[Bilateral subdural hematomas due to idiopathic cerebral spinal fluid leak treated by radiologically guided blood patch]. / Hygromes sous-duraux bilatéraux sur fuite de liquide céphalo-rachidien idiopathique traitée par «blood patch¼ radio-guidé.

We report a case of cerebral hypotension due to an idiopathic cerebral spinal fluid leak associated with bilateral sub-dural hygromas. The symptoms were not relieved despite of multiple lumbar, thoracic and cervical «blind¼ blood patches. The check-up led to a scopic controlled cervical blood patch directly on the leak by a paramedian approach with a complete clinical and radiological response to treatment.

Nous rapportons un cas d'hypotension cérébrale sur une fuite de liquide céphalo-rachidien d'origine idiopathique associée à la présence d'hygromes sous-duraux bilatéraux. La symptomatologie n'est pas soulagée malgré plusieurs «blood patchs¼ lombaires, thoraciques et cervicaux dits à l'aveugle. Le bilan a conduit à la réalisation d'un «blood patch¼ sous contrôle radiologique, ciblée sur le niveau de fuite par un abord paramédian avec réponse complète clinique et radiologique après cette procédure.

Risk Factors for Progression of Conservatively Managed Acute Traumatic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Conservatively managed posttraumatic acute subdural hematoma (SDH) can present with progression of the size of the hematoma with increased mass effect, necessitating delayed surgery. The factors contributing to this progression remain largely unknown. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was performed to retrieve case control studies, retrospective cohort studies, and prospective studies with retrospective evaluation of risk factors until August 2, 2020. The different risk factors that were evaluated in the studies were compiled and the results were analyzed to arrive at a conclusion. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies were included in the systematic review and 6 were included in the analysis, with an aggregate of 679 patients. The following factors were found to have a relation with progression of acute SDH: age (odds ratio, 7.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.52-11.72), use of antiplatelet drugs (odds ratio, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.18-2.77), use of anticoagulants (odds ratio, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.21-7.88), thickness of SDH (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% CI, 3.29-4.97), midline shift (odds ratio, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.69-3.03), hypertension (odds ratio, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.25-3.96) and ischemic heart disease (odds ratio, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.63-6.76). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this analysis showed that patients with the risk factors outlined are at higher risk of developing symptomatic chronic SDH after conservatively managed traumatic acute SDH compared with those without them. It is therefore necessary to provide more intensive follow-up for these patients to avoid an adverse outcome.

Traumatic subdural haematoma: integrating case-based clinical judgement with guidelines.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity with a significant loss of functional capacity and a huge socioeconomic burden. Road traffic accidents are the most common (60%) cause followed by falls and violence in India and worldwide. This case discusses the story of a 23-year-old man with severe TBI-subdural haematoma, who presented in a comatose state. The patient was a purported candidate for emergency decompressive surgery as per Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) guidelines but was managed conservatively. This case questions the plausibility of the BTF guidelines for severe TBI, particularly in rural hospitals in India and how such cases are often managed with clinical judgement based on the review of literature. The patient recovered well with a perfect 8/8 on Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended Score.

Complications, outcomes, and management strategies of non-missile penetrating head injuries.

OBJECTIVE: While high-velocity missile injury (gunshot) is associated with kinetic and thermal injuries, non-missile penetrating head injury (NMPHI) results in primary damage along the tract of the piercing object that can be associated with significant secondary complications. Despite the unique physical properties of NMPHI, factors associated with complications, expected outcomes, and optimal management have not been defined. In this study, the authors attempted to define those factors. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients with NMPHI who presented to Tygerberg Academic Hospital (Cape Town, South Africa) in the period from August 1, 2011, through July 31, 2018, were enrolled in a prospective study using a defined treatment algorithm. Clinical, imaging, and laboratory data were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-two patients (185 males [96%], 7 females [4%]) with 192 NMPHIs were included in this analysis. The mean age at injury was 26.2 ± 1.1 years (range 18-58 years). Thirty-four patients (18%) presented with the weapon in situ. Seventy-one patients (37%) presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 15. Weapons included a knife (156 patients [81%]), screwdriver (18 [9%]), nail gun (1 [0.5%]), garden fork (1 [0.5%]), barbeque fork (1 [0.5%]), and unknown (15 [8%]). The most common wound locations were temporal (74 [39%]), frontal (65 [34%]), and parietal (30 [16%]). The most common secondary complications were vascular injury (37 patients [19%]) and infection (27 patients [14%]). Vascular injury was significantly associated with imaging evidence of deep subarachnoid hemorrhage and an injury tract crossing vascular territory (p ≤ 0.05). Infection was associated with delayed referral (> 24 hours), lack of prophylactic antibiotic administration, and weapon in situ (p ≤ 0.05). A poorer outcome was associated with a stab depth > 50 mm, a weapon removed by the assailant, vascular injury, and eloquent brain involvement (p ≤ 0.05). Nineteen patients (10%) died from their injuries. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score was linearly related to the admission GCS score (p < 0.001). One hundred forty patients (73%) had a GOS score of 4 or better at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The most common NMPHI secondary complications are vascular injury and infection, which are associated with specific NMPHI imaging and clinical features. Identifying these features and using a systematic management paradigm can effectively treat the primary injury, as well as diagnose and manage NMPHI-related complications, leading to a good outcome in the majority of patients.

