Althoughanti-inflammatory drug therapy has been identified as potentially beneficial for patients suffering from chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH), contemporary literature presents contradictory ...results. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the impact of anti-inflammatory drug therapy on mortality and outcome. We searched for eligible randomized, placebo-controlled prospective trials (RTCs) on PubMed, Embase and Medline until July 2022. From 97 initially identified articles, five RTCs met the criteria and were included in our meta-analysis. Our results illustrate significantly lower rates of recurrent cSDH (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.21-0.58,
= 0.0001) in patients undergoing anti-inflammatory therapy. In the subgroup of patients undergoing primary conservative treatment, anti-inflammatory therapy was associated with lower rates of "switch to surgery" cases (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.14-0.63,
= 0.002). Despite these findings, anti-inflammatory drugs seemed to be associated with higher mortality rates in patients undergoing surgery (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.03-3.01,
= 0.04), although in the case of primary conservative treatment, no effect on mortality has been observed (OR: 2.45; 95% CI: 0.35-17.15,
= 0.37). Further multicentric prospective randomized trials are needed to evaluate anti-inflammatory drugs as potentially suitable therapy for asymptomatic patients with cSDH to avoid the necessity of surgical hematoma evacuation on what are predominantly elderly, vulnerable, patients.
Objectives
Recent retrospective studies found sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea and its symptoms to occur more often in patients following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, but ...studies investigating the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage in patients with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea OSA compared to other sleep disorders are missing.
Methods
To test our hypothesis that aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs more often in patients with OSA compared to other sleep disorders, we analyzed clinical data of 5514 patients with OSA, 4150 with other sleep disorders, and 964 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage diagnosed between 01/01/2007 and 12/31/2016. As a secondary outcome, location and size of the ruptured aneurysm were calculated based on computer tomography. Incidence of SAH, as well as size and location were compared between patients with OSA and patients with other sleep disorders, diagnosed by polysomnography.
Results
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred in 8.3 per 100,000 patients with sleep disorders per year. Its incidence was significantly higher in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (14.5 per 100,000 patients per year), compared to other sleep disorders (2.4 per 100,000 patients per year; RR = 6.8;
p
= 0.04). The size of the ruptured aneurysm was larger in patients with OSA (19.0 ± 5.7 mm vs. 8.5 ± 0.5 mm;
p
= 0.004).
Interpretation
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs more often in patients with diagnosed OSA compared to patients with other sleep disorders, possibly due to increased aneurysm enlargement. Obstructive sleep apnea might be a yet unrecognized risk factor for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and sleep apnea screening should be considered in patients with intracranial aneurysm.
Introduction
Patients with non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are considered to have an overall benign course of disease compared to patients suffering from aneurysmal SAH. Nevertheless, a ...small but significant number of such patients might only achieve unfavorable outcome. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine if routine laboratory markers of acute phase response are associated with unfavorable outcome in patients with non-aneurysmal SAH.
Methods
From 2006 to 2017, 154 patients suffering from non-aneurysmal SAH were admitted to our institution. Patients were stratified according to the distribution of cisternal blood into patients with perimesencephalic SAH (pSAH) versus non-perimesencephalic SAH (npSAH). C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBC) assessments were performed within 24 h of admission as part of routine laboratory workup. Outcome was assessed according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after 6 months and stratified into favorable (mRS 0–2) vs. unfavorable (mRS 3–6).
Results
The multivariate regression analysis revealed “CRP > 5 mg/l” (
p
= 0.004, OR 143.7), “WBC count > 12.1 G/l” (
p
= 0.006, OR 47.8), “presence of IVH” (
p
= 0.02, OR 13.5), “poor-grade SAH” (
p
= 0.01, OR 45.2) and “presence of CVS” (
p
= 0.003, OR 149.9) as independently associated with unfavorable outcome in patients with non-aneurysmal SAH.
Conclusion
Elevated C-reactive protein and WBC count at admission were associated with unfavorable outcome after non-aneurysmal SAH.
