A comparison of endovascular therapy and medical management in patients with large vessel occlusion mild stroke treated between 2015 and 2023: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular therapy (EVT) is recommended for patients with acute large-vessel occlusion (LVO) However, its efficacy and safety compared to medical management (MM) in patients with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ≤6 remains unclear. This meta-analysis compared EVT with medical MM in patients with large vessel occlusion mild stroke treated between 2015 and 2023, following the publication of the first randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biomedical database searches (inception to March 21, 2023) retrieved articles reporting favorable functional outcome(modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-1) and functional independence (mRS 0-2), 90-day mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA) to maintain methodological rigor and transparency in our meta-analysis. RESULTS: We conducted a meta-analysis of 22 studies (4,985 patients) to reveal no significant differences in favorable functional outcomes and independence across all groups. However, in patients treated between 2015 and 2023, EVT exhibited a higher risk of 90-day mortality (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.84, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [1.10, 3.07], p = 0.02) and sICH (OR = 3.36, 95% CI [1.96, 6.66], p < 0.01). EVT correlated with elevated sICH in the anterior circulation (OR=2.94, 95%CI [1.82, 4.74], p<0.01) regardless of the proximal (OR=2.20, 95%CI [1.04, 4.69], p=0.04) or distal (OR=3.44, 95%CI [1.43, 8.32], p<0.01) location of the occlusion. EVT correlated with elevated sICH rates in patients treated within 6 hours of symptom onset or those with NHISS≤5. CONCLUSION: In patients treated between 2015 and 2023, EVT and MM did not differ in efficacy in acute LVO mild stroke; MM associated with better safety outcomes. Rigorous randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Trends in cerebral venous thrombosis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to provide updated incidence and trend data for cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in the United States from 2016-2020, examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CVT, and identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Validated ICD-10 codes were used to identify discharges with CVT in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Sample weights were applied to generate nationally representative estimates, and census data were used to compute incidence rates. The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was defined as January-May 2020. Trend analysis was completed using Joinpoint regression. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2020, the incidence of CVT increased from 24.34 per 1,000,000 population per year (MPY) to 33.63 per MPY (Annual Percentage Change (APC) 8.6 %; p < 0.001). All-cause in-hospital mortality was 4.9 % [95 % CI 4.5-5.4]. On multivariable analysis, use of thrombectomy, increased age, atrial fibrillation, stroke diagnosis, infection, presence of prothrombotic hematologic conditions, lowest quartile of income, intracranial hemorrhage, and male sex were associated with in-hospital mortality. CVT incidence was similar comparing the first 5 months of 2020 and 2019 (31.37 vs 32.04; p = 0.322) with no difference in median NIHSS (2 [IQR 1-10] vs. 2 [1-9]; p = 0.959) or mortality (4.2 % vs. 5.6 %; p = 0.176). CONCLUSIONS: CVT incidence increased in the US from 2016 to 2020 while mortality did not change. Increased age, prothrombotic state, stroke diagnosis, infection, atrial fibrillation, male sex, lowest quartile of income, intracranial hemorrhage, and use of thrombectomy were associated with in-hospital mortality following CVT. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, CVT volumes and mortality were similar to the prior year.

Endovascular embolisation of posterior condylar canal dural arteriovenous fistula.

We describe a rare case of dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) of the posterior condylar canal in a man in his 30s who presented with recent onset headache and neck pain and subsequently acute intracranial haemorrhage. Radiological workup showed a medulla bridging vein draining dAVF of the right posterior condylar canal supplied by a meningeal branch of the right occipital artery. A dilated venous sac was seen compressing over cerebellar tonsil on the right side. There was acute haemorrhage in the posterior fossa and fourth ventricle. He was successfully managed with transarterial endovascular embolisation via a supercompliant balloon microcatheter without any complication. The balloon microcatheter effectively prevented reflux of the liquid embolic agent into the parent artery and vasa nervosa of lower cranial nerves.

Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for 30-Day Mortality and Functional Outcome in Patients with Primary Brainstem Hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Primary brainstem hemorrhage (PBSH) is the most fatal subtype of intracerebral hemorrhage and is associated with poor prognosis. We aimed to develop a prediction model for predicting 30-day mortality and functional outcome in patients with PBSH. METHODS: We reviewed records of 642 consecutive patients with first-time PBSH from three hospitals between 2016 and 2021. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish a nomogram in a training cohort. Cutoff points of the variables were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and certain points were assigned to these predictors to produce the PBSH score. The nomogram and PBSH score were compared with other scoring systems for PBSH. RESULTS: Five independent predictors, comprised of temperature, pupillary light reflex, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission, and hematoma volume, were incorporated to construct the nomogram. The PBSH score consisted of 4 independent factors with individual points assigned as follows: temperature, ≥38°C (=1 point), <38°C (=0 points); pupillary light reflex, absence (=1 point), presence (=0 points); GCS score 3-4 (=2 points), 5-11 (=1 point), and 12-15 (=0 points); PBSH volume >10 mL (=2 points), 5-10 mL (=1 point), and <5 mL (=0 points). Results showed that the nomogram was discriminative in predicting both 30-day mortality (area under the ROC curve [AUC] of 0.924 in the training cohort, and 0.931 in the validation cohort) and 30-day functional outcome (AUC of 0.887). The PBSH score was discriminative in predicting both 30-day mortality (AUC of 0.923 in the training cohort and 0.923 in the validation cohort) and 30-day functional outcome (AUC of 0.887). The prediction performances of the nomogram and the PBSH score were superior to the intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) score, primary pontine hemorrhage (PPH) score, and new PPH score. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and validated two prediction models for 30-day mortality and functional outcome in patients with PBSH. The nomogram and PBSH score could predict 30-day mortality and functional outcome in PBSH patients.

Neurological Complications Associated with Hereditary Bleeding Disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hereditary bleeding disorders may have a wide variety of clinical presentations ranging from mild mucosal and joint bleeding to severe central nervous system (CNS) bleeding, of which intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the most dreaded complication. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiology of specific hereditary bleeding disorders, namely, hemophilia A, hemophilia B, and von Willebrand disease (vWD); their clinical manifestations with a particular emphasis on neurological complications; a brief overview of management strategies pertaining to neurological complications; and a review of literature guiding treatment strategies. RECENT FINDINGS: ICH is the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hemophilia. Adequate control of bleeding with the administration of specific factors or blood products, identification of risk factors for bleeding, and maintaining optimal coagulant activity are essential for appropriately managing CNS bleeding complications in these patients. The administration of specific recombinant factors is tailored to a patient's pharmacokinetics and steady-state levels. During acute bleeding episodes, initial factor activity should be maintained between 80 and 100%. Availability of monoclonal antibody Emicizumab has revolutionized prophylactic therapies in patients with hemophilia. Management of ICH in patients with vWD involves using plasma-derived factor concentrates, recombinant von Willebrand factor, and supportive antifibrinolytic agents individualized to the type and severity of vWD. Hemophilia and vWD are the most common hereditary bleeding disorders that can predispose patients to life-threatening CNS complications-intracranial bleeds, intraspinal bleeding, and peripheral nerve syndromes. Early care coordination with a hematologist can help develop an effective prophylactic regimen to avoid life-threatening bleeding complications in these patients. Further research is needed to evaluate using emicizumab as an on-demand treatment option for acute bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia.

Splenic Artery Embolization in a Patient With Intracranial Hemorrhage Due to Refractory Persistent Immune Thrombocytopenia.

BACKGROUND: Managing intracranial bleeding in patients with refractory immune thrombocytopenia is difficult. OBSERVATION: A 16-year-old female refractory to prednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, eltrombopag, and cyclosporin exhibited heavy menstrual bleeding requiring packed red blood cell transfusions. Autoimmune antibodies were detected, indicating of lupus, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate was administered. In month 6 following the diagnosis, the patient presented with intracranial hemorrhage. Splenic artery embolization promptly increased platelets, and the patient was discharged without any neurological sequela. In month 5 of embolization, the patient's platelet count continued to exceed 300,000/µL without any medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Splenic artery embolization is a life-saving procedure in refractory immune thrombocytopenia.