Navigating a proximal loop in the radial artery and avoiding the recurrent radial artery.

Several anatomical variations of the radial artery have been described in the literature. Common variations include radial artery loop, recurrent branch, and anastomotic channels connecting the radial and brachial arteries. These variations can pose significant technical challenges to safe radial artery catheterization. Because radial access for neurointervention is becoming popular, appreciation of these variations and mastery of techniques for safe radial artery catheterization are of paramount importance. In this operative video,(video 1) we present a case of a 75-year-old man who underwent middle meningeal artery embolization for treatment of chronic subdural hematoma using a transradial approach. The patient was found to have a radial artery loop and a recurrent branch off the radial artery. The loop could not be negotiated with the conventional technique. We therefore used a microcatheter system with a stiff microwire to navigate and straighten the radial loop under road map guidance. The remaining procedure was performed successfully.

Management and outcome of traumatic subdural hematoma in 47 infants and children from a single center.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequent cause of mortality and acquired neurological impairment in children. It is hypothesized, that with the adequate treatment of SDH in children and adolescence, excellent clinical and functional outcomes can be achieved. The aim of this study was to present the severity and outcome of traumatic SDH in children and adolescence as well as to analyze differences between patients treated surgically and conservatively. METHODS: In this study 47 infants and children with a subdural hematoma (SDH) were treated between 1992 and 2010 at a single level-one trauma center. Data regarding accident, treatment and outcomes were collected retrospectively. To classify the outcomes the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) scores at hospital discharge and at follow-up visits were used. Severity of SDH was classified according to the Rotterdam score. RESULTS: In total, 47 cases were treated (21 surgically, 26 conservatively), with 10 patients needing delayed surgery. Overall, 89% of the patients were able to leave hospital, 5 patients died, 2 patients (5%) within 24 h, another 2 (5%) after 48 h and 1 (2%) within 7 days. In 25 patients (53%) a good recovery was recorded at the last follow-up visit. Outcome was mainly influenced by the following factors: age, severity of TBI, and neurological status. Overall, in 70% good clinical and neurological outcomes could be achieved. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirmed that pediatric SDH is a rare, but serious condition. Despite a poor prognosis, most patients could be treated with good outcomes, given that the choice of treatment is correct. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Research registry 2686.

Global Survey of Outcomes of Neurocritical Care Patients: Analysis of the PRINCE Study Part 2.

