scholarly journals The PRESSURE score to predict decompressive craniectomy after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramazan Jabbarli ◽  
Marvin Darkwah Oppong ◽  
Roland Roelz ◽  
Daniela Pierscianek ◽  
Mukesch Shah ◽  
...  

Abstract The prognosis of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage requiring decompressive craniectomy is usually poor. Proper selection and early performing of decompressive craniectomy might improve the patients’ outcome. We aimed at developing a risk score for prediction of decompressive craniectomy after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. All consecutive aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage cases treated at the University Hospital of Essen between January 2003 and June 2016 (test cohort) and the University Medical Center Freiburg between January 2005 and December 2012 (validation cohort) were eligible for this study. Various parameters collected within 72 h after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage were evaluated through univariate and multivariate analyses to predict separately primary (PrimDC) and secondary decompressive craniectomy (SecDC). The final analysis included 1376 patients. The constructed risk score included the following parameters: intracerebral (‘Parenchymal’) haemorrhage (1 point), ‘Rapid’ vasospasm on angiography (1 point), Early cerebral infarction (1 point), aneurysm Sac > 5 mm (1 point), clipping (‘Surgery’, 1 point), age Under 55 years (2 points), Hunt and Hess grade ≥ 4 (‘Reduced consciousness’, 1 point) and External ventricular drain (1 point). The PRESSURE score (0–9 points) showed high diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of PrimDC and SecDC in the test (area under the curve = 0.842/0.818) and validation cohorts (area under the curve = 0.903/0.823), respectively. 63.7% of the patients scoring ≥6 points required decompressive craniectomy (versus 12% for the PRESSURE < 6 points, P < 0.0001). In the subgroup of the patients with the PRESSURE ≥6 points and absence of dilated/fixed pupils, PrimDC within 24 h after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage was independently associated with lower risk of unfavourable outcome (modified Rankin Scale >3 at 6 months) than in individuals with later or no decompressive craniectomy (P < 0.0001). Our risk score was successfully validated as reliable predictor of decompressive craniectomy after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. The PRESSURE score might present a background for a prospective randomized clinical trial addressing the utility of early prophylactic decompressive craniectomy in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Author(s):  
Maryna Lienkova ◽  
Irina Bulakh

The article considers and analyzes the existing in the world, but new for Ukraine, type of healthcare institutions - a university hospital, which today is an example of one of the largest and best university hospitals in Germany - the Medical Center of the University of Aachen. The planning and functional structure of the university hospital and special design approaches that contributed to its design and development are analyzed. The purpose of the article is to illustrate an innovative approach for our state to the organization of medical institutions and to emphasize the importance of their implementation in the domestic healthcare system. The research methodology is based on the systematization and analysis of data from various information sources, as well as on the method of sociological survey (analysis of reviews). The article considers the features of the structure of the University Hospital Aachen, namely the multidisciplinary treatment, research and student training, which are combined in one institution. According to hospital patients, the only drawback of this structure is the frequent long wait for visitors. This is probably due to the significant daily flow of patients of varying complexity and, consequently, the shortcomings of the managerial approach. However, at the same time, the hospital has many advantages, which were highlighted in the article.  


2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1850076
Author(s):  
Kwame Bawuah-Edusei

An African commentary on the Doha Development Round. Kwame Bawuah-Edusei is Ambassador of Ghana to Switzerland and Austria and Permanent Representative of Ghana to the UN offices and international organizations in Geneva, including the WTO. He obtained his MD degree in 1982 at the University of Science and Technology, School of Medical Sciences, Kumasi Ghana, worked in Ghana for two years, and later studied in the United States. He specialized in Family Medicine at Howard University Hospital, Washington DC, and worked as a physician for the Dewitt Army Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He subsequently practiced at Educe Medical Center in Alexandria, Virginia. During this period he was active in promoting business in his native Ghana and extensively involved in humanitarian work in the deprived Northern part of his country. He became a community leader in North America and was instrumental in institutionalizing democracy in Ghana. He became a Director of the EO group, an energy Company, and President of Educe Incorporated in Ghana.


2019 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 002-010
Author(s):  
Jun T. Park ◽  
Michael Devereaux ◽  
Hesham Abboud ◽  
Fareeha Ashraf ◽  
Mark Cohen ◽  
...  

