Endovascular Versus Medical Therapy in Posterior Cerebral Artery Stroke: Role of Baseline NIHSS Score and Occlusion Site.

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke with isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusion (iPCAO) lacks management evidence from randomized trials. We aimed to evaluate whether the association between endovascular treatment (EVT) and outcomes in iPCAO acute ischemic stroke is modified by initial stroke severity (baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]) and arterial occlusion site. METHODS: Based on the multicenter, retrospective, case-control study of consecutive iPCAO acute ischemic stroke patients (PLATO study [Posterior Cerebral Artery Occlusion Stroke]), we assessed the heterogeneity of EVT outcomes compared with medical management (MM) for iPCAO, according to baseline NIHSS score (≤6 versus >6) and occlusion site (P1 versus P2), using multivariable regression modeling with interaction terms. The primary outcome was the favorable shift of 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Secondary outcomes included excellent outcome (mRS score 0-1), functional independence (mRS score 0-2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality. RESULTS: From 1344 patients assessed for eligibility, 1059 were included (median age, 74 years; 43.7% women; 41.3% had intravenous thrombolysis): 364 receiving EVT and 695 receiving MM. Baseline stroke severity did not modify the association of EVT with 3-month mRS distribution (Pinteraction=0.312) but did with functional independence (Pinteraction=0.010), with a similar trend on excellent outcome (Pinteraction=0.069). EVT was associated with more favorable outcomes than MM in patients with baseline NIHSS score >6 (mRS score 0-1, 30.6% versus 17.7%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.01 [95% CI, 1.22-3.31]; mRS score 0 to 2, 46.1% versus 31.9%; aOR, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.08-2.51]) but not in those with NIHSS score ≤6 (mRS score 0-1, 43.8% versus 46.3%; aOR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.49-1.64]; mRS score 0-2, 65.3% versus 74.3%; aOR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.30-1.0]). EVT was associated with more symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage regardless of baseline NIHSS score (Pinteraction=0.467), while the mortality increase was more pronounced in patients with NIHSS score ≤6 (Pinteraction=0.044; NIHSS score ≤6: aOR, 7.95 [95% CI, 3.11-20.28]; NIHSS score >6: aOR, 1.98 [95% CI, 1.08-3.65]). Arterial occlusion site did not modify the association of EVT with outcomes compared with MM. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline clinical stroke severity, rather than the occlusion site, may be an important modifier of the association between EVT and outcomes in iPCAO. Only severely affected patients with iPCAO (NIHSS score >6) had more favorable disability outcomes with EVT than MM, despite increased mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage guidance in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic - An opinion to mitigate exposure and conserve personal protective equipment.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients require frequent neurological examinations, neuroradiographic diagnostic testing and lengthy intensive care unit stay. Previously established SAH treatment protocols are impractical to impossible to adhere to in the current COVID-19 crisis due to the need for infection containment and shortage of critical care resources, including personal protective equipment (PPE). Centers need to adopt modified protocols to optimize SAH care and outcomes during this crisis. In this opinion piece, we assembled a multidisciplinary, multicenter team to develop and propose a modified guidance algorithm that optimizes SAH care and workflow in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidance is to be adapted to the available resources of a local institution and does not replace clinical judgment when faced with an individual patient.

Transarterial and transvenous approaches for embolization of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula.

Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are uncommon, complex fistulas located between the leaves of the tentorium cerebelli with a specific anatomic and clinical presentation characterized by high hemorrhagic risk. They have an extensive arterial supply and complex venous drainages, making them difficult to treat. There is recent literature favoring treatment through an endovascular transarterial route. The authors present an uncommon tentorial/ambient cistern region DAVF with feeders arising from the external and internal carotid arteries. The patient underwent a combined transarterial and transvenous approach with successful obliteration of the DAVF. The authors discuss the management challenges faced in this case.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/VXDD8zUvsSQ.

Endovascular management of complex superior sagittal sinus dural arteriovenous fistula.

