Development of an online calculator for the prediction of seizure freedom following pediatric hemispherectomy using the Hemispherectomy Outcome Prediction Scale (HOPS).

OBJECTIVES: Although hemispheric surgeries are among the most effective procedures for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in the pediatric population, there is a large variability in seizure outcomes at the group level. A recently developed HOPS score provides individualized estimation of likelihood of seizure freedom to complement clinical judgement. The objective of this study was to develop a freely accessible online calculator that accurately predicts the probability of seizure freedom for any patient at 1-, 2-, and 5-years post-hemispherectomy. METHODS: Retrospective data of all pediatric patients with DRE and seizure outcome data from the original Hemispherectomy Outcome Prediction Scale (HOPS) study were included. The primary outcome of interest was time-to-seizure recurrence. A multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression model was developed to predict the likelihood of post-hemispheric surgery seizure freedom at three time points (1-, 2- and 5- years) based on a combination of variables identified by clinical judgment and inferential statistics predictive of the primary outcome. The final model from this study was encoded in a publicly accessible online calculator on the International Network for Epilepsy Surgery and Treatment (iNEST) website (https://hops-calculator.com/). RESULTS: The selected variables for inclusion in the final model included the five original HOPS variables (age at seizure onset, etiologic substrate, seizure semiology, prior non-hemispheric resective surgery, and contralateral fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography [FDG-PET] hypometabolism) and three additional variables (age at surgery, history of infantile spasms, and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] lesion). Predictors of shorter time-to-seizure recurrence included younger age at seizure onset, prior resective surgery, generalized seizure semiology, FDG-PET hypometabolism contralateral to the side of surgery, contralateral MRI lesion, non-lesional MRI, non-stroke etiologies, and a history of infantile spasms. The area under the curve (AUC) of the final model was 73.0%. SIGNIFICANCE: Online calculators are useful, cost-free tools that can assist physicians in risk estimation and inform joint decision-making processes with patients and families, potentially leading to greater satisfaction. Although the HOPS data was validated in the original analysis, the authors encourage external validation of this new calculator.

Added value of corpus callosotomy following vagus nerve stimulation in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: A multicenter, multinational study.

OBJECTIVE: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe form of epileptic encephalopathy, presenting during the first years of life, and is very resistant to treatment. Once medical therapy has failed, palliative surgeries such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or corpus callosotomy (CC) are considered. Although CC is more effective than VNS as the primary neurosurgical treatment for LGS-associated drop attacks, there are limited data regarding the added value of CC following VNS. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of CC preceded by VNS. METHODS: This multinational, multicenter retrospective study focuses on LGS children who underwent CC before the age of 18 years, following prior VNS, which failed to achieve satisfactory seizure control. Collected data included epilepsy characteristics, surgical details, epilepsy outcomes, and complications. The primary outcome of this study was a 50% reduction in drop attacks. RESULTS: A total of 127 cases were reviewed (80 males). The median age at epilepsy onset was 6 months (interquartile range [IQR] = 3.12-22.75). The median age at VNS surgery was 7 years (IQR = 4-10), and CC was performed at a median age of 11 years (IQR = 8.76-15). The dominant seizure type was drop attacks (tonic or atonic) in 102 patients. Eighty-six patients underwent a single-stage complete CC, and 41 an anterior callosotomy. Ten patients who did not initially have a complete CC underwent a second surgery for completion of CC due to seizure persistence. Overall, there was at least a 50% reduction in drop attacks and other seizures in 83% and 60%, respectively. Permanent morbidity occurred in 1.5%, with no mortality. SIGNIFICANCE: CC is vital in seizure control in children with LGS in whom VNS has failed. Surgical risks are low. A complete CC has a tendency toward better effectiveness than anterior CC for some seizure types.

