Trans-Spinal Theta Burst Magnetic Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease and Gait Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Gait disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) can become disabling with disease progression without effective treatment. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of intermittent θ burst trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (TsMS) in PD patients with gait and balance disorders. METHODS: This was a randomized, parallel, double-blind, controlled trial. Active or sham TsMS was applied at third thoracic vertebra with 100% of the trans-spinal motor threshold, during 5 consecutive days. Participants were evaluated at baseline, immediately after last session, 1 and 4 weeks after last session. Primary outcome was Total Timed Up and Go (TUG) values comparing active versus sham phases 1 week after intervention. The secondary outcome measurements consisted of motor, gait and balance scales, and questionnaires for quality of life and cognition. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included, average age 68.5 (6.4) years in active group and 70.3 (6.3) years in sham group. In active group, Total TUG mean baseline was 107.18 (95% CI, 52.1-116.1), and 1 week after stimulation was 93.0 (95% CI, 50.7-135.3); sham group, Total TUG mean baseline was 101.2 (95% CI, 47.1-155.3) and 1 week after stimulation 75.2 (95% CI 34.0-116.4), P = 0.54. Similarly, intervention had no significant effects on secondary outcome measurements. During stimulation period, five patients presented with mild side effects (three in active group and two in sham group). DISCUSSION: TsMS did not significantly improve gait or balance analysis in patients with PD and gait disorders. The protocol was safe and well tolerated. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios and prognosis after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a cohort study / Razão neutrófilos-linfócitos e razão plaquetas-linfócitos e o prognóstico de hemorragia subaracnóidea aneurismática: um estudo de coorte

Abstract Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) prognosis remains poor. Vasospasm mechanism might be associated with inflammation. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been studied as inflammation markers and prognostic predictors. Objective We aimed to investigate NLR and PLR in admission as predictors of angiographic vasospasm and functional outcome at 6 months. Methods This cohort study included consecutive aneurysmal SAH patients admitted to a tertiary center. Complete blood count was recorded at admission before treatment. White blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, NLR, and PLR were collected as independent variables. Vasospasm occurrence-modified Rankin scale (mRS), Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), and Hunt-Hess score at admission and at 6 months were recorded as dependent variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential confounding and to assess the independent prognostic value of NLR and PLR at admission. Results A total of 74.1% of the patients were female, with mean age of 55.6 ± 12.4 years. At admission, the median Hunt-Hess score was 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1), and the median mFisher was 3 (IQR 1). Microsurgical clipping was the treatment for 66.2% of the patients. Angiographic vasospasm incidence was 16.5%. At 6 months, the median GOS was 4 (IQR 0.75), and the median mRS was 3 (IQR 1.5). Twenty-one patients (15.1%) died. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and PLR levels did not differ between favorable and unfavorable (mRS > 2 or GOS < 4) functional outcomes. No variables were significantly associated with angiographic vasospasm. Conclusion Admission NLR and PLR presented no value for prediction of functional outcome or angiographic vasospasm risk. Further research is needed in this field.

Resumo Antecedentes O prognóstico da hemorragia subaracnoidea (HSA) permanece ruim. Vasoespasmo pode estar associado à inflamação. Razões neutrófilo-linfócito (NLR) e plaqueta-linfócito (PLR) têm sido estudadas como marcadores de inflamação e prognóstico. Objetivo Investigar NLR e PLR na admissão como preditores de vasoespasmo angiográfico e desfecho aos 6 meses. Métodos Este estudo de coorte incluiu pacientes consecutivos com HSA aneurismática de um centro terciário. Contagem de leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos e plaquetas, proporção de neutrófilos para linfócitos e de plaquetas para linfócitos foram coletados como variáveis independentes. Ocorrência de vasoespasmo, escala de Rankin modificada, escala de desfecho de Glasgow e o escore de Hunt-Hess na admissão e 6 meses após a mesma foram registradas como variáveis dependentes. Modelos de regressão logística multivariável foram usados para ajustar potenciais fatores de confusão e avaliar valor prognóstico independente de NLR e PLR. Resultados Um total de 74,1% pacientes eram do sexo feminino, com idade média de 55,6 ± 12,4 anos. Na admissão, a pontuação média de Hunt-Hess foi de 2 (IQR 1) e a mediana de mFisher foi de 3 (IQR 1). Clipagem microcirúrgica foi o tratamento escolhido para 66,2% dos pacientes. A incidência de vasoespasmo angiográfico foi de 16,5%. Aos 6 meses, a escala de desfecho de Glasgow mediana era 4 (IQR 0,75) e a escala de Rankin modificada mediana era 3 (IQR 1,5). Vinte e um pacientes (15,1%) morreram. Os níveis de NLR e PLR não diferiram entre resultados funcionais favoráveis e desfavoráveis (mRS > 2 ou GOS < 4). Nenhuma variável foi significativamente associada ao vasoespasmo angiográfico. Conclusão Razão neutrófilo-linfócito e a PLR não apresentaram valor preditivo de desfecho funcional ou risco de vasoespasmo angiográfico. Mais pesquisas são necessárias neste campo.

