Whole-brain CT Perfusion at Admission and During Delayed Time-window Detects the Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective To evaluate the utility of computed tomography perfusion(CTP)both at admission and during delayed cerebral ischemia time-window(DCITW)in the detection of delayed cerebral ischemia(DCI)and the change in CTP parameters from admission to DCITW following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.Methods Eighty patients underwent CTP at admission and during DCITW.The mean and extreme values of all CTP parameters at admission and during DCITW were compared between the DCI group and non-DCI group,and comparisons were also made between admission and DCITW within each group.The qualitative color-coded perfusion maps were recorded.Finally,the relationship between CTP parameters and DCI was assessed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analyses.Results With the exception of cerebral blood volume(P=0.295,admission;P=0.682,DCITW),there were significant differences in the mean quantitative CTP parameters between DCI and non-DCI patients both at admission and during DCITW.In the DCI group,the extreme parameters were significantly different between admission and DCITW.The DCI group also showed a deteriorative trend in the qualitative color-coded perfusion maps.For the detection of DCI,mean transit time to the center of the impulse response function(Tmax)at admission and mean time to start(TTS)during DCITW had the largest area under curve(AUC),0.698 and 0.789,respectively.Conclusion Whole-brain CTP can predict the occurrence of DCI at admission and diagnose DCI during DCITW.The extreme quantitative parameters and qualitative color-coded perfusion maps can better reflect the perfusion changes of patients with DCI from admission to DCITW.

D-dimer may predict poor outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective study

Serum biomarkers may play a reliable role in predicting the outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. This study retrospectively analyzed the relationship between serum biomarkers on admission and outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. We recruited 146 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage who were treated in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University of China between 1 May 2014 and 30 March 2016. There were 57 males and 89 females included and average age of included patients was 57.03 years old. Serum samples were taken immediately on admission（within 48 hours after initial hemorrhage） and the levels of serum biomarkers were detected. Baseline information, complications, and outcomes at 6 months were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between biomarkers and clinical outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained to investigate the possibility of the biomarkers predicting prognosis. Of the 146 patients, 102 patients achieved good outcomes and 44 patients had poor outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that high World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade, high serum D-dimer levels, and high neurological complications were significantly associated with poor outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves verified that D-dimer levels were associated with poor outcomes. D-dimer levels strongly correlated with neurological complications. In conclusion, we suggest that D-dimer levels are a good independent prognostic factor for poor outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Serum Gamma-glutamyl Transferase Levels Predict Functional Outcomes after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective We aim to explore the potential association between serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels and functional outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in a Chinese population. Methods A total of 386 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients were included in the study from September 2007 to February 2015. Baseline serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels and 6-month follow-up functional outcomes were determined. A poor outcome was defined as a modified ranking scale score of ≥ 3. The multivariable logistic model was used to analyze the relationship between serum gamma-glutamyl transferase and clinical outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Results The adjusted poor outcome rates of patients with gamma-glutamyl transferase levels of 〈 30 U/L, 30-50 U/L and ≥ 50 U/L were 16.7%, 19.6%, and 34.4%, respectively （P 〈 0.01）. The age-sex and multivariable adjusted odds ratios （95% confidence intervals） of poor prognosis comparing the top group （≥ 50 U/L） with the lowest group （〈 30 U/L） were 5.76 （2.74-12.13）, 6.64 （2.05-21.52）, and 6.36 （1.92-21.02）. A significant linear trend existed between gamma-glutamyl transferase level and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage prognosis. This association was also observed among nondrinkers. Conclusion Patients with higher gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were more likely to have a poor prognosis. Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase can be considered to be an independent predictor of functional outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Serial lumbar puncture reduces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection during removal of hemorrhagic CSF in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage after endovascular coiling

