Utilization of epilepsy surgery in the United States: A study of the National Inpatient Sample investigating the roles of race, socioeconomic status, and insurance.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is estimated to affect 70 million people worldwide and is medically refractory in 30% of cases. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study using a US database from 2012 to 2014 to identify patients aged ≥18 years admitted to the hospital with epilepsy as the primary diagnosis. The sampled population was weighted using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project guidelines. Procedural ICD-9 codes were utilized to stratify the sampled population into two cohorts: resective surgery and implantation or stimulation procedure. RESULTS: Query of the database yielded 152,925 inpatients, of which 8535 patients underwent surgical intervention. The nonprocedural group consisted of 76,000 White patients (52.6%) and 28,390 Black patients (19.7%) while the procedural group comprised 5550 White patients (64%) and 730 Black patients (8.6%) (P < 0.001). Patients with Medicare were half as likely to receive a surgical procedure (14.8% vs. 28.4%) while patients with private insurance were twice as likely to receive a procedure (53.4% vs. 29.3%), both were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Those in the lowest median household income quartile by zip code (<$40,000) were 68% less likely to receive a procedure (21.5% vs. 31.4%) while the highest income quartile was 133% more likely to receive a procedure (26.1% vs. 19.5%). Patients from rural and urban nonteaching hospitals were, by a wide margin, less likely to receive a surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate an area of need and significant improvement at institutions that have the resources and capability to perform epilepsy surgery. The data show that institutions may not be performing enough epilepsy surgery as a result of racial and socioeconomic bias. Admissions for epilepsy continue to increase without a similar trend for epilepsy surgery despite its documented effectiveness. Race, socioeconomic status, and insurance all represent significant barriers in access to epilepsy surgery. The barriers can be remedied by improving referral patterns and implementing cost-effective measures to improve inpatient epilepsy services in rural and nonteaching hospitals.

P13BP, a Calpain-2-Mediated Breakdown Product of PTPN13, Is a Novel Blood Biomarker for Traumatic Brain Injury.

Biomarkers play an increasing role in medicinal biology. They are used for diagnosis, management, drug target identification, drug responses, and disease prognosis. We have discovered that calpain-1 and calpain-2 play opposite functions in neurodegeneration, with calpain-1 activation being neuroprotective, while prolonged calpain-2 activation is neurodegenerative. This notion has been validated in several mouse models of acute neuronal injury, in particular in mouse models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and repeated concussions. We have identified a selective substrate of calpain-2, the tyrosine phosphatase, PTPN13, which is cleaved in brain after TBI. One of the fragments generated by calpain-2, referred to as P13BP, is also found in the blood after TBI both in mice and humans. In humans, P13BP blood levels are significantly correlated with the severity of TBI, as measured by Glasgow Coma Scale scores and loss of consciousness. The results indicate that P13BP represents a novel blood biomarker for TBI.

Medical Comorbidities Associated With Outcomes in Patients With Traumatic Epidural Hematomas.

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequently encountered neurosurgical pathology with significant morbidity and mortality. One such subtype is the epidural hematoma. Literature regarding the effects of comorbidities in TBI and epidural hematomas is limited. Methodology This was a single-center retrospective review of 50 consecutive patients admitted to a level two trauma center with epidural hematomas. Patients were identified using an internal trauma database. Patients were included if they were 18 years of age with a diagnosed epidural hematoma. Outcome variables of Glasgow coma scale (GCS), length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital, and requirement of a neurosurgical procedure were analyzed. Identification of the presence of diagnosed comorbidities was performed including common comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, drug use, tobacco use, cancer, psychiatric disease, and renal disease. Correlations were evaluated using two-sided bivariate analysis (p < 0.05). Results A total of 50 patients were included for analysis. Significant correlations with a p-value less of than 0.05 were noted in initial GCS and cancer (r = -0.357, p = 0.011), requirements of an intracranial procedure with a history of gastrointestinal disease (r = 0.377, p = 0.007), and younger age (r = -0.306, p = 0.031). Increased ICU length of stay was related to a history of cancer (r = 0.494, p < 0.001), a history of respiratory disease (r = 0.427, p = 0.002), and a history of psychiatric disease (r = 0.297, p = 0.036). Increased hospital length of stay was related to psychiatric disorders (r = 0.285, p = 0.045). Discharge GCS was negatively associated with a history of hypertension (r = -0.374, p = 0.008), tobacco use (r = -0.417, p = 0.003), drug use (r = -0.294, p = 0.037), and history of cancer (r = -0.303, p = 0.032). Discussion and Conclusions In our 50 consecutive patient subset, selected comorbidities demonstrated significant relationships with outcome measures of GCS, need for a procedure, and lengths of stay in the hospital and ICU. Obtaining comorbidity information when available from families can better allow the clinician to optimize treatment and educate loved ones about the potential effects of these comorbidities on the overall health of the patient. Understanding these correlations may allow for a better understanding of the systemic effects of the pathophysiology of injury in epidural hematomas.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment to Optimize the Glymphatic Environment in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Measured With Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter, Intracranial Pressure Monitoring, and Neurological Pupil Index.

