Mortality, Functional Status, and Quality of Life after 5 Years of Patients Admitted to Critical Care for Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess long-term outcome in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage admitted to the intensive care unit. METHODS: Mortality and Glasgow Outcome Scale, Barthel Index, and 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L) scores were analyzed in a multicenter cohort study of three Spanish hospitals (336 patients). Mortality was also analyzed in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database. RESULTS: The median (25th percentile-75th percentile) age was 62 (50-70) years, the median Glasgow Coma Score was 7 (4-11) points, and the median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health disease Classification System II (APACHE-II) score was 21 (15-26) points. Hospital mortality was 54.17%, mortality at 90 days was 56%, mortality at 1 year was 59.2%, and mortality at 5 years was 66.4%. In the Glasgow Outcome Scale, a normal or disabled self-sufficient situation was recorded in 21.5% of patients at 6 months, in 25.5% of patients after 1 year, and in 22.1% of patients after 5 years of follow-up (4.5% missing). The Barthel Index score of survivors improved over time: 50 (25-80) points at 6 months, 70 (35-95) points at 1 year, and 90 (40-100) points at 5 years (p < 0.001). Quality of life evaluated with the EQ-5D-5L at 1 year and 5 years indicated that greater than 50% of patients had no problems or slight problems in all items (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression). In the MIMIC-III study (N = 1354), hospital mortality was 31.83% and was 40.5% at 90 days and 56.2% after 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: In patients admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage, hospital mortality up to 90 days after admission is very high. Between 90 days and 5 years after admission, mortality is not high. A large percentage of survivors presented a significant deficit in quality of life and functional status, although with progressive improvement over time. Five years after the hemorrhagic stroke, a survival of 30% was observed, with a good functional status seen in 20% of patients who had been admitted to the hospital.

Nuevo nomenclátor estandarizado de Neurocirugía: criterios e indicadores cuantitativos y cualitativos de baremación de actos médicos / A new standardized nomenclature in neurosurgery: Criteria and quantitative and qualitative evaluation indicators of medical procedures

Objetivos: Actualizar el nomenclátor de actos médicos de la especialidad de Neurocirugía, eliminando actos en desuso y añadiendo las nuevas técnicas quirúrgicas desarrolladas en los últimos años, para que se adapte fielmente a la práctica médica habitual de nuestra especialidad, así como establecer los principios generales y definir los criterios de baremación, indicadores cuantitativos y escalas de valoración. Material y método: La elaboración del nuevo nomenclátor se dividió en 3 fases: 1) identificación y selección de los actos médicos, 2) establecimiento del grado de dificultad de cada uno de ellos basado en la experiencia y el tiempo necesarios para su realización, así como el porcentaje y gravedad de las posibles complicaciones y 3) consenso con los miembros de la SENEC mediante su envío individualizado, realizando los retoques necesarios y posterior aprobación en asamblea de la especialidad. Resultados: El nuevo nomenclátor cuenta con 255 actos médicos agrupados en 4 grupos: consultas y visitas, actos terapéuticos, procedimientos diagnósticos e intervenciones quirúrgicas. Se han eliminado 42 procedimientos recogidos en el nomenclátor de la OMC por obsoletos, no ser propios de la especialidad o resultar demasiado vagos. Se han introducido nuevas técnicas y se han definido de forma más precisa los actos médicos. Conclusiones: Este nomenclátor proporciona una terminología actualizada y servirá para ofertar la cartera de servicios, medir y conocer el valor relativo de nuestra actividad y de los costes aproximados de los procedimientos, y adicionalmente, para realizar estudios comparativos longitudinales. Debe constituir una herramienta para mejorar la atención de los pacientes y minimizar la variabilidad geográfica en todos los ámbitos asistenciales.(AU)

Purpose: Update the list of medical acts in the specialty of neurosurgery, eliminating obsolete acts and adding the new surgical techniques developed in recent years, so that they are faithfully adapted to the usual medical practice of our specialty, as well as establishing the general principles and defining the grading criteria, quantitative indicators and assessment scales. Material and method: The elaboration of the new nomenclator was divided into three phases: (1) identification and selection of medical acts, (2) establishment of the degree of difficulty of each of them based on the experience and the time necessary for their completion, as well as the percentage and severity of the possible complications and (3) consensus with the members of the SENEC through their individualized submission, making the necessary adjustments and subsequent approval in the general assembly of SENEC. Results: The new nomenclator has 255 medical acts grouped into four groups: consultations and visits, therapeutic acts, diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions. Forty-two procedures included in the OMC nomenclator have been eliminated due to being obsolete, not related to the specialty or being too vague. New techniques have been included and medical acts have been more precisely defined. Conclusions: This nomenclator provides up-to-date terminology and will serve to offer the portfolio of services, measure and know the relative value of our activity and the approximate costs of the procedures, and additionally, to carry out longitudinal comparative studies. It should be a tool to improve patient care and minimize geographic variability in all healthcare settings.(AU)

A new standardized nomenclature in neurosurgery: Criteria and quantitative and qualitative evaluation indicators of medical procedures.

