Effect of AT877 on cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

1992 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 571-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masato Shibuya ◽  
Yoshio Suzuki ◽  
Kenichiro Sugita ◽  
Isamu Saito ◽  
Tomio Sasaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
Double Blind Trial ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blind Trial ◽  
Symptomatic Vasospasm ◽  
Delayed Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Fine Print

✓ With the cooperation of 60 neurosurgical centers in Japan, a prospective randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial of a new calcium antagonist AT877 (hexahydro-1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-1H-1,4-diazepine hydrochloride, or fasudil hydrochloride) was undertaken to determine the drug's effect on delayed cerebral vasospasm in patients with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. A total of 276 patients, who underwent surgery within 3 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) of Hunt and Hess Grades I to IV, were entered into the study. Nine patients were excluded because of protocol violation. The remaining 267 patients received either 30 mg AT877 or a placebo (saline) by intravenous injection over 30 minutes, three times a day for 14 days following surgery. Demographic and clinical data were well matched between the two groups. It was found that AT877 reduced angiographically demonstrable vasospasm by 38% (from 61% in the placebo group to 38% in the AT877 group, p = 0.0023), low-density regions on computerized tomography associated with vasospasm by 58% (from 38% to 16%, p = 0.0013), and symptomatic vasospasm by 30% (from 50% to 35%, p = 0.0247). Furthermore, AT877 reduced the number of patients with a poor clinical outcome associated with vasospasm (moderate disability or worse on the Glasgow Outcome Scale at 1 month after SAH) by 54% (from 26% to 12%, p = 0.0152). There were no serious adverse events reported in the AT877 group. This is the first report of a placebo-controlled double-blind trial that has demonstrated a significant reduction in angiographically revealed vasospasm by intravenous drug therapy.

scholarly journals Increased levels of lipid peroxides as predictive of symptomatic vasospasm and poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 1302-1305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takao Kamezaki ◽  
Kiyoyuki Yanaka ◽  
Sohji Nagase ◽  
Keishi Fujita ◽  
Noriyuki Kato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Lipid Peroxides ◽  
Medical Complication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Poor Outcome ◽  
Symptomatic Vasospasm ◽  
Delayed Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Cerebral vasospasm remains a devastating medical complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Reactive oxygen species and subsequent lipid peroxidation are reported to participate in the causes of cerebral vasospasm. This clinical study was performed to investigate the relationships between levels of lipid peroxides in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and both delayed cerebral vasospasm and clinical outcome after SAH. Methods. Levels of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) and cholesteryl ester hydroperoxide (CEOOH) in the CSF were measured in 20 patients with aneurysmal SAH. The patients' CSF was collected within 48 hours of hemorrhage onset and on Day 6 or 7 post-SAH. On Day 7, angiography was performed to verify the degree and extent of the vasospasm. The relationship between the patients' clinical profiles and the levels of lipid peroxides in the CSF were investigated. Both PCOOH and CEOOH were detectable in CSF, and their levels decreased within 7 days after onset of SAH. The levels of CEOOH within 48 hours after onset of hemorrhage were significantly higher in patients in whom symptomatic vasospasm later developed than in patients in whom symptomatic vasospasm did not develop (p = 0.002). Levels of PCOOH measured within 48 hours after onset of hemorrhage were significantly higher in patients with poor outcomes than in patients with good outcomes (p = 0.043). Conclusions. Increased levels of lipid peroxides measured in the CSF during the acute stage of SAH were predictive of both symptomatic vasospasm and poor outcome. Measurements of lipid peroxides in the CSF may be useful prognostically for patient outcomes as well as for predicting symptomatic vasospasm.

Neuropeptide Y in the primate model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

