Article
Infectious Diseases
Xiao Zhang, Pengtao Li, Junxian Wen, Jianbo Chang, Yihao Chen, Rui Yin, Houshi Xu, Xiaoyu Liu, Lang Yang, Junji Wei
Summary: VPS is effective in treating TBM-associated hydrocephalus with good short-term outcomes, but long-term prognosis and management of shunt-related complications are crucial. Complications include catheter obstruction and infection.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Aaro Heinonen, Minna Rauhala, Harri Isokuortti, Anneli Kataja, Milaja Nikula, Juha Ohman, Grant L. Iverson, Teemu Luoto
Summary: Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a well-known complication of head injury, and this study aimed to determine the incidence of surgically treated PTH in a consecutive series of patients undergoing acute head computed tomography (CT) following injury. The overall incidence of surgically treated PTH was extremely low (0.15%) in the evaluated cohort.
ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Anant Naik, Natalie Ramsy, David T. Krist, Birra Taha, Rajiv Dharnipragada, Rukhsaar Khanam, Carolina Sandoval-Garcia, Wael Hassaneen, Elizabeth C. Tyler-Kabara, Paul M. Arnold
Summary: This study systematically reviewed clinical studies on anterior and posterior ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement and performed a meta-analysis. The results showed that anterior and posterior shunts had mostly comparable outcomes, but anteriorly placed shunts had better survival rates at 2-year and 5-year intervals.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shijun Hu, Tao Liu, Shixiong Huang, Hui Liang
Summary: This article reports and discusses a case of cryptococcal meningitis treated with inadequate medical therapy and placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The patient survived for more than 10 years under these treatments.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Yi-Jen Ho, Wen-Chun Chiang, Hsin-Yi Huang, Shinn-Zong Lin, Sheng-Tzung Tsai
Summary: This meta-analysis evaluates the safety and effectiveness of lumboperitoneal shunt (LPS) compared to ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) for treating communicating hydrocephalus. The results show that LPS has lower complication and obstruction rates, and improves radiological outcomes.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Jun Zhang, Xinyu Deng, Qiang Yuan, Pengfei Fu, Meihua Wang, Gang Wu, Lei Yang, Cong Yuan, Zhuoying Du, Jin Hu
Summary: This meta-analysis investigated the safety of staged and simultaneous operation in patients with comorbid cranial defects with hydrocephalus. The results showed that staged surgery is associated with a lower rate of postoperative subdural effusion. However, the stability of this conclusion is uncertain according to the sensitivity analysis, therefore individualized decisions should be made based on each patient's condition and cerebrospinal fluid tap test.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Hengameh B. Pajer, Andrew P. Carlson, James A. Botros, Heather S. Spader
Summary: This study found that Apple Watch interferes with the normal operation of the Codman CERTAS Plus electronic programmer, and keeping Apple Watch away from the programmer can prevent incorrect readings and setting changes.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Hengameh B. Pajer, Andrew P. Carlson, James A. Botros, Heather S. Spader
Summary: The study found that Apple Watches emit significant magnetic fields which interfere with the Codman CERTAS Plus electronic programmer, causing difficulties in valve programming. This highlights the importance of keeping smartwatches and other electronic devices away from the programmer to avoid incorrect readings and setting changes.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Roopa Chalasani, Mastiyage R. Goonathilake, Sara Waqar, Sheeba George, Wilford Jean-Baptiste, Amina Yusuf Ali, Bithaiah Inyang, Feeba Sam Koshy, Kitty George, Prakar Poudel, Lubna Mohammed
Summary: The objective of this study is to analyze the safety and efficiency of surgical interventions (VPS and ETV) in patients with hydrocephalus due to tuberculous meningitis. A systematic review of 16 studies including 2207 patients was conducted. The overall success rate and complications rate varied in both VPS and ETV groups. ETV is suggested for patients in the chronic phase of illness, while VPS is recommended for patients in the acute phase. Chemotherapy, anti-tubercular treatment, and steroids are important preparatory measures for ETV in patients with TBM hydrocephalus.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Guillaume Dannhoff, Salvatore Chibbaro, Charles-Henry Mallereau, Mario Ganau, Martial Agbo-Ponzo, Marie des Neiges Santin, Irene Ollivier, Raoul Pop, Francois Proust, Julien Todeschi
Summary: Delayed intracranial hemorrhage (DICH) is a fatal complication that occurs primarily after ventricular drainage procedures. Our study found that DICH cases are often associated with neurovascular disorders, such as rupture of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM), emphasizing the significance of underlying pathologies in predisposing to these complications.