BACKGROUND: Neurocritical care is devoted to the care of critically ill patients with acute neurological or neurosurgical emergencies. There is limited information regarding epidemiological data, disease characteristics, variability of clinical care, and in-hospital mortality of neurocritically ill patients worldwide. We addressed these issues in the Point PRevalence In Neurocritical CarE (PRINCE) study, a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. METHODS: We recruited patients from various intensive care units (ICUs) admitted on a pre-specified date, and the investigators recorded specific clinical care activities they performed on the subjects during their first 7 days of admission or discharge (whichever came first) from their ICUs and at hospital discharge. In this manuscript, we analyzed the final data set of the study that included patient admission characteristics, disease type and severity, ICU resources, ICU and hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. We present descriptive statistics to summarize data from the case report form. We tested differences between geographically grouped data using parametric and nonparametric testing as appropriate. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to evaluate factors associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 1545 patients admitted to 147 participating sites from 31 countries of which most were from North America (69%, N = 1063). Globally, there was variability in patient characteristics, admission diagnosis, ICU treatment team and resource allocation, and in-hospital mortality. Seventy-three percent of the participating centers were academic, and the most common admitting diagnosis was subarachnoid hemorrhage (13%). The majority of patients were male (59%), a half of whom had at least two comorbidities, and median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 13. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality included age (OR 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.04); lower GCS (OR 1.20; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.16 for every point reduction in GCS); pupillary reactivity (OR 1.8; 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.23 for bilateral unreactive pupils); admission source (emergency room versus direct admission [OR 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.75]; admission from a general ward versus direct admission [OR 5.85; 95% CI, 2.75 to 12.45; and admission from another ICU versus direct admission [OR 3.34; 95% CI, 1.27 to 8.8]); and the absence of a dedicated neurocritical care unit (NCCU) (OR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.47). CONCLUSION: PRINCE is the first study to evaluate care patterns of neurocritical patients worldwide. The data suggest that there is a wide variability in clinical care resources and patient characteristics. Neurological severity of illness and the absence of a dedicated NCCU are independent predictors of in-patient mortality.

Subdural Hematoma in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: An Outcome Analysis and Examination of Risk Factors of Operative and Nonoperative Management.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hematologic disorders who present with subdural hematomas (SDH) present a surgical decision-making challenge. Because of intrinsic coagulopathy, platelet dysfunction, and immunosuppression, surgical intervention poses a unique set of risks. OBJECTIVE: To describe a clinical sample of patients with hematologic disorders and concurrent SDH, to compare baseline and outcome variables, including complication rates and survival, in surgical versus nonsurgical management, and to identify clinical variables that may predict outcomes. METHODS: A 12-year retrospective case-control study was carried out of 50 adult patients with hematologic malignancies and SDH. Patients underwent surgical evacuation for SDH. Controls did not. Outcomes included discharge disposition, Glasgow Outcome Scale score, 30-day mortality, and overall survival. Complications included seizure, reoperation, and readmission. A Fisher exact test or χ2 analysis compared categorical variables; continuous outcomes were compared with a Student t test. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed and multivariable Cox logistic regression evaluated variables associated with overall mortality. RESULTS: Surgical and nonsurgical groups differed only by Glasgow Coma Scale score, with slightly lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores in the surgical group. Complication rates did not differ; however, the 30-day reoperation rate was 35% for the surgical cohort. Overall, seizure incidence was 18%, readmission was 30%, 30-day mortality was 38%, median survival was 140.5 days, and 75% had a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1-3 at censorship. Increased age, low hemoglobin levels, and low platelet levels were associated with increased risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Low platelet and hemoglobin levels are consistent markers of poor prognosis and surgical intervention, either as a proxy of or as a cause for clinical deterioration, is associated with increased mortality risk.

Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis and Subdural Hematoma as Treatment-Related Complications in Suprasellar Germ Cell Tumor Associated with Adipsic Diabetes Insipidus.

Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare but not a negligible complication in pediatric brain tumor. An 11-year-old male with suprasellar germ cell tumor developed treatment-related vascular complications of CSVT and subdural hematoma. The underlying mechanism of CSVT was attributed to multiple risk factors, such as adipsic diabetes insipidus, obesity, central apnea, and chemotherapy-induced endothelial injury. In an attempt to minimize the possible risk of vascular complications, including late effect in pediatric brain tumors, we would like to stress the importance of individualized supportive therapy, i.e., hormone replacement, fluid management, thromboprophylaxis, and bi-level positive airway pressure therapy.

North American survey on the post-neuroimaging management of children with mild head injuries.

