Radiosurgical Decompression of Trigeminal Nerve and Its Correlation with Functional Outcome in Tumor-Related Trigeminal Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: Target selection during Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in cases of tumor-related trigeminal neuralgia is always debatable. We analyzed the correlation of regression of tumor size and degree of release of the nerve with long-term pain control. METHODS: Between March 2012 and March 2023, 50 cases of tumor-related trigeminal neuralgia were treated with GKRS (tumor was targeted). Radiological findings after GKRS were categorized into 3 types: 1) tumor volume remained same or decreased, additional segment of nerve not seen; 2) tumor volume decreased, additional segment of trigeminal nerve seen, but tumor still adherent to the nerve; 3) tumor volume decreased, adjacent nerve seen completely separated from tumor. Pain score before and after GKRS (Barrow Neurological Institute I-III: good; Barrow Neurological Institute IV and V: poor) was correlated with these subgroups. RESULTS: At median follow-up of 46.5 months, 18 cases showed type 1 radiological response, 23 showed type 2 response, and 9 showed type 3 response. Good pain control was achieved in 10 (55.5%) patients with type 1, 15 (65.21%) with type 2, and 7 (77.8%) with type 3 responses. The outcome differences among these 3 groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.519). Five patients with type 3 radiological response were off medication, which was statistically better than type 1 and type 2 radiological responses, with 3 patients (P = 0.012) and 2 patients (P = 0.002), respectively, still receiving medication. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor volume reduction after GKRS may be associated with good pain control in tumor-related trigeminal neuralgia. Further, this allows visualization of additional segment of nerve that can be targeted in a second session for treating recurrent or failed cases.

Primary Dural Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia/Lymphoma Masquerading Meningioma: Report of a Case and Review of Literature.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma (ALL) is a systemic disease which primarily involves bone marrow or lymphoid organs. Extranodal presentation of ALL is uncommon, and ALL presenting as a dural mass is exceedingly rare. Here we present a case of primary dural B-cell ALL which was preoperatively diagnosed as meningioma on clinico-radiological grounds. A 27-year-old female patient presented with left hemicranial headache for one month's duration along with progressive vision loss of in both eye and altered behaviour. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) suggest dural based mass with dural tail sign. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed B-cell ALL. Further systemic investigations didn't suggest any peripheral blood, bone marrow or lymph node involvement. To the best of our knowledge, only two cases of primary dural ALL have been reported in the literature so far. This report highlights the diagnostic difficulty in extramedullary precursor lymphoid neoplasm.

Morphology of intra tumoral cystic vestibular schwannoma and their response to gammaknife radiosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Cystic vestibular schwannoma (CVS) traditionally considered as poor responder to gammaknife radiosurgery (GKRS). Their longterm radiobiological behavior is less known. Here we discuss 38 cases with intra tumoral cyst CVS primarily treated with GKRS. Tumor morphology was assessed to understand their response to GKRS. METHODS: Total 38 patients(21 male and 17 female with median age of 41.7 years) of CVS treated with GKRS were retrospectively analysed. Tumors were divided as predominantly (greater than50% of total tumor volume) cystic or solid. They were subclassified as type 1 (predominantly cystic CVS, single cyst), type 2 (predominantly solid CVS, single cysts), type 3 (multicystic CVS). The entire cyst was incorporated for radiosurgery. The results were compared with volume matched control of 58 solid tumors(SVS). RESULT: The median tumor volume of CVS was 5.8 cc. The median tumor volume reduction was 44.5 % at a median follow-up of 68.5 months (30-110 months). Median tumor volume reduction was 68.5 %, 34.0%, 11.0.%, 30.5% at a median follow up of 52.5months, 66 months, 78.6 months, 96.5 months for type 1 CVS, type 2 CVS, type 3 CVS and SVS respectively. One patient with multicystic CVS showed increased tumor volume and expired after 9 months of surgery.The tumor volume reduction in type 1CVS was statistically significant as compared to type 3 CVS and SVS. However the tumor volume reduction among other groups did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Intra tumoral cystic components respond better to gammaknife radiosurgery in CVS. Tumor with single cyst respond better than multicystic vestibular schwannoma.

