Hydrocephalus is an independent factor affecting morbidity and mortality of ICH patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Despite advances in our knowledge of the causes, preventions, and treatments of stroke, it continues to be a leading cause of death and disability. The most common type of stroke-related morbidity and mortality is intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Many prognostication scores include an intraventricular extension (IVH) after ICH because it affects mortality independently. Although it is a direct result of IVH and results in significant damage, hydrocephalus (HC) has never been taken into account when calculating prognostication scores. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of hydrocephalus on the outcomes of ICH patients by meta-analysis. Methods: Studies that compared the rates of mortality and/or morbidity in patients with ICH, ICH with IVH (ICH â€‹+ â€‹IVH), and ICH with IVH and HC (ICH â€‹+ â€‹IVH â€‹+ â€‹HC) were identified. A meta-analysis was performed by using Mantel-Haezel Risk Ratio at 95% significance. Results: This meta-analysis included thirteen studies. The findings indicate that ICH â€‹+ â€‹IVH â€‹+ â€‹HC has higher long-term (90-day) and short-term (30-day) mortality risks than ICH (4.26 and 2.30 higher risks, respectively) and ICH â€‹+ â€‹IVH (1.96 and 1.54 higher risks). Patients with ICH â€‹+ â€‹IVH â€‹+ â€‹HC have lower rates of short-term (3 months) and long-term (6 months) good functional outcomes than those with ICH (0.66 and 0.38 times) or ICH â€‹+ â€‹IVH (0.76 and 0.54 times). Confounding variables included vascular comorbidities, haemorrhage volume, midline shift, and an initial GCS score below 8. Conclusion: Hydrocephalus causes a poorer prognosis in ICH patients. Thus, it is reasonable to suggest the inclusion of hydrocephalus in ICH prognostication scoring systems.

Paediatric brain tumours in Singapore: A 15-year epidemiological and outcome study.

Paediatric brain tumours (PBTs) are the most common solid tumours in children. Previous publications reflect variations in incidence rates and frequency of histological types in different global populations. However, there are limited studies on the epidemiology of PBTs in Singapore. This study aims to summarise the epidemiology of paediatric brain tumours managed in Singapore. This is an ethics-approved retrospective study of all patients below 19 years old diagnosed with PBTs managed by Singapore's 2 tertiary paediatric neurosurgical centres, KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) and the National University Hospital (NUH) over a 15-year period from 01 January 2002 to 31 December 2017. Data collected was analysed for age, gender, tumour characteristics, presenting complaints, location, treatment modalities, 1-year and 5-year overall survival (OS). A total of 396 patients were included. The mean age of diagnosis was 7.05 years (0.25-18; ± 4.83) and male-to-female ratio was 1.41:1. Top histological groups were astrocytic (30.6%), embryonal (26.0%), germ cell (11.1%), ependymoma (30, 7.58%) and craniopharyngioma (27, 6.82%). Outcomes included recurrence rate (31.2%), 1-year OS (89.5%) and 5-year OS (72.2%). Poorer 5-year OS were noted in embryonal tumours (47.0%; p < 0.001) and ependymoma (50.0%; p = 0.0074) patients. Of note, the following cohorts also had poorer OS at 5 years: supratentorial tumours (76.2%; p = 0.0426), radiotherapy (67.4%; p = 0.0467) and surgery (74.9%, HR; p < 0.001). Overall, our data reflects patient demographics, presenting complaints, treatment modalities and survival outcomes, that are comparable to other international paediatric neurosurgical centres.

Dex-ray: augmented reality neurosurgical navigation with a handheld video probe.

OBJECTIVE: We developed an augmented reality system that enables intraoperative image guidance by using 3-dimensional (3D) graphics overlaid on a video stream. We call this system DEX-Ray and report on its development and the initial intraoperative experience in 12 cases. METHODS: DEX-Ray consists of a tracked handheld probe that integrates a lipstick-size video camera. The camera looks over the probe's tip into the surgical field. The camera's video stream is augmented with coregistered, multimodality 3D graphics and landmarks obtained during neurosurgical planning with 3D workstations. The handheld probe functions as a navigation device to view and point and as an interaction device to adjust the 3D graphics. We tested the system's accuracy in the laboratory and evaluated it intraoperatively with a series of tumor and vascular cases. RESULTS: DEX-Ray provided accurate and real-time video-based augmented reality display. The system could be seamlessly integrated into the surgical workflow. The see-through effect revealing 3D information below the surgically exposed surface proved to be of significant value, especially during the macroscopic phase of an operation, providing easily understandable structural navigational information. Navigation in deep and narrow surgical corridors was limited by the camera resolution and light sensitivity. CONCLUSION: The system was perceived as an improved navigational experience because the augmented see-through effect allowed direct understanding of the surgical anatomy beyond the visible surface and direct guidance toward surgical targets.