OBJECTIVEThere remains uncertainty regarding the appropriate level of care and need for repeating neuroimaging among children with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) complicated by intracranial injury (ICI). This study's objective was to investigate physician practice patterns and decision-making processes for these patients in order to identify knowledge gaps and highlight avenues for future investigation.METHODSThe authors surveyed residents, fellows, and attending physicians from the following pediatric specialties: emergency medicine; general surgery; neurosurgery; and critical care. Participants came from 10 institutions in the United States and an email list maintained by the Canadian Neurosurgical Society. The survey asked respondents to indicate management preferences for and experiences with children with mTBI complicated by ICI, focusing on an exemplar clinical vignette of a 7-year-old girl with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 and a 5-mm subdural hematoma without midline shift after a fall down stairs.RESULTSThe response rate was 52% (n = 536). Overall, 326 (61%) respondents indicated they would recommend ICU admission for the child in the vignette. However, only 62 (12%) agreed/strongly agreed that this child was at high risk of neurological decline. Half of respondents (45%; n = 243) indicated they would order a planned follow-up CT (29%; n = 155) or MRI scan (19%; n = 102), though only 64 (12%) agreed/strongly agreed that repeat neuroimaging would influence their management. Common factors that increased the likelihood of ICU admission included presence of a focal neurological deficit (95%; n = 508 endorsed), midline shift (90%; n = 480) or an epidural hematoma (88%; n = 471). However, 42% (n = 225) indicated they would admit all children with mTBI and ICI to the ICU. Notably, 27% (n = 143) of respondents indicated they had seen one or more children with mTBI and intracranial hemorrhage demonstrate a rapid neurological decline when admitted to a general ward in the last year, and 13% (n = 71) had witnessed this outcome at least twice in the past year.CONCLUSIONSMany physicians endorse ICU admission and repeat neuroimaging for pediatric mTBI with ICI, despite uncertainty regarding the clinical utility of those decisions. These results, combined with evidence that existing practice may provide insufficient monitoring to some high-risk children, emphasize the need for validated decision tools to aid the management of these patients.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Warfarin-Associated Intracranial Bleeding in Neurosurgical Patients: A Single-Center Experience.

Objective: The number of patients presenting with warfarin-associated intracranial bleeding and needing neurosurgical intervention is growing. Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is commonly used for anti-coagulation reversal before emergent surgery. We present our experience with PCC use in patients presenting with coagulopathy and needing urgent craniotomy. Methods: We retrospectively identified all patients presenting with intracranial bleeding and coagulopathy due to warfarin use, requiring urgent neurosurgical procedures, from January, 2014 (implementation of 4-PCC therapy) until December, 2016. For coagulation reversal, all patients received 4-PCC (Octaplex) and vitamin K. Results: Thirty-five consecutive patients (17 men; median age 72 years) were administered 4-PCC before emergent neurosurgical procedures. The majority of patients presented with traumatic subdural hematoma (62%) and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (32%). All patients were taking warfarin. Median international normalized ratio (INR) on admission was 2.94 (range: 1.20 to 8.60). Median 4-PCC dose was 2000 I.U. (range: 500 I.U. to 3000 I.U.). There was a statically significant decrease in INR (p < 0.01), PT (p < 0.01), and PTT (p = 0.02) after 4-PCC administration. Postoperative INR values were ≤3.00 in all patients, and seven (20%) patients had normal INR values. There were no 4-PCC related complications. Four (11%) patients developed subdural/epidural hematoma and 20 (57%) patients died. Mortality was associated with lower Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score. Conclusions: The 4-PCC facilitates INR reversal and surgery in patients presenting with warfarin-associated coagulopathy and intracranial bleeding requiring urgent neurosurgical intervention.

