Heterogenous relapse and efficacy endpoint definitions for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder studies: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Over the last years, multiple studies have been dedicated to evaluate the efficacy of different treatment options for Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD). However, there is a wide variety of endpoints employed across these studies. Our goal is to conduct a systematic review describing the endpoints utilized in studies related to NMOSD. METHODS: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane were searched from inception to May 2023, to identify studies analyzing treatment options in patients with NMOSD. We collected data on baseline study characteristics and all efficacy outcomes available. RESULTS: We included 127 studies and identified approximately 40 different efficacy endpoints, categorized into 1) relapse, 2) disability, 3) visual acuity, and 4) surrogate outcomes. Most studies were retrospective (54.3 %) and aimed at attack prevention (81.4 %). The most common relapse-related outcomes were annualized relapse rate (73.2 %), followed by relapse rate (50.4 %), and relapse-free rate (36.2 %). The relapse definition also varied widely among studies, with only 73 (57.4 %) studies explicitly addressing the definition used. The most common disability outcome was the Expanded Disability Scale (97.6 %), followed by the Modified Rankin Scale (7.9 %). Visual Acuity Score was employed in 14.2 % of studies, followed by Visual Evoked Potentials (6.3 %). Imaging was the most common surrogate (20.5 %), followed by the fraction of B cells (18.1 %). CONCLUSION: Publications were heterogeneous in measuring efficacy, with different use of endpoints and relapse definitions. Standardization across studies would improve data analysis and application in clinical practice.

THE EFFECTS OF GLIBENCLAMIDE ON COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND EMOTIONAL ASPECTS AMONG PATIENTS WITH ANEURYSMAL SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

INTRODUCTION: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with a high incidence of long-term cognitive impairment, decreased quality of life (QoL), and psychiatric disorders. The effects of glibenclamide on such outcomes in the setting of aSAH is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of glibenclamide in patients with aSAH on cognitive performance, QoL, and emotional aspects. METHODS: Patients identified with aSAH were randomly allocated to receive 5mg of glibenclamide for 21 days or placebo, starting within 96 hours of the ictus. After six months, patients were evaluated with MoCA test (cognitive performance), SF-36 (QoL), and HADS and SPTSS (emotional aspects). RESULTS: The mean MoCA score was 22.5 ± 6.2. No statistically significant difference was found between groups, with a mean score of 21.7 ± 6.4 in the Glibeclamide group and 23.4 ± 6.2 in the placebo group (p=0.392). A score <23 was observed in 16 patients (35.6%) and its frequency was similar between groups (p=0.900). The most frequently impaired domains were Attention (N=21/45; 46.7%) and Visuospatial (18/45; 40.0%). Impairment of each domain was similar between groups (p>0.05). In each domain, the mean score was similar between groups (p>0.05). The HADS scores did not differ between groups (p>0.05). The mean SPTSS score as well as the mean scores of its domains were similar between groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Glibenclamide did not improve cognitive performance, QoL, and emotional aspects after six months of follow-up of aSAH survivors.

Safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with volume over 50 mL and significant perfusion mismatch.

Background: This study aims to address the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke with an established infarction equal to or >50 mL with a significant difference between penumbra and established infarction detected by perfusion cerebral computed tomography (CT) with the Rapid® system. Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study. Patients diagnosed with established and extensive ischemic stroke, defined by an ischemic volume equal to or >50 mL on CT or magnetic resonance imaging perfusion using the RAPID® system, were examined. The intervention group received endovascular interventional treatment with or without recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in addition to standard therapy, and the control group received conservative treatment with or without rt-PA plus standard therapy. Results: A total of 59 patients were enrolled, including 38 in the intervention group and 21 in the control group. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Patient National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at discharge was significantly different between the control (median 30, interquartile range [IQR] 13) and intervention group (median 8, IQR 14) (P < 0.001). Modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores were significantly different at discharge between intervention (median mRS 2, IQR 3) and controls (median mRS 5, IQR 1) (P = 0.002). These mRS differences remained significant at 90 days, with median (IQR) values of 2 (2.75) and 5 (1), respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: MT is safe and effective for large-core ischemic strokes with significant perfusion mismatch, leading to better functional outcomes without significant complications compared to the best medical treatment.

