scholarly journals Low filling ratio of the distal nail segment to the medullary canal is a risk factor for loss of anteromedial cortical support: a case control study

2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Song ◽  
Shi-Min Chang ◽  
Sun-Jun Hu ◽  
Shou-Chao Du
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Lateral View ◽  
Medullary Canal ◽  
Quality Score ◽  
Filling Ratio ◽  
Fracture Reduction ◽  
3D Ct ◽  
Femur Fractures ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background Anteromedial cortical support apposition (positive and/or neutral cortical relations) is crucial for surgical stability reconstruction in the treatment of trochanteric femur fractures. However, the loss of fracture reduction is frequent in follow-ups after cephalomedullary nail fixation. This paper aimed to investigate the possible predictive risk factors for postoperative loss of anteromedial cortex buttress after nail fixation. Methods A retrospective analysis of 122 patients with AO/OTA 31A1 and A2 trochanteric femur fractures treated with cephalomedullary nails between January 2017 and December 2019 was performed. The patients were classified into two groups according to the postoperative status of the anteromedial cortical apposition in 3D CT images: Group 1 with contact “yes” (positive or anatomic) and Group 2 with contact “No” (negative, loss of contact). The fracture reduction quality score, tip-apex distance (TAD), calcar-referenced TAD (Cal-TAD), Parker ratio, neck-shaft angle (NSA), and the filling ratio of the distal nail segment to medullary canal diameter in anteroposterior (AP) and lateral fluoroscopies (taken immediately after the operation) were examined in univariate and multivariate analyses. Mechanical complications were measured and compared in follow-up radiographs. Results According to the postoperative 3D CT, 84 individuals (69%) were categorized into Group 1, and 38 individuals (31%) were classified as Group 2. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the poor fracture reduction quality score (P < 0.001) and decreasing filling ratio in the lateral view (P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for the loss of anteromedial cortical contact. The threshold value for the distal nail filling ratio in lateral fluoroscopy predicting fracture reduction re-displacement was found to be 53%, with 89.3% sensitivity and 78.9% specificity. The mechanical complication (varus and over lateral sliding) rate was higher in Group 2. Conclusions The fracture reduction quality score and the decreasing filling ratio of the distal nail to the medullary canal in the lateral view (a novel parameter causing pendulum-like movement of the nail) were possible risk factors for postoperative loss of anteromedial cortical support.

Efficacy evaluation of the CEUS-LI-RADS-v2017 system in differential diagnosis of liver tumors

2019 ◽  
pp. 57-67
Author(s):  
A. N. Katrich ◽  
V. A. Porkhanov ◽  
N. S. Ryabin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Liver Tumors ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Malignant Neoplasms ◽  
Diagnostic Efficiency ◽  
Efficacy Evaluation ◽  
General Group ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Objective: efficacy evaluation of the CEUS LI RADS v2017® system for differential diagnosis of liver tumors in patients with and without cirrhosis.Materials and methods. Retrospective analysis of diagnostic results of the 165 patients with liver tumors (177 nodules) was done. All patients underwent CEUS with results interpretation in accordance to the CEUS LIRADSv2017 ® criteria. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on clinical and morphological data. Group 1 included 62 patients with cirrhosis and/or CVH. Group 2 included 110 patients without risk factors for HCC.Results. Diagnostic efficiency of CEUS LI RADS v2017® for HCC identification was: group 1 – Se – 100%, Sp – 88%, Ac – 95.5%; group 2 – Se – 100%, Sp – 68.8%, Ac – 72.7%; general group Se – 100%, Sp – 72.2%, Ac – 81.4%. In the 2nd group, 21 out of 22 neoplasms, confirmed morphologically as FNH, we classified as LR 4. By applying benign character and specific contrasting patterns of FNG, they were transferred from LR 4 to LR 3. This allowed to increase sensitivity and specificity of differential diagnosis in group 2 (Se – 100%, Sp – 90.6%, Ac – 91.8%) and in general group (Se – 100%, Sp – 90.1%, Ac – 93.2%). Diagnostic efficiency of the criteria for non hepatocellular malignant neoplasms (LR M) was: group 1 – Se – 77.8%, Sp – 100%, Ac – 97%; group 2 – Se – 90%, Sp – 96.7%, Ac – 93.6%; general group- Se – 88.1%, Sp – 98.3%, Ac – 94.9%.Conclusion. Our study confirmed high accuracy of the CEUS LI RADS v2017® system in the differential diagnosis of focal liver tumors. Modification of the system (in particular, transfer of typical FNG forms from the LR 4 category) will make it possible to increase the accuracy of diagnostics by 20%. It will allow to use the LI RADS v2017® system for interpretation CEUS not only among patients with liver cirrhosis, but also in a general group without risk factors of GCC.

