Phantom-based standardization of CT angiography images for spot sign detection.

PURPOSE: The CT angiography (CTA) spot sign is a strong predictor of hematoma expansion in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, CTA parameters vary widely across centers and may negatively impact spot sign accuracy in predicting ICH expansion. We developed a CT iodine calibration phantom that was scanned at different institutions in a large multicenter ICH clinical trial to determine the effect of image standardization on spot sign detection and performance. METHODS: A custom phantom containing known concentrations of iodine was designed and scanned using the stroke CT protocol at each institution. Custom software was developed to read the CT volume datasets and calculate the Hounsfield unit as a function of iodine concentration for each phantom scan. CTA images obtained within 8 h from symptom onset were analyzed by two trained readers comparing the calibrated vs. uncalibrated density cutoffs for spot sign identification. ICH expansion was defined as hematoma volume growth >33%. RESULTS: A total of 90 subjects qualified for the study, of whom 17/83 (20.5%) experienced ICH expansion. The number of spot sign positive scans was higher in the calibrated analysis (67.8 vs 38.9% p < 0.001). All spot signs identified in the non-calibrated analysis remained positive after calibration. Calibrated CTA images had higher sensitivity for ICH expansion (76 vs 52%) but inferior specificity (35 vs 63%) compared with uncalibrated images. CONCLUSION: Normalization of CTA images using phantom data is a feasible strategy to obtain consistent image quantification for spot sign analysis across different sites and may improve sensitivity for identification of ICH expansion.

Benchmarking Hospital Practices and Policies on Intrahospital Neurocritical Care Transport: The Safe-Neuro-Transport Study.

An electronic survey was administered to multidisciplinary neurocritical care providers at 365 hospitals in 32 countries to describe intrahospital transport (IHT) practices of neurocritically ill patients at their institutions. The reported IHT practices were stratified by World Bank country income level. Variability between high-income (HIC) and low/middle-income (LMIC) groups, as well as variability between hospitals within countries, were expressed as counts/percentages and intracluster correlation coefficients (ICCs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 246 hospitals (67% response rate; n = 103, 42% HIC and n = 143, 58% LMIC) participated. LMIC hospitals were less likely to report a portable CT scanner (RR 0.39, 95% CI [0.23; 0.67]), more likely to report a pre-IHT checklist (RR 2.18, 95% CI [1.53; 3.11]), and more likely to report that intensive care unit (ICU) physicians routinely participated in IHTs (RR 1.33, 95% CI [1.02; 1.72]). Between- and across-country variation were highest for pre-IHT external ventricular drain clamp tolerance (reported by 40% of the hospitals, ICC 0.22, 95% CI 0.00-0.46) and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring during IHT (reported by 29% of the hospitals, ICC 0.46, 95% CI 0.07-0.71). Brain tissue oxygenation monitoring during IHT was reported by only 9% of the participating hospitals. An IHT standard operating procedure (SOP)/hospital policy (HP) was reported by 37% (n = 90); HIC: 43% (n= 44) vs. LMIC: 32% (n = 46), p = 0.56. Amongst the IHT SOP/HPs reviewed (n = 13), 90% did not address the continuation of hemodynamic and neurophysiological monitoring during IHT. In conclusion, the development of a neurocritical-care-specific IHT SOP/HP as well as the alignment of practices related to the IHT of neurocritically ill patients are urgent unmet needs. Inconsistent standards related to neurophysiological monitoring during IHT warrant in-depth scrutiny across hospitals and suggest a need for international guidelines for neurocritical care IHT.

Efficacy, Safety, and Timing of Anticoagulant Thromboprophylaxis for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to answer 5 key questions: What is the comparative effectiveness and safety of (1a) anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis compared to no prophylaxis, placebo, or another anticoagulant strategy for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after acute spinal cord injury (SCI)? (1b) Mechanical prophylaxis strategies alone or in combination with other strategies for preventing DVT and PE after acute SCI? (1c) Prophylactic inferior vena cava filter insertion alone or in combination with other strategies for preventing DVT and PE after acute SCI? (2) What is the optimal timing to initiate and/or discontinue anticoagulant, mechanical, and/or prophylactic inferior vena cava filter following acute SCI? (3) What is the cost-effectiveness of these treatment options? METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies published through February 28, 2015. We sought randomized controlled trials evaluating efficacy and safety of antithrombotic strategies. Strength of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: Nine studies satisfied inclusion criteria. We found a trend toward lower risk of DVT in patients treated with enoxaparin. There were no significant differences in rates of DVT, PE, bleeding, and mortality between patients treated with different types of low-molecular-weight heparin or between low-molecular-weight heparin and unfractionated heparin. Combined anticoagulant and mechanical prophylaxis initiated within 72 hours of SCI resulted in lower risk of DVT than treatment commenced after 72 hours of injury. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic treatments can be used to lower the risk of venous thromboembolic events in patients with acute SCI, without significant increase in risk of bleeding and mortality and should be initiated within 72 hours.

