Prognostic factors on hospital admission after spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage

Proposed imaging assessment score for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage correlated with prognosis: Shinshu Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage score

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) imaging has been shown to correlate with prognosis. However, no numerical index of bleeding severity has been established. This study aimed to propose a new simple scoring system for computed tomography imaging of aSAH and to confirm its effectiveness in retrospective and prospective studies.

METHODS

We devised an image evaluation system as an objective index. This system was established by scoring six items, with a maximum total of 19 points. Using this score, named the Shinshu Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Score (S-score), we performed a retrospective study of 210 patients with aSAH at a single institution to confirm its efficacy. Age and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grades were adopted as other verification items, and the modified Rankin Scale was used for prognostic evaluation. A multicenter prospective study was then conducted to examine the function of the score by examining 214 patients with aSAH.

RESULTS

In the retrospective study, the threshold of the S-score between good and poor prognoses was 9/19 points. The area under the curve by receiver operating characteristic analysis of the S-score was 0.819, suggesting efficacy, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.291 (1.077-1.547). In the prospective study, the judgment capability of the S-score was evaluated with a sensitivity of 0.674, specificity of 0.881, positive predictive value of 0.789, negative predictive value of 0.804, false-positive ratio of 0.119, false-negative ratio of 0.325, positive likelihood ratio of 6.072, and negative likelihood ratio of 1.369. S-score showed a significant difference in prognosis. The OR was 1.183 (1.009-1.388).

CONCLUSIONS

The scoring system could contribute to patient prognosis assessment. S-score and its prognostic formulas may serve as an objective source of information in the development of clinical medicine.

Warfarin-induced isolated spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage: Rare case report

Introduction and importance

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is mostly associated with head trauma. Non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage is mostly due to vascular abnormalities: either hemorrhage from ruptured aneurysm or bleeding from arteriovenous malformation. Aneurysmal hemorrhage is the biggest cause in non-traumatic cases. Warfarin is associated with cerebral intraparenchymal hemorrhage, but it is rarely associated with SAH.

Case presentation

Here, we report the case of a 45-year-old male patient who was admitted to the neurology ward of our hospital due to acute ischemic stroke. The patient was treated with a vitamin K antagonist (warfarin). However, on the third day, his condition deteriorated (his GCS regressed from 11/15 to 5/15). His pupils were anisocoric. Brain CT showed extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage without intraparenchymal involvement. Cerebral magnetic resonance angiography ruled out aneurysmal rupture. The patient was intubated and transferred to the intensive care unit. Due to his poor condition, neurosurgical intervention could not be done. The patient was managed conservatively, but the patient passed away 4 days later in the intensive care unit.

Clinical discussion

Non-traumatic SAH is mostly caused by aneurysmal rupture. Warfarin increases the risk of intracranial hemorrhage and mostly causes intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Isolated warfarin-related SAH without parenchymal involvement is a rare event. Here we present a young male patient with an isolated warfarin-induced SAH.

Conclusion

Warfarin is rarely associated with isolated subarachnoid hemorrhage. This case highlights a young male patient with spontaneous SAH after warfarin therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Aneurysmal rupture and trauma should be excluded before a diagnosis of warfarin-induced SAH is made.

Early brain injury and cognitive impairment after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

The first 72 h following aneurysm rupture play a key role in determining clinical and cognitive outcomes after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Yet, very little is known about the impact of so called “early brain injury” on patents with clinically good grade SAH (as defined as World Federation of Neurosurgeons Grade 1 and 2). 27 patients with good grade SAH underwent MRI scanning were prospectively recruited at three time-points after SAH: within the first 72 h (acute phase), at 5–10 days and at 3 months. Patients underwent additional, comprehensive cognitive assessment 3 months post-SAH. 27 paired healthy controls were also recruited for comparison. In the first 72 h post-SAH, patients had significantly higher global and regional brain volume than controls. This change was accompanied by restricted water diffusion in patients. Persisting abnormalities in the volume of the posterior cerebellum at 3 months post-SAH were present to those patients with worse cognitive outcome. When using this residual abnormal brain area as a region of interest in the acute-phase scans, we could predict with an accuracy of 84% (sensitivity 82%, specificity 86%) which patients would develop cognitive impairment 3 months later, despite initially appearing clinically indistinguishable from those making full recovery. In an exploratory sample of good clinical grade SAH patients compared to healthy controls, we identified a region of the posterior cerebellum for which acute changes on MRI were associated with cognitive impairment. Whilst further investigation will be required to confirm causality, use of this finding as a risk stratification biomarker is promising.

Comorbidities and Medical Complications in Hospitalized Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains a devastating condition with a case fatality of 36% at 30 days. Risk factors for mortality in SAH patients include patient demographics and the severity of the neurological injury. Pre-existing conditions and non-neurological medical complications occurring during the index hospitalization are also risk factors for mortality in SAH. The magnitude of the effect on mortality of pre-existing conditions and medical complications, however, is less well understood. In this study, we aim to determine the effect of pre-existing conditions and medical complications on SAH mortality.

METHODS

For a 25% random sample of the Greater Montreal Region, we used discharge abstracts, physician billings, and death certificate records, to identify adult patients with a new diagnosis of non-traumatic SAH who underwent cerebral angiography or surgical clipping of an aneurysm between 1997 and 2014.

RESULTS

The one-year mortality rate was 14.76% (94/637). Having ≥3 pre-existing conditions was associated with increased one-year mortality OR 3.74, 95% CI [1.25, 9.57]. Having 2, or ≥3 medical complications was associated with increased one-year mortality OR, 2.42 [95% CI 1.25-4.69] and OR, 2.69 [95% CI 1.43-5.07], respectively. Sepsis, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrhythmias were associated with increased one-year mortality. Having 1, 2, or ≥3 pre-existing conditions was associated with increased odds of having medical complications in hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-existing conditions and in-hospital non-neurological medical complications are associated with increased one-year mortality in SAH. Pre-existing conditions are associated with increased medical complications.

Clinicoradiological Profile and Outcome of Microsurgical Clipping of Ruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms: A Single-Institute Experience

Introduction:

Prevalence of intracranial aneurysms is estimated to be from 1% to 5% of population, most of them are small and located in the anterior circulation. The real danger is when an aneurysm ruptures, leading to a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). SAH is a catastrophic event with a mortality rate of 25% to 50%. Permanent disability occurs in nearly 50% of the survivors. Fifteen percent of patients expire before reaching the hospital and 25% die within 24 h. The purpose of our study is to report the clinicoradiological data and outcome of microsurgical clipping of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms in our center.

Materials and Methods:

This study included ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms admitted to tertiary care hospital in northern India from January 2018 to June 2020. The final outcome of patients was analyzed with Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at the time of discharge from the hospital.