Patient satisfaction in ambulatory anesthesia assessed by the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Service quality in anesthesiology has been frequently measured by morbidity and mortality. This measure increasingly considers patient satisfaction, which is the result of care from the client's perspective. Therefore, anesthesiologists must be able to build relationships with patients, provide understandable information and involve them in decisions about their anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the peri-anesthetic care provided by the anesthesia service in an ambulatory surgery unit using the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire to evaluate 1211 patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. We selected questions that showed a greater degree of dissatisfaction and correlated them with patient characterization data (age, sex, education, and ASA physical status), anesthesia data (type, time, and prior experience), and surgical specialty. Results: Questions in which patients tended to show dissatisfaction involved fear of anesthesia and surgery, feeling cold, the urgent need to urinate, pain at the surgical site, and the team's level of concern and speed of response in relieving the patient's pain. Conclusion: The Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire proved to be a useful tool in identifying points of dissatisfaction, mainly fear of anesthesia and surgery, feeling cold, the urgent need to urinate, pain at the surgical site, and the team's level of concern and speed of response in relieving the patient's pain in the population studied. These were correlated with patient, anesthesia, and surgical variables. This allows the establishment of priorities at the different points of care, with the ultimate goal of improving patient satisfaction regarding anesthesia care.

Patient satisfaction in ambulatory anesthesia assessed by the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Service quality in anesthesiology has been frequently measured by morbidity and mortality. This measure increasingly considers patient satisfaction, which is the result of care from the client's perspective. Therefore, anesthesiologists must be able to build relationships with patients, provide understandable information and involve them in decisions about their anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the peri-anesthetic care provided by the anesthesia service in an ambulatory surgery unit using the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire to evaluate 1211 patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. We selected questions that showed a greater degree of dissatisfaction and correlated them with patient characterization data (age, sex, education, and ASA physical status), anesthesia data (type, time, and prior experience), and surgical specialty. RESULTS: Questions in which patients tended to show dissatisfaction involved fear of anesthesia and surgery, feeling cold, the urgent need to urinate, pain at the surgical site, and the team's level of concern and speed of response in relieving the patient's pain. CONCLUSION: The Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire proved to be a useful tool in identifying points of dissatisfaction, mainly fear of anesthesia and surgery, feeling cold, the urgent need to urinate, pain at the surgical site, and the team's level of concern and speed of response in relieving the patient's pain in the population studied. These were correlated with patient, anesthesia, and surgical variables. This allows the establishment of priorities at the different points of care, with the ultimate goal of improving patient satisfaction regarding anesthesia care.

Sarcopenia as a Predictor of the Functional Outcome in Patients with Intracranial Aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: Radiological indicators in head computed tomography (CT) scan have emerged as tools to evaluate sarcopenia using the sectional area and thickness of the temporal muscle. They can be obtained by standardized measurements in preoperative image assessment of patients with brain aneurysms. We aimed to evaluate the association between functional outcomes after interventions for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and temporal muscle thickness (TMT) and area (TMA), as surrogates of sarcopenia. METHODS: This is a prospective observational cohort study in patients who underwent microsurgery or embolization for ruptured or unruptured IA between January 2018 and December 2019, with a 6-month follow-up. Preoperative CT scans were analyzed to measure TMT and TMA. The functional outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The main outcome was the relationship between sarcopenia and the postoperative functional outcome. RESULTS: A total of 361 patients were included, of whom 199 (55.1%) had ruptured and 162 (44.9%) had unruptured lesions. Larger TMA significantly predicted better functional outcomes at discharge. TMT was associated with functional outcomes at both discharge and 6 months, adjusted for rupture and hypertension. Maximizing the sum sensitivity-specificity, an optimal TMT cutoff of 6.25 mm can predict unfavorable outcomes. Maximizing the positive predictive value × negative predictive value of a product, the cutpoint was 3.55 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia, represented by TMT and TMA, is associated with poorer functional results at discharge and 6-month follow-up in IA surgery. TMT below 6.25 mm was associated with unfavorable functional outcomes. These easily obtainable measurements may improve the decision-making process for patients with IAs.

