Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Mar 2006
Comparative StudyIntracerebral microdialysis in neurosurgical intensive care patients utilising catheters with different molecular cut-off (20 and 100 kD).
To compare the properties of a new intracerebral micro-dialysis catheter with a high cut-off membrane (molecular cut-off 100 kDalton) with a standard catheter (CMA70, molecular cut-off 20 kDalton). ⋯ Microdialysis catheters with high cut-off membranes can be used in routine clinical practice in the NSICU, adding the possibility of macro-molecule sampling from the extracellular space during monitoring.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Mar 2006
DDAVP use in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.
Disorders of fluid and sodium regulation, often termed "diabetes insipidus," are a frequent occurrence following surgery for pituitary adenomas. The present study was undertaken to identify the incidence of diabetes insipidus after pituitary surgery and its associated factors. ⋯ Transient hypotonic polyuria is frequently encountered after pituitary surgery. However, only a small number of patients will develop a long-term requiring for ongoing medical treatment. Previous surgery, female gender, and elevated serum sodium and urine volumes in perioperative period were associated with DDAVP requirement.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Mar 2006
Emergency management of epidural haematoma through burr hole evacuation and drainage. A preliminary report.
Blood clot evacuation through an osteoplastic craniotomy, a procedure requiring neurosurgical expertise and modern medical facilities, is the accepted method for treatment of a pure traumatic epidural haematoma following closed head injury. In certain emergency situations and/or in less sophisticated settings, however, use of this procedure may not be feasible. The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether placement of a burr hole and drainage under negative pressure constituted a rapid, effective and safe approach to manage patients with simple epidural haematomas. ⋯ Burr hole evacuation followed by drainage under negative pressure is a safe and effective method for emergency management of a pure traumatic epidural haematoma. To assure safety patients given this procedure should be monitored by daily CT scans. Decompressive craniotomy should be performed if consciousness does not improve within several hours.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Mar 2006
Case ReportsImprovement after treatment of hydrocephalus in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: implications for grading and prognosis.
Two patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and hydrocephalus are presented. On admission they scored E1M4V1 and E1M3Vtube on the Glasgow Coma Scale. The first patient recovered to E3M5Vtube after treatment of hydrocpehalus by extraventricular drainage. ⋯ Based on the literature it is argued that these cases are no exception as to the improvement after treatment of hydrocephalus. The prognosis of patients with hydrocephalus after a subarachnoid haemorrhage, improves in parallel with the Glasgow Coma Scale after treatment of hydrocephalus. Therefore decision making on whether or not to treat a patient with a subarachnoid haemorrhage should be postponed until after treatment of hydrocephalus, if present.