High Frequency of Low-Virulent Microorganisms Detected by Sonication of Implanted Pulse Generators: So What?

INTRODUCTION: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become a well-established treatment modality for a variety of conditions over the last decades. Multiple surgeries are an essential part in the postoperative course of DBS patients if nonrechargeable implanted pulse generators (IPGs) are applied. So far, the rate of subclinical infections in this field is unknown. In this prospective cohort study, we used sonication to evaluate possible microbial colonization of IPGs from replacement surgery. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing IPG replacement between May 1, 2019 and November 15, 2020 were evaluated. The removed hardware was investigated using sonication to detect biofilm-associated bacteria. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients with a mean (±SD) of 64.5 ± 15.3 years were evaluated. In 23 of these (i.e., 32.4%) patients, a positive sonication culture was found. In total, 25 microorganisms were detected. The most common isolated microorganisms were Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) (68%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (28%). Within the follow-up period (5.2 ± 4.3 months), none of the patients developed a clinical manifest infection. DISCUSSIONS/CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial colonization of IPGs without clinical signs of infection is common but does not lead to manifest infection. Further larger studies are warranted to clarify the impact of low-virulent pathogens in clinically asymptomatic patients.

Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in children-paradigm of decompressive craniectomy compared to a historic cohort.

PURPOSE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in children. Medical therapy remains limited, and decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an established rescue therapy in case of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Much discussion deals with clinical outcome after severe TBI treated with DC, while data on the pediatric population is rare. We report our experience of treating severe TBI in two different treatment setups at the same academic institution. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (≤ 16 years) were hospitalized with severe TBI (GCS ≤ 8 points) between 2008 and 2018 in a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) at a specialized tertiary pediatric care center. Data on treatment, clinical status, and outcome was retrospectively analyzed. Outcome data included Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 3-, 12-, and 36-month follow-up. Data was compared to a historic cohort with 53 pediatric severe TBI patients treated at the same institution in a neurointensive care unit between 1996 and 2007. Ethical approval was granted (EA2/076/21). RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2018, 11 patients were treated with DC. Compared to the historic cohort, patients were younger and GCS was worse, while in-hospital mortality and clinical outcome remained similar. A trend towards more aggressive EVD placement and the internal paradigm change for treatment in a specialized pediatric ICU was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In children with severe TBI treated over two decades, clinical outcome was comparable and mostly favorable in two different treatment setups. Consequent therapy is warranted to maintain the positive potential for favorable outcome in children with severe TBI.

Timing, Outcome, and Risk Factors of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients During Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

OBJECTIVES: Intracranial hemorrhage is a serious complication in patients receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during treatment of the acute respiratory distress syndrome. We analyzed timing, outcome, and risk factors of intracranial hemorrhage in patients on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single acute respiratory distress syndrome referral center. PATIENTS: Patients receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were identified from a cohort of 1,044 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Patients developing an intracranial hemorrhage during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy were compared with patients without evidence for intracranial hemorrhage. The primary objective was to assess the association of intracranial hemorrhage with 60-day mortality. Further objectives included the identification of risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage and the evaluation of clinical cutoff values. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among 444 patients treated with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 49 patients (11.0% [95% CI, 8.3-14.4%]) developed an intracranial hemorrhage. The median time to intracranial hemorrhage occurrence was 4 days (95% CI, 2-7 d). Patients who developed an intracranial hemorrhage had a higher 60-day mortality compared with patients without intracranial hemorrhage (69.4% [54.4-81.3%] vs 44.6% [39.6-49.6%]; odds ratio 3.05 [95% CI, 1.54-6.32%]; p = 0.001). A low platelet count, a high positive end expiratory pressure, and a major initial decrease of Paco2 were identified as independent risk factors for the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage. A platelet count greater than 100/nL and a positive end expiratory pressure less than or equal to 14 cm H2O during the first 7 days of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy as well as a decrease of Paco2 less than 24 mm Hg during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation were identified as clinical cutoff values to prevent intracranial hemorrhage (sensitivity 91% [95% CI, 82-99%], 94% [85-99%], and 67% [48-81%], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial hemorrhage occurs early during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and is a determinant for 60-day mortality. Appropriate adjustment of identified modifiable risk factors might lower the prevalence of intracranial hemorrhage during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy.

Reduced rates of infection after myelomeningocele closure associated with standard perioperative antibiotic treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin.

