scholarly journals Exercise in a Healthy Heart Program: A Cohort Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. CMC.S12654 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Meikle ◽  
A. Al-Sarraf ◽  
M. Li ◽  
K. Grierson ◽  
J. Frohlich
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Prevention Clinic ◽  
Group 1

Objective To assess the effects of exercise on resting heart rate (RHR), weight, lipid profile, and blood pressure. We hypothesized that the participants who increased their physical activity would show improvement in their cardiovascular risk factors compared to those who did not. Design Retrospective chart review over the mean duration of 4.9 years of follow-up. Setting Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Participants We reviewed 300 charts of patients randomly selected from those who attended the Prevention Clinic between 1984 and 2009. 248 (82.7%) patients were referred for primary prevention and 52 (17.3%) for secondary prevention. Primary and secondary outcome measures Weight, RHR, lipid profile, and blood pressure were recorded at the initial and last visit. Results During a mean of 4.9 years of follow-up, 55% of participants improved their exercise. The mean decrease in the RHR for these patients (group 1) was 5.9 beats per minute (bpm) versus the mean increase of 0.3 bpm for the “no change” group (group 2) ( P < 0.01). The mean net weight increase in group 1 was 0.06 kg/year versus 0.25 kg/year in group 2. Because of medications, all patients had a significant improvement in their lipid profiles. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant greater reduction in Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in group 1 versus group 2 (11.8% versus 15.1%, P < 0.01). Conclusion Participation in the program significantly reduces modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Improved exercise regimen results in lower RHR and greater reduction in FRS. However, even in a Prevention Program, despite strong advocacy of the importance of exercise, a significant percentage of participants does not improve their exercise habits.

Augmented trabeculectomy-outcomes of first hundred versus second hundred surgeries of a fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212199827
Author(s):  
Pornjittra Rattanasirivilai ◽  
Zaria Christine Ali ◽  
Dawnn Ira Khoo ◽  
Vikas Shankar
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Difference ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Purpose: We aim to compare the outcomes of trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C by a fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon in the first hundred compared to second hundred surgeries. Patients and methods: Retrospective review of 200 consecutive surgeries from May 2015 to January 2017. Primary outcomes were intraocular pressure (IOP) control and use of IOP-lowering medications. Success between first hundred (Group 1) and second hundred (Group 2) patients were reported using World Glaucoma Association guidelines. Kaplan-Meier survival demonstrated complete success and qualified success. Secondary outcome measures were postoperative complications, bleb interventions and additional procedures. Results: We found no statistical difference between the first hundred and second hundred patient’s postoperative IOP at week 4 ( p = 0.17), 3 months ( p = 0.74), 6 months ( p = 0.46), 12 months ( p = 0.47), 18 months ( p = 0.13) or at final follow up ( p = 0.53). The mean final follow up period was 3.6 ± 0.7 years. Mean IOP reduction in Group 1 was from 27.1 ± 10.8 to 12.6 ± 7.1 ( p < 0.0001) and Group 2 from 22.8 ± 8.4 to 11.3 ± 4.2 ( p < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier graphs showed no significant difference in complete success ( p = 0.0693) or qualified success ( p = 0.0866) between Group 1 and Group 2. Bleb interventions were not statistically significant between two groups. There was a significantly higher rate of complications with the first hundred patients ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Both first hundred and second hundred patient groups achieved statistically similar outcomes in long term IOP control. Significant reduction of complications was achieved in the second group of patients.

