Noncontrast CT Selected Thrombectomy vs Medical Management for Late-Window Anterior Large Vessel Occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is uncertainty whether patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) presenting in the late 6-hour to 24-hour time window can be selected for endovascular therapy (EVT) by noncontrast CT (NCCT) and CT angiography (CTA) for LVO detection. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients selected for EVT by NCCT compared with those medically managed in the extended time window. METHODS: This multinational cohort study was conducted at 66 sites across 10 countries. Consecutive patients with proximal anterior LVO stroke selected for EVT by NCCT or medically managed and presenting within 6-24 hours of time last seen well (TSLW) from January 2014 to May 2022 were included. The primary end point was the 90-day ordinal shift in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) and multivariable methods were used. RESULTS: Of 5,098 patients screened, 839 patients were included, with a median (interquartile range) age of 75 (64-83) years; 455 (54.2%) were women. There were 616 patients selected to undergo EVT by NCCT (73.4%) and 223 (26.6%) who were medically managed. In IPTW analyses, there was a more favorable 90-day ordinal mRS shift in patients selected by NCCT to EVT vs those who were medically managed (odds ratio [OR] 1.99, 95% CI 1.53-2.59; p < 0.001). There were higher rates of 90-day functional independence (mRS 0-2) in the EVT group (40.1% vs 18.4%, OR 3.31, 95% CI 2.11-5.20; p < 0.001). sICH was nonsignificantly higher in the EVT group (8.5% vs 1.4%, OR 3.77, 95% CI 0.72-19.7, p = 0.12). Mortality at 90 days was lower in the EVT vs MM group (23.9% vs 32.3%, OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.45-0.83, p = 0.002). DISCUSSION: In patients with proximal anterior LVO in the extended time window, there was a lower rate of disability and mortality in patients selected with NCCT and CTA to EVT compared with those who were medically managed. These findings support the use of NCCT as a simpler and more inclusive approach to patient selection in the extended window. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT04096248. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that for patients with proximal anterior circulation occlusion presenting with ischemic stroke from 6 to 24 hours, compared with medical management, those undergoing thrombectomy based on NCCT have reduced disability and mortality at 90 days.

The risk analysis index demonstrates exceptional discrimination in predicting frailty's impact on neurosurgical length of stay quality metrics.

BACKGROUND: Quality measures determine reimbursement rates and penalties in value-based payment models. Frailty impacts these quality metrics across surgical specialties. We compared the discriminatory thresholds for the risk analysis index (RAI), modified frailty index-5 (mFI-5) and increasing patient age for the outcomes of extended length of stay (LOS [eLOS]), prolonged LOS within 30 days (pLOS), and protracted LOS (LOS > 30). METHODS: Patients ≥18 years old who underwent neurosurgical procedures between 2012 and 2020 were queried from the ACS-NSQIP. We performed receiver operating characteristic analysis, and multivariable analyses to examine discriminatory thresholds and identify independent associations. RESULTS: There were 411,605 patients included, with a median age of 59 years (IQR, 48-69), 52.2% male patients, and a white majority 75.2%. For eLOS: RAI C-statistic 0.653 (95% CI: 0.652-0.655), versus mFI-5 C-statistic 0.552 (95% CI: 0.550-0.554) and increasing patient age C-statistic 0.573 (95% CI: 0.571-0.575). Similar trends were observed for pLOS- RAI: 0.718, mFI-5: 0.568, increasing patient age: 0.559, and for LOS>30- RAI: 0.714, mFI-5: 0.548, and increasing patient age: 0.506. Patients with major complications had eLOS 10.1%, pLOS 26.5%, and LOS >30 45.5%. RAI showed a larger effect for all three outcomes, and major complications in multivariable analyses. CONCLUSION: Increasing frailty was associated with three key quality metrics that is, eLOS, pLOS, LOS > 30 after neurosurgical procedures. The RAI demonstrated a higher discriminating threshold compared to both mFI-5 and increasing patient age. Preoperative frailty screening may improve quality metrics through risk mitigation strategies and better preoperative communication with patients and their families.

