Trends in frailty in brain tumor care during the COVID-19 pandemic in a nationwide hospital network in Germany.

PURPOSE: Among brain tumor patients, frailty is associated with poor outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased frailty in the general population. To date, evidence on changes in frailty among brain tumor patients during the pandemic is lacking. We aimed to compare frailty among brain tumor patients in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic to the pre-pandemic era and to assess potential effects on brain tumor care. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we compared frailty among brain tumor patients hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic in years 2020 through 2022 to pre-pandemic years 2016 through 2019 based on administrative data from a nationwide network of 78 hospitals in Germany. Using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), frailty was categorized as low, intermediate, or high. We examined changes in frailty, patient demographics, the burden of comorbidity, rates of surgery, and mortality rates for different frailty groups during the pandemic and compared them to pre-pandemic levels. RESULTS: Of the 20,005 included hospitalizations for brain tumors, 7979 were during the pandemic (mean age 60.0 years (± 18.4); females: 49.8%), and 12,026 in the pre-pandemic period (mean age: 59.0 years [± 18.4]; females: 49.2%). Average daily admissions decreased from 8.2 (± 5.1) during pre-pandemic years to 7.3 (± 4.5) during the pandemic (p < 0.01). The overall median HFRS decreased from 3.1 (IQR: 0.9-7.3) during the pre-pandemic years to 2.6 (IQR: 0.3-6.8) during the pandemic (p < 0.01). At the same time, the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) decreased from 17.0 (± 12.4) to 16.1 (± 12.0; p < 0.01), but to a larger degree among high compared to low frailty cases (by 1.8 vs. 0.3 points; p = 0.04). In the entire cohort, the mean length of stay was significantly shorter in the pandemic period (9.5 days [± 10.7]) compared with pre-pandemic levels (10.2 days [± 11.8]; p < 0.01) with similar differences in the three frailty groups. Rates of brain tumor resection increased from 29.9% in pre-pandemic years to 36.6% during the pandemic (p < 0.001) without differences between frailty levels. Rates of in-hospital mortality did not change during the pandemic (6.1% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.07), and there was no interaction with frailty. CONCLUSION: Even though our findings are limited in that the HFRS is validated only for patients ≥ 75 years of age, our study among patients of all ages hospitalized for brain tumors in Germany suggests a marked decrease in levels of frailty and in the burden of comorbidities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Neurosurgical care for patients with high-grade gliomas during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: Analysis of routine billing data of a German nationwide hospital network.

Background: Little is known about delivery of neurosurgical care, complication rate and outcome of patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Methods: This observational, retrospective cohort study analyzed routine administrative data of all patients admitted for neurosurgical treatment of an HGG within the Helios Hospital network in Germany. Data of the Covid-19 pandemic (March 1, 2020-May 31, 2022) were compared to the pre-pandemic period (January 1, 2016-February 29, 2020). Frequency of treatment and outcome (in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay [LOHS], time in intensive care unit [TICU] and ventilation outside the operating room [OR]) were separately analyzed for patients with microsurgical resection (MR) or stereotactic biopsy (STBx). Results: A total of 1763 patients underwent MR of an HGG (648 patients during the Covid-19 pandemic; 1115 patients in the pre-pandemic period). 513 patients underwent STBx (182 [pandemic]; 331 patients [pre-pandemic]). No significant differences were found for treatment frequency (MR: 2.95 patients/week [Covid-19 pandemic] vs. 3.04 patients/week [pre-pandemic], IRR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.89-1.07; STBx (1.82 [Covid-19 pandemic] vs. 1.86 [pre-pandemic], IRR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.80-1.16, P > .05). Rates of in-hospital mortality, infection, postoperative hemorrhage, cerebral ischemia and ventilation outside the OR were similar in both periods. Overall LOHS was significantly shorter for patients with MR and STBx during the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The Covid-19 pandemic did not affect the frequency of neurosurgical treatment of patients with an HGG based on data of a large nationwide hospital network in Germany. LOHS was significantly shorter but quality of neurosurgical care and outcome was not altered during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Decompressive Surgery in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke during the First Four Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) care. In this study, we examined the effects of the pandemic on neurosurgical AIS care by means of decompressive surgery (DS). METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we compared the characteristics, in-hospital processes, and in-hospital mortality rates among patients hospitalized for AIS during the first four waves of the pandemic (between January 1, 2020 and October 26, 2021) versus the corresponding periods in 2019 (prepandemic). We used administrative data from a nationwide hospital network in Germany. RESULTS: Of the 177 included AIS cases with DS, 60 were from 2019 and 117 from the first four pandemic waves. Compared with the prepandemic levels, there were no changes in weekly admissions for DS during the pandemic. The same was true for patient age (range: 51.7-60.4 years), the number of female patients (range: 33.3-57.1%), and the prevalence of comorbidity, as measured by the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (range: 13.2-20.0 points). Also, no alterations were observed in transfer to the intensive care unit (range: 87.0-100%), duration of in-hospital stay (range: 14.6-22.7 days), and in-hospital mortality rates (range: 11.8-55.6%). CONCLUSION: In Germany, compared with the prepandemic levels, AIS patients undergoing DS during the first four waves of the pandemic showed no changes in demographics, rates of comorbidity, and in-hospital mortality rates. This is in contrast to previous evidence on patients with less critical types of AIS not requiring DS and underlines the uniqueness of the subgroup of AIS patients requiring DS. Our findings suggests that these patients, in contrast to AIS patients in general, were unable to forgo hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining the delivery of DS is an essential aspect of AIS care during a pandemic.

