Acute and Critical Care

Original Articles

Neurology
Clinical variable-based decision-support model for rapid differentiation of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke at emergency department presentation in South Korea: Jae-Woo Kim, Jin-Heon Jeong, Moon-Ku Han, Sang-Hoon Han, Ka Hyun Kim, Seung Park, Dong-Ick Shin, Kyu Sun Yum; Received October 21, 2025 Accepted February 10, 2026 Published online February 27, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.004925 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Prompt differentiation between ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) is critical because their treatment strategies fundamentally differ. While neuroimaging is essential, clinical decision-making often begins before imaging is completed, and conventional clinical scores have shown inconsistent performance. The objective of this study was therefore to develop and externally validate a machine-learning model that supports HS vs. IS subtype suspicion at emergency department (ED) presentation using only clinical variables.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study of 2,998 adult patients with a final diagnosis of acute IS or HS treated at three comprehensive stroke centers (July 2020–January 2024). Patients from hospitals A and B comprised the development/internal validation cohort (n=2,418), while patients from hospital C served as an independent external validation cohort (n=580). An extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm was trained using four-fold cross-validation, and feature contributions were assessed using Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) values.
Results
Internal validation showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.937 (95% CI, 0.922–0.950) with a sensitivity 0.828, specificity of 0.932, and accuracy of 0.905. Independent external validation yielded an AUROC of 0.841 (95% CI, 0.792–0.883) with a sensitivity 0.758, specificity of 0.789, and accuracy of 0.783. SHAP analysis identified headache and higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale item 1a (level of consciousness) as factors increasing the model output toward HS, whereas atrial fibrillation shifted predictions toward IS.
Conclusions
A clinical variable-only model can support early HS vs. IS subtype suspicion at ED presentation among patients managed in an acute-stroke pathway without requiring laboratory tests. Performance decreased on independent external validation, suggesting potential site-related differences and the need for prospective evaluation and calibration. Stroke mimics were not included and should be addressed in future studies.

Neurosurgery
Role of serum magnesium in post-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhagic hydrocephalus: Moinay Kim, Hyunchul Jung, Seung Bin Kim, Jun Ha Hwang, Hanwool Jeon, Yeongu Chung, Youngbo Shim, Jae Hyun Kim, Joonho Byun, Aiden Cousins, Wonhyoung Park, Jung Cheol Park, Jae Sung Ahn, Seungjoo Lee; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(4):582-593. Published online November 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.003550

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Abstract PDF: Background
Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is a frequent complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), yet the relationship between serum magnesium (Mg) level and PHH remains unclear. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to specifically examine the association between admission serum Mg level and PHH in aSAH patients.
Methods
In this prospective, multicenter study (October 2019–October 2024), 131 patients with confirmed aSAH were enrolled from four neuro-intensive care units. Patients were stratified by admission serum Mg level as <2.2 mg/dL or ≥2.2 mg/dL. The primary outcome was PHH incidence; secondary outcomes were cerebral vasospasm (CV), delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and 30-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score.
Results
Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Serum Mg ≥2.2 mg/dL was not significantly associated with reduced vasospasm, DCI, or poor functional outcome. However, serum Mg >2.5 mg/dL correlated with lower PHH incidence in univariate analysis (odds ratio, 0.36; P=0.027) but not in multivariate analysis (P=0.136). Independent predictors of PHH were posterior circulation aneurysm, high Fisher grade, and high Hunt and Hess grade. Poor 30-day mRS was independently associated with high Fisher and Hunt and Hess grades.
Conclusions
Admission serum Mg level was not independently associated with PHH, although a potential protective trend was noted at higher levels (>2.5 mg/dL). These findings suggest a possible role of Mg in PHH prevention. Further prospective trials are warranted to clarify the therapeutic potential of Mg and to establish optimal monitoring and correction strategies in aSAH management.

