Beneficial effects of isovolemic hemodilution using a perfluorocarbon emulsion in a stroke model

Article Abstract:

Stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, is a sudden loss of consciousness followed by paralysis. It is caused by closure of an artery or cerebrovascular hemorrhage, which results in ischemia (deficiency of blood supply) to brain tissue normally passed thru by the damaged or closed vessels. Cerebral infarction (death of an area of brain tissue following cessation of blood supply) appears to be initiated by oxygen deprivation. Blood flow studies and computed tomographic scans suggest that the area of infarction extends outward from a central point, damaging the areas surrounding the infarction, where metabolic and electrical malfunctions occur. If damage to this surrounding area could be avoided, the resulting functional disability, such as paralysis, might be decreased. It may be helpful to provide oxygen to the ischemic area surrounding the infarct by increasing the blood flow to it. Attempts have been made to increase blood flow to the brain by hemodilution (diluting the blood to decrease its viscosity and increase its flow). If the substance used to dilute the blood also can markedly increase oxygen delivery, rescue of brain cells threatened with ischemic damage may be achieved. Intravenous administration of a perfluorocarbon emulsion (a blood substitute with oxygen-carrying ability) may provide this increased supply of oxygen. A study was carried out on cats to determine the benefit of hemodilution with a perfluorocarbon emulsion or dextran following induced stroke. The findings revealed that the cats treated with the perfluorocarbon emulsion had less brain swelling in the early postinfarction period and a higher level of oxidation of cytochrome aa3, indicating better well-being of cells surrounding the infarct and threatened with ischemia, than did the animals treated with dextran. These findings indicate that treatment with an oxygen-carrying substance used for hemodilution may be helpful in treating strokes. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Models, Physiological aspects, Brain, Cerebral ischemia, Infarction, Brain infarction

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Near-fatal heat stroke during the 1995 heat wave in Chicago

Article Abstract:

People who develop severe heat stroke have a high mortality rate even after hospital discharge and may never fully recover. Researchers followed 58 patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit during the heat wave that hit Chicago in July, 1995. All developed dysfunction of many organs in the ICU and half developed kidney failure. Twenty-one percent died in the hospital. Thirty-three percent were moderately to severely disabled at discharge. One year after discharge, an additional 28% had died and most had not improved since their hospitalization.

Prognosis, Environmental aspects, Chicago, Illinois, Illinois, Heat waves (Meteorology), Warm fronts, Heatstroke

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Alteplase for thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke

Article Abstract:

Prompt administration of intravenous alteplase (Activase), a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, may improve the outcome of acute ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain, blocking part of the blood supply. However, this thrombolytic treatment causes some patients to develop intracranial bleeding and no clear survival advantage has been established. It is important to rule out hemorrhagic stroke prior to the use of alteplase.

Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Drug therapy, Tissue plasminogen activator, Activase (Medication)

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