Increased blood coagulation is associated with poor neurological outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) have demonstrated increased blood coagulation which is thought to contribute to delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and to a worse outcome. Therefore, we sought to determine whether this increased blood coagulation, detectable with rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), was associated with DCI and neurological outcome. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of 60 consecutive adult aSAH patients. ROTEM's EXTEM and FIBTEM assays and D-dimer were analyzed at admission and post-bleed days (PBDs) 2-3, 4-5, 7-8, and 11-12. ROTEM's clot formation time (CFT) represents the stabilization of the clot, and the maximum clot firmness (MCF) the maximum clot strength. Glasgow Outcome Scale extended (GOSe) at three months determined the neurological outcome. RESULTS: DCI incidence was 41.7%. EXTEM-CFT was significantly shorter in patients with unfavorable neurological outcome (GOSe 1-4) on PBDs 4-5 and 7-8, p < 0.05, respectively. FIBTEM-MCF was significantly higher in patients with unfavorable neurological outcomes on PBD 4-5 (p < 0.05), PBD 7-8 (p < 0.05), and PBD 11-12 (p < 0.05). EXTEM-CFT decreased, and FIBTEM-MCF rose during the study period in all patients. Patients with unfavorable neurological outcome had a higher D-dimer at all studied time points, p < 0.05. No difference was found in the ROTEM parameters or D-dimer when assessing patients with and without DCI. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were in a state of increased blood coagulation after aSAH, with those with unfavorable neurological outcome being more coagulable than those with favorable outcome. However, increased blood coagulation was not associated with DCI. CLINICALTRIALS: gov, NCT03985176.

Posterior quadratus lumborum block versus epidural analgesia for postoperative pain management after open radical cystectomy: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In open abdominal surgery, continuous epidural analgesia is commonly used method for postoperative analgesia. However, ultrasound (US)-guided fascial plane blocks may be a reasonable alternative. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, we compared posterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB) with epidural analgesia for postoperative pain after open radical cystectomy (ORC). Adult patients aged 18-85 with bladder cancer (BC) scheduled for open RC were randomized in two groups. Exclusion criteria were complicated diabetes mellitus type I, lack of cooperation, and persistent pain for reasons other than BC. In one group, a bilateral US-guided single injection posterior QLB was performed with 3.75 mg/ml ropivacaine 20 ml/side. In the other group, continuous epidural analgesia with ropivacaine was used. Basic analgesia was oral paracetamol 1000 mg three times daily, and long-acting opioid twice daily in both groups. All patients had patient-controlled rescue analgesia with oxycodone. Postoperative cumulative rescue opioid consumption was recorded for the day of surgery, and the following 2 postoperative days (POD 0-2). Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain and nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: In total, 20 patients (QLB), and 19 patients (epidural analgesia) groups, were included in the analyses. Cumulative rescue opioid consumption on POD 0, being of duration 9-12 h, was 14 mg (7.6-33.3) in the QLB group versus 6.1 mg (2.0-16.1) in the epidural analgesia group, p = 0.089, and as doses, 8 doses (3.6-15.7) versus 4 doses (1.3-8.5), p = .057. On POD 1 consumption was 25.3 mg (11.0-52.9) versus 18.0 mg (14.4-43.7), p = .749, and as doses 12 (5.5-23.0) versus 10 (8-20), p > .9, respectively. On POD 2 consumption was 19.1 mg (7.9-31.0) versus 18.0 mg (5.4-27.6) p = .749, and as doses 8.5 (5.2-14.7) versus 11 (3.0-18.0) p > .9, respectively. CONCLUSION: Opioid consumption did not differ significantly between posterior QLB and an epidural infusion with ropivacaine for the first 2 postoperative days following RC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03328988.

