Improved efficiency of hypervolemic therapy with inhibition of natriuresis by fludrocortisone in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 947-952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuro Mori ◽  
Yoichi Katayama ◽  
Tatsuro Kawamata ◽  
Teruyasu Hirayama

Object. To reduce the risk of ischemic complications in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), hypervolemic therapy is generally advocated. However, such conventional treatment cannot always ensure the maintenance of an effective intravascular volume expansion, because excessive natriuresis and osmotic diuresis occur after SAH. In this prospective study the authors examined the effects of inhibition of natriuresis with fludrocortisone acetate on intravascular volume expansion during hypervolemic therapy.Methods. Thirty patients with SAH were randomized and divided into two groups: controls (Group 1, 15 patients) and patients treated with 0.3 mg/day of fludrocortisone (Group 2, 15 patients). In all patients sodium and fluid intake levels were in excess of maintenance requirements in an attempt to maintain a positive water balance and a central venous pressure (CVP) of 8 to 12 cm H2O. The mean sodium and water intake levels for 14 days after SAH were significantly reduced by fludrocortisone in Group 2 (487 ± 34.52 mEq/day and 5159.2 ± 249.29 ml/day, respectively; p < 0.01) compared with Group 1 (634.2 ± 42.86 mEq/day and 6611.7 ± 365.67 ml/day). Fludrocortisone significantly reduced the urinary sodium excretion (p < 0.01) and urine volume (p < 0.01) in parallel, and effectively prevented a negative shift in the sodium as well as water balance (p < 0.01). The serum sodium level tended to decrease in Group 1, reaching 135 mEq/L on average, but not in Group 2 (p < 0.01). Hyponatremia in Group 1 was always observed at the optimal range of CVP values. A decrease in serum potassium level within the range of 2.8 to 3.5 mEq/L was transiently noted in 11 patients (73.3%) of Group 2, but was easily corrected. Possible side effects of fludrocortisone, such as pulmonary edema, were not encountered.Conclusions. Intravascular volume expansion in the presence of excessive natriuresis requires a large sodium and water intake and is often associated with hyponatremia. Inhibition of natriuresis with fludrocortisone can effectively reduce the sodium and water intake required for hypervolemia and prevent hyponatremia at the same time.

2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose I. Suarez ◽  
Larry Shannon ◽  
Osama O. Zaidat ◽  
Muhammad F. Suri ◽  
Grwant Singh ◽  
...  

Object. Human albumin is used to induce hypervolemia (central venous pressure [CVP] > 8 mm Hg) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Unfortunately, human albumin may increase the mortality rate in critically ill patients; because of this, its use became restricted in the authors' hospital in May 1999. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of human albumin on outcome and cost in patients with SAH before and after this restriction was put into place. Methods. All patients with aneurysmal SAH who were admitted to the authors' institution between May 1998 and May 2000 were studied. Basic demographic information, dosage of human albumin given, length of stay, and the incidence of in-hospital deaths and complications were collected. The authors obtained Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at 3 months after SAH (good outcome, GOS ≥ 4). Data were analyzed using t-test and chi-square analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify independent associations between use of human albumin and outcome. The authors studied 140 patients: 63 who were admitted between May 1998 and May 1999 (Group 1) and 77 treated between June 1999 and May 2000 (Group 2). Two subgroups of patients were further analyzed. Group 1 patients who received human albumin (albumin subgroup, 37 patients) and Group 2 patients who would have received albumin under the old protocol (that is, those who failed to achieve CVP > 8 mm Hg after normal saline administration; nonalbumin subgroup, 47 patients). Patients in the nonalbumin subgroup were more likely to be male (38% compared with 16%), to experience hypertension (55% compared with 30%), to suffer from hypomagnesemia (49% compared with 5.4%), and to have hydrocephalus (47% compared with 27%). There was a trend for these patients to have more vasospasm (28% compared with 19%, p = 0.2). Patients in the albumin subgroup were more likely to have a good outcome at 3 months. Conclusions. Administration of human albumin after SAH may improve clinical outcome and reduce hospital cost.