Pattern of abnormalities on gray matter in patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis: An updated meta-analysis.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a prevalent form of epilepsy originating in the temporal lobes. A common pathological feature is hippocampal sclerosis (HS), characterized by the loss of neuronal cells, which is associated with the typical temporal mesial lobe epilepsy (MTLE). In this study, we aimed to analyze gray matter alterations in patients with MTLE with right and left hemisphere HS using voxel-based morphometry and compare them with control groups. A meta-analysis was performed based on the guidelines contained in the Protocol Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), using the MEDLINE database, with the keywords: "gray matter" AND "temporal lobe epilepsy " AND ("hippocampal sclerosis" OR "hippocampal abnormalities") AND ("voxel-based morphometry" OR "VBM" OR "voxel-wise"). Of the 14 articles included in the review, 8 were added by the method, in which the meta-analysis was performed. Our results indicate that in the right hemisphere, the hippocampus, caudate nucleus, parahippocampal gyrus, thalamus, dorsalis medial nucleus, insula, and right claustrum were most commonly implicated. In the left hemisphere, a significant pattern of gray matter loss was observed in the putamen, lentiform nucleus, uncus, Brodmann areas 20 and 23, cingulate gyrus, caudate nucleus, cerebellum, and cuneus compared to healthy controls.Our study highlights distinct patterns of gray matter alteration in MLTE-HS and suggests that these regions may contribute to changes in verbal memory and visuospatial impairment based on their anatomical and hemispheric locations. Our findings can be potentially helpful for future diagnostic markers, therapeutic targets, and insights into disease progression, better understanding of these findings.

Validation of Lyophilized Human Fecal Microbiota for the Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Pilot Study with Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of a Middle-Income Country-Promicrobioma Project.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) represents a prevalent and potentially severe health concern linked to the usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new lyophilized product based on human fecal microbiota for transplant, including cost-benefit analysis in the treatment of recurrent or refractory CDI. METHODS: The product for fecal microbiota transplant was obtained from two donors. Microbiological, viability, and genomic analysis were evaluated. After validation, a clinical pilot study including recurrent or refractory CDI with 24 patients was performed. Clinical response and 4-week recurrence were the outcome. Cost-benefit analysis compared the fecal microbiota transplant with conventional retreatment with vancomycin or metronidazole. RESULTS: The microbiota for transplant presented significant bacterial viability, with and adequate balance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The clinical response with the microbiota transplant was 92%. In financial terms, estimated expenditure for CDI solely related to recurrence, based on stochastic modeling, totals USD 222.8 million per year in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: The lyophilized human fecal microbiota for transplant is safe and can be an important step for a new product with low cost, even with genomic sequencing. Fecal microbiota transplantation emerges as a more cost-effective alternative compared to antimicrobials in the retreatment of CDI.

Switching Vancomycin Monitoring From Trough Concentration to Area Under the Curve Estimation by Bayesian Forecasting: A Short Communication on a Cost-Benefit Study in Resource-Limited Settings.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the cost-benefit indicators of a vancomycin monitoring protocol based on area under the curve estimation using commercial Bayesian software. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study included patients who were aged >18 years with a vancomycin prescription for >24 hours. Patients who were terminally ill or those with acute kidney injury (AKI) ≤24 hours were excluded. During the preintervention period, doses were adjusted based on the trough concentration target of 15-20 mg/L, whereas the postintervention period target was 400-500 mg × h/L for the area under the curve. The medical team was responsible for deciding to stop the antimicrobial prescription without influence from the therapeutic drug monitoring team. The main outcomes were the incidence of AKI and length of stay. Cost-benefit simulation was performed after statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 96 patients in the preintervention group and 110 in the postintervention group. The AKI rate decreased from 20% (n = 19) to 6% (n = 6; P = 0.003), whereas the number of vancomycin serum samples decreased from 5 (interquartile range: 2-7) to 2 (interquartile range: 1-3) examinations per patient ( P < 0.001). The mean length of hospital stay for patients was 26.19 days after vancomycin prescription, compared with 17.13 days for those without AKI ( P = 0.003). At our institution, the decrease in AKI rate and reduced length of stay boosted yearly savings of up to US$ 369,000 for 300 patients receiving vancomycin therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Even in resource-limited settings, a commercial Bayesian forecasting-based protocol for vancomycin is important for determining cost-benefit outcomes.