Review Article

Neurology
Revolutionizing non-traumatic acute care: a review of the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in triaging and diagnosis: Omofolarin Debellotte, Rachel Melissa Salins, Pragnya Bandari, Maria Gabriela Cerdas, Aijaz Ul Haq, Shaheen Haidrus, Misha Imtiaz, Anietom Ifechukwu Chelsea, Shaik Mohammed Yezdan Ali, Hameeda Abdul Wahab Baloch, Humza Faisal Siddiqui; Acute Crit Care. 2026;41(1):68-86. Published online November 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.002200

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Abstract PDF: Acute care settings, including emergency medicine and intensive care units, comprise a substantial portion of healthcare and are essential in the prompt management of conditions that can prove fatal. Critical care conditions require timely management that can be delayed by high patient volumes and the need for complex clinical decision making. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have been created to enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize workflow to improve patient care. This narrative review discusses the current status of AI in acute care, with a focus on its applications in triaging and diagnosis. AI-enhanced electrocardiogram analysis, identification of myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome, and heart failure risk stratification led to better patient-specific management and improved results. AI models successfully determined and aided in the timely management of various acute conditions, including pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and respiratory failure. The AI algorithms used accurately determined sepsis onset and course, superseding traditionally used clinical tools and leading to early diagnosis and reduced sepsis mortality. These models showed high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing and triaging neurological conditions, including altered levels of consciousness, seizures, and intracranial hemorrhages. AI that involved advanced machine learning imaging software led to faster and more accurate stroke diagnosis. Diagnostic tools assisted by AI improved the detection and classification of acute pancreatitis, appendicitis, and gastrointestinal bleeding. AI has shown promising results in optimizing management in acute care settings. However, critical issues in data standardization, ethical considerations, and clinical workflow integration need to be addressed to enable clinical implementation.

Original Articles

Neurology
Effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis in patients with large-vessel occlusion receiving endovascular treatment in South Korea: Min Kim, Ji Sung Lee, Seong-Joon Lee, So Young Park, Jungyun Seo, Ji Man Hong, Hee-Kwon Park, Jae-Kwan Cha, Jeffrey L. Saver, Jin Soo Lee; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(2):282-292. Published online April 11, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.004248

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
The effectiveness of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) in patients with large-vessel occlusion (LVO) receiving endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been questioned. We investigated IV tPA effectiveness in real-world AIS patients, including those with intracranial LVO receiving EVT.
Methods
We identified patients with AIS who presented to hospital with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥4 within 8 hours of symptom onset from the institutional stroke registry. The association of IV tPA use with effectiveness and safety outcomes was analyzed in overall enrolled AIS patients; LVO patients; and patients treated with EVT. The effect of IV tPA was assessed using multiple logistic regression.
Results
Among the 654 patients meeting study entry criteria, 238 (36.4%) received IV tPA and 416 (63.6%) did not. Multiple logistic regression analysis and shift analysis revealed IV tPA was associated with improved outcomes in overall enrolled AIS population, LVO, and EVT-treated subgroups. Among EVT-treated patients, IV tPA was associated with higher likelihood of ambulatory or better outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–3) with odds ratio of 1.95 (P=0.03).
Conclusions
In this real-world study, IV tPA use was associated with improved outcomes for patients with AIS, including among LVO patients treated and not treated with EVT, in the contemporary mechanical thrombectomy era.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

SMART-M24: A Prognostic Nomogram for Long-Term Mortality in Acute Ischemic Stroke Beyond 24 H from Symptom Onset
Soo-Hyun Park, Ji Sung Lee, Tae Jung Kim, Mi Sun Oh, Ji-Woo Kim, Kyungbok Lee, Kyung-Ho Yu, Byung-Chul Lee, Byung-Woo Yoon, Sang-Bae Ko
Translational Stroke Research.2025; 16(6): 1975. CrossRef
Knowledge and experience of local emergency care staff on stroke recognition and acute care in the United Arab Emirates
Mohammed Alkuwaiti, Azhar Talal, Emad Masuadi, Ghada Albluwi, Abdulla Alkuwaiti, David Olukolade Alao
International Journal of Emergency Medicine.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Anesthesiology
Anesthesiological management in endovascular mechanical thrombectomy: a propensity score-matched retrospective analysis in Italy: Antonio Romanelli, Aniello Iovino, Antonella Langone, Rosa Napoletano, Giulia Frauenfelder, Flora Minichino, Liliana D’Ambrosio, Miriam Caterino, Raffaele Tortora, Renato Gammaldi, Paolo Barone, Renato Saponiero, Daniele Giuseppe Romano; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(2):252-263. Published online April 11, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.003000