Results:

A total of 53 patients with ruptured anterior circulation aneurysm underwent microsurgical clipping comprising 25 (47.2%) males and 28 (52.8%) females. The mean neck size of all aneurysms was 3.43 ± 1.66 mm. The mean hospital stay was longer in patients having preoperative intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (35.96 ± 27.27 days) and postoperative complications (43.36 ± 29.76 days) compared to patients who did not have IVH (21.10 ± 15.47 days) and postoperative complications (18 ± 6.54 days). P value was ≤0.05. Patients with preoperative hydrocephalus had GOS 3.44 ± 1.20 at discharge compared to nonhydrocephalus who had GOS 4.32 ± 1.07 (P = 0.009). Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) and non-ICH had GOS 3.31 ± 1.38 and 4.28 ± 1.01, respectively (P = 0.009).

Conclusion:

Poor outcome at the time of discharge after the surgical treatment of anterior circulation aneurysms was associated with poor world federation of neurological surgeons grade on admission, presence of IVH, hydrocephalus, intracerebral hemorrhage, and postoperative cerebral infarcts.

Modified Glasgow coma scale for predicting outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage surgery

There are many grading scales that attempt to predict outcome following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Most scales used to assess outcome are based on the neurological status of the patient. Here, we propose a new scale for aSAH patients that combines the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the modified Fisher scale (mFS).Five hundred ninety-seven patients with aSAH who were treated at our institution between January 2008 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Initial GCS score, Hunt and Hess scale, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies scale, mFS, and modified Rankin Scale were obtained by reviewing data. Incidence of vasospasm was investigated. Factors found to be significant on a multivariable regression analysis were used to develop a scale that was compared with other grading systems using the area under the curve (AUC) calculated from receiver operating characteristic curve.The GCS score and mFS were related to outcomes in patients with aSAH. A simple score, which we call the GCS-F score, was calculated using these initial data. The GCS-F score had an AUC of 90.5% for unfavorable outcome prediction, and 88.4% for in-hospital mortality prediction. On the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for vasospasm, the AUC for World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies, mFS and GCS-F scores were 0.912, 0.704, and 0.936, respectively.A simple arithmetic combination of the GCS score and mFS, the GCS-F score, includes the radiographic status as well as the clinical status of the patient, so that the state of the patient can be known in more detail than other single scales. The GCS-F score may be a useful scale for predicting outcome and the occurrence of vasospasm in patients with aSAH.

Validation and Optimization of Barrow Neurological Institute Score in Prediction of Adverse Events and Functional Outcome After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-Creation of the HATCH (Hemorrhage, Age, Treatment, Clinical State, Hydrocephalus) Score

BACKGROUND

The Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) score, measuring maximal thickness of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), has previously shown to predict symptomatic cerebral vasospasms (CVSs), delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and functional outcome.

OBJECTIVE

To validate the BNI score for prediction of above-mentioned variables and cerebral infarct and evaluate its improvement by integrating further variables which are available within the first 24 h after hemorrhage.

METHODS

We included patients from a single center. The BNI score for prediction of CVS, DCI, infarct, and functional outcome was validated in our cohort using measurements of calibration and discrimination (area under the curve [AUC]). We improved it by adding additional variables, creating a novel risk score (measure by the dichotomized Glasgow Outcome Scale) and validated it in a small independent cohort.

RESULTS

Of 646 patients, 41.5% developed symptomatic CVS, 22.9% DCI, 23.5% cerebral infarct, and 29% had an unfavorable outcome. The BNI score was associated with all outcome measurements. We improved functional outcome prediction accuracy by including age, BNI score, World Federation of Neurologic Surgeons, rebleeding, clipping, and hydrocephalus (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.8-0.87). Based on this model we created a risk score (HATCH-Hemorrhage, Age, Treatment, Clinical State, Hydrocephalus), ranging 0 to 13 points. We validated it in a small independent cohort. The validated score demonstrated very good discriminative ability (AUC 0.84 [95% CI 0.72-0.96]).

CONCLUSION

We developed the HATCH score, which is a moderate predictor of DCI, but excellent predictor of functional outcome at 1 yr after aSAH.

Edema Resolution and Clinical Assessment in Poor-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Useful Indicators to Predict Delayed Cerebral Infarctions?

Background: The level of consciousness and cerebral edema are among the indicators that best define the intensity of early brain injury following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Although these indicators are usually altered in patients with a poor neurological status, their usefulness for selecting patients at risk of cerebral infarction (CI) is not well established. Furthermore, little is known about the evolution of these indicators during the first week of post-ictal events. Our study focused on describing the association of the longitudinal course of these predictors with CI occurrence in patients with severe aSAH. Methods: Out of 265 aSAH patients admitted consecutively to the same institution, 80 patients with initial poor neurological status (WFNS 4–5) were retrospectively identified. After excluding 25 patients with early mortality, a total of 47 patients who underwent early CT (<3 days) and late CT (<7 days) acquisitions were included in the study. Early cerebral edema and delayed cerebral edema were calculated using the SEBES score, and the level of consciousness was recorded daily during the first week using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Results: There was a significant improvement in the SEBES (Early-SEBES median (IQR) = 3 (2–4) versus Delayed-SEBES = 2 (1–3); p = 0.001) and in GCS scores (B = 0.32; 95% CI 0.15–0.49; p = 0.001) during the first week. When comparing the ROC curves of Delayed-SEBES vs Early-SEBES as predictors of CI, no significant differences were found (Early-SEBES Area Under the Curve: 0.65; Delayed-SEBES: 0.62; p = 0.17). Additionally, no differences were observed in the relationship between the improvement in the GCS across the first week and the occurrence of CI (p = 0.536). Conclusions: Edema and consciousness level improvement did not seem to be associated with the occurrence of CI in a surviving cohort of patients with severe aSAH. Our results suggest that intensive monitoring should not be reduced in patients with a poor neurological status regardless of an improvement in cerebral edema and level of consciousness during the first week after bleeding.

Brain Multimodal Monitoring in Severe Acute Brain Injury: Is It Relevant to Patient Outcome and Mortality?

INTRODUCTION

Advanced multimodal monitoring (MMM) of the brain is recommended as a tool to manage severe acute brain injury in intensive care units (ICUs) and prevent secondary lesions. The aim of this study was to determine if MMM has implications for patient outcome and mortality.

METHODS

We analyzed data on 389 patients admitted with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) to two general ICUs and one neurocritical care ICU (NCCU) between March 2014 and October 2016, and their subsequent outcomes.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 259 males and 130 females. Group 1, which comprised 69 patients with MMM admitted to the NCCU, was compared with group 2, which comprised patients managed without MMM. With the exceptions of the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, there were no differences between the two groups. Group 1 had significantly better outcomes at ICU discharge, at 28 days, and at 3 months, and also had a lower mortality rate (P < 0.05). When outcomes were adjusted for SAPS II scores, patients who had MMM had better outcomes (odds ratios 0.215 at ICU discharge, 0.234 at 28 days, 0.338 at 3 months, and 0.474 at 6 months) but no difference in mortality.

CONCLUSION

Use of MMM in patients with SAH or TBI is associated with better outcomes and should be considered in the management of these patients.

Gap Analysis Regarding Prognostication in Neurocritical Care: A Joint Statement from the German Neurocritical Care Society and the Neurocritical Care Society

Background/Objective

Prognostication is a routine part of the delivery of neurocritical care for most patients with acute neurocritical illnesses. Numerous prognostic models exist for many different conditions. However, there are concerns about significant gaps in knowledge regarding optimal methods of prognostication.