A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury and Central Cord Syndrome: Recommendations on the Timing (≤24 Hours Versus >24 Hours) of Decompressive Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To develop recommendations on the timing of surgical decompression in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and central cord syndrome. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to address key relevant questions. A multidisciplinary guideline development group used this information, along with their clinical expertise, to develop recommendations for the timing of surgical decompression in patients with SCI and central cord syndrome. Based on GRADE, a strong recommendation is worded as "we recommend," whereas a weak recommendation is presented as "we suggest." RESULTS: Conclusions from the systematic review included (1) isolated studies reported statistically significant and clinically important improvements following early decompression at 6 months and following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation; (2) in one study on acute central cord syndrome without instability, a marginally significant improvement in total motor scores was reported at 6 and 12 months in patients managed with early versus late surgery; and (3) there were no significant differences in length of acute care/rehabilitation stay or in rates of complications between treatment groups. Our recommendations were: "We suggest that early surgery be considered as a treatment option in adult patients with traumatic central cord syndrome" and "We suggest that early surgery be offered as an option for adult acute SCI patients regardless of level." Quality of evidence for both recommendations was considered low. CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines should be implemented into clinical practice to improve outcomes in patients with acute SCI and central cord syndrome by promoting standardization of care, decreasing the heterogeneity of management strategies, and encouraging clinicians to make evidence-informed decisions.

A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Recommendations on the Use of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this guideline is to outline the appropriate use of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to address key questions related to the use of MPSS in acute SCI. A multidisciplinary Guideline Development Group used this information, in combination with their clinical expertise, to develop recommendations for the use of MPSS. Based on GRADE (Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation), a strong recommendation is worded as "we recommend," whereas a weaker recommendation is indicated by "we suggest." RESULTS: The main conclusions from the systematic review included the following: (1) there were no differences in motor score change at any time point in patients treated with MPSS compared to those not receiving steroids; (2) when MPSS was administered within 8 hours of injury, pooled results at 6- and 12-months indicated modest improvements in mean motor scores in the MPSS group compared with the control group; and (3) there was no statistical difference between treatment groups in the risk of complications. Our recommendations were: (1) "We suggest not offering a 24-hour infusion of high-dose MPSS to adult patients who present after 8 hours with acute SCI"; (2) "We suggest a 24-hour infusion of high-dose MPSS be offered to adult patients within 8 hours of acute SCI as a treatment option"; and (3) "We suggest not offering a 48-hour infusion of high-dose MPSS to adult patients with acute SCI." CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines should be implemented into clinical practice to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity in SCI patients.

A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Recommendations on the Type and Timing of Anticoagulant Thromboprophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to develop evidence-based guidelines that recommend effective, safe and cost-effective thromboprophylaxis strategies in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to address key questions relating to thromboprophylaxis in SCI. Based on GRADE (Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation), a strong recommendation is worded as "we recommend," whereas a weaker recommendation is indicated by "we suggest." RESULTS: Based on conclusions from the systematic review and expert panel opinion, the following recommendations were developed: (1) "We suggest that anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis be offered routinely to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events in the acute period after SCI;" (2) "We suggest that anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis, consisting of either subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin or fixed, low-dose unfractionated heparin (UFH) be offered to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events in the acute period after SCI. Given the potential for increased bleeding events with the use of adjusted-dose UFH, we suggest against this option;" (3) "We suggest commencing anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis within the first 72 hours after injury, if possible, in order to minimize the risk of venous thromboembolic complications during the period of acute hospitalization." CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines should be implemented into clinical practice in patients with SCI to promote standardization of care, decrease heterogeneity of management strategies and encourage clinicians to make evidence-informed decisions.

