The Impact of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs on Inflammatory Response After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background: The degree of inflammatory response with cytokine release is associated with poor outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Previously, we reported on an association between systemic IL-6 levels and clinical outcome in patients with aneurysmal SAH. The intention was to assess the impact of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen on the inflammatory response after SAH. Methods: Our method involved exploratory analysis of data and samples collected within a previous study. In 138 patients with SAH, systemic interleukin (IL-6) and c-reactive protein (CRP) were measured daily up to day 14 after SAH. The correlations among the cumulatively applied amount of NSAIDs, inflammatory parameters, and clinical outcome were calculated. Results: An inverse correlation between cumulatively applied NSAIDs and both IL-6 and CRP levels was found (r=−0.437, p<0.001 and r=−0.369, p<0.001 respectively). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed a cumulative amount of NSAIDs to be independently predictive for systemic IL-6 and CRP levels. The cumulative amount of NSAIDs reduced the odds for unfavorable outcome, defined as Glasgow outcome scale 1-3. Conclusions: The results indicate a potential beneficial effect of NSAIDs in patients with SAH in terms of ameliorating inflammatory response, which might have an impact on outcome

C-reactive protein elevation predicts in-hospital deterioration after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and in the development of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). However, the assessment and interpretation of classically defined inflammatory parameters is difficult in aSAH patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between easily assessable findings (hyperventilation, fever, white blood cell count (WBC), and C-reactive protein (CRP)) and the occurrence of DCI and unfavorable neurological outcome at discharge in aSAH patients. METHODS Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a single center cohort. We evaluated the potential of clinical signs of inflammation (hyperventilation, fever) and simple inflammatory laboratory parameters CRP and WBC to predict unfavorable outcomes at discharge and DCI in a multivariate analysis. A cutoff value for CRP was calculated by Youden's J statistic. Outcome was measured using the modified Rankin score at discharge, with an unfavorable outcome defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) > 3. RESULTS We included 97 consecutive aSAH patients (63 females, 34 males, mean age 58 years) in the analysis. Twenty-one (22%) had major disability or died by the time of hospital discharge. Among inflammatory parameters, CRP over 100 mg/dl on day 2 was an independent predictor for worse neurological outcome at discharge. The average C-reactive protein level in the first 14 days was higher in patients with a worse neurological outcome (96.6, SD 48.3 vs 56.3 mg/dl, SD 28.6) in the first 14 days after aSAH. C-reactive protein on day 2 was an indicator of worse neurological outcome. No inflammatory parameter was an independent predictor of DCI. After multivariate adjustment, DCI, increased age, and more than 1 day of mechanical ventilation were significant predictors of worse neurological outcome. CONCLUSIONS Early elevated CRP levels were a significant predictor of worse neurological outcome at hospital discharge and may be a useful marker of later deterioration in aSAH

Early Systemic Procalcitonin Levels in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background: Early (≤24h) systemic procalcitonin (PCT) levels are predictive for unfavorable neurological outcome in patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to aneurysm rupture might lead to a cerebral perfusion stop similar to OHCA. The current study analyzed the association of early PCT levels and outcome in patients after SAH. Methods: Data from 109 consecutive patients, admitted within 24h after SAH, were analyzed. PCT levels were measured within 24h after ictus. Clinical severity was determined using the World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) scale and dichotomized into severe (grade 4-5) and non-severe (1-3). Neurological outcome after 3months was assessed by the Glasgow outcome scale and dichotomized into unfavorable (1-3) and favorable (4-5). The predictive value was assessed using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Results: Systemic PCT levels were significantly higher in patients with severe SAH compared to those with non-severe SAH: 0.06±0.04 versus 0.11±0.11μg/l (median±interquartile range; p<0.01). Patients with unfavorable outcome had significantly higher PCT levels compared to those with favorable outcome 0.09±0.13 versus 0.07±0.15ng/ml (p<0.01). ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.66 (p<0.01) for PCT, which was significantly lower than that of WFNS with 0.83 (p<0.01). Conclusions: Early PCT levels in patients with SAH might reflect the severity of the overall initial stress response. However, the predictive value is poor, especially compared to the reported predictive values in patients with OHCA. Early PCT levels might be of little use in predicting neurological outcome after SAH

Introducing a nationwide registry: the Swiss study on aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (Swiss SOS)