1992 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryszard M. Pluta ◽  
Anna Deka-Starosta ◽  
Alois Zauner ◽  
Jay K. Morgan ◽  
Karin M. Muraszko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Neuropeptide Y ◽  
Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
Primate Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
Delayed Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
Arterial Plasma ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The cause of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains unknown. Recently, an association between the potent vasoconstricting peptide, neuropeptide Y, and delayed cerebral vasospasm after SAH has been postulated. This was based on the findings of increased neuropeptide Y levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma after SAH in animals and humans. For this study, the primate model of SAH was used to assess the possible role of neuropeptide Y in delayed vasospasm after SAH. Fifteen cynomolgus monkeys underwent placement of a clot of either whole blood or red blood cells in the subarachnoid space around the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Sequential arteriography for assessment of MCA diameter and sampling of blood and CSF for neuropeptide Y were performed: before SAH (Day 0); 7 days after SAH, when signs of delayed cerebral vasospasm peak in this model and in humans; 12 days after SAH; and 28 days after SAH. Subarachnoid hemorrhage did not evoke changes in CSF or plasma levels of neuropeptide Y. Nine monkeys had arteriographic evidence of vasospasm on Day 7, but no change in neuropeptide Y levels occurred in plasma or CSF. In addition, neuropeptide Y levels did not change, even after resolution of vasospasm on Day 12 or Day 28. Neuropeptide Y levels were substantially higher in CSF than in arterial plasma (p < 0.003 at each interval). No correlation was found between neuropeptide Y levels in CSF and in plasma. These results do not confirm a relationship between neuropeptide Y levels in the CSF or peripheral plasma and delayed cerebral vasospasm in SAH.

A randomized controlled trial of high-dose intravenous nicardipine in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

1993 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 537-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Clarke Haley ◽  
Neal F. Kassell ◽  
James C. Torner ◽  
_ _
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Similar Frequency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Symptomatic Vasospasm ◽  
Delayed Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Because of their action as cerebral vasodilators, dihydropyridine calcium antagonists have received intense scrutiny for their potential benefit in ameliorating the devastating consequences of delayed cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). From October, 1987, to September, 1989, 41 North American neurosurgical centers in the Cooperative Aneurysm Study accrued 906 patients with recent (Days 0 to 7) aneurysmal SAH into a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of high-dose intravenous nicardipine to test whether treatment with this agent improved overall outcome. Eligible patients received 0.15 mg/kg/hr of either nicardipine or placebo by continuous infusion for up to 14 days following hemorrhage. The 449 patients randomly assigned to the nicardipine-treated group and the 457 patients assigned to the placebo-treated group were balanced with regard to prognostic factors for ischemic deficits from vasospasm and for overall outcome. Other medical and surgical interventions were used with similar frequency in both groups, except that antihypertensive agents were used less frequently in the nicardipine-treated patients (26% of the nicardipine-treated group vs. 43% of the placebo-treated group, p < 0.001), and more patients in the placebo-treated group had intentional hypervolemia, induced hypertension, and/or hemodilution administered therapeutically for symptomatic vasospasm (38% of the placebo-treated group vs. 25% of the nicardipine-treated group, p < 0.001). The incidence of symptomatic vasospasm during the treatment period was higher in the placebo-treated group (46%) than in the nicardipine-treated group (32%) (p < 0.001). Despite the reduction in symptomatic vasospasm in the nicardipine-treated group, overall outcome at 3 months was similar between the two groups. Fifty-five percent of nicardipine-treated patients were rated as having a good recovery according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale at follow-up review and 17% were dead, compared to 56% and 18%, respectively, in the placebo-treated group (not statistically significant). These data suggest that high-dose intravenous nicardipine treatment is associated with a reduced incidence of symptomatic vasospasm in patients with recent aneurysmal SAH, but not with an improvement in overall outcome at 3 months when compared to standard management in North America. It is postulated that, while nicardipine prevents vasospasm, hypertensive/hypervolemic therapy may be effective in reversing ischemic deficits from vasospasm once they occur.

