Ventriculostomy-Related Infections: Reduced Incidence by Terminating Cerebrospinal Fluid Screening.

BACKGROUND: The external ventricular drain (EVD) is an important instrument in managing patients in neurointensive care (NICU). A frequent and sometimes severe complication is ventriculostomy-related infection (VRI). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biweekly VRI screening by CSF sampling on the clinical course and rate of VRI. METHODS: Patients with implanted EVDs were retrospectively identified and a cohort screened twice per week was compared with a cohort sampled only on clinical indication. VRI was defined either as a suspected case or a culture-confirmed case. Length of stay in the NICU and CSF shunt dependency were used as outcome parameters. RESULTS: A total of 562 patients were included. The overall proportion of patients treated for VRI was 22% and was not affected by screening (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-1.54). Screening was associated with a higher proportion of patients with culture-confirmed VRI (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.36-6.73). The main risk factor for VRI was the number of days with EVD. Positive bacterial culture was associated with both a longer time in the NICU (ß = 3.6; P < 0.01) and higher risk for shunt surgery (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.04-3.64). CONCLUSIONS: Screening was associated with a higher number of culture-confirmed VRI cases. In addition, screening did not detect VRI at an earlier stage and was not associated with a reduction in the rate of permanent hydrocephalus. No clinical benefit of screening was found. Frequent CSF sampling might contribute to infection. Based on these findings, CSF screening for VRI cannot be recommended.

Adverse events during endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms: A prospective nationwide study on subarachnoid hemorrhage in Sweden.

Introduction: A range of adverse events (AEs) may occur in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Endovascular treatment is commonly used to prevent aneurysm re-rupture. Research question: The aim of this study was to identify AEs related to endovascular treatment, analyze risk factors for AEs and how AEs affect patient outcome. Material and methods: Patients with aneurysmal SAH admitted to all neurosurgical centers in Sweden during a 3.5-year period (2014-2018) were prospectively registered. AEs related to endovascular aneurysm treatment were thromboembolic events, aneurysm re-rupture, vessel dissection and puncture site hematoma. Potential risk factors for the AEs were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Functional outcome was assessed at one year using the extended Glasgow outcome scale. Results: In total, 1037 patients were treated for ruptured aneurysms. Of which, 715 patients were treated with endovascular occlusion. There were 115 AEs reported in 113 patients (16%). Thromboembolic events were noted in 78 patients (11%). Aneurysm re-rupture occurred in 28 (4%), vessel dissection in 4 (0.6%) and puncture site hematoma in 5 (0.7%). Blister type aneurysm, aneurysm smaller than 5 mm and endovascular techniques other than coiling were risk factors for treatment-related AEs. At follow-up, 230 (32%) of the patients had unfavorable outcome. Patients suffering intraprocedural aneurysm re-rupture were more likely to have unfavorable outcome (OR 6.9, 95% CI 2.3-20.9). Discussion and conclusion: Adverse events related to endovascular occlusion of a ruptured aneurysm were seen in 16% of patients. Aneurysm re-rupture during endovascular treatment was associated with increased risk of unfavorable functional outcome.

Adverse events associated with microsurgial treatment for ruptured intracerebral aneurysms: a prospective nationwide study on subarachnoid haemorrhage in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Adverse events (AEs) or complications may arise secondary to the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The aim of this study was to identify AEs associated with microsurgical occlusion of ruptured aneurysms, as well as to analyse their risk factors and impact on functional outcome. METHODS: Patients with aneurysmal SAH admitted to the neurosurgical centres in Sweden were prospectively registered during a 3.5-year period (2014-2018). AEs were categorised as intraoperative or postoperative. A range of variables from patient history and SAH characteristics were explored as potential risk factors for an AE. Functional outcome was assessed approximately 1 year after the bleeding using the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS: In total, 1037 patients were treated for ruptured aneurysms, of which, 322 patients were treated with microsurgery. There were 105 surgical AEs in 97 patients (30%); 94 were intraoperative AEs in 79 patients (25%). Aneurysm rerupture occurred in 43 patients (13%), temporary occlusion of the parent artery >5 min in 26 patients (8%) and adjacent vessel injury in 25 patients (8%). High Fisher grade and brain oedema on CT were related to increased risk of AEs. At follow-up, 38% of patients had unfavourable outcome. Patients suffering AEs were more likely to have unfavourable outcome (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.10 to 4.69). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative AEs occurred in 25% of patients treated with microsurgery for ruptured intracerebral aneurysm in this nationwide survey. Although most operated patients had favourable outcome, AEs were associated with increased risk of unfavourable outcome.

