Spin in traumatic brain injury literature: prevalence and associated factors. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Spin is characterized as a misinterpretation of results that, whether deliberate or unintentional, culminates in misleading conclusions and steers readers toward an excessively optimistic perspective of the data. The primary objective of this systematic review was to estimate the prevalence and nature of spin within the traumatic brain injury (TBI) literature. Additionally, the identification of associated factors is intended to provide guidance for future research practices. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations were followed. A search of the MEDLINE/PubMed database was conducted to identify English-language articles published between January 1960 and July 2020. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that exclusively enrolled TBI patients, investigating various interventions, whether surgical or nonsurgical, and that were published in high-impact journals. Spin was defined as 1) a focus on statistically significant results not based on the primary outcome; 2) interpreting statistically nonsignificant results for a superiority analysis of the primary outcome; 3) claiming or emphasizing the beneficial effect of the treatment despite statistically nonsignificant results; 4) conclusion focused in the per-protocol or as-treated analysis instead of the intention-to-treat (ITT) results; 5) incorrect statistical analysis; or 6) republication of a significant secondary analysis without proper acknowledgment of the primary outcome analysis result. Primary outcomes were those explicitly reported as such in the published article. Studies without a clear primary outcome were excluded. The study characteristics were described using traditional descriptive statistics and an exploratory inferential analysis was performed to identify those associated with spin. The studies' risk of bias was evaluated by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. RESULTS: A total of 150 RCTs were included and 22% (n = 33) had spin, most commonly spin types 1 and 3. The overall risk of bias (p < 0.001), a neurosurgery department member as the first author (p = 0.009), absence of a statistician among authors (p = 0.042), and smaller sample sizes (p = 0.033) were associated with spin. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of spin in the TBI literature is high, even at leading medical journals. Studies with higher risks of bias are more frequently associated with spin. Critical interpretation of results and authors' conclusions is advisable regardless of the study design and published journal.

Efficacy and Safety of Atorvastatin for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological condition, especially in the elderly population. Atorvastatin has shown the potential to reduce the recurrence of CSDH and improve overall outcomes. New studies have emerged since the last meta-analysis, increasing the sample size and the variety of outcomes analyzed. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies comparing the use of atorvastatin in CSDH patients with a control group or placebo. The primary outcome was the recurrence of CSDH. Secondary outcomes of interest were hematoma volume, composite adverse effects, mortality, and neurological function, measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and Barthel index for activities of daily living (ADL). RESULTS: 7 studies, of which 2 were RCTs, were included containing 1,192 patients. Overall recurrence significantly decreased compared to the control group (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.25-0.83; p = 0.009). The benefits of atorvastatin were sustained in the subgroup analysis of patients who underwent initial conservative therapy (RR 0.40; 95% CI 0.22-0.70; p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference when atorvastatin was combined with surgical intervention (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.21-1.32; p = 0.17). Adverse effects were not increased by atorvastatin (RR: 0.82; 95% CI 0.51-1.34; p = 0.44). CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin might be beneficial in reducing CSDH recurrence, especially in conservative treatment patients. Atorvastatin was not significantly associated with adverse effects. Larger, higher-quality randomized studies are needed to adequately evaluate the efficacy, safety, and optimal dose of atorvastatin in CSDH patients.