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a complex pathophysiology that has historically been poorly understood. New evidence on the pathophysiology, molecular biology, and diagnostic studies involved in TBI have shed new light on optimizing rehabilitation and recovery. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on peripheral and central glial lymphatics in patients with severe TBI, brain edema, and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) by measuring changes in several parameters regularly used in management. Methodology This was a retrospective study at a level II trauma center that occurred in 2018. The study enrolled patients with TBI, increased ICP, or brain edema who had an external ventricular drain placed. Patients previously underwent a 51-minute treatment with OMT with an established protocol. Patients received 51 minutes of OMT to the head, neck, and peripheral lymphatics. The ICP, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured by ultrasonography, and Neurological Pupil Index (NPi) measured by pupillometer were recorded before, during, and after receiving OMT. Results A total of 11 patients were included in the study, and 21 points of data were collected from the patients meeting inclusion criteria who received OMT. There was a mean decrease in the ONSD of 0.62 mm from 6.24 mm to 5.62 mm (P = 0.0001). The mean increase in NPi was 0.18 (P = 0.01). The mean decrease in ICP was 3.33 mmHg (P= 0.0001). There was a significant decrease in CSF output after treatment (P = 0.0001). Each measurement of ICP, ONSD, and NPi demonstrated a decrease in overall CSF volume and pressure after OMT compared to CSF output and ICP prior to OMT. Conclusions This study demonstrates that OMT may help optimize glial lymphatic clearance of CSF and improve brain edema, interstitial waste product removal, NPi, ICP, CSF volume, and ONSD. A holistic approach including OMT may be considered to enhance management in TBI patients. As TBI is a spectrum of disease, utilizing similar techniques may be considered for all forms of TBI including concussions and other diseases with brain edema. The results of this study can better inform future trials to specifically study the effectiveness of OMT in post-concussive treatment and in those with mild-to-moderate TBI.

Inflammatory Markers in Severity of Intracerebral Hemorrhage II: A Follow Up Study.

Introduction Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) results in significant morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of brain injury after ICH is thought to be due to mechanical damage followed by ischemic, cytotoxic, and inflammatory changes in the underlying and surrounding tissue. Various inflammatory and non-inflammatory biomarkers have been studied as predictors and potential therapeutic targets for intracerebral hemorrhage. Our prior study showed an association with low vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and increased mortality. This current study looks to expand on our prior results and will look at the relationship between tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), C-reactive protein (CRP), VEGF, Homocysteine (Hcy), and CRP to albumin ratio (CAR) in predicting outcomes and severity in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with TNFα, CRP, VEGF, Hcy levels drawn on admission. Albumin and CRP levels on admission were used to calculate CAR. Ninety-nine patients were included in the study. Primary outcomes included death, early neurologic decline (END), and hemorrhage size. Secondary outcomes included late neurologic decline (LND), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission, GCS on discharge, ICH score, change in hemorrhage size, need for surgical intervention, and length of ICU stay. Results A total of 99 patients were included in this study, with 42% requiring surgical intervention and an overall mortality of 16%. Basal ganglia hemorrhage was seen in 41% of patients. Hcy and CAR were significantly correlated with ICH size in basal ganglia patients (r-=0.36, p=0.03; r=0.43, p=0.03, respectively). CAR was significantly correlated with ICH score (r=0.33, p=0.007874). Admission VEGF levels less than 45 pg/ml had 8.4-fold increase in mortality (odds ratio [OR] 8.4545, p=0.0488). Patients with TNFα levels greater than 1.40 pg/ml had a 4.1-fold increase in mortality (OR 4.1, p=0.04) Conclusion Our study demonstrated that low levels (<45 pg/ml) of VEGF were associated with an 8.4-fold increase in mortality, supporting the neuroprotective effect of this protein. Elevated Hcy and CAR levels were associated with an increase in hemorrhage size in patients with basal ganglia hemorrhages. TNFα levels greater than 1.40 pg/ml were associated with a 4.1-fold increase in mortality, and this together with CAR being correlated with increased hemorrhage size and ICH score further demonstrate the inflammatory consequences after intracerebral hemorrhage. Future studies directed at lowering CRP, TNFα, and Hcy and/or increasing VEGF in intracerebral hemorrhage patients are needed and may be beneficial.