[Considerations when handling common acute intracranial vascular anomalies]. / Akuta vaskulära neurokirurgiska tillstånd kräver snabb hantering.

Conditions involving intracranial vascular anomalies are increasingly diagnosed, not least incidentally, with the increasing availability of neuroradiological investigations. Acute deterioration and development of symptoms due to a vascular condition could require neurosurgical intervention depending on the nature of the condition and status of the patient. On the other hand, asymptomatic patients with incidental findings require careful consideration and risk assessment when deciding on whether or not to treat the condition, and if so, how. In this review article we provide a summary of some of the most common neurosurgical vascular conditions and outline management considerations in both the acute and elective setting.

The impact of previous health on the mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: analysis of a prospective Swedish multicenter study.

PURPOSE: There is an an increasing awareness of the importance of health and lifestyle for stroke diseases like spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the importance of pre-existing medical conditions for clinical course and mortality after SAH has not been studied. The aim of the present study was to identify pre-existing conditions contributing to mortality after SAH. METHODS: Data were extracted from a Swedish national prospective study on patients with SAH. Variables were defined for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), clinical condition at admission, and for 10 pre-existing medical conditions. Models predicting mortality in three time intervals with all possible subsets of these variables were generated, compared and selected using Akaike's information criterion. RESULTS: 1155 patients with ruptured aneurysms were included. The mortality within 1 week was 7.6%, 1 month 14.3%, and 1 year 18.7%. The most common pre-existing medical conditions were smoking (57.6%) and hypertension (38.7%). The model's best predicting mortality within 1 week and from 1 week to 1 month included only the level of consciousness at admission and age, and these two variables were present in all the models among the top 200 in Akaike score for each time period. The most predictive model for mortality between 1 month and 1 year added previous stroke, diabetes, psychiatric disease, and BMI as predictors. CONCLUSION: Mortality within the first month was best predicted simply by initial level of consciousness and age, while mortality within from 1 month to 1 year was significantly influenced by pre-existing medical conditions.

Cerebral Microdialysis-Based Interventions Targeting Delayed Cerebral Ischemia Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), a complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), is linked to cerebral vasospasm and associated with poor long-term outcome. We implemented a structured cerebral microdialysis (CMD) based protocol using the lactate/pyruvate ratio (LPR) as an indicator of the cerebral energy metabolic status in the neurocritical care decision making, using an LPR ≥ 30 as a cutoff suggesting an energy metabolic disturbance. We hypothesized that CMD monitoring could contribute to active, protocol-driven therapeutic interventions that may lead to the improved management of patients with SAH. METHODS: Between 2018 and 2020, 49 invasively monitored patients with SAH, median Glasgow Coma Scale 11 (range 3-15), and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies scale 4 (range 1-5) on admission receiving CMD were included. We defined a major CMD event as an LPR ≥ 40 for ≥ 2 h and a minor CMD event as an LPR ≥ 30 for ≥ 2 h. RESULTS: We analyzed 7,223 CMD samples over a median of 6 days (5-8). Eight patients had no CMD events. In 41 patients, 113 minor events were recorded, and in 23 patients 42 major events were recorded. Our local protocols were adhered to in 40 major (95%) and 98 minor events (87%), with an active intervention in 32 (76%) and 71 (63%), respectively. Normalization of energy metabolic status (defined as four consecutive samples with LPR < 30 for minor and LPR < 40 for major events) was seen after 69% of major and 59% of minor events. The incidence of DCI-related infarcts was 10% (five patients), with only two observed in a CMD-monitored brain region. CONCLUSIONS: Active interventions were initiated in a majority of LPR events based on CMD monitoring. A low DCI incidence was observed, which may be associated with the active interventions. The potential aid of CMD in the clinical decision-making targeting DCI needs confirmation in additional SAH studies.

