Vaginal Packing After Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery: Does the Soaking Agent Used for Packing (Bupivacaine, Estrogen or Saline) Impact Post-operative Pain Scores?"

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Vaginal packing is traditionally placed after pelvic floor reconstructive surgery (PFRS) to prevent hematoma formation. We seek to determine if there is a difference in post-operative pain scores after PFRS if vaginal packing is soaked with estrogen cream, bupivacaine, or saline. The primary outcome was pain as measured by a visual analog scale (VAS) at 2 hours, 6 hours, and 1 day post-operatively. Secondary outcomes include change in hemoglobin, urinary retention and length of stay (LOS) in hospital. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study SETTING: Tertiary care academic teaching hospital. All PFRS performed by fellowship-trained urogynecologists. PARTICIPANTS: Consenting patients undergoing PFRS. INTERVENTIONS: At the completion of surgery, gauze packing soaked with either estrogen cream 0.25% bupivacaine with 1% epinephrine, or normal saline was placed inside the vagina and removed on post-operative day 1. RESULTS: We included 210 patients (74 estrogen, 66 bupivacaine, 70 saline). There was no significant difference in mean post-operative pain scores between the groups (estrogen, bupivacaine, saline-soaked vaginal packs respectively) at 2 hours (2.66±2.25, 2.30±2.17, 2.24±2.07; p=.4656), 6 hours (2.99±2.38, 2.52±2.30, 2.36±2.01; p=.2181) or on post operative day 1 (1.89±2.01 vs. 2.08±2.15 vs. 2.44±2.19; p=.2832) as measured by VAS scores (0-10). There was no difference in the secondary outcomes of change in pre-/post-operative hemoglobin (21.8±10.73g/L, 20.09±11.55g/L, 21.7±9.62g/L, p=.68), urinary retention (37%, 45% and 48%, p=.45), LOS (1.05±0.46 days, 1.02±0.12, 1.03±0.24, p=.97) or in-hospital opioid usage during admission (represented in morphine milligram equivalents (median (IQR1, IQR3), Kruskal-Wallis test): 11.25mg (0,33), 7.5mg (0, 22.5) and 15mg (0, 33.88) p =0.41. CONCLUSION: There was no difference found between soaking vaginal packing with estrogen cream, bupivacaine, or saline after PFRS with respect to post-operative pain scores, LOS, in-hospital opioid usage, or urinary retention. Saline-soaked packing is an equivalent alternative to estrogen or bupivacaine vaginal packing. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03266926. Registered February 1, 2017. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03266926.

Evaluation of Real and Perceived Risk to Health Care Workers Caring for Patients With the Omicron Variant of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Surgery and Obstetrics.

OBJECTIVES: The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is described as more contagious than previous variants. We sought to assess risk to health care workers (HCWs) caring for patients with COVID-19 in surgical/obstetrical settings, and the perception of risk among this group. METHODS: From January to April 2022, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral ribonucleic acid in patient, environmental (floor, equipment, passive air) samples, and HCWs' masks (inside surface) during urgent surgery or obstetrical delivery for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome was the proportion of HCWs' masks testing positive. Results were compared with our previous cross-sectional study involving obstetrical/surgical patients with earlier variants (2020-2021). HCWs completed a risk perception electronic questionnaire. RESULTS: Eleven patients were included: 3 vaginal births and 8 surgeries. In total, 5/108 samples (5%) tested positive (SARS-CoV-2 Omicron) viral ribonucleic acid: 2/5 endotracheal tubes, 1/22 floor samples, 1/4 patient masks, and 1 nasal probe. No samples from the HCWs' masks (0/35), surgical equipment (0/10), and air (0/11) tested positive. No significant differences were found between the Omicron and 2020/21 patient groups' positivity rates (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.838) or the level of viral load from the nasopharyngeal swabs (P = 0.405). Nurses had a higher risk perception than physicians (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: No significant difference in contamination rates was found between SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and previous variants in surgical/obstetrical settings. This is reassuring as no HCW mask was positive and no HCW tested positive for COVID-19 post-exposure.