Creation of physiologic rhythm by closed loop stimulation in heart failure patients with severe chronotropic incompetence: worldwide first results of a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Proff ◽  
B Merkely ◽  
R Papp ◽  
C Lenz ◽  
P.J Nordbeck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Chronotropic Incompetence ◽  
First Results ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background The prevalence of chronotropic incompetence (CI) in heart failure (HF) population is high and negatively impacts prognosis. In HF patients with an implanted cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) device and severe CI, the effect of rate adaptive pacing on patient outcomes is unclear. Closed loop stimulation (CLS) based on cardiac impedance measurement may be an optimal method of heart rate adaptation according to metabolic need in HF patients with severe CI. Purpose This is the first study evaluating the effect of CLS on the established prognostic parameters assessed by the cardio-pulmonary exercise (CPX) testing and on quality of life (QoL) of the patients. Methods A randomised, controlled, double-blind and crossover pilot study has been performed in CRT patients with severe CI defined as the inability to achieve 70% of the age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR). After baseline assessment, patients were randomised to either DDD-CLS pacing (group 1) or DDD pacing at 40 bpm (group 2) for a 1-month period, followed by crossover for another month. At baseline and at 1- and 2-month follow-ups, a CPX was performed and QoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The main endpoints were the effect of CLS on ventilatory efficiency (VE) slope (evaluated by an independent CPX expert), the responder rate defined as an improvement (decrease) of the VE slope by at least 5%, percentage of maximal predicted heart rate reserve (HRR) achieved, and QoL. Results Of the 36 patients enrolled in the study, 20 fulfilled the criterion for severe CI and entered the study follow-up (mean age 68.9±7.4 years, 70% men, LVEF=41.8±9.3%, 40%/60% NYHA class II/III). Full baseline and follow-up datasets were obtained in 17 patients. The mean VE slope and HRR at baseline were 34.4±4.4 and 49.6±23.8%, respectively, in group 1 (n=7) and 34.5±12.2 and 54.2±16.1% in group 2 (n=10). After completing the 2-month CPX, the mean difference between DDD-CLS and DDD-40 modes was −2.4±8.3 (group 1) and −1.2±3.5 (group 2) for VE slope, and 17.1±15.5% (group 1) and 8.7±18.8% (group 2) for HRR. Altogether, VE slope improved by −1.8±2.95 (p=0.31) in DDD-CLS versus DDD-40, and HRR improved by 12.9±8.8% (p=0.01). The VE slope decreased by ≥5% in 47% of patients (“responders to CLS”). The mean difference in the QoL between DDD-CLS and DDD-40 was 0.16±0.25 in group 1 and −0.01±0.05 in group 2, resulting in an overall increase by 0.08±0.08 in the DDD-CLS mode (p=0.13). Conclusion First results of the evaluation of the effectiveness of CLS in CRT patients with severe CI revealed that CLS generated an overall positive effect on well-established surrogate parameters for prognosis. About one half of the patients showed CLS response in terms of improved VE slope. In addition, CLS improved quality of life. Further clinical research is needed to identify predictors that can increase the responder rate and to confirm improvement in clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Biotronik SE & Co. KG

scholarly journals Accelerated versus conventional Ponseti protocol for the treatment of idiopathic talipes equinovarus deformity: A short term follow up in Iraq

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 473-479
Author(s):  
Jagar Doski ◽  
Berivan Jamal
Keyword(s):  
Ponseti Method ◽  
Congenital Talipes Equinovarus ◽  
Talipes Equinovarus ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Congenital Talipes ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Accelerated Protocol ◽  
Group 1

Background and objective: The accelerated protocol of Ponseti method was suggested to shorten the period of treatment of the conventional one for the cases of talipes equinovarus deformity. This study aimed to compare the accelerated protocol of Ponseti method in the treatment of clubfoot deformity with the conventional one. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted for infants less than six months with congenital talipes equinovarus deformity. The patients were randomized to either Group 1 (casts changed every week, conventional protocol of Ponseti method) or Group 2 (twice weekly, accelerated one). Pirani score was used to assess the severity of the deformity at presentation, at time of last cast removal, and at the last follow up visit (6th months). Results: The patients included were 48 cases with 79 feet. Group 1 (39 clubfeet) had a mean Pirani score of 5.6 (± 1.15) at presentation, which dropped to 0.47 (± 0.41) when the last cast was removed. In Group 2 (40 clubfeet), it dropped from 5.57 (± 0.83) to 0.77 (± 0.01). The result of each treatment protocol was significant, but the difference between them was not significant. Five cases (three patients aged more than three months) of Group 2 needed eight casts to reach an acceptable position of correction. The difference between the mean number of casts applied in Group 1 (5.09) and Group 2 (5.82) was statistically not significant. However, the difference between the mean number of days spent in the cast was significant. The complications occurred in 12 out of 79 feet, with no statistically significant difference between both groups. Conclusion: The accelerated protocol of Ponseti method for treating clubfoot deformity is as effective and as safe as the conventional one. It shortens the time required to complete the treatment program. Those who present lately (beyond the age of three months) may require an additional number of casts. Keywords: Clubfoot; Congenital talipes equinovarus; Ponseti; Accelerated; Cast.