Erenumab (AMG 334), a monoclonal antagonist antibody against the canonical CGRP receptor, does not impair vasodilatory or contractile responses to other vasoactive agents in human isolated cranial arteries.

BACKGROUND: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuronal transmitter present in intracranial sensory nerves, where it is involved in migraine pathophysiology as well as other biological functions. Recently, the fully human monoclonal antibody erenumab (AMG 334), which targets the canonical calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor, showed significant prophylactic efficacy and favourable safety in phase II and III clinical trials for episodic and chronic migraine and is now approved for migraine prevention in several countries. OBJECTIVE: Given that calcitonin gene-related peptide can mediate vasodilation, we investigated the effect of erenumab on vasoactive responses in the presence or absence of various vasodilatory and vasocontractile mediators in a model using isolated human cerebral and meningeal arteries. METHODS: Ring segments of human isolated cerebral and meningeal arteries were mounted in a sensitive myograph. On arterial segments pre-contracted with 30 mM potassium chloride, vasoactive responses to calcitonin gene-related peptide were studied in the presence of different concentrations of erenumab. At the maximal tested inhibitory concentration of erenumab (100 nM), functional arterial relaxation in response to nicardipine or substance P, and the contractile responses to sumatriptan and dihydroergotamine were examined. RESULTS: 30 mM potassium chloride produced a stable contraction of the vessel segments and calcitonin gene-related peptide induced a concentration-dependent relaxation. We observed that (i) erenumab had no direct contractile or relaxant effects per se (by itself), (ii) pre-treatment with erenumab antagonized the calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced relaxation in a competitive manner, (iii) the relaxant responses to nicardipine or substance P were unaffected in the presence of erenumab and (iv) the contraction induced by sumatriptan or dihydroergotamine was not modified by erenumab. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that erenumab, while not associated with vasoactive properties per se, specifically inhibits calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced relaxation of cranial arteries without impacting vasodilatory responses or contractile responses of endogenous or pharmacological vasoactive compounds.

Prediction of Long-Term Outcome After Intracerebral Hemorrhage Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for spontaneous primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains controversial. Previous surgical trials have primarily focused on short-term mortality while studies on long-term functional outcome are rare. We therefore conducted this retrospective study of long-term outcome on all ICH patients who underwent craniotomy at a single neurosurgical center during a 10-year period. METHODS: We included all patients >15 years of age who underwent evacuation of spontaneous ICH at Skåne University Hospital between 2003 and 2012. Case fatality at 30 days, 1 year, and long-term follow-up (up to 10 years) were analyzed in relation to potential predictors of outcome. Long-term functional outcome was assessed in 2013 by telephone interview using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: Of 229 operated patients, overall case fatality was 20% at 30 days and 31% at 1 year. For patients with supratentorial ICH, the case fatality was 16% at 30 days and 27% at 1 year, and 29% at 30 days and 41% at 1 year for patients with cerebellar ICH. The most consistent independent predictors of mortality were preictal heart disease and level of consciousness on admission. Of 185 patients with long-term functional outcome available (median follow-up 6.14 years), 44 of them (24%) had a good outcome (mRS score 0-3) and 141 (76%) were severely disabled or dead (mRS score 4-6). CONCLUSIONS: The case fatality in our study was comparatively low, but most survivors lived dependently several years after surgery. Heart disease and level of consciousness were the most consistent predictors of mortality.

Fremanezumab blocks CGRP induced dilatation in human cerebral, middle meningeal and abdominal arteries.