Comparing vitamin B2 versus 5% dextrose in water for optimal ureteric jet visualisation at the time of pelvic reconstructive surgery: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare preoperative vitamin B2 versus intraoperative cystoscopy distension using 5% dextrose in water (D5W) for ureteric jet visualisation during pelvic reconstructive surgery. DESIGN: Double-blinded, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Three tertiary hospitals in Toronto, Canada. POPULATION: Adult women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomised to receive 100 mg of vitamin B2 preoperatively versus bladder distension with D5W intraoperatively. MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was the rate of accurate detection of bilateral ureteric jets during cystoscopy. Secondary outcomes included the time elapsed until visualisation, use of intravenous furosemide or fluorescein to assist with visualisation, surgeon satisfaction, and positive urine culture 1 week after surgery. RESULTS: The intervention was completed by 236 patients (vitamin B2 n = 117, D5W n = 119). Preoperative characteristics were similar across groups. Accurate detection of both ureteric jets was high in both groups (vitamin B2 97.4% vs. D5W 90.8%, p = 0.051). The vitamin B2 group had significantly lower use of fluorescein rescue compared with the D5W group (3.4% vs. 11.8%, respectively, p = 0.025). Surgeon satisfaction while using vitamin B2 was significantly higher (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the time elapsed until visualisation, the use of furosemide, or the incidence of positive urine culture at 1 week after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Both preoperative vitamin B2 and intraoperative cystoscopy distension with D5W are highly available and inexpensive methods to detect ureteric jets with high accuracy at the time of pelvic reconstructive surgery. Vitamin B2 was shown to have lower rates of fluorescein rescue for visualisation and higher rates of surgeon satisfaction.

Reversing frontal disinhibition rescues behavioural deficits in models of CACNA1A-associated neurodevelopment disorders.

CACNA1A deletions cause epilepsy, ataxia, and a range of neurocognitive deficits, including inattention, impulsivity, intellectual deficiency and autism. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we generated mice carrying a targeted Cacna1a deletion restricted to parvalbumin-expressing (PV) neurons (PVCre;Cacna1ac/+) or to cortical pyramidal cells (PC) (Emx1Cre;Cacna1ac/+). GABA release from PV-expressing GABAergic interneurons (PV-INs) is reduced in PVCre;Cacna1ac/+ mutants, resulting in impulsivity, cognitive rigidity and inattention. By contrast, the deletion of Cacna1a in PCs does not impact cortical excitability or behaviour in Emx1Cre;Cacna1ac/+ mutants. A targeted Cacna1a deletion in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) results in reversal learning deficits while a medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) deletion impairs selective attention. These deficits can be rescued by the selective chemogenetic activation of cortical PV-INs in the OFC or mPFC of PVCre;Cacna1ac/+ mutants. Thus, Cacna1a haploinsufficiency disrupts perisomatic inhibition in frontal cortical circuits, leading to a range of potentially reversible neurocognitive deficits.

Effect of a Surgical Teaching Video on Resident Performance of a Laparoscopic Salpingo-oophorectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a surgical teaching video on junior resident knowledge and performance of a laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy (LSO). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Urban tertiary care academic obstetrics and gynecology department. PATIENTS: First- and second-year gynecology residents. INTERVENTIONS: Access to an education video on LSO for 1 week before performing this surgery in the operating room. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-four junior residents were recruited and randomized to either the educational video group or traditional residency training group. All participants completed a demographic survey and knowledge questionnaire before performing an LSO, which was video-recorded. Video recordings of surgical performance were analyzed using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS; 20 points) and an LSO-specific tool (30 points). Participants completed a self-assessment questionnaire before completing the procedure. The primary outcome measure was the difference in OSATS scores. The secondary outcomes were the knowledge questionnaire scores and self-assessed confidence scores. There were no significant differences between demographic variables of the 2 groups. The primary outcome revealed no significant differences in mean (standard deviation) OSATS scores (10.64 [2.05] vs 11.55 [1.85], p = .3) or LSO-specific tool scores (16.45 [2.68] vs 17.85 [2.63], p = .24). However, there was a significant difference in mean knowledge scores between the video and the traditional training (8.42 [0.79] vs 7.11 [1.36], p = .01) groups. In addition, residents in the video group had more confidence in their knowledge of pelvic anatomy (3.83 [0.39] vs 3.00 [1.00] out of 5.00, p = .04). CONCLUSION: For junior learners, the use of an LSO video improved knowledge and confidence in anatomy but did not translate to improved surgical performance in the operating room. Surgical videos are a useful adjunct and complement hands-on technical teaching.

