Long-term results of minimally invasive strip craniectomy without helmet therapy for scaphocephaly - a single-centre experience.

Scaphocephaly is the most common type of craniosynostosis and various surgical techniques are used for treatment. Due to late postoperative changes of the head shape, long-term outcome data is important for evaluating any new surgical technique. At our institution, minimally invasive strip craniectomy without regular helmet therapy is the standard treatment in scaphocephalic patients. Between October 2021 and February 2023, we retrospectively examined the skull shape of patients who underwent minimally invasive strip craniectomy for scaphocephaly using a 3D surface scan technique. The cephalic index (CI), the need for helmet therapy and additional cosmetic outcome parameters were investigated. We included 70 patients (72.5% male). The mean follow-up time was 46 (10-125) months and the mean CI was 75.7 (66.7-85.2). In 58 patients, the final cosmetic result was rated as "excellent/good" (mean CI: 76.3; 70.4-85.0), in 11 as "intermediate" (mean CI: 73.3; 66.7-77.6), and in one case as "unsatisfactory" (CI 69.3). The presence of a suboccipital protrusion was associated with a "less than good" outcome. The CI correlated significantly with the overall outcome, the presence of frontal bossing, and the interval between scan and surgery (age at scan). Minimally invasive strip craniectomy is an elegant and safe method to correct scaphocephaly. Our data show good cosmetic results in the long term even without regular postoperative helmet therapy.

Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring and Mapping During Surgery on Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors in Children and Adolescents.

SUMMARY: Surgical resection of intramedullary spinal cord tumors carries significant risks of neurologic deficits, especially in cases of infiltrative tumors. In pediatric patients, this type of surgery may be associated with a high risk of poor neurologic outcome. Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring has been adopted as part of the clinical routine by many centers as a useful adjunct for intraoperative assessment of neurologic integrity. To what extent intraoperative neurophysiologic mapping strategies may further support intraoperative decision-making is still a matter of debate. Here, we report on a small cohort of five pediatric patients in whom mapping with the double-train paradigm was used to identify the dorsal column and corticospinal tract and to guide the surgical resection. We also discuss the possible benefits and challenges regarding the available literature.

Incidence, therapy, and outcome in the management of chronic subdural hematoma in Switzerland: a population-based multicenter cohort study.

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a disease affecting mainly elderly individuals. The reported incidence ranges from 2.0/100,000 to 58 per 100,000 person-years when only considering patients who are over 70 years old, with an overall incidence of 8.2-14.0 per 100,000 persons. Due to an estimated doubling of the population above 65 years old between 2000 and 2030, cSDH will become an even more significant concern. To gain an overview of cSDH hospital admission rates, treatment, and outcome, we performed this multicenter national cohort study of patients requiring surgical treatment of cSDH. Methods: A multicenter cohort study included patients treated in 2013 in a Swiss center accredited for residency. Demographics, medical history, symptoms, and medication were recorded. Imaging at admission was evaluated, and therapy was divided into burr hole craniostomy (BHC), twist drill craniostomy (TDC), and craniotomy. Patients' outcomes were dichotomized into good (mRS, 0-3) and poor (mRS, 4-6) outcomes. A two-sided t-test for unpaired variables was performed, while a chi-square test was performed for categorical variables, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 663 patients were included. The median age was 76 years, and the overall incidence rate was 8.2/100,000. With age, the incidence rate increased to 64.2/100,000 in patients aged 80-89 years. The most prevalent symptoms were gait disturbance in 362 (58.6%) of patients, headache in 286 (46.4%), and focal neurological deficits in 252 (40.7%). CSDH distribution was unilateral in 478 (72.1%) patients, while 185 presented a bilateral hematoma with no difference in the outcome. BHC was the most performed procedure for 758 (97.3%) evacuations. CSDH recurrence was noted in 104 patients (20.1%). A good outcome was seen in almost 81% of patients. Factors associated with poor outcomes were age, GCS and mRS on admission, and the occurrence of multiple deficits present at the diagnosis of the cSDH. Conclusion: As the first multicenter national cohort-based study analyzing the disease burden of cSDH, our study reveals that the hospital admission rate of cSDH was 8.2/100,000, while with age, it rose to 64.2/100,000. A good outcome was seen in 81% of patients, who maintained the same quality of life as before the surgery. However, the mortality rate was 4%.