Decompressive Craniectomy versus Craniotomy for Acute Subdural Hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic acute subdural hematomas frequently warrant surgical evacuation by means of a craniotomy (bone flap replaced) or decompressive craniectomy (bone flap not replaced). Craniectomy may prevent intracranial hypertension, but whether it is associated with better outcomes is unclear. METHODS: We conducted a trial in which patients undergoing surgery for traumatic acute subdural hematoma were randomly assigned to undergo craniotomy or decompressive craniectomy. An inclusion criterion was a bone flap with an anteroposterior diameter of 11 cm or more. The primary outcome was the rating on the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) (an 8-point scale, ranging from death to "upper good recovery" [no injury-related problems]) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included the GOSE rating at 6 months and quality of life as assessed by the EuroQol Group 5-Dimension 5-Level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). RESULTS: A total of 228 patients were assigned to the craniotomy group and 222 to the decompressive craniectomy group. The median diameter of the bone flap was 13 cm (interquartile range, 12 to 14) in both groups. The common odds ratio for the differences across GOSE ratings at 12 months was 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.60 to 1.18; P = 0.32). Results were similar at 6 months. At 12 months, death had occurred in 30.2% of the patients in the craniotomy group and in 32.2% of those in the craniectomy group; a vegetative state occurred in 2.3% and 2.8%, respectively, and a lower or upper good recovery occurred in 25.6% and 19.9%. EQ-5D-5L scores were similar in the two groups at 12 months. Additional cranial surgery within 2 weeks after randomization was performed in 14.6% of the craniotomy group and in 6.9% of the craniectomy group. Wound complications occurred in 3.9% of the craniotomy group and in 12.2% of the craniectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with traumatic acute subdural hematoma who underwent craniotomy or decompressive craniectomy, disability and quality-of-life outcomes were similar with the two approaches. Additional surgery was performed in a higher proportion of the craniotomy group, but more wound complications occurred in the craniectomy group. (Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research; RESCUE-ASDH ISRCTN Registry number, ISRCTN87370545.).

Setting up a Neurosurgical Skills Laboratory and Designing Simulation Courses to Augment Resident Training Program.

Background: The surgical skill practice in neurosurgery is being compromised in the recent past owing to the duty time constraint, patient safety concerns, and medico-legal issues. Surgical practice outside the operating room is essential to enhance a resident's operative skills and to gain confidence. Objective: To discuss the experience of establishing an 'in-house neurosurgery skills laboratory' and various training sessions conducted with cadaveric and non-cadaveric simulation modules. Methods: A skills laboratory was set up in the existing resident teaching hall with nine workstations. Each station has been equipped with an operating table, surgeon's chair, basic microscope, endoscope, high-speed drill system, and a suction machine. Vascular anastomosis, high-speed drilling, and basic neuroendoscopy were planned on low-cost non-cadaveric modules. Craniotomy and various surgical approaches were designed on cadaveric modules obtained from the anatomy department. Result: A total of 18 residents in divided groups during their initial three semesters had participated in the non-cadaveric simulation courses. Twenty-six residents had participated and 12 sessions were conducted on the cadaveric modules. Three workshops were conducted and 20 residents and faculty members from five other institutions had participated in the cadaveric hands-on training session. Conclusion: A well-equipped skills laboratory provides an opportunity for the residents to acquire operative expertise in a similar atmosphere to that of the operating theater. A structured program comprising various operative practice sessions should be incorporated into the resident training program.