Hemispherectomy Outcome Prediction Scale: Development and validation of a seizure freedom prediction tool.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a model to predict seizure freedom in children undergoing cerebral hemispheric surgery for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS: We analyzed 1267 hemispheric surgeries performed in pediatric participants across 32 centers and 12 countries to identify predictors of seizure freedom at 3 months after surgery. A multivariate logistic regression model was developed based on 70% of the dataset (training set) and validated on 30% of the dataset (validation set). Missing data were handled using multiple imputation techniques. RESULTS: Overall, 817 of 1237 (66%) hemispheric surgeries led to seizure freedom (median follow-up = 24 months), and 1050 of 1237 (85%) were seizure-free at 12 months after surgery. A simple regression model containing age at seizure onset, presence of generalized seizure semiology, presence of contralateral 18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography hypometabolism, etiologic substrate, and previous nonhemispheric resective surgery is predictive of seizure freedom (area under the curve = .72). A Hemispheric Surgery Outcome Prediction Scale (HOPS) score was devised that can be used to predict seizure freedom. SIGNIFICANCE: Children most likely to benefit from hemispheric surgery can be selected and counseled through the implementation of a scale derived from a multiple regression model. Importantly, children who are unlikely to experience seizure control can be spared from the complications and deficits associated with this surgery. The HOPS score is likely to help physicians in clinical decision-making.

Comparison of the real-world effectiveness of vertical versus lateral functional hemispherotomy techniques for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy: A post hoc analysis of the HOPS study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether the vertical parasagittal approach or the lateral peri-insular/peri-Sylvian approach to hemispheric surgery is the superior technique in achieving long-term seizure freedom. METHODS: We conducted a post hoc subgroup analysis of the HOPS (Hemispheric Surgery Outcome Prediction Scale) study, an international, multicenter, retrospective cohort study that identified predictors of seizure freedom through logistic regression modeling. Only patients undergoing vertical parasagittal, lateral peri-insular/peri-Sylvian, or lateral trans-Sylvian hemispherotomy were included in this post hoc analysis. Differences in seizure freedom rates were assessed using a time-to-event method and calculated using the Kaplan-Meier survival method. RESULTS: Data for 672 participants across 23 centers were collected on the specific hemispherotomy approach. Of these, 72 (10.7%) underwent vertical parasagittal hemispherotomy and 600 (89.3%) underwent lateral peri-insular/peri-Sylvian or trans-Sylvian hemispherotomy. Seizure freedom was obtained in 62.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 53.5%-70.2%) of the entire cohort at 10-year follow-up. Seizure freedom was 88.8% (95% CI = 78.9%-94.3%) at 1-year follow-up and persisted at 85.5% (95% CI = 74.7%-92.0%) across 5- and 10-year follow-up in the vertical subgroup. In contrast, seizure freedom decreased from 89.2% (95% CI = 86.3%-91.5%) at 1-year to 72.1% (95% CI = 66.9%-76.7%) at 5-year to 57.2% (95% CI = 46.6%-66.4%) at 10-year follow-up for the lateral subgroup. Log-rank test found that vertical hemispherotomy was associated with durable seizure-free progression compared to the lateral approach (p = .01). Patients undergoing the lateral hemispherotomy technique had a shorter time-to-seizure recurrence (hazard ratio = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.08-6.04, p = .03) and increased seizure recurrence odds (odds ratio = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.05-12.86, p = .04) compared to those undergoing the vertical hemispherotomy technique. SIGNIFICANCE: This pilot study demonstrated more durable seizure freedom of the vertical technique compared to lateral hemispherotomy techniques. Further studies, such as prospective expertise-based observational studies or a randomized clinical trial, are required to determine whether a vertical approach to hemispheric surgery provides superior long-term seizure outcomes.

Preoperative Vancomycin Administration for Surgical Site Prophylaxis: Plasma and Soft-Tissue Concentrations in Pediatric Neurosurgical and Orthopedic Patients.

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin is used for antibiotic prophylaxis in pediatric surgical patients without a complete understanding of plasma and soft-tissue pharmacokinetics. Guidelines recommend incision within 60 minutes after administration; however, tissue vancomycin concentrations at that early time may not be therapeutic. We conducted a study of plasma and skin concentrations in pediatric neurosurgical and orthopedic patients to characterize intraoperative vancomycin pharmacokinetics. METHODS: Patients (0.1-18.8 years of age) undergoing posterior spinal fusion (n = 30) or ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement (n = 30) received intravenous vancomycin 15 mg/kg (maximum 1000 mg) over 1 hour. Skin was biopsied at incision and skin closure. Blood samples were collected at incision, at 2 and 4 hours intraoperatively, and at closure. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed to characterize pharmacokinetic parameter estimates and to develop a model of intraoperative plasma and skin vancomycin concentrations versus time. RESULTS: Pharmacokinetic analysis included data from 59 subjects, 130 plasma samples, and 107 skin samples. A 2-compartment model, volume of the central (Vc) and volume of the peripheral compartment (V2), proved to have the best fit. Stepwise covariate selection yielded a significant relationship for body surface area on elimination clearance and body weight on V2. Skin vancomycin concentrations rose continuously during surgery. Modeling predicted that equilibration of skin and plasma vancomycin concentrations took ≥5 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Skin vancomycin concentrations immediately after a preoperative dose are relatively low compared with concentrations at the end of surgery. It may be advisable to extend the time between dose and incision if higher skin concentrations are desired at the start of surgery.