AbstractProf. Hans Lüders organized the first International Electroencephalography (EEG)/Epilepsy course in Cleveland (Ohio, United States) in 1979. His vision was to impart a framework of basic knowledge in EEG and epilepsy. The course participants are assumed to have no prior knowledge of EEG or epilepsy. As such, the course is structured and paced to meet the expectations set forth by the organizing committee at the completion of the course. The curriculum has evolved over the years to reflect advancement of the field. There is an added emphasis on semiology (seizure semiology) and epileptic disorders. Also, the course content has expanded to include broader topics such as the intersection between epilepsy and sleep medicine for both adults and children. The course lasts 8 weeks and is offered twice a year, free of charge, in winter and summer at the University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. The average class size ranges from 25 to 30, composed of individuals from around the world. The class hours are generally from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Daily attendance is expected as new concepts quickly build on previous ones. Midterm and final examinations are used for evaluations. Both written and verbal feedbacks on homework assignments are given daily. At the end of the course, a certificate of completion is awarded. The purpose of this article is to discuss the structural details of this intensive educational course that has been offered for 40 years.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 107602962110459
Author(s):  
Chaymae Miri ◽  
Hajar Charii ◽  
Mohammed-Amine Bouazzaoui ◽  
Falmata Laouan Brem ◽  
Soumia boulouiz ◽  
...  

Introduction Diabetes is the most common of comorbidity in patients with SARS-COV-2 pneumonia. Coagulation abnormalities with D-dimer levels are increased in this disease. Objectifs We aimed to compare the levels of D-dimer in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with COVID 19. A link between D-dimer and mortality has also been established. Materials A retrospective study was carried out at the University Hospital Center of Oujda (Morocco) from November 01st to December 01st, 2020. Our study population was divided into two groups: a diabetic group and a second group without diabetes to compare clinical and biological characteristics between the two groups. In addition, the receiver operator characteristic curve was used to assess the optimal D-dimer cut-off point for predicting mortality in diabetics. Results 201 confirmed-COVID-19-patients were included in the final analysis. The median age was 64 (IQR 56-73), and 56% were male. Our study found that D-dimer levels were statistically higher in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients. (1745 vs 845 respectively, P = 0001). D-dimer level > 2885 ng/mL was a significant predictor of mortality in diabetic patients with a sensitivity of 71,4% and a specificity of 70,7%. Conclusion Our study found that diabetics with COVID-19 are likely to develop hypercoagulation with a poor prognosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salah G. Aoun ◽  
Sonja E. Stutzman ◽  
Phuong-Uyen N. Vo ◽  
Tarek Y. El Ahmadieh ◽  
Mohamed Osman ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVECerebral vasospasm causing delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a source of significant morbidity after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Transcranial Doppler is used at most institutions to detect sonographic vasospasm but has poor positive predictive value for DCI. Automated assessment of the pupillary light reflex has been increasingly used as a reliable way of assessing pupillary reactivity, and the Neurological Pupil Index (NPi) has been shown to decrease hours prior to the clinical manifestation of ischemic injury or herniation syndromes. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of automated pupillometry in the setting of SAH, as a potential adjunct to TCD.METHODSOur analysis included patients that had been diagnosed with aneurysmal SAH and admitted to the neuro–intensive care unit of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center between November 2015 and June 2017. A dynamic infrared pupillometer was used for all pupillary measurements. An NPi value ranging from 3 to 5 was considered normal, and from 0 to 2.9 abnormal. Sonographic vasospasm was defined as middle cerebral artery velocities greater than 100 cm/sec with a Lindegaard ratio greater than 3 on either side on transcranial Doppler. Most patients had multiple NPi readings daily and we retained the lowest value for our analysis. We aimed to study the association between DCI and sonographic vasospasm, and DCI and NPi readings.RESULTSA total of 56 patients were included in the final analysis with 635 paired observations of daily TCD and NPi data. There was no statistically significant association between the NPi value and the presence of sonographic vasospasm. There was a significant association between DCI and sonographic vasospasm, χ2(1) = 6.4112, p = 0.0113, OR 1.6419 (95% CI 1.1163–2.4150), and between DCI and an abnormal decrease in NPi, χ2(1) = 38.4456, p < 0.001, OR 3.3930 (95% CI 2.2789–5.0517). Twelve patients experienced DCI, with 7 showing a decrease of their NPi to an abnormal range. This change occurred > 8 hours prior to the clinical decline 71.4% of the time. The NPi normalized in all patients after treatment of their vasospasm.CONCLUSIONSIsolated sonographic vasospasm does not seem to correlate with NPi changes, as the latter likely reflects an ischemic neurological injury. NPi changes are strongly associated with the advent of DCI and could be an early herald of clinical deterioration.