BACKGROUND: Fremanezumab (TEV-48125) is a fully humanized anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibody (mAb) that has shown positive results in the prevention of episodic migraine and chronic migraine. Previous preclinical studies have revealed CGRP antagonistic effects on intracranial arteries (ICA). The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro antagonistic effects of fremanezumab on human arteries. METHODS: Arteries were removed in conjunction with neurosurgery (cerebral, CA, and middle meningeal artery, MMA, n = 7) or reconstructive abdominal surgery (abdominal artery, AA, n = 6). Ring segments of the vessels were mounted in a sensitive myograph, the functional responses of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P and CGRP in increasing concentrations (10- 10-10- 7 M) were studied using pre-contraction with 30 mM potassium chloride (KCl). The concentrations of fremanezumab or isotype control antibody (66.7 nM, 0.33 µM, 0.67 µM) were given 30 min prior to CGRP administration. RESULTS: All included arteries responded with a strong stable contraction to the application of 30 mM KCl. During this pre-contraction, CGRP caused a concentration-dependent relaxation which differed slightly in maximum effect (Imax) between the types of arteries (ICA = 100%; AA 80%). Fremanezumab (66.7 nM) showed a shift in the IC50 value of CGRP, but no significant change in Imax. At higher doses there was also a reduction of Imax. For AA, the Imax decreased from 71% at 66.7 nM, to 4.5% with 0.33 µM of fremanezumab. Isotype control antibody did not modify the responses. There was no effect on concentration-dependent relaxation with VIP with 66.7 nM of fremanezumab or isotype control. CONCLUSION: CGRP relaxes pre-contracted human arteries by 80-100%, but with different IC50; the potency range was ICA < AA. The antagonistic effect and potency of fremanezumab was similar, suggesting that there are vasodilatory CGRP receptors present in all studied arteries and that the antibody may have effect in all studied vessels.

Silver-Coated Ventriculostomy Catheters Do Not Reduce Rates of Clinically Diagnosed Ventriculitis.

BACKGROUND: Ventriculitis is a serious complication when using external ventricular drains (EVDs). Bactericidal silver coating has been reported to reduce risk of infection. In the clinical setting, the diagnosis is often made based on symptoms and analyses of cerebrospinal fluid, with treatment initiated before infection is verified by culture. The bactericidal effect might not correlate with a reduced rate of clinically diagnosed infections. This retrospective study aimed to analyze if use of silver-coated EVDs is associated with a reduced rate of ventriculitis. METHODS: During 1 year, clinical routine was changed from inserting noncoated catheters to silver-coated catheters. Rate of ventriculitis was compared between patient groups based on catheter type. To examine the clinical impact of silver coating, ventriculitis was defined as cases where antibiotic treatment was initiated on clinical suspicion. RESULTS: Among 296 patients (186 noncoated and 110 silver-coated catheters), 18.9% were treated for ventriculitis, with 21.0% in the noncoated group and 15.5% in the silver-coated group (P = 0.242). Silver coating did not reduce the rate of positive cultures. Duration of EVD treatment was the single significant risk factor for ventriculitis. Silver-coated catheters did not reduce the need for cerebrospinal fluid shunt placement, days with antibiotics, days with EVD, or days in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: The previously reported bactericidal effect of silver-coated EVDs did not alter the clinical course to significantly reduce the number of treated cases of ventriculitis. The introduction of silver-coated EVDs cannot be motivated by reduced use of antibiotics or shorter hospital stay.

