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Cerebral edema can be a consequence of multiple disease processes. Untreated cerebral edema can be fatal, and even with aggressive management, it can be devastating. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence, underlying causes, and outcomes of cerebral edema in hospitalized children. A retrospective cross-sectional study using the 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database was performed. Children aged one month to 20 years were included. Sample weighting was employed to produce national estimates. Univariate analyses were used to compare those who died and survived. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the influence of demographic variables and etiologic factors on mortality. Cerebral edema was documented in 4903 children of 2,210,263 (2.2 of 1000) discharges. Among children with cerebral edema, males were 57%, white children were 47.9%, and adolescents were 48.9%. The three most common etiologies associated with cerebral edema in this cohort were stroke (21.7%), anoxic injury (21.4%), and central nervous system (CNS) malignancy (16%). The overall hospital mortality rate was 29.4%. The adjusted mortality rate was significantly higher when cerebral edema was associated with anoxic injury (84%). The mortality was lower when cerebral edema was associated with CNS malignancy (9.5%) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (4.3%). Cerebral edema is uncommon in hospitalized children but has a high mortality. Stroke and anoxic brain injury are the two most common etiologies for cerebral edema in hospitalized children in the United States. Among all etiologies for cerebral edema in children, anoxic brain injury has the highest mortality, whereas DKA has the lowest mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abusive head trauma is the leading cause of physical child abuse deaths in children under 5 years of age in the United States. To evaluate suspected child abuse, radiologic studies are typically the first to identify hallmark findings of abusive head trauma including intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral edema, and ischemic injury. Prompt evaluation and diagnosis are necessary as findings may change rapidly. Current imaging recommendations include brain magnetic resonance imaging with the addition of a susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) sequence which can detect additional findings that suggest abusive head trauma including cortical venous injury and retinal hemorrhages. However, SWI is limited due to blooming artifacts and artifacts from the adjacent skull vault or retroorbital fat, which can affect the evaluation of retinal, subdural, and subarachnoid hemorrhages. This work explores the utility of the high-resolution, heavily T2 weighted balanced steady-state field precession (bSSFP) sequence to identify and characterize retinal hemorrhage and cerebral cortical venous injury in children with abusive head trauma. The bSSFP sequence provides distinct anatomical images to improve the identification of retinal hemorrhage and cortical venous injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is the most common cause of encephalitis hospitalizations. We sought to describe and analyze features associated with all cause readmissions and encephalopathy associated readmissions amongst HSE cases. Methods HSE hospitalizations and 60-day rehospitalizations were assessed in a retrospective cohort using linked hospitalizations from the Healthcare Utilization Project (HCUP) National Readmission Database (NRD) from 2010 through 2017. Risk factors for all-cause readmissions and encephalopathy associated readmissions were assessed with a weighted logistic regression model. Results There were 10 272 HSE cases in the US between 2010 and 2017, resulting in a national rate of 4.95 per 100 000 hospitalizations. A total of 23.7% were readmitted at least once within 60-days. Patients that were readmitted were older (mean age 62.4 vs 57.9, P  < .001), had a greater number of procedures at the index hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.03, P  < .001) and have a higher Charlson comorbidity score (aOR 1.11, P  < .001). Among those readmitted, 465 (16.5%) had an encephalopathy related diagnosis. Over 8 years, the rate of encephalopathy associated readmissions increased from 0.12 to 0.20. Encephalopathy specific readmissions were found to be associated with greater age (mean age 65.9 vs 61.7, P  = .004) and findings of cerebral edema at index hospitalization (aOR 2.16, P  < .001). Conclusions HSE readmissions are relatively common, particularly among older and sicker individuals. However, early signs and symptoms of neurological disease at index were correlated with encephalopathic specific readmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Up to 10% of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients can die in the first 30 days. Older age and a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score are associated with transition to comfort measures only (CMO) in AIS. There are insufficient data on specific stroke etiology, infarct location, or vascular territory for the association of AIS with the use of CMO. We therefore evaluated the clinical and imaging factors associated with utilization of CMO and their outcomes. Methods: AIS patients seen in an academic comprehensive stroke center in the United States between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016, were subgrouped based on the use of CMO orders (CMO vs. non-CMO) during hospitalization. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for pertinent covariates. Results: The study consisted of 296 patients, 27 (9%) patients were transitioned to CMO. Compared with non-CMO patients, those with CMO were older (mean ± standard deviation: 66 ± 15 vs. 75 ± 11 years, p = 0.002). Hemorrhagic transformation of AIS was more likely in CMO (17% vs. 41%, p = 0.0030) compared with non-CMO patients. On multivariate analysis, severe stroke measured by the NIHSS score (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–1.4), infarction of the insular cortex (OR = 12.9; 95% CI = 1.4–118.4), and presence of cerebral edema with herniation (OR = 9.4; 95% CI = 2.5–35.5) were associated with transition to CMO. Conclusions: The presence of severe stroke, infarction of the insular cortex, and cerebral edema with herniation were associated with utilization of CMO in AIS. Impairment of multiple neurological functions served by the insular cortex could play a role in transition to CMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the United States, and survivors are frequently left with severe disability. Of the 10% successfully resuscitated from SCA, only around 10% of these live with a favorable neurologic outcome. Survivors of SCA commonly develop post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS). PCAS is composed of neurologic, myocardial, and systemic injury related to inadequate perfusion and ischemia-reperfusion injury with free radical formation and an inflammatory cascade. While targeted temperature management is the cornerstone of therapy, other intensive care unit-based management strategies include monitoring and treatment of seizures, cerebral edema, and increased intracranial pressure, as well as prevention of further neurologic injury. In this review, we discuss the scientific evidence, recent updates, future prospects, and knowledge gaps in the treatment of post-cardiac arrest patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among young adults and the elderly. In the United States, TBI is responsible for around 30 percent of all injuries brought on by injuries in general. Vasogenic cerebral edema due to blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and the associated elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) are some of the major causes of secondary injuries following traumatic brain injury. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a therapeutic target for being an enzyme that degrades the proteins that make up a part of the microvascular basal lamina as well as inter-endothelial tight junctions of the blood-brain barrier. MMP-9-mediated BBB dysfunctions and the compromise of the BBB is a major pathway that leads the development of vasogenic cerebral edema, elevation of ICP, poor cerebral perfusion and brain herniation following traumatic brain injury. That makes MMP-9 an effective therapeutic target and endogenous or exogenous MMP-9 inhibitors as therapeutic drugs for preventing secondary brain damage after traumatic brain injury. Although our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the primary and secondary stages of damage following a TBI has significantly improved in recent years, such information has not yet resulted in the successful development of novel pharmacological treatment options for traumatic brain injury. Recent pre-clinical and/or clinical studies have demonstrated that there are several compounds with specific or non-specific MMP-9 inhibitory properties either directly binding and inhibiting MMP-9 or by indirectly inhibiting MMP-9, with potential as therapeutic agents for traumatic brain injury. This article reviews the efficacy of several such medications and potential agents that include endogenous and exogeneous compounds that are at various levels of research and development. MMP-9-based therapeutic drug development has enormous potential in the pharmacological treatment of cerebral edema and/or neuronal injury resulting from traumatic brain injury. • Blood-brain barrier dysfunction leads to cerebral edema formation following traumatic brain injury (TBI). • Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) degrades the basal lamina and endothelial tight junctions of the blood-brain barrier. • There are specific or non-specific MMP-9 inhibitors that directly binding/inhibiting MMP-9 or inhibiting MMP-9 indirectly. • MMP-9 inhibitors have enormous potential for the treatment of cerebral edema and/or neuronal injury following TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Concise "synthetic" review of the state of the art of management of acute ischemic stroke.Data Sources: Available literature on PubMed.Study Selection: We selected landmark studies, recent clinical trials, observational studies, and professional guidelines on the management of stroke including the last 10 years.Data Extraction: Eligible studies were identified and results leading to guideline recommendations were summarized.Data Synthesis: Stroke mortality has been declining over the past 6 decades, and as a result, stroke has fallen from the second to the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. This trend may follow recent advances in the management of stroke, which highlight the importance of early recognition and early revascularization. Recent studies have shown that early recognition, emergency interventional treatment of acute ischemic stroke, and treatment in dedicated stroke centers can significantly reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality. However, stroke remains the second leading cause of death worldwide and the number one cause for acquired long-term disability, resulting in a global annual economic burden.Conclusions: Appropriate treatment of ischemic stroke is essential in the reduction of mortality and morbidity. Management of stroke involves a multidisciplinary approach that starts and extends beyond hospital admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operative microscope, a commonly used tool in neurosurgery, is critical in many supratentorial tumor cases. However, use of operating microscope for supratentorial tumor varies by surgeon. To assess complication rates, readmissions, and costs associated with operative microscope use in supratentorial resections. A retrospective analysis was conducted using a national administrative database to identify patients with glioma or brain metastases who underwent supratentorial resection between 2007 and 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess 30-day complications, readmissions, and costs between patients who underwent