Pentobarbital Coma With Therapeutic Hypothermia for Treatment of Refractory Intracranial Hypertension in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Single Institution Experience.

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in primary and secondary brain injuries. Secondary brain injury can lead to cerebral edema resulting in increased intracranial pressure (ICP) secondary to the rigid encasement of the skull. Increased ICP leads to decreased cerebral perfusion pressure which leads to cerebral ischemia. Refractory intracranial hypertension (RICH) occurs when ICP remains elevated despite first-tier therapies such as head elevation, straightening of the neck, analgesia, sedation, paralytics, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, mannitol and/or hypertonic saline administration. If unresponsive to these measures, second-tier therapies such as hypothermia, barbiturate infusion, and/or surgery are employed. Methods This was a retrospective review of patients admitted at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center from 2008 to 2019 for severe TBI who developed RICH requiring placement into a pentobarbital-induced coma with therapeutic hypothermia. Primary endpoints included mortality, good recovery which was designated at Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) of 4 or 5, and improvement in ICP (goal is <20 mmHg). Secondary endpoints included complications, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, length of hospital stay, length of pentobarbital coma, length of hypothermia, need for vasopressors, and decompressive surgery versus no decompressive surgery. Results Our study included 18 patients placed in pentobarbital coma with hypothermia for RICH. The overall mortality rate in our study was 50%; with 60% mortality in pentobarbital/hypothermia only group, and 46% mortality in surgery plus pentobarbital/hypothermia group. Maximum ICP prior to pentobarbital/hypothermia was significantly lower in patients who had a prior decompressive craniectomy than in patients who were placed into pentobarbital/hypothermia protocol first (28.3 vs 35.4, p<0.0238). ICP was significantly reduced at 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after pentobarbital and hypothermia treatment. Initial ICP and maximum ICP prior to pentobarbital/hypothermia was significantly correlated with mortality (p=0.022 and p=0.026). Patients with an ICP>25 mmHg prior to pentobarbital/hypothermia initiation had an increased risk of mortality (p=0.0455). There was no statistically significant difference in mean ICP after 24 hours after pentobarbital/hypothermia protocol in survivors vs non-survivors. Increased time to reach 33°C was associated with increased mortality (r=0.47, p=0.047); with a 10.5-fold increase in mortality for >7 hours (OR 10.5, p=0.039). Conclusion Prolonged cooling time >7 hours was associated with a 10.5-fold increase in mortality and ICP>25 mmHg prior to initiation of pentobarbital and hypothermia is suggestive of a poor response to treatment. We recommend patients with severe TBI who develop RICH should first undergo a 12 x 15 cm decompressive hemicraniectomy because they have better survival and are more likely to have ICP <25 mmHg as the highest elevation of ICP if the ICP were to become and stay elevated again. Pentobarbital and hypothermia should be initiated if the ICP becomes elevated and sustained above 20 mmHg with a prior decompressive hemicraniectomy and refractory to other medical therapies. However, our data suggests that patients are unlikely to survive if there ICP does not decrease to less than 15mmHg at 8 and 12 hours after pentobarbital/hypothermia and remain less than 20 mmHg within first 48 hours.

Optimal Partial Pressure of Oxygen Affects Outcomes in Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

Introduction Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability. Not all neuronal damage occurs at the time of primary injury, but rather TBI initiates a cascade of events that leads to secondary brain injury. Oxygenation is one crucial factor in maintaining brain tissue homeostasis post-injury. We performed a retrospective review of patients admitted to a single trauma center after TBI. Statistical analysis was performed to ascertain if the measured partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) affected overall outcome at the time of discharge from the hospital. Materials and Methods Statistical analysis was performed retrospectively on patients admitted with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < 8 and a diagnosis of TBI. GCS and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) were calculated from physical examination findings at the time of hospital discharge or death. Patient data were separated into two groups: those with consistently higher average PaO2 scores (≥ 150 mmHg; n = 7) and those with lower average PaO2 scores (< 150 mmHg; n = 8). The minimum requirement to be categorized in the consistently higher group was to have an average hospital day 1 through 5 PaO2 value of ≥ 150 mmHg. Results Patients with consistent hospital Day 1 through 5 PaO2 scores of ≥ 150 mmHg had statistically significant higher GCS scores at the end of intensive care unit (ICU)-level care or hospital discharge (mean = 12, p = 0.01), compared to those in group 2 with lower PaO2 levels (mean = 7.9). There was no statistically significant difference in GOS when comparing the two groups (p = 0.055); however, the data did show a trend toward significance. Discussion and Conclusion In our study we analyzed patients diagnosed with TBI and stratified them into groups based on PaO2 ≥ or < 150 mmHg. We demonstrate overall outcome improvement based on GCS with a trend toward improved GOS. The GCS showed statistical significance in patients with PaO2 consistently ≥ 150 mmHg versus those in group 2 over the first five days of hospitalization.