Comparison of the Minimally Invasive Tubular Transmuscular Approach with the Conventional Microsurgical Approach for Microsurgical Treatment of Lumbar Disk Herniation: A Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of the minimally invasive transmuscular approach using a tubular retractor system (Metrx) with the conventional microsurgical standard approach (CM) for microsurgical treatment of lumbar disk herniation. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized controlled study with a 1:1 distribution of patients in CM and Metrx study groups. Two hundred and twenty-seven (117 CM and 110 Metrx) patients were included. The primary outcome parameters are postoperative pain intensity reduction, length of hospitalization, postoperative quality of life, and daily life performance based on the standardized questionnaires: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Prolo scores. The secondary outcome parameters are intraoperative variables: surgery duration, blood loss, and fluoroscopy dose. RESULTS: There were no significant statistical differences in the primary outcome measures between the two groups with respect to postoperative pain relief (median VAS pre-op to 3 months post-op for sciatica: 9-2 [CM] vs. 8-2 [Metrx]; for lumbago: 7-2.5 [CM] vs. 6-3 [Metrx]), the length of hospitalization (median of 5 days), or the frequency of occupational reintegration after 3 months (59.1 vs. 60.7%). CONCLUSION: The microsurgical therapy of lumbar disk herniation via a Metrx approach is a safe and effective treatment option and is equivalent to the CM approach.

Cardiac Arrest in Patients with Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), in particular Hunt and Hess (H&H) grade 5 SAH, still has a high case-fatality rate. Recent studies regarding the clinical outcome of such patients and the influence of comorbidities, especially cardiac arrest (CA) requiring additional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), on the outcome of these patients are scant. Our primary objective was to assess the outcome of SAH H&H grade 5 patients and the influence of additional CA and requirement for CPR. METHODS: All patients with spontaneous aneurysmal SAH H&H grade 5 admitted to our hospital from 2001 to 2010 were enrolled in the study. Data were extracted from the hospital's clinical records and electronic database. The patients' clinical outcome at time of discharge was represented by the Glasgow Outcome Score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The influence of CA and additional CPR on patient outcome was analyzed. RESULTS: Of 80 SAH H&H grade 5 patients (median age 55 years), 21 patients (median age 50 years) experienced CA and received additional CPR. Mortality in SAH H&H grade 5 patients was 85% with CA and 68% without CA (p = 0.158). Overall, 22 of 59 patients with no CA survived, 4 with a good clinical outcome (mRS 0-3). Of the 21 with CA, only 3 survived, none with a good outcome (mRS 4-5). Due to the small subgroup surviving additional CA, a statistical difference could not be found between the groups. Aneurysm occlusion (p < 0.001) and aneurysm of the posterior circulation (p = 0.010) resulted in a more favorable clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SAH H&H grade 5 do survive and in 5% of cases even with a good outcome. Surviving an additional CA resulted in a less favorable outcome without statistical significance. Thus SAH H&H grade 5 patients with or without CA and additional CPR should not be excluded from appropriate neurosurgical treatment.