Methods

As part of the Arbeitstagung NeuroIntensivMedizin meeting in February 2018 in Würzburg, Germany, a joint session on prognostication was held between the German NeuroIntensive Care Society and the Neurocritical Care Society. The purpose of this session was to provide presentations and open discussion regarding existing prognostic models for eight common neurocritical care conditions (aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, acute ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, traumatic spinal cord injury, status epilepticus, Guillain–Barré Syndrome, and global cerebral ischemia from cardiac arrest). The goal was to develop a qualitative gap analysis regarding prognostication that could help inform a future framework for clinical studies and guidelines.

Results

Prognostic models exist for all of the conditions presented. However, there are significant gaps in prognostication in each condition. Furthermore, several themes emerged that crossed across several or all diseases presented. Specifically, the self-fulfilling prophecy, lack of accounting for medical comorbidities, and absence of integration of in-hospital care parameters were identified as major gaps in most prognostic models.

Conclusions

Prognostication in neurocritical care is important, and current prognostic models are limited. This gap analysis provides a summary assessment of issues that could be addressed in future studies and evidence-based guidelines in order to improve the process of prognostication.

Delayed Resolution of Cerebral Edema Is Associated With Poor Outcome After Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose- Global cerebral edema occurs in up to 57% of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and is associated with prolonged hospital stay and poor outcome. Recently, admission brain edema was successfully graded using a simplified computed tomography-based semiquantitative score (subarachnoid hemorrhage early brain edema score [SEBES]). Longitudinal evaluation of the SEBES grade may discriminate patients with rapid and delayed edema resolution after SAH. Here, we aimed to describe the resolution of brain edema and to study the relationship between this radiographic biomarker and hospital course and outcome after SAH. Methods- For the current observational cohort study, computed tomography scans of 283 consecutive nontraumatic SAH patients admitted to the neurological intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital were graded based on the absence of visible sulci at 2 predefined brain tissue levels in each hemisphere (SEBES ranging from 0 to 4). A score of ≥3 was defined as high-grade SEBES. Multivariable regression models using generalized linear models were used to identify associated factors with delayed edema resolution based on the median time to resolution (SEBES ≤2) in SAH survivors. Results- Patients were 57 years old (interquartile range, 48-68) and presented with a median admission Hunt and Hess grade of 3 (interquartile range, 1-5). High-grade SEBES was common (106/283, 37%) and resolved within a median of 8 days (interquartile range, 4-15) in survivors (N=80). Factors associated with delayed edema resolution were early (<72 hours) hypernatremia (>150 mmol/L; adjusted odds ratio [adjOR], 4.88; 95% CI, 1.68-14.18), leukocytosis (>15 G/L; adjOR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.24-8.77), hyperchloremia (>121 mmol/L; adjOR, 5.24; 95% CI, 1.64-16.76), and female sex (adjOR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.01-13.64) after adjusting for admission Hunt and Hess grade and age. Delayed brain edema resolution was an independent predictor of worse functional 3-month outcome (adjOR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.07-5.92). Conclusions- Our data suggest that repeated quantification of the SEBES can identify SAH patients with delayed edema resolution. Based on its' prognostic value as radiographic biomarker, the SEBES may be integrated in future trials aiming to improve edema resolution after SAH.

Variability of Clinical and Angiographic Results Based on the Treatment Preference (Endovascular or Surgical) of Centers Participating in the Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Database of the Working Group of the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery

OBJECTIVES

Since the introduction of endovascular treatment for cerebral aneurysms, hospitals in which subarachnoid hemorrhage is treated show different availability and/or preferences towards both treatment modalities. The main aim is to evaluate the clinical and angiographic results according to the hospital's treatment preferences applied.

METHODS

This study was conducted based on use of the subarachnoid hemorrhage database of the Vascular Pathology Group of the Spanish Neurosurgery Society. Centers were classified into 3 subtypes according to an index in the relationship between endovascular and surgical treatment as: endovascular preference, high endovascular preference, and elevated surgical preference. The clinical results and angiographic results were evaluated among the 3 treatment strategies.

RESULTS

From November 2004 to December 2017, 4282 subarachnoid hemorrhage patients were selected for the study: 630 (14.7%) patients from centers with surgical preference, 2766 (64.6%) from centers with endovascular preference, and 886 (20.7%) from centers with high endovascular preference. The surgical preference group obtained the best angiographic results associated with a greater complete exclusion (odds ratio: 1.359; 95% confidence interval: 1.025-1.801; P = 0.033). The surgical preference subgroup obtained the best outcome at discharge (65.45%), followed by the high endovascular preference group (61.5%) and the endovascular preference group (57.8%) (odds ratio: 1.359; 95% confidence interval: 1.025-1.801; P = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

In Spain, there is significant variability in aneurysm exclusion treatment in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Surgical centers offer better results for both surgical and endovascular patients. A multidisciplinary approach and the maintenance of an elevated quality of surgical competence could be responsible for these results.

Does aneurysm side influence the infarction side and patients´ outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Background

The prognostic factors and outcome of aneurysms appear to be dependent on its locations. Therefore, we compared left- and right- sided aneurysms in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in terms of differences in outcome and prognostic factors.

Methods

Patients with SAH were entered into a prospectively collected database. A total of 509 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were retrospectively selected and stratified in two groups depending on side of ruptured aneurysm (right n = 284 vs. left n = 225). Midline aneurysms of the basilar and anterior communicating arteries were excluded from the analysis. Outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS; favorable (mRS 0–2) vs. unfavorable (mRS 3–6)) six months after SAH.

Results

We did not identify any differences in outcome depending on left- and right-sided ruptured aneurysms. In both groups, the significant negative predictive factors included clinical admission status (WFNS IV+V), Fisher 3- bleeding pattern in CT, the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), early hydrocephalus and later shunt-dependence. The side of the ruptured aneurysm does not seem to influence patients´ outcome. Interestingly, the aneurysm side predicts the side of infarction, with a significant influence on patients´ outcome in case of left-sided infarctions. In addition, the in multivariate analysis side of aneurysm was an independent predictor for the side of cerebral infarctions.

Conclusion

The side of the ruptured aneurysms (right or left) did not influence patients’ outcome. However, the aneurysm-side predicts the side of delayed infarctions and outcome appear to be worse in patients with left-sided infarctions.