Surgery for infants with catastrophic epilepsy: an analysis of complications and efficacy.

PURPOSE: Infants with epilepsy often have a catastrophic course. There is a reluctance to operate in the very young, due to the perception of an unacceptable risk of morbidity with early operations. The purpose of this investigation was to better characterize the efficacy and safety of epilepsy surgery in infants. METHODS: Epilepsy operations performed on children under 1 year old, between 2002 and 2013, were reviewed for demographic information, epilepsy characteristics, surgical approach, outcomes, and surgical complications. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients, ages 11 days to 11.5 months (mean 4.7) at operation, were identified. All had daily seizures. Twenty-two (88%) had an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sixteen (64%) patients underwent hemispherotomy at initial operation. Seven (28%) infants had grid placement followed by focal resection. Focal cortical dysplasia was the most common pathology (40%) followed by hemimegalencephaly (32%). Complications occurred in 36% of patients. These included hydrocephalus in five patients (20%). Two patients had significant intra-operative complications which required unplanned staging of their operations. Both recovered without permanent injury. Mean follow-up was 62.4 months. Twenty patients (80%) are seizure-free, and 10 (40%) are off anticonvulsant medication. Two patients are Engel class 2, and the remaining three patients were Engel class 4, one of whom died with status epilepticus from the contralateral hemisphere. CONCLUSION: Infants with localization-related catastrophic epilepsy can have excellent outcomes from early epilepsy surgery. Complications are common in this patient group and proper diagnosis can be challenging. Young age should not exclude infants with catastrophic epilepsy from consideration for early surgical intervention.

Repair of an Occipital Meningocele and Scalp Soft-tissue Reconstruction in a Newborn Patient.

The differential diagnosis of large congenital scalp defects includes aplasia cutis and encephalocele, among others. Treatment includes conservative management with dressings or operative management with dermal substitutes, skin grafting, local flaps, and free flaps. This case report discusses the technical considerations and reconstructive strategies for repair of a meningocele in a newborn with a large 5.5-cm scalp defect. The key strategies include preemptive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion with external ventricular drain to reduce the risk of CSF leak and mitigate wound-healing complications; careful identification and avoidance of key anatomic structures, such as the superior sagittal sinus, as anatomy may be significantly distorted due to the presence of a meningocele and after CSF diversion; and careful, thoughtful design of the local scalp flaps to maximize blood supply and to avoid tension on the final reconstruction.

The role of occipital condyle and atlas anomalies on occipital cervical fusion outcomes in Chiari malformation type I with syringomyelia: a study from the Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital anomalies of the atlanto-occipital articulation may be present in patients with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I). However, it is unclear how these anomalies affect the biomechanical stability of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) and whether they are associated with an increased incidence of occipitocervical fusion (OCF) following posterior fossa decompression (PFD). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of condylar hypoplasia and atlas anomalies in children with CM-I and syringomyelia. The authors also investigated the predictive contribution of these anomalies to the occurrence of OCF following PFD (PFD+OCF). METHODS: The authors analyzed the prevalence of condylar hypoplasia and atlas arch anomalies for patients in the Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium database who underwent PFD+OCF. Condylar hypoplasia was defined by an atlanto-occipital joint axis angle (AOJAA) ≥ 130°. Atlas assimilation and arch anomalies were identified on presurgical radiographic imaging. This PFD+OCF cohort was compared with a control cohort of patients who underwent PFD alone. The control group was matched to the PFD+OCF cohort according to age, sex, and duration of symptoms at a 2:1 ratio. RESULTS: Clinical features and radiographic atlanto-occipital joint parameters were compared between 19 patients in the PFD+OCF cohort and 38 patients in the PFD-only cohort. Demographic data were not significantly different between cohorts (p > 0.05). The mean AOJAA was significantly higher in the PFD+OCF group than in the PFD group (144° ± 12° vs 127° ± 6°, p < 0.0001). In the PFD+OCF group, atlas assimilation and atlas arch anomalies were identified in 10 (53%) and 5 (26%) patients, respectively. These anomalies were absent (n = 0) in the PFD group (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis identified the following 3 CVJ radiographic variables that were predictive of OCF occurrence after PFD: AOJAA ≥ 130° (p = 0.01), clivoaxial angle < 125° (p = 0.02), and occipital condyle-C2 sagittal vertical alignment (C-C2SVA) ≥ 5 mm (p = 0.01). A predictive model based on these 3 factors accurately predicted OCF following PFD (C-statistic 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results indicate that the occipital condyle-atlas joint complex might affect the biomechanical integrity of the CVJ in children with CM-I and syringomyelia. They describe the role of the AOJAA metric as an independent predictive factor for occurrence of OCF following PFD. Preoperative identification of these skeletal abnormalities may be used to guide surgical planning and treatment of patients with complex CM-I and coexistent osseous pathology.

