Expressions of plasma cystatin C, D-dimer and hypersensitive C-reactive protein in patients with intracranial progressive hemorrhagic injury after craniocerebral injury, and their clinical significance / Expressões da cistatina C plasmática, dímero D e proteína C reativa hipersensível em pacientes com lesão hemorrágica progressiva intracraniana após trauma crânio-encefálico e seus significados clínicos

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the expressions of plasma cystatin C (Cys-C), D-dimer (D-D) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with intracranial progressive hemorrhagic injury (IPHI) after craniocerebral injury, and their clinical significance. Methods Forty-two IPHI patients and 20 healthy participants (control) were enrolled. The severity and outcome of IPHI were determined according to the Glasgow Coma Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale, and the plasma Cys-C, hs-CRP and D-D levels were measured. Results The plasma Cys-C, D-D and hs-CRP levels in the IPHI group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.01). There were significant differences of plasma Cys-C, D-D and hs-CRP levels among different IPHI patients according to the Glasgow Coma Scale and according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (all p < 0.05). In the IPHI patients, the plasma Cys-C, D-D and hs-CRP levels were positively correlated with each other (p < 0.001). Conclusion The increase of plasma Cys-C, D-D and hs-CRP levels may be involved in IPHI after craniocerebral injury. The early detection of these indexes may help to understand the severity and outcome of IPHI.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar as expressões da cistatina C plasmática (Cys-C), dímero-D (D-D) e proteína C-reativa hipersensível (hs-CRP) em pacientes com lesão hemorrágica progressiva intracraniana (IPHI) após lesão craniocerebral e seus significados clínicos. Métodos Quarenta e dois pacientes com IPHI e 20 indivíduos saudáveis (controle) foram incluídos. A gravidade e o resultado do IPHI foram determinados de acordo com a Escala de Coma de Glasgow (GCS) e Escala de Resultados de Glasgow (GOS), e os níveis plasmáticos Cys-C, hs-CRP e D-D foram detectados. Resultados Os níveis plasmáticos de Cys-C, D-D e hs-CRP no grupo IPHI foram significativamente maiores do que no grupo controle (P <0,01). Houve diferença significativa entre os níveis plasmáticos de Cys-C, D-D e hs-CRP entre os diferentes pacientes com IPHI de acordo com a GCS e entre os diferentes pacientes com IPHI de acordo com o GOS, respectivamente (todos P <0,05). Em pacientes com IPHI, os níveis plasmáticos de Cys-C, D-D e hs-CRP foram positivamente correlacionados entre si (P <0,001). Conclusão O aumento dos níveis plasmáticos de Cys-C, D-D e hs-CRP pode estar envolvido no IPHI após trauma crânio-encefálico. A detecção precoce desses índices pode ajudar a entender a gravidade e o resultado do IPHI.

Spinal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Migrated from Traumatic Intracranial Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / 대한신경손상학회지

Very rarely, spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SSAH) can occur without any direct spinal injury in patients with traumatic intracranial SAH. A-59-year-old male with traumatic intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) presented with pain and numbness in his buttock and thigh two days after trauma. Pain and numbness rapidly worsened and perianal numbness and voiding difficulty began on the next day. Magnetic resonance imaging showed intraspinal hemorrhage in the lumbosacral region. The cauda equina was displaced and compressed. Emergent laminectomy and drainage of hemorrhage were performed and SSAH was found intraoperatively. The symptoms were relieved immediately after the surgery. Patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage who present with delayed pain or neurological deficits should be evaluated for intraspinal hemorrhage promptly, even when the patients had no history of direct spinal injury and had no apparent symptoms related to the spinal injury in the initial period of trauma.

Clinical Decision Rules for Paediatric Minor Head Injury: Are CT Scans a Necessary Evil?