PURPOSE: Postnatal closure of a myelomeningocele (MMC) is a complex procedure with frequent complications following surgery. Bacterial colonization of the placode may cause infection and subsequent complications. The objectives of this study were to determine the preoperative bacterial colonization rates, to assess the antibiotic regimen, and to evaluate the overall postoperative infection rate. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing MMC closure in our hospital from January 2010 to January 2020 were evaluated. Epidemiological data, surgical data, complication characteristics, and microbiological results were documented. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients were evaluated; in 41 patients, a wound swab of the placode was performed directly before MMC closure (91%). All patients received a prophylactic antibiotic treatment for a mean of 5.6 ± 2.7 days around the performed MMC closure. In three patients with a wound swab (7.3%), a bacterial colonization could be detected-none of the patients developed a subsequent infection. Overall, 7 other patients developed an infection (15.6%), three local surgical site infections, and four shunt-related infections. After applying a standardized perioperative prophylactic antibiotic treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin, the infection rate was observed to be lower compared with that of a non-standardized treatment (6% vs. 45%; p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: In neonates who undergo MMC closure in the first 48 h after birth, the colonization rate of the placode was lower than previously reported. While the data presented cannot proof the benefit of a perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, as compared with no prophylaxis, infection rates are low with a standardized antibiotic regime comprising ampicillin and gentamicin.

Clinical management and outcome of adult patients with extracorporeal life support device-associated intracerebral hemorrhage-a neurocritical perspective and grading.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating complication in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) due to respiratory or cardiac issues. Neurosurgical evaluation and management of such cases has only insufficiently been studied. We conducted a retrospective, cohort study of adult patients treated with ECMO between January 2007 and January 2017 in a tertiary healthcare center. Demographics, clinical data, coagulation status, ICH characteristics, and treatment modalities were analyzed. The primary outcome parameter was defined as mortality caused by ICH during ECMO. 525 patients with ECMO therapy were eligible for analysis. An overall incidence for any type of intracranial bleeding of 12.3% was found. Small hemorrhages accounted for 6.4% and acute subdural and epidural hematoma for 1.2%. Twenty-four (4.6%) patients developed ICH, and 11 patients (46%) died due to the ICH. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with larger ICH volumes (86.8 ± 34.8 ml vs 9.9 ± 20.3 ml, p < 0.001), intraventricular hemorrhage (83% vs 8%, p = 0.01), and a fluid level inside the ICH (75% vs 31%, p = 0.04). All patients were classified according to the bleeding pattern on the initial CT scan into 3 types. Patients with type 1 bleeding were statistically more likely to die (p < 0.001). In 15 out of 24 patients (63%), correction of the coagulation status was possible within 12 h after ICH onset. Seven out of 9 patients (78%) without early coagulation correction died compared to 2 out of 15 patients (13%), in whom early coagulation correction was successful (p = 0.01). This is the first study evaluating the course and management of patients experiencing an ICH under ECMO therapy and establishing an ICH classification based on the bleeding patterns. Early correction of the coagulation is of paramount importance in the treatment of these patients.

Retethering after transection of a tight filum terminale, postoperative MRI may help to identify patients at risk.

PURPOSE: Retethering after transection of a tight filum terminale (TFT) deemed to be a rare and usually only years after initial surgery occurring complication. Possible perioperative factors that might influence the retethering rate or help to allow a prognostic risk assessment are still poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze our patient cohort who underwent a TFT transection by assessing clinical outcome, retethering rate, and pre- and postoperative MRI studies. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing transection of a TFT from January 2011 to December 2018 were evaluated. Inclusion criteria were defined as exclusive TFT intervention and a minimum follow up period of 1 year. Epidemiological data, treatment modalities, complication characteristics, and MRI studies were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients met our inclusion criteria. The retethering rate in our patient cohort was 5.2% (3/58); one of the three patients developed two episodes of a retethering. Patients with an unchanged conus level, no improvement in the syringomyelia, and an unchanged thickness of the spinal cord postoperatively seem to have a significant higher risk to develop a retethering episode in the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Retethering after transection of the filum terminale did occur more often than expected. Certain existing factors on the routine postoperative MR images may help to identify patients with an increased likelihood to develop a retethering episode. These results may contribute to improve the follow-up for patients after transection of a TFT and may facilitate adequate treatment.