Anticoagulation strategy for patients presenting with ischemic strokes while using a direct oral anticoagulant: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: While direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have established efficacy in reducing the risk of ischemic stroke, they still leave a residual risk of stroke, which may be greater in practice (0.7-2.3%) than in controlled clinical trial settings. This meta-analysis examines four therapeutic approaches following a stroke in patients already on DOACs: continuing with the same DOAC, changing to a different DOAC, increasing the current DOAC dosage, or switching to a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), such as warfarin. METHODS: Systematic review of literature from the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases, was conducted in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The analysis focused on six studies with varied patient demographics, examining as outcomes as recurrent ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, other bleeding events, and mortality. RESULTS: Six studies comprising 12,159 patients were included, all of them were observational. Patients who remained on their initial DOAC regimen had a lower risk of experiencing ischemic strokes (risk ratio (RR) 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43-0.70; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), intracranial hemorrhage (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.25-0.55; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), and hemorrhagic events (RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.30-0.63; p < 0.001; I2 = 6%) compared to those who were switched to warfarin, with an increase in mortality rates (hazard ratio (HR) 1.85; 95% CI 1.06-3.24; p = 0.03; I2 = 84%). In contrast, neither changing to a different DOAC nor adjusting the dose proved to be more effective than the original regimen. CONCLUSION: Post-stroke adjustments to anticoagulation therapy-whether altering the drug or its dosage-do not yield additional benefits. In addition, the results suggest that warfarin may be less effective than DOACs for preventing stroke recurrence, bleeding complications, and death in this patient population.

Direct oral anticoagulants in embolic stroke of undetermined source: an updated meta-analysis.

The efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) remains unclear. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing DOACs versus aspirin in patients with ESUS. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed for binary endpoints. Four RCTs comprising 13,970 patients were included. Compared with aspirin, DOACs showed no significant reduction of recurrent stroke (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.84-1.09; p = 0.50; I2 = 0%), ischemic stroke or systemic embolism (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.80-1.17; p = 0.72; I2 = 0%), ischemic stroke (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.79-1.06; p = 0.23; I2 = 0%), and all-cause mortality (RR 1.11; 95% CI 0.87-1.42; p = 0.39; I2 = 0%). DOACs increased the risk of clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNB) (RR 1.52; 95% CI 1.20-1.93; p < 0.01; I2 = 7%) compared with aspirin, while no significant difference was observed in major bleeding between groups (RR 1.57; 95% CI 0.87-2.83; p = 0.14; I2 = 63%). In a subanalysis of patients with non-major risk factors for cardioembolism, there is no difference in recurrent stroke (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.67-1.42; p = 0.90; I2 = 0%), all-cause mortality (RR 1.24; 95% CI 0.58-2.66; p = 0.57; I2 = 0%), and major bleeding (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.32-3.08; p = 1.00; I2 = 0%) between groups. In patients with ESUS, DOACs did not reduce the risk of recurrent stroke, ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, or all-cause mortality. Although there was a significant increase in clinically relevant non-major bleeding, major bleeding was similar between DOACs and aspirin.

Role of Dapagliflozin in Ischemic Preconditioning in Patients with Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease-DAPA-IP Study Protocol.

