Missed cerebrovascular events during prolonged sedation for COVID-19 pneumonia.

TitleMissed cerebrovascular events during prolonged sedation for COVID-19 pneumonia.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsBruce SS, Kahan J, Huq T, Santillan A, Navi BB, Merkler AE, Parikh NS, Mir S, Schweitzer AD, Segal AZ
JournalJ Clin Neurosci
Volume86
Pagination180-183
Date Published2021 Apr
ISSN1532-2653
Abstract

Cerebrovascular complications among critically ill patients with COVID-19 have yet to be fully characterized. In this retrospective case series from a single academic tertiary care referral center in New York City, we present 12 patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes that were found on imaging after a period of prolonged sedation in the setting of COVID-19 pneumonia. This series demonstrates a pattern of cerebrovascular events clinically masked by deep sedation required for management of COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Of the 12 patients included, 10 had ischemic stroke, 4 of which had hemorrhagic conversion, and 2 had primary intracerebral hemorrhage. Ten patients were on therapeutic anticoagulation prior to discovery of their stroke, and the remainder received intermediate dose anticoagulation (in a range between prophylactic and therapeutic levels). Additional studies are needed to further characterize the counterbalancing risks of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, as well as the optimal management of this patient population.

DOI10.1016/j.jocn.2021.01.008
Alternate JournalJ Clin Neurosci
PubMed ID33775324

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