Hyponatremia After Spontaneous Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: Hyponatremia has been frequently observed after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and some data have suggested a correlation with symptomatic cerebral vasospasm and poor outcomes. The present prospective study investigated sodium and water disturbances after aneurysmal SAH with regard to symptomatic vasospasm and patient outcomes. METHODS: Data from all patients with aneurysmal SAH treated in our department during a 2-year period were collected. Daily natriuresis, sodium levels, water balance, and serum and urine osmolality were measured at 4 different points: day 1 of admission or bleeding, day 3, day 7, and day 14-21 or discharge. The clinical parameters (i.e., Hunt and Hess grade, aneurysm location and treatment, onset of vasospasm) were reviewed. The patients' outcome was assessed using the Glasgow outcome score and modified Rankin scale. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients (70 women; median age, 52 years) were enrolled in the present study. Of these 101 patients, 59.4% had a good grade SAH (Hunt and Hess grade 1-3). The most common aneurysm location was the anterior communicating artery (37%). The results from an electrolyte analysis were available for ≤91 patients at days 1 and 78 at discharge. In 33 patients (32.7%), hyponatremia had been diagnosed at any time point. Hyponatremia was most frequently observed at day 1 and later at days 7-10. A location in the anterior communicating artery resulted in hyponatremia more frequently only at day 1 (P = 0.007). The main causes of hyponatremia were cerebral salt-wasting syndrome (early onset) and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (early and late onset). CONCLUSION: Distinguishing early- and late-onset hyponatremia is of major relevance, because different therapeutic approaches are required. Only hyponatremia at discharge resulted in less favorable outcomes.

Pseudohypoxic brain swelling (postoperative intracranial hypotension-associated venous congestion) after spinal surgery: report of 2 cases.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Pseudohypoxic brain swelling is a rare event that may occur after uneventful brain surgery when subgaleal vacuum drainage is used. To date, such cases of unexpected postoperative disturbances of consciousness associated with radiological signs of basal ganglia, thalamic, brainstem, and cerebellum damage without any signs of vessel occlusion have not been known to occur after spinal surgery. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We report for the first time on 2 patients presenting with a clinical and radiological picture of pseudohypoxic brain swelling after spinal surgery. In the first patient, bilateral basal ganglia damage occurred after thoracic spondylodiscitis surgery, manifested by epileptic seizures and coma lasting 1 week postoperatively with subsequent recovery. The second patient suffered basal ganglia and cerebellar and brainstem infarction after lumbar spondylodiscitis surgery, resulting in death. Because intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and use of postoperative epidural suction drainage with cerebrospinal fluid loss occurred in both cases, they are highly suspected to have potentially caused the complications. CONCLUSION: Pseudohypoxic brain swelling should be considered in patients with unexpected neurological deterioration after spinal surgery. It might be a form of postoperative intracranial hypotension-associated venous congestion, which should be distinguished from common postoperative cerebral ischemic events caused by arterial or venous occlusions.

The common consensus criteria have high predictive values for long-term postoperative acromegaly remission.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to retrospectively study the long-term reliability of the common consensus endocrinological criteria for the assessment of postoperative remission of acromegaly. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 96 consecutive patients, surgical remission of acromegaly following transsphenoidal surgery was considered to be present when, without adjuvant treatment, 3 months postoperatively there was no clinical evidence of persisting disease, and, according to the common consensus criteria for acromegaly remission, GH was suppressed to < 1 µg/l during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was within normal limits. The results of the second postoperative week, 3 months postoperative, and the most recent follow-up OGTT and IGF-1 measurements were used to calculate the positive and negative predictive values of the following endocrinological criteria of acromegaly remission: the common consensus criteria for acromegaly remission, GH suppression to < 1 µg/l during OGTT and IGF-1 within normal limits. Sensitive IRMA (≤ 0.3 µg/l) and RIA (≤ 32 µg/l) assays for GH and IGF-1 were used. RESULTS: The surgical remission rate of acromegaly was 72.9%. At a median follow-up of 5.06 years, the recurrence rate of acromegaly was 2.08%. Overall, the common consensus criteria for acromegaly remission were the most reliable tests, with the following positive and negative predictive values at 2 weeks postoperatively, 3 months postoperatively and at the most recent follow-up: 68%, 100% and 100%, and 98%, 100% and 100%, respectively. The negative likelihood ratio confirmed that the test qualities of the common consensus criteria for acromegaly remission were superior to the other tests. CONCLUSIONS: The common consensus criteria were the most reliable tests for the diagnosis of postoperative acromegaly remission. The positive and negative predictive values of the common consensus criteria for acromegaly remission increased from the second postoperative week to 3 months postoperatively, thereafter reliably indicating the long-term results of transsphenoidal surgery.