Article
Pathology
Tala Mujahed, Henry D. Tazelaar, William R. Sukov, Kevin C. Halling, Jaime I. Davila, Carolyn Glass, Elizabeth N. Pavlisko, Kyle C. Strickland, Victor Roggli, Monira Haque, Wadad Mneimneh, Elliot Carter, Francoise Galateau-Salle, David Glidden, Richard Garcia-Kennedy, Brandon T. Larsen
Summary: Some patients with long-standing indwelling shunt catheters developed malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, suggesting a potential association. Although rare, mesothelioma should be considered in patients with shunts who present with new ascites.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Wilson A. M. Fisher, Michael P. Catalino, E. Alice Woolard, Bethany J. Andrews, Scott Elton, Carolyn Quinsey
Summary: This study explored the impact of surgical techniques and instruments on the mechanical integrity of ventriculoperitoneal shunt system, specifically shunt catheters. The results showed that the failure rates varied significantly depending on the instruments used and the assembly technique. The use of mosquito forceps with shods and technique A resulted in significantly lower failure rates, while DeBakey forceps were found to be the most damaging instrument.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Basil Enicker, Colleen Aldous
Summary: This study is the largest series reporting on CSF shunting of hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure in children with human immunodeficiency viruserelated cryptococcal meningitis. Treatment with ventriculoperitoneal shunt and lumboperitoneal shunt regardless of the CD4 count is an important option in suitable children to reduce mortality.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Huseyin Yakar, Ismail Kaya
Summary: This study focuses on intermittent hydrocephalic symptoms caused by peritoneal catheter fractures, and a new diagnostic algorithm was successfully applied and followed up with patients. Provocation tests can quickly determine the clinical etiology, avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Xiansheng Qiu, Dong Wang, Li Chen, Guanlin Huang, Xiaoping Zhou, Qiang Chen, Zhanxiang Wang
Summary: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of different surgical sequences of CP and VPS after DC surgery and identified risk factors for necessary permanent VPS. It was found that priority CP reduced the incidence of VPS surgery without affecting surgical outcomes and complications.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Roshaan Salie, Maaike Maria Eken, Kirsten Ann Donald, Anthony Graham Fieggen, Nelleke Gertrude Langerak
Summary: The study investigated the prevalence of pain and level of disability in adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy in a low-to-middle income country compared to typically developing peers. The results showed that CP cohorts reported more frequent pain, higher disability level due to pain, and lower physical health-related quality of life compared to TD peers, while their mental health scores were similar. This suggests the importance of maintaining a positive mental state in individuals with CP throughout their lifespan.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Daniel J. Stubbs, Benjamin Davies, Peter Hutchinson, David K. Menon
Summary: Chronic subdural haematoma (cSDH) is a gradually evolving neurological deficit that predominantly affects an older, multimorbid population. Improving cSDH care requires the establishment of data, audit, and natural history, evidence-based guidelines and pathways, shared decision-making, and an overarching quality improvement strategy.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY
(2022)
Review
Critical Care Medicine
Andres M. Rubiano, Anthony Figaji, Gregory W. Hawryluk
Summary: The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of advances in intracranial pressure (ICP) protocols, moving from traditional to more recent concepts. Recent research has led to a deeper understanding of the mechanics and dynamics of intracranial physiology. The amplitude or harmonics of cerebral-spinal fluid and cerebral blood waves can provide more information about ICP than just a numeric threshold. Autoregulation monitoring and brain tissue oxygen measurement are critical tools for managing ICP and diagnosing intracranial compartment syndrome (ICCS). Surgical procedures aim to increase physiological compliance and volume of the skull compartments. ICP management is a complex task that requires moving beyond numeric thresholds and classical theories. Traditional clinical studies supporting ICP management often lack high-quality evidence. Recommendations for ICP management should be based on better-designed clinical studies that incorporate new concepts in the era of personalized medicine.