Long-term reintegration and quality of life in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and a good neurological outcome: findings after more than 20 years.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to examine long-term quality of life (QOL) and reintegration in patients with good neurological recovery after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and SAH of unknown cause (SAH NUD). METHODS A long-term follow-up was performed in an original cohort of 113 individuals who had suffered SAH (93 with aSAH and 20 with SAH NUD) between 1977 and 1984. Self-reporting assessments, performed > 20 years after the bleeding episode, included the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS), Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) index, and Reintegration to Normal Living (RNL) index, along with information on sleep disturbances and work status. RESULTS Seventy-one survivors were identified. Questionnaires were returned by 67 individuals who had suffered SAH 20-28 years previously. The QOL was rated in the normal range for both the QOLS score (aSAH 90.3 vs SAH NUD 88.6) and the PGWB index (aSAH 105.9 vs SAH NUD 102.8). Ninety percent of patients had returned to their previous employment. Complete RNL was reported by 40% of patients with aSAH and by 46% of patients with SAH NUD; mild to moderate readjustment difficulties by 55% and 38%, respectively; and severe difficulties by 5% of patients with aSAH and 15% of patients with SAH NUD. Self-rated aspects of cognition, mood, and energy resources in addition resulted in a substantial drop in overall reintegration. Sleep disturbances were reported by 26%. CONCLUSIONS More than half of patients with SAH who had early good neurological recovery experienced reintegration difficulties after > 20 years. However, the general QOL was not adversely affected by this impairment. Inability to return to work after SAH was associated with lower QOLS scores. Sleep disturbances were associated with lower PGWB scores.

Reduced Quality of Life in Patients with Pituitary Dysfunction After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: Pituitary dysfunction (PD) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been demonstrated in several studies. Given the similarities between psychological symptoms and reduced quality of life (QoL) in patients with PD and fatigue commonly seen in patients after SAH, we investigated the relationship between QoL and PD after SAH. METHODS: There were 51 patients with aneurysmal SAH prospectively recruited and evaluated for health-related QoL using the Psychological General Well-Being Index. Evaluations were conducted 3-6 months (n = 45), 6-12 months (n = 44), and 12-24 months (n = 44) after SAH, with concomitant assessment of endocrine function. The study protocol also included a magnetic resonance imaging examination 3 months after SAH. RESULTS: Mean general well-being scores showed a positive trend from 97.3 at 3-6 months to 104.3 at 12-24 months for all patients. Multiple regression analysis identified age, sex, Hunt and Hess grade, and PD as independent predictors for general well-being. Patients with PD had significantly lower scores compared with patients with normal pituitary function at 3-6 months (85.4 vs. 101.7) and 6-12 months (90.4 vs. 105.3). This result was due to central hypoadrenalism (score 81.6 at 3-6 months and score 82.2 at 6-12 months) but not other types of PD. The extent of magnetic resonance imaging lesions had a significant negative correlation to Glasgow Outcome Scale score at all follow-up evaluations. All patients with hypothalamic magnetic resonance imaging lesions had evidence of PD at some point during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The results support PD, and central hypoadrenalism in particular, as a contributing factor for impaired health-related QoL in patients after SAH.

High prevalence of pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a long-term prospective study using dynamic endocrine testing.

OBJECTIVE: Impaired systemic hormonal activity caused by hypothalamic and pituitary injury may contribute to neuropsychologic disturbances and poor quality of life after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This prospective study was designed to longitudinally evaluate long-term clinical outcome and pituitary function after SAH using dynamic tests for adrencorticotropic and somatotropic secretory capacity. METHODS: Endocrine function was assessed by basal hormonal concentrations at 6-12 months and 12-24 months after SAH. At the 12-24 months follow-up, dynamic provocative evaluation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and growth hormone (GH) was performed using the insulin tolerance test (ITT). In patients where ITT was contraindicated, an ACTH stimulation test was used to assess ACTH capacity, and a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)-arginine stimulation test was used to assess GH capacity. RESULTS: Of 60 patients with SAH screened, 51 were included in the study, and 44 remained to be tested at the two follow-up visits. As assessed by basal hormone concentrations alone, the prevalence of pituitary dysfunction was 34% at 6-12 months and 41% at 12-24 months. When using dynamic tests (12-24 months), impaired pituitary function was detected in 43%. The ITT detected more cases of central hypoadrenalism and GH deficiency compared with the ACTH- and GHRH-arginine-stimulation tests, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Application of dynamic endocrine tests revealed a high frequency of long-term hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal SAH. The role of pituitary dysfunction in the recovery after SAH merits further evaluation.