Leukocytosis as an independent risk factor for cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 1222-1226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. McGirt ◽  
John C. Mavropoulos ◽  
Laura Y. McGirt ◽  
Michael J. Alexander ◽  
Allan H. Friedman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
Leukocyte Count ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Symptomatic Vasospasm ◽  
Fisher Grade ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The identification of patients at an increased risk for cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may allow for more aggressive treatment and improved patient outcomes. Note, however, that blood clot size on admission remains the only factor consistently demonstrated to increase the risk of cerebral vasospasm after SAH. The goal of this study was to assess whether clinical, radiographic, or serological variables could be used to identify patients at an increased risk for cerebral vasospasm. Methods. A retrospective review was conducted in all patients with aneurysmal or spontaneous nonaneurysmal SAH who were admitted to the authors' institution between 1995 and 2001. Underlying vascular diseases (hypertension or chronic diabetes mellitus), Hunt and Hess and Fisher grades, patient age, aneurysm location, craniotomy compared with endovascular aneurysm stabilization, medications on admission, postoperative steroid agent use, and the occurrence of fever, hydrocephalus, or leukocytosis were assessed as predictors of vasospasm. Two hundred twenty-four patients were treated for SAH during the review period. One hundred one patients (45%) developed symptomatic vasospasm. Peak vasospasm occurred 5.8 ± 3 days after SAH. There were four independent predictors of vasospasm: Fisher Grade 3 SAH (odds ratio [OR] 7.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5–15.8), peak serum leukocyte count (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.16), rupture of a posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysm (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.01–0.41), and spontaneous nonaneurysmal SAH (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.04–0.45). A serum leukocyte count greater than 15 × 109/L was independently associated with a 3.3-fold increase in the likelihood of developing vasospasm (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.74–6.38). Conclusions. During this 7-year period, spontaneous nonaneurysmal SAH and ruptured PCA aneurysms decreased the odds of developing vasospasm sevenfold and 20-fold, respectively. The presence of Fisher Grade 3 SAH on admission or a peak leukocyte count greater than 15 × 109/L increased the odds of vasospasm sevenfold and threefold, respectively. Monitoring of the serum leukocyte count may allow for early diagnosis and treatment of vasospasm.

Temporal changes in perivascular concentrations of oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and methemoglobin after subarachnoid hemorrhage

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 557-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryszard M. Pluta ◽  
John K. B. Afshar ◽  
Robert J. Boock ◽  
Edward H. Oldfield
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
Blood Clot ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delayed Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Fine Print

Hemoglobin released from hemolysed erythrocytes has been postulated to be responsible for delayed cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the evidence is indirect and the mechanisms of action are unclear. Cerebrovascular tone is regulated by a dynamic balance of relaxing and contracting factors. Loss of the endothelium-derived relaxing factor—nitric oxide in the presence of oxyhemoglobin and overproduction of endothelin-1 stimulated by oxyhemoglobin have been postulated as causes of delayed cerebral vasospasm after SAH. Object. The authors aimed to investigate this hypothesis using in vivo microdialysis to examine time-dependent changes in the perivascular concentrations of oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and methemoglobin in a primate model of SAH. Methods. Nine cynomolgus monkeys underwent right-sided frontotemporal craniectomy and placement of a semipermeable microdialysis catheter adjacent to the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). Saline (control group, three animals) or an arterial blood clot (SAH group, six animals) was then placed around the MCA and the catheter. Arteriographically confirmed vasospasm had developed in all animals with SAH but in none of the control animals on Day 7. The dialysate was collected daily for 12 days. Levels of oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and methemoglobin were measured by means of spectrophotometry. Perivascular concentrations of oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and methemoglobin peaked on Day 2 in the control monkeys and could not be detected on Days 5 to 12. Perivascular concentrations of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin peaked on Day 7 in the SAH group, at which time the concentrations in the dialysate were 100-fold higher than in any sample obtained from the control animals. Methemoglobin levels increased only slightly, peaking between Days 7 and 12, at which time the concentration in the dialysate was 10-fold higher than in samples from the control animals. Conclusions. This study provides in vivo evidence that the concentrations of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin increase in the cerebral subarachnoid perivascular space during the development of delayed cerebral vasospasm. The results support the hypothesis that oxyhemoglobin is involved in the pathogenesis of delayed cerebral vasospasm after SAH and implicate deoxyhemoglobin as a possible vasospastic agent.

Controlled release of a nitric oxide donor for the prevention of delayed cerebral vasospasm following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in nonhuman primates