The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predictive value for survival in patients with brain metastasis.

BACKGROUND: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) have been previously studied as predictors of survival in different malignancies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of these hematologic inflammatory biomarkers for patients with brain metastases (BM). METHODS: We reviewed a consecutive cohort of patients at Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP-FMUSP) from 2011 to 2016 with ≥ 1 BM treated primarily by surgical resection. The primary outcome was 1-year survival. We optimized the NLR, MLR, PLR, and RDW cutoff values, preserving robustness and avoiding overestimation of effect size. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients (mean age 56.1 years; 55.0% female) met inclusion criteria. Gross-total resection was achieved in 89.0%. The median (quartiles) preoperative and postoperative KPS scores were 60 (50-80) and 80 (60-90), respectively. Preoperative NLR was significantly associated with survival (HR 2.66, 95% CI: 1.17-6.01, p = 0.019). A NLR cutoff value of 3.83 displayed the most significant survival curve split. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative NLR is an independent predictor of survival in newly diagnosed BM. We propose a cutoff value of 3.83 for preoperative NLR testing may be clinically useful as predictor of poor survival in this population. The wide accessibility of the NLR favors its inclusion in clinical decision-making processes for BM management.

ANTECEDENTES: Os neutrófilos para linfócitos (NLR), monócitos para linfócitos (MLR), proporção de plaquetas para linfócitos (PLR) e largura de distribuição de glóbulos vermelhos (RDW) foram previamente estudados como preditores de sobrevivência em diferentes malignidades. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o valor preditivo desses biomarcadores inflamatórios hematológicos para pacientes com metástases cerebrais (MB). MéTODOS: Nós revisamos uma coorte consecutiva de pacientes no Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP-FMUSP) de 2011 a 2016 com ≥ 1 MB tratados principalmente por ressecção cirúrgica. O desfecho primário foi a sobrevida em 1 ano. Otimizamos os valores de corte de NLR, MLR, PLR e RDW, preservando a robustez e evitando superestimação do tamanho do efeito. RESULTADOS: Um total de 200 pacientes (idade média de 56,1 anos; 55,0% mulheres) preencheram os critérios de inclusão. A ressecção grosseira total foi obtida em 89,0%. A mediana (quartis) dos escores KPS pré-operatório e pós-operatório foram 60 (50­80) e 80 (60­90), respectivamente. O NLR pré-operatório foi significativamente associado à sobrevida (HR 2,66, IC 95%: 1,17­6,01, p = 0,019). Um valor de corte de NLR de 3,83 exibiu a divisão da curva de sobrevivência mais significativa. CONCLUSõES: O NLR pré-operatório é um preditor independente de sobrevida em MBs recém-diagnosticados. Propomos que um valor de corte de 3,83 para o teste de NLR pré-operatório pode ser clinicamente útil como preditor de baixa sobrevida nesta população. A ampla acessibilidade do NLR favorece sua inclusão nos processos de tomada de decisão clínica para o gerenciamento de BM.

The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predictive value for survival in patients with brain metastasis / O valor do índice neutrófilo-linfócito como preditor de sobrevida em pacientes com metástases cerebrais

Abstract Background The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) have been previously studied as predictors of survival in different malignancies. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of these hematologic inflammatory biomarkers for patients with brain metastases (BM). Methods We reviewed a consecutive cohort of patients at Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP-FMUSP) from 2011 to 2016 with ≥ 1 BM treated primarily by surgical resection. The primary outcome was 1-year survival. We optimized the NLR, MLR, PLR, and RDW cutoff values, preserving robustness and avoiding overestimation of effect size. Results A total of 200 patients (mean age 56.1 years; 55.0% female) met inclusion criteria. Gross-total resection was achieved in 89.0%. The median (quartiles) preoperative and postoperative KPS scores were 60 (50-80) and 80 (60-90), respectively. Preoperative NLR was significantly associated with survival (HR 2.66, 95% CI: 1.17-6.01, p = 0.019). A NLR cutoff value of 3.83 displayed the most significant survival curve split. Conclusions Preoperative NLR is an independent predictor of survival in newly diagnosed BM. We propose a cutoff value of 3.83 for preoperative NLR testing may be clinically useful as predictor of poor survival in this population. The wide accessibility of the NLR favors its inclusion in clinical decision-making processes for BM management.

