OUTCOME PREDICTORS AND SPECTRUM OF TREATMENT ELIGIBILITY WITH PROSPECTIVE PROTOCOLIZED MANAGEMENT OF INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE

Neurosurgery ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 436-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Jaffe ◽  
Lora AlKhawam ◽  
Hongyan Du ◽  
Kristen Tobin ◽  
Judith O'Leary ◽  
...  

Abstract OBJECTIVE Risk predictors, spectrum of treatment eligibility, and range of expected outcomes have not been validated in consecutive series including all cases of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) subjected to a prospective management protocol based on current guidelines. METHODS Eighty-six cases of ICH were prospectively identified in conjunction with screening for a clinical trial during an 18-month period. All patients were subjected to protocolized management based on published “best practice” guidelines for ICH. Medical records were reviewed by trained researchers, and outcomes were assessed at various time points including latest follow-up (range, 0–24 months; mean, 3.97 months). Initial assessment parameters, treatment eligibility, and outcomes were based on standardized criteria. RESULTS In accordance with past literature, mortality and functional outcomes were significantly worse in older patients, those with a larger ICH volume, and worse Glasgow Coma Scale scores, in univariate and multivariate models. The presence and severity of associated intraventricular hemorrhage also correlated with mortality and outcome. Significantly lower mortality (P = 0.024) and better functional outcomes (P = 0.018) were achieved at 30 days in patients with an ICH volume of less than 30 cm3 in this series than in previously published community-based historical controls without protocolized care. A tight correspondence between treatment eligibility and treatment administered was found. CONCLUSION Previous estimates of poorer outcome in patients with ICH might not apply to contemporary management protocols, especially in patients with a smaller ICH volume. Outcome ranges in various risk categories and modeling of treatment eligibility will help project more realistic prognostication and assist with the design of future trials.

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew B Maas ◽  
Alexander J Nemeth ◽  
Neil F Rosenberg ◽  
Adam R Kosteva ◽  
James C Guth ◽  
...  

Background: Extension of hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space is observed in primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), yet the phenomenon has undergone limited study and is of unknown significance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence, characteristics and clinical consequences of subarachnoid hemorrhage extension (SAHE) in ICH. Methods: Patients with primary ICH were enrolled into a prospective registry between December 2006 and July 2012. Patients were managed, and serial neuroimaging obtained, per a structured protocol. SAHE was identified on imaging, along with ICH volumes, by expert reviewers blinded to outcomes. Ordinal regression models were developed to test whether the occurrence of SAHE was a predictor of functional outcomes independent of ICH Score, with confirmation of model validity by appropriate tests. Results: 234 patients were studied, and 93 (39.7%) had SAHE. SAHE was associated with lobar hemorrhage location (65% of SAHE versus 19% of non-SAHE cases, p<0.001), and larger hematoma volumes (median 23.8 versus 6.65, p<0.001). SAHE was a predictor of higher modified Rankin Scale scores (mRS) at discharge (odds ratio 2.22 per mRS point [95% CI 1.29-3.81]) and 28 days (1.80 [1.04-3.11]) after adjustment for ICH Score. Conclusions: SAHE is associated with poor outcomes independent of traditional ICH severity measures. Further exploration of this phenomenon to understand the underlying mechanisms of harm is needed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 215145931989389 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. P. Murphy ◽  
C. Reddin ◽  
E. P. Murphy ◽  
R. Waters ◽  
C. G. Murphy ◽  
...  

Introduction: Models of orthogeriatric care have been shown to improve functional outcomes for patients after hip fractures and can improve compliance with best practice guidelines for hip fracture care. Methods: We evaluated improvements to key performance indicators in hip fracture care after implementation of a formal orthogeriatric service. Compliance with Irish Hip Fracture standards of care was reviewed, and additional outcomes such as length of stay, access to rehabilitation, and discharge destination were evaluated. Results: Improvements were observed in all of the hip fracture standards of care. Mean length of stay decreased from 19 to 15.5 days (mean difference 3.5 days; P < .05). A higher proportion of patients were admitted to rehabilitation (16.7% vs 7.9%, P < .05), and this happened in a timelier fashion (17.8 vs 24.8 days, P < .05). We found that less patients required convalescence post-hip fracture. Discussion: A standardized approach to integrated post-hip fracture care with orthogeriatrics has improved standards of care for patients. Conclusion: Introduction of orthogeriatric services has resulted in meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes for older people with hip fractures.