Resection of Low-Grade Gliomas in the Face Area of the Primary Motor Cortex and Neurological Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: During surgery on low-grade gliomas (LGG), reliable data relevant to the primary motor cortex (M1) for the face area are lacking. We analyzed the impact of tumor removal within the M1 face area on neurological deficits. METHODS: We included LGG patients with resection within the M1 face area between May 2012 and November 2019. The primary endpoint was postoperative facial motor function. Secondary endpoints were postoperative aphasia, dysarthria, and dysphagia. Surgery was performed either with the awake protocol or under anesthesia with continuous dynamic mapping. The alarm criteria were speech arrest or a mapping threshold of 3 mA or less. Resection was completed in five patients. The resection was stopped due to the alarm criteria in three patients and for other reasons (vascular supply, patient performance) in four patients. A total of 66.7% (n = 8) presented with new-onset facial paresis (62.5% left LGG) and 41.7% (n = 5) with aphasia (all left LGG) postoperatively. After one year, all eight patients had recovered from the facial paresis. Tumor removal within the M1 face area was not associated with permanent facial motor deficits.

The Role of Active or Passive Drainage after Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An Analysis of Two Randomized Controlled Trials (cSDH-Drain-Trial and TOSCAN Trial).

The evacuation of a chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most common procedures in neurosurgery. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of drainage suction in the surgical treatment of cSDH on the recurrence rate. Post hoc analysis was conducted on two randomized controlled trials (cSDH-Drain-Trial and TOSCAN trial) stratifying a total of 581 patients into active or passive drain type. Of the 581 patients, 359 (61.8%) and 220 (37.9%) were stratified into the active and passive drainage groups, respectively. The reoperation rate following postoperative recurrence was 23.1% and 14.1% in the active and passive drainage groups, respectively (p < 0.011). After propensity score matching, the differences in recurrence rate remained significant (26.6% versus 15.6%, p = 0.012). However, the functional outcome (mRS) at 6−12 months did not differ significantly (median [IQR]) between the 2 groups (passive drainage group 0.00 [0.00, 2.00], active drainage group 1.00 [0.00, 2.00], p = 0.431). Mortality was comparable between the groups (passive drainage group 12 (5.5%), active drainage group 20 (5.6%), p = 0.968). In the univariate analysis, active drainage, short (<48 h) duration of drainage, and early (<48 h) postoperative mobilization were significantly associated with a higher recurrence rate. However, the multivariate logistic regression model could not confirm that any of these parameters were significantly associated with recurrence. Our post hoc analysis proposes that using a passive instead of an active drain might be associated with a reduced recurrence rate after evacuation of a cSDH. We suggest gathering further evidence by means of a randomized controlled trial.

Traumatic brain injury in the elderly after a skiing accident: A retrospective cohort study in a level 1 emergency department in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Skiing is a very popular sport worldwide, with increasing trends over the past decades. This study aimed to evaluate the importance of traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially in the elderly, after a ski accident, and to describe its short-term repercussions. METHODOLOGY: Patients were analyzed who were admitted to our neurotrauma center from 2012-2018 after a head trauma while skiing. Three different age groups were differentiated and analyzed for the severity of TBI depending on the initial Glasgow Coma Scale as the primary outcome and as secondary outcomes need and type of surgery, Glasgow Outcome Score, preexisting use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, time to presentation, and pattern of brain injury. TBI severity was adjusted to the time to initial medical consultation. RESULTS: No significant difference in TBI severity was found when comparing the middle (>29-54) and older (≥54) age groups to the reference group <30 years (OR:0.45, p = 0.127; OR:0.46, p = 0.17). Acute subdural hemorrhage was present in 21.2% of the ≥55 group and 14.5% of the 30-54 age group, compared to 12.8% of the youngest group (p = <0.001). Overall, 39.4% of the patients in the ≥55 group and 8.1% of the 30-54 age group presented with chronic subdural hemorrhage, whereas none of the youngest patients did (p = <0.001). CONCLUSION: No differences were observed in terms of TBI severity between age groups after acute trauma. Nonetheless, a different pattern of head injury after TBI in older patients was demonstrated. Accordingly, the management differs for these TBIs compared to those of younger patients.

