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Biomedical subjects

T Ingebrigtsen

Publications and source records attributed to T Ingebrigtsen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Outcome 1 year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: relation between cognitive performance and neuroimaging.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cognitive impairment and the association between neuropsychological measures and neuroimaging 1 year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHOD: Forty-two patients were examined clinically according to Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Computed tomography (CT), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and neuropsychological examination were performed. RESULTS: There were no association between GOS and cognitive impairment index based on the neuropsychological examination. CT showed no sign of cerebral ischemia in 17 (40%) and low attenuating areas indicating cerebral infarction(s) in 25 (60%) patients. A significant correlation (P = 0.01) was observed between the cognitive impairment index and the SPECT index (r = 0.6). SPECT measurement was the only independent predictor for cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: GOS is a crude outcome measure and patients classified with good recoveries may have significant cognitive deficits. Neuropsychological examination is the preferred method for outcome evaluation as this method specifically addresses the disabilities affecting patients' everyday life.

Adult↗

Surgery for unruptured intracranial aneurysms in a low-volume neurosurgical unit.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate outcomes after surgical treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms in a low-volume neurosurgical unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients operated during the years 1988-98 at the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of North Norway, were studied retrospectively. Procedure-related complications were registered. The modified Rankin Scale and the Glasgow Outcome Scale, Extended version (GOS-E), were used for assessment of outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-six aneurysms were repaired in 32 patients during 34 surgical procedures. Surgery-related central nervous system complications occurred in eight (25%) patients. The complication rate was 35% for the first 17 procedures, and 12% for the last 17. The latter group of procedures were performed during a period of 3 years, whereas the former group was spread over a period of 8 years. A favourable outcome (GOS-E score 6-8) was reached in 27 (84%) patients. CONCLUSION: Decision-making in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms must be based on knowledge about institution-specific complication rates, preferably followed on a prospective basis.

Adult↗

A four-year experience with a stereotactic computer in a small neurosurgical department.

BACKGROUND: A stereotactic computer with a mechanical, proprioceptive arm was acquired in 1996. The aim of this report is to review the 4-year experience with frameless, computer-aided stereotaxy in a small neurosurgical department. METHODS: From 1996 to 1999 the computer was used for 121 operations. The surgical files from these operations were either retrospectively or prospectively registered. Patient and computer data, type of surgery, complications and number of surgeons were noted. The versatility, benefits, and drawbacks of the stereotactic computer were evalued based on these findings. RESULTS: Seven surgeons performed a total of 121 computer-assisted operations. The procedures consisted of 63 stereotactic tissue samplings, 44 craniotomies, 7 abscess punctures and 3 insertions of intracerebral devices (shunts and microelectrodes). Technical complications were seen in 6 cases (4.8%), but this did not affect the surgical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The stereotactic computer has enabled the department to broaden its spectrum of procedures. High precision surgery such as stereotactic biopsy has been possible without the use of a framebased system. The results indicate that even small neurosurgical units with a limited number of procedures can safely and successfully implement neuronavigation in daily routines.

Adolescent↗

Results of surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in northern Norway: a retrospective study with special focus on timing of surgery in a rural area.

OBJECTIVES: This study reports data on time consumption before aneurysm surgery and the results of treatment in northern Norway. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 279 cases were identified and included in our analysis of time span from bleeding to arrival at our department. Fifty-one patients were treated conservatively, either because of bad clinical condition or because angiography revealed no aneurysm. The remaining 228 patients were operated and included in our analysis of outcome after early aneurysm surgery. RESULTS: Among all 279 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), median time from ictus to arrival at the university hospital was 1 (0-30) day. Forty-one per cent arrived at the day of bleeding and 86% within the first 3 days after bleeding. Among the 228 patients who underwent surgical aneurysm repair, median time from bleeding to operation was 2 (0-33) days. Early aneurysm surgery (< 72 h) was performed in 146 patients (64%). Fifty patients (22%) underwent intermediate surgery (days 4-10) and 32 patients (14%) were operated later (day 11 or later). A significant association was found between Hunt and Hess (HH) grade and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients suffering aneurysmal SAH in northern Norway undergo early aneurysm surgery and the outcome is comparable with that obtained in other Scandinavian centres. Initial Hunt and Hess grade is a major determinant for outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Adult↗