Resumo Antecedentes Os neutrófilos para linfócitos (NLR), monócitos para linfócitos (MLR), proporção de plaquetas para linfócitos (PLR) e largura de distribuição de glóbulos vermelhos (RDW) foram previamente estudados como preditores de sobrevivência em diferentes malignidades. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o valor preditivo desses biomarcadores inflamatórios hematológicos para pacientes com metástases cerebrais (MB). Métodos Nós revisamos uma coorte consecutiva de pacientes no Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP-FMUSP) de 2011 a 2016 com ≥ 1 MB tratados principalmente por ressecção cirúrgica. O desfecho primário foi a sobrevida em 1 ano. Otimizamos os valores de corte de NLR, MLR, PLR e RDW, preservando a robustez e evitando superestimação do tamanho do efeito. Resultados Um total de 200 pacientes (idade média de 56,1 anos; 55,0% mulheres) preencheram os critérios de inclusão. A ressecção grosseira total foi obtida em 89,0%. A mediana (quartis) dos escores KPS pré-operatório e pós-operatório foram 60 (50-80) e 80 (60-90), respectivamente. O NLR pré-operatório foi significativamente associado à sobrevida (HR 2,66, IC 95%: 1,17-6,01, p = 0,019). Um valor de corte de NLR de 3,83 exibiu a divisão da curva de sobrevivência mais significativa. Conclusões O NLR pré-operatório é um preditor independente de sobrevida em MBs recém-diagnosticados. Propomos que um valor de corte de 3,83 para o teste de NLR pré-operatório pode ser clinicamente útil como preditor de baixa sobrevida nesta população. A ampla acessibilidade do NLR favorece sua inclusão nos processos de tomada de decisão clínica para o gerenciamento de BM.

Functional outcome predictors after spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer for restoration of shoulder abduction in traumatic brachial plexus injuries in adults: the effect of time from injury to surgery.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder abduction is crucial for daily activities, and its restoration is one of the surgical priorities. We evaluated the predictive factors of shoulder abduction functional outcome after spinal accessory nerve (SAN) to suprascapular nerve (SSN) transfer, with special emphasis on the effect of time from injury to the surgery, in the treatment of traumatic brachial plexus injuries. METHOD: This cohort included adult patients who underwent SAN-to-SSN transfer with a preoperative Medical Research Council strength grade 0 and a follow-up of minimum 18 months. The primary outcome was shoulder abduction function (bad, < 30°; good, 30°-60°; or excellent, > 60°). Demographics, trauma characteristics, time lapse between injury and surgery, concomitant axillary nerve reconstruction, and surgery duration were registered. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify predictors of functional outcomes. RESULTS: The records of 83 patients (86.7% men, mean age 28.8 ± 9.8 years) were analysed. Mean body mass index was 24.1 ± 3.7 kg/m2, and 43.1% were overweight/obese. Motorcycle crashes were the most common trauma mechanism (88.0%). Excellent, good, and bad outcomes were achieved by 20.4%, 38.6%, and 41.0%, respectively. Older patients tended to have worse outcomes (p = 0.074), as well as left-sided lesions (p = 0.015) or those contralateral to manual dominance (p = 0.057). The longer the interval between injury and surgery the worse the outcome: excellent, 5.5 (4.3-7.1); good, 6.9 (5.9-8.7); and bad, 8.2 (5.7-10.1) months (p = 0.018). After multivariable analysis, longer time interval predicted lower odds of better outcomes (OR 0.823, 95% CI 0.699-0.970, p = 0.020; 17.7% lower odds of good or excellent outcome for each additional month). The odd of good or excellent outcomes was also associated with axillary nerve reconstruction (OR 2.767, 95% CI 1.016-7.536, p = 0.046), but not with age or lesion laterality. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent or good functional outcomes for shoulder abduction were achieved by almost sixty percent of adults who underwent SAN-to-SSN transfer for reconstruction of traumatic brachial plexus injuries, associated or not with axillary nerve reconstruction strategies. Longer delays from injury to surgery predicted worse outcomes, and the best time frame seemed to be less than 6 months.