The present study aimed to compare the complications and clinical outcomes of serial lumbar puncture（LP） and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid（CSF） drainage（LD） of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and provide more evidence to guide clinical management.In this retrospective study,41 and 39 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients were enrolled in the LP and LD group,respectively.Clinical outcomes,including CSF infection,intracerebral hemorrhage,vasospasm,hydrocephalus,death,length of stay,duration of drainage and the Glasgow Outcome Scale score were compared between the two groups.By comparing with the LP group,the LD group showed a significantly higher rate of CSF infection（P= 0.029） and shorter duration of drainage（P〈 0.001）.Both groups displayed similar rates of vasospasm,hydrocephalus,intracerebral hemorrhage,the Glasgow Outcome Scale score one month after endovascular coiling and length of stay（P〉 0.05,respectively）.In conclusion,both LD and serial LP are effective methods in the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; besides,serial LP can reduce the incidence of CSF infection in draining hemorrhagic CSF in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage after endovascular coiling.

Tenascin-C in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: deleterious or protective?

Subarachnoid hemorrhage（SAH）caused by the rupture of a cerebral aneurysm is a well-known devastating cerebrovascular disease.Post-SAH brain is vulnerable,associated with early brain injury（EBI;Suzuki,2015）.

Effectiveness and Influencing Factors of Comprehensive Rehabilitation Therapy in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of comprehensive rehabilitation for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and to explore the factors influencing the prognosis of rehabilitation. This was a retrospective study. Twenty-five patients with aSAH were treated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive therapy, music therapy, Chinese acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The general data of all patients were collected, and the functional scores at admission were compared with those at discharge. The Mini Mental State Examination, Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMAS) for motor and balance assessment, Holden Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC), modified Rankin Scale, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, Modified Barthel Index for activities of daily living (ADL), and Glasgow Outcome Scale were significantly improved among 25 patients with aSAH after 1 month of comprehensive rehabilitation training. Hydrocephalus was an independent factor of the ability to perform ADLs (odds ratio, 0.29;95% confidence interval, 2.03. 3.15;p = 0.000). The improvement of ADLs in aSAH patients was not related to sex, surgical method, aneurysm location, age, or smoking status. Comprehensive and professional rehabilitation is effective for the cognition, movement, walking, ADLs, and functional prognosis of patients with aSAH, while early hydrocephalus may be a risk factor for poor ADLs.

Safety and feasibility of ultra-early lumbar puncture in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Objective:to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of ultra-early lumbar puncture drainage of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH).Methods:patients(n=140)with aneurysmal SAH were randomly divided into observation group(n=70)and control group(n=70).After admission,CSF was drained by ultra-early lumbar puncture in the observation group and intermittent lumbar puncture after aneurysm operation in the control group.The incidences of early aneurysm rupture,acute hydrocephalus and delayed hydrocephalus were compared between the two groups.Results:there was no significant diflerence in the incidence of early-ruptured aneurysm and acute hydrocephalus between the two groups,but the incidence of delayed hydrocephalus in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group.Conclusion:ultra-early lumbar puncture drainage of CSF in anexirysmal SAH can effectively reduce the incidence of long-term delayed hydrocephalus and it is a safe and effective treatment.

Hyperacute cEEG Attenuation in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

We describe hyperacute generalized EEG slowing and then attenuation captured at the moment of subarachnoid hemorrhage in a monitored patient. This is the first reported cEEG capture of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the literature.

The clinical study of preoperative external lumbar drainage in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in Hunt and Hess grades Ⅰ～Ⅲ undergoing early surgery

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of preoperative external lumbar drainage in Hunt and Hess grade Ⅰ～Ⅲ patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) undergoing early surgery for intracranial aneurysms. Methods 101 cases of gradeⅠ～Ⅲ patients according to the classification of Hunt and Hess

CSF S100B in patients treated by endovascular coiling or surgical clipping after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and its correlation to cerebral vasospasm