Casemix, management, and mortality of patients rreseceiving emergency neurosurgery for traumatic brain injury in the Global Neurotrauma Outcomes Study: a prospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly recognised as being responsible for a substantial proportion of the global burden of disease. Neurosurgical interventions are an important aspect of care for patients with TBI, but there is little epidemiological data available on this patient population. We aimed to characterise differences in casemix, management, and mortality of patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI across different levels of human development. METHODS: We did a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients with TBI undergoing emergency neurosurgery, in a convenience sample of hospitals identified by open invitation, through international and regional scientific societies and meetings, individual contacts, and social media. Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI in each hospital's 30-day study period were all eligible for inclusion, with the exception of patients undergoing insertion of an intracranial pressure monitor only, ventriculostomy placement only, or a procedure for drainage of a chronic subdural haematoma. The primary outcome was mortality at 14 days postoperatively (or last point of observation if the patient was discharged before this time point). Countries were stratified according to their Human Development Index (HDI)-a composite of life expectancy, education, and income measures-into very high HDI, high HDI, medium HDI, and low HDI tiers. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to examine the effect of HDI on mortality while accounting for and quantifying between-hospital and between-country variation. FINDINGS: Our study included 1635 records from 159 hospitals in 57 countries, collected between Nov 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2020. 328 (20%) records were from countries in the very high HDI tier, 539 (33%) from countries in the high HDI tier, 614 (38%) from countries in the medium HDI tier, and 154 (9%) from countries in the low HDI tier. The median age was 35 years (IQR 24-51), with the oldest patients in the very high HDI tier (median 54 years, IQR 34-69) and the youngest in the low HDI tier (median 28 years, IQR 20-38). The most common procedures were elevation of a depressed skull fracture in the low HDI tier (69 [45%]), evacuation of a supratentorial extradural haematoma in the medium HDI tier (189 [31%]) and high HDI tier (173 [32%]), and evacuation of a supratentorial acute subdural haematoma in the very high HDI tier (155 [47%]). Median time from injury to surgery was 13 h (IQR 6-32). Overall mortality was 18% (299 of 1635). After adjustment for casemix, the odds of mortality were greater in the medium HDI tier (odds ratio [OR] 2·84, 95% CI 1·55-5·2) and high HDI tier (2·26, 1·23-4·15), but not the low HDI tier (1·66, 0·61-4·46), relative to the very high HDI tier. There was significant between-hospital variation in mortality (median OR 2·04, 95% CI 1·17-2·49). INTERPRETATION: Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI differed considerably in their admission characteristics and management across human development settings. Level of human development was associated with mortality. Substantial opportunities to improve care globally were identified, including reducing delays to surgery. Between-hospital variation in mortality suggests changes at an institutional level could influence outcome and comparative effectiveness research could identify best practices. FUNDING: National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Group.

Factors Affecting Time to Emergence From General Anesthesia Following Clipping of Ruptured Aneurysms: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Early emergence from anesthesia is valuable, especially among neurosurgical patients for postoperative neurological evaluation and appropriate interventions. However, the factors affecting the emergence in patients undergoing clipping of ruptured aneurysms have not been studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study on patients of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) Grades I to III, undergoing surgical clipping. All relevant preoperative and intraoperative details were collected and analyzed to assess the factors affecting emergence time. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients with a median age of 46 years were included in the study. The number of patients with Fisher Grades I, II, III, and IV was 6, 20, 25, and 16, respectively. The median time to emergence was 17 minutes (interquartile range 10-240 minutes). On univariate analysis, the factors that were found to have a significant relationship with time to emergence were preoperative Glasgow Coma Score (GCS; P = 0.02), WFNS grade (P = 0.005, temporary clipping time (P = 0.03), and the temperature at the end of surgery (P < 0.001) In the multivariate analysis using generalized linear model, preinduction GCS (P < 0.001), patient's temperature at the end of surgery (P < 0.001), and temporary clipping time (P = 0.01) had a significant impact on the emergence time, independent of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, Fisher grade, duration of anesthesia and of each other, with GCS and temperature having the maximum impact. ROC curve for temperature had a cutoff value at 35.3°C with an 83% probability of awakening beyond 15 minutes if the temperature decreased below 35.3°C. CONCLUSION: The preinduction GCS, the temperature of patients at the end of surgery, and the duration of temporary clipping have a significant independent impact on the time to emergence from neurosurgical anesthesia, in the order of the strength of the association.

Intracranial Textiloma: Imaging Features and Literature Review.