Inflammatory markers assessment in an animal model of intracranial hypertension: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial hypertension (ICH) is a common final pathway of most neurosurgical pathologies and leads to poor prognosis if not detected and treated properly. Inflammatory markers have been assessed in clinical scenarios of neurological injuries, in which systemic and brain tissue aggressions may introduce bias. There is a lack of studies under controlled settings to isolate the ICH effect on inflammation. This study aims to evaluate the effects of ICH on the serum concentration of cytokines as biomarkers of neuroinflammation in an experimental model which isolates ICH from potential confounding variables. METHODS: An established model of ICH using an intracerebral pediatric bladder catheter and a multisensor intraparenchymal catheter was used in adult pigs (Sus domesticus). The animals were randomly allocated to 2 groups based on the catheter balloon volume used to simulate the ICP increase (4 ml or 7 ml). Cytokines were measured in 4 timepoints during the experiment: (1) 15 min before balloon insufflation; (2) 5 min after insufflation; (3) 125 min after insufflation; (4) 60 min after deflation. The following cytokines were measured IL-1α; IL-1ß; IL-1ra; IL-2; IL-4; IL-6; IL-8; IL-10; IL-12; IL-18; TNFα. Generalized estimating equations were modeled to compare the ICP and cytokines values between the groups along the experiment. The study sample size was powered to detect interactions between the groups and the study moments with an effect size (f) of at least 0.3. The ARRIVE checklist was followed. RESULTS: A total of 20 animals were studied (10 in each group, 4 ml or 7 ml balloon volume insufflation). The animal model was successful in increasing the ICP along the moments of the experiment (p < 0,001) and in creating an ICP gradient between the groups (p = 0,004). The interaction term (moment × group) was also significant (p < 0,001). There was a significant association between ICP elevation and most cytokines variation. The cytokines IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL1-ra, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-18 increased, whereas IL-2, IL-4, and TNF-α decreased. IL-10 did not vary significantly in response to the ICP elevation. CONCLUSION: The serum concentration of cytokines varied in response to intracranial hypertension. The study demonstrated the specific changes in each cytokine after intracranial hypertension and provides key information to guide neuroinflammation clinical research. The proposed experiment was successful as an animal model to the study of neuroinflammation biomarkers.

Mismatch between midline shift and hematoma thickness as a prognostic factor of mortality in patients sustaining acute subdural hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a traumatic lesion commonly found secondary to traumatic brain injury. Radiological findings on CT, such as hematoma thickness (HT) and structures midline shift (MLS), have an important prognostic role in this disease. The relationship between HT and MLS has been rarely studied in the literature. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prognostic accuracy of the difference between MLS and HT for acute outcomes in patients with ASDH in a low-income to middle-income country. METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study conducted in a university-associated tertiary-level hospital in Brazil. The TRIPOD (Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis) statement guidelines were followed. The difference values between MLS and HT (Zumkeller index, ZI) were divided into three categories (<0.00, 0.01-3, and >3). Logistic regression analyses were performed to reveal the OR of categorized ZI in predicting primary outcome measures. A Cox regression was also performed and the results were presented through HR. The discriminative ability of three multivariate models including clinical and radiological variables (ZI, Rotterdam score, and Helsinki score) was demonstrated. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were included. Logistic regression demonstrated an OR value equal to 8.12 for the ZI >3 category (OR 8.12, 95% CI 1.16 to 40.01; p=0.01), which proved to be an independent predictor of mortality in the adjusted model for surgical intervention, age, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that this category was associated with 14-day survival (HR 2.92, 95% CI 1.38 to 6.16; p=0.005). A multivariate analysis performed for three models including age and GCS with categorized ZI or Helsinki or Rotterdam score demonstrated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.745, 0.767, and 0.808, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights the potential usefulness of the difference between MLS and HT as a prognostic variable in patients with ASDH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, epidemiological study.

