Safety of early rehabilitation in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A retrospective cohort study

[Early mobilization in the intensive care unit for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage-a review]

BACKGROUND

Early mobilization of critical ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) has a positive effect on outcome. Currently, due to concerns of cerebral vasospasm and rebleeding patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have a prolong bedrest for 12-14 days.

OBJECTIVE

What effect does early mobilization have on vasospasm, clinical outcome, length of stay and ICU complication rate in patients with SAH compared to standard treatment?

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE via the PubMed® (U.S. National Library of Medicine®, Bethesda, MD, USA) and CINAHL® (EBSCO, Ipswich, MA, USA) databases.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies were identified. Overall, the studies showed an improved functional outcome and a reduction in the length of hospitalization and ventilation time. Only in one study did vasospasms occur more frequently and the outcome of patients with early mobilization was worse.

CONCLUSION

Further research is needed to identify possible positive effects of early mobilization in patients with SAH and to be able to describe the risk-benefit ratio more precisely.

Safety of Early Mobilization in Adult Neurocritical Patients: An Exploratory Review

Introduction: Early mobilization has shown significant benefits in the rehabilitation of critically ill patients, including improved muscle strength, prevention of physical deconditioning, and reduced hospital length of stay. However, its safety in neurocritical patients, such as those with strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and postsurgical brain surgeries, remains uncertain. This study aims to map and examine the available evidence on the safety of early mobilization in adult neurocritical patients. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-SCR guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The research question focused on the safety of early mobilization in neurocritical patients, considering adverse events, neurological changes, hemodynamic changes, and respiratory changes. A comprehensive search was performed in databases such as PubMed, BVS-LILACS, Ovid MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect, using specific search strategies. The selected studies were assessed for methodological quality using JBI tools. Results: Of 1310 identified articles, 25 were included in the review. These studies comprised randomized controlled trials, prospective observational studies, retrospective studies, and pre- and postimplementation intervention studies. The review found that early mobilization in neurocritical patients is generally safe, with a low incidence of severe adverse events, and does not increase the risk of vasospasm, and most complications were manageable with protocol adjustments and continuous monitoring. Conclusion: Early mobilization in neurocritical patients has been shown to be potentially safe under specific conditions, without a significant increase in severe complications when properly monitored. However, the available evidence is limited by the heterogeneity of protocols and study designs, emphasizing the need for further research. The importance of tailoring mobilization protocols to each patient and ensuring continuous monitoring is highlighted. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to fully understand the associated risks and optimize mobilization strategies.

Interpretable machine learning model for outcome prediction in patients with aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a critical condition associated with significant mortality rates and complex rehabilitation challenges. Early prediction of functional outcomes is essential for optimizing treatment strategies.

METHODS

A multicenter study was conducted using data collected from 718 patients with aSAH who were treated at five hospitals in Japan. A deep learning model was developed to predict outcomes based on modified Rankin Scale scores using pretherapy clinical data collected from admission to the initiation of physical therapy. The model's performance was assessed using the area under the curve, and interpretability was enhanced using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Logistic regression analysis was also performed for further validation.

RESULTS

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.90, with age, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade, and higher brain dysfunction identified as key predictors. SHAP analysis supported the importance of these features in the prediction model, and logistic regression analysis further confirmed the model's robustness.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel deep learning model demonstrated strong predictive performance in determining functional outcomes in patients with aSAH, making it a valuable tool for guiding early rehabilitation strategies.

The Impact of Multidisciplinary Team Intervention for Early Mobilization of Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Stroke Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of multidisciplinary team (MDT) intervention for early mobilization (EM) of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

A retrospective uncontrolled before-after observational study was conducted to assess patient outcomes before and after introducing MDT in the stroke care unit (SCU). Participants admitted to the SCU from April 2017 to September 2023 were categorized into conventional (April 2017 to June 2020) and MDT (July 2020 to September 2023) groups. The measured primary outcome was the days until sitting, standing, and walking commenced.