Background and Importance Intracranial textilomas are retained surgical sponges presenting as pseudomass lesions in postoperative patients usually with surrounding inflammatory reaction. Though rare, these are commonly misdiagnosed as postoperative hemorrhagic collections, abscesses, radionecrosis, or residual/recurrent mass lesions. We describe the imaging findings of intracranial textilomas diagnosed in four patients on follow-up postoperative imaging along with their characteristic imaging findings to help radiologists/neurosurgeons make accurate diagnosis. Clinical Presentation One patient had chronic headache without any focal neurological deficits. Rest of the patients were asymptomatic at the time of presentation Conclusion In postoperative scans, possibility of textilomas should be considered apart from residual/recurrent lesions, postoperative abscesses, or radionecrosis. Correct and timely diagnosis is important for further treatment planning and patient care.

Perioperative cardiovascular changes in patients with traumatic brain injury: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acutely stressful condition. Stress and conglomeration of various factors predispose to the involvement of other organ systems. The stress response from TBI has been associated with cardiovascular complications reflecting as repolarization abnormalities on electrocardiogram (ECG) to systolic dysfunction on echocardiography. However, the perioperative cardiac functions in patients with TBI have not been evaluated. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study in 60 consecutive adult patients of either sex between the age of 10 and 70 years with an isolated head injury who were taken up for decompressive craniectomy as per institutional protocol. ECG and transthoracic echocardiography was carried out preoperatively and then postoperatively within 24-48 h. RESULTS: The mean age of our study population was 39 + 13 years with a median Glasgow coma score of 11. A majority (73%) of our patients suffered moderate TBI. Preoperatively, ECG changes were seen in 48.33% of patients. Postoperatively, ECG changes declined and were seen only in 13.33% of the total patients. Similarly, echocardiography demonstrated preoperative systolic dysfunction in 13.33% of the total study population. Later, it was found that systolic function significantly improved in all the patients after surgery. CONCLUSION: Cardiac dysfunction occurs frequently following TBI. Even patients with mild TBI had preoperative systolic dysfunction on echocardiography. Surgical intervention in the form of hematoma evacuation and decompression was associated with significant regression of both ECG and echocardiographic changes.

Primary Hypofractionated Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Giant Cavernous Sinus Hemangiomas.

Cavernous sinus hemangioma (CSH) are notoriously difficult to excise because of their location, propensity for profuse bleeding during surgery, and relationship to complex neurovascular structures. Radiosurgery offers an alternative treatment modality in cases of small and medium-sized CSH. However, no reports are available in the world literature detailing gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in large (3-4 cm) and giant (>4 cm) CSH. Two patients with giant CSH (Tumor volume was 72.2 and 99.8 cm3, respectively) were treated with frame-based fractionated GKRS (5 Gy × 5 #). The treatment was done with Leksell Perfexion with frame in situ and interfraction interval of 24 h. The tumor was engulfing the optic apparatus, and chiasma could not be separated delineated. The patients were followed at 3 months interval with clinic-radiologic evaluation. Following GKRS, both patients showed remarkable clinical improvement in presenting complaints of headache and visual deterioration. Sixth nerve paresis recovered completely in case no. 1. Significant reduction in tumor volumes (85.1 and 75.6% respectively) was noticed in both the patients at 6 months follow-up radiology. Transient alopecia was noted in case 1 at 3 months follow-up that completely resolved by the 6 months. There was no complication till the last follow-up of 9 months. We report the first account of five fraction frame-based hypo fractionated GKRS for giant CSH. At an interval as short as 3 months, giant CSH shows remarkable clinical improvement. Primary hypofractionated GKRS may be considered an alternative effective modality in these difficult lesions with a favorable safety profile.

Head injury care in a low- and middle-income country tertiary trauma center: epidemiology, systemic lacunae, and possible leads.

