Neurocritical care
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As the current understanding of COVID-19 continues to evolve, a synthesis of the literature on the neurological impact of this novel virus may help inform clinical management and highlight potentially important avenues of investigation. Additionally, understanding the potential mechanisms of neurologic injury may guide efforts to better detect and ameliorate these complications. In this review, we synthesize a range of clinical observations and initial case series describing potential neurologic manifestations of COVID-19 and place these observations in the context of coronavirus neuro-pathophysiology as it may relate to SARS-CoV-2 infection. ⋯ We also discuss evidence that suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may be a vasculotropic and neurotropic virus. Early reports suggest COVID-19 may be associated with severe neurologic complications, and several plausible mechanisms exist to account for these observations. A heightened awareness of the potential for neurologic involvement and further investigation into the relevant pathophysiology will be necessary to understand and ultimately mitigate SARS-CoV-2-associated neurologic injury.
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Despite increasing use in hemorrhagic shock (HS), whole blood (WB) resuscitation for polytrauma with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is largely unexplored. Current TBI guidelines recommend crystalloid for prehospital resuscitation. Although WB outperforms lactated Ringer's (LR) in increasing mean arterial pressure (MAP) in TBI + HS models, effects on brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2), and optimal MAP remain undefined. ⋯ WB resuscitation after TBI + HS results in robust improvements in brain oxygenation while minimizing fluid volume when compared to standard LR resuscitation. WB resuscitation may allow for a lower prehospital MAP without compromising brain oxygenation when compared to LR resuscitation. Further studies evaluating the effects of these physiologic benefits on outcome after TBI with HS are warranted, to eventually inform clinical trials.
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Meta Analysis
Outcomes After Tracheostomy in Patients with Severe Acute Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
To synthesize reported long-term outcomes in patients undergoing tracheostomy after severe acute brain injury (SABI). ⋯ Our findings suggest that about one in three patients with SABI who undergo tracheostomy may eventually achieve independence. Future research is needed to understand the reasons for the heterogeneity between studies and to identify those patients with promising outcomes as well as factors influencing outcome.