Neurocritical care
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Warfarin-associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) requires rapid normalization of clotting function. Current therapies are associated with significant complications and/or prolonged time to correction of coagulopathy. Recombinant factor VIIa (FVIIa) might allow faster and safer correction of coagulopathy. ⋯ FVIIa may be an effective adjunct to FFP in warfarin-related ICH, facilitating faster correction of INR and decreasing FFP requirements. A prospective, randomized trial is needed to confirm these preliminary findings and to determine whether there is a clinical benefit.
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This is a phase-2 safety trial to demonstrate the ability of frameless stereotactic aspiration and thrombolysis of ICH to safely remove blood. ⋯ Frameless stereotactic aspiration and thrombolysis (FAST) of deep spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is a safe therapy that is associated with reduction in ICH volume, early improvement in NIHSS and potentially could be used to improve outcome.
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Propofol infusion syndrome is described in the pediatric literature as metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and bradycardia that results in death. The pathogenesis of this syndrome is thought to be activation of the systemic inflammatory response, which culminates in acidosis and muscle necrosis. ⋯ These data show an association between extended propofol use and metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and death in adults, as well as children. Risk factors for propofol infusion syndrome in adults include lean body mass index, high dose, and administration of more than 24-hour duration. Creatine phosphokinase, lactic acid levels, electrolytes, and arterial blood gases should be monitored frequently. Both bacterial and fungal cultures should be obtained. If this syndrome is suspected, hemodialysis should be considered. In fatal cases, autopsy should include electron microscopy of cardiac and skeletal muscle to look for mitochondrial dysfunction. Further study is warranted.
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Cerebral vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with poor outcome. The safety and feasibility of continuous high-dose intravenous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) for the prevention of cerebral vasospasm and ischemic cerebral injury has not been well studied. ⋯ Our study confirmed the safety and feasibility of a continuous infusion of high-dose intravenous MgSO4 in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the promising results.
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Cerebral air embolism is a neurological emergency. It has been reported following cardiac catheterization, central venous catheter insertion, and cardiothoracic surgery. ⋯ The prompt recognition of cerebral air embolism secondary to IABP rupture requires a high level of suspicion and is confirmed by head CT.