Radiofrequency denervation for treatment of sacroiliac joint pain-comparison of two different ablation techniques.

The radiofrequency treatment (RFD) for sacroiliac joint pain (SIP) is well-established, but there is still scarce evidence on its clinical outcome. The classical monopolar RFD is limited by a high recurrence rate. This might be caused by an incomplete denervation of the dorsal rami. The Simplicity III probe was invented to optimise pain fibre recruitment by its multi-electrode design. However, the clinical superiority of this procedure was never proven. The aim of this study was to illustrate the effectiveness of RFD and to compare both denervation techniques. One hundred twenty-one patients were included, and their clinical course was analysed. Fifty-seven patients received conventional treatment with multiple percutaneous monopolar RFDs (monolesion probe group, MoLG) and 64 patients with the Simplicity III probe (multilesion probe group, MuLG). All patients were followed 1, 3, 6 and 12 s after RFD. Clinical outcome scores were analysed (numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Odom's criteria, Short Form 36 score). The MuLG showed a clearly advanced improvement concerning the clinically relevant pain relief (≥ 50%) (1 month/3 months /6 months/12 months = 72%, 55%, 36%, 27% vs. 1 month/3 months/6 months/12 months = 39%, 28%, 16%, 11%) as well as an advanced improvement of pain-associated disability and a higher satisfaction rating compared to the MoLG (NPRSMuLG_preop = 8,3; NPRSMuLG_12months = 5.8; NPRSMoLG_preop = 7,7; NPRSMoLG_12months = 5.8; ODIMuLG_preop = 52; ODIMuLG_12months = 42; ODIMoLG_preop = 52; ODIMoLG_12months = 47; ODOMSMuLG_good/excellent = 54%; ODOMSMoLG_good/excellent = 28%). RFD of the SIP with the Simplicity III probe is effective and delivers a distinct pain reduction even after 1 year of treatment. This technique shows clear advantages compared to the conventional monolesion technique and is a useful treatment for patients with recurrent SIP.

Single center experiences with telemetric intracranial pressure measurements in patients with CSF circulation disturbances.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalus may present with heterogeneous signs and symptoms. The indication for its treatment and the optimal drainage in complex cases may be challenging. Telemetric intracranial pressure measurements (TICPM) may open new perspectives for those circumstances. We report our experiences using the Neurovent-P-tel and the Sensor Reservoir in a retrospective study. METHODS: A series of 21 patients (age range 10-39.5 years) treated in our Pediatric Neurosurgical Unit receiving a TICPM was analyzed. In 8 patients, a Neurovent-P-Tel was implanted; 13 patients received a Sensor Reservoir, 6 of which as a stand-alone implant, while 7 were already shunted. TICPM were performed on an outpatient basis. Possible complications, follow-up surgeries, and TICPM were analyzed. RESULTS: Concerning the complications, one infection was seen in each group and one postoperative seizure was observed in the P-tel group. TICPM-assisted shunt adjustments lead to clinical improvements in six patients in the P-tel group and six patients in the Sensor Reservoir group. In four out of six non-shunted patients, TICPM contributed to the indication toward shunt implantation. CONCLUSIONS: TICPM seems to be a promising tool to improve clinical management of shunted patients with complex hydrocephalus. The two available systems will need further technical improvements, concerning implantation time, measurements, and data analysis in order to optimize handling and interpretation of the data.

Secondary tethered cord syndrome in adult patients: retethering rates, long-term clinical outcome, and the effect of intraoperative neuromonitoring.

BACKGROUND: The strategy for surgical treatment of tethered cord syndrome in pediatric patients is well established but still bares challenges for adult patients. This retrospective study was performed to assess the surgical outcome of adult patients with a secondary tethered cord syndrome and to evaluate the benefit of intraoperative neuromonitoring. METHODS: Clinical charts of 32 consecutive adult patients who underwent in total 38 surgical untethering procedures at our facility between 2008 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Epidemiological data, MRI scans, and postoperative results were evaluated. RESULTS: The retethering rate in our patient cohort was 16%. Main complaints were maximal pain (82%), bladder dysfunction (79%), paresthesia (68%), and weakness in the lower extremities (68%). Forty-eight months after surgery, patients' symptoms generally improved, with an average level of pain of 19.1% (95% CI, 5.7-32.5%), paresthesia 28.7% (95% CI, 12.6-44.8%), weakness in the lower extremities 27.7% (95% CI, 11.1-44.4%), and bladder dysfunction 60.2% (95% CI, 41.6-78.7%). The use of neuromonitoring appears to have a positive impact on patient weakness (OR = 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01-0.68) and paresthesia (OR = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.00-2.18). This benefit is less clear for the retethering rate (OR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.06-3.26) or the overall clinical outcome (OR = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.14-3.45). The presence of a preoperative Chiari syndrome, syringomyelia, or scoliosis had no relevant influence on the retethering rate. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirms that untethering surgery in adult patients is relatively safe and has a reasonable chance of clinical improvement of pain, paresthesia, and weakness in the lower extremities. The use of intraoperative monitoring has a positive influence on the improvement of preoperative paralysis.