1988 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuji Inagawa ◽  
Mitsuo Yamamoto ◽  
Kazuko Kamiya ◽  
Hidenori Ogasawara

✓ A total of 299 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) were classified into three age groups, that is, those aged 59 years or younger (Group 1: 159 patients, 53%), those aged 60 to 69 years (Group 2: 85 patients, 28%), and those aged 70 years or older (Group 3: 55 patients, 18%). A comparison was made of the surgical indications and their overall management outcome in these age groups. The overall outcome at 1 year after SAH of Group 3 was significantly poorer than that of Group 1 (p < 0.01) or Group 2 (p < 0.01), but no significant difference could be demonstrated between Groups 1 and 2. Overall, 104 of the 299 patients died, for a mortality rate of 35%. The mortality rate by age group was 29% for Group 1, 33% for Group 2, and 55% for Group 3. Surgery was performed on 122 patients (77%) in Group 1, 56 (66%) in Group 2, and 25 (45%) in Group 3. The overall operative outcome at 1 year after SAH in Group 3 was significantly poorer than that of Group 1 (p < 0.01), but no significant difference was observed in this regard between Groups 1 and 2. The operative mortality rate of the patients in Groups 1 , 2, and 3 who were preoperatively in Hunt and Hess Grades I and II was 1%, 7%, and 22%, respectively (no significant difference). By life-table analysis the 5-year survival probability was 65% for Group 1, 60% for Group 2, and 37% for Group 3. The rate of patients surviving in good condition or in a disabled but independent condition at 1 year after SAH was 93% and no statistically significant difference in survival probability was observed among the three age groups.


1972 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 634-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley Pelofsky ◽  
Eugene D. Jacobson ◽  
Robert G. Fisher

✓ This study reports the effects of intraarterial prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) upon intracerebral blood flow under control and vasospastic conditions. A new transorbital means of producing acute experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage with concomitant arterial spasm is presented. Two groups of animals were delineated in this investigation. Five animals (Group 1) were extremely sensitive to PGE1 and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH); carotid flow studies with simultaneous intracerebral angiography in this group demonstrated the ability of PGE1 to relieve vasospasm. Two other animals (Group 2) were relatively insensitive to SAH and PGE1. The study suggests an important role for PGE1 in the treatment of intracerebral vasospasm.


1991 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katsuji Shima ◽  
Anthony Marmarou

✓ The degree of brain-stem dysfunction associated with high-level fluid-percussion injury (3.0 to 3.8 atm) was investigated in anesthetized cats. Measurements were made of the animals' intracranial pressure (ICP), pressure-volume index (PVI), far-field brain-stem auditory evoked responses (BAER's), and cerebral blood flow (CBF). The animals were classified into two groups based on the severity of neuropathological damage to the brain stem after trauma: Group 1 had mild intraparenchymal and subarachnoid hemorrhages and Group 2 had severe intraparenchymal and subarachnoid hemorrhages. The ICP values in Group 1 were insignificantly lower than those in Group 2, while the PVI values in Group 2 were clearly lower (p < 0.05). Immediately after the injury, peaks II, III, and IV of the BAER's demonstrated a transitory and marked suppression. One Group 1 and two Group 2 animals showed the disappearance of peak V. In Group 1, the latencies of peak II, III, and IV gradually increased until 60 to 150 minutes postinjury, then returned to 95% of baseline value at 8 hours; however, the animals in Group 2 showed poor recovery of latencies. Two hours after brain injury, the CBF decreased to 40% of the preinjury measurement in both groups (p < 0.001). In contrast to Group 2, the CBF in Group 1 returned to 86.8% of the preinjury measurement by 8 hours following the injury. Changes in PVI, BAER, and CBF correlated well with the degree of brain-stem injury following severe head injury'- These data indicate that high-level fluid-percussion injury (> 3.0 atm) is predominantly a model of brain-stem injury.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun P. Amar ◽  
William T. Couldwell ◽  
Joseph C. T. Chen ◽  
Martin H. Weiss

Object. Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas may be managed by surgery, medication, radiotherapy, or observation. The authors reviewed a consecutive series of patients who were followed for at least 5 years after surgery to assess the prognostic significance of preoperative factors (tumor size and prolactin level) and an immediate postoperative factor (prolactin level obtained the morning after surgery) on long-term hormonal outcome, thereby clarifying the indications for surgical removal of tumor, the definition of successful treatment outcomes, and the nature of “recurrent” tumors. Methods. Between 1979 and 1991, 241 patients with prolactinomas underwent transsphenoidal resection. Nineteen patients were lost to follow-up review, whereas the remaining 222 patients underwent measurement of their prolactin levels on postoperative Day 1 (POD 1), at 6 and 12 weeks, and every 6 months thereafter for a minimum of 5 years. On POD 1, prolactin levels in 133 patients (Group 1) were lower than 10 ng/ml, in 43 patients (Group 2) between 10 and 20 ng/ml, and in 46 patients (Group 3) higher than 20 ng/ml. At 6 and 12 weeks, normal prolactin levels (≤ 20 ng/ml) were measured in 132 (99%) of the 133 patients in Group 1 but only in 32 (74%) of the 43 patients in Group 2. By 5 years postoperatively, normal levels of prolactin were still measured in 130 patients (98%) in Group 1 compared with only five patients (12%) in Group 2. No patient with a prolactin level lower than 3 ng/ml on POD 1 was found to have an elevated hormone level at 5 years. The likelihood of a long-term chemical cure was greater for patients with microadenomas (91% cure rate) than for those with macroadenomas (33%). Preoperative prolactin levels also correlated with hormonal outcome. Conclusions. Prolactin levels lower than 10 ng/ml on POD 1 predict a long-term chemical cure in patients with microadenomas (100% cure rate) and those with macroadenomas (93% cure rate). In contrast, a cure is not likely to be obtained in patients with normal levels ranging between 10 and 20 ng/ml on POD 1 if they harbor macroadenomas (0% cure rate). A recurrence reported several years after surgery probably represents the presence of persistent tumor that was not originally removed. If the initial operation was performed by an experienced surgeon, however, reoperation is not likely to yield a chemical cure.