Pre-existing chiasma syndromes do not entirely remit following transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

BACKGROUND: It is not known whether following transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas the vision of patients with preoperative chiasma syndromes (CS) does improve to the degree of vision of patients without preoperative CS. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to answer the question above. METHODS: Pertinent data of a successive series of patients operated transsphenoidally for the first time for pituitary adenoma were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Of the 304 patients, 35.1% presented preoperatively with CS. The median visual acuity (VA) of these patients improved significantly from preoperative (right eye, 0.63 (0; 1.25); left eye, 0.56 (0; 1.4)) to postoperative (right eye, 0.8 (0; 1.25); left eye, 0.74 (0; 1.25)). The median number of impaired quadrants of the binocular visual fields (VF) improved significantly from preoperative (2 (0; 8)) to postoperative CS (0 (0; 4)). In patients without preoperative CS, postoperative vision (VA as well as VF) remained unchanged. Postoperatively, VA of patients with preoperative CS remained significantly lower than that of patients without preoperative CS (right eye, 0.96 (0.2; 1.4); left eye, 0.94 (0.05; 1.4)). Postoperatively, the number of impaired quadrants of the binocular VF of patients with preoperative CS remained significantly higher than in patients without preoperative CS (0 (0; 1)). CONCLUSION: In this unselected patient series, the vision (VA as well as VF) of patients with preoperative CS did not improved postoperatively to the degree of the vision of patients without preoperative CS. Thus, in patients with adenomatous chiasma compression transsphenoidal surgery may be indicated before CS develops.

Factors of influence upon overall survival in the treatment of intracranial MPNSTs. Review of the literature and report of a case.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are rare entities that carry a poor prognosis. To date, there are no established therapeutic strategies for these tumors. METHODS: We review the present treatment modalities and present the current therapeutic dilemmas. We perform a statistical analysis to evaluate the prognostic factors for Overall Survival of these patients. Additionally, we present our experience with a 64-year-old man with a MPNST of the left cerebellopontine angle. RESULTS: To our best knowledge, forty three patients with intracranial MPNSTs, including our case, have been published in the international literature. Our analysis showed gross total resection, radiotherapy and female gender to be beneficial prognostic factors of survival in the univariate analysis. Gross total resection was recognized as the only independent predictor of prolonged Overall Survival. In our case, we performed a gross total resection followed for the first time by stereotactically guided radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Considering the results of the statistical analysis and the known advantages of the stereotaxy, we suggest aggressive surgery followed by stereotactically guided radiotherapy as therapy of choice.

Functional impairments caused by chiasma syndromes prior to and following transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe the functional impairment caused by chiasma syndromes (CS) prior to and following transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery. METHODS: Pertinent data of a successive series of patients operated transsphenoidally for the first time for pituitary adenoma were retrospectively analyzed. The degree of functional impairment caused by the impairment of vision was quantified according to the resulting degree of disability (DOD). A DOD of > or =30 is considered substantial. RESULTS: None of the 197 of 304 (64.9%) patients without preoperative chiasma syndrome (CS) experienced postoperative worsening of their visual acuity or their visual fields. Thus, no change of their vision-related DOD (V-DOD) did occur. One hundred and seven (35.1%) of the patients presented preoperatively with CS. Postoperatively, 42.9% of the CS remitted completely, 38.3% improved, 11.2% remained unchanged, and 7.4% worsened. Accordingly, the median V-DOD improved significantly from 30 (0; 100) to 0 (0; 100). The prevalence of patients with V-DOD > or =30 dropped significantly from 51.4% preoperatively to 16.4% postoperatively. Postoperatively, the median V-DOD improved significantly up to 3 months postoperatively. Thereafter, no further significant changes occurred. However, in patients with preoperative CS, the median V-DOD as well as the prevalence of patients with a V-DOD > or =30 remained postoperatively significantly higher compared to patients without preoperative CS. CONCLUSIONS: Visual impairments due to CS frequently caused substantial DOD preoperatively. Postoperatively, the median degree of V-DOD as well as the prevalence of substantial V-DOD improved significantly. However, in patients with preoperative CS, V-DOD remained postoperatively significantly higher than V-DOD of patients without preoperative CS.

