High Early Fluid Input After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Combined Report of Association With Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Feasibility of Cardiac Output-Guided Fluid Restriction.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines on the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) recommend euvolemia, whereas hypervolemia may cause harm. We investigated whether high early fluid input is associated with delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and if fluid input can be safely decreased using transpulmonary thermodilution (TPT). METHODS: We retrospectively included aSAH patients treated at an academic intensive care unit (2007-2011; cohort 1) or managed with TPT (2011-2013; cohort 2). Local guidelines recommended fluid input of 3 L daily. More fluids were administered when daily fluid balance fell below +500 mL. In cohort 2, fluid input in high-risk patients was guided by cardiac output measured by TPT per a strict protocol. Associations of fluid input and balance with DCI were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression (cohort 1), and changes in hemodynamic indices after institution of TPT assessed with linear mixed models (cohort 2). RESULTS: Cumulative fluid input 0 to 72 hours after admission was associated with DCI in cohort 1 (n=223; odds ratio [OR] 1.19/L; 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.32), whereas cumulative fluid balance was not. In cohort 2 (23 patients), using TPT fluid input could be decreased from 6.0 ± 1.0 L before to 3.4 ± 0.3 L; P = .012), while preload parameters and consciousness remained stable. CONCLUSION: High early fluid input was associated with DCI. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring was feasible to reduce fluid input while maintaining preload. These results indicate that fluid loading beyond a normal preload occurs, may increase DCI risk, and can be minimized with TPT.

Craniosynostosis surgery in an infant with a complex cyanotic cardiac defect.

We report on a case where craniosynostosis surgery for a left-sided coronal synostosis was performed successfully on an 11-month old infant with a hypoplastic left ventricle with a dysplastic mitral valve, double outlet right ventricle, transposition of the great arteries, atrial septal defect, multiple ventricular septal defects, and surgically applied pulmonary banding. Craniosynostosis surgery is considered high-risk surgery, because of possible sudden and extensive blood loss, and is usually performed in cardiopulmonary healthy children. Children with congenital heart disease undergoing noncardiac surgery have an increased risk of perioperative morbidity and cardiac arrest. Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome are a high-risk population when undergoing noncardiac surgery, in all stages of palliation. This infant would be undergoing a partial cavo-pulmonary connection (PCPC) within a few months. With a PCPC, drainage of cranial vessels is dependent on passive flow via the superior caval vein directly into the pulmonary artery. Consequently, this could lead to an increased blood loss during craniosynostosis surgery. Therefore, it was decided to perform the craniosynostosis surgery first, before establishing a PCPC. When a child with CHD presents for high-risk noncardiac surgery, future cardiac procedures and physiology also have to be taken into account. A multidisciplinary approach, involving pediatric cardiologists and pediatric anesthesiologists, is essential in making this decision.