Trans-Spinal Theta Burst Magnetic Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease and Gait Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Gait disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) can become disabling with disease progression without effective treatment. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of intermittent θ burst trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (TsMS) in PD patients with gait and balance disorders. METHODS: This was a randomized, parallel, double-blind, controlled trial. Active or sham TsMS was applied at third thoracic vertebra with 100% of the trans-spinal motor threshold, during 5 consecutive days. Participants were evaluated at baseline, immediately after last session, 1 and 4 weeks after last session. Primary outcome was Total Timed Up and Go (TUG) values comparing active versus sham phases 1 week after intervention. The secondary outcome measurements consisted of motor, gait and balance scales, and questionnaires for quality of life and cognition. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included, average age 68.5 (6.4) years in active group and 70.3 (6.3) years in sham group. In active group, Total TUG mean baseline was 107.18 (95% CI, 52.1-116.1), and 1 week after stimulation was 93.0 (95% CI, 50.7-135.3); sham group, Total TUG mean baseline was 101.2 (95% CI, 47.1-155.3) and 1 week after stimulation 75.2 (95% CI 34.0-116.4), P = 0.54. Similarly, intervention had no significant effects on secondary outcome measurements. During stimulation period, five patients presented with mild side effects (three in active group and two in sham group). DISCUSSION: TsMS did not significantly improve gait or balance analysis in patients with PD and gait disorders. The protocol was safe and well tolerated. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Brain tissue oxygen combined with intracranial pressure monitoring versus isolated intracranial pressure monitoring in patients with traumatic brain injury: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) is pivotal in the management of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), but secondary brain injuries can arise despite normal ICP levels. Cerebral tissue oxygenation monitoring (PbtO2) may detect neuronal tissue infarction thresholds, enhancing neuroprotection. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of combined cerebral tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) and ICP compared to isolated ICP monitoring in patients with TBI. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Sciences databases were searched for trials published up to June 2023. A total of 16 studies comprising 37,820 patients were included. ICP monitoring was universal, with additional placement of PbtO2 in 2222 individuals (5.8%). The meta-analysis revealed a reduction in mortality (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.37-0.89, p = 0.01), a greater likelihood of favorable outcomes (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.66-3.14, p < 0.01), and a lower chance of poor outcomes (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34-0.79, p < 0.01) at 6 months for the PbtO2 plus ICP group. However, these patients experienced a longer length of hospital stay (MD 2.35, 95% CI 0.50-4.20, p = 0.01). No significant difference was found in hospital mortality rates (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.61-1.08, p = 0.16) or intensive care unit length of stay (MD 2.46, 95% CI - 0.11-5.04, p = 0.06). The integration of PbtO2 to ICP monitoring improved mortality outcomes and functional recovery at 6 months in patients with TBI. PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) CRD42022383937; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=383937.

Consensus-Based Development of a Global Registry for Traumatic Brain Injury: Establishment, Protocol, and Implementation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Global disparity exists in the demographics, pathology, management, and outcomes of surgically treated traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the factors underlying these differences, including intervention effectiveness, remain unclear. Establishing a more accurate global picture of the burden of TBI represents a challenging task requiring systematic and ongoing data collection of patients with TBI across all management modalities. The objective of this study was to establish a global registry that would enable local service benchmarking against a global standard, identification of unmet need in TBI management, and its evidence-based prioritization in policymaking. METHODS: The registry was developed in an iterative consensus-based manner by a panel of neurotrauma professionals. Proposed registry objectives, structure, and data points were established in 2 international multidisciplinary neurotrauma meetings, after which a survey consisting of the same data points was circulated within the global neurotrauma community. The survey results were disseminated in a final meeting to reach a consensus on the most pertinent registry variables. RESULTS: A total of 156 professionals from 53 countries, including both high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries, responded to the survey. The final consensus-based registry includes patients with TBI who required neurosurgical admission, a neurosurgical procedure, or a critical care admission. The data set comprised clinically pertinent information on demographics, injury characteristics, imaging, treatments, and short-term outcomes. Based on the consensus, the Global Epidemiology and Outcomes following Traumatic Brain Injury (GEO-TBI) registry was established. CONCLUSION: The GEO-TBI registry will enable high-quality data collection, clinical auditing, and research activity, and it is supported by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies and the National Institute of Health Research Global Health Program. The GEO-TBI registry ( https://geotbi.org ) is now open for participant site recruitment. Any center involved in TBI management is welcome to join the collaboration to access the registry.

Impact of Medical and Neurologic Complications on the Outcome of Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Middle-Income Country.