CURRENT OPINION IN CRITICAL CARE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Nelleke G. Langerak, Berendina E. Veerbeek, A. Graham Fieggen, Robert P. Lamberts
Summary: Adults with cerebral palsy who underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in childhood showed a stable gait quality over a nine-year follow-up period, with minor changes in specific gait parameters. The study identified an association between gait deviation index (GDI) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) at follow-up.
Article
Clinical Neurology
David Clark, Alexis Joannides, Amos Olufemi Adeleye, Abdul Hafid Bajamal, Tom Bashford, Hagos Biluts, Karol Budohoski, Ari Ercole, Rocio Fernandez-Mendez, Anthony Figaji, Deepak Kumar Gupta, Roger Hartl, Corrado Iaccarino, Tariq Khan, Tsegazeab Laeke, Andres Rubiano, Hamisi K. Shabani, Kachinga Sichizya, Manoj Tewari, Abenezer Tirsit, Myat Thu, Manjul Tripathi, Rikin Trivedi, Bhagavatula Indira Devi, Franco Servadei, David Menon, Angelos Kolias, Peter Hutchinson
Summary: This study examined the differences in case characteristics, treatment, and mortality of patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for traumatic brain injury (TBI) across different levels of human development. The study found that the level of human development was associated with mortality, and there was significant variation in mortality between hospitals. Opportunities to improve care globally were identified, including reducing delays to surgery.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
John Lazarus, Salome Maswime, Graham Fieggen, Lydia L. Cairncross, James Irlam, Anthony Reed, Shrikant Peters, Johannes J. Fagan
SAMJ SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vijaya Kancherla, Lorenzo D. Botto, Laura A. Rowe, Nathan A. Shlobin, Adrian Caceres, Anastasia Arynchyna-Smith, Kathrin Zimmerman, Jeffrey Blount, Zewdie Kibruyisfaw, Kemel A. Ghotme, Santosh Karmarkar, Graham Fieggen, Sylvia Roozen, Godfrey P. Oakley, Gail Rosseau, Robert J. Berry
Summary: Mandatory fortification with folic acid is a safe and effective intervention to prevent spina bifida and anencephaly, but its implementation is limited globally. Urgent action is needed to pass a resolution for universal mandatory fortification to accelerate prevention efforts and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Patrick M. Kochanek, P. David Adelson, Bedda L. Rosario, James Hutchison, Nikki Miller Ferguson, Peter Ferrazzano, Nicole O'Brien, John Beca, Ajit Sarnaik, Kerri LaRovere, Tellen D. Bennett, Akash Deep, Deepak Gupta, F. Anthony Willyerd, Shiyao Gao, Stephen R. Wisniewski, Michael J. Bell
Summary: In this comparative effectiveness research study, bolus HTS was associated with lower ICP and higher CPP, whereas mannitol was associated only with higher CPP. Adjusted analysis showed no significant association with ICP and CPP for both therapies, but HTS outperformed mannitol during ICP crises.
Article
Microbiology
Noha Abdelgawad, Mvuwo (Phophi) Tshavhungwe, Ursula Rohlwink, Helen McIlleron, Mahmoud T. Abdelwahab, Lubbe Wiesner, Sandra Castel, Chanel Steele, Johannes (Nico) Enslin, Nqobile Sindiswa Thango, Paolo Denti, Anthony Figaji
Summary: This analysis provides insights into the pharmacokinetics of rifampicin in children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and its penetration into brain tissue. The study characterizes the distribution of rifampicin in cerebrospinal fluid, lumbar and ventricular fluid, and brain extracellular fluid. It confirms rifampicin's ability to reach the brain tissue and provides valuable information for further research and treatment of TBM.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Claudia A. Smith, Ursula K. Rohlwink, Katya Mauff, Nqobile S. Thango, Thembani S. Hina, Shamiel Salie, Johannes M. N. Enslin, Anthony A. Figaji
Summary: This study aimed to examine the cerebrovascular pressure reactivity index (PRx) in a large cohort of children with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) and its association with physiologic variables and outcome. The findings showed that PRx had a strong correlation with poor outcome in sTBI patients and could potentially be useful in clinical care.