Intracranial hemorrhage in patients treated for SARS-CoV-2 with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is routinely used in patients with severe respiratory failure and has been increasingly needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In patients treated with ECMO, significant intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) risk exists due to circuit characteristics, anticoagulation, and disease characteristics. ICH risk may be substantially higher in COVID-19 patients than patients treated with ECMO for other indications. METHODS: We systematically reviewed current literature regarding ICH during ECMO treatment of COVID-19. We utilized Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. Meta-analysis was performed for included comparative studies. Quality assessment was performed using MINORS criteria. RESULTS: A total of 54 studies with 4000 ECMO patients were included, all retrospective. Risk of bias was increased via MINORS score primarily due to retrospective designs. ICH was more likely in COVID-19 patients (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.23, 2.42). Mortality among COVID patients on ECMO with ICH was 64.0%, compared with 41% in patients without ICH (RR1.9, 95% 1.44, 2.51). CONCLUSION: This study suggests increased hemorrhage rates in COVID-19 patients on ECMO compared to similar controls. Hemorrhage reduction strategies may include atypical anticoagulants, conservative anticoagulation strategies, or biotechnology advances in circuit design and surface coatings.

Lower Oxygen Tension and Intracranial Hemorrhage in Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

INTRODUCTION AND METHODS: We examined the relationship between 24-h pre- and post-cannulation arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) and arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) and subsequent acute brain injury (ABI) in patients receiving veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) with granular arterial blood gas (ABG) data and institutional standardized neuromonitoring. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients underwent VV-ECMO (median age = 50, 63% male). Twenty (22%) patients experienced ABI; intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was the most common diagnosis (n = 14, 16%). Lower post-cannulation PaO2 levels were significantly associated with ICH (66 vs. 81 mmHg, p = 0.007) and a post-cannulation PaO2 level < 70 mmHg was more frequent in these patients (71% vs. 33%, p = 0.007). PaCO2 parameters were not associated with ABI. By multivariable logistic regression, hypoxemia post-cannulation increased the odds of ICH (OR = 5.06, 95% CI:1.41-18.17; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: In summary, lower oxygen tension in the 24-h post-cannulation was associated with ICH development. The precise roles of peri-cannulation ABG changes deserve further investigation, as they may influence the management of VV-ECMO patients.

Clinical Performance Measures for Emergency Department Care for Adults With Intracranial Hemorrhage.

Though select inpatient-based performance measures exist for the care of patients with nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage, emergency departments lack measurement instruments designed to support and improve care processes in the hyperacute phase. To address this, we propose a set of measures applying a syndromic (rather than diagnosis-based) approach informed by performance data from a national sample of community EDs participating in the Emergency Quality Network Stroke Initiative. To develop the measure set, we convened a workgroup of experts in acute neurologic emergencies. The group considered the appropriate use case for each proposed measure: internal quality improvement, benchmarking, or accountability, and examined data from Emergency Quality Network Stroke Initiative-participating EDs to consider the validity and feasibility of proposed measures for quality measurement and improvement applications. The initially conceived set included 14 measure concepts, of which 7 were selected for inclusion in the measure set after a review of data and further deliberation. Proposed measures include 2 for quality improvement, benchmarking, and accountability (Last 2 Recorded Systolic Blood Pressure Measurements Under 150 and Platelet Avoidance), 3 for quality improvement and benchmarking (Proportion of Patients on Oral Anticoagulants Receiving Hemostatic Medications, Median ED Length of Stay for admitted patients, and Median Length of Stay for transferred patients), and 2 for quality improvement only (Severity Assessment in the ED and Computed Tomography Angiography Performance). The proposed measure set warrants further development and validation to support broader implementation and advance national health care quality goals. Ultimately, applying these measures may help identify opportunities for improvement and focus quality improvement resources on evidence-based targets.

A retrospective study of 78 adult tentorial middle line region dural arteriovenous fistulae.