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is an acute neurosurgical emergency with a significant fatality rate. In addition to acute brain injury, a considerable part of patients suffering from aSAH develops secondary brain damage such as cerebral vasospasm (CVS). CVS exacerbates the mortality. Therefore, it is urgently needed to find a biomarker, which could predict secondary brain and lead to operation by physicians more promptly. S100B, produced and released by astrocytes, has proven to be an important biomarker for brain injury.Methods: In this present study, 51 patients with aSAH were included. Five CSF samples from each patient were obtained via lumbar puncture and were detected using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA).Results: It indicated that S100B had a higher concentration in CSF of patients treated by surgical clipping after aSAH than that treated with endovascular coiling. In addition, the mean CSF S100B level in patients without CVS was much lower compared with patients with CVS. And, the expression of S100B increased along with the Fisher Grade at the same day after aSAH attacked and decreased as time went on. Moreover, the CSF S100B level of different time points and the mean CSF S100B level can predict the risk of CVS.Conclusions: These data suggest that CSF S100B can be served as a predictor of CVS, which triggers an immediate management by clinicians to prevent secondary exacerbation.

Can admission lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 predict the symptomatic cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Background:Inflammation has been believed to be related to the development of cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH).A potential biomarker for vascular inflammation that is well recognized is the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2).However,whether Lp-PLA2 can predict the occurrence of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm(SCV)in aSAH patients is still unknown.Thus,this study aimed to assess the value of Lp-PLA2 for predicting SCV in patients with aSAH.Methods:Between March 2017 and April 2018,we evaluated 128 consecutive aSAH patients who were admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University.Their Lp-PLA2 level was obtained within 24 h of the initial bleeding.Factors might be related to SCV were analyzed.Results:Compared to patients without SCV,those with SCV(9.4%,12/128)had significantly higher Lp-PLA2 level.Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that worse modified Fisher grade(OR=10.08,95%CI=2.04–49.86,P=0.005)and higher Lp-PLA2 level(OR=6.66,95%CI=1.33–3.30,P=0.021)were significantly associated with SCV,even after adjustment for confounders.Based on the best threshold,Lp-PLA2 had a sensitivity of 83.3%and a specificity of 51.7%for predicting SCV,as shown by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.In the poor World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade patient sub-group,patients with Lp-PLA2>200μg/L had significantly higher SCV rate than that of patients having Lp-PLA2≤200μg/L.Conclusion:The admission Lp-PLA2 level might be a helpful predictor for SCV in aSAH.

Clinical Efficacy of Shenmai Injection in the Treatment of Cerebral Vasospasm after Ruptured Aneurysm Surgery

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of Shenmai Injection on postoperative cerebral vasospasm in patients with ruptured aneurysms. Methods: Seventy patients undergoing craniotomy for ruptured aneurysms in our hospital were selected as study subjects and randomly divided into control (n = 33) and research (n = 37) groups, they were treated with nimodipine and nimodipine combined with Shenmai injection after operation. The blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) before and at 1, 3, 7, 11 and 14 days after surgery and the incidence of cerebral vasospasm during these days were compared, and the GCS scores at 14 days postoperatively and GOS scores at 6 months postoperatively were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of cerebral vasospasm, GCS or GOS scores between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the period of postoperative cerebral vasospasm in the study group was significantly shorter than that in the control group. Conclusion: Shenmai injection has the effect of shortening the cycle of occurrence of cerebral vasospasm after the operation of ruptured aneurysms, promoting patients to recover as early as possible and reducing their physical and mental burden.

Some cool considerations of external lumbar drainage during its widespread application in neurosurgical practice:a long way to go

External lumbar drainage (ELD) has gained wide popularity in neurosurgical practice since its’ first introduction by F. Vourc’h in 1963. It manifests encouraging prospects in control of refractory intracranial hypertension, prevention of complications secondary to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, prediction of shunt respondency in normal pressure hydrocephalus, management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, and application in bacterial meningitis and ventriculitis. But many questions on the efficacy and safety of ELD are remained to be answered by future studies. CSF overdrainage and ELD-related meningitis are the two most common and fatal complications due to inappropriate usage of ELD. Randomized control ed trials are badly in need to more safely and rational y guide the clinical application of ELD.