Clinical Characteristics as Predictors of Early and Delayed Cerebral Infarction in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients: A Meta-Analysis of 4527 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Predictors of delayed cerebral infarction (DCI) and early cerebral infraction (ECI) among aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients remain unclear. We aimed to systematically review and synthesize the literature on predictors of ECI and DCI among aSAH patients. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases comprehensively from inception through January 2024 for observational cohort studies examining predictors of DCI or ECI following aneurysmal SAH. Studies were screened, reviewed, and meta-analyzed, adhering to PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines. The data were pooled as Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using RevMan 5.4 software. Methodologic quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 12 moderate to high-quality cohort studies comprising 4527 patients. Regarding DCI predictors, Higher severity scores (O.R.=1.49, 95%CI [1.12,1.97], P=0.005) and high Fisher scores (O.R.=2.23, 95%CI [1.28,3.89], P=0.005) on presentation were significantly associated with an increased risk of DCI. Also, the female sex and the presence of vasospasm were significantly associated with an increased risk of DCI (O.R.=3.04, 95%CI [1.35,6.88], P=0.007). In contrast, preexisting hypertension (p=0.94), aneurysm treatment (p=0.14), and location (p=0.16) did not reliably predict DCI risk. Regarding ECI, the pooled analysis demonstrated no significant associations between sex (P=0.51), pre-existing hypertension (P=0.63), severity (P=0.51), or anterior aneurysm location versus posterior (P=0.86) and the occurrence of ECI. CONCLUSION: Female sex, admission disease severity, presence of vasospasm and Fisher grading can predict DCI risk post-aSAH. Significant knowledge gaps exist for ECI predictors. Further large standardized cohorts are warranted to guide prognosis and interventions.

Effect of preservation versus resection of turbinate on olfactory function in endoscopic trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Utilizing endoscopes in surgery offers advantages and concerns, including potential nasal function impacts. Hyposmia following Transseptal Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy ranges from 0% to 2.2%. Debates persist about managing the M.T. in endoscopic sinus surgery due to its impact on nasal function. While preservation is recommended for sinonasal health, debates continue, as certain cases require resection. Our meta-analysis aims to compare turbinate resection and preservation effects on olfactory function. METHODS: We searched five electronic databases to collect all relevant studies. Records were screened for eligibility. Data were extracted from the included studies independently. Our continuous outcomes were pooled as standardized mean difference with 95% CI. Statistical analyses was done by RevMan. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included four studies involving 235 patients (81 males). Evaluating changes in olfaction scores, two one-month studies (82 patients) revealed no significant difference between preservation and resection groups (Std.MD = 0.05[-0.39, 0.50], p = 0.81). For three-month assessments (146 patients), SNOT tests indicated no significant difference (Std.MD = 0.21, 95% CI[-0.11, 0.54], p = 0.20). Two studies used other tests on 70 patients at three months, yielding no significant difference (Std.MD = 0.13, 95% CI [-0.35, 0.62], p = 0.59). Two six-month studies (72 patients) similarly found no significant difference (Std.MD = 0.09, 95% CI [-0.39, 0.56], p = 0.72). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis involving 235 patients examined olfaction score changes over various time frames in trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgeries. No significant differences were observed between turbinate preservation and resection groups at one month, three months, or six months post-surgery.

Subcutaneous preservation versus cryopreservation of autologous bone grafts for cranioplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cranioplasty corrects cranial bone defects using various bone substitutes or autologous bone flaps created during a previous craniectomy surgery. These autologous bone flaps can be preserved through subcutaneous preservation (SP) or cryopreservation (CP). AIM: We aim to compare outcomes and complications for both SP and CP techniques to enhance the current evidence about autologous bone flap preservation. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched to collect all relevant studies. Records were screened for eligibility. Data were extracted from the included studies independently. We categorized surgical site infection (SSI) as either due to Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or not to reveal potential variations in SSI incidence. The double-arm meta-analysis utilized risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MD) with corresponding confidence intervals (CI) to pool categorical and continuous outcomes, respectively. Proportions with their respective 95% CIs were pooled for single-arm meta-analyses to determine outcomes related to SP technique. RESULTS: Seventeen studies involving 1169 patients were analyzed. No significant difference in SSI rates was observed between SP and CP methods in patients with or without TBI. SP was linked to shorter hospital stays in two studies (194 patients). Single-arm analysis showed a 17% revision surgery rate across five studies (375 patients) and infection rates in 17 studies for SP. New bone formation occurred in 13.2% of patients, with 19.9% showing resorption. CONCLUSION: SP and CP methods showed similar SSI rates post-craniectomy in TBI and non-TBI patients. SP was associated with reduced hospitalization time, low infection rates, and a moderate need for revision surgery.

Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Endovascular Therapy for Cerebral Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Antiplatelet therapy is pivotal in endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms. However, there is a lack of studies comparing ticagrelor to clopidogrel in patients with aneurysms undergoing endovascular therapy. Additionally, the existing literature lacks adequate sample size, significant subgrouping, and follow-up, making our study important to cover these gaps. METHODS: We searched 5 databases to collect all relevant studies. Categorical outcomes were pooled as relative risk (R.R.) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). In the single-arm meta-analysis, outcomes were pooled as proportions and their corresponding 95% CI. RESULTS: This comprehensive analysis of 18 studies involving 2,427 patients. For thromboembolic events, the pooled (R.R.) did not show significant differences, whether considering overall events. A similar pattern was observed for thromboembolic events stratified by aneurysmal rupture status, with no significant differences in overall events. Hemorrhagic events did not also exhibit significant differences in previously mentioned stratifications. Furthermore, there were no substantial differences in death and mRS (0-2) on discharge between Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel. Single-arm meta-analyses for Ticagrelor demonstrated low rates of thromboembolic events, hemorrhage, death, and favorable mRS scores, with associated confidence intervals (CIs). Main line of endovascular treatment did not significantly affect either thromboembolic or hemorrhagic outcomes with Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant differences in key outcomes like thromboembolic events, hemorrhagic events, mortality rates, and favorable mRS (0-2) upon discharge in the studied patients between Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel. Moreover, the single-arm meta-analysis for Ticagrelor revealed low rates of thromboembolic events, hemorrhage, mortality, and high rates of favorable mRS scores.

Efficacy and safety of argatroban in the management of acute ischemic stroke: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of death and disability. AIS is caused by an embolus or thrombus that restricts blood flow to the brain tissue. Despite intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy, a substantial number of patients do not achieve effective reperfusion. Argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, can potentially improve neurological outcomes in AIS patients. However, there are conflicting results in the medical literature regarding the efficacy and safety of argatroban in this context. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of argatroban as monotherapy or adjunct therapy for acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: Five major databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy and safety of using argatroban alone or in combination with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-TPA) in the management protocol of the AIS. We used Review Manager Software (RevMan 5.4.1) for data analysis. RESULTS: We included 1393 patients from eight RCTs (of them, 726 were treated with argatroban alone or combined with r-TPA, while 667 received the placebo, standard therapy (standard treatments based on current guidelines including antihypertensive, antiplatelet agents, and statins) or endovascular r-TPA). Neither argatroban vs control nor argatroban with r-TPA vs r-TPA showed significant difference regarding the activity in daily living; (SMD= 1.69, 95% CI [-0.23, 3.61]; p = 0.09), (SMD= 0.99, 95% CI [-0.88, 2.86]; p = 0.30), respectively. Also, there was no significant difference in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at seven days, the number of patients achieving modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0-1 or 0-2 at 90 days (p > 0.05). Argatroban did not significantly increase the risk of adverse events or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), or major systemic bleeding compared to control or r-TPA (p > 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Argatroban does not demonstrate superior efficacy compared to placebo or standard therapy in terms of ADL, NIHSS and mRS outcomes. Importantly, argatroban does not significantly increase the incidence of adverse events, including symptomatic ICH and systemic bleeding.

General Anesthesia Versus Conscious Sedation for Acute Ischemic Stroke Endovascular Therapy: A Meta Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular thrombectomy (E.V.T.) is the primary treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Nevertheless, the optimal choice of anesthetic modality during E.V.T. remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to summarize existing literature from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to guide the selection of the most appropriate anesthetic modality for AIS patients undergoing E.V.T. METHODS: By a thorough search strategy, RCTs comparing general anesthesia (G.A.) and conscious sedation (C.S.) in E.V.T. for AIS patients were identified. Eligible studies were independently screened, and relevant data were extracted. The analysis employed pooled risk ratio for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference for continuous ones. RCTs quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool 1. RESULTS: In the functional independence outcome (mRS scores 0-2), the pooled analysis did not favor either G.A. or C.S. arms, with an RR of 1.10 [0.95, 1.27] (P = 0.19). Excellent (mRS 0-1) and poor (≥3) recovery outcomes did not significantly differ between G.A. and C.S. groups, with RR values of 1.03 [0.80, 1.33] (P = 0.82) and 0.93 [0.84, 1.03] (P = 0.16), respectively. Successful recanalization significantly favored G.A. over C.S. (RR 1.13 [1.07, 1.20], P > 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: G.A. had superior recanalization rates in AIS patients undergoing endovascular therapy, but functional outcomes, mortality, and NIHSS scores were similar. Secondary outcomes showed no significant differences, except for a higher risk of hypotension with G.A. More trials are required to determine the optimal anesthesia approach for thrombectomy in AIS patients.