OBJECTIVE: Almost two thirds of the world's aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are in low- and middle-income countries. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the impact of complications on the outcome of aSAH in a middle-income country. METHODS: Baseline data (age, sex, World Federation of Neurosurgical Society, time ictus-treatment, treatment modality) and medical and neurologic complications from a cohort in Brazil (2016-2019) were evaluated: delayed cerebral ischemia; hydrocephalus; meningitis; seizures; intracranial hypertension; infections (pneumonia, bloodstream, urinary tract infection infection of undetermined source); sodium disturbances; acute kidney injury; and cardiac and pulmonary complications. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at hospital discharge. Univariate and multivariate models were employed. RESULTS: From 212 patients (71.7% female, age 52.7 ± 12.8), 92% developed at least 1 complication (any infection-43.9%, hydrocephalus-34.4%, intracranial hypertension-33%, infection of undetermined source-20.8%, hypernatremia-20.8%, hyponatremia-19.8%, delayed cerebral ischemia-related infarction-18.7%, pneumonia-18.4%, acute kidney injury-16.5%, and seizures-11.8%). In unadjusted analysis, all but hyponatremia and urinary tract infection were associated with mRS 3-6 at discharge; however, complications explained only 12% of the variation in functional outcome (mRS). Most patients were treated by clipping (66.5%), and 15.6% (33 patients) did not receive a definitive treatment. The median time ictus-admission and ictus-treatment were 5 and 9 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: While medical and neurologic complications are a recognized opportunity to improve aSAH care, low- and middle-income countries comprise 70% of the world population and still encounter difficulties concerning early definitive aneurysm treatment, rebleeding, and human and material resources.

Treatment of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus with a Novel Programmable Valve: Prospective Evaluation of Costs, Efficacy, and Safety.

Objective Programmable valves provide an equal or superior neurological outcome when compared with fixed pressure ones, with fewer complications, in treating idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients. Long-term costs of these treatments have not been properly compared in literature. We sought to compare costs, efficacy, and safety of 1-year treatment of iNPH patients with programmable valve Sphera Pro and a fixed pressure valve. Materials and Methods A prospective cohort of iNPH patients treated with programmable valve was compared with a historical cohort of iNPH patients treated with fixed pressure valve. Our primary outcome was mean direct cost of treating iNPH up to 1 year. Efficacy in treating iNPH and safety were assessed as secondary outcomes. Statistical Analysis Proportions were compared using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. Normally distributed variables were compared using the Student's t -test or the Mann-Whitney's U test. Differences in the evolution of the variables over time were assessed using generalized estimating equations. All tests were two-sided, with an α of 0.05. Results A total of 19 patients were analyzed in each group (mean age 75 years, the majority male). Comorbidities and clinical presentation were similar between groups. Both fixed pressure and programmable valve patients had neurological improvement over time ( p < 0.001), but no difference was seen between groups ( p = 0.104). The fixed pressure valve group had more complications than the programmable valve group (52.6% vs. 10.5%, respectively, p = 0.013). Annual treatment cost per patient was US$ 3,820 ± 2,231 in the fixed pressure valve group and US$ 3,108 ± 553 in the programmable valve group. Mean difference was US$712 (95% confidence interval, 393-1,805) in favor of the programmable valve group. Conclusion The Sphera Pro valve with gravitational unit had 1 year treatment cost not higher than that of fixed pressure valve, and resulted in similar efficacy and fewer complications.

An international, prospective observational study on traumatic brain injury epidemiology study protocol: GEO-TBI: Incidence.

Background: The epidemiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unclear - it is estimated to affect 27-69 million individuals yearly with the bulk of the TBI burden in low-to-middle income countries (LMICs). Research has highlighted significant between-hospital variability in TBI outcomes following emergency surgery, but the overall incidence and epidemiology of TBI remains unclear. To address this need, we established the Global Epidemiology and Outcomes following Traumatic Brain Injury (GEO-TBI) registry, enabling recording of all TBI cases requiring admission irrespective of surgical treatment. Objective: The GEO-TBI: Incidence study aims to describe TBI epidemiology and outcomes according to development indices, and to highlight best practices to facilitate further comparative research. Design: Multi-centre, international, registry-based, prospective cohort study. Subjects: Any unit managing TBI and participating in the GEO-TBI registry will be eligible to join the study. Each unit will select a 90-day study period. All TBI patients meeting the registry inclusion criteria (neurosurgical/ICU admission or neurosurgical operation) during the selected study period will be included in the GEO-TBI: Incidence. Methods: All units will form a study team, that will gain local approval, identify eligible patients and input data. Data will be collected via the secure registry platform and validated after collection. Identifiers may be collected if required for local utility in accordance with the GEO-TBI protocol. Data: Data related to initial presentation, interventions and short-term outcomes will be collected in line with the GEO-TBI core dataset, developed following consensus from an iterative survey and feedback process. Patient demographics, injury details, timing and nature of interventions and post-injury care will be collected alongside associated complications. The primary outcome measures for the study will be the Glasgow Outcome at Discharge Scale (GODS) and 14-day mortality. Secondary outcome measures will be mortality and extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) at the most recent follow-up timepoint.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant global health problem, which affects 27­69 million people every year. After-effects of TBI commonly affect the injured individuals for years. Most patients who sustain a TBI are from developing countries. Research has shown that there are differences in patients' recovery after TBI between countries and hospitals. The causes of these differences are unclear and tackling them could improve TBI treatment worldwide. To address this need, we have recently established the Global Epidemiology and Outcomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury (GEO-TBI) registry. The international collaborative registry aims to collect data related to the causes, treatments and outcomes related to TBI patients. This data will hopefully enable future research to elucidate the causes of the recovery differences between hospitals, which could lead to improved patient outcomes. The GEO-TBI: Incidence study collects data from all TBI patients that are admitted to participating hospitals or undergo a neurosurgical operation due to TBI during a 90-day period. This study looks at the patient's recovery at discharge using the Glasgow Outcome at Discharge Scale (GODS), and at the 2-week mortality. In addition, the study also evaluates recovery at the most recent follow-up timepoint. We hope that this information will enhance our understanding on the causes, treatments, and commonness of TBI. The study results will also help local hospitals compare their treatment results to an international standard.