Risk factors for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: the Tromsø study.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a population based case-control study with premorbid registration of potential risk factors to address the difficulty in identifying risk factors for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). SAH is rare in prospective studies, and retrospective studies may have a selection bias. METHODS: The Tromsø health study is a population based survey of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in 27 161 subjects. 26 cases of aneurysmal SAH were identified in which risk factors were registered before the bleeding. Four age and sex matched controls were selected for each case. A backward logistic regression analysis was conducted and odds ratios (ORs) for significant risk factors were calculated. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking habits, serum concentrations of lipoproteins, body mass index, and coffee consumption were analysed. RESULTS: The crude annual incidence rate of aneurysmal SAH was 8.84/100 000 population. The proportion of current smokers was significantly (p = 0.003) higher in patients with SAH (73.1%) than in controls (41.3%). Drinking more than five cups of coffee per day was more common among patients (85%) than controls (59%) (p = 0.004). Mean (SD) systolic blood pressure was higher (p = 0.017) in patients (154.0 (32.5)) than in controls (136.3 (23.3)). Regression analysis showed that cigarette smoking (p = 0.04), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.0001), and coffee consumption (p = 0.004) were independent risk factors for SAH. The OR of current smokers versus never smokers was 4.55 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08 to 19.30) and the OR of drinking more than five cups of coffee a day was 3.86 (95% CI 1.01 to 14.73). The OR of an increase in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg was 2.46 (95% CI 1.52 to 3.97). CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette smoking and hypertension are significant independent risk factors for aneurysmal SAH. A high coffee consumption may also predispose patients to aneurysmal SAH.

Adult↗

Impact of occupational variables in carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the impact of work-related factors on the outcome in patients operated for carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: The population consisted of 106 CTS patients who worked at the time of operation. We registered social and occupational data from the patients. RESULTS: Median time of sick leave was 7 weeks for the total group. Sixty-four percent reported a relationship between their work and the disease. Eighty-nine percent of the operated patients returned to their previous work after operation. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of the patients attributed the CTS-related symptoms to their occupation. Work-related factors may therefore be one possible explanation for the socioeconomical consequences of CTS. A permanent drop-out from work in more than 1 out of 10 patients after CTS treatment indicate that CTS form a substantial socioeconomical burden in the society.

Adult↗

Renal elimination of protein S-100beta in pigs with acute encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Protein S-100beta is an established biochemical marker for cerebral injury in serum. For the further interpretation and possible use of S-100beta serum measurements in acute hepatic encephalopathy, renal elimination of S-100beta was measured in pigs with elevated S-100beta levels due to hepatic encephalopathy. METHODS: Eighteen female Norwegian Landrace pigs were randomly allocated to either hepatic devascularization (n=13) or sham operation (n=5). Repeated samples from the common carotid artery, right renal vein, and urine were simultaneously drawn for S-100beta analysis, using the Sangtec100 Liamat immunoassay. RESULTS: In hepatic devascularized pigs, arterial serum levels of S-100beta increased from 0.96+/-0.04 microg/L (mean +/- SEM) at t = 0h to 1.74+/-0.11 microg/L (mean +/- SEM) at t = 5 h. Urinary excretion increased simultaneously from 8.48+/-3.66 ng/h (mean +/- SEM) to 20.4+/-9.54 ng/h (mean +/- SEM), while renal arterial-venous fluxes for both kidneys increased from 1022+/-404 ng/h (mean +/- SEM) to 2444+/-590 ng/h (mean +/- SEM). CONCLUSIONS: Increased arterial S-100beta levels in pigs with acute hepatic encephalopathy are not a result of decreased renal elimination. The large difference between the renal arterial venous S-100beta concentrations and the urinary excretion of S-100beta indicate that renal metabolism is the major route of elimination.