Two-level cervical corpectomy-long-term follow-up reveals the high rate of material failure in patients, who received an anterior approach only.

In contrast to a one-level cervical corpectomy, a multilevel corpectomy without posterior fusion is accompanied by a high material failure rate. So far, the adequate surgical technique for patients, who receive a two-level corpectomy, remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term clinical outcome of patients with cervical myelopathy, who underwent a two-level corpectomy. Outcome parameters of 21 patients, who received a two-level cervical corpectomy, were retrospectively analyzed concerning reoperations and outcome scores (VAS, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Nurick scale, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (mJOAS), Short Form 36-item Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36)). The failure rate was determined using postoperative radiographs. The choice over the surgical procedures was exercised by every surgeon individually. Therefore, a distinction between two groups was possible: (1) anterior group (ANT group) with a two-level corpectomy and a cervical plate, (2) anterior/posterior group (A/P group) with two-level corpectomy, cervical plate, and additional posterior fusion. Both groups benefitted from surgery concerning pain, disability, and myelopathy. While all patients of the A/P group showed no postoperative instability, one third of the patients of the ANT group exhibited instability and clinical deterioration. Thus, a revision surgery with secondary posterior fusion was needed. Furthermore, the ANT group had worse myelopathy scores (mJOASANT group = 13.5 ± 2.5, mJOASA/P group = 15.7 ± 2.2). Patients with myelopathy, who receive a two-level cervical corpectomy, benefitted from surgical decompression. However, patients with a sole anterior approach demonstrated a very high rate of instability (33%) and clinical deterioration in a long-term follow-up. Therefore, we recommend to routinely perform an additional posterior fusion after two-level cervical corpectomy.

Treatment results for lumbar epidural lipomatosis: Does fat matter?

PURPOSE: The lumbar epidural lipomatosis (LEL) is a rare disease that can cause sciatic pain syndrome or neurological deficits comparable to symptoms caused by a classical spinal canal stenosis. In severe cases surgical decompression was conducted. However, the outcome after decompressive surgery has only been investigated in small case series. In this study we compared the outcome of LEL patients after microsurgery with the outcome of patients with classical spinal stenosis (CSS). METHODS: Patients with LEL (n = 38) and patients with CSS (n = 51), who received microsurgical decompression, were followed in a prospective observational study for 3 years. The clinical results including the Oswestry Disability Index, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS), Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire, the Short Form-36 Score and the Walking Distance were analysed and compared between both groups. RESULTS: Patients with LEL improved significantly after microsurgical decompression in a 3-year follow-up concerning back pain, leg pain and pain-associated disability equal to patients with CSS (NRSback_LEL_preop. = 6.4; NRSback_CSS_preop. = 6.3; NRSback_LEL_3-years = 3.2; NRSback_CSS_3-years = 3.6; NRSleg_LEL_preop. = 6.3; NRSleg_CSS_preop. = 6.5; NRSleg_LEL_3-years = 2.5; NRSleg_CSS_3-years = 2.9; ODILEL_preop. = 52.7; ODICSS_preop = 51.8; ODILEL_3-years = 32.3; ODICSS_3-years = 27.6). The microsurgical decompression had a positive effect on the health-related quality of life, and patient satisfaction was high in both groups (LEL group-71%, CSS group-69%). CONCLUSIONS: LEL can influence the quality of life dramatically and cause a high degree of disability. A surgical decompression is a safe and effective procedure with a good clinical outcome comparable to the results in patients with an osteoligamentous spinal stenosis. Therefore, microsurgical decompression can be recommended in patients with LEL if conservative treatment fails. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

High prevalence of pharmacologically induced platelet dysfunction in the acute setting of brain injury.