Brain Spectroscopy Analysis in Retired Soccer Players With Chronic Exposure to Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Soccer players are at risk of suffering cranial injuries in the short and long term. There is growing concern that this may lead to traumatic brain injury in soccer players. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an analytical method that enables the measurement of changes in brain metabolites that usually occur before significant structural changes. This study aimed to use MRS to compare variations in brain metabolite levels between retired soccer players and a control group. Twenty retired professional soccer players and 22 controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging, including MRS sequences and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Metabolite analysis was conducted based on absolute concentration and relative ratios. N-acetyl-aspartate, choline, glutamate, glutamine, and myoinositol were the metabolites of interest for the statistical analysis. Retired soccer players had an average age of 57.8 years, whereas the control group had an average age of 63.2 years. Median cognitive evaluation score, assessed using the MMSE, was 28 [26-29] for athletes and 29 [28-30] for controls (p = 0.01). Uni- and multi-variate analyses of the absolute concentration of metabolites (mM) between former athletes and controls did not yield any statistically significant results. Comparison of metabolites to creatine ratio concentrations did not yield any statistically significant results. There were no changes in concentrations of brain metabolites that indicated brain metabolic changes in retired soccer players compared with controls.

Efficacy and Safety of Clazosentan After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Clazosentan has been studied to treat cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials updates the current knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of clazosentan compared with placebo after aSAH. METHODS: Databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials directly comparing the use of clazosentan and placebo for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm after aSAH. Additional eligibility criteria were the report of any of the outcomes of interest (vasospasm, morbidity, functional outcome, or mortality). The primary outcome was vasospasm-related delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The analyses were stratified by clazosentan dosage (low or high dose) and aneurysm treatment modality (clipping or coiling). The Cochrane RoB-2 tool was used for studies quality assessment. RESULTS: Six studies comprising 7 clinical trials were included, involving 2778 patients. Clazosentan decreased the risk of vasospasm-related DCI (risk ratio [RR] 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.81) and delayed ischemic neurological deficit (RR 0.63, 95% 0.50-0.80). Angiographic vasospasm (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.47-0.61) was also decreased. Functional outcomes (favorable Glasgow Outcome Scale, RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.79-1.24) and death (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.71-1.49) did not change. Meanwhile, adverse events were increased by clazosentan (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.35-1.76). CONCLUSION: Clazosentan decreased vasospasm-related DCI and angiographic vasospasm but did not improve functional outcomes or mortality. Adverse events were increased by clazosentan.

Immunomodulatory response in an experimental model of brain death.