A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Recommendations on the Role of Baseline Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Clinical Decision Making and Outcome Prediction.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this guideline is to outline the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in clinical decision making and outcome prediction in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to address key questions related to the use of MRI in patients with traumatic SCI. This review focused on longitudinal studies that controlled for baseline neurologic status. A multidisciplinary Guideline Development Group (GDG) used this information, their clinical expertise, and patient input to develop recommendations on the use of MRI for SCI patients. Based on GRADE (Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation), a strong recommendation is worded as "we recommend," whereas a weaker recommendation is indicated by "we suggest." RESULTS: Based on the limited available evidence and the clinical expertise of the GDG, our recommendations were: (1) "We suggest that MRI be performed in adult patients with acute SCI prior to surgical intervention, when feasible, to facilitate improved clinical decision-making" (quality of evidence, very low) and (2) "We suggest that MRI should be performed in adult patients in the acute period following SCI, before or after surgical intervention, to improve prediction of neurologic outcome" (quality of evidence, low). CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines should be implemented into clinical practice to improve outcomes and prognostication for patients with SCI.

A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Recommendations on the Type and Timing of Rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to develop guidelines that outline the appropriate type and timing of rehabilitation in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to address key questions related to rehabilitation in patients with acute SCI. A multidisciplinary guideline development group used this information, and their clinical expertise, to develop recommendations for the type and timing of rehabilitation. Based on GRADE (Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation), a strong recommendation is worded as "we recommend," whereas a weaker recommendation is indicated by "we suggest. RESULTS: Based on the findings from the systematic review, our recommendations were: (1) We suggest rehabilitation be offered to patients with acute spinal cord injury when they are medically stable and can tolerate required rehabilitation intensity (no included studies; expert opinion); (2) We suggest body weight-supported treadmill training as an option for ambulation training in addition to conventional overground walking, dependent on resource availability, context, and local expertise (low evidence); (3) We suggest that individuals with acute and subacute cervical SCI be offered functional electrical stimulation as an option to improve hand and upper extremity function (low evidence); and (4) Based on the absence of any clear benefit, we suggest not offering additional training in unsupported sitting beyond what is currently incorporated in standard rehabilitation (low evidence). CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines should be implemented into clinical practice to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity in patients with SCI by promoting standardization of care, decreasing the heterogeneity of management strategies and encouraging clinicians to make evidence-informed decisions.

The effects of cyclical oestrogen on bladder and urethral structure and function.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of cycling oestrogen in rabbits, as oestrogen is essential for physiological maintenance and integrity of the female urogenital tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Changes in circulating oestrogen have marked effects on the bladder of experimental animals, with ovariectomy (Ovx) inducing smooth muscle (SM) and mucosal atrophy, increasing collagen synthesis and deposition, decreasing contractile function, mucosal and SM blood flow; oestrogen reverses these effects and increases bladder mass and SM density, primarily by stimulating angiogenesis and increasing blood flow. Twenty adult female New Zealand White rabbits were divided into five equal groups; group 1 served as the control group, and groups 2-5 had a bilateral Ovx. Group 2 received no oestradiol and was assessed 2 weeks after Ovx; groups 3-5 received 17-beta oestradiol from a subcutaneous slow-release tablet 2 weeks after Ovx, which remained in place for a subsequent 2-week period. Group 3 was then assessed after the 2 weeks on oestradiol. Groups 4 and 5 then had their oestradiol tablets removed for 2 weeks and group 4 was assessed after this period off oestradiol. Group 5 then received a new oestradiol tablet that was left in place for an additional 2 weeks. RESULTS: Both groups receiving oestrogen (3 and 5) had a statistically significantly greater bladder weight than both the control group and group 2. The volume fraction of SM paralleled the bladder weight, showing that oestrogen increased the volume fraction of SM whereas Ovx and low oestrogen decreased the SM fraction. The cross-sections of the urethra from groups 3 and 5 were significantly wider than those of either the control or group 1, also being consistent with the structural effects of oestrogen. Intra-arterial phenylephrine increased urethral pressure to a similar level in all groups. The urethral pressure response to intra-arterial acetylcholine shifted from contraction in the control to relaxation in the oestrogen-treated groups. Ovx resulted in a lower vascular density, whereas oestrogen resulted in a significant increase in vascular density (angiogenesis). CONCLUSIONS: Cyclical oestrogen had pronounced structural and pharmacological effects. Low oestrogen decreased the volume fraction of SM, increased collagen, and decreased vasculature, whereas oestrogen mediated a marked hypertrophy of the SM components, decreased the collagen component, and stimulated angiogenesis. Cyclical oestrogen also had marked effects on the responses to intra-arterial acetylcholine, shifting the response from contraction to relaxation.