Spike-Associated Networks Predict Postsurgical Outcomes in Children With Refractory Epilepsy.

PURPOSE: Up to half of the children undergoing epilepsy surgery will continue to have seizures (szs) despite a cortical resection or ablation. Functional connectivity has shown promise in better identifying the epileptogenic zone. We hypothesized that cortical areas showing high information outflow during interictal epileptiform discharges are part of the epileptogenic zone. METHODS: We identified 22 children with focal epilepsy who had undergone stereo electroencephalography, surgical resection or ablation, and had ≥1 year of postsurgical follow-up. The mean phase slope index, a directed measure of functional connectivity, was calculated for each electrode contact during interictal epileptiform discharges. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value for a sz-free outcome were calculated based on whether high information outflow brain regions were resected. RESULTS: Resection of high outflow (z-score ≥ 1) and very high outflow (z-score ≥ 2) electrode contacts was associated with higher sz freedom (high outflow: χ 2 statistic = 59.1; P < 0.001; very high outflow: χ 2 statistic = 31.3; P < 0.001). The positive predictive value and negative predictive value for sz freedom based on resection at the electrode level increased at higher z-score thresholds with a peak positive predictive value of 0.86 and a peak negative predictive value of 0.9. CONCLUSIONS: Better identification of the epileptogenic zone has the potential to improve epilepsy surgery outcomes. If the surgical plan can be modified to include these very high outflow areas, more children might achieve sz freedom. Conversely, if deficits from resecting these areas are unacceptable, ineffective surgeries could be avoided and alternative therapies offered.

Limited utility despite accuracy of the national SEER dataset for the study of craniopharyngioma.

Craniopharyngioma is histologically benign and associated with high survival rates but poor quality of life. The SEER Program is among the most cited data sources regarding malignancies in the United States. SEER began collecting data regarding craniopharyngiomain 2004. SEER-STAT v7.0.5 was utilized to identify patients (January 1, 2004-December 31, 2008) with ICD-O-3 codes for craniopharyngioma. Age was categorized into 3 groups: ≤19, 20-34, and ≥35 years, as was surgical intervention: none, subtotal resection, and gross total/radical resection. Demographic, initial treatment, and follow-up data were collected. 635/662 (95.9 %) patients had complete data. Incidence per million patient-years by age group was 1.9, 1.1, and 1.9, respectively (p < 0.0001). There was bimodal incidence, with peaks at 5-9 and 60-74 years. Surgery occurred in 528 patients (83.1 %), without association between age group and extent of surgery (p = 0.14). Radiation was delivered in 139 (21.9 %) cases, with no association between treatment and extent of surgery (p = 0.73) or age group (p = 0.14). Median follow-up was 23 months. Overall and Cause-specific Survival were 87.9 and 94.5 %, respectively. Neither was associated with extent of surgery but both were positively associated with radiation (p = 0.0003 and 0.0007, respectively). There was no difference in OS or CSS when comparing STR ± RT versus GTR alone (p = 0.38 and 0.56, respectively). SEER provides reliable demographic and survival data regarding craniopharyngioma. SEER's focus on mortality statistics limits utility for outcomes studies in tumors with high survival rates, such as craniopharyngioma. Initial treatment data from SEER varies somewhat from current literature, meriting further investigation.

Intracranial pressure monitoring during stereoelectroencephalography implantation: a technical note.

Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) has become increasingly employed as a critical component of epilepsy workups for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy when information from noninvasive studies is not conclusive and sufficient to guide epilepsy surgery. Although exceedingly rare, clinically significant hemorrhagic complications can be caused during SEEG implantation procedures. Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) can be difficult to recognize due to the minimally invasive nature of SEEG. The authors describe their technique using a commercially available intraparenchymal intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor as a method for early intraoperative detection of ICH during SEEG implantation. Between May 2019 and July 2021, 18 pediatric patients underwent SEEG implantation at a single, freestanding children's hospital with the use of an ICP monitor during the procedure. No patients experienced complications resulting from this technique. The authors have relayed their rationale for ICP monitor use during SEEG, the technical considerations, and the safety profile. In addition, they have reported an illustrative case in which the ICP monitor proved crucial in early detection of ICH during SEEG implantation.

Postoperative general medical ward admission following Chiari malformation decompression.

OBJECTIVE: Prior to 2019, the majority of patients at Children's Hospital Colorado were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) following Chiari malformation (CM) decompression surgery. This study sought to identify the safety and efficacy of postoperative general ward management for these patients. METHODS: After a retrospective baseline assessment of 150 patients, a quality improvement (QI) initiative was implemented, admitting medically noncomplex patients to the general ward postoperatively following CM decompression. Twenty-one medically noncomplex patients were treated during the QI intervention period. All patients were assessed for length of stay, narcotic use, time to ambulation, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: PICU admission rates postoperatively decreased from 92.6% to 9.5% after implementation of the QI initiative. The average hospital length of stay decreased from 3.4 to 2.6 days, total doses of narcotic administration decreased from 12.3 to 8.7, and time to ambulation decreased from 1.8 to 0.9 days. There were no major postoperative complications identified that were unsuitable for management on a conventional pediatric medical/surgical nursing unit. CONCLUSIONS: Medically noncomplex patients were safely admitted to the general ward postoperatively at Children's Hospital Colorado after decompression of CM. This approach afforded decreased length of stay, decreased narcotic use, and decreased time to ambulation, with no major postoperative complications.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy revision after failure of initial endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization.

OBJECTIVE: Primary treatment of hydrocephalus with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) is well described in the neurosurgical literature, with wide reported ranges of success and complication rates. The purpose of this study was to describe the safety and efficacy of ETV revision after initial ETV+CPC failure. METHODS: Prospectively collected data in the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network Core Data Project registry were reviewed. Children who underwent ETV+CPC as the initial treatment for hydrocephalus between 2013 and 2019 and in whom the initial ETV+CPC was completed (i.e., not abandoned) were included. Log-rank survival analysis (the primary analysis) was used to compare time to failure (defined as any other surgical treatment for hydrocephalus or death related to hydrocephalus) of initial ETV+CPC versus that of ETV revision by using random-effects modeling to account for the inclusion of patients in both the initial and revision groups. Secondary analysis compared ETV revision to shunt placement after failure of initial ETV+CPC by using the log-rank test, as well as shunt failure after ETV+CPC to that after ETV revision. Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors of failure among children treated with ETV revision. RESULTS: The authors identified 521 ETV+CPC procedures that met their inclusion criteria. Ninety-one children underwent ETV revision after ETV+CPC failure. ETV revision had a lower 1-year success rate than initial ETV+CPC (29.5% vs 45%, p < 0.001). ETV revision after initial ETV+CPC failure had a lower success rate than shunting (29.5% vs 77.8%, p < 0.001). Shunt survival after initial ETV+CPC failure was not significantly different from shunt survival after ETV revision failure (p = 0.963). Complication rates were similar for all examined surgical procedures (initial ETV+CPC, ETV revision, ventriculoperitoneal shunt [VPS] placement after ETV+CPC, and VPS placement after ETV revision). Only young age was predictive of ETV revision failure (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: ETV revision had a significantly lower 1-year success rate than initial ETV+CPC and VPS placement after ETV+CPC. Complication rates were similar for all studied procedures. Younger age, but not time since initial ETV+CPC, was a risk factor for ETV revision failure.

