Including Distal Motor Function within the NIHSS: Correlation with Motor Arm Function and IV rt-PA Treatment Response.

OBJECTIVES: The Distal Motor Function (DMF) sub-score of the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was measured in the NINDS rt-PA Stroke Trials but is currently not included in the NIHSS. The correlation of DMF with the NIHSS Motor Arm Function (MAF) sub-score, the effect of IV tPA treatment on DMF, and whether adding DMF changes the utility of the NIHSS have not been analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MAF and DMF sub-scores were retrieved from the original NINDS rt-PA Stroke Trials for both sides of the body at baseline, 2 hours, 24 hours, 7-10 days, and 3 months after IV tPA treatment. MAF and DMF scores were correlated using Spearman correlation. Clustering of DMF and MAF scores was determined using a Bentler Comparative Fit Index (CFI) to estimate variation in NIHSS when adding DMF. The effect of IV tPA on DMF and MAF was assessed using a linear model comparing changes in scores from baseline to 3 months. RESULTS: MAF and DMF were highly correlated (p < 0.0001) across all time points for both dichotomous and continuous data on both sides. Intravenous tPA accounted for 21% of the change in DMF (p < 0.014, R2 = 0.0157, N = 423) and 39% of the change in MAF (p < 0.093, R2 = 0.0125, N = 547) from 0 to 3 months. On adding DMF to NIHSS, CFI decreased from 0.98 to 0.80 and DMF clustered with MAF, indicating that addition of DMF is unlikely to produce any discrepancy to NIHSS. CONCLUSIONS: Including DMF to the NIHSS does not appear to be of additional value. After IV tPA treatment, proximal and distal motor function in upper extremity strongly correlate over time but greater improvement in MAF is noted. Further research is needed on the role of IV tPA on minor strokes with deficits of DMF.

The Role of Desmopressin on Hematoma Expansion in Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Prescribed Pre-injury Antiplatelet Medications.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Desmopressin (DDAVP) has been suggested for antiplatelet medication reversal in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) but there are limited data describing its effect on clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of DDAVP on hematoma expansion and thrombosis in patients with TBI who were prescribed pre-injury antiplatelet medications. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients who were admitted to our level I trauma center and prescribed pre-injury antiplatelet medications between July, 2012, and May, 2018, were retrospectively identified. Patients were excluded if their hospital length of stay was < 24 h, if DDAVP was administered by any route other than intravenous, if they received a DDAVP dose < 0.3 mcg/kg or there was no evidence of brain hemorrhage on computed tomography (CT) scan. Patients were stratified based on the use of DDAVP, and the incidence of hematoma expansion was compared between groups. Thrombotic events were reviewed as a secondary outcome. Multivariate analysis was utilized to control for confounding variables. RESULTS: Of 202 patients included in analysis, 158 (78%) received DDAVP. The mean age was 76 ± 12 years; the most common injury mechanism was falls (76%); 69% had acute subdural hematoma, and 49% had multi-compartmental hemorrhage. Initial Glasgow coma score was between 13 and 15 for 91% of patients. Aspirin was the most common antiplatelet regimen prescribed (N = 151, 75%), followed by dual antiplatelet regimens (N = 26, 13%) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-receptor inhibitors (N = 25, 12%). The incidence of hematoma expansion was 14% and 30% for patients who did and did not receive DDAVP, respectively (p = 0.015). After controlling for age, injury severity score, multi-compartmental hemorrhage, and receipt of pre-injury high-dose aspirin (> 81 mg), ADP-receptor inhibitors, oral anticoagulants, prothrombin complex concentrates or platelets in a multivariate analysis, the association between DDAVP and hematoma expansion remained significant (adjusted OR 0.259 [95% CI 0.103-0.646], p = 0.004). Thrombotic events were similar between the two groups (DDAVP, 2.5%, no DDAVP, 4.5%; p = 0.613). CONCLUSIONS: DDAVP was associated with a lower incidence of hematoma expansion in patients with mild TBI who were prescribed pre-injury antiplatelet medications. These results justify a randomized controlled trial to further evaluate the role of DDAVP for this indication.

Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in Neurocritical Care.

Stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) with acid-suppressive drug therapy is widely utilized in critically ill patients following neurologic injury for the prevention of clinically important stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding (CIB). Data supporting SUP, however, largely originates from studies conducted during an era where practices were vastly different than what is considered routine by today's standard. This is particularly true in neurocritical care patients. In fact, the routine provision of SUP has been challenged due to an increasing prevalence of adverse drug events with acid-suppressive therapy and the perception that CIB rates are sparse. This narrative review will discuss current controversies with SUP as they apply to neurocritical care patients. Specifically, the pathophysiology, prevalence, and risk factors for CIB along with the comparative efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of acid-suppressive therapy will be described.

Acute ischaemia after subarachnoid haemorrhage, relationship with early brain injury and impact on outcome: a prospective quantitative MRI study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if ischaemia is a mechanism of early brain injury at the time of aneurysm rupture in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and if early MRI ischaemia correlates with admission clinical status and functional outcome. METHODS: In a prospective, hypothesis-driven study patients with SAH underwent MRI within 0-3 days of ictus (prior to vasospasm) and a repeat MRI (median 7 days). The volume and number of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) positive/apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) dark lesions on acute MRI were quantitatively assessed. The association of early ischaemia, admission clinical status, risk factors and 3-month outcome were analysed. RESULTS: In 61 patients with SAH, 131 MRI were performed. Early ischaemia occurred in 40 (66%) with a mean DWI/ADC volume 8.6 mL (0-198 mL) and lesion number 4.3 (0-25). The presence of any early DWI/ADC lesion and increasing lesion volume were associated with worse Hunt-Hess grade, Glasgow Coma Scale score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II physiological subscores (all p<0.05). Early DWI/ADC lesions significantly predicted increased number and volume of infarcts on follow-up MRI (p<0.005). At 3 months, early DWI/ADC lesion volume was significantly associated with higher rates of death (21% vs. 3%, p=0.031), death/severe disability (modified Rankin Scale 4-6; 53% vs. 15%, p=0.003) and worse Barthel Index (70 vs. 100, p=0.004). After adjusting for age, Hunt-Hess grade and aneurysm size, early infarct volume correlated with death/severe disability (adjusted OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.2, p=0.066). CONCLUSIONS: Early ischaemia is related to poor acute neurological status after SAH and predicts future ischaemia and worse functional outcomes. Treatments addressing acute ischaemia should be evaluated for their effect on outcome.

Reversal of coagulopathy using prothrombin complex concentrates is associated with improved outcome compared to fresh frozen plasma in warfarin-associated intracranial hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: There are no studies demonstrating that prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) improves outcome compared FFP in patients with warfarin-associated intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was conducted of patients who received PCC (Bebulin VH), FFP, or PCC + FFP. All groups received vitamin K 10 mg IV. INR reversal (<1.4), adverse events (venous thromboembolism, myocardial infraction, pulmonary edema), major hemorrhage (new or worsened intracranial hemorrhage, anemia requiring transfusion or GI bleed), and 3-month functional outcome were compared between the groups using Chi squared and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 64 patients, PCC alone was used in 16 (mean dose 48 IU/kg), FFP alone in 25 (mean dose 12.5 ml/kg), and PCC + FFP in 23 (median doses 47.4 IU/kg and 11.4 ml/kg, respectively). INR correction occurred in 88, 84, and 70 %, respectively. There were no differences in time to INR correction or adverse events between the groups, but FFP alone was associated with more major hemorrhage after administration (52 %, OR 5.0, 95 % CI 1.6-15.4, P = 0.006) and PCC with less (6 %, OR 0.1, 95 % CI 0.01-0.8, P = 0.033). After adjusting for age, admission GCS, initial INR, and bleed type, the use of PCC was associated with a lower risk of death or severe disability at 3-months (adjusted OR 0.02, 95 % CI 0.001-0.8, P = 0.039), while FFP alone was associated with a higher risk (adjusted OR 51.6, 95 % CI 1.2-2163.1, P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: PCC adequately corrected INR without any increase in adverse events compared to FFP and was associated with less major hemorrhage and improved 3-month outcomes in patients with warfarin-associated intracranial hemorrhage.

Reversal of pre-injury factor-Xa inhibitors with prothrombin complex concentrates in patients following traumatic brain injury.