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>High performing clinical decision rules (CDRs) have been derived to predict which head-injured child requires a computed tomography (CT) of the brain. We set out to evaluate the performance of these rules in the Singapore population.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>This is a prospective observational cohort study of children aged less than 16 who presented to the emergency department (ED) from April 2014 to June 2014 with a history of head injury. Predictor variables used in the Canadian Assessment of Tomography for Childhood Head Injury (CATCH), Children's Head Injury Algorithm for the Prediction of Important Clinical Events (CHALICE) and Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) CDRs were collected. Decisions on CT imaging and disposition were made at the physician's discretion. The performance of the CDRs were assessed and compared to current practices.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 1179 children were included in this study. Twelve (1%) CT scans were ordered; 6 (0.5%) of them had positive findings. The application of the CDRs would have resulted in a significant increase in the number of children being subjected to CT (as follows): CATCH 237 (20.1%), CHALICE 282 (23.9%), PECARN high- and intermediate-risk 456 (38.7%), PECARN high-risk only 45 (3.8%). The CDRs demonstrated sensitivities of: CATCH 100% (54.1 to 100), CHALICE 83.3% (35.9 to 99.6), PECARN 100% (54.1 to 100), and specificities of: CATCH 80.3% (77.9 to 82.5), CHALICE 76.4% (73.8 to 78.8), PECARN high- and intermediate-risk 61.6% (58.8 to 64.4) and PECARN high-risk only 96.7% (95.5 to 97.6).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The CDRs demonstrated high accuracy in detecting children with positive CT findings but direct application in areas with low rates of significant traumatic brain injury (TBI) is likely to increase unnecessary CT scans ordered. Clinical observation in most cases may be a better alternative.</p>

Risk Factors for Reoperation after Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Progression after operation in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often correlated with morbidity and poor outcome. We have investigated to characterize the natural course of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage and to identify the risk factors for postoperative progression in TBI. METHODS: 36 patients requiring reoperation due to hemorrhagic progression following surgery for traumatic intracranial hemorrhage were identified in a retrospective review of 335 patients treated at our hospital between 2001 and 2010. We reviewed the age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale, the amount of hemorrhage, the type of hemorrhage, rebleeding site, coagulation profiles, and so on. Univariate statistics were used to examine the relationship between the risk factors and reoperation. RESULTS: Acute subdural hematoma was the most common initial lesion requiring reoperation. Most patients had a reoperation within 24-48 hours after operation. Peri-lesional edema (p=0.002), and initial volume of hematoma (p=0.013) were the possible factors of hemorrhagic progression requiring reoperation. But preoperative coagulopathy was not risk factor of hemorrhagic progression requiring reoperation. CONCLUSION: Peri-lesional edema and initial volume of hematoma were the statistical significant factors requiring reoperation. Close observation with prompt management is needed to improve the outcome even in patient without coagulopathy.

Use of Continuous Venovenous Hemodiafiltration to Enhance the Elimination of Serum Pentobarbital before Diagnosis of Brain Death / 대한이식학회지

Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was used to eliminate pentobarbital from the blood of a 30-year-old potentially brain dead male patient with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage after a motorcycle accident. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score of hospital day 1 was 24, but by day 8 it was 36, when the patient was considered to be brain dead. To control seizures and reduce intracranial pressure, pentobarbital had been administered in a continuous flow (2,880 mg/day for 5 days). Coma can be induced by pentobarbital at a serum level of 1~5 mg/dL. However, drug intoxication should be excluded from a brain death evaluation; therefore, the patient was not given any drug for approximately 88 hrs after ceasing pentobarbital in order for serum level to dip below 0.5 mg/dL (which is the hypnotic level). At 48 hours from CVVHDF, the pentobarbital level was close to the hypnotic level (0.1~0.5 mg/dL). Before stopping, the serum level of pentobarbital was 3.89 mg/dL and between 48 and 72 hours from CVVHDF, 4 cycles of pentobarbital half-life elimination (0.24 mg/dL) could be measured. Therefore, we suggest that in case of potential brain dead patients who have been administered pentobarbital, CVVHDF can enhance the elimination of pentobarbital from the circulatory system and shorten the waiting time for a brain death evaluation.

Inflicted neuro-trauma in infancy.

Two infants with non-accidental inflicted neuro-trauma are reported. One presented with sudden onset lethargy, respiratory difficulty and unexplained seizures. There were bilateral retinal bleeds and extradural hemmorage. Other was a well thriving child who had 2 seizures and was noted to lack visual fixation. Retinal hemorrhages and chronic subdural and intraparenchymal hemorrhages were subsequently discovered. We highlight the importance of suspecting child abuse in infants with sudden unexplained unresponsiveness, seizures or respiratory difficulty and the unusual occurrence of extradual hemorrhage.