Clinical outcome assessments of motor status in patients undergoing brain tumor surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical outcome assessment (COA) is an important instrument for testing the effectiveness of treatments and for supporting healthcare professionals on decision-making. This review aims to assess the use of COAs, and the evaluation time points of motor status in patients with brain tumor (BT) undergoing surgery. METHODS: We performed a scoping review through MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS databases, looking for original studies in primary or secondary BT, having motor function status as the primary outcome. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: mixed sample, BT recurrence, and an unspecific description of motor deficits evaluation. RESULTS: Nine studies met the eligibility criteria. There were 449 patients assessed. A total of 18 scales evaluated these BT patients, 12 performance outcomes measures (PerfO) tested motor function. Four scales were the clinician-reported outcome measures (ClinRO) found in this review, two assessed performance status, and two rated ambulation. Two patient-reported outcome measures (PRO) appraised functionality. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of instruments were used to assess BT patients. Rehabilitation studies are more likely to associate the use of PerfO and PRO concerning motor and functional status. The use of specific validated scales to the BT population was rare. The lack of a standardized approach hampers the quality of BT patient's assessment.

Comparison of surgical and endovascular treatments for fusiform intracranial aneurysms: systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

Fusiform intracranial aneurysms (FIA) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data with propensity score adjustment to compare the functional and angiographic outcomes between surgical and endovascular approaches to FIA. We conducted a systematic review for articles on the treatment of FIA with individual patient-level detailing. Data from patients treated for FIA in our institution from 2010 to 2018 were also collected. The primary studied outcome was morbidity, and secondary outcomes were angiographic results and retreatment. Propensity score-adjusted mixed-effects logistic regression models evaluated treatment options, stratified by anatomical location. Compiling original and published data, there were 312 cases, of which 79 (25.3%) had open surgery, and 233 (74.5%) were treated with endovascular procedures. There were no differences between treatment groups, for neither cavernous ICA (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.05-23.6) nor supraclinoid aneurysms (OR 7.82, 95% CI 0.65-94.4). Both size (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.19) and initial mRS (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.3) were risk factors for morbidity, independent of location. Neither age nor rupture status influenced the odds of posterior morbidity. Unfavorable angiographic outcomes were more common in the endovascular group for supraclinoid and vertebrobasilar aneurysms (χ2, P < 0.01). There were no differences between morbidity of surgical and endovascular treatments for FIA, regardless of aneurysm location. Size and initial mRS were correlated with functional outcomes, whereas age and rupture status were not. Microsurgery seems to yield better long-term angiographic results compared to endovascular procedures.

Cavernous carotid aneurysms do not influence the occurrence of upstream ipsilateral aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCA) comprehend around 5% of all intracranial aneurysms. The main risk factors for an intracranial aneurysm seem not to influence the incidence of CCAs. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of CCAs and the presence of upstream aneurysms. METHODS: 1403 patients, admitted in Hospital das Clinicas de São Paulo, Brazil, from September 2009 to August 2018, enrolled this study. Diagnosis was performed with Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). Upstream aneurysm was defined as an intracranial aneurysm on anterior cerebral circulation, ipsilateral to the CCA (if present) or crossing the midline (e.g. anterior communicating artery). RESULTS: 177 individuals were diagnosed with CCA (12.6% of the population), totalizing 225 aneurysms (10% of the total number of aneurysms, 2253). No association was found between CCA and UA (p= .090, OR: 1.323, 95% CI: 0.957-1.828). Studying only patients with CCA, multivariable analysis showed smoking as the only factor associated with UA (p= .010, OR: 0.436, 95% CI: 0.232-0.821). CONCLUSIONS: Cavernous carotid aneurysms were present in 12% of our population, mostly in female. They seem to be independent of the modifiable risk factors already associated with intracranial aneurysms. A higher frequency of mirror aneurysms was seen in this location. CCA did not influence the presence of ipsilateral and anterior circulation aneurysms.