INTRODUCTION: There is substantial debate on the best method to reverse factor Xa-inhibitors in patients following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) have been used for this indication but their role has been questioned. This study reported failure rates with PCC in patients following TBI and as a secondary objective, compared 4-factor (4 F-PCC) and activated PCC (APCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with TBI on factor Xa-inhibitors admitted to one of two trauma centers were retrospectively identified. Patients with penetrating TBI, delays in PCC administration (>6 h), receipt of tranexamic acid, factor VIIa or no follow up CT-scan were excluded. The primary outcome was treatment failure defined as hematoma expansion > 20% from baseline for SDH, EDH or IPH, a new hematoma not present on the initial CT scan or any expansion of a SAH or IVH. Hematoma expansion was further categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic, designated by a change in the motor GCS score, neurologic exam or change ≥ 3 in NIH Stroke Scale. Multi-variate analysis was performed. RESULTS: There were 43 patients with a mean age of 77 ± 13 years with primarily mild TBI (95%) after a ground level fall (79%). The mean dose was 41 ± 12 units/kg. Sixty percent received 4 F-PCC and 40% APCC. The incidence of treatment failure was 28% (12/43). Of the 12 patients with hematoma expansion, only 3 were symptomatic (9.3%). Hematoma expansion with 4 F-PCC and APCC were similar (27% vs. 29%,p = .859). Only sex was associated with hematoma expansion on multivariate analysis [OR (95% CI) = 6.7 (1.1 - 40.9)]. CONCLUSION: PCC was an effective option for factor Xa inhibitor reversal following TBI. The relationship between radiographic expansion and clinical expansion was poor.

Multiple ischemic strokes after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with a radiographic and pathological correlate.

INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a widely used form of therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. We report the first pathological data from an autopsy case of multiple cerebral emboli occurring during TACE. METHODS: A Medline search for previous cases of cerebral embolism and TACE revealed 11 other cases. FINDINGS: Multiple microscopic subacute infarcts were found in the cerebrum, midbrain, and cerebellum of our patient on autopsy, but no embolic material was seen. Embolic material was noted in dilated vessels throughout the fibrotic right diaphragm and in the upper lobe of the right lung. Combining the literature search with our patient, the mortality of cerebral embolism after TACE is 25% (n = 12). Intracardiac shunts were seen in 20% of the cases (n = 10). Hyperdense lesions were seen on head CT in 80% of the patients evaluated (n = 10). Chest imaging revealed infiltrate or consolidation in 60% of the cases (n = 5). Pulmonary emboli were reported in 100% of the cases (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral embolism after TACE is devastating. Brain pathology supports embolization of ethiodized oil rather than DC beads as the mechanism of cerebral injury. Further pathological studies are needed to better understand the pathophysiology of this condition. Lung pathology confirmed the presence of embolic material in the distal lung, suggestive of a hepatopulmonary shunt undetectable by current modalities. Evaluation for such shunts with emerging modalities such as TCD with emboli detection may be an area of future research.

Common carotid artery dissection: a case report and review of the literature.

Common carotid artery dissection (CCAD) is a rare and poorly characterized cause of ischemic stroke. We describe a case of multiple cerebral infarcts in a patient with CCAD initially detected by carotid duplex ultrasonography, and review the literature on CCAD. A Medline search from 1960 to the present for cases of CCAD yielded 46 cases. We extracted demographic data, anatomical location, symptoms, neurosonography, neuroradiology, pathological findings, treatment, and outcomes. The mean age of the patients was 48.8 ± 15.8 years (range, 19-89 years). With our patient, our search found 20 cases of spontaneous CCAD, 11 cases of traumatic CCAD, 4 cases of iatrogenic CCAD, and 12 cases of CCAD associated with aortic arch dissection. The most common presenting neurologic symptoms of CCAD were hemiparesis, decreased consciousness, headache/neck pain, aphasia, and monocular field deficit. The most frequently reported neurosonographic findings included a double lumen, mural thrombus, intraluminal hyperechoic/isoechoic lesion, and intimal flap. Most cases of CCAD were subsequently confirmed with conventional angiography, computed tomography angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography. Treatment differed based on etiology; anticoagulation was used most commonly for spontaneous CCAD, and surgical repair was most often done for traumatic and aortic dissection-associated CCAD. Prognosis was generally good; the majority of patients achieved complete clinical recovery, but 3 died. Our findings indicate that carotid Doppler is a widely accessible, rapid, and noninvasive technique for diagnosing CCAD. Our case and literature review further characterizes the diverse etiologies, clinical course, and radiographic features of CCAD.