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Abstract PDF: Background
Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) can be performed with general anesthesia (GA) or using non-GA techniques. Several meta-analyses on the topic have reported discordant main outcomes. The aim of this retrospective single-center study was to analyze the relationship between clinical outcomes and anesthesiological management (GA vs. non-GA) in patients who underwent EMT for acute anterior ischemic stroke (AIS).
Methods
We performed a propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis of patients who underwent EMT for acute AIS from January 2018 to December 2021. For PSM, we chose covariates influencing clinical decisions about anesthesiological management. Comparisons between groups were performed with the chi-square test for categorical variables and Student t-test or the Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous variables as appropriate. The relationships between anesthesiological management and clinical outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression, and results are reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. A two-sided P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
From 194 observations (78 in the GA group, 116 in the non-GA group), after PSM, we obtained 70 data pairs. Both anesthesiological approaches resulted in similar rates of in-hospital mortality, 90-day functional independence, full recanalization, procedural complications, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Performing EMT with GA was unrelated to the in-hospital and 90-day death rates, 90-day functional independence, full recanalization rate, procedural complications, and ICH (P>0.05).
Conclusions
Anesthesiological management did not influence clinical outcomes of EMT for acute AIS. Physiological stability during EMT may impact outcomes more significantly than anesthesiological management. Further studies on this topic are needed.

Neurosurgery
The efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Seungjoo Lee, Moinay Kim, Min-Yong Kwon, Sae Min Kwon, Young San Ko, Yeongu Chung, Wonhyoung Park, Jung Cheol Park, Jae Sung Ahn, Hanwool Jeon, Jihyun Im, Jae Hyun Kim; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(2):282-293. Published online May 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00612

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) in treating poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), focusing on functional outcomes, mortality, and complications such as vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and hydrocephalus.
Methods
Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central, up to November 2023. Nine studies involving 368 patients were selected based on eligibility criteria focusing on TH in poor-grade SAH patients. Data extraction, bias assessment, and evidence certainty were systematically performed.
Results
The primary analysis of unfavorable outcomes in 271 participants showed no significant difference between the TH and standard care groups (risk ratio [RR], 0.87). However, a significant reduction in vasospasm was observed in the TH group (RR, 0.63) among 174 participants. No significant differences were found in DCI, hydrocephalus, and mortality rates in the respective participant groups.
Conclusions
TH did not significantly improve primary unfavorable outcomes in poor-grade SAH patients. However, the reduction in vasospasm rates indicates potential specific benefits. The absence of significant findings in other secondary outcomes and mortality highlights the need for further research to better understand TH's role in treating this patient population.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Progress of Brain Hypothermia Treatment for Severe Subarachnoid Hemorrhage—177 Cases Experienced and a Narrative Review
Hitoshi Kobata
Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management.2025; 15(3): 113. CrossRef
State-of-the-art for automated machine learning predicts outcomes in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage using routinely measured laboratory & radiological parameters: coagulation parameters and liver function as key prognosticators
Ali Haider Bangash, Jayro Toledo, Muhammed Amir Essibayi, Neil Haranhalli, Rafael De la Garza Ramos, David J. Altschul, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Reza Yassari, Robert M. Starke, Redi Rahmani
Neurosurgical Review.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Targeted temperature management in acute brain injury
Arjun Joshi, Mark Earl
Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine.2025; 26(10): 639. CrossRef

Neurology
Early assessment of aspiration risk in acute stroke by fiberoptic endoscopy in critically ill patients: Mohamed Saad Abdelaziz Elsyaad, Akram Muhammad Fayed, Mohamed Mostafa Abdel Salam Megahed, Nesrine Hazem Hamouda, Ahmed Moustafa Elmenshawy; Acute Crit Care. 2022;37(3):276-285. Published online June 27, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2021.01375