PURPOSE: Update the list of medical acts in the specialty of Neurosurgery, eliminating obsolete acts and adding the new surgical techniques developed in recent years, so that they are faithfully adapted to the usual medical practice of our specialty, as well as establishing the general principles and defining the grading criteria, quantitative indicators and assessment scales. METHODS: The elaboration of the new nomenclator was divided into 3 phases: 1) identification and selection of medical acts, 2) establishment of the degree of difficulty of each of them based on the experience and the time necessary for their completion, as well as the percentage and severity of the possible complications and 3) consensus with the members of the SENEC through their individualized submission, making the necessary adjustments and subsequent approval in the general assembly of SENEC. RESULTS: The new nomenclator has 255 medical acts grouped into 4 groups: consultations and visits, therapeutic acts, diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions. 42 procedures included in the OMC nomenclator have been eliminated due to being obsolete, not related to the specialty or being too vague. New techniques have been included and medical acts have been more precisely defined. CONCLUSIONS: This nomenclator provides up-to-date terminology and will serve to offer the portfolio of services, measure and know the relative value of our activity and the approximate costs of the procedures, and additionally, to carry out longitudinal comparative studies. It should be a tool to improve patient care and minimise geographic variability in all healthcare settings.

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for the Management of Postsurgical Pain: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial (SPINE-ACT Study).

Research on the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for patients with degenerative lumbar pathology awaiting surgery are limited. However, there is evidence to suggest that this psychological therapy may be effective in improving pain interference, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. This is the protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of ACT compared to treatment as usual (TAU) for people with degenerative lumbar pathology who are candidates for surgery in the short term. A total of 102 patients with degenerative lumbar spine pathology will be randomly assigned to TAU (control group) or ACT + TAU (intervention group). Participants will be assessed after treatment and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. The primary outcome will be the mean change from baseline on the Brief Pain Inventory (pain interference). Secondary outcomes will include changes in pain intensity, anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, quality of life, disability due to low back pain (LBP), pain acceptance, and psychological inflexibility. Linear mixed models will be used to analyze the data. Additionally, effect sizes and number needed to treat (NNT) will be calculated. We posit that ACT may be used to help patients cope with the stress and uncertainty associated with their condition and the surgery itself.

Enhancing microsurgical skills in neurosurgery residents of low-income countries: A comprehensive guide.

Background: The main objectives of this paper are to outline the essential tools, instruments, and equipment needed to set up a functional microsurgery laboratory that is affordable for low-income hospitals and to identify cost-effective alternatives for acquiring microsurgical equipment, such as refurbished or donated instruments, collaborating with medical device manufacturers for discounted rates, or exploring local suppliers. Methods: Step-by-step instructions were provided on setting up the microsurgery laboratory, including recommendations for the layout, ergonomic considerations, lighting, and sterilization processes while ensuring cost-effectiveness, as well as comprehensive training protocols and a curriculum specifically tailored to enhance microsurgical skills in neurosurgery residents. Results: We explored cost-effective options for obtaining microsurgery simulators and utilizing open-source or low-cost virtual training platforms. We also included guidelines for regular equipment maintenance, instrument sterilization, and establishing protocols for infection control to ensure a safe and hygienic learning environment. To foster collaboration between low-income hospitals and external organizations or institutions that can provide support, resources, or mentorship, this paper shows strategies for networking, knowledge exchange, and establishing partnerships to enhance microsurgical training opportunities further. We evaluated the impact and effectiveness of the low-cost microsurgery laboratory by assessing the impact and effectiveness of the established microsurgery laboratory in improving the microsurgical skills of neurosurgery residents. About microsutures and microanastomosis, after three weeks of training, residents showed improvement in "surgical time" for ten separate simple stitches (30.06 vs. 8.65 min) and ten continuous single stitches (19.84 vs. 6.51 min). Similarly, there was an increase in the "good quality" of the stitches and the suture pattern from 36.36% to 63.63%. Conclusion: By achieving these objectives, this guide aims to empower low-income hospitals and neurosurgery residents with the necessary resources and knowledge to establish and operate an affordable microsurgery laboratory, ultimately enhancing the quality of microsurgical training and patient care in low-income countries.

