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Frontiers in Neurology 2023The use of magnesium sulfate for treating aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has shown inconsistent results across studies. To assess the impact of magnesium...
INTRODUCTION
The use of magnesium sulfate for treating aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has shown inconsistent results across studies. To assess the impact of magnesium sulfate on outcomes after aSAH, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant literature on magnesium sulfate for aSAH from database inception to March 20, 2023. The primary outcome was cerebral vasospasm (CV), and secondary outcomes included delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), secondary cerebral infarction, rebleeding, neurological dysfunction, and mortality.
RESULTS
Of the 558 identified studies, 16 comprising 3,503 patients were eligible and included in the analysis. Compared with control groups (saline or standard treatment), significant differences were reported in outcomes of CV [odds ratio (OR) = 0.61, = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.37-0.99)], DCI [OR = 0.57, = 0.01, 95% CI (0.37-0.88)], secondary cerebral infarction [OR = 0.49, = 0.01, 95% CI (0.27-0.87)] and neurological dysfunction [OR = 0.55, = 0.04, 95% CI (0.32-0.96)] after magnesium sulfate administration, with no significant differences detected in mortality [OR = 0.92, = 0.47, 95% CI (0.73-1.15)] and rebleeding [OR = 0.68, = 0.55, 95% CI (0.19-2.40)] between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
The superiority of magnesium sulfate over standard treatments for CV, DCI, secondary cerebral infarction, and neurological dysfunction in patients with aSAH was demonstrated. Further randomized trials are warranted to validate these findings with increased sample sizes.
PubMed: 38020616
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1249369 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2023Intracranial aneurysms (IA) are the most common cerebral vascular pathologies. Their rupture leads to the most dangerous subtype of stroke-aneurysmal subarachnoid... (Review)
Review
Intracranial aneurysms (IA) are the most common cerebral vascular pathologies. Their rupture leads to the most dangerous subtype of stroke-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), which may be followed by cerebral vasospasm and ischemic sequelae. Recently, an imbalance within the intestinal microbiota, referred to as dysbiosis, was suggested to play a role in the formation, progression, and rupture of IA. As no systematic review on this topic exists, considering the significance of this matter and a lack of effective prophylaxis against IA or cerebral vasospasm, we aim to sum up the current knowledge regarding their associations with intestinal microbiome, identify the gaps, and determine future prospects. Scientific databases were systematically and independently searched by two authors from inception to 1st May 2023 for original articles regarding the role of intestinal microbiota in intracranial aneurysmal growth, aSAH occurrence, as well as in cerebral vasospasm following aSAH. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist was followed in an abstraction process. The STROBE tool was applied to assess the risk of bias. This research was funded by the National Science Centre, Poland (grant number 2021/41/N/NZ2/00844). Of 302 records, four studies were included that fully met eligibility criteria. Studies reported (1) that the relative abundance of is a protective factor against aneurysm growth and rupture, resulting from the reduced inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in the cerebral arterial wall and from reduced metalloproteinase-mediated degradation of smooth muscle cells in cerebral vessels. (2) Relative abundance of is associated with aSAH. (3) No article has evaluated microbiota in relation to cerebral vasospasm following aSAH although there is an ongoing study. We concluded that intestinal microbiota might be a potential target for diagnostic and therapeutic tools to improve the management of cerebral aneurysms. However, more studies of prospective design are needed.
PubMed: 37928732
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1247151 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023Vasospasm and cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are associated with mortality and poor neurological outcomes. We studied the efficacy of all...
BACKGROUND
Vasospasm and cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are associated with mortality and poor neurological outcomes. We studied the efficacy of all available strategies targeting vasospasm and cerebral ischemia on outcomes in a network meta-analysis.
METHODS
We searched EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from 1 January 1990 and 28 November 2021 according to PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials and longitudinal studies were included. All curative or preventive strategies targeting vasospasm and/or cerebral ischemia were eligible. A network meta-analysis was performed to compare all interventions with one another in a primary (randomized controlled trials only) and a secondary analysis (both trials and longitudinal studies). Mortality by 3 months was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were vasospasm, neurological outcome by 3 months, and dichotomized as "good" or "poor" recovery according to each study definition.