One vs. Two Burr Hole Craniostomy in Surgical Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

OBJECTIVE: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common types of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, usually occurring in the older patients, with a good surgical prognosis. Burr hole craniostomy is the most frequently used neurosurgical treatment of CSDH. However, there have been only few studies to assess the role of the number of burr holes in respect to recurrence rates. The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative recurrence rates between one and two burr craniostomy with closed-system drainage for CSDH. METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2006, 180 consecutive patients who were treated with burr hole craniostomy with closed-system drainage for the symptomatic CSDH were enrolled. Pre- and post-operative computed tomography (CT) scans and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used for radiological evaluation. The number of burr hole was decided by neurosurgeon's preference and was usually made on the maximum width of hematoma. The patients were followed with clinical symptoms or signs and CT scans. All the drainage catheters were maintained below the head level and removed after CT scans showing satisfactory evacuation. All patients were followed-up for at least 1 month after discharge. RESULTS: Out of 180 patients, 51 patients were treated with one burr hole, whereas 129 were treated with two burr holes. The overall postoperative recurrence rate was 5.6% (n = 10/180) in our study. One of 51 patients (2.0%) operated on with one burr hole recurred, whereas 9 of 129 patients (7.0%) evacuated by two burr holes recurred. Although the number of burr hole in this study is not statistically associated with postoperative recurrence rate (p > 0.05), CSDH treated with two burr holes showed somewhat higher recurrence rates. CONCLUSION: In agreement with previous studies, burr hole craniostomy with closed drainage achieved a good surgical prognosis as a treatment of CSDH in this study. Results of our study indicate that burr hole craniostomy with one burr hole would be sufficient to evacuate CSDH with lower recurrence rate.

Tratamento das lesões focais intracranianas no traumatismo craniencefálico / Treatmento of focal intracranial lesions in cranioencephalic traumatism

O traumatismo craniencefálico pode resultar em lesões intracranianas difusas ou focais, representando afecções traumatoógicas graves, em parte necessitando de atendimento e conduta neurocirúrgica de emergência. As principais lesões focais de indicação cirúrgica são os hematomas epidurais, os hematomas subdurais agudos e as contusões cerebrais. Há ainda controvérsias sobre o tratamento em muitas situações. Os autores realizaram revisão da literatura descrevendo os princípios do tratamento cirúrgico de lesões focais secundárias ao trauma de crânio.

Head trauma presents in some cases, intracranial lesions, diffuse and focal. The more important lesions are acute epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma and brain contusions. There is controversy about the surgical treatment. In this study, the authors describe a critical review of literature about principles for surgical management for focal lesions by head trauma.

Expression of synaptophysin in experimental diffuse brain injury / 法医学杂志

OBJECT@#To investigate the changes in the expression_level of synaptophysin following diffuse brain injury (DBI) in rats and to correlate the changes of the synaptophysin expression_level with the post injury time interval.@*METHODS@#Wister rats were used as a DBI model induced by Marmarou method. The changes of synaptophysin immunoreactivity on coronal sections of the rats sampled at different post-injury time intervals were used as a marker. The densitometry of the synaptophysin immunoreactivity was documented by imaging technique and analyzed by SPSS software.@*RESULTS@#The expression level of synaptophysin in DBI rats showed dynamic changes following DBI as well as during the repairing period.@*CONCLUSION@#The changes of synaptophysin level may be used as a marker for estimation of the post injury time interval in DBI.

Compound depressed skull fractures overlying dural venous sinuses

The purpose of this study was to characterize the patients with compound depressed skull fractures overlying dural venous sinuses clinically, radiologically and to discuss the patients' circumstances that favour conservative or surgical treatment in addition to the outcome. Of 192 patients with depressed skull fractures admitted to Neurosurgical Department, Assiut University hospital between January 2004 to December 2005, Thirty patients [15.6%] with compound depressed skull fractures over a dural venous sinus were prospectively studied, They were 27 [90%] males and 3 [10%] females. Regard the age, 18 [60%] were pediatrics [3-18 yrs.] while, 12 [40%] were adults [20-60yrs.]. Twenty-four patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] of 14-15/15, while a GCS was 9-13 and <8 in 3 patients for each. Etiologically falls and motor vehicle accident were predominant in pediatric group while, among adults assault and motor vehicle accident were predominant. The superior saggital sinus was the most commonly involved sinus [28 out of 30 patients=93.3%] with anterior injuries more common than posterior one [26 out of 28 patients = 92.9%]. Thirteen patients [43.3%] were treated conservatively and 17 [56.7%] patients were treated surgically either initially in 15 cases due to the presence of neurological deficit, underlying haematoma, egress or escape of intracranial contents and/or deep contamination or later on in 2 cases due to development of intracranial hypertension. Intraoperative difficulty was experienced in 8 [47.1%] patients. Of those treated non-operatively 3 [23.1%] patients developed wound infection, while wound infection among those treated operatively was in 2 [11.8%] patients. No mortality occured, and the neurological deficit was reversed with the aid of physiotherapy by time and the patients returned to their daily activities. Our opinion favours conservative approach to fractures involving a dural sinus if the wound is not contaminated as the risk of infection is low. Surgery exposes the patient to the very real risk of massive haemorrhage. In instances where there is a clear need for surgery adequate precautions should be taken. Delayed intracranial hypertension is a possible complication when a depressed skull fracture overlies the saggital sinus and should always be considered in patients with the appropriate clinical findings in the follow-up period