Socioeconomic and demographic factors in the diagnosis and treatment of Chiari malformation type I and syringomyelia.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess the social determinants that influence access and outcomes for pediatric neurosurgical care for patients with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) and syringomyelia (SM). METHODS: The authors used retro- and prospective components of the Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium database to identify pediatric patients with CM-I and SM who received surgical treatment and had at least 1 year of follow-up data. Race, ethnicity, and insurance status were used as comparators for preoperative, treatment, and postoperative characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 637 patients met inclusion criteria, and race or ethnicity data were available for 603 (94.7%) patients. A total of 463 (76.8%) were non-Hispanic White (NHW) and 140 (23.2%) were non-White. The non-White patients were older at diagnosis (p = 0.002) and were more likely to have an individualized education plan (p < 0.01). More non-White than NHW patients presented with cerebellar and cranial nerve deficits (i.e., gait ataxia [p = 0.028], nystagmus [p = 0.002], dysconjugate gaze [p = 0.03], hearing loss [p = 0.003], gait instability [p = 0.003], tremor [p = 0.021], or dysmetria [p < 0.001]). Non-White patients had higher rates of skull malformation (p = 0.004), platybasia (p = 0.002), and basilar invagination (p = 0.036). Non-White patients were more likely to be treated at low-volume centers than at high-volume centers (38.7% vs 15.2%; p < 0.01). Non-White patients were older at the time of surgery (p = 0.001) and had longer operative times (p < 0.001), higher estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), and a longer hospital stay (p = 0.04). There were no major group differences in terms of treatments performed or complications. The majority of subjects used private insurance (440, 71.5%), whereas 175 (28.5%) were using Medicaid or self-pay. Private insurance was used in 42.2% of non-White patients compared to 79.8% of NHW patients (p < 0.01). There were no major differences in presentation, treatment, or outcome between insurance groups. In multivariate modeling, non-White patients were more likely to present at an older age after controlling for sex and insurance status (p < 0.01). Non-White and male patients had a longer duration of symptoms before reaching diagnosis (p = 0.033 and 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic and demographic factors appear to influence the presentation and management of patients with CM-I and SM. Race is associated with age and timing of diagnosis as well as operating room time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay. This exploration of socioeconomic and demographic barriers to care will be useful in understanding how to improve access to pediatric neurosurgical care for patients with CM-I and SM.

Complications and outcomes of posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty versus without duraplasty for pediatric patients with Chiari malformation type I and syringomyelia: a study from the Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine differences in complications and outcomes between posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty (PFDD) and without duraplasty (PFD) for the treatment of pediatric Chiari malformation type I (CM1) and syringomyelia (SM). METHODS: The authors used retrospective and prospective components of the Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium database to identify pediatric patients with CM1-SM who received PFD or PFDD and had at least 1 year of follow-up data. Preoperative, treatment, and postoperative characteristics were recorded and compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 692 patients met the inclusion criteria for this database study. PFD was performed in 117 (16.9%) and PFDD in 575 (83.1%) patients. The mean age at surgery was 9.86 years, and the mean follow-up time was 2.73 years. There were no significant differences in presenting signs or symptoms between groups, although the preoperative syrinx size was smaller in the PFD group. The PFD group had a shorter mean operating room time (p < 0.0001), fewer patients with > 50 mL of blood loss (p = 0.04), and shorter hospital stays (p = 0.0001). There were 4 intraoperative complications, all within the PFDD group (0.7%, p > 0.99). Patients undergoing PFDD had a 6-month complication rate of 24.3%, compared with 13.7% in the PFD group (p = 0.01). There were no differences between groups for postoperative complications beyond 6 months (p = 0.33). PFD patients were more likely to require revision surgery (17.9% vs 8.3%, p = 0.002). PFDD was associated with greater improvements in headaches (89.6% vs 80.8%, p = 0.04) and back pain (86.5% vs 59.1%, p = 0.01). There were no differences between groups for improvement in neurological examination findings. PFDD was associated with greater reduction in anteroposterior syrinx size (43.7% vs 26.9%, p = 0.0001) and syrinx length (18.9% vs 5.6%, p = 0.04) compared with PFD. CONCLUSIONS: PFD was associated with reduced operative time and blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and fewer postoperative complications within 6 months. However, PFDD was associated with better symptom improvement and reduction in syrinx size and lower rates of revision decompression. The two surgeries have low intraoperative complication rates and comparable complication rates beyond 6 months.

International survey on the management of lumbosacral cutaneous stigmata in infants with suspected occult spinal dysraphism.

