Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Epidemiology of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury in Brazil.

Aim In response to the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic, governments worldwide implemented measures to prevent infection, resulting in restricted school activities, restricted children's freedom of movement, and increased risk of violence and injuries at home, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), among children. In Brazil, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the causes, severity, and mortality of pediatric TBI have not yet been investigated. Thus, our study aimed to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the epidemiology of pediatric TBI among Brazilian children. Materials and methods We investigated the patients with TBI aged <18 years who visited a tertiary trauma center in Brazil in 2019 and 2020. TBI-related variables, such as classification, mechanism, clinical manifestations, need for intervention, morbidity, and mortality, were recorded. Furthermore, we used a nationwide databank to collect information on mortality from external causes of trauma and violence in the pediatric population in 2019 and 2020. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare quantitative variables related to the mechanisms and severity of TBI in both periods in order to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Of the patients with traumatic brain injury, 1371 visited the trauma center in 2019 and 1052 in 2020. No difference was noted in the incidence rate of abusive head trauma between these periods (p=0.142) or in mortality from violence in Brazil. Recreational causes of pediatric TBI increased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and falls from bicycles significantly increased during the pandemic (p<0.001). Conclusion A global reduction in pediatric admissions to emergency rooms as well as no impact on mortality and severity of pediatric TBI were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Additionally, a public education program regarding child safety during recreational activities, particularly how to avoid falls from bicycles was recommended.

The Role of Neuroplasticity in Improving the Decision-Making Quality of Individuals With Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum: A Systematic Review.

Although individuals with agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC) possess intelligence coefficients within regular parameters, current studies have demonstrated decision-making compromise and potential negative social consequences. Furthermore, alternative pathways regarding brain connectivity in acallosal patients combined with cognitive therapy that would potentially mitigate such difficulties. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the current state of the art regarding brain foundations in the role of neuroplasticity by improving the decision-making quality in ACC. A systematic revision of literature was performed including studies conducted on non-syndromic ACC individuals and analyzing the impact of the potential role of neuroplasticity on the decision-making published to date. Studies with patients who underwent callosotomy were excluded. Experimental studies performed on animal models were included. During this period, 849 studies were identified; among them, 11 were eligible for qualitative analysis. Despite the paucity of evidence on this matter, patients with ACC present considerable decision-making difficulties mainly due to the functional connectivity impairment in the frontal lobes. Moreover, neuroplasticity was characterized by increased anterior commissure width as compared with controls. Notwithstanding, no studies were conducted on cognitive therapists managing this type of disease. Although the reorganization of inter-hemispheric bundles on anterior commissure has demonstrated the main natural neuroanatomic strategy in ACC, further evidence will be needed to clarify whether cognitive stimulus could improve the decision-making quality.

Trigonocephaly and Cranium Bifidum Occultum Treated Simultaneously Using the Split-Bone Technique and Piezosurgery.

Cranium bifidum occultum (CBO) is a rare congenital disease characterized by the anomalous ossification of parietal bones, which presents with a midline bone defect with no extrusion of intracranial content. Its association with craniosynostosis has been reported only a few times to date. The aim of this case report was to describe, for the first time, the association between presumed non-syndromic trigonocephaly and CBO, as well as the treatment of both conditions using the same surgical approach. This was done by performing fronto-orbital advancement and the split-bone technique using piezosurgery, in order to achieve an autologous sample to cover the bone defect. To the best of our knowledge, this approach was proven to be safe and able to treat both diseases without a heterologous bone graft.

Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma of the Frontal Lobe in a Child: A Rare Entity.

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is an infrequent neoplasm that affects children less commonly than adults. In this case report, a four-year-old boy presented with focal seizures has diagnosed with this tumor in the frontal lobe. Complete surgical resection was achieved, and histopathological features of PXA grade II were observed. During follow-up, the patient showed improvement of the focal seizures. In spite of the pleomorphic features, the PXA had a favorable prognosis.