Liver transplantation has come a long way and is now regarded as the gold standard treatment for end-stage liver failure. The great majority of livers utilized in transplantation come from brain-dead donors. A broad inflammatory response characterizes BD, resulting in multiorgan damage. This process is primarily mediated by cytokines, which increase the immunogenicity of the graft. In male Lewis rats, we evaluated the immune response in a BD liver donor and compared it to that of a control group. We studied two groups: Control and BD (rats subjected to BD by increasing intracranial pressure). After the induction of BD, there was an intense rise in blood pressure followed by a fall. There were no significant differences observed between the groups. Blood tissue and hepatic tissue analyzes showed an increase in plasma concentrations of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH and ALP), in addition to pro-inflammatory cytokines and macrophages in liver tissue in animals submitted to BD. The current study found that BD is a multifaceted process that elicits both a systemic immune response and a local inflammatory response in liver tissue. Our findings strongly suggested that the immunogenicity of plasma and liver increased with time following BD.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios and prognosis after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) prognosis remains poor. Vasospasm mechanism might be associated with inflammation. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been studied as inflammation markers and prognostic predictors. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate NLR and PLR in admission as predictors of angiographic vasospasm and functional outcome at 6 months. METHODS: This cohort study included consecutive aneurysmal SAH patients admitted to a tertiary center. Complete blood count was recorded at admission before treatment. White blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, NLR, and PLR were collected as independent variables. Vasospasm occurrence-modified Rankin scale (mRS), Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), and Hunt-Hess score at admission and at 6 months were recorded as dependent variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential confounding and to assess the independent prognostic value of NLR and PLR at admission. RESULTS: A total of 74.1% of the patients were female, with mean age of 55.6 ± 12.4 years. At admission, the median Hunt-Hess score was 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1), and the median mFisher was 3 (IQR 1). Microsurgical clipping was the treatment for 66.2% of the patients. Angiographic vasospasm incidence was 16.5%. At 6 months, the median GOS was 4 (IQR 0.75), and the median mRS was 3 (IQR 1.5). Twenty-one patients (15.1%) died. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and PLR levels did not differ between favorable and unfavorable (mRS > 2 or GOS < 4) functional outcomes. No variables were significantly associated with angiographic vasospasm. CONCLUSION: Admission NLR and PLR presented no value for prediction of functional outcome or angiographic vasospasm risk. Further research is needed in this field.

ANTECEDENTES: O prognóstico da hemorragia subaracnoidea (HSA) permanece ruim. Vasoespasmo pode estar associado à inflamação. Razões neutrófilo-linfócito (NLR) e plaqueta-linfócito (PLR) têm sido estudadas como marcadores de inflamação e prognóstico. OBJETIVO: Investigar NLR e PLR na admissão como preditores de vasoespasmo angiográfico e desfecho aos 6 meses. MéTODOS: Este estudo de coorte incluiu pacientes consecutivos com HSA aneurismática de um centro terciário. Contagem de leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos e plaquetas, proporção de neutrófilos para linfócitos e de plaquetas para linfócitos foram coletados como variáveis independentes. Ocorrência de vasoespasmo, escala de Rankin modificada, escala de desfecho de Glasgow e o escore de Hunt-Hess na admissão e 6 meses após a mesma foram registradas como variáveis dependentes. Modelos de regressão logística multivariável foram usados para ajustar potenciais fatores de confusão e avaliar valor prognóstico independente de NLR e PLR. RESULTADOS: Um total de 74,1% pacientes eram do sexo feminino, com idade média de 55,6 ± 12,4 anos. Na admissão, a pontuação média de Hunt-Hess foi de 2 (IQR 1) e a mediana de mFisher foi de 3 (IQR 1). Clipagem microcirúrgica foi o tratamento escolhido para 66,2% dos pacientes. A incidência de vasoespasmo angiográfico foi de 16,5%. Aos 6 meses, a escala de desfecho de Glasgow mediana era 4 (IQR 0,75) e a escala de Rankin modificada mediana era 3 (IQR 1,5). Vinte e um pacientes (15,1%) morreram. Os níveis de NLR e PLR não diferiram entre resultados funcionais favoráveis e desfavoráveis (mRS > 2 ou GOS < 4). Nenhuma variável foi significativamente associada ao vasoespasmo angiográfico. CONCLUSãO: Razão neutrófilo-linfócito e a PLR não apresentaram valor preditivo de desfecho funcional ou risco de vasoespasmo angiográfico. Mais pesquisas são necessárias neste campo.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios and prognosis after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a cohort study / Razão neutrófilos-linfócitos e razão plaquetas-linfócitos e o prognóstico de hemorragia subaracnóidea aneurismática: um estudo de coorte