OBJECTIVE: Occult spinal dysraphism (OSD) is a common pediatric neurosurgical diagnosis rife with controversy surrounding both the screening of asymptomatic infants and the threshold to offer a prophylactic detethering operation. The authors sought to clarify international practice patterns with a survey of pediatric neurosurgeons. METHODS: A survey asked pediatric neurosurgeons whether they would perform imaging in patients with a variety of cutaneous stigmata associated with OSD and whether they would offer prophylactic detethering surgery for asymptomatic patients with a variety of imaging findings on the OSD spectrum. RESULTS: Completed surveys were received from 141 pediatric neurosurgeons. Broad consensus was demonstrated on the need for obtaining images in sample patients with more severe stigmata ranging from large lipoma with a skin appendage to focal dysplastic skin in the lumbar midline. Ninety percent of respondents would perform MRI for these patients. In contrast, for patients with a low-sacral dimple, flat hemangioma, and symmetric (Y-shaped) splaying of the intergluteal cleft, opinion on the need for imaging varied considerably (between 57% and 89% recommended imaging). Respondents differed on the type of imaging that they would perform, with 31% to 38% recommending ultrasound screening. The responses reflected less consensus on when to offer surgery to patients with simple spinal tethering (low-lying conus medullaris and fatty filum terminale). Both a lower level of the conus and increased thickness of the filum terminale affected decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey showed significant consensus on the recommendation for screening imaging in patients with more dramatic cutaneous stigmata, although these stigmata are the rarest. A significant variance in opinions was reflected in the recommendation for imaging of the most common cutaneous stigmata. Consensus was also lacking on which lesions deserve prophylactic detethering surgery. Significant equipoise exists for future study of screening imaging and of surgical decision-making in patients with asymptomatic OSD and associated cutaneous stigmata.

Comparison of subdural grid and stereoelectroencephalography in a cohort of pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare adverse events and outcomes between stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and subdural electrode (SDE) implantation in children. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 108 patients who underwent intracranial monitoring with SEEG or SDE implantation at Children's Hospital Colorado between January 2011 and June 2019. RESULTS: There were 47 patients who underwent 53 SEEG implantations and 61 patients who underwent 64 SDE implantations, with an average age of 12.45 years (range: 1.22-19.96 years). Post-implantation imaging was performed in all SEEG implantations and 42 SDE implantations. 38 % and 88 % of SEEG and SDE implantations, respectively, had a hemorrhage of any kind (p < 0.01). Clinically significant hemorrhages did not differ between the two groups, though one death was reported in the SEEG group. No patient undergoing SEEG implantation received blood products compared to 20 % of SDE patients (p < 0.01). The rate of infection in SEEG patients was 4% compared to 33 % for SDE patients (p = 0.01). Resection was completed in 60 % of SEEG patients versus 93 % for SDE patients (p < 0.01). Rate of seizure response was not significantly different between the two groups, with 81 % and 71 % of SEEG and SDE patients, respectively, reaching Engel class I or II at 12 months (p = 0.76). SIGNIFICANCE: In pediatric patients at a single institution, SEEG is associated with less adverse effects overall yet similar rates of seizure freedom compared to SDE implantation. This includes significantly lower rates of asymptomatic hemorrhage, infection and need for blood transfusion associated with SEEG monitoring. There was no statistical difference in clinically significant hemorrhages between the two groups, although rare in both.

Early implementation of stereoelectroencephalography in children: a multiinstitutional case series.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) has been increasingly performed in the United States, with published literature being limited primarily to large single-center case series. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the experience of pediatric epilepsy centers, where the technique has been adopted in the last several years, via a multicenter case series studying patient demographics, outcomes, and complications. METHODS: A retrospective cohort methodology was used based on the STROBE criteria. ANOVA was used to evaluate for significant differences between the means of continuous variables among centers. Dichotomous outcomes were assessed between centers using a univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 170 SEEG insertion procedures were included in the study from 6 different level 4 pediatric epilepsy centers. The mean patient age at time of SEEG insertion was 12.3 ± 4.7 years. There was no significant difference between the mean age at the time of SEEG insertion between centers (p = 0.3). The mean number of SEEG trajectories per patient was 11.3 ± 3.6, with significant variation between centers (p < 0.001). Epileptogenic loci were identified in 84.7% of cases (144/170). Patients in 140 cases (140/170, 82.4%) underwent a follow-up surgical intervention, with 47.1% (66/140) being seizure free at a mean follow-up of 30.6 months. An overall postoperative hemorrhage rate of 5.3% (9/170) was noted, with patients in 4 of these cases (4/170, 2.4%) experiencing a symptomatic hemorrhage and patients in 3 of these cases (3/170, 1.8%) requiring operative evacuation of the hemorrhage. There were no mortalities or long-term complications. CONCLUSIONS: As the first multicenter case series in pediatric SEEG, this study has aided in establishing normative practice patterns in the application of a novel surgical technique, provided a framework for anticipated outcomes that is generalizable and useful for patient selection, and allowed for discussion of what is an acceptable complication rate relative to the experiences of multiple institutions.