scholarly journals Geriatric Proximal Femur Fractures During the Covid-19 Pandemic - Fewer Cases, But More Comorbidities

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215145932110096
Author(s):  
Christina Polan ◽  
Heinz-Lothar Meyer ◽  
Manuel Burggraf ◽  
Monika Herten ◽  
Paula Beck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Proximal Femur ◽  
Minor Trauma ◽  
Proximal Femur Fractures ◽  
Femur Fractures ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Group 1

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging healthcare systems worldwide. This study examines geriatric patients with proximal femur fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifts in secondary disease profile, the impact of the pandemic on hospitalization and further treatment. Methods: In a retrospective monocentric study, geriatric proximal femur fractures treated in the first six months of 2020 were analyzed and compared with the same period of 2019. Pre-traumatic status (living in a care home, under supervision of a legal guardian), type of trauma, accident mechanism, geriatric risk factors, associated comorbidities, time between hospitalization and surgery, inpatient time and post-operative further treatment of 2 groups of patients, aged 65-80 years (Group 1) and 80+ years (Group 2) were investigated. Results: The total number of patients decreased (70 in 2019 vs. 58 in 2020), mostly in Group 1 (25 vs. 16) while the numbers in Group 2 remained almost constant (45 vs. 42). The percentage of patients with pre-existing neurological conditions rose in 2020. This corresponded to an increase in patients under legal supervision (29.3%) and receiving pre-traumatic care in a nursing home (14.7%). Fractures were mostly caused by minor trauma in a home environment. In 2020, total number of inpatient days for Group 2 was lower compared to Group 1 (p = 0.008). Further care differed between the years: fewer Group 1 patients were discharged to geriatric therapy (69.6% vs. 25.0%), whereas in Group 2 the number of patients discharged to a nursing home increased. Conclusions: Falling by elderly patients is correlated to geriatric comorbidities, consequently there was no change in the case numbers in this age group. Strategic measures to avoid COVID-19 infection in hospital setting could include reducing the length of hospital stays by transferring elderly patients to a nursing home as soon as possible and discharging independent, mobile patients to return home.

scholarly journals Age-Independent Clinical Outcome in Proximal Humeral Fractures: 2-Year Results Using the Example of a Precontoured Locking Plate

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 408
Author(s):  
Rony-Orijit Dey Hazra ◽  
Johanna Illner ◽  
Karol Szewczyk ◽  
Mara Warnhoff ◽  
Alexander Ellwein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Strategy ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Plate Osteosynthesis ◽  
Fracture Reduction ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Locking Plate Osteosynthesis ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Introduction: The optimal treatment strategy for the proximal humeral fracture (PHF) remains controversial. The debate is centered around the correct treatment strategy in the elderly patient population. The present study investigated whether age predicts the functional outcome of locking plate osteosynthesis for this fracture entity. Methods: A consecutive series of patients with surgically treated displaced PHF between 01/2017 and 01/2018 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were treated by locking plate osteosynthesis. The cohort was divided into two groups: Group 1 (≥65 years) and Group 2 (<65 years). At the follow-up examination, the SSV, CMS, ASES, and Oxford Shoulder Score (OS), as well as a radiological follow-up, was obtained. The quality of fracture reduction is evaluated according to Schnetzke et al. Results: Of the 95 patients, 79 were followed up (83.1%). Group 1 consists of 42 patients (age range: 65–89 years, FU: 25 months) and Group 2 of 37 patients (28–64 years, FU: 24 months). The clinical results showed no significant differences between both groups: SSV 73.4 ± 23.4% (Group 1) vs. 80.5 ± 189% (Group 2). CMS: 79.4 ± 21 vs. 81.9 ± 16, ASES: 77.2 ± 20.4 vs. 77.5 ± 23.1, OS: 39.5 ± 9.1 vs. 40.8 ± 8.2; OS: 39.5 ± 9.1 vs. 40.8 ± 8.2. In the radiological follow-up, fractures healed in all cases. Furthermore, the quality of fracture reduction in both groups is comparable without significant differences. The revision rate was 9.5% in Group 1 vs. 16.2% in Group 2. Discussion: Both age groups show comparable functional outcomes and complication rates. Thus, the locking plate osteosynthesis can be used irrespective of patient age; the treatment decision should instead be based on fracture morphology and individual patient factors.

scholarly journals Revisiting conventional adenoidectomy using technology

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 1232
Author(s):  
Kiran Gangadhar S. ◽  
Sonee Thingujam ◽  
Jayita Poduval
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Paediatric Population ◽  
Lateral View ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Moderate Degree ◽  
Ventilation Tubes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Group 1