Enablers and barriers to rotavirus vaccine coverage in Assam, India- A qualitative study.

Background: Estimates suggest that 78,000 children died due to rotavirus gastroenteritis annually between 2011 and 2013 in India. The north eastern state of Assam reported 38.4% pediatric diarrheal admissions testing positive for rotavirus. Rotavirus vaccine (RVV) was introduced in Assam in 2017 following which the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) (2019) revealed low RVV coverage in Assam with wide variation between the districts. the current study was conceptualized and undertaken to capture the enablers and barriers to RVV coverage in Assam. Methods: Qualitative study conducted in 5 randomly selected districts in Assam. Participants (key informants) were recruited by purposive sampling at each level of the health system including healthcare officials, service providers and caregivers based on availability. Thirty-five in-depth interviews (IDIs) and five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Data was coded and analyzed using the thematic framework approach. Results: Findings from the qualitative data collection were collated and analyzed under 7 identified themes. Difficult terrain, limited service provider availability and no catch-up training for new recruits were some of the barriers to RVV coverage. In contrast, Information, Education & Communication (IEC) in vernacular language, RVV safety profile, development partner support and adequate RVV supply were identified as some of the enablers of RVV coverage. Conclusion: Few broad recommendations to overcome identified barriers include comprehensive inter-sectoral coordination, regular monitoring and frequent refresher training sessions. There is a need for a future study utilizing existing coverage data and larger sample size to triangulate the findings of this study.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma, Version 2.2024.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are essentially different manifestations of the same disease that are similarly managed. A number of molecular and cytogenetic variables with prognostic implications have been identified. Undetectable minimal residual disease at the end of treatment with chemoimmunotherapy or venetoclax-based combination regimens is an independent predictor of improved survival among patients with previously untreated or relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL. The selection of treatment is based on the disease stage, presence or absence of del(17p) or TP53 mutation, immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region mutation status, patient age, performance status, comorbid conditions, and the agent's toxicity profile. This manuscript discusses the recommendations outlined in the NCCN Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with CLL/SLL.

The Impact of Hidradenitis Suppurativa on Work Productivity and Performance: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting the skinfold regions. There is growing appreciation of the need for socioeconomic factors to be included in multidisciplinary assessments of HS. However, knowledge regarding HS and workplace function is limited. OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between HS and workplace function. METHODS: Cinahl, Embase, MedLine, PsycInfo and PubMed were systematically searched to collect data from studies in which validated surveys of workplace function were administered to HS patients. RESULTS: Out of 1,932 publications, twelve studies were included in this review and seven reported sufficient data for meta-analysis. Included studies encompassed 5,187 HS patients and no controls. All studies employed the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, reporting percentage scores for absenteeism, presenteeism, total work productivity impairment (TWPI) and total activity impairment (TAI). Pooled mean scores for HS were calculated as 10.17% (95%CI 8.68-11.66) for absenteeism, 31.13% (95%CI 25.02-37.23) for presenteeism, 34.25% (95%CI 29.37-39.14) for TWPI, and 42.23% (95%CI 38.56-45.89) for TAI. Significant heterogeneity was identified and most studies were of 'poor' to 'fair' quality. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests considerable impairment of workplace functioning in HS patients. Our findings point to a significant unmet treatment need with respect to improving working capability in HS. The extant literature is inadequate to reliably assess the mechanisms underlying this effect or to comparatively assess the capabilities of HS therapies to improve workplace function.