Incidence and Associated Factors of Anemia in Patients with Acute Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

BACKGROUND: Anemia might contribute to the development of secondary injury in patients with acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). Potential determinants of anemia are still poorly acknowledged, and reported incidence of declined hemoglobin concentration varies widely between different studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of severe anemia among patients with moderate to severe TBI and to evaluate patient- and trauma-related factors that might be associated with the development of anemia. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved all adult patients admitted to Tampere University Hospital's emergency department for moderate to severe TBI (August 2010 to July 2012). Detailed information on patient demographics and trauma characteristics were obtained, including data on posttraumatic care, data on neurosurgical procedures, and all measured in-hospital hemoglobin values. Severe anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level less than 100 g/L. Both univariate and multivariable analyses were performed, and hemoglobin trajectories were created. RESULTS: The study included 145 patients with moderate to severe TBI (male 83.4%, mean age 55.0 years). Severe anemia, with a hemoglobin level less than 100 g/L, was detected in 66 patients (45.5%) and developed during the first 48 h after the trauma. In the univariate analysis, anemia was more common among women (odds ratio [OR] 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-7.15), patients with antithrombotic medication prior to trauma (OR 3.33; 95% CI 1.34-8.27), patients with cardiovascular comorbidities (OR 3.12; 95% CI 1.56-6.25), patients with diabetes (OR 4.56; 95% CI 1.69-12.32), patients with extracranial injuries (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.69-12.32), and patients with midline shift on primary head computed tomography (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.03-4.01). In the multivariable analysis, midline shift and extracranial traumas were associated with the development of severe anemia (OR 2.26 [95% CI 1.05-4.48] and OR 4.71 [95% CI 1.74-12.73], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Severe anemia is common after acute moderate to severe TBI, developing during the first 48 h after the trauma. Possible anemia-associated factors include extracranial traumas and midline shift on initial head computed tomography.

Platelet count is not associated with delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage as defined by the 2010 consensus definition.

BACKGROUND: Although delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) commonly complicates recovery in survivors of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), its pathophysiology is incompletely understood. Previous studies examining the association of DCI and platelet count have demonstrated contradictory results. This study aimed to investigate this association in a cohort of aSAH patients using the 2010 consensus definition of DCI. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-center observational study of consecutive adult aSAH patients admitted to the intensive care unit from January 2010 to December 2014. Platelet count and DCI evaluations were performed daily in the first 14 days after admission. DCI was defined according to the 2010 consensus criteria. RESULTS: A total of 340 patients were included for analysis. DCI incidence was 37.1%. Platelet count was not significantly associated with occurrence of DCI on any day. Mean platelet count was lowest on day 3 after aSAH and then increased to exceed the count at admission on day 6. Treatment modality and use of dual antiplatelet therapy were not associated with DCI. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet count was not associated with DCI as defined by the 2010 consensus criteria. Future studies adhering to the 2010 consensus definition of DCI are needed to clarify the role of platelets and platelet function in DCI pathophysiology.

Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a truncal block with several technique variations. It has been reported as providing effective analgesia for postoperative pain. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of QLB for postoperative analgesia. The primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption at 24 h postoperatively. The main secondary outcomes were the time to the first rescue opioid analgesic, pain scores at 24 h postoperatively and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). DESIGN: This was a systematic review and meta-analyses of observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). PRISMA-P guidelines were followed, and the review was registered in PROSPERO. GRADE was used to assess the quality of evidence. DATA SOURCES: The search was performed from several databases (Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane CENTRAL) from inception up to June 2019. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: RCTs and prospective observational studies that investigated the postoperative analgesic properties of US-guided single shot QLB in adult patients undergoing abdominal or hip surgery were included. QLB was compared with other analgesics. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies constituting 1557 patients were reviewed. Twelve studies with 803 patients were included in the meta-analysis on the primary outcome. Overall opioid consumption at 24 h postoperatively was reduced [mean difference, -11.15 (95% CI, -15.33 to -6.97) mg, I2 = 99%, moderate certainty in GRADE] and the time to the first opioid analgesic was longer in patients with QLB: 7 studies with 499 patients, mean difference, 189.32 (95% CI, 114.4 to 264.23) min, I2 = 98%. There were no differences in pain grades. The incidence of PONV was lower in patients with QLB [11 studies with 744 patients, OR 0.40 (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.58), I2 = 7%]. Reported complications and adverse effects of QLB were minimal. CONCLUSION: QLB reduced postoperative opioid consumption, prolonged the time to the first rescue opioid analgesic and diminished the incidence of PONV. QLB appears to be an applicable option for postoperative analgesia after abdominal and hip surgery. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42016039921.

