Tag: vascular risk factors

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Vascular risk profiles for predicting outcome and long-term mortality in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: comparison of clinical decision support tools

J Neurosurg 138:476–482, 2023

Vascular risk factors (VRFs) may act synergistically, and clinical decision support tools (CDSTs) have been developed that present vascular risk as a summarized score. Because VRFs are a major issue in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH), a CDST may be useful in the diagnostic workup. The objective was to compare 4 CDSTs to determine which one most accurately predicts short-term outcome and 10-year mortality after CSF shunt surgery in INPH patients.

METHODS One-hundred forty INPH patients who underwent CSF shunt surgery were included. For each patient, 4 CDST scores (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation–Older Persons [SCORE-OP], Framingham Risk Score [FRS], Revised Framingham Stroke Risk Profile, and Kiefer’s Comorbidity Index [KCI]) were estimated. Short-term outcome (3 months after CSF shunt surgery) was defined on the basis of improvements in gait, Mini-Mental State Examination score, and modified Rankin Scale score. The 10-year mortality rate after surgery was noted. The CDSTs were compared by using Cox regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and the chi-square test.

RESULTS For 3 CDSTs, increased score was associated with increased risk of 10-year mortality. A 1-point increase in the FRS indicated a 2% higher risk of death within 10 years (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.003–1.035, p = 0.021); SCORE-OP, 5% (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.019–1.087, p = 0.002); and KCI, 12% (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.219, p = 0.008). FRS predicted short-term outcome of surgery (p = 0.024). When the cutoff value was set to 32.5%, the positive predictive value was 80% and the negative predictive value was 48% (p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS The authors recommend using FRS to predict short-term outcome and 10-year risk of mortality in INPH patients. The study indicated that extensive treatment of the risk factors of INPH may decrease risk of mortality.

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Risk factors, comorbidities, quality of life, and complications after surgery in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: review of the INPH-CRasH study

Neurosurg Focus 49 (4):E8, 2020

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is a dementia treatable by insertion of a shunt that drains CSF. The cause of the disease is unknown, but a vascular pathway has been suggested. The INPH-CRasH (Comorbidities and Risk Factors Associated with Hydrocephalus) study was a modern epidemiological case-control study designed to prospectively assess parameters regarding comorbidities and vascular risk factors (VRFs) for INPH, quality of life (QOL), and adverse events in patients with shunted INPH. The objective of this review was to summarize the findings of the INPH-CRasH study.

METHODS VRFs, comorbidities, QOL, and adverse events were analyzed in consecutive patients with INPH who underwent shunt placement between 2008 and 2010 in 5 of 6 neurosurgical centers in Sweden. Patients (n = 176, within the age span of 60–85 years and not having dementia) were compared to population-based age- and gender-matched controls (n = 368, same inclusion criteria as for the patients with INPH). Assessed parameters were as follows: hypertension; diabetes; obesity; hyperlipidemia; psychosocial factors (stress and depression); smoking status; alcohol intake; physical activity; dietary pattern; cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, or peripheral vascular disease; epilepsy; abdominal pain; headache; and clinical parameters before and after surgery. Parameters were assessed through questionnaires, clinical examinations, measurements, ECG studies, and blood samples.

RESULTS Four VRFs were independently associated with INPH: hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and psychosocial factors. Physical inactivity and hypertension were also associated with INPH, although not independently from the other risk factors. The population attributable risk percent for a model containing all of the VRFs associated with INPH was 24%. Depression was overrepresented in patients with INPH treated with shunts compared to the controls (46% vs 13%, p < 0.001) and the main predictor for low QOL was a coexisting depression (p < 0.001). Shunting improved QOL on a long-term basis. Epilepsy, headache, and abdominal pain remained common for a mean follow-up time of 21 months in INPH patients who received shunts.

CONCLUSIONS The results of the INPH-CRasH study are consistent with a vascular pathophysiological component of INPH. In clinical care and research, a complete risk factor analysis as well as screening for depression and a measurement for QOL should probably be included in the workup of patients with INPH. The effect of targeted interventions against modifiable VRFs and antidepressant treatment in INPH patients should be evaluated. Seizures, headache, and abdominal pain should be inquired about at postoperative follow-up examinations.

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