroke, intracranial tumors, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Significant glymphatic dysregulation was noted in iNPH and IIH, with evidence of impaired CSF dynamics and delayed clearance. SAH studies indicated glymphatic dysfunction with the potential therapeutic effects of nimodipine and tissue plasminogen activator. In stroke, alterations in glymphatic activity correlated with the extent of edema and neurological recovery. TBI studies highlighted the role of the glymphatic system in post-injury cognitive outcomes. Results indicate that the regulation of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) channels is a critical target for therapeutic intervention. The glymphatic system plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of various neurosurgical conditions, influencing brain edema and CSF dynamics. Targeting the regulation of AQP4 channels presents as a significant therapeutic strategy. Although promising, the translation of these findings into clinical practice requires further human studies. Future research should focus on establishing non-invasive biomarkers for glymphatic function and exploring the long-term effects of glymphatic dysfunction.

Acute evacuation of 54 intracerebral hematomas (aICH) during the microsurgical clipping of a ruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm-illustration of the individual clinical courses and outcomes with a serial brain CT/MRI panel until 12 months

PURPOSE

In aneurysmal intracerebral hemorrhage (aICH), our review showed the lack of the patient's individual (i) timeline panels and (ii) serial brain CT/MRI slice panels through the aICH evacuation and neurointensive care until the final brain tissue outcome.

METHODS

Our retrospective cohort consists of 54 consecutive aICH patients from a defined population who acutely underwent the clipping of a middle cerebral artery bifurcation saccular aneurysm (Mbif sIA) with the aICH evacuation at Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) from 2010 to 2019. We constructed the patient's individual timeline panels since the emergency call and serial brain CT/MRI slice panels through the aICH evacuation and neurointensive care until the final brain tissue outcome. The patients were indicated by numbers (1.-54.) in the pseudonymized panels, tables, results, and discussion.

RESULTS

The aICH volumes on KUH admission (median 46 cm3) plotted against the time from the emergency call to the evacuation (median 8 hours) associated significantly with the rebleeds (n=25) and the deaths (n=12). The serial CT/MRI slice panels illustrated the aICHs, intraventricular hemorrhages (aIVHs), residuals after the aICH evacuations, perihematomal edema (PHE), delayed cerebral injury (DCI), and in the 42 survivors, the clinical outcome (mRS) and the brain tissue outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding aICH evacuations, serial brain CT/MRI panels present more information than words, figures, and graphs. Re-bleeds associated with larger aICH volumes and worse outcomes. Swift logistics until the sIA occlusion with aICH evacuation is required, also in duty hours and weekends. Intraoperative CT is needed to illustrate the degree of aICH evacuation. PHE may evoke uncontrollable intracranial pressure (ICP) in spite of the acute aICH volume reduction.