Systolic blood pressure reduction strategies in acute ischemic stroke patients following endovascular thrombectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is no clear consensus on ideal systolic blood pressure (SBP) target post-endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. This study intends to investigate the relationship between reducing SBP and clinical outcomes and to determine the therapeutic efficacy of moderate and intensive SBP reduction post EVT. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across five electronic databases to identify studies relevant to our analysis. Data from these studies were then analyzed using pooled relative risk (RR) along with their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for our categorical outcomes. functional independence at 90 days post-EVT was defined as a modified Rankin score (mRS) 0-2. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included eight studies with 2922 patients: 1376 patients were treated with intensive SBP reduction, 306 with moderate SBP reduction, and 1243 with standard SBP reduction. There was no difference in the risk of functional independence at 90 days post-EVT with both intensive-SBP reduction (target 120-140 mmHg, relative risk (RR) =1.05, 95 % CI 0.82, 1.34, p = 0.72) and moderate-SBP reduction (>160 mm Hg) (RR= 0.95, 95 % CI 0.69, 1.31, p = 0.76) compared with standard SBP reduction (>180 mm Hg). The risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) did not significantly differ between standard-SBP reduction and intensive-SBP reduction (RR = 0.93, 95 % CI 0.66, 1.31, p = 0.36) or moderate-SBP reduction (0.72 (95 % CI [0.28, 1.87], p = 0.50) groups, respectively. Intensive-SBP reduction significantly decreased the risk of hemicraniectomy. CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify any difference in functional independence at 90 days in acute ischemic stroke patients with either intensive-SBP reduction or moderate-SBP reduction compared with standard SBP reduction post-EVT.

Anesthetic management for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke with tandem lesions.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapy (EVT) stands as an established and effective intervention for acute ischemic stroke in patients harboring tandem lesions (TLs). However, the optimal anesthetic strategy for EVT in TL patients remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the impact of distinct anesthetic techniques on outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients presenting with TLs. METHODS: Patient-level data, encompassing cases from 16 diverse centers, were aggregated for individuals with anterior circulation TLs treated between January 2015 and December 2020. A stratification based on anesthetic technique was conducted to distinguish between general anesthesia (GA) and procedural sedation (PS). Multivariable logistic regression models were built to discern the association between anesthetic approach and outcomes, including the favorable functional outcome defined as 90-day modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0-2, ordinal shift in mRS, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), any hemorrhage, successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score ≥2b), excellent recanalization (mTICI 3), first pass effect (FPE), early neurological improvement (ENI), door-to-groin and recanalization times, intrahospital mortality, and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Among 691 patients from 16 centers, 595 patients (GA 38.7%, PS 61.3%) were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences noted in the door-to-groin time (80 (46-117.5) mins vs 54 (21-100), P=0.607) and groin to recanalization time (59 (39.5-85.5) mins vs 54 (38-81), P=0.836) among the groups. The odds of a favorable functional outcome (36.6% vs 52.6%; adjusted OR (aOR) 0.56, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.84, P=0.005) and a favorable shift in the 90-day mRS (aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.99, P=0.041) were lower in the GA group. No differences were noted for sICH (3.9% vs 4.7%, P=0.38), successful recanalization (89.1% vs 86.5%, P=0.13), excellent recanalization (48.5% vs 50.3%, P=0.462), FPE (53.6% vs 63.4%, P=0.05), ENI (38.9% vs 38.8%, P=0.138), and 90-day mortality (20.3% vs 16.3%, P=0.525). An interaction was noted for favorable functional outcome between the type of anesthesia and the baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (P=0.033), degree of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis (P<0.001), and ICA stenting (P<0.001), and intraparenchymal hematoma between the type of anesthesia and intravenous thrombolysis (P=0.019). In a subgroup analysis, PS showed better functional outcomes in patients with age ≤70 years, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score <15, and acute ICA stenting. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the preference for PS not only aligns with comparable procedural safety but is also associated with superior functional outcomes. These results prompt a re-evaluation of current anesthesia practices in EVT, urging clinicians to consider patient-specific characteristics when determining the optimal anesthetic strategy for this patient population.

From Admission to Discharge-A Total Friction Burn Review from a Single Institution.