Case Report: Projectile Into Right Frontal Lobe From a Nail Gun.

We present a case of a nail gun injury penetrating the right maxillary sinus and frontal lobe with complaints of headache and right eye blindness. After surgical removal and treatment, there were no neurological deficits aside from the persistence of right eye blindness that the patient initially presented with. Our report describes the patient's clinical course, the multidisciplinary medical and surgical management, along with the clinical workup and important mental health considerations for patients presenting with intracranial nail gun injuries.

Comparison of Ventricular and Lumbar Cerebrospinal Fluid Composition.

Objective Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a common diagnostic tool used to evaluate diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). We sought to determine whether there is a difference between the composition of CSF sampled from an external ventricular drain (EVD) and lumbar drain (LD) and whether this made a difference in guiding therapeutic decisions. Patients and Methods This study was a retrospective analysis from a single neurosurgery service between the dates of January 2011 and April 2019. A total of 12,134 patients were screened. Inclusion criteria were ages 18-80 and the presence of both an EVD and LD. Exclusion criteria were not having both routes of CSF sampling and the inability to determine which samples originated from which compartment. Results Six patients underwent simultaneous spinal and ventricular routine CSF sampling <24 hours apart and were analyzed for their compositions. There were 42 samples, but only 20 paired EVD-LD samples that could be analyzed. When comparing the EVD and LD sample compositions, there were statistically significant differences in white blood cells (WBCs; p = 0.040), total protein (p = 0.042), and glucose (p = 0.043). Red blood cells (RBCs; p = 0.104) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN; p = 0.544) were not statistically significant. We found a statistically significant correlation between cranial and spinal CSF WBC (r = 0.944, p < 0.001), protein (r = 0.679, p = 0.001), and glucose (r = 0.805, p < 0.001). We also found that there was a significant correlation between CSF and serum glucose (r = 0.502, p = 0.040). There was no statistically significant correlation between RBCs (r = 0.276, p = 0.252). Conclusion Our results demonstrate a correlation between the cranial and spinal CSF samples, except for RBCs, with statistically significant differences in WBC, glucose, and protein values between the two sites. This confirms that sampling CSF via lumbar puncture, which carries less risk than a ventriculostomy and provides accurate data to help establish a diagnosis for intracranial pathologies.

Clinical Efficacy of Mesenteric Lift to Relieve Constipation in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients.

CONTEXT: Patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) often have multiple autonomic disturbances that interfere with normal gastrointestinal motility. Many of the pharmacologic agents used in the intensive care unit (ICU) also adversely affect gastrointestinal motility. The body is further subjected to excessive levels of sympathetic discharge in states of traumatic injury and extreme stress, which can interfere with the proper absorption of fluids and nutrients. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether mesenteric lift, an osteopathic manipulative treatment technique, is effective in relieving constipation in patients with TBI who are intubated in the ICU. METHODS: This retrospective medical record review examined the effect of mesenteric lift on intubated patients with significant TBI who were unable to have a bowel movement within 72 hours of admission. The primary endpoint was the return of normal bowel function within 24 hours. A control group consisted of intubated patients with TBI during the same period who did not receive mesenteric lift. RESULTS: Of patients who received mesenteric lift, 77% experienced bowel movements (n=27 of 35), compared with 36% (n=16 of 44) in the control group (P=.01). CONCLUSION: The application of mesenteric lift to intubated patients with severe TBI in the intensive care unit significantly increased patients' ability to resume normal bowel function and expel waste.

Increased Brain Tissue Oxygen Monitoring Threshold to Improve Hospital Course in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients.