Real-World Preliminary Experience With Responsive Neurostimulation in Pediatric Epilepsy: A Multicenter Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the well-documented utility of responsive neurostimulation (RNS, NeuroPace) in adult epilepsy patients, literature on the use of RNS in children is limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine the real-world efficacy and safety of RNS in pediatric epilepsy patients. METHODS: Patients with childhood-onset drug-resistant epilepsy treated with RNS were retrospectively identified at 5 pediatric centers. Reduction of disabling seizures and complications were evaluated for children (<18 yr) and young adults (>18 yr) and compared with prior literature pertaining to adult patients. RESULTS: Of 35 patients identified, 17 were <18 yr at the time of RNS implantation, including a 3-yr-old patient. Four patients (11%) had concurrent resection. Three complications, requiring additional surgical interventions, were noted in young adults (2 infections [6%] and 1 lead fracture [3%]). No complications were noted in children. Among the 32 patients with continued therapy, 2 (6%) achieved seizure freedom, 4 (13%) achieved ≥90% seizure reduction, 13 (41%) had ≥50% reduction, 8 (25%) had <50% reduction, and 5 (16%) experienced no improvement. The average follow-up duration was 1.7 yr (median 1.8 yr, range 0.3-4.8 yr). There was no statistically significant difference for seizure reduction and complications between children and young adults in our cohort or between our cohort and the adult literature. CONCLUSION: These preliminary data suggest that RNS is well tolerated and an effective off-label surgical treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in carefully selected pediatric patients as young as 3 yr of age. Data regarding long-term efficacy and safety in children will be critical to optimize patient selection.

Dural augmentation approaches and complication rates after posterior fossa decompression for Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia: a Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium study.

OBJECTIVE: Posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty (PFDD) is commonly performed for Chiari I malformation (CM-I) with syringomyelia (SM). However, complication rates associated with various dural graft types are not well established. The objective of this study was to elucidate complication rates within 6 months of surgery among autograft and commonly used nonautologous grafts for pediatric patients who underwent PFDD for CM-I/SM. METHODS: The Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium database was queried for pediatric patients who had undergone PFDD for CM-I with SM. All patients had tonsillar ectopia ≥ 5 mm, syrinx diameter ≥ 3 mm, and ≥ 6 months of postoperative follow-up after PFDD. Complications (e.g., pseudomeningocele, CSF leak, meningitis, and hydrocephalus) and postoperative changes in syrinx size, headaches, and neck pain were compared for autograft versus nonautologous graft. RESULTS: A total of 781 PFDD cases were analyzed (359 autograft, 422 nonautologous graft). Nonautologous grafts included bovine pericardium (n = 63), bovine collagen (n = 225), synthetic (n = 99), and human cadaveric allograft (n = 35). Autograft (103/359, 28.7%) had a similar overall complication rate compared to nonautologous graft (143/422, 33.9%) (p = 0.12). However, nonautologous graft was associated with significantly higher rates of pseudomeningocele (p = 0.04) and meningitis (p < 0.001). The higher rate of meningitis was influenced particularly by the higher rate of chemical meningitis (p = 0.002) versus infectious meningitis (p = 0.132). Among 4 types of nonautologous grafts, there were differences in complication rates (p = 0.02), including chemical meningitis (p = 0.01) and postoperative nausea/vomiting (p = 0.03). Allograft demonstrated the lowest complication rates overall (14.3%) and yielded significantly fewer complications compared to bovine collagen (p = 0.02) and synthetic (p = 0.003) grafts. Synthetic graft yielded higher complication rates than autograft (p = 0.01). Autograft and nonautologous graft resulted in equal improvements in syrinx size (p < 0.0001). No differences were found for postoperative changes in headaches or neck pain. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest multicenter cohort to date, complication rates for dural autograft and nonautologous graft are similar after PFDD for CM-I/SM, although nonautologous graft results in higher rates of pseudomeningocele and meningitis. Rates of meningitis differ among nonautologous graft types. Autograft and nonautologous graft are equivalent for reducing syrinx size, headaches, and neck pain.