Palliative approach in acute neurological events: a five-year study

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Acute neurological illness often results in severe disability. Five-year life expectancy is around 40%; half the survivors become completely dependent on outside help. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the symptoms of patients admitted to a Hospital ward with a diagnosis of stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage or subdural hematoma, and analyze the role of an In-Hospital Palliative Care Support Team. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective, observational study with a sample consisting of all patients admitted with acute neurological illness and with a guidance request made to the In-Hospital Palliative Care Support Team of a tertiary Hospital, over 5 years (2012-2016). RESULTS A total of 66 patients were evaluated, with an age median of 83 years old. Amongst them, there were 41 ischaemic strokes, 12 intracranial bleedings, 12 subdural hematomas, and 5 subarachnoid hemorrhages. The median of delay between admission and guidance request was 14 days. On the first evaluation by the team, the GCS score median was 6/15 and the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) median 10%. Dysphagia (96.8%) and bronchorrhea (48.4%) were the most prevalent symptoms. A total of 56 patients had a feeding tube (84.8%), 33 had vital sign monitoring (50.0%), 24 were hypocoagulated (36.3%), 25 lacked opioid or anti-muscarinic therapy for symptom control (37,9%); 6 patients retained orotracheal intubation, which was removed. In-hospital mortality was 72.7% (n=48). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Patients were severely debilitated, in many cases futile interventions persisted, yet several were under-medicated for symptom control. The delay between admission and collaboration request was high. Due to the high morbidity associated with acute neurological illness, palliative care should always be timely provided.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO Eventos neurológicos agudos resultam frequentemente em incapacidade grave que impede o doente de participar ativamente nas decisões do seu próprio tratamento. A sobrevida a cinco anos ronda os 40%; metade dos sobreviventes fica dependente de terceiros. Objetivo Avaliar a sintomatologia de doentes internados com acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), hemorragia subarcnoideia (HSA) ou subdural (HSD) e analisar a intervenção de uma Equipe Intra-Hospitalar de Suporte em Cuidados Paliativos (EIHSCP). MATERIAL E MÉTODOS Estudo retrospetivo observacional dos doentes com diagnóstico principal de evento neurológico agudo com pedido de colaboração à EIHSCP, num hospital terciário, durante cinco anos (2012-2016). RESULTADOS Avaliados 66 doentes, com média de idade de 83 anos. Destacam-se 41 AVC isquêmicos, 12 hemorrágicos, 12 HSD e 5 HSA. A média da demora entre internamento e pedido de colaboração à EIHSCP foi de 14 dias. Na primeira observação, a média na escala de coma de Glasgow foi de 6/15 e na Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) foi de 10%. Disfagia (96,8%) e broncorreia (48,4%) foram os sintomas mais frequentes. A maioria dos doentes (56/66) mantinha sonda nasogástrica (84,8%); 33 encontravam-se em monitorização cardiorrespiratória (50,0%); 24 estavam sob hipocoagulação (36,3%); 25 necessitavam de opioide e antimuscarínico que não estavam prescritos (37,9%); seis tinham tubo orotraqueal, que foi retirado. A mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 72,7% (n=48). DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÃO Destaca-se o estado debilitado dos doentes; em muitos casos, intervenções fúteis persistiam, mas várias foram submedicadas para o controle dos sintomas. Verificou-se um tempo de espera elevado até o pedido de colaboração. Pela elevada morbilidade associada a esses eventos, cuidados paliativos diferenciados deveriam ser oferecidos no tempo adequado.

Apixaban-induced subdural bleeding: case presentation and literature review.

Apixaban is a factor Xa inhibitor which is a non-vitamin K dependent oral anticoagulant known tocause the lowest rate of intracranial bleeding among the same kind of inibitors. In this paper, we report a rare case in a 60-year-old man with a history of hypertension and oligodendroglioma on apixaban for deep venous thrombosis who presented to our hospital with decreased level of consciousness and slurred speech with rapid deterioration. We highlight the risk of subdural bleeding requiring immediate neurosurgical intervention due to apixaban, with literature review.

Benign extracerebral fluid collection complicated by subdural hematoma and fluid collection: clinical characteristics and management.

INTRODUCTION: Benign extracerebral fluid collection (bECFC) can be complicated by subdural hematoma (SDH) or subdural fluid collection (SDFC). The etiology, natural history, and management strategy for SDH/SDFC in bECFC are not fully understood. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of bECFC patients complicated with SDH/SDFC and tried (1) to confirm the fact that bECFC children are vulnerable to SDH/SDFC, (2) to investigate the clinical significance of 'trauma history' witnessed by a caregiver, and (3) to determine optimal management for them. METHOD: Among 213 bECFC patients identified from January 2000 to August 2015, 20 patients (male:female = 14:6; median age, 6.5 months; range 1-16 months) complicated by SDH/SDFC documented with brain imaging were evaluated for their clinical manifestations, radiologic features, and management outcomes. The median follow-up period was 9.5 months. They were divided into two groups (traumatic group versus non-traumatic group) according to whether objective radiologic evidence of head injury was present or not, and the two groups were analyzed for any clinical differences between them. We also evaluated the clinical significance of witnessed traumatic events by caregivers as an additional independent variable in the analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of SDH/SDFC in bECFC patients was 9.4% (20/213) in our data. In a comparative analysis, the traumatic group is more likely to have 'acute' stage SDH, whereas the non-traumatic group is more likely to have 'chronic' stage SDH. The trauma history witnessed by caregivers did not show clinical significance in the data analysis when included as an independent variable. The prognosis of SDH/SDFC in bECFC patients was favorable without surgery in most of patients regardless of whether the patient has evidence of head trauma or not. CONCLUSION: Benign ECFC is vulnerable to SDH/SDFC development. For the bECFC patients complicated by SDH/SDFC, the trauma history witnessed by a caregiver did not show any clinical significance. A 'wait and watch' strategy is sufficient for the management of SDH/SDFC in bECFC patients.