Author(s):  
S Ben Nakhi ◽  
B Drake ◽  
S English

Background: External ventricular drains are a lifesaving intervention in the management of acute hydrocephalus. EVD associated infections vary significantly, and expert panels recommend reviewing institutional policies if infection rates exceed 10%. The audit aims to identify the infection rate at our institution, whereas the literature review aims to synthesize a new institutional EVD best practice guideline. Methods: An audit of EVD catheters inserted in the time period between 07/01/2019 and 10/25/2020 was conducted. Statistical analysis to calculate absolute incidence, infections per 1000 days of catheter use. A literature review to identify best practices for the insertion and management of EVDs was conducted. Results: 75 patients required a total of 105 EVD catheters. There were 16 (15.3%) EVD related infections, equating to 14.3 infections per 1000 days. Fifty percent of patients developed an EVD related infection within 9 days of insertion. Most infections were induced by skin flora (87.5%). A comprehensive step-by-step EVD insertion and management protocol was developed aiming to reduce the risk of infection. Conclusions: The incidence of EVD associated infections at the Ottawa Hospital is significantly higher than acceptable rates as suggested by expert panels. A new evidence-based best practice guidelines should be implemented. A follow-up audit is necessary.


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711581
Author(s):  
Charlotte Greene ◽  
Alice Pearson

BackgroundOpioids are effective analgesics for acute and palliative pain, but there is no evidence base for long-term pain relief. They also carry considerable risks such as overdose and dependence. Despite this, they are increasingly prescribed for chronic pain. In the UK, opioid prescribing more than doubled between 1998 and 2018.AimAn audit at Bangholm GP Practice to understand the scale of high-strength opioid prescribing. The aim of the audit was to find out if indications, length of prescription, discussion, and documentation at initial consultation and review process were consistent with best-practice guidelines.MethodA search on Scottish Therapeutics Utility for patients prescribed an average daily dose of opioid equivalent ≥50 mg morphine between 1 July 2019 and 1 October 2019, excluding methadone, cancer pain, or palliative prescriptions. The Faculty of Pain Medicine’s best-practice guidelines were used.ResultsDemographics: 60 patients (37 females), average age 62, 28% registered with repeat opioid prescription, 38% comorbid depression. Length of prescription: average 6 years, 57% >5 years, 22% >10 years. Opioid: 52% tramadol, 23% on two opioids. Indications: back pain (42%), osteoarthritis (12%), fibromyalgia (10%). Initial consultation: 7% agreed outcomes, 35% follow-up documented. Review: 56% 4-week, 70% past year.ConclusionOpioid prescribing guidelines are not followed. The significant issues are: long-term prescriptions for chronic pain, especially back pain; new patients registering with repeat prescriptions; and no outcomes of treatment agreed, a crucial message is the goal is pain management rather than relief. Changes have been introduced at the practice: a patient information sheet, compulsory 1-month review for new patients on opioids, and in-surgery pain referrals.


Geoheritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Crofts ◽  
Dan Tormey ◽  
John E. Gordon

AbstractThis paper introduces newly published guidelines on geoheritage conservation in protected and conserved areas within the “IUCN WCPA Best Practice Guidelines” series. It explains the need for the guidelines and outlines the ethical basis of geoheritage values and geoconservation principles as the fundamental framework within which to advance geoheritage conservation. Best practice in establishing and managing protected and conserved areas for geoconservation is described with examples from around the world. Particular emphasis is given to the methodology and practice for dealing with the many threats to geoheritage, highlighting in particular how to improve practice for areas with caves and karst, glacial and periglacial, and volcanic features and processes, and for palaeontology and mineral sites. Guidance to improve education and communication to the public through modern and conventional means is also highlighted as a key stage in delivering effective geoconservation. A request is made to geoconservation experts to continue to share best practice examples of developing methodologies and best practice in management to guide non-experts in their work. Finally, a number of suggestions are made on how geoconservation can be further promoted.


2021 ◽  
pp. 088307382198915
Author(s):  
Christoph Schwering ◽  
Gertrud Kammler ◽  
Eva Wibbeler ◽  
Martin Christner ◽  
Johannes K.-M. Knobloch ◽  
...  

Intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy (ICV-ERT) for CLN2 disease represents the first approved treatment for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) diseases. It is the first treatment where a recombinant lysosomal enzyme, cerliponase alfa, is administered into the lateral cerebral ventricles to reach the central nervous system, the organ affected in CLN2 disease. If untreated, CLN2 children show first symptoms such as epilepsy and language developmental delay at 2-4 years followed by rapid loss of motor and language function, vision loss, and early death. Treatment with cerliponase alfa has shown to slow the rapid neurologic decline. However, the mode of administration by 4 hour-long intracerebroventricular infusions every 14 days represents a potentially greater risk of infection compared to intravenous enzyme replacement therapies. The Hamburg NCL Specialty Clinic was the first site worldwide to perform intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy in children with CLN2 disease. In order to ensure maximum patient safety, we analysed data from our center from more than 3000 intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapies in 48 patients over 6 years with regard to the occurrence of device-related adverse events and device infections. Since starting intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy, we have also developed and continuously improved the “Hamburg Best Practice Guidelines for ICV–Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) in CLN2 Disease.” Results from this study showed low rates for device-related adverse events and infections with 0.27% and 0.33%, respectively. Therefore, following our internal procedural guidelines has shown to improve standardization and patient safety of intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy for CLN2 disease.


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