Subarachnoid blood acutely induces spreading depolarizations and early cortical infarction

See Ghoshal and Claassen (doi:10.1093/brain/awx226) for a scientific commentary on this article. Early cortical infarcts are common in poor-grade patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. There are no animal models of these lesions and mechanisms are unknown, although mass cortical spreading depolarizations are hypothesized as a requisite mechanism and clinical marker of infarct development. Here we studied acute sequelae of subarachnoid haemorrhage in the gyrencephalic brain of propofol-anaesthetized juvenile swine using subdural electrode strips (electrocorticography) and intraparenchymal neuromonitoring probes. Subarachnoid infusion of 1–2 ml of fresh blood at 200 µl/min over cortical sulci caused clusters of spreading depolarizations (count range: 12–34) in 7/17 animals in the ipsilateral but not contralateral hemisphere in 6 h of monitoring, without meaningful changes in other variables. Spreading depolarization clusters were associated with formation of sulcal clots (P < 0.01), a high likelihood of adjacent cortical infarcts (5/7 versus 2/10, P < 0.06), and upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 in ipsilateral cortex remote from clots/infarcts. In a second cohort, infusion of 1 ml of clotted blood into a sulcus caused spreading depolarizations in 5/6 animals (count range: 4–20 in 6 h) and persistent thick clots with patchy or extensive infarction of circumscribed cortex in all animals. Infarcts were significantly larger after blood clot infusion compared to mass effect controls using fibrin clots of equal volume. Haematoxylin and eosin staining of infarcts showed well demarcated zones of oedema and hypoxic-ischaemic neuronal injury, consistent with acute infarction. The association of spreading depolarizations with early brain injury was then investigated in 23 patients [14 female; age (median, quartiles): 57 years (47, 63)] after repair of ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms by clip ligation (n = 14) or coiling (n = 9). Frontal electrocorticography [duration: 54 h (34, 66)] from subdural electrode strips was analysed over Days 0–3 after initial haemorrhage and magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed at ∼ 24–48 h after aneurysm treatment. Patients with frontal infarcts only and those with frontal infarcts and/or intracerebral haemorrhage were both significantly more likely to have spreading depolarizations (6/7 and 10/12, respectively) than those without frontal brain lesions (1/11, P’s < 0.05). These results suggest that subarachnoid clots in sulci/fissures are sufficient to induce spreading depolarizations and acute infarction in adjacent cortex. We hypothesize that the cellular toxicity and vasoconstrictive effects of depolarizations act in synergy with direct ischaemic effects of haemorrhage as mechanisms of infarct development. Results further validate spreading depolarizations as a clinical marker of early brain injury and establish a clinically relevant model to investigate causal pathologic sequences and potential therapeutic interventions.

Prognostic value of copeptin in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Recently, copeptin has been identified as a plasma prognosis marker in acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This study investigated the prognostic value of copeptin in the patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 243 consecutive patients were included. Upon admission, plasma copeptin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The end points were mortality and poor functional outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1-3) after 3 months.

RESULTS

In 243 patients, 112 (46.1%) were male and median age was 58 years (IQR 49-68). Median copeptin plasma levels were 21.0 pmol/l (IQR 13.2-31.2). Copeptin levels increased with increasing severity of aSAH as defined by the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) score. Patients with a poor outcome and nonsurvivors had significantly increased copeptin levels on admission (P < .001 both). In the multivariate analysis, for each 1 pmol/l increase of plasma concentration of copeptin, the adjusted risk of poor outcomes and mortality would be increased by and 6% (1.06 [1.02-1.10], P < .001) and 9% (1.09 [1.03-1.13], P < .001), respectively. Receiver operating characteristics to predict functional outcome and mortality demonstrated areas under the curve of copeptin of 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67-0.81) and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.74-0.87), which was comparable with the WFNS score(P > .05) but superior to C-reactive protein and IL-6 (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The data shows that copeptin levels may reliably predict short-term prognosis at its onset in aSAH patients.

Development and external validation of new nomograms by adding ECG changes (ST depression or tall T wave) and age to conventional scoring systems to improve the predictive capacity in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage: a retrospective, observational study in Korea

OBJECTIVES

To develop new nomograms by adding ECG changes (ST depression or tall T wave) and age to three conventional scoring systems, namely, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scale, Hunt and Hess (HH) system and Fisher scale, that can predict prognosis in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) using our preliminary research results and to perform external validation of the three new nomograms.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational study SETTING: Emergency departments (ED) of two university-affiliated tertiary hospital between January 2009 and March 2015.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients with SAH were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were age <19 years, no baseline ECG, cardiac arrest on arrival, traumatic SAH, referral from other hospital and referral to other hospitals from the ED.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The 6 month prognosis was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). We defined a poor outcome as a GOS score of 1, 2 or 3.

RESULTS

A total of 202 patients were included for analysis. From the preliminary study, age, ECG changes (ST depression or tall T wave), and three conventional scoring systems were selected to predict prognosis in patients with SAH using multi-variable logistic regression. We developed simplified nomograms using these variables. Discrimination of the developed nomograms including WFNS scale, HH system and Fisher scale was superior to those of WFNS scale, HH system and Fisher scale (0.912 vs 0.813; p<0.001, 0.913 vs 0.826; p<0.001, and 0.885 vs 0.746; p<0.001, respectively). The calibration plots showed excellent agreement. In the external validation, the discrimination of the newly developed nomograms incorporating the three scoring systems was also good, with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve value of 0.809, 0.812 and 0.772, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and externally validated new nomograms using only three independent variables. Our new nomograms were superior to the WFNS scale, HH systems, and Fisher scale in predicting prognosis and are readily available.

Factors associated with clinical and radiological status on admission in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Grading scales yield objective measure of the severity of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and serve as to guide treatment decisions and for prognostication. The purpose of this cohort study was to determine what factors govern a patient's disease-specific admission scores in a representative Central European cohort. The Swiss Study of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage includes anonymized data from all tertiary referral centers serving subarachnoid hemorrhage patients in Switzerland. The 2009-2014 dataset was used to evaluate the impact of patient and aneurysm characteristics on the patients' status at admission using descriptive and multivariate regression analysis. The primary/co-primary endpoints were the GCS and the WFNS grade. The secondary endpoints were the Fisher grade, the presence of a thick cisternal or ventricular clot, the presence of a new focal neurological deficit or cranial nerve palsy, and the patient's intubation status. In our cohort of 1787 consecutive patients, increasing patient age by 10 years and low pre-ictal functional status (mRS 3-5) were inversely correlated with "high" GCS score (GCS ≥ 13) (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.97 and OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.31-1.46), "low" WFNS grade (grade VI-V) (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04-1.20 and OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.66-3.27), and high Fisher grade (grade III-IV) (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.17 and OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.55-4.32). Other independent predictors for the patients' clinical and radiological condition at admission were the ruptured aneurysms' location and its size. In sum, chronological age and pre-ictal functional status, as well as the ruptured aneurysm's location and size, determine the patients' clinical and radiological condition at admission to the tertiary referral hospital.

Mechanisms of Global Cerebral Edema Formation in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A growing body of clinical literature emphasizes the impact of cerebral edema in early brain injury following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Aneurysm rupture itself initiates global cerebral edema in up to two thirds of cases. Although cerebral edema is not a universal feature of aSAH, it portends a poor clinical course, with quantitative analysis revealing a direct correlation between cerebral edema and poor outcome, including mortality and cognitive deficits. Mechanistically, global cerebral edema has been linked to global ischemia at the time of aneurysm rupture, dysfunction of autoregulation, blood breakdown products, neuroinflammation, and hyponatremia/endocrine abnormalities. At a molecular level, several culprits have been identified, including aquaporin-4, matrix metalloproteinase-9, SUR1-TRPM4 cation channels, vascular endothelial growth factor, bradykinin, and others. Here, we review these cellular and molecular mechanisms of global cerebral edema formation in aSAH. Given the importance of edema to the outcome of patients with aSAH and its status as a highly modifiable pathological process, a better understanding of cerebral edema in aSAH promises to hasten the development of medical therapies to improve outcomes in this frequently devastating disease.