Background: Ischemic preconditioning (IP) is a powerful cellular protection mechanism. The cellular pathways underlying IP are extremely complex and involve the participation of cell triggers, intracellular signaling pathways, and end-effectors. Experimental studies have shown that sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors promote activation of 5'-adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the main regulator of adenosine 5'-triphosphate homeostasis and energy metabolism in the body. Despite its cardioprotective profile demonstrated by numerous clinical trials, the results of studies on the action of SGLT2 inhibitors in IP are scarce. This study will investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on IP in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: The study will include 50 patients with multivessel CAD, ischemia documented by stress testing, and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients will undergo four exercise tests, the first two with a time interval of 30 min between them after washout of cardiovascular or hypoglycemic medications and the last two after 7 days of dapagliflozin 10 mg once a day, also with a time interval of 30 min between them. Discussion: The role of SGLT2 inhibitors on IP is not clearly established. Several clinical trials have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the occurrence cardiovascular events, notably heart failure. However, such studies have not shown beneficial metabolic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, such as reducing myocardial infarction or stroke. On the other hand, experimental studies with animal models have shown the beneficial effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on IP, a mechanism that confers cardiac and vascular protection from subsequent ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. This is the first clinical study to evaluate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on IP, which could result in an important advance in the treatment of patients with stable CAD.

Evaluation of deep learning algorithms in detecting moyamoya disease: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis.

The diagnosis of Moyamoya disease (MMD) relies heavily on imaging, which could benefit from standardized machine learning tools. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of deep learning (DL) algorithms for MMD by analyzing sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) compared to expert consensus. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for articles published from inception to February 2024. Eligible studies were required to report diagnostic accuracy metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, and AUC, excluding those not in English or using traditional machine learning methods. Seven studies were included, comprising a sample of 4,416 patients, of whom 1,358 had MMD. The pooled sensitivity for common and random effects models was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85 to 0.92) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85 to 0.96), respectively. The pooled specificity was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86 to 0.91) in the common effects model and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.75 to 0.97) in the random effects model. Two studies reported the AUC alongside their confidence intervals. A meta-analysis synthesizing these findings aggregated a mean AUC of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92 to 0.96) for common effects and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.76 to 1.02) for random effects models. Deep learning models significantly enhance the diagnosis of MMD by efficiently extracting and identifying complex image patterns with high sensitivity and specificity. Trial registration: CRD42024524998 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/displayrecord.php?RecordID=524998.

Efficacy and safety of neuroendoscopy surgery versus craniotomy for supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Neuroendoscopy (NE) surgery emerged as a promising technique for the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A previous meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analyzed the efficacy and safety of NE compared to craniotomy, but NE did not present a significant improvement in functional outcomes. However, a new study provided an opportunity to update the current knowledge. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for RCTs reporting NE evacuation of spontaneous supratentorial ICH compared to craniotomy. The efficacy outcomes of interest were favorable functional outcome, functional disability, hematoma evacuation rate, and residual hematoma volume. The safety outcomes of interest were rebleeding, infection, and mortality. Seven RCTs were included containing 879 patients. The NE approach presented a significantly higher rate of favorable functional outcome compared with craniotomy (RR: 1.42; 95% CI 1.17, 1.73; p < 0.001). The evacuation rate was higher in patients who underwent the NE approach (MD: -8.36; 95% CI -12.66, -4.07; p < 0.001). NE did not show a benefit in improving the mortality rate (RR: 0.81, 95% CI 0.54, 1.22; p = 0.32). NE was associated with more favorable functional outcomes and lower rates of functional disabilities compared to craniotomy. Also, NE was superior regarding evacuation rate, while presenting a reduction in residual hematoma volume. NE might be associated with lower infection rates. Mortality was not improved by NE surgery. Larger, higher-quality randomized studies are needed to adequately evaluate the efficacy and safety of NE compared to craniotomy.