scholarly journals Comparison of Changes in Number of Hyperreflective Dots After İntravitreal Ranibizumab or Dexamethasone İmplant in Patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aylin Karalezli ◽  
Sema Kaderli ◽  
Ahmet Kaderli ◽  
Cansu Kaya ◽  
Sabahattin Sul
Keyword(s):  
First Year ◽  
Intravitreal Ranibizumab ◽  
Retinal Layers ◽  
Vein Occlusion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Purpose: To compare the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) or intravitreal dexamethasone implants (IVD) on regression of hyperreflective dots (HRDs) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scan in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: 37 eyes of 37 patients with cystoid macular edema who received IVR or IVD and followed up for at least 12 months were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups according to intravitreal treatment. Group 1 consisted of 12 eyes who received only IVD, group 2 consisted of 10 eyes who received only IVR on a pro re nata and group 3 consisted of 15 eyes who received both IVD and IVR. OCT parameters (CMT, number of HRDs, status of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ)) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared between the groups over the follow-up time. HRDs were categorized as HRD in inner retinal layers (from the internal limiting membrane to the inner nuclear layer) or HRD in outer retinal layers (from the outer plexiform layer to the outer border of the photoreceptor layer).Results: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of BCVA, CMT, HRDs in the inner and the outer retinal layers at baseline visit. (p˃0.05 for all) Comparing the baseline values in all groups, a significant decrease was observed in CMT in the first year. (For group 1; p=0.013, group 2; p=0.010; group 3, p<0.001) The BCVA was significantly increased after 1 year in all groups. (p=0.001, p=0.006, p<0.001) The mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers were significantly decreased in group 1 and group 3. (For group 1; p<0.001, p=0.001, for group 3; p<0.001, p<0.001) However, there was no significant difference in terms of the mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers for group 2. (p=0.134, p=0.477) At the first year, the number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers was significantly lower in group 1 and group 3 than group 2. (For inner HRDs; group 1 vs. group 2 p=0.007, group 2 vs. group 3 p<0.001. For outer HRDs group 1 vs. group 2 p<0.001, group 2 vs. group 3 p<0.001.) The BCVA was higher in group 3 than group 2 at 1year. (p=0.048). There was no significant difference in terms of post-treatment CMT and the number of HRDs between group 1 and group3 in posthoc tests (p=0.621, p=0.876, and p=0.632).Conclusion: The reduction in HRDs at 12 months and better BCVA after IVD intimates that the HRDs should be considered as inflammatory markers in the follow-up of CME in BRVO. Thus, IVD injection could be more appropriate for patients with higher HRDs after BRVO.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant in Different Patterns of Diabetic Macular Edema

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Furino ◽  
Alfredo Niro ◽  
Michele Reibaldi ◽  
Maria Oliva Grassi ◽  
Francesco Boscia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Edema ◽  
Diabetic Macular Edema ◽  
Serous Retinal Detachment ◽  
Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Intravitreal Dexamethasone ◽  
Pattern Group ◽  
Group 1

Purpose: Different patterns of diabetic macular edema (DME) suggest different pathogenesis and drug response. We evaluated the outcomes after intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant for DME with or without serous retinal detachment (SRD). Methods: In this retrospective study, 22 naïve patients (23 eyes) with DME who underwent a single DEX implant were evaluated. Based on the optical coherence tomographic pattern of DME, 12 eyes had a cystoid macular edema pattern (Group 1) and 11 eyes had an SRD pattern (Group 2). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (СRТ), central retinal volume (CRV), SRD height (SRDh), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded before and at two and four months after the treatment. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups regarding demographic, clinical data and outcomes at baseline. In Group 1, the CRT and CRV significantly decreased at two months (P = 0.002 and P = 0.01, respectively), while the BCVA significantly improved at four months (P = 0.03). In Group 2, the CRT and CRV significantly improved (P < 0.01 and P ≤ 0.01, respectively) during the follow-up period. At four months, both groups showed a recurrence of DME, Group 1 in particular (two-month CRT reduction, –149 ± 127 μm vs four-month CRT reduction, –72 ± 174 μm; P = 0.04). The mean reduction in CRV was significantly different at four months (Group 1, –0.49 ± 1.7 mm3 vs Group 2, –1.3 ± 1.3 mm3; P = 0.04). In Group 2, the SRDh significantly decreased at two (P = 0.01) and four months (P = 0.01). Four cases with elevated IOP were managed. Conclusion: DEX implants were found to be effective in different patterns of DME. The SRD pattern may predict a longer-lasting morphologic efficacy.

Equality in Hip Arthroscopy Outcomes Can Be Achieved Regardless of Patient Socioeconomic Status

