An international study recently published in The Lancet Neurology has confirmed the significant prognostic role of the Neurological Pupil Index (NPi), as measured by the NeurOptics NPi Pupillometer, in predicting outcomes for acute brain injury patients. The study, coordinated by Milano Bicocca University, involved 514 patients from 13 hospitals in eight countries and aimed primarily to understand the relationship between NPi and 6-month neurological outcomes and mortality.

Clinical Importance of NPi in Neurological Assessments

The results demonstrated the clinical and statistical significance of NPi, indicating its potential to be a standardized measure for evaluating patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). “Our findings support the use of NPi as a standardized, quantitative measurement of pupil reactivity and global midbrain function,” said Guiseppe Citerio, MD, Principal Investigator and Professor of Anesthesia and Intensive Care at Milano Bicocca University. “NPi plays a crucial role in dynamically monitoring the progression of acute brain injuries.”

Technology Behind NeurOptics’ NPi Pupillometer

The NeurOptics NPi Pupillometer has been identified as an essential technology for providing quantitative measurements of pupil size and reactivity, key components in neurological examinations. The device minimizes the subjectivity often present in manual evaluations, offering a more reliable and objective assessment. It supports the neurological examination of both adult and pediatric patients across a wide range of diagnoses, including TBI, stroke, and seizures.

Implications for Clinical Practice

An abnormal NPi value has significant implications for clinicians dealing with critically ill brain injury patients. Tracking NPi scores dynamically over a period of 6 months can predict neurological outcomes and mortality rates, offering the potential for earlier interventions. Reduced NPi scores are particularly alarming and are associated with unfavorable outcomes, while a return to the normal range diminishes the risk of poor outcomes. This advancement in technology marks a significant step towards standardizing neurological assessments and may influence clinical practices globally.

  acute brain injury, Guiseppe Citerio, Milano Bicocca University, NeurOptics, NPi Pupillometer