While most friction burns are adequately managed in an outpatient setting, many may require hospital admission, operative excision, and extended care. To this day, there is a wide variance in friction burn management. Our goal is to review the etiology, management, and outcomes of such burns warranting hospitalization. We conducted a retrospective review of all friction burns admitted to a single, American Burn Association-verified burn center from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. A total of 28 (34%) patients required surgery for their friction burns and 15 (18%) ultimately required a split-thickness skin graft. The mean number of operations was 2.4 (95% CI 1.6-3.1). Overall, the operative group was younger (29.9 vs 38.3 years, P = .026), more likely to have a concomitant traumatic brain injury (25% vs 7%, P = .027), and had a longer hospital length of stay (17.5 vs 3.9 days, P < .001). Both groups had a similar overall TBSA (8.5% vs 10.0%, P = .35), but the operative group had a larger surface area comprised of third-degree burns (3.05% vs 0.2%, P < .001). Overall, friction burns resulting in hospital admission are associated with high-energy traumatic mechanisms and concomitant injuries. Patients who need operative intervention for their burns typically require multiple procedures often culminating in a split-thickness skin graft. While non-operative management of friction burns with topical agents has been found to be successful, patients with higher injury severity scores should be monitored very closely as they may require surgical excision.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Toxicity Assessment of Zinc Oxide-Doped Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles in a Macrophage Model.

The doping of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is a key tool for manipulating the properties of ENMs (e.g., electromagnetic, optical, etc.) for different therapeutic applications. However, adverse health outcomes and the cellular biointeraction of doped ENMs, compared to undoped counterparts, are not fully understood. Previously, we have shown that doping manganese oxide nanoparticles with ZnO (ZnO-MnO2 NPs) improved their catalytic properties. In this study, we assessed the toxicity of ZnO-MnO2 NPs in Raw 264.7 cells. NPs were prepared via an eco-friendly, co-precipitation method and characterized by several techniques, including transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared. The physicochemical properties of ZnO-MnO2 NPs, including size, morphology, and crystalline structure, were almost identical to MnO2 NPs. However, ZnO-MnO2 NPs showed slightly larger particle aggregates and negative charge in cell culture media. Exposure to ZnO-MnO2 NPs resulted in lower toxicity based on the cell viability and functional assay (phagocytosis) data. Exposure to both NPs resulted in the activation of the cell inflammatory response and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Despite this, exposure to ZnO-MnO2 NPs was associated with a lower toxicity profile, and it resulted in a higher ROS burst and the activation of the cell antioxidant system, hence indicating that MnO2 NP-induced toxicity is potentially mediated via other ROS-independent pathways. Furthermore, the cellular internalization of ZnO-MnO2 NPs was lower compared to MnO2 NPs, and this could explain the lower extent of toxicity of ZnO-MnO2 NPs and suggests Zn-driven ROS generation. Together, the findings of this report suggest that ZnO (1%) doping impacts cellular biointeraction and the consequent toxicological outcomes of MnO2 NPs in Raw 264.7 cells.

Racial disparities in rates of invasiveness of resected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic disparities have been observed in the multidisciplinary management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm is the most common identifiable precursor to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, where early surgical intervention before the development of an invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm improves survival. The association of race/ethnicity with the risk of identifying invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms during resection has not been previously defined. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program targeted pancreatectomy database (2014-2021) was queried for patients with race/ethnicity data who underwent resection of an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. Backward Wald logistic regression modeling (P ≤ 0.05 for entry; P > .10 for removal) was used to identify independent predictors of invasion. RESULTS: A total of 4,505 cases of resected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms were identified, with 923 (20.5%) demonstrating invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. The cohort of individuals other than non-Hispanic Whites were significantly more likely to have invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (White, 19.9%; Black, 24.2%; Asian, 23.7%; Hispanic, 22.6%; P = .026). Such disparity could not be explained by greater comorbidity, as non-White patients were significantly younger (age <65 years: 41.7% vs 33.2%, P < .001) and had better physical status (American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≤2: 28.8% vs 25.2%, P = .053). After controlling for clinicodemographic variables, being an individual of race/ethnicity other than White was independently associated with higher odds of invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (odds ratio, 1.280; 95% confidence interval, 1.046-1.566; P = .017). No differences in postoperative morbidity were observed. CONCLUSION: In a national cohort of patients with resected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, individuals who identified as being of race/ethnicity other than White were significantly more likely to have invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms during surgical resection.