The role of the Liliequist membrane in the third ventriculostomy.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a hydrocephalus treatment procedure that involves opening the Liliequist membrane (LM). However, LM anatomy has not been well-studied neuroendoscopically, because approach angles differ between descriptive and microsurgical anatomical explorations. Discrepancies in ETV efficacy, especially among children age 2 and younger, may be due to incomplete LM opening. The objective of this study was to characterize the LM anatomically from a neuroendoscopic perspective to better understand the impact of anatomical features during LM ostomy and the ETV success rate. Additionally, the ETV success score was tested to predict patient outcome after the intraoperatively difficult opening of LM. Fifty-four patients who underwent ETV were prospectively analyzed with a mean follow-up of 53.1 months (1-90 months). The ETV technical parameters of difficulty were validated by seven expert neurosurgeons. The pediatric population (44) of this study represents the majority of patients (81.4%). The overall ETV success rate was 68.5%. Anomalies on the IIIVT floor resulted in an increased rate of ETV failure. The IIIVT was anomalous, and LM was thick in 33.3% of cases. Fenestration of LM was difficult in 39% of cases, and the LM and TC were opened separately in 55.6% of cases. The endoscopic third ventriculostomy success score (ETVSS) accurately predicted the level of difficulty opening the LM (p = 0.012), and the group with easy opening presented greater durability in ETV success. Neurosurgeons should be aware of the difficulty level of the overture of LM during ETV and its impact on long-term ETV effectiveness.

Abdominal Complications Related to Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement: A Comprehensive Review of Literature.

Ever since the shunt device became the gold standard treatment for hydrocephalus, complications due to infections and mechanical problems have increased while lives have been saved. In addition, abdominal complications have become an important issue as the peritoneum is now the main place to insert the distal catheter. The most common complications were abdominal pseudocyst, distal catheter migration, inguinal hernia, catheter disconnection, and intestinal obstruction. The pediatric population is more prone to develop most of these complications due to their rapidly growing body, weaker abdominal musculature, and increased intraabdominal pressure. The goal of this review was to study the main aspects associated with abdominal complications after ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion, including the pathophysiology, epidemiological aspects, as well as the rationale for management and prevention according to the current "state-of-the-art." It is paramount to recognize the risk factors associated with various types of complications to manage them properly.

External validation of the ETV success score in 313 pediatric patients: a Brazilian single-center study.

The endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) success score (ETVSS) was developed to predict the success rate of ETV at 6 months. In this study, the authors assessed the performance of this score for > 6 months, i.e., at 12 months, and provided external validation in Brazilian children. All children undergoing first ETV (without choroid plexus cauterization) at a Brazilian single institution for > 20 years were included in the study. The ETVSS was retrospectively calculated for each patient and compared with the actual success of the procedure observed at 6 and 12 months after the procedure. A total of 313 eligible children underwent initial ETV, 34.18% of whom had undergone shunt placement before ETV. The most common etiologies were aqueductal stenosis (45%) and non-tectal brain tumors (20.8%). ETV was successful at 6 months in 229 patients (73.16%) compared with the 61.3% predicted by the ETVSS. The overall actual success rate observed at 1 year after ETV was 65.1% (204 patients). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.660 at 6 months and 0.668 at 1 year, which suggested a tendency for the ETVSS to underestimate the actual success rate of ETV at both timepoints. The ETVSS showed good success prediction in accordance with the actual ETV success rate and proved to be useful during the decision-making process of ETV.

Neuroendoscopic Approach of a Massive Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma in a Child Using a Single Burr Hole.

There are several treatment modalities for the management of subdural fluid collection in infants, such as fontanelle puncture and drainage, burr hole irrigation, and subduroperitoneal shunt. This report describes the case of a girl born with congenital neurological impairment due to severe injury of the brain with unknown etiology. At five months of age, she suffered from head trauma and developed somnolence after three days and was diagnosed with a bilateral massive chronic subdural hematoma. Normal fundoscopy did not confirm the non-accidental head trauma. Neuroendoscopy using a single burr hole was performed and complete drainage was achieved. Arachnoid tearing was observed during the procedure. Postoperatively, the patient showed clinical improvement, and brain expansion was observed after one month. The main advantages of neuroendoscopy for bilateral massive chronic subdural hematoma are accurate visualization of the space, minimal invasiveness, and treatment of both sides with reliable drainage control.

A Technique for Minimizing the Need for Hemotransfusion in Non-Syndromic Craniosynostosis Surgery.