Palliative approach in acute neurological events: a five-year study.

INTRODUCTION: Acute neurological illness often results in severe disability. Five-year life expectancy is around 40%; half the survivors become completely dependent on outside help. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the symptoms of patients admitted to a Hospital ward with a diagnosis of stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage or subdural hematoma, and analyze the role of an In-Hospital Palliative Care Support Team. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational study with a sample consisting of all patients admitted with acute neurological illness and with a guidance request made to the In-Hospital Palliative Care Support Team of a tertiary Hospital, over 5 years (2012-2016). RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were evaluated, with an age median of 83 years old. Amongst them, there were 41 ischaemic strokes, 12 intracranial bleedings, 12 subdural hematomas, and 5 subarachnoid hemorrhages. The median of delay between admission and guidance request was 14 days. On the first evaluation by the team, the GCS score median was 6/15 and the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) median 10%. Dysphagia (96.8%) and bronchorrhea (48.4%) were the most prevalent symptoms. A total of 56 patients had a feeding tube (84.8%), 33 had vital sign monitoring (50.0%), 24 were hypocoagulated (36.3%), 25 lacked opioid or anti-muscarinic therapy for symptom control (37,9%); 6 patients retained orotracheal intubation, which was removed. In-hospital mortality was 72.7% (n=48). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Patients were severely debilitated, in many cases futile interventions persisted, yet several were under-medicated for symptom control. The delay between admission and collaboration request was high. Due to the high morbidity associated with acute neurological illness, palliative care should always be timely provided.

Traumatic subdural hematoma: Is there a weekend effect?

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic subdural hematoma (TSDH) is a surgical emergency. The effect of weekend admission on surgery and in-hospital outcomes in TSDH is not known. METHODS: We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2011 and used ICD-9-CM codes to identify all non-elective admissions with a primary diagnosis of TSDH. We did a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent surgical evacuation. Predictor variables included several patient and hospital characteristics. Outcome variables included length of stay, total hospitalization cost, in-hospital complications, adverse discharge disposition, and in-hospital mortality. We used multivariable analysis to determine if weekend admission was independently associated with increased likelihood of poor outcomes. RESULTS: Out of a total of 404,212 TSDH admissions, 24.8% received surgical intervention. Patients admitted on weekends were less likely to undergo surgical intervention (odds ratio [OR]: 0.85). In the surgical cohort, weekend admissions consisted of more patients with prolonged loss of consciousness (24+h) without return to baseline (7.0% vs. 4.8%). In all TSDH patients and in sub-group of surgical cohort, weekend admission was associated with an increased likelihood of in-hospital complication (OR: 1.06 and 1.12), prolonged length of stay (OR: 1.08 and 1.17), increased total hospital costs (OR: 1.04 and 1.11), adverse discharge (OR: 1.08 and 1.18), and in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.04 and 1.11). All p-values were less than 0.01. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that patients admitted on weekends had similar mortality despite higher severity with no clinically significant weekend effect for tSDH.

Predictors of Functional Outcome After Subdural Hematoma: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the incidence of subdural hematoma (SDH) has increased in the US in the last decade, limited prospective data exist examining risk factors for poor outcome. METHODS: A prospective, observational study of consecutive SDH patients was conducted from 7/2008 to 11/2011. Baseline clinical data, hospital and surgical course, complications, and imaging data were compared between those with good versus poor 3-month outcomes (modified Rankin Scores [mRS] 0-3 vs. 4-6). A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify independent predictors of poor outcome. RESULTS: 116 SDH patients (18 acute, 56 mixed acute/subacute/chronic, 42 subacute/chronic) were included. At 3 months, 61 (53 %) patients had good outcomes (mRS 0-3) while 55 (47 %) were severely disabled or dead (mRS 4-6). Of those who underwent surgical evacuation, 54/94 (57 %) had good outcomes compared to 7/22 (32 %) who did not (p = 0.030). Patients with mixed acuity or subacute/chronic SDH had significantly better 3-month mRS with surgery (median mRS 1 versus 5 without surgery, p = 0.002) compared to those with only acute SDH (p = 0.494). In multivariable analysis, premorbid mRS, age, admission Glasgow Coma Score, history of smoking, and fever were independent predictors of poor 3-month outcome (all p < 0.05; area under the curve 0.90), while SDH evacuation tended to improve outcomes (adjusted OR 3.90, 95 % CI 0.96-18.9, p = 0.057). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 50 % of SDH patients were dead or moderate-severely disabled at 3 months. Older age, poor baseline, poor admission neurological status, history of smoking, and fever during hospitalization predicted poor outcomes, while surgical evacuation was associated with improved outcomes among those with mixed acuity or chronic/subacute SDH.