Quality and Reliability of Publicly Accessible Information on Laser Treatments for Urinary Incontinence: What Is Available to Our Patients?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the quality and reliability of the top 20 internet search results for laser treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). DESIGN: Review of 20 websites. SETTING: N/A. PATIENTS: None. INTERVENTIONS: An internet search with the most popular search engine, Google, was undertaken to identify the top 20 websites for laser treatment of SUI. The DISCERN instrument, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct certification, which are standardized, validated tools for the analysis of website quality, credibility, and transparency, were used independently by 7 healthcare workers. The readability of the information was assessed by a single reviewer using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Automated Readability Index. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to document the reliability among website assessors. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 20 websites reviewed, 15 were created by private clinics, 2 by online newspaper or newsletter sites, and 3 by laser medical device manufacturers. None of the websites met all of the JAMA criteria: 1 had attained authorship, 1 had clear attribution, none had adequate disclosure, and 2 achieved currency. None of the websites took part in the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct certification program. The mean DISCERN score (to determine the quality of websites) was 40 (out of 80), with the lowest average scores within the DISCERN tool primarily associated with clarity around sources of information, website bias, posting dates, risks of treatment, and shared treatment decision-making. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated for the DISCERN tool (0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.87) and JAMA benchmarks (0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.93). The mean Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level was 13.2 (±3.1) and the Automated Readability Index scores ranged from 7.6 to 22.8 (mean 13.5 ± 3.5). CONCLUSION: There is a lack of good quality, reliable, and unbiased information available to patients on laser treatment of SUI on the most commonly searched websites. Information is presented at a reading level that is above that of the average reader, which may indicate that patients will have trouble comprehending the information.

A prospective study investigating the diagnostic agreement between urodynamics and dynamic cystoscopy in women presenting with mixed urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Patient history is often insufficient to identify type of urinary incontinence (UI). Multichannel urodynamic testing (UDS) is often used to clarify the diagnosis. Dynamic cystoscopy (DC) is a novel approach for testing bladder function. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic agreement of UDS and DC in evaluating women with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). METHODS: Women presenting with MUI were approached for enrollment if UDS and DC were planned for further investigation. Investigators were blinded to history and comparative test results. McNemar's test and kappa coefficient were calculated to assess agreement between UDS and DC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to explore the best possible filling sensation cutoffs for DC that would best predict the filling sensation cutoffs from UDS. RESULTS: Sixty participants were included, of whom, four were excluded for protocol violation. For the primary outcome measure of agreement, UDS and DC were concordant in 44/56 of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) cases (79%) with a κ= 0.54 and in 43/56 of urinary urge incontinence (UUI) cases (77%) with a κ= 0.54, indicating moderate, nearly substantial agreement. ROC analysis identified the best prediction of DC first urge to void as 148 cm3, strong urge 215 cm3, and maximum capacity at 246 cm3. These parameters were used to compare UDS UUI to DC UUI and resulted in a κ = 0.61 (p = 0.37), indicating substantial agreement. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with UDS, DC shows moderate agreement for detection of SUI and substantial agreement for detection of UUI.