The Effects of Head Elevation on Intracranial Pressure, Cerebral Perfusion Pressure, and Cerebral Oxygenation Among Patients with Acute Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Head elevation is recommended as a tier zero measure to decrease high intracranial pressure (ICP) in neurocritical patients. However, its quantitative effects on cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), jugular bulb oxygen saturation (SjvO2), brain tissue partial pressure of oxygen (PbtO2), and arteriovenous difference of oxygen (AVDO2) are uncertain. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of head elevation on ICP, CPP, SjvO2, PbtO2, and AVDO2 among patients with acute brain injury. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library of studies comparing the effects of different degrees of head elevation on ICP, CPP, SjvO2, PbtO2, and AVDO2. RESULTS: A total of 25 articles were included in the systematic review. Of these, 16 provided quantitative data regarding outcomes of interest and underwent meta-analyses. The mean ICP of patients with acute brain injury was lower in group with 30° of head elevation than in the supine position group (mean difference [MD] - 5.58 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 6.74 to - 4.41 mm Hg; p < 0.00001). The only comparison in which a greater degree of head elevation did not significantly reduce the ICP was 45° vs. 30°. The mean CPP remained similar between 30° of head elevation and supine position (MD - 2.48 mm Hg; 95% CI - 5.69 to 0.73 mm Hg; p = 0.13). Similar findings were observed in all other comparisons. The mean SjvO2 was similar between the 30° of head elevation and supine position groups (MD 0.32%; 95% CI - 1.67% to 2.32%; p = 0.75), as was the mean PbtO2 (MD - 1.50 mm Hg; 95% CI - 4.62 to 1.62 mm Hg; p = 0.36), and the mean AVDO2 (MD 0.06 µmol/L; 95% CI - 0.20 to 0.32 µmol/L; p = 0.65).The mean ICP of patients with traumatic brain injury was also lower with 30° of head elevation when compared to the supine position. There was no difference in the mean values of mean arterial pressure, CPP, SjvO2, and PbtO2 between these groups. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing degrees of head elevation were associated, in general, with a lower ICP, whereas CPP and brain oxygenation parameters remained unchanged. The severe traumatic brain injury subanalysis found similar results.

Increasing community prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in urine is associated with increasing district-level antibiotic consumption.

This study aimed to analyze ESBL-producing Escherichia coli prevalence in urine samples collected between 2011-2019 in Curitiba, a large city in Brazil, and relating it to antibiotic consumption and sanitary conditions. This is a longitudinal study correlating prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from urine samples with district-level antibiotic consumption and sociodemographic data during 2011-2019. E. coli isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility and ESBL by an automated method. Statistical analysis applied linear regressions, pooled ordinary least squares, and fixed effects models for districts or years. The Chow and Hausman tests indicated that the fixed effects model for individual districts fitted best. Chi-square test was used for qualitative variables (statistical significance was set when P < 0.05). Among the 886 535 urine sample cultures, 9.9% of isolates were ESBL-producing E. coli. Their prevalence increased from 4.7% in 2012 to 19.3% in 2019 (P < 0.0001; R2 = 0.922). This progressive increase correlated with age (P = 0.007; R2 = 0.8725) and male gender (P < 0.001) and increased antibiotic consumption (P = 0.0386; R2 = 0.47). The fixed effects model showed that district influences ESBL prevalence and that antibiotic consumption explains 20%-30% of this variation, with an increase of one defined daily dose accounting for an increase of 0.02084 percentage points of ESBL. The increasing prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli can, to a considerable extent, be explained by increasing antibiotic consumption.