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Adenoidectomy is one of the most frequently applied surgical procedures in the paediatric population, either alone or in conjunction with tonsillectomy and/or insertion of ventilation tubes. The main purpose of the adenoidectomy is to eliminate the nasopharyngeal respiratory pathogens and to remove nasal airway obstruction. Aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of conventional and endoscopic assisted curettage adenoidectomy.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> In this comparative study, 50 patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 (25 patients) underwent endoscopic curettage adenoidectomy and group 2 (25 patients) underwent conventional curettage adenoidectomy. Intraoperative time, complications and postoperative pain were recorded.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 72% in group 1 and 64% in group 2 had grade 2 adenoid hypertrophy. 68% in group 1 and 64% in group 2 had a moderate degree of obstruction in lateral view of soft tissue X-ray nasopharynx. The mean time taken for surgery in group 1 was 13.29±3.28 minutes, and in group 2,6.28±2.31 minutes. Minimal loss of blood was recorded in group 1 with less than 20 ml, whereas in group 2, the blood loss was high; 30% of patients had blood loss more than 30 ml. In group 1, the mean VAS was 3.25 and 2.55 in group 2 2.55. In group 1, 4% of patients had primary haemorrhage and in group 2, 8% of patients had primary haemorrhage. No patient had velopharyngeal dysfunction in either group.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> More operative time but less blood loss were noted in endoscopic adenoidectomy. Intraoperative visualisation of the nasopharynx in endoscopic procedures showed no significant advantage over conventional adenoidectomy.</p>

scholarly journals Bone remodeling features in elderly and senile patients with the proximal femur fractures after hip replacement

2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-265
Author(s):  
Oleksandr M. Khvysyuk ◽  
Volodymyr O. Babalian ◽  
Serge B. Pavlov ◽  
Galina B. Pavlova
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcome ◽  
Proximal Femur ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Regulatory Pathways ◽  
Proximal Femur Fractures ◽  
Femur Fractures ◽  
Results Of Treatment ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Tgf Β1 ◽  
Group 1

The aim of this study is to identify the dependence of the result of surgical treatment of patients of elderly and senile age with fractures of the proximal femur on the characteristics of the response cytokine-mediated regulatory response to trauma and surgery. Materials and methods: In 74 patients after hip arthroplasty, serum levels of bone metabolism markers were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the results of treatment. Results: It was found that compared with group 2 (treatment outcome is worse) in group 1 (treatment outcome is better) there was a greater number of correlations. In group 1, correlations were found between OPG and RANKL (r = 0.88; p = 0.000), OPG and OPG/RANKL (r = 0.44; p = 0.006), TGF-β1 and OPG/RANKL (r = 0.66; p = 0.000) , IL-6 and OPG (r = 0.67; p = 0.000), IL-6 and RANKL (r = 0.53; p = 0.001), IL-6 and OPG/RANKL (r = 0.39; p = 0.016). In group 2, only between OPG and OPG/RANKL (r = 0.72; p = 0.000), RANKL and OPG/RANKL (r = −0.53; p = 0.0007). In patients of group 2, there was a decrease in the level of OPG relative to the control and a less significant increase in TGF-β1 and IL-6 relative to group 1. Conclusion: The prognosis of the results of treatment of patients with proximal femur fractures is largely determined by the nature of the adaptive response to injury and the implant, the synchronism of the mechanism of stress remodeling of the bone. A less favorable prognosis after arthroplasty is associated with exacerbation of the initial metabolic disorders in the bone tissue due to severe cytokine-mediated dysfunction of the regulatory pathways.

scholarly journals Factors associated with the risk subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in rotational shift workers in the Arctic

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-109
Author(s):  
N. P. Shurkevich ◽  
A. S. Vetoshkin ◽  
L. I. Gapon ◽  
S. M. Dyachkov ◽  
A. A. Simonyan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Step Method ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Traditional Risk Factors ◽  
Group 1