OBJECTIVE: Dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) in the tentorial middle line region are uncommon with specific features and more cognitive disorders than any other region. The purpose of this study is to present clinical characteristics and our experience with endovascular treatment in this specific region. METHODS: During a 20-year period, 94.9% of patients (74/78) underwent endovascular treatment (36 in galenic, 48.6%) (12 in straight sinus, 16.2%) (26 in torcular, 35.1%). There were 63 males and 15 females with mean age of 50 (50 ± 12) years in total of 78 patients. The clinical presentation, angiographic features, treatment strategy, and clinical outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Transarterial embolization (TAE) was performed in 89.2% of the 74 patients (66/74), transvenous embolization alone in one patient and mixed approach in seven. Complete obliteration of the fistulas was obtained in 87.5% of the patients (64/74). 71 patients (mean, 56 months) had phone, outpatient, or admission follow-up. The digital subtraction angiography (DSA) follow-up period (25/78, 32.1%) was 13.8 (6-21) months. Two of them (2/25, 8%) had fistula recurrences after complete embolization and were embolized again. The phone follow-up period (70/78, 89.7%) was 76.6 (40-92.3) months. Pre-embolization and post-embolization mRS ≥ 2 were in 44 patients (44/78) and 15 (15/71) patients, respectively. DAVF with internal cerebral vein drainage (OR 6.514, 95% Cl 1.201-35.317) and intracranial hemorrhage (OR 17.034, 95% Cl 1.122-258.612) during TAE were the risk factors for predicting poor outcomes (followed up mRS ≥ 2). CONCLUSIONS: TAE is the first-line treatment for tentorial middle line region DAVF. When pial feeders' obliteration is difficult to achieve, it should not be forced due to the poor outcomes after intracranial hemorrhage. The cognitive disorders caused by this region were not reversible as reported. It is imperative to enhance the care provided to these patients with cognitive disorders.

Management of Anticoagulation Therapy in ECMO-Associated Ischemic Stroke and Intracranial Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the common occurrence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-associated acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), there are little data to guide optimal anticoagulation management. We sought to describe antithrombotic therapy management after stroke and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of venoarterial (VA) and venovenous (VV) ECMO patients treated at a tertiary care center from June 2016 to February 2021. Patients with image-confirmed diagnosis of AIS or ICH while receiving ECMO were included for study with data collected regarding anticoagulation management and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 216 patients (153 VA-ECMO, 63 VV-ECMO) were included in this study. Of the 153 patients on VA-ECMO, 13 (8.4%) had AIS and 6 (3.9%) had ICH. Of the 63 patients on VV-ECMO, none had AIS and 5 (7.9%) had ICH. One patient (9%) received anticoagulation reversal after ICH. Anticoagulation was discontinued and later resumed in all 5 ICH survivors (median cessation time, 30 h) and 1 of 2 (50%) AIS survivors (median cessation time, 96 h). While off anticoagulation, 2 of 11 patients (18%) had thromboembolic events and none had new AIS. Upon resumption, there were no cases of hemorrhagic transformation of AIS or ICH expansion. There was no difference in in-hospital mortality between patients with ICH and those without in both the VA-ECMO and VV-ECMO cohorts nor between VA-ECMO patients with AIS and those without. CONCLUSIONS: Early cessation and judicious resumption of anticoagulation appeared feasible in the cohort of patients with ECMO-associated AIS and ICH.

Use of intravenous cangrelor in the treatment of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms: an updated single-center analysis and pooled analysis of current studies.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial stent placement for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms is increasingly utilized in both ruptured and unruptured scenarios. Intravenous (IV) cangrelor is a relatively new antiplatelet agent that was initially approved for coronary interventions. In addition to our institution, five other centers have published their results using IV cangrelor in neurointerventional procedures. This article combines the aneurysm treatment data from all prior studies to provide insight into the safety and efficacy of cangrelor for intracranial aneurysm treatment. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was reviewed to identify all cases of IV cangrelor administration during aneurysm embolization. 20 additional patients were identified who had not been previously published. In addition, a literature search was performed to identify prior publications regarding cangrelor in neurointervention. The data from these were combined with our institutional results in a pooled-analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 85 patients who received IV cangrelor during aneurysm embolization were identified, including 46 ruptured and 39 unruptured cases. The asymptomatic and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates were 4% (2/46) for ruptured cases and 2.6% (1/39) for unruptured cases. The rate of retroperitoneal hematoma and gastrointestinal bleeding was 0%. There were no incidents of intraprocedural thromboembolic complication or intraprocedural in-stent thrombosis in either cohort. One subject suffered an ischemic stroke at 24 hours secondary to in-stent thrombosis in a ruptured case. CONCLUSIONS: IV cangrelor during aneurysm embolization appears to be safe, with a symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate of 4% in ruptured cases and 2.6% in unruptured cases. More research is needed to determine the ideal dosing regimen.