Ten years of experience in endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to present our 10 years of experience in endovascular treatment of ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) saccular aneurysms and to compare clinical presentation and outcome after endovascular treatment between patients with PICA aneurysms and patients with aneurysms in different locations.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Out of 932 patients with a ruptured intracranial aneurysm treated endovascularly in our institution, 38 aneurysms were located at the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Clinical presentation, mean aneurysm diameter and outcome of the therapy in this group were compared with the same for ruptured aneurysms in other locations. Patients discharged with favourable outcomes were checked angiographically in the follow-up period. Thirty-four patients with ruptured PICA aneurysms were treated by selective endovascular coiling. Two patients with wide-necked aneurysms had endovascular stents implanted. In two cases, the parent vessel was occluded due to failure to catheterise the target aneurysm. The evaluated variables did not differ significantly between two groups, but significantly more ruptured aneurysms in the PICA group were under 6 mm in diameter. 29.4% of controlled aneurysms needed additional reembolisation in the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical presentation, extension of subarachnoid haemorrhage and outcome after endovascular treatment did not differ significantly between patients with ruptured aneurysms located on the PICA and patients with aneurysms located elsewhere intracranially. Endovascular treatment is an effective method of therapy in patients with ruptured PICA aneurysms. In our experience, even when sacrificing of the PICA is required, the results of treatment are favourable.

Neuroimaging characteristics of ruptured aneurysm as predictors of outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: pooled analyses of the SAHIT cohort

OBJECT Neuroimaging characteristics of ruptured aneurysms are important to guide treatment selection, and they have been studied for their value as outcome predictors following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Despite multiple studies, the prognostic value of aneurysm diameter, location, and extravasated SAH clot on computed tomography scan remains debatable. The authors aimed to more precisely ascertain the relation of these factors to outcome. METHODS The data sets of studies included in the Subarachnoid Hemorrhage International Trialists (SAHIT) repository were analyzed including data on ruptured aneurysm location and diameter (7 studies, n = 9125) and on subarachnoid clot graded on the Fisher scale (8 studies; n = 9452) for the relation to outcome on the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 3 months. Prognostic strength was quantified by fitting proportional odds logistic regression models. Univariable odds ratios (ORs) were pooled across studies using random effects models. Multivariable analyses were adjusted for fixed effect of study, age, neurological status on admission, other neuroimaging factors, and treatment modality. The neuroimaging predictors were assessed for their added incremental predictive value measured as partial R(2). RESULTS Spline plots indicated outcomes were worse at extremes of aneurysm size, i.e., less than 4 or greater than 9 mm. In between, aneurysm size had no effect on outcome (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.98-1.09 for 9 mm vs 4 mm, i.e., 75th vs 25th percentile), except in those who were treated conservatively (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02-1.35). Compared with anterior cerebral artery aneurysms, posterior circulation aneurysms tended to result in slightly poorer outcome in patients who underwent endovascular coil embolization (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.82-1.57) or surgical clipping (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.10-1.57); the relation was statistically significant only in the latter. Fisher CT subarachnoid clot burden was related to outcome in a gradient manner. Each of the studied predictors accounted for less than 1% of the explained variance in outcome. CONCLUSIONS This study, which is based on the largest cohort of patients so far analyzed, has more precisely determined the prognostic value of the studied neuroimaging factors. Treatment choice has strong influence on the prognostic effect of aneurysm size and location. These findings should guide the development of reliable prognostic models and inform the design and analysis of future prospective studies, including clinical trials.

Prognostic Value of the Amount of Bleeding After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND:

Quantitative estimation of the hemorrhage volume associated with aneurysm rupture is a new tool of assessing prognosis.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the prognostic value of the quantitative estimation of the amount of bleeding after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, as well the relative importance of this factor related to other prognostic indicators, and to establish a possible cut-off value of volume of bleeding related to poor outcome.

METHODS:

A prospective cohort of 206 patients consecutively admitted with the diagnosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage to Hospital 12 de Octubre were included in the study. Subarachnoid, intraventricular, intracerebral, and total bleeding volumes were calculated using analytic software. For assessing factors related to prognosis, univariate and multivariate analysis (logistic regression) were performed. The relative importance of factors in determining prognosis was established by calculating their proportion of explained variation. Maximum Youden index was calculated to determine the optimal cut point for subarachnoid and total bleeding volume.

RESULTS:

Variables independently related to prognosis were clinical grade at admission, age, and the different bleeding volumes. The proportion of variance explained is higher for subarachnoid bleeding. The optimal cut point related to poor prognosis is a volume of 20 mL both for subarachnoid and total bleeding.

CONCLUSION:

Volumetric measurement of subarachnoid or total bleeding volume are both independent prognostic factors in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A volume of more than 20 mL of blood in the initial noncontrast computed tomography is related to a clear increase in poor outcome risk.

Predictive model for patients with poor-grade subarachnoid haemorrhage in 30-day observation: a 9-year cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors and build the predictive model based on poor-grade subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) population received only supportive symptomatic treatment.

DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

Intensive care unit at the Clinical Department of Neurology.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 101 patients with spontaneous SAH disqualified from neurosurgical operative treatment due to poor clinical condition. Data were collected over a 9-year period.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Unfavourable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Score ≥ 5 at 30 days of observation.

RESULTS

Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Scale score, increasing age, Fisher grade and admission leucocytosis as independent predictive factors. The proposed scale subdivides the study population into four prognostic groups with significantly different outcomes: grade I: probability of favourable outcome 89.9%; grade II: 47.5%; grade III: 4.2%; grade IV: 0%. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the prediction of outcome performed by the new scale had an area under the curve (AUC)=0.910 (excellent accuracy).

CONCLUSIONS

Unfavourable outcome in non-operated patients with poor-grade SAH is strongly predicted by traditional unmodifiable factors such as age, amount of bleeding in CT, level of consciousness as well as leucocytosis. A new predictive scale based on the above parameters seems to reliably predict the outcome and may contribute to more effective planning of therapeutic management in patients with poor-grade SAH.

Evaluating CT Perfusion Deficits in Global Cerebral Edema after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Global cerebral edema is an independent predictor of mortality and poor outcomes after aneurysmal SAH. Global cerebral edema, a complex disease process, is thought to be associated with an altered cerebral autoregulatory response. We studied the association between cerebral hemodynamics and early global cerebral edema by using CTP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied consecutive patients with aneurysmal SAH with admission CTP performed at days 0-3. Two neuroradiologists classified global cerebral edema and hydrocephalus on NCCT performed concurrently with CTP. Global cerebral edema was defined as diffuse effacement of the sulci and/or basal cisterns or diffuse disruption of the cerebral gray-white matter junction. CTP was postprocessed into CBF and MTT maps by using a standardized method. Quantitative analysis of CTP was performed by using standard protocol with ROI sampling of the cerebral cortex. The Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney test, and independent-samples t test were used to determine statistical associations.