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a haemorrhagic form of stroke and occurs in a younger population compared with ischaemic stroke or intracerebral haemorrhage. It accounts for a large proportion of productive life-years lost to stroke. Its surgical and medical treatment represents a multidisciplinary effort. Due to the complexity of the disease, the management remains difficult to standardise and quality of care is accordingly difficult to assess. Objective: To create a registry to assess management parameters of patients treated for aSAH in Switzerland. Methods: A cohort study was initiated with the aim to record characteristics of patients admitted with aSAH, starting January 1st 2009. Ethical committee approval was obtained or is pending from the institutional review boards of all centres. In the study period, seven Swiss hospitals (five university [U], two non-university medical centres) harbouring a neurosurgery department, an intensive care unit and an interventional neuroradiology team so far agreed to participate in the registry (Aarau, Basel [U], Bern [U], Geneva [U], Lausanne [U], St. Gallen, Zürich [U]). Demographic and clinical parameters are entered into a common database. Discussion: This database will soon provide (1) a nationwide assessment of the current standard of care and (2) the outcomes for patients suffering from aSAH in Switzerland. Based on data from this registry, we can conduct cohort comparisons or design diagnostic or therapeutic studies on a national level. Moreover, a standardised registration system will allow healthcare providers to assess the quality of car

Cerebral hemodynamics and therapeutic hypothermia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) due to a ruptured intracranial aneurysm is a common and frequently devastating condition associated with significant mortality and disability. Early rebleeding is the most important cause of mortality, which can be prevented by microsurgical or endovascular aneurysm occlusion in the majority of patients. However, the course of the disease can be prolonged due to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), both of which might cause considerable secondary brain injury. Despite extensive research and multidisciplinary clinical efforts, the diagnosis and treatment of secondary brain injury remains a major challenge in the management of aSAH

Dynamic Cervical Implant versus Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion: A Prospective Study of Clinical and Radiologic Outcome

Objective To evaluate clinical and radiologic outcome in patients treated with a dynamic cervical implant (DCI) or anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF). Study Design A prospective comparative cohort study. Methods The study included 60 patients with one- or two-level cervical degenerative disk disease (DDD) undergoing treatment with either DCI (n ¼ 30) or ACDF (n ¼ 30). Clinical and radiologic outcomes were assessed 3 and 12 months after surgery. Clinical scoring systems included the Visual Analog Scale for Neck (VAS-N) and Arm pain (VAS-A), the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD), and the European Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D). Results Both the DCI and ACDF group showed significant clinical improvement 12 months after surgery using the VAS-N (p ¼ 0.034 and p < 0.001, respectively), VAS-A (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), NPAD (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), and EQ-5D (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in clinical outcome comparing both groups at the 3- and 12-month follow-up. The fusion rate at 12 months after surgery was 39.4% and 80.0% in the DCI and ACDF groups, respectively. Radiolucency was found in 90.9% in the DCI group at 12-month follow-up. Conclusion The clinical results for DCI treatment are equivalent to those for ACDF in the treatment of one- and two-level cervical DDD at 12 months after surgery. Further studies are necessary to investigate the high rates of radiolucency and fusion associated with DCI treatment

Neurosurgical and Intensive Care Management of Traumatic Brain Injury

Optimal management of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a challenge, despite significant improvements in pathophysiologic understanding and treatment strategies in recent decades. Because primary brain injury sustained at the time of trauma is irreversible, the TBI management mainly aims for early detection and treatment of secondary brain injury such as space-occupying intracerebral hematomas and brain edema. Prevention of secondary brain injury requires a high standard of care and understanding of both medical and surgical treatment modalities. This review focuses on practical recommendations for neurosurgical and intensive care management in patients with severe TBI

Outcome, Return to Work and Health-Related Costs After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECT Data on health-related costs after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are limited. The aim was to evaluate outcome, return to work and costs after aSAH with focus on differences between high- and low-grade aSAH (defined as World Federation of Neurological Surgeons [WFNS] grades 4-5 and WFNS 1-3, respectively). METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed, including all consecutive survivors of aSAH over a 4-year period. A telephone interview was conducted to assess the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended and employment status before and after aSAH. Direct costs were calculated by multiplying the length of hospitalization by the average daily costs. Indirect costs were calculated for productivity losses until retirement age according to the human capital approach. RESULTS Follow-up was performed 2.7 years after aSAH (range 1.3-4.6). Favorable outcome was achieved in 114 of 150 patients (76%) and work recovery in 61 of 98 patients (62%) employed prior to aSAH. High-grade compared to low-grade aSAH resulted less frequently in favorable outcome (52% vs. 85%; p < 0.001) and work recovery (39% vs. 69%; p = 0.013). The total costs were € 344.277 (95% CI 268.383-420.171) per patient, mainly accounted to indirect costs (84%). The total costs increased with increasing degree of disability and were greater for high-grade compared to low-grade aSAH (€ 422.496 vs. € 329.193; p = 0.039). The effective costs per patient with favorable outcome were 2.1-fold greater for high-grade compared to low-grade aSAH (€ 308.625 vs. € 134.700). CONCLUSION Favorable outcome can be achieved in a considerable proportion of high-grade aSAH patients, but costs are greater compared to low-grade aSAH. Further cost-effectiveness studies in the current era of aSAH management are needed