resection with and without use of microscope. The cohort included 12,058 glioma patients and 5433 metastasis patients. Rates of microscope use varied by state from 19.0% to 68.6%. Microscope use was associated with $5228.90 in additional costs of index hospitalization among glioma patients (P <0.001), and $2824.00 among metastasis patients (P <0.001). Rates of intraoperative cerebral edema were lower among the microscope cohort than among the nonmicroscope cohort (P <0.027). Microscope use was associated with a slight reduction in 30-day rates of neurological complications (14.7% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.048), specifically in nonspecific cerebrovascular complications. There were no differences in rates of other complications, readmissions, or 30-day postoperative costs. Use of operative microscope for supratentorial resections varies by state and is associated with higher cost of surgery. Microscope use may be associated with lower rates of intraoperative cerebral edema and some cerebrovascular complications, but is not associated with significant differences in other complications, readmissions, or 30-day costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency medicine providers commonly will encounter children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, the incidence of both is increasing, and the acute care provider must be able to recognize the subtle and dramatic presentations of both diseases. Early recognition and management of both the disease and its complications — diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, and cerebral edema — are critical to ensure an optimal outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to examine incidence and mortality trends of drowning-related hospitalizations in children aged <20 years and to study the presence of risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Retrospective analysis of the 2003-2016 Health Care Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample and Kids' Inpatient Database was performed. The estimated annual incidence rate of drowning hospitalizations declined 31.5% from 2.73 to 1.87 per 100 000 population. Most drowning-related hospitalizations were seen in <5-year-old children (66.4%) and in males (65.3%), Caucasians (41.7%), and public insurance (46%). In-hospital mortality declined 46% from an estimated 290 deaths in 2003 to 156 deaths in 2016. On multivariate analysis, age <5 years, Caucasian ethnicity, uninsured status, pool/bathtub or undetermined location, arrhythmia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.3, P =.001), acute kidney injury (aOR = 3.4, P <.001), cerebral edema (aOR = 2.8, P <.001), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (aOR = 12.1, P <.001), and invasive mechanical ventilation (aOR = 28.4, P <.001) were found to be independent predictors of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for about 10% of all strokes in the United States of America causing a high degree of disability and mortality. There is initial (primary) brain injury due to the mechanical disruption caused by the hematoma. There is then secondary injury, triggered by the initial injury but also the release of various clot-derived factors (e.g., thrombin and hemoglobin). ICH alters brain fluid homeostasis. Apart from the initial hematoma mass, ICH causes blood-brain barrier disruption and parenchymal cell swelling, which result in brain edema and intracranial hypertension affecting patient prognosis. Reducing brain edema is a critical part of post-ICH care. However, there are limited effective treatment methods for reducing perihematomal cerebral edema and intracranial pressure in ICH. This review discusses the mechanisms underlying perihematomal brain edema formation, the effects of sex and age, as well as how edema is resolved. It examines progress in pharmacotherapy, particularly focusing on drugs which have been or are currently being investigated in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeated concussion is common among football players; however, these minor blunt head trauma rarely result in serious complications. We report a case of a young college football player who presented acute subdural hematoma, cerebral edema, and seizure due to pseudoaneurysm rupture. The pseudoaneurysm, located at the cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery, was speculated to be formed by dural calcification and adhesion with the underlying brain, possibly due to repeated concussions. Following successful excision of the pseudoaneurysm and control of brain swelling, the patient recovered without sequelae and was discharged after a short while. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. There are limited data regarding the incidence, trends, and outcomes of cerebral edema among patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Methods. NIS database was used from year 2002 to 2012. Cases with primary diagnosis of DKA were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision–Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) code 250.1 x. Cerebral edema patients were identified using ICD-9 CM code 348.5. We compared the baseline characteristics of both groups to estimate differences using the χ2 test, Student’s t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and survey regression depending on the distributions of variables. For trend analysis, the χ2 test of trend for proportions was used using the Cochrane Armitage test via the “trend” command in Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Multivariate odds ratios were calculated. P value for <0.05 was considered as significant for all analysis. Results. In all, 205 (weighted n = 974) cases of cerebral edema were identified among 52 049 (weighted n = 246 925) DKA patients, which estimates the incidence of cerebral edema at 0.39%. Trends of incidence of developing cerebral edema increased almost 2 times, from 0.34 in 2002 to 0.64 in 2012 (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that both length of stay (LOS; 3 vs 2; P < 0.001) and cost of hospitalization ($10 530 vs $3953; P < 0.001) were statistically higher among those who developed cerebral edema. Conclusion. Our study shows that over the study period, trend in incidence of cerebral edema among DKA patients has increased. Patients with cerebral edema were found to have longer LOS and higher cost of hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale Intracerebral hemorrhage causes 15% of strokes annually in the United States, and there is currently no effective therapy. Aims and hypothesis This is a clinical trial designed to study the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a protocol of targeted temperature management to moderate hypothermia in intracerebral hemorrhage patients. Methods The targeted temperature management after intracerebral hemorrhage trial is a prospective, single-center, interventional, randomized, parallel, two-arm (1:1) phase- II clinical trial with blinded end-point ascertainment. Intracerebral hemorrhage patients will be randomized within 18 h of symptom onset to either 72 h of targeted temperature management to moderate hypothermia (32-34°C) followed by a controlled rewarming at of 0·05-0·1°C per hour or 72 h of targeted temperature management to normothermia (36-37°C) using endovascular or surface cooling. Outcomes The primary outcome is the development of serious adverse events possibly and probably related to treatment. Secondary outcomes include in-hospital neurological deterioration between day 0-7, in-hospital mortality, functional outcome measured by the modified Rankin scale at discharge and 90 days, and effect of treatment allocation on cerebral edema and hematoma volume. Discussion Intracerebral hemorrhage remains the most severe form of stroke with limited options to improve survival. As the early resuscitation phase in the intensive care unit represents the greatest opportunity for impact on clinical outcome, it also appears to be the most promising window of opportunity to demonstrate a benefit when investigating aggressive treatments. Conclusion More research of novel therapies to improve outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage is desperately needed. The results of the targeted temperature management after intracerebral hemorrhage clinical trial may provide additional information on the applicability of targeted temperature management after intracerebral hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment protocols for pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis ( DKA) vary considerably among centers in the USA and worldwide. The optimal protocol for intravenous (IV) fluid administration is an area of particular controversy, mainly in regard to possible associations between rates of IV fluid infusion and the development of cerebral edema (CE), the most common and the most feared complication of DKA in children. Theoretical concerns about associations between osmotic fluid shifts and CE have prompted recommendations for conservative fluid infusion during DKA. However, recent data suggest that cerebral hypoperfusion may play a role in cerebral injury associated with DKA. Currently, there are no existing data from prospective clinical trials to determine the optimal fluid treatment protocol for pediatric DKA. The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network FLUID (FLuid therapies Under Investigation in DKA) study is the first prospective randomized trial to evaluate fluid regimens for pediatric DKA. This 13-center nationwide factorial design study will evaluate the effects of rehydration rate and fluid sodium content on neurological status during DKA treatment, the frequency of clinically overt CE and long-term neurocognitive outcomes following DKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on case of shaken baby syndrome in the U.S. with reference to the case of child abuse against a boy Philipp Baumer by his aunt Julie Baumer. The Children's Hospital in Detroit, Michigan where the boy was admitted suspected the case of child abuse due to the detection of retinal bleeding and depletion of oxygen to the brain. The medical findings regarding the prosecution of caretakers on the crime related to the syndrome include retinal hemorrhages, cerebral edema and subdural hematoma. Information on the state of law and the case studies with reference to cases and convictions regarding the syndrome is also presented.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 140,000 deaths per year. Complications related to stroke resulting in morbidity and mortality are very common and may result from cerebral and extracerebral cause Cerebral causes include cerebral edema, hemorrhagic conversion of an ischemi infarct, and progression of penumbra to infarction. Extracerebral complicatio include deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, a aspiration. Many of these complications are largely preventable and often tracked a "quality metrics" in institutions with a stroke center designation. The focus of article is primarily on common poststroke complications, such as aspiration, DV decubitus ulcers, seizures, and urinary catheter infections. Knowledge about potenti poststroke complications is critical to earlier diagnosis, proper preventive strategie and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Cysticercosis due to Taenia solium is a cause of adult-acquired seizures and epilepsy even in patients with only calcified larval cysts. Transient perilesional brain oedema is seen around the calcified foci but its importance, association with seizures, incidence, and pathophysiology are unknown. Methods: 110 patients with only calcified lesions and a history of seizures or severe headaches were followed prospectively in a cohort design to assess the incidence of seizure relapse. In a nested case-control substudy, perilesional oedema was assessed by MRI at the time of seizure in symptomatic patients and in matched asymptomatic controls taken from the study population. Findings: Between November, 1999, and December, 2006, 29 patients had an incident seizure during a median follow up of 32·33 (SD 19·99) months, with an estimated 5-year seizure incidence of 36% (95% CI 25% to 49%). 