Superior sagittal sinus (SSS) dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are rare and present unique challenges to treatment. Complex, often bilateral, arterial supply and involvement of large volumes of eloquent cortical venous drainage may necessitate multimodality therapy such as endovascular, microsurgical, and stereotactic radiosurgery techniques. The authors present a complex SSS DAVF associated with an occluded/severely stenotic SSS. The patient underwent a successful endovascular transvenous approach with complete obliteration of the SSS. The authors discuss the management challenges faced on this case.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/-rztg0_cBXY.

Endovascular management of basilar artery occlusion secondary to fusiform aneurysm with intraluminal thrombus.

Acute basilar artery occlusion is one of the most devastating subtypes of ischemic stroke with an extremely high morbidity and mortality rate. The most common causes include embolism, large-artery atherosclerosis, penetrating small-artery disease, and arterial dissection. The heart and vertebral arteries are the main source of emboli in embolic basilar occlusions. The authors present an uncommon acute basilar occlusion secondary to a fusiform aneurysm with intraluminal thrombus. The patient underwent a mechanical thrombectomy with successful recanalization, but persistent intraluminal thrombus. The authors discuss the management dilemma and describe their choice for placement of flow diverter stents.The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/XzBdgxJPSWQ.

The Timing of Tracheostomy and Outcomes After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to investigate the association of tracheostomy timing with outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a national population. METHODS: Poor-grade aneurysmal SAH patients were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011). Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze predictors of tracheostomy timing and multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of timing of intervention with mortality, complications, and discharge to institutional care. Covariates included patient demographics, comorbidities, severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage (measured using the NIS-SAH severity scale), hospital characteristics, and other complications and length of stay. RESULTS: The median time to tracheostomy among 1380 poor-grade SAH admissions was 11 (interquartile range: 7-15) days after intubation. The mean number of days from intubation to tracheostomy in SAH patients at the hospital (p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of tracheostomy timing for a patient, while comorbidities and SAH severity were not significant predictors. Mortality, neurologic complications, and discharge disposition did not differ significantly by tracheostomy time. However, later tracheostomy (when evaluated continuously) was associated with greater odds of pulmonary complications (p = 0.004), venous thromboembolism (p = 0.04), and pneumonia (p = 0.02), as well as a longer hospitalization (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis only found these associations between tracheostomy timing and medical complications in patients with moderately poor grade (NIS-SAH severity scale 7-9), while there were no significant differences by timing of intervention in very poor-grade patients (NIS-SAH severity scale > 9). CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis of a large, national data set, variation in hospital practices was the strongest predictor of tracheostomy timing for an individual. In patients with moderately poor grade, later tracheostomy was independently associated with pulmonary complications, venous thromboembolism, pneumonia, and a longer hospitalization, but not with mortality, neurological complications, or discharge disposition. However, tracheostomy timing was not significantly associated with outcomes in very poor-grade patients.

Readmission After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Nationwide Readmission Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The goal of this nationwide study is to evaluate the suitability of readmission as a quality indicator in the aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) population. METHODS: Patients with aneurysmal SAH were extracted from the Nationwide Readmission Database (2013). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to evaluate predictors of a 30-day readmission, and multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the association of hospital readmission rates with hospital mortality rates. Predictors screened included patient demographics, comorbidities, severity of SAH, complications from the SAH hospitalization, and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: The 30-day readmission rate was 10.2% (n=346) among the 3387 patients evaluated, and the most common reasons for readmission were neurological, hydrocephalus, infectious, and venous thromboembolic complications. Greater number of comorbidities, increased severity of SAH, and discharge disposition other than to home were independent predictors of readmission (P≤0.03). Although hydrocephalus during the SAH hospitalization was associated with readmission for the same diagnosis, other readmissions were not associated with having sustained the same complication during the SAH hospitalization. Hospital mortality rate was inversely associated with hospital SAH volume (P=0.03) but not significantly associated with hospital readmission rate; hospital SAH volume was also not associated with SAH readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: In this national analysis, readmission was primarily attributable to new medical complications in patients with greater comorbidities and severity of SAH rather than exacerbation of complications from the SAH hospitalization. Additionally, hospital readmission rates did not correlate with other established quality metrics. Therefore, readmission may be a suboptimal quality indicator in the SAH population.