Predictors of length of stay after urogynecological surgery at a tertiary referral center.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The primary objective of this study was to determine significant predictors of length of stay (LOS) beyond the first postoperative day after urogynecological surgery. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in 2015. Our study population included women who underwent inpatient pelvic reconstructive surgery. The primary outcome was LOS beyond the first postoperative day. A logistic regression analysis explored the relationship between 11 selected predictor variables [age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, distance from home to hospital, length of surgery, anesthesia during surgery, route of surgical approach, trial of void recordings, choice of bladder protocol, presence of concomitant sling, surgeon], and LOS. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-three patients were included in this study. A logistic regression analysis identified route of surgery and trial of void recordings as the two statistically significant predictors of stay beyond the first postoperative day. The odds of LOS after laparoscopic or open surgery compared with vaginal surgery increased more than fivefold [laparoscopic vs. vaginal approach odds ratio (OR) 5.04, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.95-13.03; laparotomy vs. vaginal OR 15.56, 95 % CI 1.77-136.77] and more than threefold for a prolonged pass of the bladder protocol compared with an immediate pass (OR 3.25, 95 % CI 1.54-6.87). CONCLUSION: Our study identified route of surgery and trial of void recordings as the two predictors with the greatest impact on LOS beyond the first postoperative day. Our results warrant a larger follow-up study.

Impact of pelvic floor muscle training in the postpartum period.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Our study piloted a novel, two-tiered approach to delivering pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to postpartum women involving a standardized group workshop followed by the opportunity to self-select for individual PFMT sessions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes in women who self-selected for individual PFMT using validated quality of life (QoL) questionnaires, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12), as well as the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS) for strength. Women's satisfaction with the program was also assessed. METHODS: This was a single-center prospective cohort study conducted between December 2013 and September 2014. Changes from baseline to postintervention QoL and MOS scores were tested using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighteen women attended the workshop, 54 enrolled in PFMT sessions, and 50 completed follow-up. Significant improvements were seen in the PFDI-20 (mean change -41.8, p < 0.001) and PFIQ-7 (mean change -23.0, p < 0.001) questionnaires. Results for the PISQ-12 could not be tabulated, as there were too many missing responses. The MOS score was significantly improved from baseline (4; range {0-5} compared with 3; range {0-4}; p < 0.001). Forty-nine of 50 women's expectations for the program were met [9 of 10; standard deviation (SD) 1.4]. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that a two-tiered, self-selection approach to administering PFMT in the postpartum period contributes to significant improvements in pelvic floor function, QoL, MOS strength, and to high satisfaction rates.

Neuropsychological functioning in children with temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal atrophy without mesial temporal sclerosis: a distinct clinical entity?