Deciding not to Operate in Head Injuries and Legal Considerations

It is not the best way to treat a hopeless patient with life-sustaining medical devices until the heart beats stop. Advanced medical technology may prolong the life for a significant period without recovery from the disease. However, it would give an unbearable economic burden to the family and the society. In 2006, we decided not to operate 9 patients with traumatic intracranial hematomas. We examined those patients with special references to possible legal and ethical problems. It is reasonable to withhold a treatment after documentation that the family never wants any life sustaining treatment when the treatment does not guarantee the meaningful life.

Clinical analysis of 36 cases of sinus-straddling hematoma after craniocerebral injury / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relation between sinus-straddling hematoma (SSH) and venous sinus injury and explore the approaches for surgical management.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six cases of stride sinus hematoma were reviewed to observe the incidence rate of sinus injury complicated with (SSH) and explore its surgical management.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence rate of venous sinus injury following (SSH) was 80.56% (29/36), and appropriate surgical management yielded good therapeutic effect in these patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Intracranial stride sinus hematoma is often accompanied by venous sinus injury, and adequate preoperative risk evaluation may improve the success rate of the operation.</p>

The Relationship Between Type and Size of Scalp Injury and Intracranial Injury Among Patients who Visited the Emergency room due to head Trauma

PURPOSE: Traumatic head injury is very common in the emergency room. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce mortality and morbidity. When diagnosis is delayed, however, it could be critical to the patients. In reality, it is difficult to take a brain CT for all patients with head trauma, so this study examined the relationship between type and size of scalp injury and intracranial injury. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from May 2005 to July 2005. The participants were 193 patients who had had a brain CT. Head trauma included obvious external injury or was based on reports of witnesses to the accident. Children under three years of age were also included if there was a witness to the accident. The size of the injury was measured based on the maximum diameter. RESULTS: Out of the total of 193 patients, patients with scalp bleeding totaled 126 (65.2%), and patients without scalp bleeding totaled 67 (34.8%). Among patients with scalp bleeding, patients with intracranial injuries numbered nine, and among patients without scalp bleeding, patients with intracranial injuries numbered 17 (P=0.001). Among patients who showed evidence of scalp swelling with no scalp bleeding, the relationship between the size of the scalp swelling and intracranial injury was statistically significant when the size of the scalp swelling was between 2 cm and 5 cm. CONCLUSION: Among patients who visit an emergency medical center due to traumatic head injury, patients with no scalp bleeding, but with scalp swelling between 2 cm and 5 cm, should undergone more accurate and careful examination, as well as as a brain CT.

Clinical analysis of 28 children suffering from intracranial hematoma and multiple injuries following traffic accidents / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the result of diagnosis and treatment of intracranial hematoma and multiple injuries caused by road traffic accidents.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-eight patients, aged from 1 to 14 years, receiving craniotomy and other surgical treatments were retrospectively reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 28 cases, 23 cured with the recovery rate of 82.3%, 2 had a sequel of moderate disability, and 3 died from severe brain injury, hemorrhagic shock, and other visceral complications. The clinical symptoms and signs were severe and perplexing. The major characters included: severe head injury, usually combined by multiple injuries, and easy of access to missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The occurrence of infection is high after traffic accidents as a result of depression of humoral and cellular immunity, long-term bed rest, and fractures of limbs. Hence, on the basis of maintaining vital signs, the management of primary wound is essential to reduce infection and underlying death. In addition to the management of brain injury, concurrent injuries should also be highlighted so as to reach a good result for their patients.</p>

Clinical research and surgical treatment of posttraumatic epilepsy / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In order to investigate the susceptible factors of posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) and the surgical treatment, the relative factors of 18 cases of intractable PTE and 35 cases of non-PTE patients with posttraumatic seizures (PTS) and the surgical treatment of PTE patients were studied retrospectively. The results showed that there was significant difference in the degree of unconsciousness after head injury, incidence of intracerebral hematoma and acute subdural hematoma between PTE group and non-PTE group. Of the 18 cases of PTE undergoing surgical treatment, the effectiveness of 11 cases was satisfactory and that of the remaining 7 was not. Between the two groups, there was difference in the localization of interictal epileptic discharge (IED) and ictal discharge (ID) as demonstrated by preoperative EEG. It was concluded that PTE was associated with the severity of head injury and intracranial hematoma. The localization of epileptogenic loci by preoperative EEG presumably contributed to the PTE surgical effects.