Safety and efficacy of tirofiban in the management of stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: About 30 % of stroke patients have experienced unsuccessful reperfusion following endovascular therapy. Mechanical thrombectomy instruments may contribute to this by stimulating platelet aggregation. Tirofiban is a selective and rapidly activated antagonist of the platelets nonpeptide glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors that can reversibly suppress platelet aggregation. But, data from the medical literature are conflicting regarding its safety and efficacy for stroke patients. Hence, this study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of tirofiban in stroke patients. METHODS: Five major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane library) were searched till December 2022. The Cochrane tool was used for risk of bias assessment, and the RevMan 5.4 was utilized for data analysis. RESULTS: Seven RCTs with 2088 stroke patients were included. Tirofiban significantly increased the number of patients with mRS 0 score after 90 days than control; RR= 1.39, 95 %CI [1.15, 1.69]; p = 0.0006. Additionally, it reduced the NIHSS score after seven days; MD= -0.60, 95 %CI [-1.14, -0.06]; p = 0.03. However, tirofiban increased the incidence of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH); RR= 1.22, 95 %CI [1.03, 1.44]; p = 0.02. Other assessed outcomes showed insignificant results. CONCLUSIONS: Tirofiban was associated with a higher mRS 0 score after three months and a lower NIHSS score after seven days. However, it is associated with higher ICH. Multicentric trials are required to provide more convincing proof of its utility.

A rare case of pituicytoma-related hyperprolactinemia due to mass effect on infundibular stalk-Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Pituicytomas are extremely rare cancers of the sellar and suprasellar region that appear from the infundibulum or posterior pituitary. World Health Organization in 2007, described pituicytoma as a low-grade tumour (Grade I) in the taxonomy of CNS cancers. The tumour can frequently simulate a pituitary adenoma and is also linked with hormonal disorders. Distinguishing a pituitary adenoma from a pituicytoma can be challenging. We present a rare case report where an elderly female showed high levels of prolactin mainly due to mass effects along with diagnostic, imaging, and immunohistochemical characteristics of pituicytoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old female known case of hypothyroidism, complained of headache associated with dizziness and blurry vision. Her prolactin levels were high which led to the suspicion of pituitary involvement and underwent MRI. The imaging study revealed a well-defined, completely suprasellar, homogenously enhancing mass lesion arising from the left lateral aspect of the pituitary infundibulum. The initial differential diagnosis from the imaging included an ectopic pituitary gland, adenoma, pituicytoma, or hypothalamic glioma. She underwent a right supra-orbital craniotomy for debulking of the pituitary stalk lesion. The histopathological diagnosis was pituicytoma, WHO grade I. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The clinical manifestations are mostly depended upon the tumour mass and position. They typically present due to mass effects leading to hormonal disorders. The imaging studies are the backbone of the clinical diagnosis along with the histopathological findings. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for pituicytoma, with an exceptionally low recurrence rate (4.3 %) following complete removal. CONCLUSION: Pituicytomas are slow-growing, benign glial growths. It is challenging to diagnose before surgery as its clinical manifestations and imaging findings look like those of non-functional pituitary adenomas. The effective treatment for pituicytoma is gross total resection by the endoscopic method or transcranial technique.

Comparison of Burr-Hole Craniostomy versus Twist-Drill Craniostomy Operations for Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) represents one of the most common neurologic disorders in the elderly. However, the optimum surgical option remains questionable. This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of single burr-hole craniostomy (sBHC), double burr-hole craniostomy (dBHC), and twist-drill craniostomy (TDC) in patients with CSDH. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science until October 2022 for prospective trials. Primary outcomes comprised recurrence and mortality. The analysis was performed using R software, and the results were reported as risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Data from 11 prospective clinical trials were included in this network meta-analysis. We found that dBHC significantly decreased recurrence and reoperation rates compared with TDC (RR = 0.55, CI, 0.33-0.90 and RR = 0.48, CI, 0.24-0.94, respectively). However, sBHC showed no difference compared with dBHC and TDC. There was no significant difference among dBHC, sBHC, and TDC regarding the hospitalization duration, complication rates, mortality, and cured rates. CONCLUSIONS: dBHC seems to be the best modality for CSDH compared with sBHC and TDC. It showed significantly less recurrence and reoperation rates compared with TDC. On the other hand, dBHC showed no significant difference with the other comparators regarding complication, mortality, and cure rates in addition to the hospitalization duration.