RESULTS

Of the 45 patients included, 42% (19/45) had global cerebral edema and 58% (26/45) did not. Patient groups with and without global cerebral edema were well-matched for demographic and clinical data. Patients with global cerebral edema were more likely to have qualitative global CTP deficits than those without global cerebral edema (P = .001) with an OR = 13.3 (95% CI, 2.09-138.63). Patients with global cerebral edema also had a very strong trend toward statistical significance, with reduced quantitative CBF compared with patients without global cerebral edema (P = .064).

CONCLUSIONS

Global perfusion deficits are significantly associated with global cerebral edema in the early phase after aneurysmal SAH, supporting the theory that hemodynamic disturbances occur in global cerebral edema.

[Patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage in poor grade neurological status: Study of prognostic factors]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and predict factors influencing prognosis and/or clinical outcome at 6 months in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grades iv and v.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of a consecutive series of 394 patients admitted to our hospital with clinical and radiological diagnosis of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage, from 1 January 1999 to 30 June 2009. We selected 121 patients who met the criteria of being in WFNS grades iv or v before treatment; 3 patients were excluded due to loss of tracking. The outcome variable was assessed 6 months after the event using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. A P value<.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-one patients were included in the statistical analysis. The average age of the patients in the series was 54 years (14-92). Patients who had a mean Glasgow Coma Scale lower than 7 points (P<.0001), those who were grade v (P<.0001) in the pre-treatment WFNS scale and those with pupillary disorder (P=.002) had a worse clinical outcome. Likewise, those with associated intraparenchymal hematoma (P=.020) and those not receiving any treatment (P=.020) were also associated with a poor clinical outcome. These results were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients admitted with a WFNS grade v and/or presenting pupil disorder and/or intraparenchymal hematoma were associated with worse clinical outcomes.

The clinical profile, management, and overall outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage at the neurosurgical unit of a tertiary care center in India

Background and Purpose:

Several studies report good outcomes in selected patients of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The purpose of our study is to project the clinical characteristics, management, and overall outcome of patients with aSAH presenting to a tertiary care center in India.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective study was conducted over a period of 10 months and all patients presenting with aSAH were studied. Patients presenting in all grades and managed with any type of intervention or managed conservatively were included to characterize their clinical and radiological profile at admission, during management, and at discharge. Outcome was assessed with the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at 3 months follow-up.

Results:

Out of the 482 patients [mean age: 51.3 (±13.5); M: F = 1:1], 330 patients were fit to be taken up for intervention of the ruptured aneurysm, while 152 patients were unfit for any intervention. At 3 months follow-up, good outcome (GOS 4 and 5) was observed in 159 (33%), poor outcome (GOS 2 and 3) in 53 (11%), and death in 219 (45.4%) patients, while 51 patients (10.6%) were lost to follow-up. Most (95%) of the patients in the non-intervention group expired, and hence the high mortality rate, as we have analyzed the results of all patients of all grades, regardless of the treatment given. The predictors of poor outcome (GOS 1, 2, and 3) at 3 months follow-up, using multinomial regression model, were: World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade IV and V (at admission and after adequate resuscitation) [odds ratio (OR): 35.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 10.8-114.7] and presence of hypertension as a co-morbid illness [OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.6-5.6]. All patients showing acute infarction on computed tomography scan at presentation had a poor outcome.

Conclusions:

Despite recent advances in the treatment of patients with aSAH, the morbidity and mortality rates have failed to improve significantly in unselected patients and natural cohorts. This may be attributed to the natural history of aSAH, and calls for new strategies to diagnose and treat such patients before the catastrophe strikes.

The role of neurosciences intensive care in trauma and neurosurgical conditions

The creation of neurosciences intensive care units was born out of the awareness that a group of neurological and neurosurgical patients required specialized intensive medical and nursing care. This first of two articles describes the role of neurosciences intensive care in the management of trauma and neurosurgical conditions.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in third and fourth decades of life

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare clinical characteristics of ruptured aneurysms in young adults, of the third and fourth decades of life, and to compare several clinical characteristics affecting the outcome of patients.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 1459 patients who underwent surgery and endovascular treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysms from June 1992 to December 2010 and compared clinical characteristics. We also reviewed pre-existing medical conditions and perioperative complications.

Results

Among 1459 patients, there were 21 patients (1.44%) in the third decade and 104 patients (7.13%) in the fourth decade of life. Within two age groups, 88 (70.4%) were male and 37 (29.6%) were female, a ratio of 2.37 : 1. In both groups, we observed the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysm with the most frequency (p=0.028). In general, favorable outcome was achieved in both age groups (90.5% and 81.7%, respectively). An initial univariate analysis showed Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, location of aneurysm, and rebleeding significantly associated with outcome after aneurysm rupture. Further, multivariate analysis demonstrated that only Hunt-Hess grade (grade 4-5) was a risk factor for the outcome (odds ratio=9.730, 95% confidence interval 2.069-45.756, p=0.004).

Conclusion

The incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was higher in the male population of the third and fourth decades of life. Aneurysms on the ACA were most frequently occurred in both age groups and the outcome of aneurysmal SAH among the third and fourth decades was favorable. Multivariate analysis revealed that high Hunt-Hess grade was a risk factor for patient's outcome.

Volumetric analysis of subarachnoid hemorrhage: assessment of the reliability of two computerized methods and their comparison with other radiographic scales

OBJECT

There were two main purposes to this study: first, to assess the feasibility and reliability of 2 quantitative methods to assess bleeding volume in patients who suffered spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and second, to compare these methods to other qualitative and semiquantitative scales in terms of reliability and accuracy in predicting delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and outcome.

METHODS

A prospective series of 150 patients consecutively admitted to the Hospital 12 de Octubre over a 4-year period were included in the study. All of these patients had a diagnosis of SAH, and diagnostic CT was able to be performed in the first 24 hours after the onset of the symptoms. All CT scans were evaluated by 2 independent observers in a blinded fashion, using 2 different quantitative methods to estimate the aneurysmal bleeding volume: region of interest (ROI) volume and the Cavalieri method. The images were also graded using the Fisher scale, modified Fisher scale, Claasen scale, and the semiquantitative Hijdra scale. Weighted κ coefficients were calculated for assessing the interobserver reliability of qualitative scales and the Hijdra scores. For assessing the intermethod and interrater reliability of volumetric measurements, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used as well as the methodology proposed by Bland and Altman. Finally, weighted κ coefficients were calculated for the different quartiles of the volumetric measurements to make comparison with qualitative scales easier. Patients surviving more than 48 hours were included in the analysis of DCI predisposing factors and analyzed using the chi-square or the Mann-Whitney U-tests. Logistic regression analysis was used for predicting DCI and outcome in the different quartiles of bleeding volume to obtain adjusted ORs. The diagnostic accuracy of each scale was obtained by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Qualitative scores showed a moderate interobserver reproducibility (weighted κ indexes were always < 0.65), whereas the semiquantitative and quantitative scores had a very strong interobserver reproducibility. Reliability was very high for all quantitative measures as expressed by the ICCs for intermethod and interobserver agreement. Poor outcome and DCI occurred in 49% and 31% of patients, respectively. Larger bleeding volumes were related to a poorer outcome and a higher risk of developing DCI, and the proportion of patients suffering DCI or a poor outcome increased with each quartile, maintaining this relationship after adjusting for the main clinical factors related to outcome. Quantitative analysis of total bleeding volume achieved the highest AUC, and had a greater discriminative ability than the qualitative scales for predicting the development of DCI and outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of quantitative measures may reduce interobserver variability in comparison with categorical scales. These measures are feasible using dedicated software and show a better prognostic capability in relation to outcome and DCI than conventional categorical scales.