Surgical Outcome Following Evacuation of Traumatic Intracranial Hematomas in the Elderly

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the factors influencing the surgical outcome following craniotomy for head injury and to establish the criteria for surgical intervention in the age of 65 years or older. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the mechanism of injury, types of computed tomography lesions, Glassgow coma scale(GCS) score at admission, pupillary reactivity, past medical history and surgical outcome following craniotomy in the elderly during 8 year period. RESULTS: There were 35 men and 21 women with a mean age of 70.7 years(range 65-87 years). The mortality rate at discharge was 58.9%. Good outcome was achieved only in 25 percent of the patients. The cause of injury did not affect on the surgical outcome. All of 19 patients with GCS of 5 or less at admission had poor outcome. Outcome was significantly worse in older patients(more than 75 years) compare to younger patients(less than 75 years). Ninety percent of the patients with pupillary abnormality had poor outcome, whereas 57.7 percent of the patients with bilateral reactive pupil had poor outcome. Past medical history did not affect on the surgical outcome following craniotomy. CONCLUSION: Surgical outcome is unexceptionally poor in the elderly head-injuried patients if the age is 75 years old or older, the GCS is 5 or less and the pupil is bilaterally dilated. Craniotomy under those circumstances is not desirable.

Is it possible to avoid postoperative haematoma as a complication of intracranial surgery?

Postoperative intracranial haematoma is a serious complication of intracranial surgery with a mortality rate of around 30%. There have been reports implicating abrupt rises of blood pressure during the last stages or immediately after the procedure, in the production of the clot. This prospective study examined this hypothesis. Over 2[1/2] A years 100 consecutive patients underwent craniotomy [in the Neurosurgical Departement of Zagazig University Hospitals].Under a strict anaethesiological protocol based on deep opioid analgesia which virtually elimenated any acute elevations of the arterial pressure during and immediately after craniotomy. Emergence from anaesthesia was delayed for an average 1[1/2]-2h following the procedure. Postoperative CT was obtained in every patients. There have been no cases of postoperative clot formation in this series of patients. The result of the study suggest that postoperative haematoma is probably an avoidable complication of intracranial surgery

Reoperation for Postoperative Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients with Traumatic Intracranial Hematoma

Twenty five consecutive patients requiring reoperation due to hemorrhage following surgery for intracranial hematoma removal were identified in a retrospective review of 211 cases of traumatic intracranial lesions treated at our hospital between January 1990 and December 1994. In cases involving head injury, reoperation is nowadays not uncommon. The incidence of cases requiring reoperation was 11.8%, while delayed or recurrent lesions were more common among older patients(mean age=44.39 years). Acute subdural hemorrhage was the most common initial lesion requiring reoperation: in intracerebral and acute subdural hemorrhage, the incidence of reoperation was relatively high(23.1% and 14.7%, respectively): acute epidural hemorrhage was next most common(8.8%). In 88.0% of cases, reoperation was performed within 24 hours. At the time of discharge, good recovery was reported in five cases(20.0%), moderate disability in ten(40.0%), severe disability in two(8.0%), vegetative state in two(8.0%) and death in six(24.0%). The outcome seems to be related to lesions requiring reoperation rather than initial lesions. Furthermore, closed observation and aggressive management can rapidly improve the outcome, even in patients requiring reoperation: it is, in addition, of the utmost importance that CT scans be used early and repeatedly, especially in patients who are at risk of delayed or recurrent lesions.

A Clinical Analysis of Delayed Traumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage

The occurrence of delayed intracerebral hemorrhage is more frequent than previously reported and is associated with a poor outcome. Early detection and proper management is important in that aspect. The progression tends to be insidious. When the patient's consciousness gets worse or is not improving within resonable time, the second CT scan should be performed. In a retrospective study of 211 consecutive patients with traumatic intracranial hematomas, we identified 12 cases(5.6%) with delayed traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage(DTICH). Among these, five(41.6%) died of DTICH. Cerebral contusion on initial CT, acceleration-deceleration injury with rotational forces, surgical decompression would be important contributors in the development of DTICH.