Timing of Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for Stroke: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous clinical trials were not designed to discern the optimal timing of decompressive craniectomy for stroke, and the ideal surgical timing in patients with space-occupying infarction who do not exhibit deterioration within 48 hours is debated. METHODS: Patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy for stroke were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011). Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association of surgical timing with mortality, discharge to institutional care, and poor outcome (a composite end point including death, tracheostomy and gastrostomy, or discharge to institutional care). Covariates included patient demographics, comorbidities, year of admission, and hospital characteristics. However, standard stroke severity scales and infarct volume were not available. RESULTS: Among 1301 admissions, 55.8% (n=726) underwent surgery within 48 hours. Teaching hospital admission was associated with earlier surgery (P=0.02). The timing of intervention was not associated with in-hospital mortality. However, when evaluated continuously, later surgery was associated with increased odds of discharge to institutional care (odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.31, P=0.005) and of a poor outcome (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.23; P=0.02). When evaluated dichotomously, the odds of discharge to institutional care and of a poor outcome did not differ at 48 hours after hospital admission, but increased when surgery was pursued after 72 hours. Subgroup analyses found no association of surgical timing with outcomes among patients who had not sustained herniation. CONCLUSION: s-In this nationwide analysis, early decompressive craniectomy was associated with superior outcomes. However, performing decompression before herniation may be the most important temporal consideration.

Validation of an International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision coding algorithm to identify decompressive craniectomy for stroke.

BACKGROUND: Although International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD9-CM) coding is the basis of administrative claims data, no study has validated an ICD9-CM algorithm to identify patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy for space-occupying supratentorial infarction. METHODS: Patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy for stroke at our institution were retrospectively identified and their associated ICD9-CM codes were extracted from billing data. An ICD9-CM algorithm was generated and its accuracy compared against physician review. RESULTS: A total of 10,925 neurosurgical operations were performed from December 2008 to March 2015, of which 46 (0.4%) were decompressive craniectomy for space-occupying stroke. The ICD9-CM procedure code for craniectomy (01.25) was only encoded in 67.4% of patients, while craniotomy (01.24) was used in 19.6% and lobectomy (01.39, 01.53, 01.59) in 13.1%. The ICD-9-CM algorithm included patients with a diagnosis codes for cerebral infarction (433.11, 434.01, 434.11, and 434.91) and a procedure code for craniotomy, craniectomy, or lobectomy. Patients were excluded with an ICD9-CM diagnosis code for brain tumor, intracranial abscess, subarachnoid hemorrhage, vertebrobasilar infarction, intracranial aneurysm, Moyamoya disease, intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, vertebral artery dissection, congenital cerebrovascular anomaly, head trauma or an ICD9-CM procedure code for laminectomy. This algorithm had a sensitivity of 97.8%, specificity of 99.9%, positive predictive value of 88.2%, and negative predictive value of 99.9%. The majority of false-positive results were patients who underwent evacuation of a primary intracerebral hematoma. CONCLUSION: An ICD-9-CM algorithm based on diagnosis and procedure codes can effectively identify patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy for supratentorial stroke.