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110469
Author(s):  
Benjamin R. Saks ◽  
Vivian W. Ouyang ◽  
Elijah S. Domb ◽  
Andrew E. Jimenez ◽  
David R. Maldonado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Hip Arthroscopy ◽  
Labral Tear ◽  
Harris Hip Score ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Background: Access to quality health care and treatment outcomes can be affected by patients’ socioeconomic status (SES). Purpose: To evaluate the effect of patient SES on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after arthroscopic hip surgery. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Demographic, radiographic, and intraoperative data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed on all patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and labral tear between February 2008 and September 2017 at one institution. Patients were divided into 4 cohorts based on the Social Deprivation Index (SDI) of their zip code. SDI is a composite measure that quantifies the level of disadvantage in certain geographical areas. Patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), International Hip Outcome Tool—12, and visual analog scale (VAS) for both pain and satisfaction. Rates of achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were calculated for the mHHS, NAHS, and VAS pain score. Rates of secondary surgery were also recorded. Results: A total of 680 hips (616 patients) were included. The mean follow-up time for the entire cohort was 30.25 months. Division of the cohort into quartiles based on the SDI national averages yielded 254 hips (37.4%) in group 1, 184 (27.1%) in group 2, 148 (21.8%) in group 3, and 94 (13.8%) in group 4. Group 1 contained the most affluent patients. There were significantly more men in group 4 than in group 2, and the mean body mass index was greater in group 4 than in groups 1 and 2. There were no differences in preoperative radiographic measurements, intraoperative findings, or rates of concomitant procedures performed. All preoperative and postoperative PROMs were similar between the groups, as well as in the rates of achieving the MCID or PASS. No differences in the rate of secondary surgeries were reported. Conclusion: Regardless of SES, patients were able to achieve significant improvements in several PROMs after hip arthroscopy for FAIS and labral tear at the minimum 2-year follow-up. Additionally, patients from all SES groups achieved clinically meaningful improvement at similar rates.

Application of femtolaser-assisted phacoemulsification in combined pathology of cataract and glaucoma

2021 ◽  
pp. 18-21
Author(s):  
A.P. Voznyuk ◽  
◽  
S.I. Anisimov ◽  
S.Y. Anisimova ◽  
L.L. Arutyunyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Biomechanical Properties ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Observation Period ◽  
Group 1

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of femtolaser-assisted phacoemulsification in glaucomatous eyes in the long-term follow-up. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the results of the surgical treatment of patients with combined cataract and glaucoma pathology was analyzed. The patients were divided into groups depending on the method of surgical intervention: 1) phacoemulsification with femtolaser support (26 eyes, 23 patients); 2) phacoemulsification (36 eyes, 30 patients); Results. Before surgery, there were no statistically significant differences in IOP and corneal hysteresis (СН) between groups 1 and 2. The mean values of IOP cc, IOP g and СН of group 1 before surgery were 22.7±6.1 mm Hg, 20.9±6.9 mm Hg, 8.5±1.6 mm Hg; 2 group – 22.9±8.7 mm Hg, 21.6±8.9 mm Hg, 8.9±1.6 mm Hg respectively. Average values of IOP cc, IOP g and CН 5 years after the surgical treatment in group 1 were 15.3±1.2 mm Hg, 14.4±3.4 mm Hg, 9.6±4.2 mm Hg; in group 2 – 18.0±4.2 mm Hg, 16.1±4.2 mm Hg, 8.8±2.2 mm Hg respectively. In both groups, stabilization of IOP and CH indices was noted, which remained throughout the entire observation period, which shows the normalization of the biomechanical properties of the corneoscleral membrane of the eye in the long-term postoperative period. Conclusion. Femtolaser accompaniment of phacoemulsification is an effective and safe method of cataract surgery for combined pathology. Key words: femtolaser, cataract, glaucoma, phacoemulsification.

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.

Topographically Guided Two-Step LASIK and Standard LASIK in the Correction of Refractive Errors after Penetrating Keratoplasty

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 535-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leopoldo Spadea ◽  
Massimo Saviano ◽  
Angela Di Gregorio ◽  
Domenico Di Lodovico ◽  
Fabio De Sanctis
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Penetrating Keratoplasty ◽  
Laser In Situ Keratomileusis ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Manifest Refraction ◽  
Uncorrected Visual Acuity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Purpose To evaluate in a long-term period the effectiveness and safety of topographically guided two-step laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and standard LASIK technique in the correction of refractive errors after successful penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for keratoconus. Methods At least 2 years after PKP and 6 months after removal of all sutures, 15 eyes of 15 patients (Group 1; mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) −7.23 D ± 3.42 SD) were submitted to standard LASIK and 15 eyes of 15 patients (Group 2; mean MRSE −4.37 D ± 1.97 SD) to a topographically guided two-step LASIK procedure (first the flap and at least 2 weeks later the laser ablation). In all cases, a superior hinged corneal flap (160 μm/9.5 mm) was created. Results After a follow-up of 36 months, in Group 1 the mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.51 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) ± 0.41 SD and the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.03 logMAR ± 0.05 SD, with a mean MRSE of −1.57 D ± 2.65 SD. In Group 2, the mean UCVA was 0.28 logMAR ± 0.24 SD and the mean BCVA was 0.01 logMAR ± 0.03 SD, with a mean MRSE of −0.07 D ± 1.00 SD. In both groups, no complications were observed. Conclusions After a long follow-up period, both topographically guided two-step LASIK and standard LASIK could be considered effective and safe tools in the correction of refractive errors after successful PKP for keratoconus.

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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