Neurocritical care
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An external ventricular drain (EVD) is the gold standard for measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) and allows for drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Different causes of elevated ICP, such as CSF outflow obstruction or cerebral swelling, respond differently to CSF drainage. This is a widely recognized but seldom quantified distinction. We sought to define an index to characterize the response to CSF drainage in neurocritical care patients. ⋯ PE ratio reflects the ability to equalize pressure with the preset height of the EVD and differs substantially between TBI and non-TBI patients. A high PE ratio likely indicates CSF outflow obstruction effectively treated by CSF diversion, while a lower PE ratio occurs when cerebral swelling predominates. Further studies could assess whether the PE ratio would be useful as a surrogate marker for cerebral edema or the state of intracranial compliance.
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Observational Study
Spontaneous Hyperventilation in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Incidence and Association with Poor Neurological Outcome.
Hypocapnia induces cerebral vasoconstriction leading to a decrease in cerebral blood flow, which might precipitate cerebral ischemia. Hypocapnia can be intentional to treat intracranial hypertension or unintentional due to a spontaneous hyperventilation (SHV). SHV is frequent after subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, it is understudied in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objective of this study was to describe the incidence and consequences on outcome of SHV after severe TBI. ⋯ SHV is common in patients with a persistent coma after a severe TBI (overall rate: 69%) and was independently associated with unfavorable outcome at 6-month follow-up.
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Observational Study
Inpatient Complications Predict Tracheostomy Better than Admission Variables After Traumatic Brain Injury.
Data regarding who will require tracheostomy are lacking which may limit investigations into therapeutic effects of early tracheostomy. ⋯ Potentially modifiable inpatient factors have a stronger association with tracheostomy than do admission characteristics. Multicenter studies are needed to validate the results.
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Comparative Study
Intraosseous Administration of 23.4% NaCl for Treatment of Intracranial Hypertension.
Prompt treatment of acute intracranial hypertension is vital to preserving neurological function and frequently includes administration of 23.4% NaCl. However, 23.4% NaCl administration requires central venous catheterization that can delay treatment. Intraosseous catheterization is an alternative route of venous access that may result in more rapid administration of 23.4% NaCl. ⋯ Intraosseous cannulation resulted in more rapid administration of 23.4% NaCl with no immediate serious complications. Further investigations to identify the clinical benefits and safety of hypertonic medication administration via intraosseous cannulation are warranted.