Abstract Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) prognosis remains poor. Vasospasm mechanism might be associated with inflammation. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been studied as inflammation markers and prognostic predictors. Objective We aimed to investigate NLR and PLR in admission as predictors of angiographic vasospasm and functional outcome at 6 months. Methods This cohort study included consecutive aneurysmal SAH patients admitted to a tertiary center. Complete blood count was recorded at admission before treatment. White blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, NLR, and PLR were collected as independent variables. Vasospasm occurrence-modified Rankin scale (mRS), Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), and Hunt-Hess score at admission and at 6 months were recorded as dependent variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential confounding and to assess the independent prognostic value of NLR and PLR at admission. Results A total of 74.1% of the patients were female, with mean age of 55.6 ± 12.4 years. At admission, the median Hunt-Hess score was 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1), and the median mFisher was 3 (IQR 1). Microsurgical clipping was the treatment for 66.2% of the patients. Angiographic vasospasm incidence was 16.5%. At 6 months, the median GOS was 4 (IQR 0.75), and the median mRS was 3 (IQR 1.5). Twenty-one patients (15.1%) died. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and PLR levels did not differ between favorable and unfavorable (mRS > 2 or GOS < 4) functional outcomes. No variables were significantly associated with angiographic vasospasm. Conclusion Admission NLR and PLR presented no value for prediction of functional outcome or angiographic vasospasm risk. Further research is needed in this field.

Resumo Antecedentes O prognóstico da hemorragia subaracnoidea (HSA) permanece ruim. Vasoespasmo pode estar associado à inflamação. Razões neutrófilo-linfócito (NLR) e plaqueta-linfócito (PLR) têm sido estudadas como marcadores de inflamação e prognóstico. Objetivo Investigar NLR e PLR na admissão como preditores de vasoespasmo angiográfico e desfecho aos 6 meses. Métodos Este estudo de coorte incluiu pacientes consecutivos com HSA aneurismática de um centro terciário. Contagem de leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos e plaquetas, proporção de neutrófilos para linfócitos e de plaquetas para linfócitos foram coletados como variáveis independentes. Ocorrência de vasoespasmo, escala de Rankin modificada, escala de desfecho de Glasgow e o escore de Hunt-Hess na admissão e 6 meses após a mesma foram registradas como variáveis dependentes. Modelos de regressão logística multivariável foram usados para ajustar potenciais fatores de confusão e avaliar valor prognóstico independente de NLR e PLR. Resultados Um total de 74,1% pacientes eram do sexo feminino, com idade média de 55,6 ± 12,4 anos. Na admissão, a pontuação média de Hunt-Hess foi de 2 (IQR 1) e a mediana de mFisher foi de 3 (IQR 1). Clipagem microcirúrgica foi o tratamento escolhido para 66,2% dos pacientes. A incidência de vasoespasmo angiográfico foi de 16,5%. Aos 6 meses, a escala de desfecho de Glasgow mediana era 4 (IQR 0,75) e a escala de Rankin modificada mediana era 3 (IQR 1,5). Vinte e um pacientes (15,1%) morreram. Os níveis de NLR e PLR não diferiram entre resultados funcionais favoráveis e desfavoráveis (mRS > 2 ou GOS < 4). Nenhuma variável foi significativamente associada ao vasoespasmo angiográfico. Conclusão Razão neutrófilo-linfócito e a PLR não apresentaram valor preditivo de desfecho funcional ou risco de vasoespasmo angiográfico. Mais pesquisas são necessárias neste campo.

Patient satisfaction in ambulatory anesthesia assessed by the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Service quality in anesthesiology has been frequently measured by morbidity and mortality. This measure increasingly considers patient satisfaction, which is the result of care from the client's perspective. Therefore, anesthesiologists must be able to build relationships with patients, provide understandable information and involve them in decisions about their anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the peri-anesthetic care provided by the anesthesia service in an ambulatory surgery unit using the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire to evaluate 1211 patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. We selected questions that showed a greater degree of dissatisfaction and correlated them with patient characterization data (age, sex, education, and ASA physical status), anesthesia data (type, time, and prior experience), and surgical specialty. Results: Questions in which patients tended to show dissatisfaction involved fear of anesthesia and surgery, feeling cold, the urgent need to urinate, pain at the surgical site, and the team's level of concern and speed of response in relieving the patient's pain. Conclusion: The Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire proved to be a useful tool in identifying points of dissatisfaction, mainly fear of anesthesia and surgery, feeling cold, the urgent need to urinate, pain at the surgical site, and the team's level of concern and speed of response in relieving the patient's pain in the population studied. These were correlated with patient, anesthesia, and surgical variables. This allows the establishment of priorities at the different points of care, with the ultimate goal of improving patient satisfaction regarding anesthesia care.