Introduction This article is a retrospective analysis of the neurosurgical census at our institution to determine an optimal threshold for brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2). The use of brain tissue oxygen monitoring has been in place for approximately three decades but data suggesting optimal thresholds to improve outcomes have been lacking. Though there are multiple modalities to monitor cerebral oxygenation, the monitoring of brain tissue oxygen tension has been deemed the gold standard. Still, it is not clear exactly how reductions in PbtO2 should be treated or what appropriate thresholds to treat might be. The aim of our study was to determine if our threshold of 28 mmHg for a good functional outcome could be correlated to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Methods A retrospective analysis of the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Neurosurgery Census was performed. Patients from 2017-2019 who had placement of Licox® cerebral oxygen monitoring sensors (Integra® Lifesciences, Plainsboro Township, New Jersey) were included in the analysis. Fifteen patients were consecutively identified, all of which presented with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Data on age, gender, days in the intensive care unit (ICU), days before discharge or end of medical care, admission GCS, hospital length of stay, GOS, maximum and minimum PbtO2 values for five days following insertion, minimum and maximum intracranial pressures (ICPs), and brain temperature were included for analysis. Patient data were separated into two groups; those with consistently higher PbtO2 scores (≥ 28 mmHg; n = 7) and those with inconsistent/lower PbtO2 scores (< 28 mmHg; n = 8). Standard student t-tests were used to find potential statistical differences between the groups (α = 0.05). Results There were seven patients in the consistently high PbtO2 category (≥ 28 mmHg) and eight patients in the inconsistent/low PbtO2 category (<28 mmHg). The average maximum and minimum PbtO2 for the group displaying worse outcomes (as defined by GCS/GOS) was 23.0 mmHg and 14 mmHg, respectively. Those with consistent Day 2 PbtO2 scores of ≥ 28 mmHg had significantly higher GCS scores at discharge/end of medical care (p < 0.05). Average GCS for the patient group with >28 mmHg PbtO2 averaged over Days 2-5 group was 11.4 (n=7). Average GCS for the <28 group was 7.0 (n=8). The GCS for the >28 group was 63% higher than found in the <28 group (p = 0.03). GOS scores were significantly higher in those with consistently higher PbtO2 (≥ 28) than those with lower PbtO2 scores (< 28). The averages were 3.5 in the higher PbtO2 group as compared to 2 in the lower PbtO2 group. Conclusion Along with ICP monitors and monitoring in the assessment of CPP, brain tissue oxygenation allows yet another metric by which to optimize treatment in TBI patients. At our institution, a PbtO2 level of ≥ 28 mmHg is targeted in order to facilitate a good functional outcome in TBI patients. Keeping patients at this level improves GCS and GOS at discharge/end of medical treatment.

Risks, Benefits, and the Optimal Time to Resume Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis in Patients with Intracranial Hemorrhage.

Introduction It is common to start all patients on chemical prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in order to decrease the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the associated adverse effects, including the potential for fatal pulmonary embolism (PE). There is no consensus in the literature on the optimal time to resume chemical DVT prophylaxis in patients who present with intracranial hemorrhage requiring neurosurgical intervention. The practice is variable and practitioner dependent. There can be difficulty in balancing the increased risk of further intracranial hemorrhage versus the benefit of starting DVT prophylaxis to prevent VTE. Method A retrospective review of patients that had diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) defined as epidural hematoma (EDH), subdural hematoma (SDH), or intra-parenchymal hematoma (IPH), was performed using the neurosurgical census at our institution. The review consisted of adult patients greater than 18 years old with a diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage. Type of intracranial hemorrhage, method of neurosurgical intervention (whether surgical, bedside procedure, or both), day post-procedure prophylaxis was resumed, and the type of chemical prophylaxis used (subcutaneous heparin (SQH) versus enoxaparin) were recorded. The patient's sex, Glasgow Coma Scale on presentation and discharge, length of hospital stay, and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay were also recorded. Patients with previously diagnosed bleeding dyscrasia, previously diagnosed DVT or PE, patients without post-procedure cranial imaging (CT or MRI), and patients without post-procedure duplex ultrasound for DVT screening were excluded. Patients were monitored with head CT for possible expansion of ICH after resumption of therapy. Furthermore, we investigated whether the patient developed an adverse effect such as venous thromboembolism including deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism during the post-procedure period when they were not on chemical prophylaxis. Results A total of 94 patients were analyzed in our study. Nine (9.6%) had an EDH, seventeen (18.1%) had an IPH, and sixty-eight (72.3%) had a SDH. The three most common procedures were craniectomy (28.7%), craniotomy (34%), and subdural drain placement (28.7%). The most common agent for chemical DVT prophylaxis was SQH in 78% of patients. There was no statistically significant association between type of chemical DVT prophylaxis used with respect to either ICU length of stay or hospital length of stay. Change in GCS (the difference of GCS on presentation versus on discharge) was found to have statistically significant relationship with the use of chemical DVT prophylaxis. Furthermore, patients were found to have no statistically significant association with re-bleed or new hemorrhage upon starting chemical DVT prophylaxis, regardless of the type of ICH. Conclusion The rates of DVT diagnosis did not seem to be significantly affected by the specific type of chemical prophylaxis that was used. ICU and hospital length of stay were not adversely affected by starting prophylaxis for VTE in patients with ICH. On the contrary, an improvement in GCS (on presentation versus discharge) was associated with starting chemical DVT prophylaxis in ICH patients within 24 hours post-procedure.