OBJECTIVE Outcome analysis of comatose patients (Hunt and Hess Grade V) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is still lacking. The aims of this study were to analyze the outcome of Hunt and Hess Grade ...V SAH and to compare outcomes in the current period with those of the pre-International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) era as well as with published data from trials of decompressive craniectomy (DC) for middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. METHODS The authors analyzed cases of Hunt and Hess Grade V SAH from 1980-1995 (referred to in this study as the earlier period) and 2005-2014 (current period) and compared the results for the 2 periods. The outcomes of 257 cases were analyzed and stratified on the basis of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores obtained 6 months after SAH. Outcomes were dichotomized as favorable (mRS score of 0-2) or unfavorable (mRS score of 3-6). Data and number needed to treat (NNT) were also compared with the results of decompressive craniectomy (DC) trials for middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions. RESULTS Early aneurysm treatment within 72 hours occurred significantly more often in the current period (in 67% of cases vs 22% in earlier period). In the earlier period, patients had a significantly higher 30-day mortality rate (83% vs 39% in the current period) and 6-month mortality rate (94% vs 49%), and no patient (0%) had a favorable outcome, compared with 23% overall in the current period (p < 0.01, OR 32), or 29.5% of patients whose aneurysms were treated (p < 0.01, OR 219). Cerebral infarctions occurred in up to 65% of the treated patients in the current period. Comparison with data from DC MCA trials showed that the NNTs were significantly lower in the current period with 2 for survival and 3 for mRS score of 0-3 (vs 3 and 7, respectively, for the DC MCA trials). CONCLUSIONS Early and aggressive treatment resulted in a significant improvement in survival rate (NNT = 2) and favorable outcome (NNT = 3 for mRS score of 0-3) for comatose patients with Hunt and Hess Grade V SAH compared with the earlier period. Independent predictors for favorable outcome were younger age and bilateral intact corneal reflexes. Despite a high rate of cerebral infarction (65%) in the current period, 29.5% of the patients who received treatment for their aneurysms during the current era (2005-2014) had a favorable outcome. However, careful individual decision making is essential in these cases.
Background
Recent investigations showed emerging evidence of the role of inflammation in the growth of sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS). The present retrospective study investigated the impact of ...systemic inflammation on tumor progression using serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in a series of 87 surgically treated sporadic VS patients.
Methods
The optimal cut-off value for CRP was defined as 3.14 mg/dl according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC: 0.70, 95% CI 0.47–0.92). Patient cohort was dichotomized into normal (n = 66; < 3.14 mg/dl) and high baseline (n = 21; ≥ 3.14 mg/dl) CRP groups.
Results
No significant differences in age, sex, comorbidities influencing the systemic inflammatory state, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), tumor size, extent of resection, or MIB-1 index were identified between the two groups defined by the baseline CRP levels. Univariable analysis demonstrated that a high CRP level (≥ 3.14 mg/dl) is significantly associated with a shortened progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio (HR): 6.05, 95% CI 1.15–31.95,
p
= 0.03). Multivariable Cox regression analysis considering age, extent of resection, KPS, tumor size, and baseline CRP confirmed that an elevated CRP level (≥ 3.14 mg/dl) is an independent predictor of shortened PFS (HR: 7.20, 95% CI 1.08–48.14,
p
= 0.04).
Conclusions
The baseline CRP level thus serves as an independent predictor of PFS. Further investigations of the role of inflammation and tumor inflammatory microenvironment in the prediction of prognosis in sporadic VS are needed.
Graphical abstract
Background
Facial nerve palsy is a severe morbid condition that occurs after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate facial nerve outcomes based on surgical ...techniques, tumour size, and immunohistochemical factors.