BACKGROUND: Although head injury (HI) from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) heavily contributes to the global disease burden, studies are disproportionately less from this part of the world. Knowing the different epidemiological characteristics from high-income nations can target appropriate prevention strategies. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinico-epidemiological data of HI patients, focusing on the existing challenges with possible solutions from a developing nation's perspective. METHODS: This is a prospective, registry-based, observational study of HI in an Indian tertiary trauma-care center over 4 years. Various clinico-epidemiological parameters, risk factors, and imaging spectrum were analyzed in a multivariate model to identify the challenges faced by LMIC and discuss pragmatic solutions. RESULTS: The study included a large-volume cohort of 14,888 patients. Notably, half of these patients belonged to mild HI, despite most were referred (90.3%) cases. Only one-third (30.8%) had severe HI. Less than a third reached us within 6 h of injury. Road traffic accidents (RTA) accounted for most injuries (61.1%), especially in the young (70.9%). Higher age, males, RTA, helmet non-usage, drunken driving, systemic injuries, and specific imaging features had an independent association with injury severity. CONCLUSIONS: The study represents the much-needed, large-volume, epidemiological profile of HI from an LMIC, highlighting the suboptimal utilization of peripheral healthcare systems. Strengthening and integrating these facilities with the tertiary centers in a hub and enhanced spoke model, task sharing design, and efficient back-referrals promise effective neurotrauma care while avoiding overburden in the tertiary centers. Better implementation of road safety laws also has the potential to reduce the burden of HI.

COVID-19: changing patterns among neurosurgical patients from North India, efficacy of repeat testing, and inpatient prevalence.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 has affected surgical practice globally. Treating neurosurgical patients with the restrictions imposed by the pandemic is challenging in institutions with shared patient areas. The present study was performed to assess the changing patterns of neurosurgical cases, the efficacy of repeated testing before surgery, and the prevalence of COVID-19 in asymptomatic neurosurgical inpatients. METHODS: Cases of non-trauma-related neurosurgical patients treated at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were reviewed. During the pandemic, all patients underwent a nasopharyngeal swab reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test to detect COVID-19 at admission. Patients who needed immediate intervention were surgically treated following a single COVID-19 test, while stable patients who initially tested negative for COVID-19 were subjected to repeated testing at least 5 days after the first test and within 48 hours prior to the planned surgery. The COVID-19 positivity rate was compared with the local period prevalence. The number of patients who tested positive at the second test, following a negative first test, was used to determine the probable number of people who could have become infected during the surgical procedure without second testing. RESULTS: Of the total 1769 non-trauma-related neurosurgical patients included in this study, a mean of 337.2 patients underwent surgery per month before COVID-19, while a mean of 184.2 patients (54.6% of pre-COVID-19 capacity) underwent surgery per month during the pandemic period, when COVID-19 cases were on the rise in India. There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients undergoing surgery for a ruptured aneurysm, stroke, hydrocephalus, and cerebellar tumors, while the number of patients seeking surgery for chronic benign diseases declined. At the first COVID-19 test, 4 patients (0.48%) tested were found to have the disease, a proportion 3.7 times greater than that found in the local community. An additional 5 patients tested positive at the time of the second COVID-19 test, resulting in an overall inpatient period prevalence of 1%, in contrast to a 0.2% national cumulative caseload. It is possible that COVID-19 was prevented in approximately 67.4 people every month by using double testing. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 has changed the pattern of neurosurgical procedures, with acute cases dominating the practice. Despite the fact that the pandemic has not yet reached its peak in India, COVID-19 has been detected 3.7 times more often in asymptomatic neurosurgical inpatients than in the local community, even with single testing. Double testing displays an incremental value by disclosing COVID-19 overall in 1 in 100 inpatients and thus averting its spread through neurosurgical services.

Role of gamma knife radiosurgery in the management of intracranial gliomas.

Gamma knife for gliomas is a relatively obscure treatment modality with few reports and small series available on the same. An extensive search of English Language literature yields no comprehensive reviews of the same. We here, attempt to review the available literature on gamma knife for all types of gliomas: Low grade, High grade, recurrent, and also for pediatric populations. We used keywords such as "Gamma Knife Glioma," "Stereotactic Radiosurgery Glioma," "Gamma Knife," "Adjuvant therapy Glioma" "Recurrent Glioma" on PubMed search engine, and articles were selected with respect to their use of gamma Knife for Gliomas and outcome for the same. These were then analyzed and salient findings were elucidated. This was combined with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for the same and also included our own initial experience with these tumors. Gamma-knife improved long term survival and quality of life in patients with low grade gliomas. In pediatric low grade gliomas, it may be considered as a treatment modality with a marginal dose of 12-14 Gy, especially in eloquent structures such as brain stem glioma, anterior optic pathway hypothalamic glioma. However, in newly diagnosed high-grade glioma gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is not recommended because of a lack of definitive evidence in tumor control and quality of life. GKRS may find its role in palliative care of recurrent gliomas irrespective of type and grade. Inspite of growing experience with GKRS for gliomas, there is no Level I evidence in support of GKRS, hence better designed randomized controlled trials with long term outcomes are warranted. Although this modality is not a "one size fits all' therapy, it has its moments when chosen correctly and applied wisely. Gliomas being the most common tumors operated in any neurosurgical setting, knowledge about this modality and its application is essential and useful.