Unilateral hippocampal atrophy (HA) is considered as a precursor of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) in some patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. However, in other cases, it has been suggested that HA without MTS may constitute a distinct epileptic entity. Hippocampal atrophy without MTS was defined as HA without T2-weighted hyperintensity, loss of internal architecture, or associated lesion seen on the MRI data. To date, no study has focused on the cognitive pattern of children with epilepsy with HA without MTS. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the cognitive profile of these children and to investigate the presence (or the absence) of material-specific memory deficits in these young patients, as found in patients with MTS. Toward this end, 16 young patients with epilepsy with either left or right HA without MTS completed a set of neuropsychological tests, assessing overall intelligence, verbal memory and nonverbal memory, and some aspects of attention and executive functions. Results showed normal intellectual functioning without specific memory deficits in these patients. Furthermore, comparison between patients with left HA and patients with right HA failed to reveal a material-specific lateralized memory pattern. Instead, attention and executive functions were found to be impaired in most patients. These results suggest that HA may constitute a distinct epileptic entity, and this information may help health-care providers initiate appropriate and timely interventions.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 contamination in the operating room and birthing room setting: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The exposure risks to front-line health care workers caring for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection undergoing surgery or obstetric delivery are unclear, and an understanding of sample types that may harbour virus is important for evaluating risk. We sought to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA from patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection undergoing surgery or obstetric delivery was present in the peritoneal cavity of male and female patients, in the female reproductive tract, in the environment of the surgery or delivery suite (surgical instruments or equipment used, air or floors), and inside the masks of the attending health care workers. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study from November 2020 to May 2021 at 2 tertiary academic Toronto hospitals, during urgent surgeries or obstetric deliveries for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in patient, environmental and air samples was identified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Air samples were collected using both active and passive sampling techniques. The primary outcome was the proportion of health care workers' masks positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. We included adult patients with positive RT-PCR nasal swab undergoing obstetric delivery or urgent surgery (from across all surgical specialties). RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (age 20-88 yr) were included. Nine patients had obstetric deliveries (6 cesarean deliveries), and 23 patients (14 male) required urgent surgery from the orthopedic or trauma, general surgery, burn, plastic surgery, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, gastroenterology and gynecologic oncology divisions. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 20 of 332 (6%) patient and environmental samples collected: 4 of 24 (17%) patient samples, 5 of 60 (8%) floor samples, 1 of 54 (2%) air samples, 10 of 23 (43%) surgical instrument or equipment samples, 0 of 24 cautery filter samples and 0 of 143 (95% confidence interval 0-0.026) inner surface of mask samples. INTERPRETATION: During the study period of November 2020 to May 2021, we found evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a small but important number of samples obtained in the surgical and obstetric operative environment. The finding of no detectable virus inside the masks worn by the health care teams would suggest a low risk of infection for health care workers using appropriate personal protective equipment.

Superior estimation abilities in two autistic spectrum children.

Anecdotal reports of superior estimation abilities in autistic individuals (e.g., Sacks, 1985) have never been confirmed empirically. We present here case studies of 2 children with autistic spectrum diagnoses and report remarkable abilities in estimation for several quantifiable dimensions. K.T. and G.T. were tested at 9 years of age for estimation of rank, numerosity, time, weight, length, surface, distance, and precise enumeration for small numbers. Their performances were compared to those of 6 age- and IQ- matched comparison children. K.T. demonstrated a superior level of performance in estimating rank (e.g., which set has larger numerosity?) but his performance in other tasks was average. G.T. displayed outstanding performance in estimating numerosity, time, weight, surface, length, and distance, with average performance in other tasks. These results show that certain autistic spectrum individuals may develop superior and highly specialized abilities in estimation. We discuss these findings in relation to the role of "veridical mapping" in the development of special ability (Mottron, Dawson, & Soulieres, 2009; Mottron, Dawson, Soulieres, Hubert, & Burack, 2006a). Veridical mapping is the detection of isomorphism within a code, between two codes, or between one code and isomorphic elements of the world. Within this framework, it is proposed that estimation abilities, like absolute pitch, rely on the ability to map a verbal code with a specific magnitude of a psychophysical dimension.