Essential Management of Pediatric Brain Tumors.

Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children and are associated with high mortality. The most common childhood brain tumors are grouped as low-grade gliomas (LGG), high grade gliomas (HGG), ependymomas, and embryonal tumors, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Advances in molecular genetics have led to a shift from pure histopathological diagnosis to integrated diagnosis. For the first time, these new criteria were included in the WHO classification published in 2016 and has been further updated in the 2021 edition. Integrated diagnosis is based on molecular genomic similarities of the tumor subclasses, and it can better explain the differences in clinical courses of previously histopathologically identical entities. Important advances have also been made in pediatric neuro-oncology. A growing understanding of the molecular-genetic background of tumorigenesis has improved the diagnostic accuracy. Re-stratification of treatment protocols and the development of targeted therapies will significantly affect overall survival and quality of life. For some pediatric tumors, these advances have significantly improved therapeutic management and prognosis in certain tumor subgroups. Some therapeutic approaches also have serious long-term consequences. Therefore, optimized treatments are greatly needed. Here, we discuss the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and the role of (pediatric) neurosurgery by briefly describing the most common childhood brain tumors and their currently recognized molecular subgroups.

Negligible Systemic Uptake of Suprafascial Vancomycin Powder Following Instrumented Posterior Spinal Fusion-Preliminary Results From A Randomized Clinical Trial (VANCO Trial).

BACKGROUND: Intrawound vancomycin powder is an emerging strategy to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) in spine surgery. However, there are concerns relating to its safety profile and toxicity. Data on systemic uptake of suprafascially administered vancomycin powder following instrumented spinal fusion is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To study the systemic uptake and safety of suprafascially administered vancomycin powder in the early postoperative phase following open instrumented posterior spinal fusion. METHODS: This was a substudy of an ongoing randomized clinical trial. Eligible adult patients were randomized 1:1 to either receive suprafascial vancomycin powder before wound closure or not to receive vancomycin powder. Serum vancomycin levels were assessed on postoperative days 1 and 2, serum creatinine levels were measured pre- and post-operatively. Adverse events up to 6 wk following surgery were recorded. RESULTS: Among 34 randomized patients (mean age 62 yr, range 31-84 yr; 18 [53%] women), 17 received vancomycin powder. No detectable serum vancomycin levels (>4.0 mg/L) were found. Proportion of adverse events per patient in the vancomycin and control group, respectively, were 29.4% (5/17) vs 11.8% (2/17) (OR 3.12; 95% CI, 0.52; 19.38; P = .398). No patient had nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity in either group. CONCLUSION: Suprafascial vancomycin powder in open instrumented spinal fusion surgery is safe and results in negligible systemic uptake. Final results of the VANCO Trial need to be awaited for conclusive data on the efficacy of vancomycin for SSI prevention and its impact on wound healing.