Tenecteplase for Stroke at 4.5 to 24 Hours with Perfusion-Imaging Selection.

BACKGROUND: Thrombolytic agents, including tenecteplase, are generally used within 4.5 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms. Information on whether tenecteplase confers benefit beyond 4.5 hours is limited. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with ischemic stroke to compare tenecteplase (0.25 mg per kilogram of body weight, up to 25 mg) with placebo administered 4.5 to 24 hours after the time that the patient was last known to be well. Patients had to have evidence of occlusion of the middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery and salvageable tissue as determined on perfusion imaging. The primary outcome was the ordinal score on the modified Rankin scale (range, 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating greater disability and a score of 6 indicating death) at day 90. Safety outcomes included death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: The trial enrolled 458 patients, 77.3% of whom subsequently underwent thrombectomy; 228 patients were assigned to receive tenecteplase, and 230 to receive placebo. The median time between the time the patient was last known to be well and randomization was approximately 12 hours in the tenecteplase group and approximately 13 hours in the placebo group. The median score on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days was 3 in each group. The adjusted common odds ratio for the distribution of scores on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days for tenecteplase as compared with placebo was 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 1.57; P = 0.45). In the safety population, mortality at 90 days was 19.7% in the tenecteplase group and 18.2% in the placebo group, and the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 3.2% and 2.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Tenecteplase therapy that was initiated 4.5 to 24 hours after stroke onset in patients with occlusions of the middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery, most of whom had undergone endovascular thrombectomy, did not result in better clinical outcomes than those with placebo. The incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was similar in the two groups. (Funded by Genentech; TIMELESS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03785678.).

Genomic landscape of patients in a phase II study of zanubrutinib in ibrutinib- and/or acalabrutinib-intolerant patients with B-cell malignancies.

Not available.

Bronchial Asthma With Scimitar Syndrome: A Case Report.

Scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital cardiopulmonary anomaly; it is also called venolobar syndrome, hypogenic lung syndrome, and Halasz syndrome. The syndrome is characterized by cardiac dextroposition, right lung and pulmonary artery hypoplasia as well as complete or partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of the right lung. We report a case of a 22-month-old full-term male child with a severe form of scimitar syndrome diagnosed at birth. The X-ray demonstrated dextrocardia and right lung hypoplasia, while the echocardiography clearly illustrated the scimitar vein. The patient had multiple ER visits and hospitalizations due to asthma exacerbation that was aggravated by recurrent respiratory tract infections; he responded well to asthma medications during his admissions yet compliance to his prophylactic asthma medications was poor at home.

Sex Differences in Outcomes of Late-Window Endovascular Stroke Therapy.