Vision outcomes in patients with paraclinoid aneurysms treated with clipping, coiling, or flow diversion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Patients with paraclinoid aneurysms commonly present with visual impairment. They have traditionally been treated with clipping or coiling, but flow diversion (FD) has recently been introduced as an alternative treatment modality. Although there is still initial aneurysm thrombosis, FD is hypothesized to reduce mass effect, which may decompress the optic nerve when treating patients with visually symptomatic paraclinoid aneurysms. The authors performed a meta-analysis to compare vision outcomes following clipping, coiling, or FD of paraclinoid aneurysms in patients who presented with visual impairment. METHODS A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Studies published in English between 1980 and 2016 were included if they reported preoperative and postoperative visual function in at least 5 patients with visually symptomatic paraclinoid aneurysms (cavernous segment through ophthalmic segment) treated with clipping, coiling, or FD. Neuroophthalmological assessment was used when reported, but subjective patient reports or objective visual examination findings were also acceptable. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies that included a total of 2458 patients (520 of whom presented with visual symptoms) met the inclusion criteria, including 307 visually symptomatic cases treated with clipping (mean follow-up 26 months), 149 treated with coiling (mean follow-up 17 months), and 64 treated with FD (mean follow-up 11 months). Postoperative vision in these patients was classified as improved, unchanged, or worsened compared with preoperative vision. A pooled analysis showed preoperative visual symptoms in 38% (95% CI 28%-50%) of patients with paraclinoid aneurysms. The authors found that vision improved in 58% (95% CI 48%-68%) of patients after clipping, 49% (95% CI 38%-59%) after coiling, and 71% (95% CI 55%-84%) after FD. Vision worsened in 11% (95% CI 7%-17%) of patients after clipping, 9% (95% CI 2%-18%) after coiling, and 5% (95% CI 0%-20%) after FD. New visual deficits were found in patients with intact baseline vision at a rate of 1% (95% CI 0%-3%) for clipping, 0% (95% CI 0%-2%) for coiling, and 0% (95% CI 0%-2%) for FD. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to assess vision outcomes after treatment for paraclinoid aneurysms. The authors found that 38% of patients with these aneurysms presented with visual impairment. These data also demonstrated a high rate of visual improvement after FD without a significant difference in the rate of worsened vision or iatrogenic visual impairment compared with clipping and coiling. These findings suggest that FD is an effective option for treatment of visually symptomatic paraclinoid aneurysms.

Thrombocytopenia and craniotomy for tumor: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis.