RESULTS

A total of 131 patients were screened, with 115 included in the analysis. The MDT group comprised 56 individuals (48.7%), whereas the conventional group consisted of 59 patients (51.3%). The MDT group exhibited a significantly shorter duration until sitting (4 [3-7] vs. 7 [5-17], p <0.001), standing (5 [3-7] vs. 10 [5-17], p <0.001), and walking (7 [5-10] vs. 16 [7-23], p <0.001) commenced. Furthermore, the MDT group showed a significantly higher ICU mobility scale (IMS) (8 [5-8] vs. 5 [3-8], p <0.001) at SCU discharge, shorter length of SCU stay (16 [15-17] vs. 17 [15-24], p = 0.048), and hospital stay (34 [25-48] vs. 48 [33-80], p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that MDT played a facilitative role in promoting the EM of patients with aSAH. Their involvement streamlined the mobilization process, shortening the days until the initiation of mobilization.

Early mobilization in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage may im-prove functional status and reduce cerebral vasospasm rate: a systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of early mobilization in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies and observational studies.

PATIENTS

Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Pedro, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. Screening and data extraction were performed by 2 independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies involving 1,757 patients were included. Meta-analysis of the data estimated that early mobilization improved mRS score at discharge (mean difference -1.39, 95% CI -2.51 to -0.28, I2 = 86%) and at 3 months (mean difference -1.10, 95% CI -1.54 to -0.66, I2 = 7%). Early mobilization was associated with a reduction in cerebral vasospasm rate, both radiological (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.96, I2 = 7%) and clinical (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.72, I2 = 8%); 6% of mobilization sessions involved adverse events, mostly haemodynamic changes.

CONCLUSION

This review found moderate-quality evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of early mobilization in patients with SAH. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to identify the appropriate mobilization strategy and confirm these results.

Association Between Early Mobilization and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Multicenter Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Study

BACKGROUND

Early mobilization has been shown to promote functional recovery and prevent complications in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, the efficacy of early mobilization in patients with aSAH remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between early mobilization and functional outcomes in patients with aSAH.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study was conducted in Japan and included patients with aSAH who received physical therapy with or without occupational therapy from April 2014 to March 2019. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, with a favorable functional outcome defined as an mRS score of 0-2 and an unfavorable outcome with an mRS score of 3-5. Patients initiating walking training within 14 days of aSAH onset were classified into the early mobilization group, whereas those initiating training after 14 days were classified into the delayed mobilization group. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to assess the association between early mobilization and favorable outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 718 patients were screened, and 450 eligible patients were identified. Before matching, 229 patients (50.9%) were in the early mobilization group and 221 (49.1%) were in the delayed mobilization group. After matching, each group consisted of 122 patients, and the early mobilization group exhibited a higher proportion of favorable outcomes than did the delayed mobilization group (81.1% vs. 52.5%, risk difference 28.7%, 95% confidence interval 17.4-39.9, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This multicenter retrospective study suggests that initiating walking training within 14 days of aSAH onset is associated with favorable outcomes.

Stroke Recovery Is a Journey: Prediction and Potentials of Motor Recovery after a Stroke from a Practical Perspective

Stroke recovery is a journey. Stroke survivors can face many consequences that may last the rest of their lives. Assessment of initial impairments allows reasonable prediction of biological spontaneous recovery at 3 to 6 months for a majority of survivors. In real-world clinical practice, stroke survivors continue to improve their motor function beyond the spontaneous recovery period, but management plans for maximal recovery are not well understood. A model within the international classification of functioning (ICF) theoretical framework is proposed to systematically identify opportunities and potential barriers to maximize and realize the potentials of functional recovery from the acute to chronic stages and to maintain their function in the chronic stages. Health conditions of individuals, medical and neurological complications can be optimized under the care of specialized physicians. This permits stroke survivors to participate in various therapeutic interventions. Sufficient doses of appropriate interventions at the right time is critical for stroke motor rehabilitation. It is important to highlight that combining interventions is likely to yield better clinical outcomes. Caregivers, including family members, can assist and facilitate targeted therapeutic exercises for these individuals and can help stroke survivors comply with medical plans (medications, visits), and provide emotional support. With health optimization, comprehensive rehabilitation, support from family and caregivers and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, many stroke survivors can overcome barriers and achieve potentials of maximum recovery and maintain their motor function in chronic stages. This ICF recovery model is likely to provide a guidance through the journey to best achieve stroke recovery potentials.