Publications by authors named "J Christopher Zacko"
Background: Hemorrhagic strokes constitute 10-15% of all strokes and have the worst mortality and morbidity of all subtypes. Mortality and morbidity of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) are often secondary to the effects of inflammation, brain edema, and swelling. Studies have shown that celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor, reduces perihematomal edema formation and inflammation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Multiple studies suggest routine post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) stays after endovascular treatment (EVT) of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is unnecessary, though rates of ICU utilization nationwide are unknown. We aim to evaluate rates and characteristics of ICU utilization in patients undergoing elective endovascular repair of UIAs.
Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing a nationwide private-payer database in the United States to evaluate the ICU utilization in patients undergoing elective endovascular repair of UIAs between 2005 and 2019.
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause rapid brain inflammation. There is debate over the safety and efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents in its treatment. With a particular focus on cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) selective inhibition, we sought to determine the impact of celecoxib versus no celecoxib treatment on outcomes in patients with TBI and compare these with outcomes associated with nonselective COX inhibition (ibuprofen) and corticosteroid (dexamethasone) treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- A study examined older adults (≥65 years) with isolated traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from 45 trauma centers, analyzing mortality and discharge outcomes following moderate/severe TBI.
- Out of 3081 participants, 339 had moderate/severe TBI with a significant 64% mortality rate. Key predictors of mortality included a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score below 9 and worsening CT results.
- The research found that older adults' chances of favorable discharge were better for those with lower injury severity scores, highlighting the importance of injury severity in outcomes post-TBI.
Article Synopsis
- The study examined the use of intracranial pressure monitoring (ICPM) in older adults with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) following the Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) guidelines.
- Analyzing data from over 2,300 patients aged 60 and older, researchers found that only 2.9% underwent ICPM, with certain factors like lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores and specific types of hemorrhage significantly influencing its use.
- Despite the association between worsening conditions and ICPM, its utilization was notably low, particularly among those who met BTF guidelines, suggesting a need for greater understanding of adherence to these guidelines in elderly patients.