BACKGROUND: The management of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), primary intracerebral hemorrhage (pICH) and primary subarachnoid hemorrhage (pSAH) remains a highly demanding challenge in critical care medicine. Antithrombotic agents are one of the most relevant risk factors for poor outcome. However, in the acute setting of brain injury, information on preexisting medication might not be available. This group of patients is insufficiently characterized regarding pharmacologically induced platelet impairment. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with TBI, pICH and pSAH admitted to our department with unknown preexisting medication. The impact of acetylsalicylic acid and ADP-receptor antagonists on platelet function was tested via the Multiplate analyzer. Patients' characteristics, management and the influence of platelet impairment on outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Within 25 months 103 patients with TBI (61), pICH (32) or pSAH (10) and unknown antithrombotic medication were admitted to our department. In 54 (52.4 %) of the patients reduced platelet function was detected, mainly caused by acetylsalicylic acid. In the TBI group, 30 patients (49.2 %) were identified, while Multiplate analysis detected platelet dysfunction in 19 (59.4 %) subjects in the pICH group and 5 in the pSAH group (50 %). In multivariable analysis the pathological Multiplate result was not associated with worse outcome; however, in our cohort 47 (87 %) patients received hemostatic therapy following detection of impaired platelet function. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the high frequency of pharmacologically impaired platelet function in patients with unknown preexisting medication. Early assessment of platelet function is an important tool to allow optimized treatment in these patients.

Microglia inflict delayed brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Inflammatory changes have been postulated to contribute to secondary brain injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In human specimens after SAH as well as in experimental SAH using mice, we show an intracerebral accumulation of inflammatory cells between days 4 and 28 after the bleeding. Using bone marrow chimeric mice allowing tracing of all peripherally derived immune cells, we confirm a truly CNS-intrinsic, microglial origin of these immune cells, exhibiting an inflammatory state, and rule out invasion of myeloid cells from the periphery into the brain. Furthermore, we detect secondary neuro-axonal injury throughout the time course of SAH. Since neuronal cell death and microglia accumulation follow a similar time course, we addressed whether the occurrence of activated microglia and neuro-axonal injury upon SAH are causally linked by depleting microglia in vivo. Given that the amount of neuronal cell death was significantly reduced after microglia depletion, we conclude that microglia accumulation inflicts secondary brain injury after SAH.

Collateralization and ischemia in hemodynamic cerebrovascular insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Moyamoya disease and atherosclerotic cerebrovascular occlusive disease lead to hemodynamic impairment of cerebral blood flow. One major differentiation between both disease entities lies in the collateralization pathways. The clinical implications of the collateralization pathways for the development of hemodynamic ischemia remain unknown. The aim was to characterize collateralization and ischemia patterns in patients with chronic hemodynamic compromise. METHODS: Hemodynamic compromise was verified using acetazolamide-stimulated xenon-CT or SPECT in 54 patients [30 moyamoya and 24 atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease (ACVD)]. All patients received MRI to differentiate hemodynamic ischemia into anterior/posterior cortical border zone infarction (CBI), inferior border zone infarction (IBI) or territorial infarction (TI). Digital subtraction angiography was applied to evaluate collateralization. Collateralization was compared and correlated with the localization of ischemia and number of vascular territories with impaired cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CVRC). RESULTS: MM patients showed collateralization significantly more often via pericallosal anastomosis and the posterior communicating artery (flow in the anterior-posterior direction; MM: 95%/95% vs. ACVD: 23%/12%, p < 0.05). ACVD patients demonstrated collateralization via the anterior and posterior communicating arteries (flow in the posterior-anterior direction, MM: 6%/5% vs. ACVD: 62%/88%, p < 0.05). Patterns of infarction were comparable (aCBI: MM: 36% vs. ACVD: 35%; pCBI: MM: 10% vs. ACVD: 20%; IBI: MM: 35% vs. ACVD: 41%; TI: MM: 13% vs. ACVD: 18%). The number and localization of vascular territories with impaired CVRC were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant differences in collateralization, the infarct patterns and severity of CVRC impairment do not differ between MMV and ACVD patients. Cerebral collateralization does not allow reaching conclusions about the localization of cerebral ischemia or severity of impaired CVRC in chronic hemodynamic impairment.