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Abstract PDF

Background
Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) has been recommended to assess aspiration in stroke. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic and prognostic roles of FEES in the early assessment of aspiration, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and mortality in acute stroke patients.
Methods
Fifty-two patients with acute stroke admitted to the Alexandria Main University Hospital were included. Complete examinations and assessment of aspiration using the 8-point penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) with FEES protocol were performed.
Results
The patients were classified into three groups: normal with no or low risk of aspiration (n=15, 27.3%; PAS level 1), low to moderate risk (n=8, 14.5%; PAS level 2–4), and high risk (n=32, 58.2%; PAS ≥5). There was high incidence of aspiration pneumonia, prolonged ICU stay, and mortality in both moderate- and high-risk groups (P=0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). The PAS score predicted aspiration pneumonia (hospital-acquired pneumonia) with sensitivity and specificity of 80.0% and 76.0%, respectively (negative predictive value [NPV], 76.0; positive predictive value [PPV], 80.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.706–0.940) and mortality with sensitivity and specificity of 88.46% and 68.97% (NPV, 87.0; PPV, 71.9; 95% CI, 0.749–0.951). The PAS score could predict the length of ICU stay with sensitivity and specificity of 70.21% and 87.50, respectively (NPV, 33.3; PPV, 97.1; 95% CI, 0.605–0.906).
Conclusions
The standard FEES protocol using PAS score is a useful tool to assess aspiration in acute stroke patients and could be used to predict length of ICU stay and mortality.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Approach to Patients with Dysphagia: Clinical Insights
Min-Su Kim
Brain Sciences.2025; 15(5): 478. CrossRef
Aspiration Pneumonia
Di Pan, Samuel Chung, Erik Nielsen, Michael S. Niederman
Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.2024; 45(02): 237. CrossRef
Intensive care unit-acquired dysphagia – change in feeding route after a standardized dysphagia assessment in neurocritical care patients
Sarah Christina Reitz, Joanna Marly, Vanessa Neef, Jürgen Konczalla, Marcus Czabanka, Christian Grefkes-Hermann, Christian Foerch, Sriramya Lapa
Scientific Reports.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
The use of videofluoroscopy (VFS) and fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in the investigation of oropharyngeal dysphagia in stroke patients: A narrative review
K. Helliwell, V.J. Hughes, C.M. Bennion, A. Manning-Stanley
Radiography.2023; 29(2): 284. CrossRef

Case Reports

Cardiology
Huge Left Ventricular Thrombus and Apical Ballooning associated with Recurrent Massive Strokes in a Septic Shock Patient: Hyun-Jung Lee, Hack-Lyoung Kim, Doyeon Hwang, Chan-Soon Park, Jae-Sung Lim, Eungyu Kang, Joo-Hee Zo; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2016;31(1):39-43. Published online February 29, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.31.1.39

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Abstract PDF

The most feared complication of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is the occurrence of systemic thromboembolic events, especially in the brain. Herein, we report a patient with severe sepsis who suffered recurrent devastating embolic stroke. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed apical ballooning of the left ventricle with a huge LVT, which had not been observed in chest computed tomography before the stroke. This case emphasizes the importance of serial cardiac evaluation in patients with stroke and severe medical illness.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Spontaneous ventricular thrombosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Stella Pak, Juan Linares, Yan Yatsynovich, David Cha, Dexter Nye, Diana Kaminski, Jillian Costello
Cardiology in the Young.2018; 28(3): 351. CrossRef
Major Trauma induced Left Ventricular Thrombus after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Dong Wook Lee, Ju Hee Ha, Jun Ho Kim, Ki Beom Park, Jae Joon Lee, Han Il Choi, Jin Hee Kim
Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis.2016; 5(2): 163. CrossRef

Postoperative Acute Cerebral Infarction Occurring after General Anesthesia: Seong Ho Ok, Seong Min Yang, Woochan Kim, Il Woo Shin, Heon Keun Lee, Young Kyun Chung, Ju Tae Sohn; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2013;28(4):323-326.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.4.323

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Abstract PDF: The common predisposing risk factors for perioperative stroke include: previous stroke, atrial fibrillation, old age (> 75 years), carotid stenosis, and diabetes mellitus. An endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in a 49-year-old male with chronic paranasal sinusitis and nasal polyps. The vital signs, physical and laboratory examinations, and electrocardiography on admission were within the normal limit. Anesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide in oxygen and 6% desflurane. The operation and anesthesia were uneventful with the exception of transient intraoperative hypotension. The patient recovered fully from the anesthesia (modified Aldrete score: 10) in the recovery room. However, he developed right arm weakness and dysarthria in the general ward 7 hours after the operation. We report a rare case of multifocal acute cerebral infarctions found on the postoperative magnetic resonance imaging in a noncardiac surgical patient.