24 of 29 (83%) patients with seizure relapse had an MRI evaluation within 5 days of the event; perilesional oedema was seen in 12 patients (50%) compared with two (9%) of 23 asymptomatic matched controls. Interpretation: Perilesional oedema is common and associated with episodic seizure activity in patients with calcified neurocysticercosis. Our findings are probably representative of symptomatic patients in regions where T solium neurocysticercosis is endemic and suggest a unique and possibly preventable cause of seizures in this population. Funding: US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; US National Institutes of Health; Fogarty International Center. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acetaminophen overdoses are the number one cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in the United States; they account for 50% of all cases of ALF and carry a 30% mortality. Nevertheless, acetaminophen is a highly successful product with sales easily exceeding a billion dollars annually. A narcotic-containing acetaminophen preparation is the number one generic drug sold in the United States. Historically, a strong association was claimed with alcohol as a co-factor and the accidental nature of ingestions was emphasized but the association with alcohol remains a matter of debate. Recently, a very reliable assay has been developed which detects a byproduct of the toxic reaction, acetaminophen-CYS adducts, protein-acetaminophen compounds that are released from damaged hepatocytes in similar fashion to aminotransferases. The US Acute Liver Failure Study Group is a multi-center network established to gather data prospectively on all forms of acute liver failure, a rare but often fatal condition. The group has data on more than 500 acetaminophen cases and described 275 of them in detail in a recent paper. The clinical pattern of presentation is somewhat different in the US compared with the UK, since nearly half are considered to be unintentional, the result of overuse of acetaminophen-containing compounds for pain relief, without suicidal intent. Despite the relatively good prognosis for acetaminophen overdoses, 30% die once acute liver failure occurs and this is the largest cause of death in the entire ALF registry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses several strategies to lessen the risk of cerebral edema in a pediatric patient presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the U.S. A quantitative assessment of the degree of extracellular fluid volume concentration is required to define deficits of sodium and bicarbonate, which will be used to guide therapy. Furthermore, the brachial venous partial pressure carbon dioxide must be measured on admission to assess by the bicarbonate buffer system in skeletal muscle cells.

Catastrophic subaxial vertical cervical distraction injury is rare. In this report, we present a 49-year-old male whose dreadlocks were caught in a drill press. His head was spun around, resulting in a degloving and distraction injury. He was unresponsive with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3T. He coded multiple times and underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Computed tomography of the cervical spine showed a 4.8-cm vertical distraction of the spine at the C5-6 level and subglottic tracheal separation. Computed tomography of the head showed diffuse cerebral edema. Despite aggressive resuscitation, he did not survive this catastrophic injury. This is the first report of such subaxial vertical cervical distraction injury from the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE — Children who develop cerebral edema (CE) during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) exhibit definable signs and symptoms of neurological collapse early enough to allow intervention to prevent brain damage. Our objective was to develop a model for early detection of CE in children with DKA. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS — A training sample of 26 occurrences of DKA complicated by severe CE and 69 episodes of uncomplicated DKA was reviewed. Signs of neurological disease were incorporated into a bedside evaluation protocol that was applied to an independent test sample of 17 patients previously reported to have developed symptomatic CE during treatment for DKA. Head computed tomograms and their reports were reviewed. RESULTS — The protocol allowed 92% sensitivity and 96% specificity for the recognition of CE sufficiently early for intervention. The diagnostic criteria were fulfilled in two temporal patterns, defining early- and late-onset CE. Although initial computed tomograms were often normal, the findings also included diffuse CE and focal brain injury, the latter only in patients with an early onset of abnormal neurological signs. CONCLUSIONS — CE may occur in the absence of acute changes on head computed tomograms. Early detection of CE at the bedside using an evidence-based protocol permits intervention in time to prevent permanent brain damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study conducted by T. E. Nash and colleagues that explores the perilesional brain edema and seizure activity in patients with calcified neurocysticercosis in the U.S. The results reveal that about one-third of the patients with calcified lesions show seizures and are identified with perilesional edema. It is noted that intermittent antigen release and intermittent recognition of antigen or both results to edema.

Reports developments related to medical science in the United States as of June 2001. Development of cerebral edema in children from diabetic ketoacidosis; Use of fiberoptic scope to confirm tube placement; Effects of age and sex on survival rate following myocardial infarction.

Presents a guideline in caring for patients with superior vena cava syndrome in the United States. Administration of oxygen at six liters per minute via nasal cannula; Vigilance for signs of worsening conditions; Indications of cerebral edema.