Multiple reimplantation technique for treatment of complex giant aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery: technical note.

BACKGROUND: Giant middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are among the most challenging neurovascular lesions, especially when the M2 and M3 branches are incorporated into the aneurysm. Here we report on two cases with complex MCA aneurysms, in which double and triple arterial reimplantation of the efferent vessels into a saphenous vein graft (SVG) was applied to reconstruct the MCA tree, allowing final trapping of the aneurysm. METHODS: In the first case, a 41-year-old woman presented with a partially thrombosed giant MCA aneurysm including three efferent branches. Two superior trunks were disconnected and reimplanted onto an SVG fed by the external carotid artery (ECA). Following anastomosis between the SVG and the inferior trunk, the aneurysm was trapped. The second case is a 67-year-old man with recurrent giant MCA aneurysm incorporating two efferent M2 branches. First, the superior trunk was reimplanted onto an SVG, then the SVG was anastomosed to the inferior trunk. Finally the afferent M1 was clipped. Intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography (FLOW 800) was used for studying bypass patency. RESULTS: In both cases, successful bypass patency was demonstrated by ICG videoangiography. Postoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed bypass patency. The first case was discharged without any neurological deficit. The second case suffered from bleeding due to refilling of the aneurysm via the inferior M2. An additional clip was placed on the inferior M2 in a second step. The patient was discharged with weakness of the left arm. CONCLUSION: Reconstructing an MCA bifurcation or trifurcation combining multiple arterial reimplantation is effective for treatment of selective cases of complex MCA aneurysms.

Cerebrospinal Fluid System Infection in Children with Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis over 14 Years in a Major European Pediatric Cancer Center.

Infection of a cerebrospinal fluid system is a serious medical complication. We performed a retrospective monocentric analysis on temporary and permanent cerebrospinal fluid devices in children with and without cancer, covering a period of over 14 years. Between 2004 and 2017, 275 children with a cerebrospinal fluid system were seen at our institution. Thirty-eight children suffered from 51 microbiologically proven infectious episodes of the cerebrospinal fluid system (12 children with cancer and 26 children without cancer). Independently of the cerebrospinal fluid system used, the incidence of infection did not significantly differ between children with and without cancer and was the highest in children younger than one year. Infection occurred earlier in external ventricular drain (EVD) than ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, and in EVD significantly earlier in children with cancer compared with patients without cancer. The pathogens isolated were mainly Gram-positive bacteria, in particular Staphylococcus spp., which should be taken into account for empirical antimicrobial therapy.

The Influence of Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Wound Infection and on the Colonization of Wound Drains in Patients After Correction of Craniosynostosis.

Objective: Evidence for the duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) after the correction of craniosynostosis in children is scarce. We evaluated the necessary duration of PAP to ensure a minimal rate of postoperative wound infections. Methods: In this monocentric, retrospective, and prospective pilot study, two PAP protocols were compared. From August 2017 to May 2018, treatment group 1 (TG 1) was treated using the standard PAP protocol with at least three doses of antibiotics. Between May 2018 and March 2019, a shortened PAP with a single-shot administration was given to treatment group 2 (TG 2a and b). Endpoints of this study were wound infection rate, colonization rate of wound drains, and the course of treatment reflected by clinical and laboratory data. Results: A cohort of 187 children underwent craniosynostosis correction: 167 were treated according to protocols--95 patients with at least three doses (TG 1) and 72 patients with a single-shot of cefuroxime (TG 2a). Baseline characteristics were similar for both groups. We could not detect significant differences, neither for wound infection rates (TG 1: 1.1%, TG 2a: 0.0%, p = 0.38) nor for colonization rates of wound drains (TG 1: 4.8%, TG 2a: 10.5%, p = 0.27). Conclusions: Single-shot PAP had no adverse effects on the wound infection rate or the colonization rate of the wound drains compared with prolonged perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. As a result, single-shot preoperative PAP is now applied to the majority craniosynostosis patients undergoing surgical correction in our unit.