Acute Disease↗

Prophylactic hyperdynamic postoperative fluid therapy after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a clinical, prospective, randomized, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of prophylactic hyperdynamic postoperative fluid therapy in preventing delayed ischemic neurological deficits attributable to cerebral vasospasm. METHODS: We designed a prospected, randomized, controlled study and included 32 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Sixteen patients received hypervolemic hypertensive hemodilution fluid therapy; the other 16 patients received normovolemic fluid therapy. All patients were monitored for at least 12 days, with clinical assessments, transcranial Doppler recordings, single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) scanning, and routine computed tomographic scanning. For fluid balance monitoring, a number of blood samples were obtained on a daily basis and continuous central venous pressure and mean arterial blood pressure measurements were performed for both groups. All patients received intravenous nimodipine infusions between Day 1 and Day 12. End points of this study were clinical outcomes, clinically evident and transcranial Doppler sonography-evident vasospasm, SPECT findings, complications, and costs. Clinical examinations (using the Glasgow Outcome Scale) performed 1 year after discharge, together with neuropsychological assessments and SPECT scanning, were the basis for the evaluation of clinical outcomes. RESULTS: No differences were observed between the two groups with respect to cerebral vasospasm (as observed clinically or on transcranial Doppler recordings). When regional cerebral blood flow was evaluated by means of SPECT analysis performed on Day 12 after subarachnoid hemorrhage, no differences were revealed. One-year clinical follow-up assessments (with the Glasgow Outcome Scale), including SPECT findings and neuropsychological function results, did not demonstrate any significant group differences. Costs were higher and complications were more frequent for the hyperdynamic therapy group. CONCLUSION: Neither early nor late outcome measures revealed any significant differences between the two subarachnoid hemorrhage treatment models.

Aged↗

[Scandinavian guidelines for management of head injuries. Evidence-based management of minimal, mild and moderate head injuries].

The Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee (SNC) was created by the Scandinavian Neurosurgical Society in order to develop evidence-based guidelines for improved care of neurotrauma patients. A MEDLINE search identified 475 papers dealing with the management of minimal, mild and moderate head injuries. Forty-two studies presenting Class II evidence on the initial management of such injuries were reviewed, and management guidelines were developed. Implementation of the Head Injury Severity Scale is advocated. Patients with Minimal injuries (no loss of consciousness [LOC], Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 15) can be safely discharged. Routine early computerized tomography [CT] scan is recommended in cases with Mild injuries (history of LOC, GCS 14-15) and patients with normal scans may be discharged. CT scan and admission is mandatory in Moderate injuries (GCS 9-13). All patients with additional risk factors should be scanned and admitted. A flow-chart for clinical decision making and a Head Injury Instruction card is introduced. The SNC suggests guidelines that should be safe and cost-effective for the initial management of minimal, mild and moderate head injuries.

Consciousness↗

[Scandinavian guidelines for management of minimal, mild and moderate head injuries].

The Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee (SNC) was initiated by the Scandinavian Neurosurgical Society to develop evidence-based guidelines for improved care of neurotrauma patients. A MEDLINE search identified 475 papers dealing with the management of minimal, mild and moderate head injuries. Fourty-two studies presenting Class II evidence on the initial management of such injuries were reviewed and management guidelines were developed. Implementation of the Head Injury Severity Scale is advocated. Patients with minimal injuries (no loss of consciousness (LOC), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 15) can be safely discharged. Routine early CT scan is recommended in cases with mild injuries (history of LOC, GCS 14-15) and patients with normal scans may be discharged. CT scan and admission is mandatory in moderate injuries (GCS < or = 13). All patients harbouring additional risk factors should be scanned and admitted. A flow chart for clinical decision making and a Head Injury Instruction card are introduced.