Two Intraoperative Techniques for Midurethral Sling Tensioning: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the use of a Mayo Scissor as a suburethral spacer compared with a Babcock clamp holding a loop of tape under the urethra results in different rates of abnormal bladder outcomes 12 months after retropubic midurethral sling surgery. METHODS: The MUST (Mid-Urethral Sling Tensioning) trial was a block-randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial that allocated women to have their retropubic midurethral slings tensioned by Scissor or Babcock technique. The primary outcome (abnormal bladder) was a composite of persistent stress urinary incontinence (SUI), overactive bladder, and urinary retention. Secondary outcomes included outcomes of the composite, postoperative catheterization, incontinence-related questionnaires, repeat incontinence treatment, and uroflowmetry. Sample size of 159 in each arm (N=318) was planned for a superiority trial, hypothesizing a 10% difference in primary outcome. RESULTS: From September 2015 to December 2017, 506 women were screened and 318 were randomized. Baseline characteristics were similar in each arm. At 12 months, 253 (79.6%) women provided information on primary outcome: 40 of 128 (31.3%) patients with midurethral slings tensioned by Scissor experienced abnormal bladder, compared with 23 of 125 (18.4%) of those with midurethral slings tensioned by Babcock (P=.018, relative difference 12.9%). Secondary analyses favored Babcock for median duration of catheterization and the proportions of women experiencing urinary retention requiring sling lysis. Uroflowmetry parameters suggest the Scissor technique is more restrictive. Rates of mesh erosion were lower for the Scissor arm. No differences occurred in proportions of women experiencing patient reported persistent SUI after surgery. CONCLUSION: Abnormal bladder outcomes were 12.9% less frequent for women with midurethral slings tensioned by Babcock. Both techniques provided a comparable patient reported cure for SUI at 12 months. Women with midurethral slings tensioned by Scissors experienced more intervention for obstruction, whereas those with midurethral slings tensioned by Babcock experienced higher rates of mesh erosion. This information about how the postoperative courses differ allows surgeons to better counsel patients preoperatively or tailor their choice of technique. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02480231. FUNDING SOURCE: Boston Scientific.

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials on the role of coaching in surgery to improve learner outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Surgical coaching, with the goal of improving operative performance, has been introduced into residency and fellowship programs. This is the first systematic review on surgical coaching limited to randomized controlled trials. The objective of this review is to synthesize the existing evidence that addresses the following question: "What are the effects of surgical coaching to improve learner outcomes?" METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed through the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, ERIC, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The methodological quality of the selected randomized controlled trials was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials were included in our final analysis. All five RCTs showed improvement in technical surgical performance after coaching. Two studies provided further evidence that skills were retained and one described the high satisfaction of learners. The risk of bias was low in 3 trials. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical coaching is associated with high learner satisfaction and improvements of skills and knowledge. The current evidence for surgical coaching programs is overwhelmingly positive.

Psychosocial Features of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in Children and Adolescents.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common neurologic condition associated with a wide variety of developmental deficits that have an important impact on children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to document the psychosocial features of NF1 and to report the interventions described to address the needs of pediatric patients with NF1. METHODS: A literature review was conducted concerning the social life, mental health, and quality of life (QOL) of children and adolescents with NF1 as well as the psychosocial interventions addressed to this population. RESULTS: Compared to unaffected children and adolescents of the general population, pediatric patients with NF1 have an increased risk of having social difficulties, mental health disorders, behavioral and emotional problems, as well as diminished QOL. Only 3 articles describe interventions within the NF1 population to address these difficulties. CONCLUSION: There is a need to develop and assess psychosocial interventions for patients with NF1.

Near-infrared spectroscopy as an alternative to the Wada test for language mapping in children, adults and special populations.

The intracarotid amobarbital test (IAT) is the most widely used procedure for pre-surgical evaluation of language lateralization in epileptic patients. However, apart from being invasive, this technique is not applicable in young children or patients who present mental retardation and/or language deficits. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is increasingly employed as a non-invasive alternative. Again, this method is more difficult to use with young children, especially hyperactive ones, since they have to remain motionless during data acquisition. The aim of this study was to determine whether near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can be used as an alternative technique to investigate language lateralization in children and special populations. Unlike Wada test, NIRS is non-invasive, and it is more tolerant to movement artefacts than fMRI. In the present study, NIRS data were acquired in four epileptic children, a 12-year-old boy with pervasive developmental disorder and a 3-year-old, healthy child, as well as three healthy and two epileptic adults, while they performed a verbal fluency task and a control task. When applicable, the results were compared to the subjects' fMRI and/or IAT findings. Clear laterality of speech was obtained in all participants, including the two non-epileptic children, and NIRS results matched fMRI and IAT findings. These results, if replicable in larger samples, are encouraging and suggest that NIRS has the potential to become a viable, non-invasive alternative to IAT and fMRI in the determination of speech lateralization in children and clinical populations that cannot be submitted to more invasive techniques.