Methods
One hundred eighteen patients with VS were retrospectively analysed. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 83 patients, and subtotal resection (STR) was achieved in 35 patients. Follow-up was 60 months (median). Facial nerve outcomes were assessed for 24 months after surgery. Analysis of the MIB-1 index was performed in 114 patients (97%) to evaluate recurrence and facial nerve outcomes.
Results
Immediately after surgery, 16 of 35 patients (45.7%) with STR and 21 of 83 patients (25.3%) with GTR had a good (House-Brackmann (HB) score ≤ 2) facial nerve outcome (
p
= 0.029). Semi-sitting positioning (
p
= 0.002) and tumour size class of 3 (> 4 cm) were also associated with worse HB outcomes after 2 years (
p
= 0.004) in univariate analyses. The MIB-1 index was significantly correlated with diffuse infiltration of tumour-associated CD45
+
lymphocytes (
r
= 0.63,
p
= 0.015) and CD68
+
macrophages (
r
= 0.43,
p
= 0.021). ROC analysis found an AUC of 0.73 (95% CI = 0.60–0.86,
p
= 0.003) for the MIB-1 index in predicting poor facial nerve outcomes. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed an MIB-1 index ≥ 5% (16/28 (57.1%) vs. 5/40 (12.5%);
p
< 0.001, OR = 14.0, 95% CI = 3.2–61.1) and a tumour size class of 3 (6/8 (75.0%) vs. 2/8 (25.0%);
p
= 0.01, OR = 14.56, 95% CI = 1.9–113.4) were predictors of poor HB scores (≥ 3) after 1 year.
Conclusions
An MIB-1 index ≥ 5% seems to predict worse long-term facial nerve outcomes in VS surgery.
Purpose of the present study was to determine if routine biochemical markers of acute phase response are associated with unfavorable outcome in patients with good-grade aneurysmal SAH.
231 patients ...admitted with aneurysmal SAH and WFNS grade I - II were included in the present study. C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were measured within 24 h of admission. Outcome was assessed according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after 6 months and stratified into favorable (mRS 0–2) vs. unfavorable (mRS 3–6).
The multivariate regression analysis revealed “elevated baseline CRP” (p = .001, OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.6–6.6), “elevated baseline PCT” (p = .004, OR 26.0, 95% CI 2.9–235.5), “male gender” (p = .02, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.8), and “age ≥ 65 years” (p = .009, OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3–5.8) as a model for the prediction of unfavorable outcome in patients with good-grade SAH.
An initial inflammatory response could be a possible explanation for poor outcome in good-grade SAH patients. These findings might help to identify a subgroup of good grade SAH patients who are at greater risk for unfavorable outcome early during treatment course/at baseline, and who could benefit most from potential anti-inflammatory therapy.
•An initial inflammatory response in good-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage is an independent predictor of poor outcome.•Early anti-inflammatory treatment may improve outcome in good-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Objective
Supra-total glioblastoma resection has gained growing attention with regard to superior long-term disease control. However, aggressive onco-surgical approaches—geared beyond conventional ...gross total resections (GTR)—are limited by the impairment of adjacent eloquent areas at risk that may entail severe postoperative functional morbidity. Against this backdrop we analyzed our institutional database with regard to potential survival benefits of anterior temporal lobectomy as a paradigm for supra-total resection in patients with precisely temporal-located, non-eloquent glioblastoma.
Methods
Between 2012 and 2017, 38 patients with isolated temporal glioblastoma underwent GTR or temporal lobectomy at the authors’ institution. Both groups of differing resection modalities were compared with regard to postoperative Karnofsky performance score (KPS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).
Results
Patients with temporal lobectomy exhibited significantly superior median KPS at the 12 months follow-up compared to the GTR group (median KPS of 80 vs. 60, p = 0.04). Temporal lobectomy was associated with significantly prolonged PFS (p = 0.005) and OS (p = 0.002) coming up to 15 months (95% CI 9.7–22.1) and 23 months (95% CI 14.8–34.5) compared to 7 months (95% CI 3.3–8.3) and 11 months (95% CI 9.2–17.9) for the GTR group. Multivariate analysis revealed temporal lobectomy as the only predictor for both superior PFS (p = 0.037, OR 7.3, 95% CI 1.1–47.4) and OS (p = 0.04, OR 7.8, 95% CI 1.1–55.2).