Accuracy and complications of transpedicular C2 screw placement without the use of spinal navigation.

The objective of the study was to describe the technique, accuracy of placement and complications of transpedicular C2 screw fixation without spinal navigation. Patients treated by C2 pedicle screw fixations were identified from the surgical log book of the department. Clinical data were extracted retrospectively from the patients' charts. Pedicle screw placement accuracy was assessed on postoperative CT scans according to Gertzbein and Robbins (GRGr). A total of 27 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 56 +/- 22.0 years; 51.9% of them were female. As much as 17 patients suffered from trauma, 5 of degenerative disease, 3 of inflammations and 2 of metastatic disease. A total of 47 C2 transpedicular screw fixations were performed. The canulated screws were inserted under visual control following the preparation of the superior surface of the isthmus and of the medial surface of the pedicles of the C2. Intraoperative fluoroscopy was additionally used. The postoperative CT findings showed in 55.3% GRGr 1, in 27.7% GRGr 2, in 10.6% GRGr 3, and in 6.3% GRGr 4 pedicle screw insertion accuracy. Screw insertions GRGr 5 were not observed. Screw malpositioning (i.e., GRGr 3 and 4) was significantly associated with thin (<5 mm) pedicle diameters and with surgery for C2 fractures. In the three patients with screw insertions GRGr 4, postoperative angiographies were performed to exclude vertebral artery affections. In one of these three cases, the screw caused a clinically asymptomatic vertebral artery compression. Hardware failures did not occur. In one patient, postoperative pneumonia resulted in the death of the patient. Careful patient selection and surgical technique is necessary to avoid vertebral artery injury in C2 pedicle screw fixation without spinal navigation. A slight opening of the vertebral artery canal (Gertzbein and Robbins grade < or =3) does not seem to put the artery at risk. However, the high rate of misplaced screws when inserted without spinal navigation, despite the fact that no neurovascular injury occurred, supports the use of spinal navigation in C2 pedicle screw insertions.

Comparison of ventral corpectomy and plate-screw-instrumented fusion with dorsal laminectomy and rod-screw-instrumented fusion for treatment of at least two vertebral-level spondylotic cervical myelopathy.

The objective of the article is to verify the hypothesis that the dorsal multilevel laminectomy and rod-screw-instrumented fusion (DLF) for multilevel spondylotic cervical myelopathy (MSCM) is less strenuous for patients, and less prone to perioperative complications, than ventral multilevel corpectomy and plate-screw-instrumented fusion (VCF), while clinical outcome is comparable. One hundred and three successive patients were treated for at least two vertebral-level MSCM, 42 of them by VCF and 61 by DLF. The two patients groups were retrospectively compared. VCF patients were slightly younger than DLF patients (62.5 +/- 10.61 years versus 66 +/- 12.4 years, P = 0.012). In VCF patients, a median of 2 (2-3) corpectomies and in DLF patients a median of 3 (2-5) laminectomies were performed. In VCF patients, surgery lasted longer than in DLF patients (229 +/- 60 min versus 183 +/- 46 min, P < or = 0.001). Between the VCF and the DLF patients groups, no significant difference was found in perioperative complications (e.g. hardware failure rates of 16.7% in VCF and of 6.6% in the DLF patients) and mortality rates. The postoperative outcome, as assessed by the postoperative change of the Nurick scores, the change of neck pain, the patients' satisfaction, and the change of the subaxial Cobb angle of the spine did not differ between the two patients groups. However, when comparing the postoperative Nurick scores directly, VCF patients fared somewhat better than DLF patients [median of 2 (0-5) versus 3 (1-5), P = 0.003]. The hypothesized advantages of DLF over VCF in the surgical treatment of at least two vertebral-level MSCM could not be confirmed in this retrospective study. A prospective randomized study is warranted to clarify this issue.