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Travis S. CreveCoeur, Nikita G. Alexiades, Christopher M. Bonfield, Douglas L. Brockmeyer, Samuel R. Browd, Jason Chu, Anthony A. Figaji, Mari L. Groves, Todd C. Hankinson, David H. Harter, Steven W. Hwang, Andrew Jea, Steven G. Kernie, Jeffrey R. Leonard, Jonathan E. Martin, Matthew E. Oetgen, Alexander K. Powers, Curtis J. Rozzelle, David L. Skaggs, Jennifer M. Strahle, John C. Wellons, Michael G. Vitale, Richard C. E. Anderson
Summary: The objective of this modified Delphi study was to investigate and establish consensus on the medical management of children with moderate and severe acute spinal cord injury (SCI) during their initial hospitalization. The study was motivated by the lack of consensus in the literature regarding the medical management of pediatric SCI patients. The study involved an international, multidisciplinary group of physicians and resulted in consensus statements in various areas of care. Rating: 8/10.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY-SPINE
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Buse Sarigul, Randy S. Bell, Randall Chesnut, Sergio Aguilera, Andras Buki, Giuseppe Citerio, D. Jamie Cooper, Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, Michael Diringer, Anthony Figaji, Guoyi Gao, Romergryko G. Geocadin, Jamshid Ghajar, Odette Harris, Alan Hoffer, Peter Hutchinson, Mathew Joseph, Ryan Kitagawa, Geoffrey Manley, Stephan A. Mayer, David K. Menon, Geert Meyfroidt, Daniel B. Michael, Mauro Oddo, David O. Okonkwo, Mayur B. Patel, Claudia Robertson, Jeffrey V. Rosenfeld, Andres M. Rubiano, Juan Sahuquillo, Franco Servadei, Lori Shutter, Deborah D. Stein, Nino Stocchetti, Fabio Silvio Taccone, Shelly D. Timmons, Eve Tsai, Jamie S. Ullman, Paul Vespa, Walter Videtta, David W. Wright, Christopher Zammit, Gregory W. J. Hawryluk
Summary: Best practice guidelines have been developed for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) care, but there is a lack of understanding about goals of care decisions and processes. A survey was conducted among panelists from the Seattle International severe traumatic Brain Injury Consensus Conference (SIBICC), revealing variability in prognostication and goals of care decisions. The panelists suggested the need for consensus on acceptable neurological outcomes and chances of achieving them. The imprecision of prognostication and existing tools hinders standardization of care-limiting decisions.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Berjo Dongmo Takoutsing, Alvaro Yanez Touzet, Jay J. Park, Seong Hoon Lee, Emily R. Bligh, Abdullah Egiz, Conor S. Gillespie, Anthony Figaji
Summary: This study aims to review and compare the management and outcomes of infant MMC-associated hydrocephalus in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries. The study will involve a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant studies. The findings will contribute to improving the management of infant hydrocephalus in LMICs.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gregory W. J. Hawryluk, Shelley Selph, Angela Lumba-Brown, Annette M. Totten, Jamshid Ghajar, Bizhan Aarabi, James Ecklund, Stacy Shackelford, Britton Adams, David Adelson, Rocco A. Armonda, John Benjamin, Darrell Boone, David Brody, Bradley Dengler, Anthony Figaji, Gerald Grant, Odette Harris, Alan Hoffer, Ryan Kitigawa, Kerry Latham, Christopher Neal, David O. Okonkwo, Dylan Pannell, Jeffrey Rosenfeld, Guy Rosenthal, Andres Rubiano, Deborah M. Stein, Martina Stippler, Max Talbot, Alex Valadka, David W. Wright, Shelton Davis, Randy Bell
Summary: Currently, there is a lack of up-to-date guidelines to assist in the medical and surgical management of penetrating traumatic brain injury (pTBI). The development of evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for pTBI is critical to provide guidance for care providers.
NEUROTRAUMA REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Berendina E. Veerbeek, Robert P. Lamberts, Elisa Kosel, A. Graham Fieggen, Nelleke G. Langerak
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the physical status, mental health, and health-related quality of life of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) who underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) at least 25 years ago. The results showed that normalized lower-extremity muscle tone was sustained after SDR, and the CP group reported relatively good mental health and health-related quality of life despite their physical limitations. The study also found a strong correlation between muscle strength and functional mobility and balance, suggesting the value of strength training after SDR in improving these aspects.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY
(2022)