Journal of neurosurgical anesthesiology
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Feb 2025
Safety and Efficacy of Neuroprotective Agents as Adjunctive Therapies for Reperfusion in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
There is still no clear evidence of the efficacy of the application of neuroprotective agents (NPAs) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients receiving reperfusion therapies. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of NPAs versus placebo on functional and safety outcomes as an adjunctive treatment to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or endovascular therapy (EVT) in AIS patients. The primary outcome was neurological functional independence, as evaluated by the proportion of patients whose modified Rankin Scale scores were 0 to 2 at 90 days after treatment. ⋯ The application of NPAs was associated with greater odds of functional independence (odds ratio [OR]: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.46; P < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%) within 90 days. However, subgroup analysis of reperfusion therapy type (IVT, EVT, or both) revealed that only the EVT subgroup showed a significant association between NPAs or placebo and functional independence at 90 days (EVT group, OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.94; P = 0.022; I2 = 0.0%; IVT group, OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 0.93 to 2.46; P = 0.099; I2 = 39.8%; IVT plus EVT group, OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.45; P = 0.157; I2 = 16.0%). This meta-analysis revealed that NPAs could increase the possibility of AIS patients undergoing reperfusion therapies achieving functional independence within 90 days of onset; however, with the limited number of studies on each drug, further evidence is still needed to demonstrate the efficacy of each individual agent as an adjunctive therapy for different means of reperfusion.
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Jan 2025
Anesthesia for the Pregnant Patient Undergoing Intracranial Procedures.
This focused review explores the current literature on anesthetic care of pregnant patients requiring intracranial intervention. Neuropathology in pregnancy is rare, and existing evidence for management remains limited by the ethical complexities surrounding maternal and fetal research-related risks; pregnant women are typically excluded from randomized controlled trials. Physiological changes during pregnancy, combined with additional fetal considerations, alter pharmacodynamics and complicate the safety profile of maternal interventions. ⋯ Emphasis is placed on the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure safe, patient-centered care tailored to neuropathology, gestational age, and clinical status. Despite recent advances, significant gaps in evidence persist. Further research from large retrospective or observational data sets is recommended to improve evidence-based approaches for managing this complex and uncommon patient population.
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Jan 2025
Epidemiology of Post-craniotomy Hypertension and Its Association With Adverse Outcome(s): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
After intracranial surgery, sympathetic overdrive and increased blood catecholamine levels can contribute to postoperative hypertension, a significant clinical problem. The objective of this review was to summarize, quantify, and assess the epidemiological perspective of post-craniotomy hypertension and its association with adverse outcomes. This PROSPERO-registered systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. ⋯ There were insufficient data to investigate the quantitative association of post-craniotomy hypertension with 30-day adverse events. In summary, 1 out of 3 patients exhibited hypertension post-craniotomy, and this was associated with a significantly higher risk of having intracranial hemorrhage within 72 hours post-procedure. A generally accepted and clinically relevant criteria for post-craniotomy hypertension should be defined.
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Jan 2025
Effects of Scalp Nerve Block on Symptomatic Cerebral Hyperperfusion Syndrome After Combined Revascularization Surgery for Moyamoya Disease.
Strict blood pressure control can be used to prevent or treat cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome. This study investigated whether scalp nerve block (SNB) is associated with a reduced risk of postoperative symptomatic cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (SCHS) by reducing postoperative blood pressure in adult patients who underwent combined revascularization surgery for moyamoya disease. ⋯ Despite some potential benefits, SNB was not associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative SCHS in adult patients who underwent combined revascularization surgery for moyamoya disease.