Acute perfusion changes after spontaneous SAH: a perfusion CT study

BACKGROUND

Perfusion computed tomography (CT) is a rapid technique that allows the measurement of acute disturbances in local and global cerebral blood flow in patients suffering stroke and spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between different measures of brain perfusion made on dynamic-contrast CT reconstructions performed as soon as SAH has been diagnosed and the severity of the bleeding determined by the clinical grade, the extent of the bleeding and the outcome of the patients.

METHODS

After the diagnosis of SAH by conventional CT, a perfusion CT was performed before CT angiography. All imaging studies were performed on a six-slice spiral CT scanner. All images were analysed using perfusion software developed by Philips, which produces perfusion CT quantitative data based on temporal changes in signal intensity during the first pass of a bolus of an iodinated contrast agent. Measurements of mean transient time (MTT), time to peak (TTP), cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in volumes of interest corresponding to territories perfused by the major cerebral arteries were performed. Different data regarding severity of the bleeding-such as level of consciousness, amount of bleeding in conventional CT-were collected. All poor-grade patients received a ventriculostomy catheter so that ICP recordings were obtained. Also, the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI) was recorded. Outcome was assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale 6 months after the bleeding. For statistical analysis, non-parametric correlations between variables were performed.

FINDINGS

Thirty-nine patients have been included in the study since January 2007. In SAH patients there are increasing perfusion abnormalities as the severity of the bleeding increases. The most affected perfusion parameters are TTP and MTT, as they significantly increase with the clinical severity of the bleeding and the total volume of bleeding (P < 0.01, Spearman's Rho). When average MTT time is increased over 5.9 s there is a 20-fold (95% CI = 2.1-182) risk of poor outcome. All patients presenting this MTT time suffered from DCI. This value has a positive predictive value of 100% for DCI and 90% for a poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

SAH causes cerebral blood flow abnormalities even in the acute phase of the illness, consisting mainly of an increase in circulation times (TTP and MTT), which are correlated with the severity of the bleeding.

Predictors of postoperative mortality in ruptured aneurysms of internal carotid artery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

An analysis of predictors of mortality in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysm is an important aspect in the assessment of outcome. The aim of the study was to analyse factors determining mortality risk after the surgical treatment of ruptured internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study comprised 242 patients operated on between 1997 and 2006 in the Neurosurgery Department of the Medical University Hospital in Gdansk, Poland. Multivariate logistic regression, ROC curves (for model assessment as a mortality classifier) and population attributable risk for contribution of individual factor mortality explanation were used to assess factors related to in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

14.9% of patients died postoperatively. In univariate analysis, increased risk of death was related to the Glasgow Coma Scale score, WFNS score, Hunt-Hess and Fisher grade, preoperative neurological deficit, delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI), trapping and bypass operative method. Multivariate analysis revealed two independent predictors of in-hospital mortality: DCI and Hunt-Hess grade. 91% of mortality risk was attributed to grade 4 or 5 in Hunt-Hess scale and DCI. The dominant predictor of survival was the Hunt-Hess scale. Increase by one grade in the Hunt-Hess scale resulted in two-fold increase of in-hospital mortality risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative mortality after ICA aneurysm rupture is determined by clinical status at admission and the occurrence of DCI.

Acute ischemic injury on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging after poor grade subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Poor clinical condition is the most important predictor of neurological outcome and mortality after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Rupture of an intracranial aneurysm was shown to be associated with acute ischemic brain injury in poor grade patients in autopsy studies and small magnetic resonance imaging series.

METHODS

We performed diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) within 96 h of onset in 21 SAH patients with Hunt-Hess grade 4 or 5 enrolled in the Columbia University SAH Outcomes Project between July 2004 and February 2007. We analyzed demographic, radiological, clinical data, and 3 months outcome.

RESULTS

Of the 21 patients 13 were Hunt-Hess grade 5, and eight were grade 4. Eighteen patients (86%) displayed bilateral and symmetric abnormalities on DWI, but not on computed tomography (CT). Involved regions included both anterior cerebral artery territories (16 patients), and less often the thalamus and basal ganglia (4 patients), middle (6 patients) or posterior cerebral artery territories (2 patients), or cerebellum (2 patients). At 1-year, 15 patients were dead (life support had been withdrawn in 6), 2 were moderately to severely disabled (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] = 4-5), and 4 had moderate-to-no disability (mRS = 1-3).

CONCLUSIONS

Admission DWI demonstrates multifocal areas of acute ischemic injury in poor grade SAH patients. These ischemic lesions may be related to transient intracranial circulatory arrest, acute vasoconstriction, microcirculatory disturbances, or decreased cerebral perfusion from neurogenic cardiac dysfunction. Ischemic brain injury in poor grade SAH may be a feasible target for acute resuscitation strategies.

Brain energy metabolism in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and global cerebral edema

BACKGROUND

Previous studies of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have shown that global cerebral edema on the first computed tomography scan is associated with a more severe initial injury and is an independent predictor of poor outcome. Effects of secondary ischemic events also influence outcome after SAH.

OBJECTIVE

This study demonstrates that early global edema is related to markers of an increased cerebral energy metabolism as measured with intracerebral microdialysis, which could increase vulnerability to adverse events.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients with microdialysis monitoring after spontaneous SAH were stratified according to the occurrence of global cerebral edema on the first computed tomography scan taken a median of 2 hours after the initial bleed. Microdialysis levels of glucose, lactate, and pyruvate were compared between the global edema (n = 31) and no global edema (n = 21) groups. Clinical outcome was assessed with the Glasgow Outcome Scale score at >/= 6 months.

RESULTS

Patients with global edema showed significantly elevated lactate and pyruvate levels 70 to 79 hours after SAH and marginally significantly higher levels of lactate 60 to 69 hours and 80 to 89 hours after SAH. There was a trend toward worse outcome in the edema group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with global cerebral edema have higher interstitial levels of lactate and pyruvate. The edema group may have developed a cerebral hypermetabolism to meet the increased energy demand in the recovery phase after SAH. This stress would make the brain more vulnerable to secondary insults, increasing the likelihood of energy failure.

Early global brain oedema in relation to clinical admission parameters and outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Previous studies on spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) treatment have found the presence of global cerebral oedema on the first CT scan to be a predictor of poor outcome. We have reviewed our own experience with SAH in order to evaluate the relation of global cerebral oedema to clinical parameters at admission and to functional outcome.