Consciousness↗

[Scandinavian guidelines for management of head injuries. Evidence-based management of minimal, mild and moderate head injuries].

The Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee (SNC) was created by the Scandinavian Neurosurgical Society in order to develop evidence-based guidelines for improved care of neurotrauma patients. A MEDLINE search identified 475 papers dealing with the management of minimal, mild and moderate head injuries. Forty-two studies presenting Class II evidence on the initial management of such injuries were reviewed, and management guidelines were developed. Implementation of the Head Injury Severity Scale is advocated. Patients with Minimal injuries (no loss of consciousness (LOC), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 15) can be safely discharged. Routine early computerized tomography (CT) scan is recommended in cases with Mild injuries (history of LOC, GCS 14-15) and patients with normal scans may be discharged. CT scan and admission is mandatory in Moderate injuries (GCS 9-13). All patients with additional risk factors should be scanned and admitted. A flow-chart for clinical decision making and a Head Injury Instruction card is introduced. The SNC suggests guidelines that should be safe and cost-effective for the initial management of minimal, mild and moderate head injuries.

Consciousness↗

Protein S-100beta: a biochemical marker for increased intracranial pressure in pigs with acute hepatic failure.

BACKGROUND: Acute hepatic failure (AHF) may cause encephalopathy. Intracranial pressure (ICP) is frequently monitored to guide therapy, but such monitoring may cause intracerebral haemorrhagic complications. We hypothesize that determination of serum levels of S-100beta, a protein synthesized in astroglial cells, will provide useful clinical information on the presence and extent of intracranial hypertension in AHF. METHODS: Continuous intraparenchymatous ICP monitoring and serial S-100beta measurements in serum were performed in 11 Norwegian Landrace pigs with surgically induced AHF and in 4 sham-operated controls. RESULTS: ICP increased hour by hour in the devascularized pigs in parallel with increased serum levels of protein S-100beta. In the sham-operated controls S-100beta was not detectable at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of S-100beta are increased early in experimental AHF. Determination of protein S-100beta may provide useful information on the presence and extent of intracranial hypertension in AHF.

Animals↗

The clinical value of serum S-100 protein measurements in minor head injury: a Scandinavian multicentre study.

PURPOSE: This study of patients with minor head injury was designed to investigate the relation of S-100 protein measurements to computed tomograpy (CT) findings and patients outcomes. Increased serum levels of this protein were hypothetized to predict intracranial pathology and increased frequency of post-concussion symptoms. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-two patients were studied with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 13-15. The study recruited patients from three Scandinavian neurotrauma centres. Serum levels of S-100 protein were measured at admittance and CT scans of the brain were obtained within 24 hours postinjury in all patients. Outcome was evaluated with the Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) 3 months after the injury. RESULTS: Increased serum level of S-100 protein was detected in 69 (38%) patients, and CT scan demonstrated intracranial pathology in 10 (5%) (brain contusion in seven, epidural haematoma in two, traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage in one). The proportion of patients with detectable serum level was significantly (p < 0.01) higher among those with intracranial pathology (90%) compared to those without (35%). The negative predictive value of an undetectable S-100 level was 0.99. Sixty-two per cent reported one or more post-concussion symptoms at follow-up. A trend was observed towards an increased frequency of post-concussion symptoms among patients with detectable serum levels. CONCLUSIONS: Undetectable serum level of S-100 protein predicts normal intracranial findings on CT scan. Determination of S-100 protein in serum may be used to select patients for CT scanning. Increased S-100 serum levels may be more related to post-concussion symptoms caused by mild traumatic brain injury than to symptoms of psychological origin.

Adolescent↗

Traumatic brain damage: serum S-100 protein measurements related to neuroradiological findings.