Drain type after burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma in geriatric patients: a subanalysis of the cSDH-Drain randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) occurs more frequently in elderly patients, while older patient age is associated with worse postoperative outcome following burr-hole drainage (BHD) of cSDH. The cSDH-Drain trial showed comparable recurrence rates after BHD and placement of either a subperiosteal drain (SPD) or subdural drain (SDD). Additionally, an SPD showed a significantly lower rate of infections as well as iatrogenic parenchymal injuries through drain misplacement. This post hoc analysis aims to compare recurrence rates and clinical outcomes following BHD of cSDH and the placement of SPDs or SDDs in elderly patients. METHODS: The study included 104 patients (47.3%) 80 years of age and older from the 220 patients recruited in the preceding cSDH-Drain trial. SPDs and SDDs were compared with regard to recurrence rate, morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcome. A post hoc analysis using logistic regression, comparing the outcome measurements for patients < 80 and ≥ 80 years old in a univariate analysis and stratified for drain type, was further completed. RESULTS: Patients ≥ 80 years of age treated with an SDD showed higher recurrence rates (12.8%) compared with those treated with an SPD (8.2%), without a significant difference (p = 0.46). Significantly higher drain misplacement rates were observed for patients older than 80 years and treated with an SDD compared with an SPD (0% vs 20%, p = 0.01). Comparing patients older than 80 years to younger patients, significantly higher overall mortality (15.4% vs 5.2%, p = 0.012), 30-day mortality (3.8% vs 0%, p = 0.033), and surgical mortality (2.9% vs 1.7%, p = 0.034) rates were observed. Clinical outcome at the 12-month follow-up was significantly worse for patients ≥ 80 years old, and logistic regression showed a significant association of age with outcome, while drain type had no association with outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The initial findings of the cSDH-Drain trial and the findings of this subanalysis suggest that SPD may be warranted in elderly patients. As opposed to drain type, patient age (> 80 years) was significantly associated with worse outcome, as well as higher morbidity and mortality rates.

Subperiosteal versus Subdural Drain After Burr-hole Drainage Under Blood Thinners: A Subanalysis of the cSDH-Drain RCT.

OBJECTIVE: The chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH)-Drain trial compared recurrence rates and clinical outcome associated with the use of subperiosteal drain (SPD) and subdural drain (SDD) after burr-hole drainage for cSDH. This subgroup analysis aimed to determine whether one drain type is preferable for patients treated with platelet inhibitors (PI) or anticoagulants (AC). METHODS: This subanalysis included 133 patients treated with PI/AC of the 220 patients from the preceding cSDH-Drain trial. For these patients the association between the drain type used and recurrence rates, mortality, as well as clinical outcome at 6 weeks and 12 months follow-up were analyzed using a logistic regression analysis model. Additionally, recurrence rates, clinical outcome, and mortality were assessed for each PI or AC type separately. RESULTS: The insertion of SPD was associated with 7.35% recurrence rates compared to 13.85% with SDD in patients treated with PI or AC (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.06-2.65, P = 0.36). Outcome measurements and mortality did not differ significantly between both groups at 6-week and 12-month follow-up. In addition, there was no statistically significant association between drain type and recurrence rate or mortality when comparing data for each PI or AC type. At 24 hours postoperatively, significantly more patients under phenprocoumon and natrium-dalteparin had a Glasgow Coma Scale score between 13 and 15 in the SDD group compared with the SPD group (P = 0.006), whereaas at 6-week follow-up significantly more patients in the SDD group treated with ASA had a good modified Rankin scale score (P = 0.01). At 12 months, no significant difference in outcome measurements was seen for all PI and AC types. CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated with PI or AC, the insertion of SPD after burr-hole drainage of cSDH showed comparable recurrence, mortality, and long term outcome rates when compared with SDD.

Do prevalence rates and severity of acquired urinary incontinence differ between dogs spayed by laparoscopy or laparotomy? Comparing apples with apples with a matched-pair cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence rates and severity of acquired urinary incontinence (AUI) between dogs spayed with laparoscopic and open laparotomy approaches. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective matched-pair cohort study. ANIMALS: In total, 1285 privately owned dogs spayed >5 years previously were included in the study. METHODS: Laparoscopically spayed dogs were matched with dogs spayed by traditional laparotomy. Matching variables were breed, bodyweight, age at spaying, time of spaying in relation to the onset of puberty, time interval since spaying, and age. In 400 matched-paired dogs, the outcome of AUI was assessed by using an owner questionnaire. A conditional logistic regression for matched pairs was performed on the data of 308 dogs. RESULTS: Among 308 dogs, 30 and 29 dogs spayed by laparotomy and laparoscopy, respectively, were affected by AUI. The identified risk factors for AUI were age and time interval since spaying. The surgical approach (laparoscopy or laparotomy) was neither revealed as a risk factor nor did it influence the severity of AUI. CONCLUSION: The risk of AUI after spaying is not influenced by the surgical approach, (laparoscopy or laparotomy). Nearly every fifth dog spayed by laparotomy or by laparoscopy was affected by AUI. A relatively longer time interval since spaying and increased age of the dog increased the risk for AUI. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Owners of dogs with a predisposition for AUI must be counseled about this risk when they present their dogs for spaying, regardless of surgical approach chosen.