Sonication Improves Pathogen Detection in Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt-Associated Infections.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial treatment of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infections is challenging when the causative pathogen is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of sonication of explanted shunt-devices to improve the microbiological detection rate. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing revision surgery due to suspected VP-shunt infection from January 2015 to February 2017 were evaluated. Intraoperative tissue samples, wound swabs, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were collected for microbiological examination. In a subgroup of patients, the removed implants were additionally sent for sonication. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were included with a mean age of 57.5 ± 18 yr, 21 were female (60%). In 13 patient's tissue samples, CSF and wound swabs were analyzed. In 22 patients, the explanted device was additionally sent for sonication. All 22 sonication cultures showed a positive microbiological result (100%), whereas with conventional microbiological methods, the causative microorganism was identified in 8 of 13 (61%; P = .018). Analyzed by method, all 22 sonication cultures (100%) were positive and 21 of 35 conventional microbiological analysis results (60%) detected the causative agent (P < .001.) In 18 patients (51%), antimicrobial treatment was started preoperatively. In those patients, the pathogen was detected in all 12 sonication cultures (100%), whereas conventional methods grew a pathogen in 3 of 6 patients (P = .005). CONCLUSION: Sonication significantly increases the microbiological yield in VP-shunt infections, especially in patients receiving antibiotics prior to diagnostics and in infections caused by low-virulent organisms. The implementation of sonication into the clinical routine can substantially increase the rate of pathogen detection allowing targeted treatment.

High frequency of low-virulent microorganisms detected by sonication of pedicle screws: a potential cause for implant failure.

OBJECTIVE: Loosening of pedicle screws is a frequent complication after spinal surgery. Implant colonization with low-virulent microorganisms forming biofilms may cause implant loosening. However, the clinical evidence of this mechanism is lacking. Here, the authors evaluated the potential role of microbial colonization using sonication in patients with clinical pedicle screw loosening but without signs of infection. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing hardware removal between January 2015 and December 2017, including patients with screw loosening but without clinical signs of infection, were evaluated. The removed hardware was investigated using sonication. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients with a mean (± SD) patient age of 65 ± 13 years were eligible for evaluation. Of the 54 patients with screw loosening, 22 patients (40.7%) had a positive sonication result. None of the 28 patients without screw loosening who served as a control cohort showed a positive sonication result (p < 0.01). In total, 24 microorganisms were detected in those 22 patients. The most common isolated microorganisms were coagulase-negative staphylococci (62.5%) and Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) (25%). When comparing only the patients with screw loosening, the duration of the previous spine surgery was significantly longer in patients with a positive microbiological result (288 ± 147 minutes) than in those with a negative result (201 ± 103 minutes) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The low-virulent microorganisms frequently detected on pedicle screws by using sonication may be an important cause of implant loosening and failure. Longer surgical duration increases the likelihood of implant colonization with subsequent screw loosening. Sonication is a highly sensitive approach to detect biofilm-producing bacteria, and it needs to be integrated into the clinical routine for optimized treatment strategies.

Infections After Cranial Neurosurgery: Prospective Cohort of 103 Episodes Treated According to a Standardized Algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal surgical and antimicrobial treatment for intracranial infections after neurosurgery is unknown. We investigated the clinical, laboratory, and microbiological characteristics of intracranial infections after neurosurgery. In addition, treatment outcome in patients treated according to a standardized algorithm was evaluated. METHODS: Consecutive patients with extradural, intradural, and device-related infections after cranial neurosurgery were included prospectively. A standardized antimicrobial and surgical treatment regimen was applied. The probability of infection-free survival was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier survival method. Survival curves between groups were compared by using log-rank Mantel-Cox test. RESULTS: Of 103 infections, 58 (56%) were extradural, 33 (32%) intradural, and 12 (12%) device-associated. Foreign material was involved in 98 infections (95%), including 78 bone flaps or fixation devices, 41 duraplasties, 17 external drains, and 15 functional devices. The median duration from primary surgery until infection diagnosis was 33 days (range, 6-1132 days). In total, 69 infections (67%) were monomicrobial, 26 (25%) polymicrobial, and 8 (8%) culture-negative. Ninety of 103 patients (90%) underwent surgical intervention, of whom foreign material was retained in 24 (23%). The probability of infection-free survival was 87% after 12 months (95% confidence interval 77%-93%). Nonadequate antimicrobial therapy was associated with treatment failure (5% vs. 70%, P < 0.001), which remained significant in the multiple logistic regression model (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most (95%) intracranial infections were associated with foreign material and required surgical intervention and biofilm-active treatment. Via a standardized treatment approach, the infection-free survival after 12 months was good (87%), independent of the infection site or type of micro-organism.