ABSTRACT: Surgery for craniosynostosis is associated with excessive blood loss, as well as morbidity and mortality risks. This study investigated the effectiveness of a surgical technique for nonsyndromic craniosynostosis intervention in controlling bleeding, assessed based on the volume of blood transfused. The cohort included 73 children who underwent nonsyndromic craniosynostosis surgery during a 3-year period. Retrospective evaluation of patient parameters included sex, weight, and age at the time of surgery; type of craniosynostosis; duration of surgery; hemoglobin concentration before and after surgery; rate of transfusion; and volume of transfused blood (mL/kg). The surgical technique involved skin incision and subgaleal dissection using electrocautery with a Colorado needle tip. The pericranium was not removed but instead kept in situ, and orbiectomy was performed using piezosurgery. Of the 73 children in the cohort, 75.3% underwent fronto-orbital advancement and were included in the analysis. The average age was 10.9 months (range: 4-96 months), with 68.5% boys and 31.5% girls (P < 0.001). The most common type of craniosynostosis was trigonocephaly (57.5%), followed by scaphocephaly (19.2%). The mean duration of the surgery was 2 hours and 55 minutes. Blood transfusion was needed in 56.2% of patients, with a mean volume of 8.7 mL/kg body weight transfused intraoperatively. No complications or fatalities were observed. These results suggested that meticulous, continuous control of homeostasis is paramount in minimizing blood loss during surgical repair of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis.

Proposed radiological score for the evaluation of isolated fourth ventricle treated by endoscopic aqueductoplasty.

PURPOSE: Evidence supporting the effectiveness of endoscopic aqueductoplasty (EA) for the treatment of isolated fourth ventricle (IFV) is limited to small surgical series of cases. Additionally, studies adopted different radiological outcome criteria, which makes it difficult to compare outcomes accurately. Thus, we aimed to develop a radiological score (RS) as an alternative assessment method for EA. METHODS: The cases of 20 consecutive pediatric patients harboring IFV and treated by EA were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data and pre- and 1-year postoperative brain images were analyzed. The RS was based on the enlargement of the fourth ventricle and deformation of the cerebellum and brainstem. After randomization, three experts, blinded to patient outcomes, analyzed the brain images and established a consensus for the values of the score. Outcomes were validated by comparing the maximum anteroposterior distance of the fourth ventricle using the RS, pediatric functional status score, and clinical symptoms. RESULTS: The RS was strongly correlated with the anteroposterior distance of the fourth ventricle (Pearson's coefficient = 0.78), and the mean RS dropped from 6.15 to 3.90 (p < 0.001) 1 year after EA. Upward extension (p = 0.021) and brainstem deformation (p = 0.010) were the most significant improved features. There was agreement among RS and symptom improvement in 16 children (80%) and the pediatric functional status score in 14 children (70%). CONCLUSION: In this study, the proposed radiological score proved to be an accurate tool for the evaluation of IFV treatment with EA.

Technical Strategy Using Piezosurgery to Correct Flattened Supraorbital Rim in Unilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis.

ABSTRACT: The surgical correction of orbital deformities in patients with unilateral coronal craniosynostosis is challenging. Traditional techniques have shown the persistence of orbital flattening. This study presents a new strategy for remodeling the compromised orbit, using the piezosurgery technique, which improves the orbital curvature.

Selective Neuroendoscopic Resection of the Choroid Plexus as an Alternative Technique for Optimizing the Standard Endoscopic Approach to Hydrocephalus.

In the past four decades, enormous advances have been made in the neuroendoscopic techniques, along with improvement of illumination, and the development of effective instruments. As a result, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) have become consolidated techniques for the treatment of hydrocephalus. In particular, endoscopic cauterization of the choroid plexus has increased the effectiveness of hydrocephalus treatment in combination with ETV. In the past decade, the use of flexible endoscopes has enabled surgeons to resect even the temporal segment of the choroid plexus at the lateral ventricles, which has increased the success of treatment. In this technical note, we describe CPC with the use of a rigid endoscope, which we used to selectively disconnect the glomus of the choroid plexus, in addition to choroid plexus coagulation, as an alternative way to facilitate ETV. This new procedure optimized the visualization of the choroid plexus and the temporal horn and prevented additional difficulties in coagulation of this mobile region of the choroid plexus in selected patients. To achieve the best outcome, avoid bleeding, and optimize the standard technique, it was important to recognize both the classical anatomic structure of the choroid plexus and some variations, and previous expertise in ETV and CPC were necessary. We demonstrate that resection of the glomus of the choroid plexus in selected patients is safe and feasible.