Noninvasive intracranial pressure waveforms for estimation of intracranial hypertension and outcome prediction in acute brain-injured patients.

Analysis of intracranial pressure waveforms (ICPW) provides information on intracranial compliance. We aimed to assess the correlation between noninvasive ICPW (NICPW) and invasively measured intracranial pressure (ICP) and to assess the NICPW prognostic value in this population. In this cohort, acute brain-injured (ABI) patients were included within 5 days from admission in six Intensive Care Units. Mean ICP (mICP) values and the P2/P1 ratio derived from NICPW were analyzed and correlated with outcome, which was defined as: (a) early death (ED); survivors on spontaneous breathing (SB) or survivors on mechanical ventilation (MV) at 7 days from inclusion. Intracranial hypertension (IHT) was defined by ICP > 20 mmHg. A total of 72 patients were included (mean age 39, 68% TBI). mICP and P2/P1 values were significantly correlated (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). P2/P1 ratio was significantly higher in patients with IHT and had an area under the receiving operator curve (AUROC) to predict IHT of 0.88 (95% CI 0.78-0.98). mICP and P2/P1 ratio was also significantly higher for ED group (n = 10) than the other groups. The AUROC of P2/P1 to predict ED was 0.71 [95% CI 0.53-0.87], and the threshold P2/P1 > 1.2 showed a sensitivity of 60% [95% CI 31-83%] and a specificity of 69% [95% CI 57-79%]. Similar results were observed when decompressive craniectomy patients were excluded. In this study, P2/P1 derived from noninvasive ICPW assessment was well correlated with IHT. This information seems to be as associated with ABI patients outcomes as ICP.Trial registration: NCT03144219, Registered 01 May 2017 Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03144219 .

Sarcopenia as a Predictor of the Functional Outcome in Patients with Intracranial Aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: Radiological indicators in head computed tomography (CT) scan have emerged as tools to evaluate sarcopenia using the sectional area and thickness of the temporal muscle. They can be obtained by standardized measurements in preoperative image assessment of patients with brain aneurysms. We aimed to evaluate the association between functional outcomes after interventions for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and temporal muscle thickness (TMT) and area (TMA), as surrogates of sarcopenia. METHODS: This is a prospective observational cohort study in patients who underwent microsurgery or embolization for ruptured or unruptured IA between January 2018 and December 2019, with a 6-month follow-up. Preoperative CT scans were analyzed to measure TMT and TMA. The functional outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The main outcome was the relationship between sarcopenia and the postoperative functional outcome. RESULTS: A total of 361 patients were included, of whom 199 (55.1%) had ruptured and 162 (44.9%) had unruptured lesions. Larger TMA significantly predicted better functional outcomes at discharge. TMT was associated with functional outcomes at both discharge and 6 months, adjusted for rupture and hypertension. Maximizing the sum sensitivity-specificity, an optimal TMT cutoff of 6.25 mm can predict unfavorable outcomes. Maximizing the positive predictive value × negative predictive value of a product, the cutpoint was 3.55 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia, represented by TMT and TMA, is associated with poorer functional results at discharge and 6-month follow-up in IA surgery. TMT below 6.25 mm was associated with unfavorable functional outcomes. These easily obtainable measurements may improve the decision-making process for patients with IAs.