This study was designed to investigate the correlation between S-100 protein serum measurements and neuroradiological findings in patients with head injury. We studied 278 patients with minor, moderate, and severe head injuries and 110 controls with no history of neurological disease. The study recruited patients from three Scandinavian neurotrauma centers. Serum levels of S-100 protein were measured at admittance, and computed tomographic scans of the brain were obtained within 24 h postinjury in all patients. In a subgroup of 45 patients with minor head injuries, magnetic resonance imaging was also performed. Increased serum level of S-100 protein was detected in 108 (39%) patients, and CT scan demonstrated intracranial pathology in 25 (9%) (brain contusion n = 13, subdural hematoma n = 6, epidural hematoma n = 2, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage n = 2, and brain edema n = 2). The proportion of patients with detectable serum level was significantly (p < 0.01) higher among those with intracranial pathology (92%) compared to those without (34%). The negative predictive value of an undetectable S-100 serum level was 0.99. Undetectable serum level of S-100 protein predicts normal intracranial findings on CT scan. Determination of S-100 protein in serum may be used to select patients for CT scanning.

Adolescent↗

Scandinavian guidelines for initial management of minimal, mild, and moderate head injuries. The Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee.

BACKGROUND: The Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee was initiated by the Scandinavian Neurosurgical Society to develop evidence-based guidelines for improved care of neurotrauma patients. METHODS: A MEDLINE search identified 475 papers dealing with the management of minimal, mild, and moderate head injuries. Forty-two studies presenting class II evidence on the initial management of such injuries were reviewed and management guidelines were developed. RESULTS: Implementation of the Head Injury Severity Scale is advocated. Patients with minimal injuries (no loss of consciousness, Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15) can be safely discharged. Routine early computed tomographic scan is recommended in cases with mild injuries (history of loss of consciousness, Glasgow Coma Scale score = 14-15) and patients with normal scans may be discharged. Computed tomographic scan and admission is mandatory in moderate injuries (Glasgow Coma Scale score = 13). All patients harboring additional risk factors should be scanned and admitted. A flow-chart for clinical decision making and a Head Injury Instruction card is introduced. CONCLUSIONS: The Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee suggests guidelines that should be safe and cost-effective for the initial management of minimal, mild, and moderate head injuries.

Craniocerebral Trauma↗

[Routines required for management of minor head injuries].

Developing guidelines for quality assurance in the management of head injury requires knowledge concerning present management practice. We studied management of minor head injury (MHI) using a cross-sectional mail survey of 76 Swedish hospitals. In 96% of the hospitals, initial patient evaluation, frequently performed by inexperienced physicians, entails neurological assessment according to the Swedish Reaction Level Scale or the Glasgow Coma Scale, while computerised tomography (CT) is used routinely in 4%. This survey indicates great variability in the management of MHI in hospitals in Sweden. Fifteen (21%) hospitals consistently hospitalize all MHI patients for overnight observation, while 56 (79%) have established criteria for early discharge of selected patients. Routines for neurological assessment are satisfactory, while CT scan for skull fracture and early diagnosis of intracranial complications is usually not performed.

Brain Injuries↗

[Decompression craniectomy--life-saving treatment in acute cerebral infarction].

Massive cerebral infarction is often accompanied by early death secondary to transtentorial herniation. Decompressive hemicraniectomy has been suggested as a lifesaving procedure. We report the case of a 61 year old man who had an acute infarction in the distribution area of the right middle cerebral artery. Initially, he was awake and suffered from total left-sided hemiparalysis. Over the next two days, his level of consciousness deteriorated to a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 5. Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring was then established. Three days later, the ICP increased from 20 to 40 mm Hg. We performed a right-sided decompressive hemicraniectomy, and the ICP was normalized immediately. Ten months after surgery the patient was at home and functioning with minimal assistance. He had moderate paresis of the left leg and was able to walk, but his left arm was paralytic. The presented case confirms that decompressive hemicraniectomy may prevent death and allow survival without severe disability in patients with massive cerebral infarction.

Acute Disease↗