Incidence, clinical manifestations, and course of water and electrolyte metabolism disturbances following transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery: a prospective observational study.

OBJECT: The authors prospectively studied the incidence, spectrum of clinical manifestations, course, and risk factors of water and electrolyte disturbances (WEDs) following transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery. METHODS: From the preoperative day to the 14th postoperative day, 57 successive patients undergoing transsphenoidal adenomectomy were monitored daily for body weight, balance of fluids, serum electrolytes, plasma osmolality, plasma antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels, urinary sodium excretion, urinary osmolality, and subjective sensation of thirst. The type of adenoma operated on and the intraoperative manipulation of the neurohypophysis were also recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (mean age 55 years, 61.4% females) harbored 30 clinically hormone-inactive and 27 hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas. Postoperative WED occurred in 75.4% of the patients: in 38.5% as isolated diabetes insipidus (DI); in 21% as isolated hyponatremia; and in 15.7% as combined DI-hyponatremia. The maximum of medians of diuresis (5.750 L) in patients with isolated DI occurred on postoperative Day 2. Nadir of medians of hyponatremia (132 mmol/L) in patients with isolated hyponatremia occurred on postoperative Day 9. In patients with combined DI-hyponatremia, maximum of medians of diuresis (5.775 L) occurred on the 2nd day and nadir of medians of hyponatremia (130 mmol/L) on the 10th postoperative day. Altogether, 8.7% of the patients had to be treated with desmopressin because of DI persisting for >3 months. Of all the patients with hyponatremia, 42.8% were treated by transient fluid-intake restriction due to an IH of <130 mmol/L with or without clinical symptomatology. Transient acute renal failure occurred in one of these patients. Generally, the occurrence of postoperative WEDs was linked to the intraoperative manipulation of the neurohypophysis. Increased thirst correlated significantly with DI (p=0.001 and 0.02, respectively) and decreased thirst with the hyponatremic episode in patients with combined DI-hyponatremia (p=0.003). Decreased urine osmolality correlated significantly with the presence of DI (p=0.023). Electrolyte-free water clearance and urinary Na+ excretion were not correlated with DI and hyponatremia. Antidiuretic hormone was not suppressed during hyponatremia. CONCLUSIONS: Water and electrolyte disturbances occurred in the majority of patients undergoing transsphenoidal adenomectomy and were usually transient. Diabetes insipidus is more frequent than hyponatremia. Diabetes insipidus usually occurs during the 1st postoperative day and resolves in the majority of cases within 10 days. In few patients, DI may persist and require therapy with ADH analogs. Hyponatremia usually occurs at the end of the 1st postoperative week and resolves in most cases within 5 days. Very few patients will need treatment other than fluid-intake restriction to avoid serious complications. Thus, careful monitoring of the WEDs in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery is mandatory for the first 10 postoperative days.

Cerebrospinal fluid leakage into the subdural space: possible influence on the pathogenesis and recurrence frequency of chronic subdural hematoma and subdural hygroma.

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to clarify whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage into the subdural space is involved in the genesis of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) and subdural hygroma (SH) and to clarify whether this leakage of CSF into the subdural space influences the postoperative recurrence rate of CSDH and SH. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 75 cases involving patients treated surgically for CSDH (67 patients) or SH (8 patients) were evaluated with respect to clinical and radiological findings at presentation, the content of beta -trace protein (beta TP) in the subdural fluid (betaTPSF) and serum (betaTPSER), and the CSDH/SH recurrence rate. The betaTPSF was considered to indicate an admixture of CSF to the subdural fluid if betaTPSF/betaTPSER>2. RESULTS: The median beta TPSF level for the whole patient group was 4.29 mg/L (range 0.33-51 mg/L). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage, as indicated by betaTPSF/betaTPSER>2, was found to be present in 93% of the patients with CSDH and in 100% of the patients with SH (p=0.724). In patients who later had to undergo repeated surgery for recurrence of CSDH/SH, the betaTPSF concentrations (median 6.69 mg/L, range 0.59-51 mg/L) were significantly higher (p=0.04) than in patients not requiring reoperation (median 4.12 mg/L, range 0.33-26.8 mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: As indicated by the presence of betaTP in the subdural fluid, CSF leakage into the subdural space is present in the vast majority of patients with CSDH and SH. This leakage could be involved in the pathogenesis of CSDH and SH. Patients who experience recurrences of CSDH and SH have significantly higher concentrations of betaTPSF at initial presentation than patients not requiring reoperation for recurrence. These findings are presented in the literature for the first time and have to be confirmed and expanded upon by further studies.