Management and outcomes following emergency surgery for traumatic brain injury - A multi-centre, international, prospective cohort study (the Global Neurotrauma Outcomes Study).

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for a significant amount of death and disability worldwide and the majority of this burden affects individuals in low-and-middle income countries. Despite this, considerable geographical differences have been reported in the care of TBI patients. On this background, we aim to provide a comprehensive international picture of the epidemiological characteristics, management and outcomes of patients undergoing emergency surgery for traumatic brain injury (TBI) worldwide. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Global Neurotrauma Outcomes Study (GNOS) is a multi-centre, international, prospective observational cohort study. Any unit performing emergency surgery for TBI worldwide will be eligible to participate. All TBI patients who receive emergency surgery in any given consecutive 30-day period beginning between 1st of November 2018 and 31st of December 2019 in a given participating unit will be included. Data will be collected via a secure online platform in anonymised form. The primary outcome measures for the study will be 14-day mortality (or survival to hospital discharge, whichever comes first). Final day of data collection for the primary outcome measure is February 13th. Secondary outcome measures include return to theatre and surgical site infection. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This project will not affect clinical practice and has been classified as clinical audit following research ethics review. Access to source data will be made available to collaborators through national or international anonymised datasets on request and after review of the scientific validity of the proposed analysis by the central study team.

"Slow and Steady" Infiltrates the Brain: An Autopsy Report of Lymphomatosis Cerebri.

Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) usually present as single or multiple lesions with mass effect involving the cerebral hemispheres or basal ganglia. An extremely rare pattern of involvement termed "Lymphomatosis cerebri" (LC) presents as diffuse, non-enhancing infiltrative lesions without mass effect. We describe the clinical, radiological, and autopsy findings of one such rare example with a patient presenting with a short history of fever, memory loss, and progressive cognitive decline. Because of subtle yet rapidly progressive clinical symptoms and overlapping neuroimaging features, the diagnosis of LC is challenging with wide ranging differential diagnoses. The dilemma in diagnosing such lesions can lead to delay in diagnosis and institution of appropriate management. Thus, knowledge about its imaging and morphological features is very critical for correct categorization and to avoid potential misdiagnosis of this often-missed disease.

Predominance of M2 macrophages in gliomas leads to the suppression of local and systemic immunity.

Glioblastoma is a highly prevalent and aggressive form of primary brain tumor. It represents approximately 56% of all the newly diagnosed gliomas. Macrophages are one of the major constituents of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the human gliomas. The role of immunosuppressive macrophages is very well documented in correlation with the poor prognosis of patients suffering from breast, prostate, bladder and cervical cancers. The current study highlights the correlation between the tumor-associated macrophage phenotypes and glioma progression. We observed an increase in the pool of M2 macrophages in high-grade gliomas, as confirmed by their CD68 and CD163 double-positive phenotype. In contrast, less M1 macrophages were noticed in high-grade gliomas, as evidenced by the down-regulation in the expression of CCL3 marker. In addition, we observed that higher gene expression ratio of CD163/CCL3 is associated with glioma progression. The Kaplan-Meier survival plots indicate that glioma patients with lower expression of M2c marker (CD163), and higher expression of M1 marker (CCL3) had better survival. Furthermore, we examined the systemic immune response in the peripheral blood and noted a predominance of M2 macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and PD-1+ CD4 T cells in glioma patients. Thus, the study indicates a high gene expression ratio of CD163/CCL3 in high-grade gliomas as compared to low-grade gliomas and significantly elevated frequency of M2 macrophages and PD-1+ CD4 T cells in the blood of tumor patients. These parameters could be used as an indicator of the early diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.