The impact of urgent neurosurgery on the survival of cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer are subject to all neurosurgical procedures of the general population, even if they are not directly caused by the tumor or its metastases. We sought to evaluate the impact of urgent neurosurgery on the survival of patients with cancer. METHODS: We included patients submitted to neurosurgeries not directly related to their tumors in a cancer center from 2009 to 2018. Primary endpoints were mortality in index hospitalization and overall survival. RESULTS: We included 410 patients, 144 went through elective procedures, functional (26.4%) and debridement (73.6%) and 276 urgent neurosurgeries were performed: one hundred and sixty-three ventricular shunts (59%), and 113 intracranial hemorrhages (41%). Median age was 56 (IQR = 24), 142 (51.4%) of patients were metastatic, with 101 (36.6%) having brain metastasis. In 82 (33.7%) of the urgent surgeries, the patient died in the same admission. Urgent surgeries were associated with mortality in index hospitalization (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.93-6.15), as well as non-primary brain tumors (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.48-6.61). Median survival after urgent surgeries was 102 days, compared to 245 days in the control group (Log rank, P < 0.01). Lower survival probability was associated with metastasis (HR 1.75, 95%CI 1.15-2.66) and urgent surgeries (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.18-1.89). Within the urgent surgeries alone, metastasis predicted lower survival probability (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.15-2.67). CONCLUSION: Conditions that require urgent neurosurgery in patients with cancer have a very poor prognosis. We present concrete data on the magnitude of several factors that need to be taken into account when deciding whether or not to recommend surgery.

New technique for surgical decompression in traumatic brain injury: merging two concepts to prevent early and late complications of unilateral decompressive craniectomy with dural expansion.

INTRODUCTION: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with acute and late complications. To avoid these complications, we proposed a technical modification in DC. In this paper analyze a series of patients underwent to surgical treatment for acute subdural hematoma (ASDH). METHODS: We perform a prospective cohort with TBI patients undergoing DC for treatment of diffuse hemispheric brain swelling and ASDH. The effect of modified craniectomy was assessed using postoperative CT. Clinical outcome was evaluated at ICU mortality in 2 weeks. RESULTS: Comparing the CT scans before and after surgery, the midline shift decreases from median of 11 mm to 5.5 mm (P<0.001). Only one patient had presented uncontrolled intracranial hypertension after surgery. Postoperative mortality in the intensive care unit within 14 days was 48.8%. CONCLUSION: this is an interesting technical modification. In this pilot study, we observed ICP control, avoiding the complications of classical decompression.

The current clinical picture of cerebral proliferative angiopathy: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) is a rare subset of arteriovenous malformations (AVM). It has unique clinical presentation, angiographic characteristics, and pathophysiology which often brings challenges for the treatment. We aimed to define its epidemiology, pathophysiology are unknown, and best management strategies. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE was searched for articles regarding CPA. Extracted data included epidemiological, clinical, and angiographical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. Treatment was classified as conservative, radiosurgery, endovascular, decompression, and indirect vascularization. A meta-analytical approach was employed for description of the data as study-size adjusted percentages or weighted means, as appropriate. RESULTS: Thirty-three studies were analyzed, rendering a total 95 cases-half of which came from a single study. Patients were predominantly young (mean 23 years old) and female (60.0%) presenting with headaches (44.9%), seizures (37.1%), or transient ischemic attacks (33.7%). Hemorrhage was present in 18.0%, but rebleeding rates were as high as 67%. The majority of nidus were > 6 cm (52.5%) with hemispheric extension (73.0%). Capillary angioectatic appearance (85.7%), transdural supply (62.5%), and deep venous drainage (73.0%) were also frequent features. Most patients were treated conservatively (54.4%), followed by endovascular (34.2%). Indirect vascularization and radiosurgery were attempted in five and two patients, respectively. Mean follow-up was 110.8 patient-years. Neurological status improved in 50.7%, remained stable in 40.2%, and worsened in 9.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative and endovascular treatments seem adequate interventions, despite limited evidence. Complementary techniques can be used in patients throughout disease history, according to symptom-based, individualized approach. More studies are required for choosing interventions based on reliable long-term results.

Vestibular schwannoma: predictive factors of long-term postoperative neurological outcome.

