Department of Neurology

Creutzfeldt Laboratory

The Creutzfeldt Lab is focused on improving outcomes for individuals with severe acute brain injury and their family caregivers. In collaboration with the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and the University of Rochester, we aim to better understand the needs of families and are testing interventions that reduce the long-term emotional and psychological burden of SABI.

Severe acute vascular brain injury or SABI (including ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cardiac arrest) is common, disabling, and often deadly. Recent advances in acute stroke treatment have led to reduced morbidity and mortality, but also to an increased number of survivors, who, along with their family members, are faced with long-term challenges and unique, unmet palliative care needs including steep declines in quality of life, receipt of care that does not reflect patients’ values and preferences, and high rates of caregiver burden.

Current Research

We are very grateful to our funders and those who support our research.

Our current projects within the Creutzfeldt Lab include:

COMA SABI

“Comprehensive Outcome Assessment after Severe Acute Brain Injury (COMA SABI): Advanced Symptoms and End-of-Life Care Needs” (R01 NR019268)

Principal Investigators: 

  • Claire J. Creutzfeldt, MD (University of Washington)
  • Darin B. Zahuranec, MD, MS (University of Michigan)

Co-Investigators:

  • Lyndia Brumback, PhD (University of Washington)
  • Barbara Lutz, PhD, RN (University of North Carolina Wilmington)
  • Andrea Jones, PhD, MSW (University of North Carolina Wilmington)

Funding Source: National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)

This observational cohort study aims to define the trajectory and determinants of multidimensional symptoms and quality of end-of-life among patients with SABI as well as caregiver strain. We have teamed with the University of Michigan to survey patients who recently experienced severe acute brain injury and their care partners. Participants are asked to complete a series of surveys from initial hospitalization up to one year later. Additionally, some participants are invited for in-depth interviews to further explore concerns or challenges and identify gaps in services. Results from this study will be used to inform an intervention for SABI families during and after hospitalization.

LOTUS Trial

“Longitudinal Transdisciplinary Neuro Support (LOTUS) Trial” (1R56AG086950 – 01A1)

Principal Investigators: 

  • Claire J. Creutzfeldt, MD (University of Washington)

Co-Investigators:

  • Robert G. Holloway, MD, MPH (University of Rochester Medical Center)
  • Ann Leonhardt-Caprio, DNP, RN, ANP-BC (University of Rochester Medical Center)
  • Lyndia Brumback, PhD (University of Washington)
  • Lynn Reinke, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN, FPCN (University of Utah)
  • Douglas Zatzick, MD (University of Washington)

Funding Source: National Institute of Aging (NIA)

This pilot randomized clinical trial at the University of Rochester Medical Center will establish the feasibility and acceptability of a nurse-led intervention aimed at improving outcomes for patients with severe acute brain injury and their families. The nurse-led LOTUS team supports, models, and teaches communication strategies to help enable randomized patients and families to secure care in line with their goals during acute hospitalization and beyond. We are also evaluating preliminary efficacy of the intervention on patient-centered outcomes compared to control. Participants in both arms will be asked to complete a series of surveys from hospitalization through care transitions up to 6 months to evaluate trajectory.  Some participants will be invited for in-depth interviews to further explore challenges with care and feasibility.