Time to and Possible Risk Factors for Recurrence after Burr-hole Drainage of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Subanalysis of the cSDH-Drain Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The randomized controlled Chronic Subdural Hematoma (cSDH)-Drain-Trial showed comparable recurrence rates after placing a subperiosteal drain (SPD) or a subdural drain (SDD) for surgically drained cSDH, although SDD was associated with higher rates of infection and iatrogenic brain injury. This subanalysis examines the time to recurrence and possible risk factors for recurrence after burr-hole drainage of cSDH and placement of a SPD compared with a SDD. METHODS: We included 220 patients from the preceding cSDH-Drain-Trial. Time to recurrence was compared within the 2 groups using a univariate Cox proportional hazards model. Apart from intraoperative brain expansion (iBE), defined by residual hematoma-cavity on computer tomography 24 hours after surgery, other possible pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors for recurrence were assessed through univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Median time to recurrence was 22.5 days (interquartile range: 9.25-52 days, range: 0-81) showing no difference between the 2 groups. Less iBE (P = 0.019), lower Glasgow Outcome Scale score at discharge (P = 0.007), and lower Glasgow Coma Scale score at 24 hours (P = 0.037) were strongly associated with recurrence on univariate analysis. After multivariate logistic analysis, less iBE (odds ratio: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01; 1.21; P = 0.03) remained the only significant risk factor associated with recurrence. When comparing the risk factors within the 2 groups, less iBE and lower Glasgow Outcome Scale score at release were associated with recurrence only in the SDD group. CONCLUSIONS: The inserted drain type after burr-hole drainage of cSDH does not seem to influence time to recurrence. SPD may be warranted in routine clinical practice, independent of individual patient, surgical, or hematoma characteristics.

Subperiosteal vs Subdural Drain After Burr-Hole Drainage of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Randomized Clinical Trial (cSDH-Drain-Trial).

BACKGROUND: The use of a subdural drain (SDD) after burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) reduces recurrence at 6 mo. Subperiosteal drains (SPDs) are considered safer, since they are not positioned in direct contact to cortical structures, bridging veins, or hematoma membranes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the recurrence rate after insertion of a SPD is noninferior to the insertion of a more commonly used SDD. METHODS: Multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial analyzing patients undergoing burr-hole drainage for cSDH aged 18 yr and older. After hematoma evacuation, patients were randomly assigned to receive either a SDD (SDD-group) or a SPD (SPD-group). The primary endpoint was recurrence indicating a reoperation within 12 mo, with a noninferiority margin of 3.5%. Secondary outcomes included clinical and radiological outcome, morbidity and mortality rates, and length of stay. RESULTS: Of 220 randomized patients, all were included in the final analysis (120 SPD and 100 SDD). Recurrence rate was lower in the SPD group (8.33%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.28-14.72) than in the SDD group (12.00%, 95% CI 6.66-19.73), with the treatment difference (3.67%, 95% CI -12.6-5.3) not meeting predefined noninferiority criteria. The SPD group showed significantly lower rates of surgical infections (P = .0406) and iatrogenic morbidity through drain placement (P = .0184). Length of stay and mortality rates were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: Although the noninferiority criteria were not met, SPD insertion led to lower recurrence rates, fewer surgical infections, and lower drain misplacement rates. These findings suggest that SPD may be warranted in routine clinical practice.

Postoperative navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation to predict motor recovery after surgery of tumors in motor eloquent areas.