Impressions of Osteopathic Neurosurgeon on Preparedness for Practice: Survey Results from the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.

Introduction Neurosurgeons trained in the US are rigorously educated on the surgical management of neurosurgical conditions. These neurosurgeons have been trained through one of two avenues: the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). With the formation of a single accreditation system from the AOA and ACGME accrediting bodies and significant changes introduced in the training of neurosurgeons from both bodies, we sought to identify common practice parameters and perceptions of preparedness of AOA-trained neurosurgeons. Methods  A survey was conducted through the neurosurgery section of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS), requesting responses from attending neurosurgeons who completed AOA neurosurgery residency. Responses were obtained through an anonymous, web-based system using single-select multiple-choice questions. Results  In total, 52 neurosurgeons participated in the survey. The majority of the 52 respondents practiced in non-academic settings in urban areas and were exposed to a wide variety of practice environments in terms of case volume and clinical responsibilities. Significantly, 96.15% of the respondents said they felt adequately prepared for neurosurgical practice after their AOA training.  Conclusion  Overall, this study highlights both the similarities and variances in practices of osteopathic neurosurgeons. The majority of the participants feel that their training has appropriately prepared them for practice and they are skilled surgeons capable of caring for the safety and well-being of numerous patients in a variety of settings. Most of them practice primarily in private-practice settings at urban centers. Overall, osteopathic neurosurgeons trained in AOA programs report that their training has equipped them well for careers in neurosurgery.

Seizure Prophylaxis in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Comparative Study of Levetiracetam and Phenytoin Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels in Trauma Patients with Signs of Increased Intracranial Pressure Requiring Ventriculostomy.

Background One of the most common life-threatening injuries to trauma patients arriving in the emergency department (ED) is traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traditionally, intravenous medications have been given as seizure prophylaxis in patients demonstrating signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), as post-traumatic seizures in trauma patients are associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Medications traditionally given for this indication such as phenytoin have been established to reach therapeutic levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) quickly and are effective in preventing post-traumatic seizures but often have a large side-effect profile. A newer medication that is being used for seizure prophylaxis in patients with epilepsy is levetiracetam. Levetiracetam typically has a better side effect profile, but it has not been demonstrated that the drug reaches therapeutic levels in the CSF as quickly as phenytoin. Studies have shown levetiracetam and phenytoin to be equivocal in the prevention of post-TBI seizure prophylaxis. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, case-control study at a Level II trauma center of adult patients (age >/= 18 years) who suffered severe TBI (sTBI) requiring the placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD) from May 2017 to June 2018. Twelve patients were randomly placed into one of two groups for the administration of antiepileptic medication (either levetiracetam or phenytoin), allowing for the subsequent serial collection of CSF for the analysis of therapeutic levels of antiepileptic medications. Levetiracetam or phenytoin was administered at standardized fixed doses per our neurosurgical center standard protocol. CSF was collected before either drug was administered, 60 minutes after completion of administration and 360 minutes after completion of drug administration. Data analysis was performed to compare the time frame for which therapeutic levels of the medications were achieved in the CSF. The published steady-state and therapeutic CSF level of levetiracetam is 32 mcg/ml and phenytoin is 2 mcg/ml. Results A trend was observed in which the closer the fixed dosage approximated the weight-based dosing of phenytoin, the more their CSF phenytoin level increased (and approximated the therapeutic range) with an associated R-squared value of 0.6274. This trend was not found in patients receiving levetiracetam. Conclusions Levetiracetam does not reach levels needed for seizure prophylaxis in human CSF when loaded at standard dosing regimens in the acute setting. Phenytoin does reach levels needed for seizure prophylaxis in human CSF with standardized regimen dosing when dosages approximate weight-based dosing. If needed, in the acute setting phenytoin should have additional doses given prior to six hours after the loading dose to achieve therapeutic CSF levels.

Safety and Efficacy of Transcatheter Administration of Tissue Plasminogen Activating Factor as Adjuvant Therapy for Intraventricular Hemorrhage.