Impact of self-instruction manual-based training of family caregivers of neurosurgery patients on their knowledge and care practices - A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Family caregivers of operated neurosurgery patients function as informal extensions of the health system. But they are untrained and unprepared for their new role. It has been felt that their problems related to care provision can be resolved by appropriate training. AIM: This study aimed to compare the impact of self-instruction manual-based training of family caregivers of operated neurosurgery patients on their knowledge regarding care provision and care practices. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital setting located in North India. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was done among the operated neurosurgery patients and their caregiver dyads (n = 90). They were randomly allocated to receive either self-instruction manual and one-to-one training (TP1) or self-instruction manual only (TP2). Block randomization method was used. Sequentially numbered sealed envelope was used for allocation concealment. Monthly follow-up was done for 3 months. The primary outcome measure was knowledge gain of the caregivers. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test, Student's t-test, paired t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance, and Bonferroni's correction were used. RESULTS: The attrition rate was 15.5%. Intention-to-treat analysis was followed. Caregivers in the TP1 group had significant knowledge gain (95% confidence interval of mean difference 9.4-14.5, P < 0.05). The number of caregivers who had followed correct caregiving practices was significantly more in the TP1 group. CONCLUSION: Training of caregivers by providing information along with one-to-one training is an effective strategy for improving the knowledge and skills of caregivers regarding care provision of the operated neurosurgery patients.

Has Outcome of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Changed With Improvements in Neurosurgical Services?

Background and Purpose- Though reports suggest decreasing fatality rates of subarachnoid hemorrhage with time, trends in outcome are not reported much especially from developing countries. This study was to analyze changes in outcome across 2 decades and elucidate probable factors. Methods- Prospective databases during 1996 to 2015 were reviewed for neurological outcome at 3 months in relation to demographics, Hunt and Hess grade, Fisher grade, and definitive treatment; and compared between 2 decades, contrasted by establishment of intensive care unit with continuous monitoring and other advancements. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results- Of the total 2039 patients, 1035 were managed in the former and 1004 in the recent decades. Compared with the former decade, there is delayed age at presentation (46 versus 49 years, P<0.001), poorer Fisher grades (81% versus 87%, P<0.001), and more patients with Hunt and Hess grade 2 (24% versus 39%, P<0.001) in the recent decade. While all patients in databases of the former decade had undergone clipping, 6% in the recent decade underwent coiling. 11% in the recent decade could not undergo definitive treatment. Despite this, there was significantly higher overall favorable outcome (50% versus 60%; odds ratio, 1.5; P<0.001) in recent decade. Favorable outcome of surgical clipping per se improved significantly from 50% to 67% (odds ratio 2.0; P<0.001). Though the improvement was across subgroups, it was more marked among Hunt and Hess grade 3 and Fisher grades 3 and 4. In multivariate analyses, both overall outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.1; P<0.001) and surgical outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5-2.2; P<0.001) were significantly better in recent decade, independent of known prognostic factors. Conclusions- This is probably the first report to show independent improvement in outcome of subarachnoid hemorrhage with betterment in neurosurgical services from developing country. Dedicated intensive care unit care and focused management protocols could be the likely causes for improvement. Resource-constrained institutions may target patients in Hunt and Hess grade 3 and Fisher grades 3 and 4 for optimal intensive care unit utilization.

Pilocytic Astrocytoma with Gangliocytic Differentiation to Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma-expanding the Morphological Spectrum: Case Report and Literature Review.

We present a rare case of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) with gangliocytic differentiation arising in the suprasellar/chiasmatic region in a young boy that showed a rapid regrowth after the 1st subtotal resection and "differentiated" into pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) in subsequent recurrences. The clinical course, imaging, and histological features have been described with a review of the literature. While PA is well-circumscribed, biphasic tumors with bipolar piloid cells, those arising in the diencephalic region often contain myxoid stroma, angiocentric pattern, and "intermediate" features between PA and PMA. Examples of PMA "maturing" to PA are also on record; however, PA with gangliocytic component differentiating to PMA has not been described in the literature to the best of our knowledge.