OBJECTIVE: To know whether motor deficits after tumor surgery are transient is reassuring for the patient and crucial for planning rehabilitation and adjuvant treatment. We analyze the value of postoperative MRI navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) compared to intraoperative MEP monitoring in predicting recovery of motor function. METHODS: Retrospective series of nTMS mappings within 14 days after surgery for supratentorial tumors (09/2014-05/2018). All patients with motor deficits of Medical-Research-Council-Grade (MRCS) 0-4- were included. RESULTS: We performed nTMS mapping on average 3.8 days after surgery and recorded nTMS MEP in 11 of 13 patients. Motor strength recovered to at least MRCS 4 within one month if postoperative nTMS elicited MEPs (positive predictive value 90.9%). If nTMS did not elicit MEPs, the patient did not recover (negative predictive value 100%). Intraoperative MEP and postoperative nTMS were equally predictive for long-term motor recovery. In cases of intraoperative MEP alteration/signal loss, but a positive postoperative nTMS mapping, 2/3 patients demonstrated a good motor recovery. CONCLUSION: nTMS may predict long-term motor recovery of patients suffering from severe motor deficits directly after resection of tumors located in motor eloquent areas. SIGNIFICANCE: In cases of intraoperative MEP alterations, postoperative nTMS may clarify the potential for motor recovery.

Drain Insertion in Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An International Survey of Practice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether, after the publication of grade I evidence that it reduces recurrence rates, the practice of drain insertion after burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma has changed. Further, we aimed to document various practice modalities concerning the insertion of a drain adopted by neurosurgeons internationally. METHODS: We administered a survey to neurosurgeons worldwide with questions relating to the surgical treatment of chronic subdural hematoma, with an emphasis on their practices concerning the use of a drain. RESULTS: The preferred surgical technique was burr-hole drainage (89%). Most surgeons prefer to place a drain (80%), whereas in 56% of the cases the reason for not placing a drain was brain expansion after evacuation. Subdural drains are placed by 50% and subperiosteal drains by 27% of the responders, whereas 23% place primarily a subdural drain if possible and otherwise a subperiosteal drain. Three quarters of the responders leave the drain for 48 hours and give prophylactic antibiotic treatment, mostly a single-shot dose intraoperatively (70%). Routine postoperative computed tomography is done by 59% mostly within 24-48 hours after surgery (94%). Adjunct treatment to surgery rarely is used (4%). CONCLUSIONS: The publication of grade I evidence in favor of drain use influenced positively this practice worldwide. Some surgeons are still reluctant to insert a drain, especially when the subdural space is narrow after drainage of the hematoma. The insertion of a subperiosteal drain could be a good alternative solution. However, its outcome and efficacy must be evaluated in larger studies.

Burr-Hole Drainage for Chronic Subdural Hematoma Under Low-Dose Acetylsalicylic Acid: A Comparative Risk Analysis Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical diseases typically affecting older people. Many of these patients have coronary artery disease and receive antiplatelet therapy, usually acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Despite growing clinical relevance, there is still a lack of data focusing on the perioperative management of such patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the perioperative and postoperative bleeding and cardiovascular complication rates of patients undergoing burr-hole drainage for cSDH with and without discontinuation of low-dose ASA. METHODS: Of 963 consecutive patients undergoing burr-hole drainage for cSDH, 198 (20.5%) patients were receiving low-dose ASA treatment. In 26 patients (13.1%), ASA was not discontinued (ASA group; ASA discontinuation ≤7 days); in the remaining patients (n = 172; 86.9%), ASA was discontinued at least for 7 days (control group). The primary outcome measure was recurrent cSDH that required revision surgery owing to clinical symptoms, whereas secondary outcome measures were postoperative cardiovascular and thromboembolic events, other complications, operation and hospitalization time, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups regarding recurrence of cSDH (P = 1). Cardiovascular event rates, surgical morbidity, and mortality did not significantly differ between patients with and without discontinuation of low-dose ASA. CONCLUSION: Given the lack of guidelines regarding perioperative management with antiplatelet therapy, our findings elucidate one issue, showing comparable recurrence rates with and without discontinuation of low-dose ASA in patients undergoing burr-hole drainage for cSDH.

Does Early Resumption of Low-Dose Aspirin After Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma With Burr-Hole Drainage Lead to Higher Recurrence Rates?