The regional oxygen saturation of pituitary adenomas is lower than that of the pituitary gland: microspectrophotometric study with potential clinical implications.

OBJECTIVE: To study the regional oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) of pituitary adenomas, in comparison with that of the pituitary gland. METHODS: Microspectrophotometric (MSP) measurements of rSO(2) in adenomas and pituitary tissue were performed for a series of patients undergoing first-time transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery, in a standardized anesthesia setting. The areas of measured tissue were sampled for histopathological and immunohistochemical (CD34 and CD45) assessments. The results of MSP measurements were compared with the results of the histopathological and immunohistochemical assessments. RESULTS: Thirty-six MSP measurements and tissue samples were obtained among 22 patients with pituitary macroadenomas, including 14 from adenoma tissue, 17 from the anterior pituitary lobe, and 5 from the posterior pituitary lobe. The rSO(2) of adenoma tissue (mean +/- standard deviation, 43.3 +/- 23.2%) was statistically significantly (P = 0.001) lower than the values for the anterior pituitary lobe (mean +/- standard deviation, 71.8 +/- 18.3%) and posterior pituitary lobe (mean +/- standard deviation, 74.9 +/- 4.8%). The difference between the rSO(2) values for the anterior pituitary lobe and posterior pituitary lobe was not significant. There were no statistically significant differences in microvessel density (as assessed with CD34 staining) or lymphocyte density (as assessed with CD45 staining) among the three tissue types. CONCLUSION: As assessed with MSP measurements, the rSO(2) of adenoma tissue was significantly lower than that of the pituitary gland, indicating differences in their blood supply and/or metabolism in pituitary macroadenomas. Further studies are needed to determine whether MSP measurements can reliably facilitate intraoperative delineation of adenoma and pituitary tissue, in the effort to achieve complete tumor removal with minimal injury to pituitary tissue.

Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis-induced radicular compression: nonfusion-related decompression in selected patients without hypermobility on flexion-extension radiographs.

OBJECT: The authors conducted a study to determine the results of decompressive surgery without fusion in selected patients who presented with radicular compression syndromes caused by degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and in whom there was no evidence of hypermobility on flexion-extension radiographs. METHODS: The medical records and radiographs obtained in 49 patients were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical status was quantified by summing self-assessed Prolo Scale scores. All 49 patients (55% female, mean age 68.7 years) presented with leg pain accompanied by lumbalgia in 85.7% of the cases. Preoperatively the median sum of Prolo Scale scores was 4. The mean preoperative degree of forward vertebral displacement was 13.5% and was located at L-4 in 67% of the cases. Osseous decompression alone was performed in 53%, and an additional discectomy at the level of displacement was undertaken in the remaining patients because of herniated discs. Major complications (deep wound infection) occurred in 2%. During a mean follow-up period of 3.73 years, 10.2% of the patients underwent instrumentation-assisted lumbar fusion when decompression alone failed to resolve symptoms. At last follow up the median overall Prolo Scale score was 8. Excellent and good results were demonstrated in 73.5% of the patients. Prolonged back pain (r = 0.381) as well as the preoperative degree of displacement (r = 0.81) and disc space height (r = 0.424) influenced outcome (p < or = 0.05); additional discectomy for simultaneous disc herniation at the displaced level did not influence outcome (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results appear to support a less invasive approach in this subgroup of elderly patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis-induced radicular compression syndromes and without radiographically documented hypermobility. Additional discectomy for simultaneous disc herniation of the spondylolisthetic level did not adversely influence the outcome. Complication rates are minimized and fusion can eventually be performed should decompression alone fail. A prospective controlled study is required to confirm these results.

Combined surgery, radiation, and PCV chemotherapy for astrocytomas compared to oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas WHO grade III.