High incidence of intracranial haemorrhage in Egyptian children with congenital afibrinogenaemia.

INTRODUCTION: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital afibrinogenaemia. Details on location of cerebral haemorrhage, management and neurological outcomes are lacking. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on Egyptian children with congenital afibrinogenaemia who experienced ICH, in order to estimate frequency, symptoms and neurological outcomes. RESULTS: Among 58 children with congenital afibrinogenaemia treated on demand, 18 (31%) had an history of ICH (28 episodes). The first ICH occurred at a median age of 1 year (Q1-Q3 1-7 years). Impaired consciousness level, vomiting and seizures were the most common presenting symptoms. Spontaneous bleeding was associated with a more severe clinical presentation and worse neurological outcomes, including hydrocephaly and impaired cognitive development. Only half of ICH events (n = 14) were treated in less than 24 h from the onset of symptoms. Fibrinogen replacement by Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate or fibrinogen concentrates was administered in seven (25%), 19 (68%) and three (10%) ICH events, respectively. Overall, seven (25%) ICH occurring in four patients required a surgical intervention. After the ICH, six patients started secondary prophylaxis. The cumulative incidence of ICH at 10 years was 35% (95% CI 23-51) and at 20 years was 40% (95 CI% 26.7-58.8). CONCLUSION: In our cohort of children with congenital afibrinogenaemia, ICH was very frequent and associated with adverse neurological outcomes and death. Further studies are required to determine whether primary prophylaxis starting early in childhood is indicated after diagnosis.

Intracranial Hemorrhages in Neonates: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Treatment.

Hemostasis is a dynamic process that starts in utero. Neonates, especially those who are born preterm, are at high risk of bleeding. The coagulation system evolves with age, and the decreased levels of coagulation factors along with hypo-reactive platelets are counterbalanced with increased activity of von Willebrand factor, high hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume as well as low levels of coagulation inhibitors that promote hemostasis. Neonates with congenital bleeding disorders such as hemophilia are at even higher risk of bleeding complications. This review will focus upon one of the most devastating complications associated with neonatal bleeding: intracranial hemorrhages (ICH). While etiology may be multifactorial and impacted by maternal as well as fetal risk factors, the mode of delivery certainly plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ICH. We will address prematurity and congenital bleeding disorders such as hemophilia A and B and other rare bleeding disorders as risk factors and present an updated approach for treatment and possible prevention.

Natural history, angiographic presentation and outcomes of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas (ACF-dAVFs) are aggressive vascular lesions. The pattern of venous drainage is the most important determinant of symptoms. Due to the absence of a venous sinus in the anterior cranial fossa, most ACF-dAVFs have some degree of drainage through small cortical veins. We describe the natural history, angiographic presentation and outcomes of the largest cohort of ACF-dAVFs. METHODS: The CONDOR consortium includes data from 12 international centers. Patients included in the study were diagnosed with an arteriovenous fistula between 1990-2017. ACF-dAVFs were selected from a cohort of 1077 arteriovenous fistulas. The presentation, angioarchitecture and treatment outcomes of ACF-dAVF were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: 60 ACF-dAVFs were included in the analysis. Most ACF-dAVFs were symptomatic (38/60, 63%). The most common symptomatic presentation was intracranial hemorrhage (22/38, 57%). Most ACF-dAVFs drained through cortical veins (85%, 51/60), which in most instances drained into the superior sagittal sinus (63%, 32/51). The presence of cortical venous drainage predicted symptomatic presentation (OR 9.4, CI 1.98 to 69.1, p=0.01). Microsurgery was the most effective modality of treatment. 56% (19/34) of symptomatic patients who were treated had complete resolution of symptoms. Improvement of symptoms was not observed in untreated symptomatic ACF-dAVFs. CONCLUSION: Most ACF-dAVFs have a symptomatic presentation. Drainage through cortical veins is a key angiographic feature of ACF-dAVFs that accounts for their malignant course. Microsurgery is the most effective treatment. Due to the high risk of bleeding, closure of ACF-dAVFs is indicated regardless of presentation.

Ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is employed to support critically ill COVD-19 patients. The occurrence of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), as well as the implementation of anticoagulation strategies under the dual influence of ECMO and COVID-19 remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to describe the ischemic stroke, ICH and overall in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients receiving ECMO and summarize the anticoagulation regimens. METHODS: EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus were searched for studies examining ischemic stroke, ICH, and mortality in COVID-19 patients supported with ECMO. The outcomes were incidences of ischemic stroke, ICH, overall in-hospital mortality and anticoagulation regimens. We calculated the pooled proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to summarize the results. RESULTS: We analyzed 12 peer-reviewed studies involving 6039 COVID-19 patients. The incidence of ischemic stroke had a pooled estimate of 2.2% (95% CI: 1.2%-3.2%). The pooled prevalence of ICH was 8.0% (95% CI: 6.3%-9.6%). The pooled estimate of overall in-hospital mortality was 40.3% (95% CI: 33.1%-47.5%). The occurrence of ICH was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients supported with ECMO than in other respiratory ECMO [relative risk=1.75 (95% CI: 1.00-3.07)]. Unfractionated heparin was the most commonly used anticoagulant, and anticoagulation monitoring practice varied among centers. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic stroke and ICH were common under the double "hit" of COVID-19 and ECMO. The prevalence of ICH was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients supported with ECMO than non-COVID-19 patients requiring ECMO. Individualized anticoagulation regimens may be a good choice to balance thrombosis and bleeding. More detailed research and further exploration are needed to clarify the underlying mechanism and clinical management decisions.

Early Low Pulse Pressure in VA-ECMO Is Associated with Acute Brain Injury.

BACKGROUND: Pulse pressure is a dynamic marker of cardiovascular function and is often impaired in patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Pulsatile blood flow also serves as a regulator of vascular endothelium, and continuous-flow mechanical circulatory support can lead to endothelial dysfunction. We explored the impact of early low pulse pressure on occurrence of acute brain injury (ABI) in VA-ECMO. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of adults with VA-ECMO at a tertiary care center between July 2016 and January 2021. Patients underwent standardized multimodal neuromonitoring throughout ECMO support. ABI included intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, hypoxic ischemic brain injury, cerebral edema, seizure, and brain death. Blood pressures were recorded every 15 min. Low pulse pressure was defined as a median pulse pressure < 20 mm Hg in the first 12 h of ECMO. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate the association between pulse pressure and ABI. RESULTS: We analyzed 5138 blood pressure measurements from 123 (median age 63; 63% male) VA-ECMO patients (54% peripheral; 46% central cannulation), of whom 41 (33%) experienced ABI. Individual ABIs were as follows: ischemic stroke (n = 18, 15%), hypoxic ischemic brain injury (n = 14, 11%), seizure (n = 8, 7%), intracranial hemorrhage (n = 7, 6%), cerebral edema (n = 7, 6%), and brain death (n = 2, 2%). Fifty-eight (47%) patients had low pulse pressure. In a multivariable model adjusting for preselected covariates, including cannulation strategy (central vs. peripheral), lactate on ECMO day 1, and left ventricle venting strategy, low pulse pressure was independently associated with ABI (adjusted odds ratio 2.57, 95% confidence interval 1.05-6.24). In a model with the same covariates, every 10-mm Hg decrease in pulse pressure was associated with 31% increased odds of ABI (95% confidence interval 1.01-1.68). In a sensitivity analysis model adjusting for systolic pressure, pulse pressure remained significantly associated with ABI. CONCLUSIONS: Early low pulse pressure (< 20 mm Hg) was associated with ABI in VA-ECMO patients. Low pulse pressure may serve as a marker of ABI risk, which necessitates close neuromonitoring for early detection.

Expanding neonatal ECMO criteria: When is the premature neonate too premature.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a universally accepted and life-saving therapy for neonates with respiratory or cardiac failure that is refractory to maximal medical management. Early studies found unacceptable risks of mortality and morbidities such as intracranial hemorrhage among premature and low birthweight neonates, leading to widely accepted ECMO inclusion criteria of gestational age ≥34 weeks and birthweight >2 kg. Although contemporary data is lacking, the most recent literature demonstrates increased survival and decreased rates of intracranial hemorrhage in premature neonates who are supported with ECMO. As such, it seems like the right time to push the boundaries of ECMO on a case-by-case basis beginning with neonates 32-34 weeks GA in large volume centers with careful neurodevelopmental follow-up to better inform practices changes on this select population.