Longitudinal ventricular cerebrospinal fluid profile in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage

The Feasibility of Early Shunting for Hydrocephalus after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The feasibility of early shunting for hydrocephalus after the occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage has not yet been explored. We investigated factors associated with the development of hydrocephalus and the risk of shunt obstruction or infection in patients undergoing early shunt surgery. All cases of hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage managed at our institution between January 2010 and December 2020 were included. Patients were classified based on the timing of shunt implantation after hemorrhage onset into either the early shunt group (≤28 days) or the late shunt group (>28 days). Of 138 subarachnoid hemorrhage patients managed during the recruitment period, 53 underwent shunt surgery, with 15 in the early shunt group and 38 in the late shunt group. The severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage, presence of Sylvian hematoma, and placement of an external ventricular and/or cisternal drain were significantly associated with the development of hydrocephalus. There was no significant difference between the early and late groups in terms of the rate of shunt obstruction or infection. In the early group, preoperative cerebrospinal fluid cell count was significantly higher in those who developed obstruction than those who did not (307.3 ± 238.2/3 μL vs. 73.8 ± 95.7/3 μL; p = 0.0364). This retrospective study showed no significant difference between early and late shunt implantation in the rate of shunt obstruction and infection. These findings suggests that planning shunt surgery in the early phase after subarachnoid hemorrhage might be feasible, depending on cerebrospinal fluid test results.

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.

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.

Regulatory T Cell- and Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Inflammation, Cerebral Vasospasm, and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Approach

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) involves a significant influx of blood into the cerebrospinal fluid, representing a severe form of stroke. Despite advancements in aneurysm closure and neuro-intensive care, outcomes remain impaired due to cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Previous pharmacological therapies have not successfully reduced DCI while improving overall outcomes. As a result, significant efforts are underway to better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. This review focuses on the activation and effects of immune cells after SAH and their interactions with neurotoxic and vasoactive substances as well as inflammatory mediators. Particular attention is given to clinical studies highlighting the roles of natural killer (NK) cells and regulatory T cells (Treg) cells. Alongside microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, NK cells and Treg cells are key contributors to the inflammatory cascade following SAH. Their involvement in modulating the neuro-inflammatory response, vasospasm, and DCI underscores their potential as therapeutic targets and prognostic markers in the post-SAH recovery process. We conducted a systematic review on T cell- and natural killer cell-mediated inflammation and their roles in cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate outcomes and mortality in studies focused on NK cell- and T cell-mediated mechanisms.

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.

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.

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.

Red blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid was correlated with inflammatory markers on the seventh postoperative day and all associated with the outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

Background

Exploring factors associated with the outcome of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has become a hot focus in research. We sought to investigate the associations of inflammatory markers and blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid with the outcome of aSAH patients.

Methods

We carried a retrospective study including 200 patients with aSAH and surgeries. The associations of neutrophil, lymphocyte, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), system inflammation response index (SIRI), and blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid on the 1st and 7th postoperative days with the outcome of aSAH patients were investigated by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

According to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, there were 147 patients with good outcome and 53 patients with poor outcome. The neutrophil, NLR, SIRI, and SII levels on the seventh postoperative day in patients with poor outcome were all significantly higher than patients with good outcome, P < 0.05. The multivariate logistic regression model including inflammatory markers and blood cell counts in cerebrospinal fluid on the 1st postoperative day confirmed that red blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid (≥177 × 109/L; OR: 7.227, 95% CI: 1.160-45.050, P = 0.034) was possibly associated with poor outcome of aSAH patients, surgical duration (≥169 min), Fisher grade (III-IV), hypertension, and infections were also possibly associated with the poor outcome. The model including inflammatory markers and blood cell counts in cerebrospinal fluid on the 7th postoperative day confirmed that red blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid (≥54 × 109/L; OR: 39.787, 95% CI: 6.799-232.836, P < 0.001) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (≥8.16; OR: 6.362, 95% CI: 1.424-28.428, P = 0.015) were all possibly associated with poor outcome of aSAH patients. The NLR (r = 0.297, P = 0.007) and SIRI (r = 0.325, P = 0.003) levels were all correlated with the count of red blood cells in cerebrospinal fluid.

Discussion

Higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and higher red blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid were all possibly associated with poor outcome of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, we need a larger sample study.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage or traumatic lumbar puncture. Differentiation by cerebrospinal fluid parameters in a multivariable approach

Lumbar puncture (LP) is recommended in patients with thunderclap headache and negative computed tomography to rule out spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Blood contamination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) due to traumatic LP poses a diagnostic dilemma. Therefore, routine CSF parameters were investigated to distinguish between SAH and a traumatic LP. CSF red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) count, total protein, CSF colour and supernatant were used for group comparisons of patients with SAH and 'symptomatic controls'. Due to variable time intervals between bleeding onset and LP in SAH patients in contrast to patients with traumatic LP, where blood contamination of CSF occurs at the time of LP, CSF variables were adjusted for decay in time to allow comparability. Logistic regression analysis identified bloody CSF [odds ratio (OR) 32.6], xanthochromic supernatant [OR 15.5] and WBCadjusted [OR 4.5 (per increase of 100/µl)] as predictors of SAH, while age, sex and CSF total proteinadjusted were no predictors. Optimal cut-point of RBCadjusted (determined at day 1 after bleeding) was > 3667/µl to identify SAH patients with a 97% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Combination of low RBC and clear CSF supernatant was found in none of SAH patients. Combined CSF RBC count and CSF supernatant reliably distinguished traumatic LP from SAH.

Immunological Profile of Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) carries high mortality and disability rates, which are substantially driven by complications. Early brain injury and vasospasm can happen after SAH and are crucial events to prevent and treat to improve prognosis. In recent decades, immunological mechanisms have been implicated in SAH complications, with both innate and adaptive immunity involved in mechanisms of damage after SAH. The purpose of this review is to summarize the immunological profile of vasospasm, highlighting the potential implementation of biomarkers for its prediction and management. Overall, the kinetics of central nervous system (CNS) immune invasion and soluble factors' production critically differs between patients developing vasospasm compared to those not experiencing this complication. In particular, in people developing vasospasm, a neutrophil increase develops in the first minutes to days and pairs with a mild depletion of CD45+ lymphocytes. Cytokine production is boosted early on after SAH, and a steep increase in interleukin-6, metalloproteinase-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) anticipates the development of vasospasm after SAH. We also highlight the role of microglia and the potential influence of genetic polymorphism in the development of vasospasm and SAH-related complications.