A simple prediction score system for malignant brain edema progression in large hemispheric infarction

PLoS One. 2017 Feb 8;12(2):e0171425. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171425. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Malignant brain edema (MBE) due to hemispheric infarction can result in brain herniation, poor outcomes, and death; outcome may be improved if certain interventions, such as decompressive craniectomy, are performed early. We sought to generate a prediction score to easily identify those patients at high risk for MBE. 121 patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI) (2011 to 2014) were included. Patients were divided into two groups: those who developed MBE and those who did not. Independent predictors of MBE were identified by logistic regression and a score was developed. Four factors were independently associated with MBE: baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (p = 0.048), Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) (p = 0.007), collateral score (CS) (p<0.001) and revascularization failure (p = 0.013). Points were assigned for each factor as follows: NIHSS ≤ 8 (= 0), 9-17 (= 1), ≥ 18 (= 2); ASPECTS≤ 7 (= 1), >8 (= 0); CS<2 (= 1), ≥2 (= 0); revascularization failure (= 1),success (= 0). The MBE Score (MBES) represents the sum of these individual points. Of 26 patients with a MBES of 0 to 1, none developed MBE. All patients with a MBES of 6 developed MBE. Both MBE development and functional outcomes were strongly associated with the MBES (p = 0.007 and 0.002, respectively). The MBE score is a simple reliable tool for the prediction of MBE.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain Edema / diagnosis*
  • Brain Edema / etiology*
  • Brain Edema / therapy
  • Cerebral Infarction / complications*
  • Cerebral Infarction / pathology*
  • Cerebral Infarction / therapy
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Patient Outcome Assessment
  • Prognosis
  • ROC Curve
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator / administration & dosage
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Grants and funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work.