Objective Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability. Hemorrhagic stroke has higher risks of mortality and neurologic deficit. Higher still, acute intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) has mortality between 50% and 80% while complicating subarachnoid hemorrhage in 15% of cases and intracerebral hemorrhage in 40% of cases. We sought to demonstrate that early adjuvant intraventricular recombinant tissue plasminogen activating factor (rt-PA) improved outcomes. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed on patients aged 18-95 years with external ventricular drain (EVD) and intraventricular rt-PA for clot evacuation in IVH between 2005 and 2015. In total, 22 patients met the inclusion criteria. Generalized linear modeling was performed with factorial analysis using the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) on arrival, GCS at EVD placement, EVD day of onset of rt-PA administration, GCS at onset of rt-PA administration, total duration of EVD, necessity of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, occurrence of ventriculitis, day of ventriculitis, GCS after rt-PA, length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU), and hospital disposition. Results Presenting GCS affected LOS significantly. Ventriculitis only significantly affected ICU LOS. GCS after rt-PA only significantly affected discharge GCS. EVD day of rt-PA protocol commencement demonstrated significant effects on EVD duration and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion requirement. Age affected ICU and hospital LOS. Conclusion These findings argue for larger prospective trials of EVD day two rt-PA protocol inception in acute IVH. Reported ventriculitis rates with EVDs are 8.8%, while we demonstrated a rate of 18% without significant effects except in ICU LOS. Transcatheter intraventricular rt-PA is safe and effective as an adjuvant in acute spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage with the greatest benefit of rt-PA protocol at EVD day two.

Prevalence of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Patients - The Overdiagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections.

BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are profound causes of prolonged hospital stay and worse patient outcomes. HAIs pose serious risks, particularly in neurosurgical patients in the intensive care unit, as these patients are seldom able to express symptoms of infection, with only elevated temperatures as the initial symptom. Data from Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) have shown that of all HAIs, urinary tract infections (UTIs) have been grossly over-reported, resulting in excessive and unnecessary antibiotic usage. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 686 adult patients that were evaluated by the neurosurgery service at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center between July 2018 and March 2019. Inclusion criteria were adults greater than 18 years of age with neurosurgical pathology requiring a minimum of one full day admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and an indwelling urinary catheter. Exclusion criteria were patients under the age of 18, those who did not spend any time in the ICU, or with renal pathologies such as renal failure. RESULTS: We reviewed 686 patients from the neurosurgical census. In total, 146 adult patients with indwelling urinary catheters were selected into the statistical analysis. Most individuals spent an average of 8.91 ± 9.70 days in the ICU and had an indwelling catheter for approximately 8.14 ± 7.95 days. Forty-two out of the 146 individuals were found to have a temperature of 100.4°F or higher. Majority of the patients with an elevated temperature had an infectious source other than urine, such as sputum (22 out of 42, 52.38%), blood (three out of 42, 7.14%) or CSF (one out of 42, 2.38%). We were able to find only two individuals (4.76%) with a positive urine culture and no evidence of other positive cultures or deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows evidence to support the newest IDSA guidelines that patients with elevated temperatures should have a clinical workup of all alternative etiologies prior to testing for a urinary source unless the clinical suspicion is high. This will help reduce the rate of unnecessary urine cultures, the over-diagnosis of asymptomatic bacteriuria, and the overuse of antibiotics. Based on our current findings, all potential sources of fever should be ruled out prior to obtaining urinalysis, and catheters should be removed as soon as they are not needed. Urinalysis with reflex to urine culture should be reserved for those cases where there remains a high index of clinical suspicion for a urinary source.

Tight Control of Systolic Blood Pressure in Spontaneous Intraparenchymal Brain Hemorrhage.

Background Tight blood pressure control is critical in neurosurgical patients. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) must be low enough to avoid injury and minimize intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) but high enough to maintain cerebral perfusion. American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend SBP <140 in intracerebral hemorrhage. This paper sought to elucidate the effect of early control of SBP on IPH expansion. Methods 134 patients with spontaneous IPH between 2011 and 2015 were analyzed utilizing chart review. Initial versus follow-up bleed size, presentation and discharge condition, discharge disposition, and blood pressure control adequacy were analyzed using the generalized linear model. Results Altered mental status was the most common presenting complaint (78%). Presenting GCS failed to demonstrate a significant main effect. Age, initial IPH volume, presenting SBP, and one-hour SBP significantly affected IPH percent expansion (p=0.002, =0.002, <0.0005, and =0.026). Several two-way interactions affected IPH percent change implying synergistic effects of the predictor variables. Conclusion Patients aged 60-70 years had the largest percent IPH expansion followed by patients aged 20-30 years. Initial IPH volume of 65.23-78.26 ml showed the largest expansion. Initial IPH volume of 52.18-65.22 ml demonstrated the least percentage of IPH expansion. One-hour control of SBP to binned groups of 111-121 mmHg or 121-132 mmHg portends relative minima in bleed expansion corresponding with AHA recommendations for IPH patients. This study suggests that this degree of early and aggressive control of SBP is achievable, safe, and may minimize IPH expansion. Future studies are needed to elucidate the role of co-morbidities and to confirm these findings in broader populations.