Original Article

Malignant Cerebral Infarction after Pulmonary Resection for Lung Cancer: In Ae Song, Sang Min Jung, Dong Jin Kim, Sang Heon Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2013;28(3):180-183.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.3.180

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Abstract PDF: Malignant cerebral infarction as postoperative complication after pulmonary resection occurs rarely, but can be rather serious. We report a case of 81-year-old man who suffered from malignant cerebral infarctions after pulmonary resection for lung cancer. He had a history of well-controlled hypertensions, but no evidences of arrhythmia, and neither stenosis nor atheroma in the carotid arteries and intracranial arteries. There were no specific events during his operation except that an inadvertent left carotid artery puncture occurred during the central line insertion. In intensive care unit (ICU), he had a delayed recovery of consciousness and dysarthria with right hemiplegia. Computed tomography revealed malignant middle cerebral infarctions due to the occlusion of left middle cerebral artery. It could be the thromboembolism due to pulmonary resections or carotid artery punctures in the patient without high risk factors.

Case Reports

Cerebral Ischemic Stroke in an Infant with Acute Myocarditis: A Case Report: Ga Hyun Lee, Yeo Hyang Kim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2013;28(2):119-122.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.2.119

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Abstract PDF: A 9-month-old infant presented with cough, tachypnea, and grunting was admitted. The patient was revealed to have cardiomegaly, high NT-proBNP, and severe left ventricular dilation and dysfunction; she was subsequently diagnosed with acute myocarditis and congestive heart failure. Intravenous immunoglobulin, inotropics, diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blocker were used. However, left hemiparesis suddenly developed at 30-day after treatment. Brain MRI showed high signal intensity in the right middle cerebral arterial territory on diffusion weighted brain MRI and in the left parietal lobe with gyral enhancement. Echocardiogram revealed no definite intraventricular thrombus. The patient was started on an antiplatelet agent only without anticoagulant therapy for the treatment of cerebral infarct in respect of the risk to the infant. Four years after the cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS), she showed complete recovery from hemiparesis, with no more CIS. In conclusion, severe ventricular dilatation and dysfunction can lead to thromboembolic events in infants. We should keep in mind that anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents can be used in specific situations.

A Case of Exertional Heat Stroke with Acute Hepatic Failure Treated with Plasma Exchange: A Case Report: Young Joo Han, Jae Wook Choi, Woo Jin Chung, Dong In Suh, June Dong Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2012;27(2):130-133.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2012.27.2.130

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Abstract PDF

Heat stroke is a hyperthermia-induced systemic inflammatory response which may cause multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. We report a case of exertional heat stroke with acute hepatic failure in an 11-year-old boy. He initially presented hyperthermia and unconsciousness, which occurred after heavy exercise. His neurological state improved after terminating the hyperthermia by intensive cooling therapy. However, 24 hours after the initial recovery, his neurological state deteriorated again as acute hepatic injury progressed rapidly. We applied 4 times of total plasma exchange as an immunotherapy for systemic inflammatory response syndrome and acute hepatic failure expecting it to remove endogenous inflammatory factors and hepatotoxic cytokines. Following the plasma exchange, his mental state became normal and serial laboratory findings indicated improvement. He made a complete recovery without sequelae. We experienced successful treatment regarding exertional heat stroke with acute hepatic failure using plasma exchange.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Therapeutic plasma exchange in the treatment of exertional heat stroke and multiorgan failure
Vimal Master Sankar Raj, Amanda Alladin, Brent Pfeiffer, Chryso Katsoufis, Marissa Defreitas, Alicia Edwards-Richards, Jayanthi Chandar, Wacharee Seeherunvong, Gwenn McLaughlin, Gaston Zilleruelo, Carolyn L. Abitbol
Pediatric Nephrology.2013; 28(6): 971. CrossRef

Original Article

The S100B Protein Could Be Used as Adjuvant Diagnostic Tool in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Min Hee Jung, Dong Hoon Lee, Chan Woong Kim; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2011;26(4):217-220.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2011.26.4.217

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
In the emergency department, the diagnosis of ischemic stroke is difficult because the diagnostic modalities are limited to non-contrast brain CT and neurologic examination. Serum S100B protein, a bio-marker for ischemic stroke, is needed as an additional diagnostic aid in acute ischemic stroke.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 50 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke between August 2007 and December 2008 by brain MRI after brain CT and serum S100B measurement in the emergency department. The serum levels of S100B protein were analyzed and the diagnostic sensitivity of non-contrast brain CT combined with abnormal elevation of S100B protein was compared with that of non-contrast brain CT alone.
RESULTS
The overall sensitivity of non-contrast brain CT in the diagnosis of ischemia was 54%. S100B protein in early ischemia had a sensitivity of 58%. However, combining non-contrast brain CT and S100B increased the sensitivity to 74%.
CONCLUSIONS
A biomarker-based diagnostic test would not replace the necessity for CT or other early imaging studies, and before contemplating any reperfusion strategy, neuro-imaging must be performed to rule out intracranial hemorrhage. However, S100B protein, a serum bio-marker, is able to help emergency physicians evaluate patients with suspected ischemic stroke and decide on treatment.