2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Mantha ◽  
Federico G. Legnani ◽  
Carlos A. Bagley ◽  
Gary L. Gallia ◽  
Ira Garonzik ◽  
...  

Object. Although metastatic spinal disease constitutes a significant percentage of all spinal column tumors, an accessible and reproducible animal model has not been reported. In this study the authors describe the technique for creating an intraosseous spinal tumor model in rats and present a functional and histological analysis. Methods. Eighteen female Fischer 344 rats were randomized into two groups. Group 1 animals underwent a transabdominal exposure and implantation of CRL-1666 breast adenocarcinoma into the L-6 vertebral body (VB). Animals in Group 2 underwent a sham operation. Hindlimb function was tested daily by using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale. Sixteen days after tumor implantation, animals were killed and their spines were removed for histological assessment. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. By Day 15 functional analysis showed a significant decrease in motor function in Group 1 animals (median functional score 2 of 21) compared with Group 2 rats (median functional score 21 of 21) (p = 0.0217). The onset of paraparesis in Group 1 occurred within 14 to 16 days of surgery. Histopathological analysis showed tumor proliferation through the VB and into the spinal canal, with marked osteolytic activity and spinal cord compression. Conclusions. Analysis of these findings demonstrates the consistency of tumor growth in this model and validates the utility of functional testing for onset of paresis. This new rat model allows for the preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic treatments for patients harboring metastatic spine disease.


1992 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale M. Schaefer ◽  
Adam E. Flanders ◽  
Jewell L. Osterholm ◽  
Bruce E. Northrup

✓ Fifty-seven patients with acute cervical spine injuries and associated major neurological deficit were examined within 2 weeks of injury by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. All patients had abnormal scans, indicating intramedullary lesions. This study was undertaken to determine if the early MR imaging pattern had a prognostic relationship to the eventual neurological outcome. Three different MR imaging patterns were observed in these patients: 21 patients had patterns characteristic of intramedullary hematoma (Group 1); 17 had intramedullary edema over more than one spinal segment, but no hemorrhage (Group 2); and 19 had restricted zones of intramedullary edema involving one spinal segment or less (Group 3). The neurological state was determined using standard motor index scores at admission and at follow-up examination. Characteristically, the patients in Group 1 had admission motor scores significantly lower than the other two groups. At follow-up examination, the median percent motor recovery was 9% for Group 1, 41% for Group 2, and 72% for Group 3. These studies suggest that the MR imaging pattern observed in the acutely injured human spinal cord has a prognostic significance in the final outcome of the motor system. It is only when an accurate prognosis can be given at the outset that useful treatment data might be collected for homogeneous injury groups, and accurately based long-term planning made for the best patient care.


1994 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne M. Archibald ◽  
Diane Lunn ◽  
Lesley A. Ruttan ◽  
David R. Macdonald ◽  
Rolando F. Del Maestro ◽  
...  