Conclusions
These results strongly suggest temporal lobectomy as an aggressive supra-total resection policy to constitute the surgical modality of choice for isolated temporal-located glioblastoma.
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is still a fatal and morbid disease, although bleeding aneurysms can be secured in almost all cases. Occurrence of post-SAH complications including cerebral ...vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, and infections are the main determinants of clinical outcome. Hence, it is important to search for early predictors for specific post-SAH complications to treat these complications properly. Both cellular and molecular (cytokines) inflammation play a key role after aSAH during the phase of occurrence of post-SAH complications. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a well-known cytokine that has been extensively analyzed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients after aSAH, but detailed studies exploring the role of systemic IL-6 in aSAH associated complications and its impact on early clinical outcome prediction are lacking. The current study aims to analyze the systemic IL-6 levels over two weeks after bleeding and its role in post-SAH complications.
We recruited 80 aSAH patients prospectively who underwent peripheral venous blood withdrawal in serum gel tubes. The blood was centrifuged to harvest the serum, which was immediately frozen at -80 °C until analysis. Serum IL-6 levels were quantified using Immulite immunoassay system. Patient records including age, gender, post-SAH complications, aneurysm treatment, and clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale and Glasgow outcome scale) were retrieved to allow different subgroup analysis.
Serum IL-6 levels were significantly raised after aSAH compared to healthy controls over the first two weeks after hemorrhage. Serum IL-6 levels were found to be significantly elevated in aSAH patients presenting with higher Hunt and Hess grades, increasing age, and both intraventricular and intracerebral hemorrhage. Interestingly, serum IL-6 was also significantly raised in aSAH patients who developed seizures, cerebral vasospasm (CVS), and chronic hydrocephalus. IL-6 levels were sensitive to the development of infections and showed an increase in patients who developed pneumoniae. Intriguingly, we found a delayed increase in serum IL-6 in patients developing cerebral infarction. Finally, IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients presenting with poor clinical outcome in comparison to good clinical outcome at discharge from hospital.
Serum IL-6 levels were elevated early after aSAH and remained high over the two weeks after initial bleeding. Serum IL-6 was elevated in different aSAH associated complications, acting as a non-specific marker for post-SAH complications and an important biomarker for clinical outcome at discharge.
Decompressive craniectomy (DC) due to intractably elevated intracranial pressure mandates later cranioplasty (CP). However, the optimal timing of CP remains controversial. We therefore analyzed our ...prospectively conducted database concerning the timing of CP and associated post-operative complications. From October 1999 to August 2011, 280 cranioplasty procedures were performed at the authors' institution. Patients were stratified into two groups according to the time from DC to cranioplasty (early, ≤2 months, and late, >2 months). Patient characteristics, timing of CP, and CP-related complications were analyzed. Overall CP was performed early in 19% and late in 81%. The overall complication rate was 16.4%. Complications after CP included epidural or subdural hematoma (6%), wound healing disturbance (5.7%), abscess (1.4%), hygroma (1.1%), cerebrospinal fluid fistula (1.1%), and other (1.1%). Patients who underwent early CP suffered significantly more often from complications compared to patients who underwent late CP (25.9% versus 14.2%; p=0.04). Patients with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt had a significantly higher rate of complications after CP compared to patients without VP shunt (p=0.007). On multivariate analysis, early CP, the presence of a VP shunt, and intracerebral hemorrhage as underlying pathology for DC, were significant predictors of post-operative complications after CP. We provide detailed data on surgical timing and complications for cranioplasty after DC. The present data suggest that patients who undergo late CP might benefit from a lower complication rate. This might influence future surgical decision making regarding optimal timing of cranioplasty.
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