Patient satisfaction in ambulatory anesthesia assessed by the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Service quality in anesthesiology has been frequently measured by morbidity and mortality. This measure increasingly considers patient satisfaction, which is the result of care from the client's perspective. Therefore, anesthesiologists must be able to build relationships with patients, provide understandable information and involve them in decisions about their anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the peri-anesthetic care provided by the anesthesia service in an ambulatory surgery unit using the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire to evaluate 1211 patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. We selected questions that showed a greater degree of dissatisfaction and correlated them with patient characterization data (age, sex, education, and ASA physical status), anesthesia data (type, time, and prior experience), and surgical specialty. RESULTS: Questions in which patients tended to show dissatisfaction involved fear of anesthesia and surgery, feeling cold, the urgent need to urinate, pain at the surgical site, and the team's level of concern and speed of response in relieving the patient's pain. CONCLUSION: The Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire proved to be a useful tool in identifying points of dissatisfaction, mainly fear of anesthesia and surgery, feeling cold, the urgent need to urinate, pain at the surgical site, and the team's level of concern and speed of response in relieving the patient's pain in the population studied. These were correlated with patient, anesthesia, and surgical variables. This allows the establishment of priorities at the different points of care, with the ultimate goal of improving patient satisfaction regarding anesthesia care.

The Role of VASOGRADE as a Simple Grading Scale to Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Functional Outcome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The VASOGRADE is a simple aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) grading scale that combines the modified Fisher scale (mFisher) and the World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) grading system, allowing the stratification of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) risk. However, the VASOGRADE accuracy in predicting functional outcomes is still to be determined. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated a multiethnic cohort of consecutive patients with aSAH admitted to a high-volume center in Brazil from January 2016 to January 2019. Patients were classified according to the severity of the clinical presentation (WFNS), the amount of blood in the initial head computerized tomography (mFisher) scan, and the VASOGRADE (green, yellow, red). The primary outcome was to detect DCI-related cerebral infarction, and the secondary outcome was the functional outcome at hospital discharge according to the modified Rankin scale (mRs). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed. RESULTS: A total of 212 patients (71.7% female, mean age 52.7 ± 12.8) were included. Sixty-nine patients were classified as VASOGRADE-Green (32.5%), 98 patients as VASOGRADE-Yellow (46.9%), and 45 patients as VASOGRADE-Red (20.6%). DCI-related infarction was present in 39 patients (18.9%). The proportions of patients in the VASOGRADE-Green, VASOGRADE-Yellow, and VASOGRADE-Red categories with DCI-related infarction were 7.7, 61.5, and 30.8%, respectively. After a multivariable analysis including age, sex, aneurysm location, and the VASOGRADE classification as variables, both VASOGRADE-Yellow and VASOGRADE-Red were independently associated with DCI-related infarction (odds ratio [OR] 7.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.13-27.8, and OR 8.07, 95% CI 2.03-32.11, respectively) and unfavorable outcome (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.33-13.03, and OR 25.57, 95% CI 4.45-147.1, respectively). The VASOGRADE discrimination performance for DCI-related infarction (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) was 0.67 ± 0.04 (95% CI 0.58-0.75; p = 0.001). VASOGRADE-Red had 97.5% specificity for predicting an unfavorable mRs score at discharge (95% CI 92.8-99.5%). Conversely, VASOGRADE-Green had an excellent specificity for predicting favorable outcome at discharge (mRs score 0-2, 95% CI 82.6-95.5%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in a multiethnic cohort of patients with aSAH, VASOGRADE-Green predicted the absence of DCI and good clinical outcome at discharge with very high specificity, and patients in this category might be selected for early intensive care unit (ICU) discharge, minimizing costs and medical complications associated with prolonged hospital stay. On the other hand, patients categorized as VASOGRADE-Yellow and VASOGRADE-Red were at the highest risk for DCI. They should, therefore, be selected as a priority for care in high-volume aSAH centers, being aggressively monitored for DCI at the ICU. Such stratification methods are crucial, especially in countries with low financial resources and high health care services demand.

Rete Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report and Systematic Review.

Background Middle cerebral artery (MCA) anomalies are a rare finding and may be associated with vascular changes, such as intracranial aneurysms. Among them, the rete MCA aneurysm is very rare, with only 22 cases reported to date. Case Description A 50-year-old woman presented with subarachnoid, intraventricular, and intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to a ruptured aneurysm of rete MCA from an anomalous collateral artery of the anterior cerebral artery, treated successfully by microsurgical clipping. She presented a good recovery after a 2-year follow-up. Conclusion A systematic review of rete MCA aneurysms is presented, comparing aneurysms originating from twig-like MCA, with 16 reports, and twig-like networks of an anomalous collateral artery, with 6 reports including ours. Several factors influence the treatment decision-making, though microsurgical clipping is the main procedure. A wider use of coiling is requested for a better comparison of the treatment approaches.