Introduction: Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a slow-growing, benign tumor that is usually diagnosed when symptoms develop. Surgical management aims to reduce long-term sequelae (LTS) associated with late diagnosis.Objective: Identify predictive factors of LTS after VS surgery and clinical outcome measured by modified Rankin scale (mRS).Methods: This cohort study included patients submitted to VS surgery from 1999 to 2014, with a mean follow-up of 6.4 ± 4.5 years. Disability was assessed across the mRS the primary outcome was defined by scores 3 to 6, which implied poor outcome in neurological recovery. Predictive factors were identified through multivariate logistic regression.Results: A total of 101 patients were included in this study. Fifty-one (50.49%) presented mRS ≥ 3 on the late postoperative period. Men comprise 22.8%, and the mean age was 47.1 ± 16.0 years (range19-80). Patients with mRS ≥ 3 presented larger tumors (3.7 ± 1.1 cm vs. 3.2 ± 1.0 cm, p < .001), less total resection (50% vs. 76.7%, p < .010) and more neurofibromatosis II(NFII) (84.9% vs. 64.3%, p = .023). On multivariate analysis NFII, tumor size and type resection were predictive of degree of autonomy (mRS ≥3: NF II (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.08-11.36, p = .036) and tumor size (each 1 cm, OR1.51, 95% CI 0.96-2.38, p = .050).Conclusion: Tumor size, presence of NFT II, type of surgical approach and number of surgeries were identified as predictive factors of functional sequelae in long-term follow-up after VS surgery.HighlightsOne-third of our patients presented some degree of disability that impact in autonomy (mRS ≥ 3) in the late postoperative period.Tumor size, NFII, surgical approach were predictive to comprise independency.Considering the cranial nerve monitoring and late diagnosis, our results can give some contribution to understanding the Brazilian profile of VS surgery.Our findings suggests the need to look over what it is well recognized and identify aspects that affect the prognosis such as functional disabilities in VS surgery.

Evaluation of Changes in Preoperative Cortical Excitability by Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Brain Tumor.

Background: This prospective study aimed to evaluate the cortical excitability (CE) of patients with brain tumors surrounding or directly involving the corticospinal tract (CST) using navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS). Methods: We recruited 40 patients with a single brain tumor surrounding or directly involving the CST as well as 82 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The patients underwent standard nTMS and CE evaluations. Single and paired pulses were applied to the primary motor area (M1) of both affected and unaffected cerebral hemispheres 1 week before surgery. The CE parameters included resting motor threshold (RMT), motor evoked potential (MEP) ratio for 140 and 120% stimulus (MEP 140/120 ratio), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF). Motor outcome was evaluated on hospital discharge and on 30-day and 90-day postoperative follow-up. Results: In the affected hemispheres of patients, SICI and ICF were significantly higher than in the unaffected hemispheres (p=0.002 and p =0.009, respectively). The 140/120 MEP ratio of patients' unaffected hemispheres was lower than that in controls (p=0.001). Patients with glioblastomas (GBM) had a higher interhemispheric RMT ratio than patients with grade II and III gliomas ( p = 0.018). A weak correlation was observed among the RMT ratio and the preoperative motor score (R 2 = 0.118, p = 0.017) and the 90-day follow-up ( R 2 = 0.227, p = 0.016). Conclusion: Using preoperative nTMS, we found that brain hemispheres affected by tumors had abnormal CE and that patients with GBM had a distinct pattern of CE. These findings suggest that tumor biological behavior might play a role in CE changes.

Pediatric intrinsic brainstem lesions: clinical, imaging, histological characterization, and predictors of survival.

PURPOSE: Brainstem lesions comprise 10-20% of all pediatric brain tumors. Over the past years, the benefits of stereotactic biopsy versus the use alone of MRI features to guide treatment have been controversial. METHODS: Retrospective study with pediatric patients submitted to stereotactic brainstem biopsies between 2008 and 2018. Demographic, clinical, imaging, and surgical characteristics were recorded, as well as the histological diagnosis, complications, and survival. Predictors of survival were evaluated through Cox regression models after multivariate adjustment. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (mean age of 8.8 ± 4.3 years and 14 female). Diagnosis was reached on 84.6% (95% CI 65.1-95.6%) of the patients. Glioma was diagnosed on 20 cases (11 high-grade and 9 low-grade lesions). There was no association between age and gender and the dichotomized histological diagnosis. Contrast enhancement, diffuse distribution, invasion of adjacent structures, and remote injury were present on 62.5%, 75.0%, 62.5%, and 25.0% of the cases. Hydrocephalus at admission was present on almost half of the patients (46.2%). Only radiological invasion of adjacent structures had a possible association with high-grade lesions (p = 0.057). Surgical trajectory was trans-cerebellar in most of the cases (79.9%). There were no major complications and only two minor/transitory complications. Poorer survival was independently associated with high-grade lesions (HR 32.14, 95% CI 1.40-735.98, p = 0.030) and contrast enhancement at MRI (HR 36.54, 95% CI 1.40-952.26, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic biopsy was safe and allows successful tissue sampling for a definite diagnosis. Poorer survival was independently associated with high-grade and contrast-enhancing lesions.