BACKGROUND: To the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first national analysis of the association between preoperative platelet count and outcomes after craniotomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent craniotomy for tumor were extracted from the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry (2007-2014) and stratified by preoperative thrombocytopenia, defined as mild (125,000-149,000/µL), moderate (100,000-124,000/µL), severe (75,000-99,000/µL), or very severe (<75,000/µL). Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to evaluate the association between thrombocytopenia and 30-day mortality, and multivariable logistic regression with complications and unplanned reoperation. Covariates included patient age, sex, tumor histology, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, functional status, comorbidities, and surgical time. RESULTS: A total of 14,852 patients were included in the current study and thrombocytopenia was classified as mild in 4.4% (646 patients), moderate in 2.0% (290 patients), severe in 0.7% (105 patients), or very severe in 0.4% (66 patients) of patients. The adjusted hazard of 30-day death was significantly higher for patients with moderate (6.6%; hazard ratio [HR], 2.13 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.30-3.49; P = 0.003]), severe (10.5%; HR, 2.33 [95% CI, 1.18-4.60; P = 0.02]), and very severe (10.6%; HR, 3.65 [95% CI, 1.71-7.82; P = 0.001]) thrombocytopenia, compared with patients without thrombocytopenia (2.9%), with an increased effect size noted with greater thrombocytopenia. Likewise, when the platelet count was evaluated continuously, a higher platelet count was associated with a lower hazard of 30-day mortality (HR, 0.987 [95% CI, 0.981-0.993; P<.001]), developing any complication (odds ratio, 0.985 [95% CI, 0.981-0.988; P<.001]), and reoperation (odds ratio, 0.990 [95% CI, 0.983-0.994; P = .003]). Unplanned reoperation was due to intracranial hemorrhage in 53.3% of patients with moderate thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS: In this National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis, moderate and severe thrombocytopenia were associated with mortality and reoperation after craniotomy for tumor. Cancer 2016;122:1708-17. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Thirty-day readmission and reoperation after surgery for spinal tumors: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to use a large national registry to evaluate the 30-day cumulative incidence and predictors of adverse events, readmissions, and reoperations after surgery for primary and secondary spinal tumors. METHODS Data from adult patients who underwent surgery for spinal tumors (2011-2014) were extracted from the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) registry. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of reoperation, readmission, and major complications (death, neurological, cardiopulmonary, venous thromboembolism [VTE], surgical site infection [SSI], and sepsis). Variables screened included patient age, sex, tumor location, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical classification, preoperative functional status, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, case urgency, and operative time. Additional variables that were evaluated when analyzing readmission included complications during the surgical hospitalization, hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge disposition. RESULTS Among the 2207 patients evaluated, 51.4% had extradural tumors, 36.4% had intradural extramedullary tumors, and 12.3% had intramedullary tumors. By spinal level, 20.7% were cervical lesions, 47.4% were thoracic lesions, 29.1% were lumbar lesions, and 2.8% were sacral lesions. Readmission occurred in 10.2% of patients at a median of 18 days (interquartile range [IQR] 12-23 days); the most common reasons for readmission were SSIs (23.7%), systemic infections (17.8%), VTE (12.7%), and CNS complications (11.9%). Predictors of readmission were comorbidities (dyspnea, hypertension, and anemia), disseminated cancer, preoperative steroid use, and an extended hospitalization. Reoperation occurred in 5.3% of patients at a median of 13 days (IQR 8-20 days) postoperatively and was associated with preoperative steroid use and ASA Class 4-5 designation. Major complications occurred in 14.4% of patients: the most common complications and their median time to occurrence were VTE (4.5%) at 9 days (IQR 4-19 days) postoperatively, SSIs (3.6%) at 18 days (IQR 14-25 days), and sepsis (2.9%) at 13 days (IQR 7-21 days). Predictors of major complications included dependent functional status, emergency case status, male sex, comorbidities (dyspnea, bleeding disorders, preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome, preoperative leukocytosis), and ASA Class 3-5 designation (p < 0.05). The median hospital LOS was 5 days (IQR 3-9 days), the 30-day mortality rate was 3.3%, and the median time to death was 20 days (IQR 12.5-26 days). CONCLUSIONS In this NSQIP analysis, 10.2% of patients undergoing surgery for spinal tumors were readmitted within 30 days, 5.3% underwent a reoperation, and 14.4% experienced a major complication. The most common complications were SSIs, systemic infections, and VTE, which often occurred late (after discharge from the surgical hospitalization). Patients were primarily readmitted for new complications that developed following discharge rather than exacerbation of complications from the surgical hospital stay. The strongest predictors of adverse events were comorbidities, preoperative steroid use, and higher ASA classification. These models can be used by surgeons to risk-stratify patients preoperatively and identify those who may benefit from increased surveillance following hospital discharge.

Patient Age and the Outcomes after Decompressive Hemicraniectomy for Stroke: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) for space-occupying cerebral infarction in older adults remains controversial, and there are limited nationwide data evaluating the outcomes after craniectomy for stroke by patient age. METHODS: Patients who underwent DHC for ischemic stroke were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011). Multivariable logistic regression examined in-hospital mortality and a poor outcome (death, tracheostomy and gastrostomy, or discharge to institutional care). Covariates included year of admission, comorbidities, severity indices, and treatment variables (including the timing of decompression). RESULTS: Craniectomy was performed in 1673 patients: 62.4 % were aged 18-60 years, 20.6 % aged 61-70 years, and 17.0 % aged greater than 70 years. DHC was associated with reduced adjusted odds of in-hospital death compared with medical treatment alone among patients with cerebral edema in all age categories, including those older than 70 years (p ≤ 0.008). However, among surgical patients, the adjusted odds of mortality were significantly greater for patients aged 61-70 (30.7 %, p = 0.02) and greater than 70 years (34.5 %, p = 0.02), but not different for patients aged 51-60 (22.8 %), compared to those aged 18-50 years (19.7 %). The adjusted odds of a poor outcome also increased significantly with age, particularly for patients greater than 60 years. CONCLUSION: In this nationwide analysis, DHC was associated with reduced mortality regardless of patient age, including among those aged greater than 70 years. However, patients aged greater than 60 years treated surgically experienced higher odds of mortality (32.4 %), discharge to institutional care (47.1 %), and a poor outcome (77.0 %) compared with younger patients.