RESULTS
A total of 2,382 studies were screened which resulted in the selection of 192 clinical trials (92 (47.9%) and 100 cohorts (52.1%) and the inclusion of 41,299 patients. In randomized controlled studies, no strategy decreased mortality by 3 months. Statins (0.79 [0.62-1]), tirilazad (0.82 [0.69-0.97]), CSF drainage (0.47 [0.29-0.77]), and clazosentan (0.51 [0.36-0.71]) significantly decreased the incidence of vasospasm. Cilostazol was the only treatment associated with improved neurological outcomes by 3 months in the primary (OR 1.16, 95% CI [1.05-1.28]) and secondary analyses (OR 2.97, 95% CI [1.39-6.32]).
DISCUSSION
In the modern era of subarachnoid hemorrhage, all strategies targeting vasospasm failed to decrease mortality. Cilostazol should be confirmed as a treatment to improve neurological outcomes. The link between vasospasm and neurological outcome appears questionable.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=116073, identifier: PROSPERO CRD42018116073.
PubMed: 37662039
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1217719 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Aug 2023Cocaine consumption has increased over the last decade. The potent sympathomimetic effects of the drug can lead to serious neurovascular complications in the form of... (Review)
Review
Cocaine consumption has increased over the last decade. The potent sympathomimetic effects of the drug can lead to serious neurovascular complications in the form of ischemic stroke (IS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to describe the clinical features and outcomes of patients suffering from IS, ICH, or SAH occurring in the context of cocaine use. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science libraries were queried in December 2022. Studies were included if they provided information regarding the epidemiology, clinical presentation, or outcomes in cocaine-associated strokes. Odds ratios (OR) were pooled using a random-effects model. A total of 36 papers were included. Strokes associated with cocaine use were more prevalent in younger populations and those of African American descent. Cocaine use increased the odds of IS, ICH, or SAH (OR = 5.05, < 0.001). The odds of mortality (OR = 1.77, = 0.0021), vasospasm (OR = 2.25, = 0.0037), and seizures (OR = 1.61, < 0.001) were also worse when strokes were associated with cocaine use. In addition to counseling patients on the benefits of drug cessation, clinicians should remain vigilant of the potential complications in patients who are hospitalized with cocaine-associated strokes.
PubMed: 37629248
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165207 -
Insights into the invasive diagnostic challenges of coronary artery vasospasm - A systematic review.Journal of Cardiology Jan 2024Coronary provocation testing is an essential diagnostic procedure when evaluating vasospastic angina. Invasive methods using acetylcholine or ergonovine are considered... (Review)
Review
Coronary provocation testing is an essential diagnostic procedure when evaluating vasospastic angina. Invasive methods using acetylcholine or ergonovine are considered the current gold standard. Despite efforts from global cardiovascular institutions, current protocols vary in dosage, administration time, and procedural approach. In addition, concerns over the specificity of findings and potential complications have limited routine uptake of this procedure in clinical practice. This systematic review evaluates current diagnostic protocols, focusing on invasive provocation testing. We included studies using intracoronary provocation testing with acetylcholine or ergonovine for the assessment of coronary artery vasospasm that detailed specific elements of the procedure (dosage, administration time, etc.) and included ≥50 patients. A total of 28 articles met strict inclusion criteria. Our review highlights the heterogeneity between current diagnostic protocols for invasive provocation testing. We believe standardization of a diagnostic protocol will encourage both current and future cardiologists to incorporate such procedures in the evaluation of variant angina.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Vasospasm; Acetylcholine; Ergonovine; Heart; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Vessels
PubMed: 37541429
DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2023.07.020 -
The Surgeon : Journal of the Royal... Dec 2023Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is of the most serious emergencies in neurosurgical practice and continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality....
BACKGROUND
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is of the most serious emergencies in neurosurgical practice and continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Beyond securing the ruptured aneurysm to prevent a rebleed, physicians continue to be concerned about potential complications such as cerebral vasospasm-delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), an area where management remains highly variable. This study aimed at reviewing the most recent literature and assessing any up-to-date schemes for treating the most common aSAH neurological complications in adults that can be applied in daily clinical practice towards optimising outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines on the management of aSAH neurological complications in adults. The literature surveyed was between 2016 and 2022 inclusive, using the Pubmed search engine. Comparisons between the methods suggested by existing therapeutic algorithms were discussed.