Case Reports

Transient Hypoglycemia-induced Hemiparesis Mimicking Stroke: A Case Report: Seong Hwa Lee, Ji Ho Ryu, Yong In Kim, Maeng Real Park, Mun Ki Min, Sun Min Hwang; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2011;26(3):181-183.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2011.26.3.181

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Abstract PDF

Hypoglycemia is caused by poor oral intake, excessive exercise, alcohol abuse and inaccurate use of a hypoglycemic agent or insulin in patients that have history of diabetes mellitus (DM), especially in the elderly. Severe hypoglycemia has a variety of different symptoms or signs from focal neurologic deficits to severe coma, or death. It can be difficult to differentiate hypoglycemia-induced symptoms or signs, and stroke or cardiovascular disease in acute setting. Transient hypoglycemic hemiparesis is an infrequent case in the emergency department (ED), which is frequently misdiagnosed for stroke. When patients with decreased mental status or hemiparesis are admitted to the ED, a routine blood sugar test is essential. Hypoglycemic hemiparesis if unrecognized can result in permanent neurological damage. Therefore, it is important to detect hypoglycemia early and treat it appropriately.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Consideration of Prognostic Factors in Hypoglycemic Encephalopathy
Ik-Kwon Seo, Woo-Ik Choi, Sang-Chan Jin, Hyuk-Won Chang
Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2012; 27(4): 209. CrossRef

Induced Hypertension Using Phenylephrine in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Case Report: Sang Beom Jeon, Hoyon Sohn; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2010;25(3):172-175.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2010.25.3.172

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Abstract PDF

Decreased cerebral perfusion is associated with a poor prognosis for a patient suffering from acute ischemic stroke. Induced hypertension may improve the cerebral perfusion and stroke symptoms. However, there is not enough clinical evidence to support this therapy and it is rarely performed in daily practice. Here we report three patients with acute ischemic stroke and cerebral hypoperfusion who were successfully treated with induced hypertension using intravenous phenylephrine. Phenylephrine infusion may be a treatment option for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke and cerebral hypoperfusion.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Therapeutic Use and Chronic Abuse of CNS Stimulants and Anabolic Drugs
Daniela Coliță, Cezar-Ivan Coliță, Dirk Hermann, Eugen Coliță, Thorsten Doeppner, Ion Udristoiu, Aurel Popa-Wagner
Current Issues in Molecular Biology.2022; 44(10): 4902. CrossRef

Original Article

The Effect of Emergency Department Treatment Time on Outcomes in Acute Stroke Patients: Dong Wook Lee, Eui Chung Kim, Ok Jun Kim, Sung Wook Choi, Young Tae Park, Yun Kyung Cho; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2010;25(2):76-82.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2010.25.2.76

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Stroke is a disease that leads to a long period of disability and death. Accordingly, the initial treatment is so influential on the prognosis of a patient that shortening the time to initial treatment after hospital admission has a very important role in the entire treatment regimen. This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of the Emergency Department treatment time at Bundang CHA Hospital for acute stroke patients to improve the treatment regimen through six sigma activities.
METHODS
The outcomes for 246 patients with suspected acute strokes who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Bundang CHA Hospital, the flow of the emergency department process divided into 11 phases, and the duration of each phase were determined. Patients were classified as before and after six sigma activities and compared.
RESULTS
The five phases statistically demonstrated the effect of meaningful improvement in the duration of visit-receiving CT prescriptions, visit-receiving lab prescriptions, consult request-arriving to the emergency department, visit-CT angiography results, and visit-the issue of hospital admissions. In the next 2 phases, the sigma level also improved by 0.71sigma and 0.06sigma. However, the total emergency department stay time was not statistically meaningful. The time required time was increased and the sigma level was decreased by 0.19sigma.
CONCLUSIONS
The result of six sigma activities showed the effect of the treatment system improvement with a partial decrease in the duration of each phase, but the total emergency department stay time was not improved owing to environmental factors. For better results, continuous improvement of the treatment system and expansion of hospital facilities will be required.

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