Length of hospital stay after craniotomy for tumor: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis.

OBJECT Although the length of hospital stay is often used as a measure of quality of care, data evaluating the predictors of extended hospital stay after craniotomy for tumor are limited. The goals of this study were to use multivariate regression to examine which preoperative characteristics and postoperative complications predict a prolonged hospital stay and to assess the impact of length of stay on unplanned hospital readmission. METHODS Data were extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2013. Patients who underwent craniotomy for resection of a brain tumor were included. Stratification was based on length of hospital stay, which was dichotomized by the upper quartile of the interquartile range (IQR) for the entire population. Covariates included patient age, sex, race, tumor histology, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, functional status, preoperative laboratory values, preoperative neurological deficits, operative time, and postoperative complications. Multivariate logistic regression with forward prediction was used to evaluate independent predictors of extended hospitalization. Thereafter, hierarchical multivariate logistic regression assessed the impact of length of stay on unplanned readmission. RESULTS The study included 11,510 patients. The median hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-8 days), and 27.7% (n = 3185) had a hospital stay of at least 8 days. Independent predictors of extended hospital stay included age greater than 70 years (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28%-1.83%, p < 0.001); African American (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.44%-2.14%, p < 0.001) and Hispanic (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.36%-2.08%) race or ethnicity; ASA class 3 (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.34%-1.73%) or 4-5 (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.82%-2.62%) designation; partially (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.61%-2.35%) or totally dependent (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.95%-5.55%) functional status; insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.16%-1.84%); hematological comorbidities (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.25%-2.24%); and preoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.51%-2.09%, all p ≤ 0.009). Several postoperative complications were additional independent predictors of prolonged hospitalization including pulmonary emboli (OR 13.75, 95% CI 4.73%-39.99%), pneumonia (OR 5.40, 95% CI 2.89%-10.07%), and urinary tract infections (OR 11.87, 95% CI 7.09%-19.87%, all p < 0.001). The C-statistic of the model based on preoperative characteristics was 0.79, which increased to 0.83 after the addition of postoperative complications. A length of stay after craniotomy for tumor score was created based on preoperative factors significant in regression models, with a moderate correlation with length of stay (p = 0.43, p < 0.001). Extended hospital stay was not associated with differential odds of an unplanned hospital readmission (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89%-1.06%, p = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS In this NSQIP analysis that evaluated patients who underwent craniotomy for tumor, much of the variance in hospital stay was attributable to baseline patient characteristics, suggesting length of stay may be an imperfect proxy for quality. Additionally, longer hospitalizations were not found to be associated with differential rates of unplanned readmission.

The impact of July hospital admission on outcome after surgery for spinal metastases at academic medical centers in the United States, 2005 to 2008.

BACKGROUND: Despite widespread belief that patients admitted to teaching hospitals in July-the beginning of the academic year-have inferior outcomes, there has been little evidence to support the existence of the July phenomenon. Moreover, the impact of July admission on the outcomes after surgery for spinal metastases has not been investigated. METHODS: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2005-2008) were retrospectively extracted. Patients who underwent surgery for metastatic spinal disease and were admitted to a teaching hospital were included. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to calculate the odds of in-hospital death, the occurrence of an intraoperative complication, and the development of a postoperative complication depending on whether admission was in July or between August and June. All analyses were adjusted for differences in patient age, sex, comorbidities, primary tumor histology, visceral metastases, myelopathy, insurance status, hospital volume, and admission type. RESULTS: A total of 2920 admissions were evaluated. In-hospital mortality was higher in July compared with between August and June-7.5% versus 4.2%. The adjusted odds of in-hospital death were significantly higher for patients admitted in July (odds ratio [OR], 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.91; P = .01). Patients admitted in July were significantly more likely to develop an intraoperative complication (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.41-3.17; P < .001), but not a postoperative complication (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.81-1.45; P = .60). CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide study based on an administrative database, patients undergoing surgery for metastatic spinal disease at teaching hospitals in July had higher rates of in-hospital mortality and intraoperative complications.