Tethered Cord Syndrome After Myelomeningocele Repair: A Literature Update.

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) after myelomeningocele (MMC) repair (or secondary TCS) is a challenging condition characterized by neurological, orthopedic, and urological symptoms, which are combined with a low-lying position of the conus medullaris and damage to the stretched spinal cord owing to metabolic and vascular derangements. It has been reported that this syndrome affects, on average, 30% of children with MMC. In this review, we revisit the historical aspects of secondary TCS and highlight the most important concepts of diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for secondary TCS as well as the current research regarding the impact of fetal MMC repair in the incidence and management of TCS. In the future, the development of synthetic models of TCS could shorten the learning curve of pediatric neurosurgeons, and research into the cellular proapoptotic features and increased inflammation biomarkers associated with TCS will also improve the treatment of this condition and minimize retethering of the spinal cord.

Pediatric minor head trauma in Brazil and external validation of PECARN rules with a cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric minor head trauma approaches aim to ensure the absence of traumatic brain lesions, minimize ionizing radiation, and enhance cost control. We evaluated the applicability and cost-effectiveness of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) rules after head trauma and rationalize the use of head computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: We retrospectively divided patients <18 years old who presented at a single institution in Brazil with minor head trauma into four groups: Group I (skull X-ray only), Group II (head CT only), Group III (X-ray and CT), and Group IV (observation only). Direct costs were calculated based on examination and length of hospitalization. The PECARN rules were applied retrospectively in each patient to determine who required a CT scan, and the costs were re-calculated. RESULTS: Of the 1328 patients, CT scans were performed in 36.4% and X-rays in 52.6%. The mean cost was USD 5.88, 34.58, 41.85, and 4.04 for Groups I-IV, respectively. After applying the PECARN rules, 77.6% of patients no longer required a CT scan, and overall costs were reduced from USD 16.71 to 7.88 (p < .001). Conclusion: The PECARN rules demonstrated a meaningful cost-effectiveness and should be applied to the Brazilian pediatric population.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in patients with myelomeningocele after shunt failure.

PURPOSE: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most frequent form of spina bifida. Moreover, 90% of patients with MMC have hydrocephalus and require shunt placement. However, shunt failure management in such patients typically involves several shunt revisions, increasing the risk for morbidity and mortality. In this study, we report our experience with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in MMC patients with shunts in a Brazilian institution. METHODS: Patients with MMC who presented with shunt failure and underwent ETV alone between January 1996 and December 2016 were included in this study. Patients who had undergone endoscopic choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) or had non-shunted MMC hydrocephalus were excluded. Various data related to the ETV procedure were collected for each patient, including features, operative characteristics, complications, and ETV success. The follow-up period for the patients was 6-12 months. ETV success scores (ETVSSs) were calculated retrospectively for each patient to compare the predicted success of the procedure with the actual success at 6 months after ETV. RESULTS: Forty-three MMC patients with shunt failure were included in this study. Of them, 16 (37.2%) had a previous central nervous system (CNS) infection and 4 (9.3%) had complications. Two neuroendoscopies were interrupted, one because of anatomic impossibility due to thickening of the interthalamic adhesion, obliterating the floor of the third ventricle, and another because of intraoperative hemorrhage. One patient developed hyponatremia during the postoperative period, whereas another developed reversible paresis of the oculomotor nerve. The ETVSS predicted a success rate of 49.6% compared with the actual ETV success rate of 53.48% (23 patients) at 6 months. At 12 months, the actual success rate was 41.9% (18 patients). All patients survived the procedure. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that ETV is an effective procedure for managing MMC-related hydrocephalus after shunt failure. The expertise of the neurosurgeon in neuroendoscopy procedures is often the deciding factor when choosing a management option. Accordingly, less experienced neurosurgeons should be warned of the risks of this procedure.