Prognostic value of the 2010 consensus definition of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) complicates the recovery of approximately 30% of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The definition of DCI widely varies, even though a consensus definition has been recommended since 2010. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the 2010 consensus definition of DCI in a cohort of patients with aSAH. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective, observational study that included consecutive adult patients with aSAH who were admitted to the intensive care unit from January 2010 to December 2014. DCI was evaluated 48 h to 14 days after onset of aSAH symptoms using the 2010 consensus criteria and outcome was assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge from hospital. RESULTS: A total of 340 patients were analyzed and the incidence of DCI was 37.1%. The median time from primary hemorrhage to the occurrence of DCI was 97 h. Neurological deterioration was observed in most (89.7%) of the patients who fulfilled the DCI criteria. The occurrence of DCI was strongly associated with an unfavorable outcome (GOS 1-3) at hospital discharge (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.69-4.22, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of DCI after aSAH is high and its occurrence is strongly associated with an unfavorable neurological outcome. This finding adds to the previous literature, which has shown that DCI appears to be a major contributor affecting the functional ability of survivors of aSAH. To further advance reliable knowledge of DCI, future studies should adhere to the consensus definition of DCI.

Activation of Blood Coagulation After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Observational Trial of Rotational Thromboelastometry.

OBJECTIVE: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has been reported to actuate blood coagulation. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a dynamic hemostatic test that can differentiate various coagulation abnormalities. For example, increased coagulation activity can be detected as a wider amplitude of tracing (maximal clot firmness [MCF]). ROTEM had not been used to evaluate coagulation changes after aSAH. We evaluated the on-going coagulation process in patients with aSAH in a prospective, observational study to compare their ROTEM assay results with the control values obtained from patients undergoing clipping of nonruptured aneurysms. METHODS: ROTEM analyses were performed at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the onset of aSAH and compared with the preoperative analyses from the control group. A total of 17 patients with aSAH treated in the intensive care unit and 16 control patients were enrolled. RESULTS: At 72 hours, EXTEM-MCF was significantly greater in patients with aSAH compared with the baseline values of the control group (68.0 mm [interquartile range (IQR), 66.0-71.0] versus 64.5 mm [IQR, 59.5-66.8]; P = 0.024). This was mainly due to increased fibrin formation and fibrin polymerization. The same comparison in the FIBTEM-MCF analysis yielded similar results (aSAH group, 23.0 mm [IQR, 19.0-25.0] vs. control group, 15.4 mm [IQR, 12.5-17.8], respectively; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Blood coagulation is activated at 72 hours after aSAH onset, which can be detected by ROTEM EXTEM-MCF analysis. Also, the FIBTEM-MCF was elevated, implying that the relative contribution of fibrin formation and fibrin polymerization is essential.