BACKGROUND: The association between sex and outcome after endovascular thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and safety outcomes between men and women treated with endovascular thrombectomy in the late 6-to-24-hour window period. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective observational cohort study included consecutive patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy of anterior circulation stroke in the late window from 66 clinical sites in 10 countries from January 2014 to May 2022. The primary outcome was the 90-day ordinal modified Rankin Scale score. Secondary outcomes included 90-day functional independence (FI), return of Rankin (RoR) to prestroke baseline, FI or RoR, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality. Multivariable and inverse probability of treatment weighting methods were used. We explored the interaction of sex with baseline characteristics on the outcomes ordinal modified Rankin Scale and FI or RoR. RESULTS: Of 1932 patients, 1055 were women and 877 were men. Women were older (77 versus 69 years), had higher rates of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and greater prestroke disability, but there was no difference in baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis showed no difference between women and men in ordinal modified Rankin Scale (odds ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.79-1.21]), FI or RoR (odds ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.78-1.22]), severe disability or mortality (odds ratio, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.80-1.23]). The multivariable analysis of the above end points was concordant. There were no interactions between baseline characteristics and sex on the outcomes of ordinal modified Rankin Scale and FI or RoR. CONCLUSIONS: In late presenting patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with endovascular thrombectomy in the 6 to 24-hour window, there was no difference in clinical or safety outcomes between men and women.

Next Level of Care Protocols in Radiology: Improving Patient Access to Care.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a novel next level of care (NLC) protocol used in our breast imaging practice to bypass additional imaging and image-guided biopsy orders and to examine the impact of NLC on breast biopsy wait times compared with thyroid biopsy wait times, which do not use NLC. METHODS: Our institutional review board deemed this retrospective analysis to be exempt. NLC was implemented for breast imaging in late 2014. Two 6-month periods before and after the COVID-19 shutdown were sampled and compiled. Data were queried from departmental database and electronic health record for all breast and thyroid biopsies during this time. Time to biopsy (TTB) was defined as the number of days from the diagnostic imaging evaluation recommending the biopsy to the completion of the biopsy. To determine the effect of NLC, TTB was compared between breast and thyroid biopsies. RESULTS: Of the 1,114 breast biopsies and 154 thyroid biopsies included, the mean TTB was 9 days (95% confidence interval 8.4-9.3) for breast and 23 days (95% confidence interval 20.5-25.0) for thyroid. There was a 61% reduction in the mean TTB for patients in the breast group compared with patients in the thyroid group. The effect of the NLC was comparable among different races and ethnicities in the breast group, but a significantly higher mean TTB (24% higher, P = .025) was observed for thyroid biopsies in Black patients compared with thyroid biopsies in Hispanic patients. CONCLUSION: NLC protocol facilitates imaging evaluations and reduces the time interval to image-guided biopsies.

Mechanical thrombectomy with intra-arterial thrombolysis versus mechanical thrombectomy alone in patients with acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting evidence as to whether intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) adds benefit in patients with acute stroke who undergo mechanical thrombectomy (MT). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to identify studies that evaluate IAT in patients with acute stroke who undergo MT. Data were extracted from relevant studies found through a search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until February 2023. Statistical pooling with random effects meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate odds of functional independence, mortality, and near-complete or complete angiographic recanalization with IAT compared to no IAT. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were included (3 matched, 14 unmatched, and 1 randomized). The odds ratio (OR) for functional independence (modified Rankin Scale: 0-2) at 90 days was 1.14 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-1.37, p = 0.17, 16 studies involving 7572 patients) with IAT with moderate between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 38.1%). The OR for functional independence with IAT was 1.28 (95% CI: 0.92-1.78, p = 0.15) in studies that were either matched or randomized and 1.24 (95% CI: 0.97-1.58, p = 0.08) in studies with the highest quality score. IAT was associated with higher odds of near-complete or complete angiographic recanalization (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.03-2.65, p = 0.04) in studies that were either matched or of randomized comparisons. CONCLUSION: Although the odds of functional independence appeared to be higher with IAT and MT compared with MT alone, none of the results were statistically significant. A prominent effect of the design and quality of the studies was observed on the association between IAT and functional independence at 90 days.