Efficacy and safety of brexpiprazole for the treatment of agitation in Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown a benefit of brexpiprazole in managing agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, its efficacy and safety remain unclear. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for RCTs comparing brexpiprazole with placebo in patients with agitation and AD. Three studies comprising 1,048 patients were included. In patients with agitation and AD, brexpiprazole significantly improved the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory total score (CMAI) at any dose (MD -3.05; 95% CI -5.12, -0.98; p < 0.01; I2 = 19%) and at 2 mg (MD -4.36; 95% CI -7.02, -1.70; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%) over 12 weeks. Brexpiprazole at any dose and 2 mg also showed benefit in the Clinical Global Impression - Severity of illness (CGI-S) score as related to agitation over 12 weeks (MD -0.20; 95% CI -0.36, -0.05; p < 0.01; I2 = 35%). There is no significant difference between the groups in the incidence of at least one treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs; RR 1.14; 95% CI 0.95, 1.37; p = 0.16; I2 = 45%) and all-cause mortality (RR 1.99; 95% CI 0.37, 10.84; p = 0.42; I2 = 0%). Brexpiprazole at any dose significantly increased the Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS; MD 0.47; 95% CI 0.28, 0.66; p < 0.01). Our results suggest that brexpiprazole is more efficacious than placebo in the treatment of agitation in AD patients. Further studies are still necessary to confirm long-term effects of brexpiprazole.Prospero registry: CRD42023486694.

Replacement of traditional vagus nerve stimulation with cardiac-based device and seizure reduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) who are not suitable for surgical resection, neuromodulation with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established approach. However, there is limited evidence of seizure reduction when replacing traditional VNS (tVNS) device with a cardiac-based one (cbVNS). This meta-analysis compares the seizure reduction achieved by replacing tVNS with cbVNS in a population with DRE. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central following PRISMA guidelines. The main outcomes were number of patients experiencing a ≥ 50 % and ≥80 % reduction in seizures, as defined by the McHugh scale. Additionally, we assessed the number of patients achieving freedom from seizures. RESULTS: We included 178 patients with DRE from 7 studies who were initially treated with tVNS and subsequently had it replaced by cbVNS. The follow-up for cbVNS ranged from 6 to 37.5 months. There was a statistically significant reduction in seizure frequency with the replacement of tVNS by cbVNS, using a ≥ 50 % (OR 1.79; 95 % CI 1.07 to 2.97; I²=0 %; p = 0.03) and a ≥ 80 % (OR 2.06; 95 % CI 1.17 to 3.62; I²=0 %; p = 0.01) reduction threshold. Nineteen (13 %) participants achieved freedom from seizures after switching to cbVNS. There was no difference in the rate of freedom from seizures between groups (OR 1.85; 95 % CI 0.81 to 4.21; I²=0 %; p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: In patients with DRE undergoing battery replacement, cbVNS might be associated with seizure reduction (≥50 % and ≥80 % threshold) after switching from tVNS. Randomised controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings.

Neuropsychological outcomes in patients with ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms treated by clipping versus coiling: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ruptured anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms are frequently associated with neuropsychological deficits. This review aims to compare neuropsychological outcomes between surgical and endovascular approaches to ACoA. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies comparing the endovascular and surgical approaches to ruptured ACoA aneurysms. Outcomes of interest were the cognitive function, covered by memory, attention, intelligence, executive, and language domains, as well as motor and visual functions. Nine studies, comprising 524 patients were included. Endovascularly-treated patients showed better memory than those treated surgically (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = -2; 95% CI: -3.40 to -0.61; p < 0.01). Surgically clipped patients had poorer motor ability than those with coiling embolization (p = 0.01). Executive function (SMD = -0.20; 95% CI: -0.47 to 0.88; p = 0.55), language (SMD = -0.33; 95% CI: -0.95 to 0.30; p = 0.30), visuospatial function (SMD = -1.12; 95% CI: -2.79 to 0.56; p = 0.19), attention (SMD = -0.94; 95% CI: -2.79to 0.91; p = 0.32), intelligence (SMD = -0.25; 95% CI: -0.73 to 0.22; p = 0.30), and self-reported cognitive status (SMD = -0.51; 95% CI: -1.38 to 0.35; p = 0.25) revealed parity between groups. Patients with ACoA treated endovascularly had superior memory and motor abilities. Other cognitive domains, including executive function, language, visuospatial function, attention, intelligence and self-reported cognitive status revealed no statistically significant differences between the two approaches. Trial Registration PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) CRD42023461283; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=461283.