Pituitary dysfunction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is associated with impaired early outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Poor outcome and neuropsychological sequelae after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a persistent problem. Pituitary dysfunction has been proposed as a contributing factor. Clinical studies have given variable and conflicting results on its importance and incidence after SAH. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine SAH patients with assessment of endocrine function in the acute stage and at early follow-up and to compare clinical SAH features to endocrine abnormalities indicating pituitary dysfunction. METHODS: Endocrine function was assessed by basal hormonal concentrations at 5 to 10 days and 3 to 6 months after SAH. Growth hormone deficiency also was evaluated by the growth hormone releasing hormone-arginine stimulation test at follow-up. Clinical outcome was assessed and scored according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS: Fifty-one SAH patients were included and assessed in the acute stage after the bleed. Six were lost to follow-up. The overall prevalence of pituitary dysfunction was 37% and 27% in the acute stage and at follow-up, respectively. Patients with evidence of pituitary dysfunction had significantly worse outcome according to Glasgow Outcome Scale at both occasions. The ruptured aneurysm was more commonly located in the circle of Willis among patients with pituitary dysfunction in the acute stage. CONCLUSIONS: The present results support earlier findings that hormonal abnormalities are not infrequent after SAH. Furthermore, our data suggest that pituitary dysfunction is associated with worse clinical outcome and is more common among patients with bleeding sites close to the hypothalamus.

Nimodipine in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a randomized study of intravenous or peroral administration.

OBJECT: The calcium antagonist nimodipine has been shown to reduce the incidence of ischemic complications following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Although most randomized studies have been focused on the effect of the peroral administration of nimodipine, intravenous infusion is an alternative and the preferred mode of treatment in many centers. It is unknown whether the route of administration is of any importance for the clinical efficacy of the drug. METHODS: One hundred six patients with acute aneurysmal SAH were randomized to receive either peroral or intravenous nimodipine treatment. The patients were monitored for at least 10 days after bleeding in terms of delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DINDs) and with daily measurements of blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral arteries by using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Three months after SAH, clinical outcome and new cerebral infarctions according to MR imaging studies were recorded. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics (age, sex distribution, clinical status on admission, radiological findings, and aneurysm treatment) did not differ between the treatment groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of DINDs (28 vs 30% in the peroral and intravenous groups, respectively) or middle cerebral artery blood flow velocities (> 120 cm/second, 50 vs 45%, respectively). Clinical outcome according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale was the same in both groups, and there was no difference in the number of patients with new infarctions on MR imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there is no clinically relevant difference in efficacy between peroral and intravenous administration of nimodipine in preventing DINDs or cerebral vasospasm following SAH.

Methylprednisolone treatment in acute spinal cord injury: the myth challenged through a structured analysis of published literature.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Methylprednisolone has evolved during the 1990s, through the results obtained from the National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Studies NASCIS II and III, as a standard treatment in acute spinal injury. PURPOSE: To evaluate the scientific basic for the use of methylprednisolone in acute spinal cord injury. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of the accumulated literature. METHODS: Critical evaluation of the data obtained in the NASCIS II and III studies plus other accumulated literature. RESULTS: Analyses have been made on subgroups of the study populations, and the results were based on statistical artefacts. Furthermore, improved functional recovery shown by these studies was not clinically significant. CONCLUSION: There is insufficient evidence to support the use of methylprednisolone as a standard treatment in acute spinal cord injury.

[Methylprednisolone in the treatment of acute spinal cord injury has become more and more questioned]. / Metylprednisolon alltmer ifrågasatt vid behandling av akut ryggmärgsskada.

Methylprednisolone (MP) has, through the results from the clinical multi-center studies National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study II and III, during the 1990's become standard treatment in acute spinal cord injury (ASCI). Critical reappraisals of the data have later shown that analyses have been made on subgroups of the study-populations and argue that the results are based on statistical artefacts. This, combined with the failure to show improved functional recovery, puts into question earlier conclusions drawn on the efficacy of MP on ASCI. This review of the recent literature on the subject concludes that there is no scientific evidence to support MP as standard treatment in ASCI.