METHODS

One hundred ninety patients with spontaneous aneurysmal SAH were included in the study. The first CT scan for each patient was evaluated for signs of global cerebral oedema. Clinical status on admission was assessed according to the Hunt & Hess score and the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade and functional outcome using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Clinical condition at admission was dichotomised as 'better' (Hunt & Hess 1-2, WFNS 1-2) or 'worse' (Hunt & Hess 3-5, WFNS 3-5) and outcome as 'favourable' (GOS 4-5) or 'poor' (GOS 1-3). The amount of blood on the CT scan was assessed using the Fisher scale. Comparisons were made between patients with and without global cerebral oedema on the first CT regarding clinical condition, age, gender, mode of aneurysm treatment, outcome, 6-month mortality, amount of blood on the CT scan and time lag to the first CT scan.

RESULTS

Global cerebral oedema was observed in 57% of patients admitted with aneurysmal SAH, which is a much higher frequency than has been reported previously. Patients with oedema were admitted in a worse clinical status, but there was no difference between patients with and without oedema regarding other clinical parameters or outcome. The median time between the haemorrhage and the first CT scan was short compared to earlier studies, 2.5 h for those with oedema and 3.4 for those without. This difference was significant, suggesting that global cerebral oedema can be a very early phenomenon after SAH, and may be missed in later CT scans.

SUMMARY

Early global brain oedema, occurring within a few hours of bleeding, may be more common than previously thought. In aneurysmal SAH patients, the presence of global cerebral oedema was associated with a worse clinical condition at admission which in turn could indicate a more severe initial injury. The clinical significance of early oedema may differ from that of late oedema, which may explain the lack of an association between global oedema and poor outcome in this study. However, the nature of the oedema as well as its relation to the clinical course has to be further studied in separate studies.

Epidemiology of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a form of hemorrhagic stroke that affects up to 30,000 individuals per year in the United States. The incidence of aSAH has been shown to be associated with numerous nonmodifiable (age, gender, ethnicity, family history, aneurysm location, size) and modifiable (hypertension, body mass index, tobacco and illicit drug use) risk factors. Although early repair of ruptured aneurysms and aggressive postoperative management has improved overall outcomes, it remains a devastating disease, with mortality approaching 50% and less than 60% of survivors returning to functional independence. As treatment modalities change and the percentage of minority and elderly populations increase, it is critical to maintain an up-to-date understanding of the epidemiology of SAH.

Prognostic value of biochemical markers of brain damage and oxidative stress in post-surgical aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

The aim of this study is to determine effective biochemical markers and optimal sampling timing for prediction of neurological prognosis in post-surgical aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. Subjects were a sequential group of SAH patients admitted to our centre who underwent aneurysm clipping before Day 3 and who received a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drain. CSF samples from 32 patients were collected on Days 3, 7, and 14. Neurological outcome was assessed by neurosurgeons using the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) at 6 months after onset. CSF levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100B, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the CSF concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined using spectrophotometric assay. In univariate analysis, S100B on Days 3 and 14, GFAP on Days 3 and 7, and MDA on Day 14 were significantly higher in the poor outcome group (GOS 1-4) than in the good outcome group (GOS 5). In multivariate analysis, only MDA on Day 14 was identified as a significant predictor of poor neurological outcome at 6 months after onset. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve for MDA on Day 14 was 0.841. For a threshold of 0.3 microM, sensitivity and specificity were 0.875 and 0.750, respectively. Our findings suggest that these biochemical markers, especially MDA, show significant promise as predictors of neurological outcome in clinical practice.

Predicting the outcome of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage using machine learning techniques

BACKGROUND

Outcome prediction for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) helps guide care and compare global management strategies. Logistic regression models for outcome prediction may be cumbersome to apply in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To use machine learning techniques to build a model of outcome prediction that makes the knowledge discovered from the data explicit and communicable to domain experts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A derivation cohort (n = 441) of nonselected SAH cases was analyzed using different classification algorithms to generate decision trees and decision rules. Algorithms used were C4.5, fast decision tree learner, partial decision trees, repeated incremental pruning to produce error reduction, nearest neighbor with generalization, and ripple down rule learner. Outcome was dichotomized in favorable [Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) = I-II] and poor (GOS = III-V). An independent cohort (n = 193) was used for validation. An exploratory questionnaire was given to potential users (specialist doctors) to gather their opinion on the classifier and its usability in clinical routine.

RESULTS

The best classifier was obtained with the C4.5 algorithm. It uses only two attributes [World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) and Fisher's scale] and leads to a simple decision tree. The accuracy of the classifier [area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.84; confidence interval (CI) = 0.80-0.88] is similar to that obtained by a logistic regression model (AUC = 0.86; CI = 0.83-0.89) derived from the same data and is considered better fit for clinical use.

Prognostic value of histopathological findings in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECT

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) carries a severe prognosis, which is often related to the development of cerebral vasospasm. Even though several clinical and radiological predictors of vasospasm and functional outcome have been established, the prognostic value of histopathological findings remains unclear.

METHODS

Histopathological findings in resected distal aneurysm walls were examined, as were the clinical and radiological factors in a series of 91 patients who had been neurosurgically treated for aneurysmal SAH. The impact of the histological, clinical, and radiological factors on the occurrence of vasospasm and functional outcome at discharge was analyzed.

RESULTS

Histopathological findings frequently included lymphocytic infiltrates (60%), fibrosis (60%), and necrosis (50%) of the resected aneurysm wall. On univariate analysis, clinical (Hunt and Hess grade) and radiological (aneurysm size) factors as well as histopathological features-namely, lymphocytic infiltrates and necrosis of the aneurysm wall-were significantly associated with the occurrence of vasospasm. On multivariate analysis, lymphocytic infiltrates (OR 6.35, 95% CI 2.32-17.36, p = 0.0001) and aneurysm size (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05-1.42, p = 0.009) remained the only factors predicting the development of vasospasm. A poor functional outcome at discharge was significantly associated with vasospasm, other clinical factors (Hunt and Hess grade, alcohol consumption, hyperglycemia, and elevated white blood cell count [WBC] at admission), and radiological factors (Fisher grade and aneurysm size), as well as with histopathological features (lymphocytic infiltrates [p = 0.0001] and necrosis of the aneurysm wall [p = 0.0015]). On multivariate analysis taking into account all clinical, radiological, and histological factors; vasospasm (OR 9.82, 95% CI 1.83-52.82, p = 0.008), Hunt and Hess grade (OR 5.61, 95% CI 2.29-13.74, p = 0.0001), patient age (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.16, p = 0.0013), elevated WBC (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.01-1.64, p = 0.04), and Fisher grade (OR 4.35, 95% CI 1.25-15.07, p = 0.015) best predicted functional outcome at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

The demonstration of lymphocytic infiltrates in the resected aneurysm wall is of independent prognostic value for the development of vasospasm in patients with neurosurgically treated aneurysmal SAH. Thus, histopathology might complement other clinical and radiological factors in the identification of patients at risk.