Frailty as a predictor of postoperative outcomes in neurosurgery: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Baseline frailty status has been utilized to predict a wide range of outcomes and guide preoperative decision making in neurosurgery. This systematic review aims to analyze existing literature on the utilization of frailty as a predictor of neurosurgical outcomes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Studies that utilized baseline frailty status to predict outcomes after a neurosurgical intervention were included in this systematic review. Studies that utilized sarcopenia as the sole measure of frailty were excluded. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library was searched from inception to March 1st, 2023, to identify relevant articles. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, 244 studies met the inclusion criteria. The 11-factor modified frailty index (mFI-11) was the most utilized frailty measure (N.=91, 37.2%) followed by the five-factor modified Frailty Index (mFI-5) (N.=80, 32.7%). Spine surgery was the most common subspecialty (N.=131, 53.7%), followed by intracranial tumor resection (N.=57, 23.3%), and post-operative complications were the most reported outcome (N.=130, 53.2%) in neurosurgical frailty studies. The USA and the Bowers author group published the greatest number of articles within the study period (N.=176, 72.1% and N.=37, 15.2%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty literature has grown exponentially over the years and has been incorporated into neurosurgical decision making. Although a wide range of frailty indices exist, their utility may vary according to their ability to be incorporated in the outpatient clinical setting.

Expansion of Telestroke Coverage in Community Hospitals: Unifying Stroke Care and Reducing Transfer Rate.

OBJECTIVE: Telestroke (TS) service has been shown to improve stroke diagnosis timing and accuracy, facilitate treatment decisions, and decrease interfacility transfers. Expanding TS service to inpatient units at the community hospital provides an opportunity to follow up on stroke patients and optimize medical management. This study examines the outcome of expanding TS coverage from acute emergency room triage to incorporate inpatient consultation. METHODS: We studied the effect of expanding TS to inpatient consultation service at 19 regional hospitals affiliated with Promedica Stroke Network. We analyzed data pre- and post-TS expansion. We reviewed changes in TS utilization, admission rate, thrombolytic therapy, patient transfer rate, and diagnosis accuracy. RESULTS: Between January 2018 and June 2022, a total of 9,756 patients were evaluated in our stroke network (4,705 in pre- and 5,051 in the post-TS expansion). In the post-TS expansion period, stroke patients' admission at the spoke hospital increased from 18/month to 40/month, and for TIA from 11/month to 16/month. TS cart use increased from 12% to 35.2%. Patient transfers to hub hospital decreased by 31%. TS service expansion did not affect intravenous thrombolytic therapy rate or door-to-needle time. There was no difference in length of stay or readmission rate, and the patients at the spoke hospitals had a higher rate of home discharge 57.38% compared with 52.58% at hub hospital. INTERPRETATION: Telestroke service expansion to inpatient units helped decrease transfers and retain patients in their communities, increased stroke and TIA diagnosis accuracy, and did not compromise patients' hospitalization or outcome. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:576-582.

Early Versus Late Feeding After Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Placement in Trauma and Burn.

INTRODUCTION: Timing to resume feeds after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement continues to vary among US trauma surgeons. The purpose of this study was to assess differences in meeting nutritional therapy goals and adverse outcomes with early versus late enteral feeding after PEG placement. METHODS: This retrospective review included 364 trauma and burn patients who underwent PEG placement. Data included patient characteristics, time to initiate feeds, rate feeds were resumed, % feed volume goals on postoperative days 0-7, and complications. Statistical analysis was performed comparing two groups (feeds ≤ 6 h versus > 6 h) and three subgroups (< 4 h, 4-6 h, ≥ 6 h) based on data quartiles. Chi-square/Fisher's exact test, independent-samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Mean time to initiate feeds after PEG was 5.48 ± 4.79 h. Burn patients received early feeds in a larger proportion. A larger proportion of trauma patients received late feeds. The mean % of goal feed volume met on postoperative day 0 was higher in the early feeding group versus the late (P < 0.001). There were no differences in adverse events, even after subgroup analysis of those who received feeds < 4 h after PEG placement. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with early initiation of feeds after PEG placement achieve a higher percentage of goals on day 0 without an increased rate of adverse events. Unfortunately, patients routinely fall short of their target tube feeding goals.