Objective. To determine the most unfavorable predictors of atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) in carotid arteries (CA) in rotational shift workers in the Arctic using traditional risk factors, clinical and instrumental methods of research.Design and methods. In 2010–2012, we randomly selected 424 males aged 30–59 years from 1708 rotational shift workers at the medical unit of the gas production company “Gazprom dobycha Yamburg” (Yamburg settlement, 68ºN) and performed preventive medical examination. Subjects were divided into 2 groups according to blood pressure (BP) level. Group 1 included 294 patients with hypertension (HTN) of 1 or 2 stages > 140/90 mmHg and group 2 was comprised of 130 people with BP < 140/90 mmHg. The groups did not differ by age, total work experience in the Arctic and rotational shiftwork duration. Ultrasound examination of CA showed presence or absence of ASP and stenosis by NASCET method. In addition, we assessed traditional risk factors and performed 24-hour BP monitoring and blood tests including lipid spectrum, glucose level, creatinine.Results. ASP was found more often in subjects with HTN (group 1) than in people with normal BP in the same age group, 95 % CI 56–60 % vs 95 % CI 14–20 %, (p < 0,0001). The groups did not differ significantly in the nutritional habits (p = 0,067). At the same time, the rate of smoking (p = 0,039), low physical activity (p = 0,007), overweight (p < 0,0001) was significantly higher in group 1 compared to subjects with normal BP. According to multivariate analysis, three variables with the most significant predictors associated with ASP in CA with sensitivity 75,9 % were selected using step-by-step method: diastolic BP 24 (DBP24) (p < 0,0001), glucose (p = 0,017) and total cholesterol (p = 0,044). The linear function was obtained: F = –7,664 + 0,225 × Chol + 0,366 × Glu + 0,057 × DBP24, where the variable “Chol” is the level of total cholesterol in the blood in mmol/l; “Glu” — the level of blood glucose in mmol/l; “DBP24” — average 24-hour diastolic BP. Based on the model, we concluded that DBP24 increment by 1 mmHg increases the risk for developing ASB in CA by 5,9 %, OR = 1,059 (95 % CI: 1,033; 1,087); the increment in glucose and total cholesterol by 1 mmol/l increases the risk by 44,1 % and 25,2 %, respectively: OR = 1,441 (95 % CI: 1,084; 1,966), OR = 1,252 (95 % CI: 1,010; 1,565).Conclusions. Our data enable to determine the most unfavorable predictors of ASP in CA and can potentially serve as a guideline for early diagnosis and medical management to prevent cardiovascular diseases in rotational shift workers in the Arctic.

Abstract 53: Health Care Utilization and Cost among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Patients with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) or Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David M Kern ◽  
Stephanie DeVore ◽  
Jennifer Kim ◽  
Ying Wu ◽  
Ozgur Tunceli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Healthcare Utilization ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

CV events among T2DM patients are major contributors to high healthcare utilization and cost. Healthcare utilization and costs among T2DM patients with established CVD and CVD risk factors in a large US database were explored. T2DM patients aged ≥40 years were identified from the HealthCore Integrated Research Environment from 1/1/2007 to 4/30/2011 and followed from first T2DM diagnosis (index date) until loss of eligibility or death. Established CVD [Group 1] included patients with MI, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, or revascularization in the year prior to index. CVD risk [Group 2] included patients with older age (men ≥55 y, women ≥60 y) and prior diagnosis for either dyslipidemia or hypertension. Per person year (PPY) utilization and cost following T2DM diagnosis were calculated as the total number of events/cost divided by total number of person years of follow-up. There were 177,140 Group 1 (mean age: 68 y; 57% men) and 191,441 Group 2 (mean age: 66 y; 57% men) patients who met the selection criteria. During the 12, 24, 36, and 48 months following index, a higher proportion of Group 1 vs Group 2 patients had ≥1 inpatient visit (35%, 50%, 61%, 69% vs 16%, 27%, 36%, 44% respectively) and ≥1 ED visit (6.2%, 17%, 29%, 41% vs 2.9%, 9%, 18%, 28% respectively). T2DM patients have high healthcare utilization and costs. Those with established CVD have higher PPY event rates (Figure 1) and costs (Figure 2), compared with patients with CVD risk factors. Inpatient hospitalizations and outpatient visits are key cost drivers in this T2DM population.

scholarly journals Is low antiepileptic drug dose effective in long-term seizure-free patients?

2003 ◽  
Vol 61 (3A) ◽  
pp. 566-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tânia A.M.O. Cardoso ◽  
Fernando Cendes ◽  
Carlos A.M. Guerreiro
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Antiepileptic Drug ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Drug Dose ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Seizure Recurrence ◽  
Partial Group ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of leaving seizure-free patients on low-dose medication. METHOD: This was an exploratory prospective randomized study conducted at our University Hospital. We evaluated the frequency of seizure recurrence and its risk factors following complete or partial antiepileptic drug (AED) withdrawal in seizure free patients for at least two years with focal, secondarily generalized and undetermined generalized epilepsies. For this reason, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (complete AED withdrawal), and Group 2 (partial AED withdrawal). Partial AED withdrawal was established as a reduction of 50% of the initial dose. Medication was tapered off slowly on both groups. Follow-up period was 24 months. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were followed up: 45 were assigned to complete (Group 1) AED withdrawal and 49 to partial (Group 2) AED withdrawal. Seizure recurrence frequency after two years follow-up were 34.04% in group 1 and 32.69% in Group 2. Survival analysis showed that the probability of remaining seizure free at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after randomization did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.8). Group 1: 0.89, 0.80, 0.71 and 0.69; group 2: 0.86, 0.82, 0.75 and 0.71. The analysis of risk factors for seizure recurrence showed that more than 10 seizures prior to seizure control was a significant predictive factor for recurrence after AED withdrawal (hazard ratio = 2.73). CONCLUSION: Leaving seizure free patients on low AED dose did not reduce the risk for seizure recurrence. That is, once the decision of AED withdrawal has been established, it should be complete.