RESULTS
Six stepwise algorithms assisting the decision-making for treating cerebral vasospasm-DCI were recognised and compared. No algorithm was found for the management of any other neurological complications of aSAH. Despite differences in the algorithms, induced hypertension and endovascular therapy were common treatments in all approaches. Controversy in the therapeutic process of these complications surrounds not only the variability of methods but also their optimal application towards clinical outcome optimisation.
CONCLUSIONS
A universal approach to managing aSAH complications is lacking. Despite advances in the techniques to secure a ruptured aneurysm, there persist a high rate of neurological deficit and mortality, and several unanswered questions. More research is required towards stratification of current treatment algorithms as per the quality of their evidence.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Vasospasm, Intracranial; Brain Ischemia; Aneurysm, Ruptured
PubMed: 37451887
DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2023.06.006 -
Translational Stroke Research Feb 2024Robust preclinical models are inevitable for researchers to unravel pathomechanisms of subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH). For the mouse perforation model of SAH, the goal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Robust preclinical models are inevitable for researchers to unravel pathomechanisms of subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH). For the mouse perforation model of SAH, the goal of this meta-review was the determination of variances in mortality, SAH severity grade, and vasospasm, and their experimental moderators, as many researchers are facing with incomparable results. We searched on the databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for articles describing in vivo experiments using the SAH perforation mouse model and measuring mortality, SAH grade, and/or vasospasm. After screening, 42 articles (total of 1964 mice) were included into systematic review and meta-analysis. Certain model characteristics were insufficiently reported, e.g., perforation location (not reported in six articles), filament (material (n = 15) and tip texture (n = 25)), mouse age (n = 14), and weight (n = 10). Used injective anesthetics and location of perforation showed large variation. In a random-effects meta-analysis, the overall animal mortality following SAH was 21.3% [95% CI: 17.5%, 25.7%] and increased with longer observational periods. Filament material significantly correlated with animal mortality (p = 0.024) after exclusion of hyperacute studies (time after SAH induction < 24 h). Reported mean SAH grade was 10.7 [9.6, 11.7] on the scale of Sugawara (J Neurosci Methods 167:327-34, 2008). Furthermore, mean diameter of large cerebral arteries after SAH was reduced by 27.6% compared to sham-operated non-SAH mice. Uniforming standards of experimental procedures and their reporting are indispensable to increase overall comparability.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Disease Models, Animal; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Vasospasm, Intracranial
PubMed: 36422813
DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-01106-4 -
The Neuroradiology Journal Dec 2023Brain stroke is a rare, life-threatening condition associated with pituitary apoplexy (PA), resulting from direct arterial occlusion due to mechanical compression...
BACKGROUND
Brain stroke is a rare, life-threatening condition associated with pituitary apoplexy (PA), resulting from direct arterial occlusion due to mechanical compression secondary to the sudden enlargement of the pituitary adenoma, or to vessel vasospasm, induced by tumor hemorrhage.
CASE REPORT
We report the case of a 64-year-old woman with PA complicated by bilateral anterior circulation stroke due to critical stenosis of both anterior cerebral arteries (ACA). Despite the quick surgical decompression and consequent blood flow restoration, the neurological conditions of the patient did not improve and she died 18 days later. Ten other cases of anterior circulation stroke due to PA were retrieved in a systematic review of literature. Clinical and neuroradiological features of these patients and treatment outcome were assessed to suggest the most proper management.
CONCLUSION
The onset of neurological symptoms suggestive for brain stroke in patients with PA requires performing an emergency Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), including Diffusion-weighted and angiographic MR-sequences. The role of surgery in these cases is debated, however, transsphenoidal adenomectomy would permit us to decompress the ACA and restore blood flow in their territories. Although the prognosis of PA-induced anterior circulation stroke is generally poor, a timely diagnosis and treatment would be paramount for improving patient outcome.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pituitary Apoplexy; Stroke; Pituitary Neoplasms; Adenoma; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35343284
DOI: 10.1177/19714009221083146