2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taco Goedemans ◽  
Dagmar Verbaan ◽  
Bert A. Coert ◽  
Marieke E. S. Sprengers ◽  
René van den Berg ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 296-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sae-Yeon Won ◽  
Florian Gessler ◽  
Daniel Dubinski ◽  
Michael Eibach ◽  
Bedjan Behmanesh ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEProphylactic placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD) is often performed prior to resection of a posterior fossa tumor (PFT); however, there is no general consensus regarding the indications. The purpose of this study was to establish a novel grading system for the prediction of required CSF drainage due to symptomatic elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) after resection of a PFT to identify patients who require an EVD.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective analysis of data from a prospective database. All patients who had undergone resection of a PFT between 2012 and 2017 at the University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, were identified and data from their cases were analyzed. PFTs were categorized as intraparenchymal (iPFT) or extraparenchymal (ePFT). Prior to resection, patients underwent EVD placement, prophylactic burr hole placement, or neither. The authors assessed the amount of CSF drainage (if applicable), rate of EVD placement at a later time point, and complication rate and screened for factors associated with CSF drainage. By applying those factors, they established a grading system to predict the necessity of CSF drainage for elevated ICP.RESULTSA total of 197 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these 197, 70.6% received an EVD, 15.7% underwent prophylactic burr hole placement, and 29.4% required temporary CSF drainage. In the prophylactic burr hole group, 1 of 32 patients (3.1%) required EVD placement at a later time. Independent predictors for postoperative need for CSF drainage due to symptomatic intracranial hypertension in patients with iPFTs were preoperative hydrocephalus (OR 2.9) and periventricular CSF capping (OR 2.9), whereas semi-sitting surgical position (OR 0.2) and total resection (OR 0.3) were protective factors. For patients with ePFTs, petroclival/midline tumor location (OR 12.2/OR 5.7), perilesional edema (OR 10.0), and preoperative hydrocephalus (OR 4.0) were independent predictors of need for CSF drainage. According to our grading system, CSF drainage after resection of iPFT or ePFT, respectively, was required in 16.7% and 5.1% of patients with a score of 0, in 21.1% and 12.5% of patients with a score of 1, in 47.1% and 26.3% of patients with a score of 2, and in 100% and 76.5% of patients with a score ≥ 3 (p < 0.0001). The rate of relevant EVD complications was 4.3%, and 10.1% of patients were shunt-dependent at 3-month follow-up.CONCLUSIONSThis novel grading system for the prediction of need for CSF drainage following resection of PFT might be of help in deciding in favor of or against prophylactic EVD placement.


2020 ◽  
Vol 163 (3) ◽  
pp. 517-521
Author(s):  
Marcel Marjanovic Kavanagh ◽  
Tomislav Tokic ◽  
Antonia Jakovcevic ◽  
Ranko Smiljanic ◽  
Boris Bumber ◽  
...  

Objective This is the first histopathologic study that investigates the incidence of the pneumatized crista galli. Study Design A prospective histopathologic study. Setting Tertiary academic medical center. Subjects and Methods A total of 109 specimens of crista galli were obtained postmortem during 2018 from randomly chosen patients who died at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb and had an autopsy at our Department of Pathology and Cytology. Specimens were surgically resected during the autopsy and then fixed, decalcinated, dehydrated, and embedded in paraffin. All slides were cut into 5-µm-thin sections and stained with a standard method (hematoxylin and eosin) for light microscope analysis. Specimens were histopathologically analyzed for the existence of pneumatization inside crista galli. The criterion to declare a specimen pneumatized was the presence of mucosa inside the cavity. Results Pneumatized crista galli was found in 5 of 109 specimens (4.59%). In 5 of 5 cases (100%) of pneumatized crista galli, there was evidence of chronic inflammation. Conclusion We found that the incidence of pneumatized crista galli is significantly lower in our histopathologic study in comparison with the majority of previous radiologic studies. Our study also found that all 5 specimens with pneumatized crista galli had chronic inflammation in the mucosa, which is a considerably higher incidence than in the previous studies (7.7%-44%). Due to the emerging evidence of pneumatized crista galli being of clinical importance, we suggest that a larger study be conducted before the results are generalized to the general population.


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