Headache associated with moyamoya disease: a case story and literature review.

Headache associated with moyamoya disease (HAMD) is common in moyamoya disease. However, the characteristics and classification of HAMD are largely unknown. We present a case of a 39-year-old woman with HAMD. To characterize and classify the features of this syndrome, the patient was asked to complete a 4-month diagnostic headache diary. There was a total of 15 ictal days. All episodes were without aura. The headache was more commonly pressing (10/15), mild to moderate in severity (14/15), unchanged by physical activity (11/15), and associated with photophobia (10/15). The International Headache Society Classification was utilized to determine that eight episodes met criteria for probable migraine without aura, while seven episodes met criteria for probable frequent episodic tension-type headache. We identified four other case reports of HAMD with partial descriptions of the characteristics. When combined with our patient, the median age was 34 years old (range 6-49, SD 16). Four were female, while the patient with cluster headache was male. The median time from headache onset to diagnosis with moyamoya disease was 9.5 months (range 0-192, SD 88.0). Headaches were described as migraine with aura in two of five cases, hemiplegic migraine in one of five, and cluster headache in one of five. The highest intensity was described as severe in three of three cases, in which headache intensity was reported. Meanwhile, nausea, vomiting, and photophobia were present in two of three cases, where these features were reported, while nausea without vomiting was seen in one of three cases. In all five cases, patients had other neurological symptoms, such as paresis, seizures, visual disturbances, dysarthria, allodynia, ptosis, and unilateral restless leg syndrome. In conclusion, HAMD can present as migraine without aura. It can be the first presenting symptom of moyamoya disease. The headache features are not diagnostic; hence, early neurovascular imaging should be considered in patients with new onset, refractory migraine-like headache, especially in the setting of other neurological symptoms to exclude underlying moyamoya disease. Further reports using headache diaries are needed to better characterize HAMD as well as to determine whether headache with tension-type features is also part of this condition.

Lacosamide versus phenytoin for the prevention of early post traumatic seizures.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of lacosamide versus phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis following TBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All TBI patients who received prophylaxis with either phenytoin or lacosamide were retrospectively identified. The incidence of seizures within the first 7 days of injury were compared along with adverse effects requiring drug discontinuation. A planned sub-group analysis was performed for patients with severe TBI (GCS < 9). RESULTS: There were 481 patients (phenytoin, n = 116; lacosamide, n = 365). Demographics were similar but age (50 ±â€¯21 vs 58 ±â€¯22 years, P < .001) and initial GCS (11.3 ±â€¯4.3 vs 12.5 ±â€¯3.8, P = .010) were lower in the phenytoin group. The need for mechanical ventilation was higher (53% vs 38%, P = .004). Seizures occurred in 0.9% of the phenytoin group and 1.4% of the lacosamide group (P = 1.00). ADEs were significantly higher with phenytoin (5.2% vs 0.5%, P = .003). This difference remained significant upon multivariate analysis [OR(95% CI) = 9.4(1.8-48.9)]. Subgroup analysis for patients with severe TBI revealed no difference in seizures (phenytoin, 0% vs lacosamide, 1.5%; P = 1.00) but more ADEs with phenytoin (12.5% vs 0%, P = .010). CONCLUSION: There was no difference between lacosamide and phenytoin in the prevention of early post traumatic seizures in patients following TBI. Lacosamide may have a more tolerable side effect profile.

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury remains a challenging and complicated disease process to care for, despite the advance of technology used to monitor and guide treatment. Currently, the mainstay of treatment is aimed at limiting secondary brain injury, with the help of multiple specialties in a critical care setting. Prognosis after TBI is often even more challenging than the treatment itself, although there are various exam and imaging findings that are associated with poor outcome. These findings are important because they can be used to guide families and loved ones when making decisions about goals of care. CASE REPORT: In this case report, we demonstrate the unanticipated recovery of a 28-year-old male patient who presented with a severe traumatic brain injury after being in a motorcycle accident without wearing a helmet. He presented with several exam and imaging findings that are statistically associated with increased mortality and morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The care of severe traumatic brain injuries is challenging and dynamic. This case highlights the unexpected recovery of a patient and serves as a reminder that there is variability among patients.