2005 ◽  
Vol 103 (4) ◽  
pp. 745-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard E. Clatterbuck ◽  
Philippe Gailloud ◽  
Travis Tierney ◽  
Victoria M. Clatterbuck ◽  
Kieran J. Murphy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Controlled Release ◽  
Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
Cerebral Angiography ◽  
Nonhuman Primates ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delayed Cerebral Vasospasm ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Results of prior studies in rats and rabbits show that the alteration of vasomotor tone in vasospasm following periadventitial blood exposure may be reversed, at least in part, by the administration of compounds releasing nitric oxide (NO). The authors have now generalized this finding to nonhuman primates. Methods. Ten cynomolgus monkeys underwent cerebral angiography before and 7 days following the induction of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) by the placement of 2 to 3 ml clotted autologous blood around the supraclinoid carotid, proximal anterior cerebral, and proximal middle cerebral arteries. An ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, either blank (five animals) or containing 20% w/w (Z)-1-[2-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-aminoethyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (DETA/NO, 4.3 mg/kg; five animals) was placed adjacent to the vessels at the time of surgery. Animals were killed on Day 7 post-SAH following repeated cerebral angiography. The mean percentage of control vascular areal fraction was calculated from angiograms. Cerebral vessels were sectioned and the mean percentage of lumen patency was calculated. One animal that had received the DETA/NO polymer died prior to repeated angiography. In the remaining animals, DETA/NO caused a significant decrease in vasospasm compared with controls, according to both angiographic (84.8 ± 8.6 compared with 56.6 ± 5.2%, respectively, p < 0.05) and histological studies (internal carotid artery 99.3 ± 1.8 compared with 60.1 ± 4.4%, respectively, p < 0.001; middle cerebral artery 98.4 ± 3 compared with 56.1 ± 3.7%, respectively, p < 0.001; and anterior cerebral artery 89.2 ± 8.5 compared with 55.8 ± 6.3%, respectively, p < 0.05). Conclusions. The controlled release of DETA/NO is effective in preventing delayed cerebral vasospasm in an SAH model in nonhuman primates. The death of one animal in the treatment group indicates that the present dosage is at the threshold between therapeutic efficacy and toxicity.

Dose-escalation study of intravenous nicardipine in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene S. Flamm ◽  
Harold P. Adams ◽  
David W. Beck ◽  
Richard S. Pinto ◽  
John R. Marler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Dose Escalation ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Dose Escalation Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Symptomatic Vasospasm ◽  
Dose Levels ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A dose-escalation study of the calcium ion entry blocking drug nicardipine was performed using large dose infusions in 67 patients with recent aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A safe, potentially therapeutic dose of the drug was determined. Patients admitted within 7 days of SAH from a documented cerebral aneurysm were entered into the study if no spasm was present on the initial angiogram. Nicardipine was administered as a continuous intravenous infusion throughout the 14-day period after SAH, regardless of the timing of surgery. To determine the safest possible dose, nicardipine was administered at seven dose levels from 0.01 to 0.15 mg/kg/hr. The total daily doses ranged from 27.7 mg to 375.0 mg. A follow-up angiogram was carried out on all 67 patients 7 to 10 days after SAH. Computerized tomography and neurological examinations were used to determine the presence of cerebral infarction. No major adverse effects, unexpected reactions, or permanent sequelae could be attributed to nicardipine. A decline in blood pressure was noted following administration of the drug. This occurred more frequently among patients given the largest dose but did not produce clinical problems or require discontinuation of the drug. Favorable outcomes were noted in 52 patients (78%). Vasospasm was found by arteriography in 31 patients (46%). A dose-related trend was noted: only eight (24%) of 33 patients treated at the highest dose level (approximately 10 mg/hr) developed arteriographic evidence of vasospasm. Symptomatic vasospasm was diagnosed in only two (6%) of 33 patients treated with this dose. Of the 34 patients receiving the lower dose levels, angiographic spasm was observed in 68% and symptomatic vasospasm in 27%. No deaths due to vasospasm occurred. Nicardipine appears to prevent both vasospasm and cerebral ischemia after SAH. A multicenter randomized double-blind trial to test this hypothesis is planned.

Randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial of tirilazad mesylate in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a cooperative study in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand

1996 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neal F. Kassell ◽  
E. Clarke Haley ◽  
Carolyn Apperson-Hansen ◽  
Wayne M. Alves ◽  
_ _
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Focal Cerebral Ischemia ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Symptomatic Vasospasm ◽  
Tirilazad Mesylate ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Tirilazad mesylate, a nonglucocorticoid 21-aminosteroid, has been shown in experimental models to reduce vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and to reduce infarct size from focal cerebral ischemia. To test whether treatment with tirilazad would reduce ischemic symptoms from vasospasm and improve overall outcome in patients with ruptured aneurysms, a prospective randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial was conducted at 41 neurosurgical centers in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. One thousand twenty-three patients were randomly assigned to receive 0.6, 2, or 6 mg/kg per day of intravenously administered tirilazad or a placebo containing the citrate vehicle. All patients were also treated with intravenously administered nimodipine. Patients receiving 6 mg/kg per day of tirilazad had reduced mortality (p = 0.01) and a greater frequency of good recovery on the Glasgow Outcome Scale 3 months after SAH (p = 0.01) than similar patients treated with vehicle. There was a reduction in symptomatic vasospasm in the group that received 6 mg/kg per day tirilazad; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.048). The benefits of treatment with tirilazad were predominantly shown in men rather than in women. There were no material differences between the outcomes in the groups treated with 0.6 and 2 mg/kg tirilazad per day and the group treated with vehicle. Tirilazad was well tolerated at all three dose levels. These observations suggest that tirilazad mesylate, at a dosage of 6 mg/kg per day, is safe and improves overall outcome in patients (especially in men) who have experienced an aneurysmal SAH.

Age and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: why do older patients fare worse?

1996 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 410-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lanzino ◽  
Neal F. Kassell ◽  
Teresa P. Germanson ◽  
Gail L. Kongable ◽  
Laura L. Truskowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Poor Outcome ◽  
Symptomatic Vasospasm ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Advanced age is a recognized prognostic indicator of poor outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The relationship of age to other prognostic factors and outcome was evaluated using data from the multicenter randomized trial of nicardipine in SAH conducted in 21 neurosurgical centers in North America. Among the 906 patients who were studied, five different age groups were considered: 40 years or less, 41 to 50, 51 to 60, 61 to 70, and more than 71 years. Twenty-three percent of the individuals enrolled were older than 60 years of age. Women outnumbered men in all age groups. Level of consciousness (p = 0.0002) and World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade (p = 0.0001) at admission worsened with advancing age. Age was also related to the presence of a thick subarachnoid clot (p = 0.0001), intraventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.0003), and hydrocephalus (p = 0.0001) on an admission computerized tomography scan. The rebleeding rate increased from 4.5% in the youngest age group to 16.4% in patients more than 70 years of age (p = 0.002). As expected, preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes (p = 0.028), hypertension (p = 0.0001), and pulmonary (p = 0.0084), myocardial (p = 0.0001), and cerebrovascular diseases (p = 0.0001), were positively associated with age. There were no age-related differences in the day of admission following SAH, timing of the surgery and/or location, and size (small vs. large) of the ruptured aneurysm. During the treatment period, the incidence of severe complications (that is, those complications considered life threatening by the reporting investigator) increased with advancing age, occurring in 28%, 33%, 36%, 40%, and 46% of the patients in each advancing age group, respectively (p = 0.0002). No differences were observed in the reported frequency of surgical complications. No age-related differences were found in the overall incidence of angiographic vasospasm; however, symptomatic vasospasm was more frequently reported in the older age groups (p = 0.01). Overall outcome, assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale at 3 months post-SAH, was poorer with advancing age (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of overall outcome, adjusting for the different prognostic factors, did not remove the age effect, which suggests that the aging brain has a less optimal response to the initial bleeding. Age as a risk factor is a continuum; however, there seems to be a significant increased risk of poor outcome after the age of 60 years.

Phenytoin and postoperative epilepsy

1983 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 672-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Brian North ◽  
Robert K. Penhall ◽  
Ahmad Hanieh ◽  
Derek B. Frewin ◽  
William B. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Head Injury ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Seizure Control ◽  
Active Drug ◽  
Double Blind Trial ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Routine Prophylaxis ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A double-blind trial of phenytoin therapy following craniotomy was performed to test the hypothesis that phenytoin is effective in reducing postoperative epilepsy. A significant reduction in the frequency of epilepsy was observed in the group receiving the active drug up to the 10th postoperative week. Half of the seizures occurred in the first 2 weeks and two-thirds within 1 month of cranial surgery. High rates of epilepsy were observed after surgery in patients with meningioma, metastasis, aneurysm, and head injury. Routine prophylaxis with phenytoin (in a dosage of 5 to 6 mg/kg/day) would seem to be indicated, particularly in high-risk patients and, where possible, this treatment should be started 1 week preoperatively. Seizure control is best when therapeutic levels of phenytoin are maintained.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document