Effectiveness of Method of Repair of Incidental Thoracic and Lumbar Durotomies: A Comparison of Direct Versus Indirect Repair.

Introduction Incidental durotomy (ID) is a well-known complication in spine surgery. Surveys have not identified a consensus for repair method among neurosurgeons. IDs may lead to complications such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula, which may predispose patients to infection, additional procedures, increased length of stay and morbidity. This study aims to compare durotomy repair methods with clinical outcomes. Methods The neurosurgery database at a single institution, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, was screened for all patients who underwent thoracic and lumbar spine surgery from 2007-2017. Retrospective chart review of operative reports identified patients with an ID. Data collection included: length of stay, infection, additional procedures, time lying flat, CSF fistula formation (primary endpoint) with analysis using t-tests. Results A total of 384 patients underwent initial analysis. Of the 384 patients, 25 had an incidental durotomy based on operative reports. Four patients were excluded from this subset: two were repaired with muscle graft (low N), two were excluded for unclear repair method. The remaining 21 were stratified into two groups, those repaired directly with suture with or without adjunct (N=9) and those repaired indirectly with sealant (N=12). No patients developed a CSF fistula. The indirect group had a length of stay of six days, while the direct group had a length of stay of four days, p=0.184. Two of the nine patients in the direct group and two of the twelve patients in the indirect group developed an infection, p=0.586. Conclusion No patients developed CSF fistulas. Secondary endpoints of length of stay and infection rate did not differ. This study was unable to determine if direct versus indirect repair was a more effective repair method for ID. It is possible that if an incidental durotomy is identified and repaired with a water-tight seal, the repair method does not affect the outcome. It is up to the surgeon to individualize repair based on ability and circumstances.

Minimization of Intraparenchymal Hemorrhagic Stroke Size by Optimization of Serum Lipids.

Introduction Intraparenchymal hemorrhages (IPHs) are the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke. One of the main associated risk factors is total cholesterol (TC) above 200. A severely decreased level of TC potentially interferes with the stabilization of the cell membrane and can potentially lead to a larger hemorrhage. Previous population-based studies have confirmed an association between low TCs and a high incidence of hemorrhagic stroke. It has been established that a TC below 200 decreases the potential for cardiovascular disease. This study suggests that the balance that needs to be achieved between these two extremes presents a unique possibility for an optimal therapeutic range of total cholesterol levels. Materials & methods Inclusion criteria included all adult patients with International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9/10 code for hemorrhagic stroke, from June 2007 to June 2017. A total of 300 patients met the criteria (N=300). For each patient, the following data were collected: NIH Stroke Scale, TC level, triglyceride level, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), cholesterol reducing medications, size of hemorrhage on computed tomography (CT) of the head, location of hemorrhage, and patient disposition. Statistical analysis was done using the Generalized Linear Modeling with Wald Chi-square as the statistical determinant. Results Intracerebral hemorrhage size is dependent on the intracranial location with brain lobes having larger bleeds. Minimum hemorrhage size was noted in TC 188-196 and this effect was statistically significant independent of location. HDL has a significant independent effect on hemorrhage size with overall minimum bleed occurring in the range of 43-51 mg/dL HDL (98-106 mg/dL for men and 43-51 mg/dL for women). This sex effect within HDL on hemorrhage size is statistically significant. There was a differential effect of HDL dependent on patient race. Asian and black patients had least IPH volume with HDL 70-79 mg/dL, while Hispanic patients had a minimum at 43-51 mg/dL. White patients required a higher HDL, 80-88 mg/dL to minimize the IPH size. The triglyceride level had a statistically significant independent effect on the bleed size with the minimum hemorrhage size occurring in the range of 205-224 mg/dL. This effect was nuanced by patient race with statistically significant minimum IPH size occurring at 144-164 mg/dL for white patients, 124-143 mg/dL for Hispanic and black patients, and 84-103 mg/dL for Asian patients. Post-hospital patient disposition was not significantly affected by any of the above predictor variables. Conclusion This study found TC, HDL and triglycerides in specific ranges are associated with significantly decreased hemorrhage size across all genders and hemorrhage locations. The ranges with the strongest hemorrhage-limiting effect are as follows: TC 188-196 mg/dL, HDL 43-51 mg/dL (98-106 mg/dL for men and 43-51 mg/dL for women), triglycerides 205-224 mg/dL. Lipids both below and above these ranges yield larger bleeds. It also found larger brain areas will have more extensive hemorrhage than smaller brain areas. Future work in this arena should include collaboration with cardiology to determine ideal ranges for both cardio- and neuroprotection as well as a prospective study to validate the applicability of these findings in patient care.