Improvement of quality of life (QOL) between 1 and 3-4 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in ICU patients.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of changes in quality of life (QOL) in ICU patients several years after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not well documented. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in all patients with TBI admitted between 2004 and 2008 to the ICU of Regional Hospital of Malaga (Spain). Functional status was evaluated by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and QOL by PAECC (Project for the Epidemiologic Analysis of Critical Care patients) questionnaire between 0 (normal QOL) to 29 points (worst QOL). RESULTS: A total of 531 patients. Median(Quartile1,Quartile 3) age: 35 (22, 56) years. After 3-4 years, 175 died (33%). Survivor QOL was deteriorated (median total PAECC score: 5 (0, 11) points) although 75.76% of patients who survived showed good functional situation (GOS normal or mild dysfunction). An improvement in QOL scores between 1 and 3-4 years was observed (median PAECC score differences between 3-4 years and 1 year: - 1(- 4, 0) points). QOL score improved during this interval of time: 62.6% of patients. Change in QOL was related by multivariate analysis to admission cranial-computed tomography scan (Marshall's classification), age, and Injury Severity Score (ISS), with the biggest improvement seen in younger patients and with more severe ISS. Basic physiological activities were maintained in the majority of patients. Subjective aspects and working activities improved between 1 and 3-4 years but with a high proportion still impaired in these items after 3-4 years. CONCLUSIONS: ICU patients with TBI after 1 year show improvement in QOL between 1 and 3-4 years, with the biggest improvement in QOL seen in younger patients and in those with more severe ISS.

Validation of the ICH score in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage admitted to the intensive care unit in Southern Spain.

OBJECTIVE: Validation of the intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) score in patients with a diagnosis of spontaneous ICH admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A multicentre cohort study was conducted in all consecutive patients with ICH admitted to the ICUs of three hospitals with a neurosurgery department between 2009 and 2012 in Andalusia, Spain. Data collected included ICH, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) scores. Demographic data, location and volume of haematoma and 30-day mortality rate were also collated. RESULTS: A total of 336 patients were included. 105 of whom underwent surgery. Median (IQR) age: 62 (50-70) years. APACHE-II: 21(15-26) points, GCS: 7 (4-11) points, ICH score: 2 (2-3) points. 11.1% presented with bilateral mydriasis on admission (mortality rate=100%). Intraventricular haemorrhage was observed in 58.9% of patients. In-hospital mortality was 54.17% while the APACHE-II predicted mortality was 57.22% with a standardised mortality ratio (SMR) of 0.95 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.09) and a Hosmer-Lemenshow test value (H) of 3.62 (no significant statistical difference, n.s.). 30-day mortality was 52.38% compared with the ICH score predicted mortality of 48.79%, SMR: 1.07 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.23), n.s. Mortality was higher than predicted at the lowest scores and lower than predicted in the more severe patients, (H=55.89, p<0.001), Gruppo Italiano per la Valutazione degli Interventi in Terapia Intensiva calibration belt (p<0.001). The area under a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.74 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: ICH score shows an acceptable discrimination as a tool to predict mortality rates in patients with spontaneous ICH admitted to the ICU, but its calibration is suboptimal.

Giant Pseudoaneurysm as a delayed Surgical Complication in a Patient Operated on a Giant Neuroma of the Vagus Nerve: Case Report and Management Considerations / Pseudoaneurisma gigante como complicação cirúrgica em paciente operado com neuroma gigante do nervo vago: relato de caso e considerações

The vertebral artery has four segments. The horizontal portion of the V3 segment is the most exposed portion of the vertebral artery to potential iatrogenic injuries during surgical approaches to the posterior fossa.We present an unusual case of a patient who was operated on a giant neuroma of the left vagus nerve, with incidental vertebral artery iatrogenic injury, the development of a delayed giant pseudoaneurysm, and the treatment for this complication. We conclude that endovascular treatment may be a good option for the management of this serious surgical complication.

A artéria vertebral tem quarto segmentos. A porção horizontal do segmento V3 é a mais exposta a potenciais lesões iatrogênicas durante procedimento cirúrgico de acesso à fossa posterior. Apresentamos caso incomum de paciente submetido à cirurgia para neuroma gigante no nervo vago esquerdo, com acidental lesão da artéria vertebral iatrogênica, desenvolvimento de posterior pseudoaneurisma gigante e tratamento para esta complicação. Concluímos que o tratamento endovascular pode ser uma boa opção para o cuidado desta grave complicação cirúrgica.