BACKGROUND: Antiplatelet therapy in patients with chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) presents significant neurosurgical challenges. Given the lack of guidelines regarding perioperative management with antiplatelet therapy, it is difficult to balance the patient's increased cardiovascular risk and prevalence of cSDH. OBJECTIVE: To better understand the risk and recurrence rates related to resuming low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) by evaluating our patients' resumption of low-dose ASA at various times after burr-hole drainage of the hematoma. METHODS: In our retrospective study, 140 consecutive patients taking low-dose ASA undergoing surgical evacuation of cSDH were included. Data included baseline characteristics and rates of recurrence, morbidity, and mortality. A multivariate logistic regression model analyzed the association between ASA resumption time and recurrence rates. RESULTS: No statistically significant association was observed between early postoperative resumption of low-dose ASA and recurrence of cSDH (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.001-1.022; P = .06). Corresponding odds ratios and risk differences for restarting ASA treatment on postoperative days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, or 42 were estimated at 1.53 and 5.9%, 1.42 and 5.1%, 1.33 and 4.1%, 1.23 and 3.2%, 1.15 and 2.2%, 1.07 and 1.1%, and 1.01 and 0.2%, respectively (P > .05). Cardiovascular event rates, surgical morbidity, and mortality did not significantly differ between patients with or without ASA therapy. CONCLUSION: Given the few published studies regarding ASA use in cranial neurosurgery, our findings elucidate one issue, showing comparable recurrence rates with early or late resumption of low-dose ASA after burr-hole evacuation of cSDH. ABBREVIATIONS: ASA, acetylsalicylic acidCAD, coronary artery diseaseCI, confidence intervalcSDH, chronic subdural hematomaGCS, Glasgow Coma ScalemRS, modified Rankin ScaleOR, odds ratioRD, risk difference.

Use of Subperiosteal Drain Versus Subdural Drain in Chronic Subdural Hematomas Treated With Burr-Hole Trepanation: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most frequent neurosurgical conditions affecting elderly people and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The use of a subdural drain (SDD) after burr-hole trepanation for cSDH was proven to reduce recurrence and mortality at 6 months. To date in neurosurgery practice, evidence-based guidelines on whether an SDD or subperiosteal drain (SPD) should be used do not exist. Currently both methods are being practiced depending on the institute and/or the practicing neurosurgeon. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the reoperation rates after burr-hole trepanation and insertion of an SPD or SDD in patients with cSDH. METHODS: This is a prospective, noninferiority, multicenter, randomized controlled trial designed to include 220 patients over the age of 18 years presenting with a symptomatic cSDH verified on cranial computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging who are to undergo surgical evacuation with burr-hole trepanation. After informed consent is obtained, patients are randomly allocated to an SPD or SDD group. The primary endpoint is recurrence indicating a reoperation within 12 months. RESULTS: This research is investigator-initiated and has received ethics approval. Patient recruitment started in April 2013, and we expect all study-related activities to be completed by the end of 2016 or beginning of 2017. CONCLUSIONS: To date, evidence-based recommendations concerning the operative treatment of cSDH are sparse. Results of this research are expected to have applications in evidence-based practice for the increasing number of patients suffering from cSDH and possibly lead to more efficient treatment of this disease with fewer postoperative complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01869855; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01869855 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6fNK4Jlxk).

Compensating dissatisfaction in the job by turning to the family? The impact of current occupation on timing of first births in Germany.

The current study analyses the impact of occupational activity on the timing of first births in Germany. Empirical evidence on the topic in a country with a standardized education system and a credential labor market is still rather limited, despite several recent studies. Moreover, previous research usually lacks the theoretical explanation of why women working in certain occupations are more likely to give birth. This study aims to close these gaps. Using the German Life History Study, occupations are grouped according to characteristics deduced from theoretical considerations using a cluster analysis. In the next step, exponential rate models are estimated to investigate the effect of the clusters on fertility timing. The estimations reveal an accelerated transition to parenthood for women and men working in occupations with unfavorable working conditions. Individuals thus seem to compensate for dissatisfaction with the job by turning to the family. However, for women these occupational differences can completely be explained by differences in educational level, while the effects remain if we look at men.