Serum S100ß as a prognostic marker in patients with non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The serum concentration of S100ß protein reportedly predicts outcomes after brain injury. We examined the prognostic accuracy of S100ß in patients with non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study of patients with non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage treated in the intensive care unit at our university hospital. Computed tomography imaging findings and the level of consciousness on admission were recorded. Serum S100ß concentration was measured serially during the first six days of admission. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH group) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH group) were analyzed separately. The 3-month and 1-year functional outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). RESULTS: Of 108 patients enrolled, 66 were included in the SAH group and 42 in the ICH group. High initial S100ß concentration was associated with Glasgow Coma Score 3-6 on admission (SAH group 0.61 µg/L versus 0.15 µg/L, P=0.001 and ICH group 1.00 µg/L versus 0.42 µg/L, P=0.005). Initial S100ß concentration correlated with ICH volume (rho=0.50, P<0.001) and IVH Sum Score (rho=0.30, P=0.013). The thresholds for the initial S100ß concentration with 100% specificity for poor outcome (GOS 1-3) were 1.40 µg/L for SAH and 1.76 µg/L for ICH group. ORs varied between 3.1 and 6.1 for S100ß on poor outcome in the SAH group. Increasing S100ß level during study period was associated with poor outcome in the SAH group. CONCLUSIONS: Serum S100ß concentration corresponds with the severity of neurological insult and predicts poor outcome in patients with non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema in patients with nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage: predictors and association with outcome.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a well-recognized phenomenon after intracranial insult. In this study, we evaluated the predictors for NPE and its association with outcome in patients with intensive care unit-treated nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational clinical study in a university-level intensive care unit. Clinical characteristics, level of consciousness, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score were recorded on admission and the findings of primary head computed tomography were reviewed. A chest radiograph and arterial blood gas analysis were taken serially and NPE was determined as acute bilateral infiltrates in chest radiograph and hypoxemia. Echocardiography and cardiac and inflammatory markers were recorded. The 1-year outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS: NPE developed in 38 (35%) of the 108 patients included. Predictors for NPE were higher APACHE II score (≥20, odds ratio 6.17, P = 0.003) and higher interleukin-6 plasma concentration (>40 pg/mL, odds ratio 5.62, P = 0.003). Of patients with 0, 1, or 2 predictors mentioned above, 4%, 37%, and 65% had NPE, respectively. NPE was associated with a higher 1-year mortality (37% vs 14%, P = 0.007, respectively), but with an unchanged functional outcome after 1 year (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 1-3, 53% vs 51%, P > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Predictors for NPE are the severity of disease defined by APACHE II scores and higher levels of systemic inflammatory mediators. NPE is associated with a higher 1-year mortality, but not with a poorer 1-year functional outcome.

Repolarization abnormalities in patients with subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage: predisposing factors and association with outcome.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are frequent in patients with intracranial insult. In this study, we evaluated the factors predisposing to the repolarization abnormalities, i.e., prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval, ischemic-like ECG changes and morphologic end-repolarization abnormalities, and examined the prognostic value of these abnormalities in patients with subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhages requiring intensive care. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational clinical study in a university-level intensive care unit. Clinical characteristics, the level of consciousness, and findings in primary head computed tomography were recorded on admission. The study period was divided into three 2-day sections. In each section, a 12-lead ECG, transthoracic echocardiography, the results of standard blood electrolytes and cardiac troponin I, as well as the rate of vasoactive and sedative drug infusions were recorded. Repolarization abnormalities such as prolongation of the QTc interval (millisecond), ischemic-like ECG changes, and morphologic end-repolarization abnormalities (present/absent) were evaluated and analyzed. The 1-year functional outcome was determined using the Glasgow Outcome Score. RESULTS: During the 2-year study period, 108 patients were included in the study. Different repolarization abnormalities were frequent in both types of hemorrhage. Prolongation of the QTc interval was predisposed by female gender (ß, 24.5; P = 0.010) and the use of propofol (ß, 30.5; P = 0.001). The predisposing factor for ischemic-like ECG changes were male gender (odds ratio [OR], 5.9; P = 0.003) and for morphological end-repolarization abnormalities aneurysmatic bleeding (OR, 13.0; P = 0.002). Ischemic-like ECG changes were common, in 87/108 patients during the study period, and were associated with a poorer 1-year functional outcome (OR, 4.7; lower 95% confidence interval, 1.5; P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Each repolarization abnormality has characteristic predisposing factors. Ischemic-like ECG changes are common and are associated with a poorer 1-year functional outcome.