scholarly journals Intestinal Obstruction due to Bezoar in Elderly Patients: Risk Factors and Treatment Results

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatih Altintoprak ◽  
Eyup Gemici ◽  
Yasin Alper Yildiz ◽  
Mustafa Yener Uzunoglu ◽  
Taner Kivilcim
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Peptic Ulcer ◽  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Abdominal Surgery ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Intestinal Obstruction ◽  
History Of ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Length Of Hospitalization ◽  
Group 1

Purpose. Bezoars are foreign particles from the accumulation of indigestible materials in the gastrointestinal system and a rare cause of mechanical intestinal obstruction. We aimed at investigating differences in risk factors for the development of intestinal obstruction associated with bezoar in elderly patients.Methods. Hospital records of patients who underwent surgery associated with phytobezoar between January 2004 and May 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups [<65 years (Group 1) and ≥65 years (Group 2)]. Data were examined regarding presence of comorbidity, history of abdominal surgery, operation time, bezoar site, surgical technique, length of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality.Results. Of 121 patients enrolled, 48 (39.7%) were male and 73 (60.3%) were female (range: 24-86 years). Group 1 consisted of 69 patients aged < 65, while Group 2 consisted of 52 patients aged ≥ 65. Comorbidity was reported in 52 (42.9%) patients (mostly diabetes mellitus, 20.7%), while 60 patients (49.6%) had history of abdominal surgery (mostly peptic ulcer, 27.3%). No statistical differences were found between the two groups in terms of sex, bezoar site, surgical technique preferred, history of abdominal surgical intervention, pre- and postoperative CT examination, morbidity rates, and length of hospitalization. But, ratio of peptic ulcer operations history, presence of total comorbidity, and time of surgery decision was higher in Group 2 patients.Conclusion. In bezoar-related intestinal obstruction, duration and outcome of treatment are not affected by age distribution. Possibility of bezoar should primarily be considered in elderly patients with history of peptic ulcer operation.

VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNTING AFTER ANEURYSMAL SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE

Neurosurgery ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 618-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Little ◽  
Joseph M. Zabramski ◽  
Madelon Peterson ◽  
Pamela W. Goslar ◽  
Scott D. Wait ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus ◽  
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Ventricle Size ◽  
Group 1

Abstract OBJECTIVE The goals of this study were to investigate the risk factors, indications, complications, and outcome for patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs) after subarachnoid hemorrhage and to define a subgroup eligible for future prospective studies designed to clarify indications for placement of a VPS. METHODS Clinical characteristics of 236 prospectively evaluated patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 6 months of follow-up were analyzed. Hydrocephalus was estimated by the relative bicaudate index (RBCI) measured on computed tomographic scans at the time of shunting. Patients were divided into three groups by ventricle size: Group 1 included 121 patients with small ventricles (RBCI &lt;1.0), Group 2 included 88 patients with borderline ventricle size (RBCI 1.0–1.4), and Group 3 included 27 patients with markedly enlarged ventricles (RBCI &gt;1.4). RESULTS Initially, 86 patients (36%) underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting: 19 in Group 1 (16%), 43 in Group 2 (49%), and 24 in Group 3 (90%). Indications for placement of a VPS, risk factors, and outcome differed markedly by group. Four patients (3% of those not initially shunted) developed delayed hydrocephalus requiring a VPS, including one in Group 2 (2%). The 6-month shunt complication rate was 13%. Evaluation of patients in Group 2 indicated that functional status was an important factor in selecting candidates for shunting, and that patients receiving shunts and shunt-free patients demonstrated improvement in functional status during follow-up. CONCLUSION Although we currently use a proactive shunting paradigm for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, this report demonstrates that a conservative approach to patients with borderline ventricle size (i.e., RBCI of 1.0–1.4) and normal intracranial pressure should be evaluated in a prospective randomized trial.

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