The impact of insurance status on outcomes after surgery for spinal metastases.

BACKGROUND: Disparities based on insurance status in the American health care system are well established. However, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate variables that may explain differences based on payer type in the outcomes after surgery for spinal metastases. METHODS: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2005-2008) were retrospectively extracted. Patients ages 18 to 64 years who underwent surgery for spinal metastases were included. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to calculate the adjusted odds of in-hospital death and the development of a complication for Medicaid recipients and for those without insurance compared with privately insured patients. All analyses were adjusted for differences in patient age, gender, primary tumor histology, socioeconomic status, hospital bed size, and hospital teaching status. RESULTS: A total of 2157 hospital admissions were evaluated. The adjusted odds of in-hospital death were significantly higher for Medicaid recipients (crude rate: 6.5%; odds ratio [OR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.11-2.88 [P = .02]) and uninsured patients (crude rate: 7.7%; OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.04-4.46 [P = .04]) compared with privately insured patients (crude rate: 3.8%). Complication rates were also significantly higher for Medicaid recipients (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04-1.72 [P = .02]). However, after also adjusting for acuity of presentation, the odds of in-hospital death were not significantly different for Medicaid (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.86-2.21 [P = .18]) or uninsured patients (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.90-3.83 [P = .09]); in addition, complication rates did not appear to differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study suggests that disparities based on insurance status for patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases may be attributable to a higher acuity of presentation.

Decline in subarachnoid haemorrhage volumes associated with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased volumes of stroke admissions and mechanical thrombectomy were reported. The study's objective was to examine whether subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions demonstrated similar declines. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study across 6 continents, 37 countries and 140 comprehensive stroke centres. Patients with the diagnosis of SAH, aneurysmal SAH, ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions and COVID-19 were identified by prospective aneurysm databases or by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes. The 3-month cumulative volume, monthly volumes for SAH hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling procedures were compared for the period before (1 year and immediately before) and during the pandemic, defined as 1 March-31 May 2020. The prior 1-year control period (1 March-31 May 2019) was obtained to account for seasonal variation. FINDINGS: There was a significant decline in SAH hospitalisations, with 2044 admissions in the 3 months immediately before and 1585 admissions during the pandemic, representing a relative decline of 22.5% (95% CI -24.3% to -20.7%, p<0.0001). Embolisation of ruptured aneurysms declined with 1170-1035 procedures, respectively, representing an 11.5% (95%CI -13.5% to -9.8%, p=0.002) relative drop. Subgroup analysis was noted for aneurysmal SAH hospitalisation decline from 834 to 626 hospitalisations, a 24.9% relative decline (95% CI -28.0% to -22.1%, p<0.0001). A relative increase in ruptured aneurysm coiling was noted in low coiling volume hospitals of 41.1% (95% CI 32.3% to 50.6%, p=0.008) despite a decrease in SAH admissions in this tertile. INTERPRETATION: There was a relative decrease in the volume of SAH hospitalisations, aneurysmal SAH hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm embolisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings in SAH are consistent with a decrease in other emergencies, such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