The time to tumor progression (TTP), time to death (TTD) and complications were studied prospectively in a cohort of patients treated by surgery and adjuvant radio- and intensified PCV chemotherapy for astrocytomas (AIII), oligodendrogliomas (OIII) and oligoastrocytomas (OAIII) WHO grade III. The treatment was carried out in 48 patients: 24 AIII, 20 OAIII and four OIII, at the same medical institution. OIII and OAIII were grouped together (OIIIOAIII). With the exception of age (mean age 48.5 years for AIII and 38.5 years for OIIIOAIII, respectively) and number of PCV cycles completed (median of three cycles for AIII and 4.75 for OIIIOAIII respectively), the patients' characteristics at study entry (gender, Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), tumor localization) and at completion of therapy (extent of tumor resection, dose of adjuvant radiotherapy) were not statistically different between the two patient groups. The median TTP and TTD for AIII were 26.8 and 27.9 months, respectively. The median TTP and TTD for OIIIOAIII were not reached yet. The 75th percentile of TTP and TTD for OIIIOAIII was reached at 49.4 and 51.5 months, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly longer TTP (p = 0.009) and TTD (p = 0.002) for OIIIOAIII as compared to AIII. A new neurological deficit, following surgery, occurred in 14.5% of the patients. Brain radiation necrosis occurred in one patient. The most significant toxicity of PCV-chemotherapy was hematologic and reached WHO grade III and IV in 30% of the patients. This study compared for the first time the outcome of AIII with OIIIOAIII when treated with combined surgery, radiotherapy, and intensified PCV chemotherapy: longer TTP and TTD were observed in anaplastic glioma with oligodendroglial components WHO grade III as compared to pure astrocytoma WHO grade III. This is in accordance with results in patients treated by surgery with adjuvant radiation alone. The efficacy of additional adjuvant PCV chemotherapy in prolonging TTP and TTD has to be verified in prospective controlled studies.

Reliability of the oral glucose tolerance test in the early postoperative assessment of acromegaly remission.

OBJECT: The suppression of growth hormone (GH) to less than 1 microg/L during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is generally considered to be the standard for the assessment of biochemical remission of GH excess following surgery for GH-secreting pituitary adenomas. In this study the authors examine the reliability of the results of the early postoperative OGTT (epOGTT) in indicating remission or persistence of active acromegaly. METHODS: Data from the case files of 67 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for the first time for GH-secreting pituitary adenomas were reviewed retrospectively. Definitive remission of acromegaly was considered to be present if, without adjuvant therapy and at the most recent follow-up examination, GH was suppressed to less than 1 microg/L during the OGTT, the level of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was within normal limits, and there was no clinical or magnetic resonance imaging evidence of persisting disease. The results of the epOGTT (obtained during the 2nd postoperative week) and the 3-month-postoperative OGTT (3mpOGTT) were compared with the patient's outcome at the most recent follow-up examination. A highly sensitive (< or = 0.3 microg/L) immunoradiometric assay for GH and a highly sensitive (< or = 32 microg/L) radioimmunoassay for IGF-I were used. Correct epOGTT findings were noted in 83.6% of the patients: correct normal results (definitive remission of acromegaly) in 55.2% and correct pathological results (persisting acromegaly) in 28.3% of the patients. The rate of false findings was 16.4%: false normal results in 1.5% and false pathological results in 14.9% of the patients. The rate of correct 3mpOGTT findings increased to 98.5%: correct normal results in 68.6% and correct pathological ones in 29.8% of the patients. A false (false pathological) 3pmOGTT result occurred in only one patient (1.5%). At the most recent follow-up examinations (median 3.6 years) all OGTT findings were correct: correct normal results in 70.1% and correct pathological results in 29.9% of the patients. An intact adenopituitary function was associated (p = 0.04) with the occurrence of false epOGTT findings. CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of false results, 16.4% for the epOGTT, declined significantly to 1.5% 3 months postoperatively and to 0% at the most recent follow-up examination. The OGTT appears to be more reliable at 3 months postoperatively. Unless there is obvious evidence of persisting disease following surgery for GH-secreting pituitary adenomas, adjuvant therapy should be delayed for 3 months postoperatively to avoid subjecting the patient to superfluous treatment.