Endoglin gene insertion polymorphism not associated with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECT: Data concerning an association between the ENG gene intronic insertion polymorphism and intracrahial aneurysms (IAs) remain inconsistent. In this study the authors investigated whether this polymorphism is associated with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) caused by a ruptured IA in a Polish population. METHODS: One hundred nineteen patients with aneurysmal SAH and 119 sex-matched healthy volunteers were studied. The insertion ENG gene polymorphism in intron 7 was identified using polymerase chain reaction-single-strand chain polymorphism method. The distribution of the insertion allele did not differ between the SAH (13%) and control (16%) cases (p = 0.36). The homozygous insertion/insertion genotype frequencies in these cases were 3.4 and 0.8%, respectively (p = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: The authors failed to find an association between the intronic insertion polymorphism of the ENG gene and aneurysmal SAH in a Polish population.

Is mannitol safe for patients with intracerebral hemorrhages? Renal considerations.

OBJECTIVES: Mannitol, a drug widely used to decrease intracranial pressure, can cause renal failure. The goal of this study is to determine the renal safety of mannitol therapy in patients with intraparenchymal hemorrhages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 51 patients with intracerebral hemorrhages were treated with mannitol according to guideline of American Heart Association. Serum urea and creatinine levels were measured before mannitol administration and on the 2nd, 5th and 14th day. RESULTS: Transient elevation of urea and creatinine concentration was noticed, however, none of patients developed anuria or oliguria. CONCLUSIONS: Our study points out safety of mannitol therapy under control of osmolality, although control of urea and creatinine concentrations in special group of patients (persons with history of renal failure or diabetes) should be considered.