Optimizing Postoperative Surveillance of Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma Using Tumor Behavior Patterns.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric low-grade gliomas are among the most common childhood neoplasms, yet their post-treatment surveillance remains nonstandardized, relying on arbitrarily chosen imaging intervals. OBJECTIVE: To optimize postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surveillance protocols for pediatric low-grade gliomas. METHODS: Patients aged 0 to 21 yr with pediatric low-grade gliomas, treated between 1990 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The timing of surveillance imaging and radiologic tumor outcomes were extracted, and the effect of patient age, tumor location, histology, and extent of resection as prognostic factors was studied. An algorithm was developed to analyze the detection efficacy and cost of all possible surveillance protocols. RESULTS: A total of 517 patients were included with a median follow-up of 7.7 yr (range: 2-25.1 yr) who underwent 8061 MRI scans (mean 15.6 scans per patient). Tumor recurrence was detected radiologically in 292 patients (56.5%), of whom, 143 underwent reoperation. The hazards ratio (HR) of recurrence was higher in patients who underwent biopsy (HR = 3.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.45-5.30; P < .001), subtotal resection (HR = 2.97; 95% CI: 2.18-4.03; P < .001), and near-total resection (HR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.16-3.54; P = .01), compared to patients with gross total resection (GTR). For all patients, an 8-image surveillance protocol at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 60, and 72 mo (total cost: $13 672 per patient) yielded comparative detection rates to the current 15-image protocol ($25 635). For patients who underwent GTR, a 6-image protocol at 0, 3, 9, 24, 36, and 60 mo ($10 254) is sufficient. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that postoperative surveillance of pediatric low-grade gliomas can be effectively performed using less frequent imaging compared to current practice, thereby improving adherence to follow-up, and quality-of-life, while reducing costs.

Preoperative laboratory testing before pediatric neurosurgery: an NSQIP-Pediatrics analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate clinical predictors of abnormal preoperative laboratory values in pediatric neurosurgical patients. METHODS: Data obtained in children who underwent a neurosurgical operation were extracted from the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatrics (NSQIP-P, 2012-2013) registry. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated predictors of preoperative laboratory values that might require further evaluation (white blood cell count < 2000/µl, hematocrit < 24%, platelet count < 100,000/µl, international normalized ratio > 1.4, or partial thromboplastin time > 45 seconds) or a preoperative transfusion (within 48 hours prior to surgery). Variables screened included patient demographics; American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical designation classification; comorbidities; recent steroid use, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy; and admission type. Predictive score validation was performed using the NSQIP-P 2014 data. RESULTS: Of the 6556 patients aged greater than 2 years, 68.9% (n = 5089) underwent laboratory testing, but only 1.9% (n = 125) had a critical laboratory value. Predictors of a laboratory abnormality were ASA class III-V; diabetes mellitus; hematological, hypothrombotic, or oncological comorbidities; nutritional support; recent chemotherapy; systemic inflammatory response syndrome; and a nonelective hospital admission. These 9 variables were used to create a predictive score, with a single point assigned for each predictor. The prevalence of critical values in the validation population (NSQIP-P 2014) of patients greater than 2 years of age was 0.3% with a score of 0, 1.0% in those with a score of 1, 1.6% in those with a score of 2, and 6.2% in those with a score ≥ 3. Higher score was predictive of a critical value (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.91-2.83, p < 0.001, C-statistic 0.76) and with the requirement of a perioperative transfusion (intraoperatively or within 72 hours postoperatively; OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22-1.67, p < 0.001) in the validation population. Moreover, when the same score was applied to children aged 2 years or younger, a greater score was predictive of a critical value (OR 2.47, 95% CI 2.15-2.84, p < 0.001, C-statistic 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Critical laboratory values in pediatric neurosurgical patients are largely predicted by clinical characteristics, and abnormal preoperative laboratory results are rare in patients older than 2 years of age without comorbidities who are undergoing elective surgery. The NSQIP-P critical preoperative laboratory value scale is proposed to indicate patients with the highest odds of an abnormal value. The scale can assist with triaging preoperative testing based on the surgical risk, as determined by the treating surgeon and anesthesiologist.