Subdural Hematoma and Oral Anticoagulation: A Therapeutic Dilemma from the Neurosurgical Point of View.

BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulation is a common prophylactic therapy for several diseases with a high thromboembolic risk. Such medication harbors a possible hemorrhage risk, with a special risk for subdural hematoma (SDH). The safety and efficacy of resumption of oral anticoagulation versus long-term discontinuation has not been fully clarified in patients who experienced SDH while under treatment with oral anticoagulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated the outcome of 49 patients who were identified retrospectively to have a SDH while receiving oral anticoagulation. RESULTS: Most bleeding occurred while patients were within the recommended therapeutic window for oral anticoagulation. Mortality was 15%. The event-free survival probability was higher in the group of patients with reinstitution of phenprocoumon therapy than in the group without. Over a median follow-up of 32 months, thromboembolic events occurred in 4 of 23 patients without oral anticoagulation versus in none of 15 patients with phenprocoumon; hemorrhagic complications occurred in 1 in 23 versus 3 in 15 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Reinstitution of oral anticoagulation with phenprocoumon after previous SDH appears to have an acceptable risk for hemorrhagic complications. Decision making might consider case-by-case differences. To establish specific guidelines, prospective large cohort studies are needed.

Adverse Outcomes After Initial Non-surgical Management of Subdural Hematoma: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the natural history of non-surgically managed subdural hematoma (SDH). The purpose of this study is to determine rates of adverse events after non-surgical management of SDH and whether these outcomes differ depending on traumatic versus nontraumatic etiology. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using administrative claims data on all emergency department visits and acute care hospitalizations at nonfederal facilities in California from 2005 to 2011, Florida from 2005 to 2012, and New York from 2006 to 2011. We included patients who were discharged home after hospitalization with a first-recorded diagnosis of SDH and no record of surgical hematoma evacuation. METHODS: Patients were followed for readmission with SDH, readmission for surgical SDH evacuation, and fatal readmission with SDH. Survival statistics and the log-rank test were used to compare rates of these adverse events after traumatic versus nontraumatic SDH. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to compare hazards for traumatic versus nontraumatic etiology while adjusting for age, sex, race, insurance status, presence of dementia, alcohol use, acquired abnormalities in coagulation, acquired abnormalities in platelet function, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, ischemic stroke, coronary heart disease, and valvular disease. RESULTS: We identified 27,502 conservatively treated patients with SDH, of which 70.9% were traumatic and 29.1% nontraumatic. Compared to patients with traumatic SDH, patients with nontraumatic SDH had significantly higher rates of subsequent hospitalization with SDH (cumulative 90-day rates: 15.3 % [95% CI 14.5-16.1%] vs. 10.3% [95% CI 9.9-10.8%]), surgical SDH evacuation (7.8% [95% CI 7.3-8.5%] vs. 5.5% [95% CI 5.2-5.8%]), and SDH-related in-hospital death (1.0% [95% CI 0.8-1.2%] vs. 0.4% [95 % CI 0.3-0.5%]). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, nontraumatic etiology was associated with a higher hazard of readmission with SDH (HR 1.4; 95% CI 1.3-1.5), surgery (HR 1.3; 95% CI 1.2-1.4), and in-hospital mortality (HR 1.9; 95% CI 1.4-2.5). Our findings were unchanged in sensitivity analyses that also adjusted for Elixhauser comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one in eight patients with a conservatively managed SDH was readmitted with SDH within 90 days. A substantial proportion of these readmissions involved surgical hematoma evacuation. These outcomes occurred significantly more often after nontraumatic as compared to traumatic SDH.