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Large animal models of cerebral ischemia have the potential to increase the translational value of stroke research. This study aims to measure early changes of brain tissue oxygen pressure (ptiO 2) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) to characterize a porcine model of sequential middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO). Eight juvenile German Landrace pigs received unilateral MCAO via a frontotemporal approach under continuous intraparenchymal multiparametric monitoring. Insufficient reduction (i.e., <50% in both ptiO 2 and CBF) was followed by additional bilateral CCAO. Neurodegenerative changes were detected by Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) staining. Only 1 of 8 animals demonstrated a decrease of >50% in both ptiO 2 and CBF after MCAO. Additional CCAO in 7 pigs led to a significant reduction of both ipsilateral and contralateral ptiO 2 (P < 0.01) but not of CBF. There was no difference in ptiO 2 and FJB positive area between hemispheres in this group. Measurement of ptiO 2 correlated negatively with the FJB positive area (P < 0.05). Intraparenchymal multiparametric measurements of acute changes in ptiO 2 and CBF were variable after MCAO. Bilateral CCAO led to a consistent decrease in ptiO 2 and correlated with early degenerative histologic changes, but CBF did not. Real-time procedural ptiO 2 monitoring could provide useful guidance in large animal ischemia models. Feasibility in the context of global cerebral hypoperfusion is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon monoxide (CO) can occur in numerous situations and ambient conditions, such as fire smoke, indoor fireplaces, silos containing large quantities of wood pellets, engine exhaust fumes, and when using hookahs. Symptoms of CO poisoning are nonspecific and can range from dizziness, headache, and angina pectoris to unconsciousness and death. This guideline presents the current state of knowledge and national recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CO poisoning. The diagnosis of CO poisoning is based on clinical symptoms and proven or probable exposure to CO. Negative carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels should not rule out CO poisoning if the history and symptoms are consistent with this phenomenon. Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, impairment of the cellular respiratory chain, and immunomodulatory processes may result in myocardial and central nervous tissue damage even after a reduction in COHb. If CO poisoning is suspected, 100% oxygen breathing should be immediately initiated in the prehospital setting. Clinical symptoms do not correlate with COHb elimination from the blood; therefore, COHb monitoring alone is unsuitable for treatment management. Especially in the absence of improvement despite treatment, a reevaluation for other possible differential diagnoses ought to be performed. Evidence regarding the benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is scant and the subject of controversy due to the heterogeneity of studies. If required, HBOT should be initiated within 6 h. All patients with CO poisoning should be informed about the risk of delayed neurological sequelae (DNS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A novel multiparameter brain sensor (MPBS) allows the simultaneous measurement of brain tissue oxygenation (ptiO2), cerebral blood flow (CBF), intracranial pressure (ICP), and brain temperature with a single catheter. This laboratory investigation evaluates the MPBS in an animal model in relation to established reference probes.Methods: The study group consisted of 17 juvenile male pigs. Four MPBS and four reference probes were implanted per pig and compared simultaneously. The measured parameters were challenged by standardized provocations such as hyperoxia, dobutamine, and norepinephrine application, hypercapnia and hypoxia in combination with and without a controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury. Mean values over 2 min were collected for predefined time points and were analyzed using Bland-Altman plots.Results: The protocol was successfully conducted in 15 pigs of which seven received CCI. ICP and ptiO2 were significantly influenced by the provocations. Subtraction of MPBS from reference values revealed a mean difference (limits of agreement) of 3.7 (- 20.5 to 27.9) mm Hg, - 2.9 (- 7.9 to 2.1) mm Hg, and 5.1 (- 134.7 to 145.0) % for ptiO2, ICP, and relative CBF, respectively.Conclusions: The MPBS is a promising measurement tool for multiparameter neuromonitoring. The conducted study demonstrates the in vivo functionality of the probe. Comparison with standard probes revealed a deviation which is mostly analogous to other multiparameter devices. However, further evaluation of the device is necessary before it can reliably be used for clinical decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality improvement in medicine is depending on measurement of relevant quality indicators. The quality indicators for intensive care medicine of the German Interdisciplinary Society of Intensive Care Medicine (DIVI) from the year 2013 underwent a scheduled evaluation after three years. There were major changes in several indicators but also some indicators were changed only minimally. The focus on treatment processes like ward rounds, management of analgesia and sedation, mechanical ventilation and weaning, as well as the number of 10 indicators were not changed. Most topics remained except for early mobilization which was introduced instead of hypothermia following resuscitation. Infection prevention was added as an outcome indicator. These quality indicators are used in the peer review in intensive care, a method endorsed by the DIVI. A validity period of three years is planned for the quality indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]