✓ In a pilot study, two groups of patients with malignant glioma underwent sequential neuropsychological evaluations after successful tumor treatment. Group 1 included nine patients treated from 1981 to 1985; all patients received irradiation and eight underwent chemotherapy. The baseline neuropsychological assessment was performed 1 to 63 months after tumor diagnosis, with follow-up evaluations at irregular intervals over the next 3 to 7 years. Six patients in Group 1 exhibited impairment on most measures at baseline; subsequently, two patients developed profound cognitive impairment. Initially, three patients functioned in the average range on most tasks; thereafter, two deteriorated on one measure each. Group 2 was ascertained prospectively and included 16 patients treated from 1985 to 1987, all of whom received irradiation and chemotherapy. The first evaluation was performed 18 months after diagnosis, then every 6 months for 2 years, and then yearly. Compared to a control group, those in Group 2 had significant cognitive impairment at baseline. Cognitive performance did not change over the next 12 months in 10 patients who remained free of tumor, but within 2 years of baseline testing, deterioration on specific tasks was evident in two of seven disease-free survivors. When last tested, five of six disease-free survivors had deteriorated on one or more measures. Unlike Group 1, severe global cognitive impairment was not seen, perhaps because Group 2 was followed for a shorter time. Verbal and nonverbal composite scores derived from intelligence quotient (IQ) tests showed less impairment at baseline than did other measures and were more likely to remain stable subsequently. Verbal memory and sustained attention were the most impaired at baseline, and verbal learning and flexibility in thinking showed the greatest tendency to decline over time. Cognitive functioning in survivors of high-grade glioma is best measured and monitored by tests that probe a broader spectrum of abilities than IQ. Neuropsychological measures used in this analysis lacked sensitivity at the lower end of the impaired range. Future studies should use tests better able to discern cognitive differences at low performance levels. Based on this experience, the authors conclude that most long-term survivors of high-grade glioma will have significant cognitive difficulties, usually evident by the first assessment; some patients will develop profound impairment years later, and few are capable of fully independent living.


2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 1040-1044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Pfausler ◽  
Heinrich Spiss ◽  
Ronny Beer ◽  
Andreas Kampfl ◽  
Klaus Engelhardt ◽  
...  

Object. Staphylococcal ventriculitis may be a complication in temporary external ventricular drains (EVDs). The limited penetration of vancomycin into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is well known; the pharmacodynamics and efficacy of systemically compared with intraventricularly administered vancomycin is examined in this prospective study. Methods. Ten patients in whom EVDs were implanted to treat intracranial hemorrhage and who were suffering from drain-associated ventriculitis were randomized into two treatment groups. Five of these patients (median age 47 years) were treated with 2 g/day vancomycin administered intravenously (four infusions/day, Group 1), and the other five (median age 49 years) received 10 mg vancomycin intraventricularly once daily (Group 2). Vancomycin levels were measured in serum and CSF six times a day. The maximum vancomycin level in CSF was 1.73 ± 0.4 µg/ml in Group 1 and 565.58 ± 168.71 µg/ml 1 hour after vancomycin application in Group 2 (mean ± standard deviation). Vancomycin levels above the recommended trough level of 5 µg/ml in CSF were never reached in Group 1, whereas in Group 2 they were below the trough level (3.74 ± 0.66 µg/ml) only at 21 hours after intraventricular vancomycin application. The vancomycin level in the serum was constant within therapeutic levels in Group 1, whereas in Group 2 in most instances vancomycin was almost below a measurable concentration. In both groups bacteriologically and laboratory-confirmed CSF clearance could be obtained. Conclusions. Intraventricular vancomycin application is a safe and efficacious treatment modality in drain-associated ventriculitis, with much higher vancomycin levels being achieved in the ventricular CSF than by intravenous administration.


1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 964-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazunari Oka ◽  
Yoshiaki Kin ◽  
Yoshinori Go ◽  
Yushi Ueno ◽  
Katsuyuki Hirakawa ◽  
...  

Object. The authors report a consecutive series of 10 patients who presented with signs and symptoms caused by tectal tumors. Clinical findings, radiographic features, neuroendoscopic management strategies, and histological findings are reported and discussed.Methods. Since January 1990, 11 neuroendoscopic procedures were performed in 10 patients who harbored tectal tumors. The patients were followed for an average of 5 years (range 2 months-11 years), and a retrospective study was conducted in which case notes, radiological findings, operative notes, and histopathological findings were assessed. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed, and the images were used to classify patients into three groups: those with hypertrophy of the tectum in whom isointensity appeared on T1-weighted images (Group 1); those with a tectal tumor occupying the cerebral aqueduct in whom decreased signal intensity appeared on T1-weighted images, as well as no enhancement after gadolinium administration (Group 2); and those with a tectal tumor in whom mixed signal intensity and conspicuous evidence of contrast enhancement appeared on T1-weighted images (Group 3). The results of histological examination were consistent with MR imaging features: in Group 1, glial tissue or gliosis; in Group 2, benign astrocytoma; and in Group 3, malignant astrocytoma. Cerebrospinal fluid diversion was the only surgical treatment that provided relief from obstructive hydrocephalus. One patient in Group 3 underwent radiotherapy and subsequent partial tumor removal under neuroendoscopic guidance. Thereafter, the tumor remained in decline. All patients had normal intellectual status after undergoing surgery in which a neuroendoscope was used.Conclusions. Neuroendoscopic procedures can provide histological diagnosis, define the tumor—midbrain interrelationship, and be highly effective in treating obstructive hydrocephalus and in removing tectal tumors. This procedure may receive clinical application as a new management strategy for tectal glioma.


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